Jubilation as Restaurant 27 reopens as traditional Italian restaurant after being closed for over a year

Restaurant 27, located in 27a S Parade, Southsea, closed down last August after dishing up French cuisine for more than 15 years. The closure was a result of the former owners wanting to take time away from the industry - and the announcement was a huge shock to locals.

The venue was sold earlier this year with talks of an Italian restaurant taking its place and a planning application, submitted in May, confirmed the rumours.

After months of anticipation, Restaurant 27 has officially opened its doors once more as an Italian restaurant specialising in traditional cuisine.

Co-owner, Sundar Lal, has expressed his excitement surrounding the new family venture within the city. The restaurant opened on Wednesday, November 27 with an official launch.

Sundar said: “We did renovations, we also had it decorated and the exterior has been changed and everything.

“I have done it before on a small scale but when it comes to a restaurant like this, this is a first for us.”

The eatery has an extensive menu of dishes including pomodoro, carbonara, fiorentina pizza, romana pizza, lasagne, pollo con funghi and much more. There is also a special deal on the children’s menu meaning that youngsters can tuck into three courses for £8.

Sundar added: “It is exciting, it’s really exciting and as in any business, the first few months is going to keep us busy - there is always satisfaction when you see families and kids having their meal and being happy. That motivates us no matter how many hours we have to put in.

“When we see happy customers, it is definitely at the forefront of the business.

“This is definitely a different experience.”

Restaurant 27 has seating for 34 guests across 17 tables and the venue is open everyday between 11:30am and 10pm.

For more information about Restaurant 27, click here.