EXCITEMENT is in the air after an independent Italian restaurant opened its doors in Worcester. 

Business owner Gaz Cani was proud to welcome Worcester to his new eatery, Pasta Di Piazza.

Working alongside him was his young son Ethan who was a waiter for the opening.

It was a busy start to the first day of trade today (Monday), as the new restaurant started taking walk-in customers right after opening at 12pm. 

The new Broad Street eatery was previously a Patisserie Valerie cafe until 2019 and then the RSPCA as a charity shop before suddenly closing in April last year.

Mr Cani said, "I am excited because I have been working on this since about a year ago and have visited Worcester quite often.

"I really like the area.

"It has been quite a good opening today and has gone pretty well, especially considering it has been the bank holiday. 

"You see people walking in happy to see us.

"I am very optimistic, and I know what I have, and it is good."

So far, the restaurant has received several bookings, including a table of eight for this evening.

Mr Cani, from Birmingham, has a sister restaurant in Acocks Green, which he has been operating for the past nine years.

The new restaurant has a "versatile" menu, offering pizzas, pasta, meat, fish and vegetarian dishes.

Guests are first greeted at the venue through the bar area, which has a selection of alcohol and hot beverages.

Customers can see their food being prepared through a small window towards the back of the building.

Mr Cani is confident that his new venture will be a success. He is unsure what the future holds, but it looks very promising.

According to its website, Pasta di Piazza prides itself on "preparing all our food to order on the premises using the finest fresh produce and ingredients, many of which are imported specially from Italy.

"Our comprehensive menu appeals to a variety of tastes, offering a range of meat, fish and vegetarian dishes along with the finest pasta, risotto and pizza."