The popular family-run Italian restaurant is celebrating 24 years in business.
The Lombardi’s took over the old San Remo restaurant in November 2001 and relaunched with new decor and a new menu in January 2002.
The award-winning business, which is run by Christina, who is front of house and her dad, Filippo Lombardi in the kitchen, is still one of the most highly rated restaurants across the town with a reputation for authentic Italian dishes.
Christina said the secret to their success was hard work and dedication as well as a willingness to adapt to current economic challenges.
She added: “There are sacrifices, missing every Christmas Eve, Mother's Day, working every Friday and Saturday night without fail. The restaurant industry is all we know, it's our life!”
Christina said the last few decades had been filled with “laughter and community” but the business had also faced challenges.
She added: “During the pandemic we had to adapt like most other independent restaurants in our lovely town. We never got granted a rent break and had to run three cars doing home deliveries, something we've never done before, just to keep our business trading.”
But Lombardi’s is still going strong, serving their freshly cooked food made with high-quality local produce and ingredients imported from Italy.
Their most popular dishes range from staples like homemade lasagna and pasta dishes with tomato ragu or cream. Other favourites include fresh mussels delivered from Shetland, local steaks and slow cooked ribs. The restaurant offers gluten free options and a vegan menu.
Christina said: “We've watched families grow up at our tables. Children who once came in holding their parents' hands now walk through the door as adults, sometimes bringing their own children with them.
“Busy Saturday nights when the restaurant is full, the kitchen is buzzing, glasses are clinking and the whole room has that warm, happy atmosphere you can't fake or manufacture, only earn over time. Those nights remind us why we started and why we've kept strong and going over the years.”
Christina praised their staff past and present, who have helped create a ‘real family environment’.
She added: “The continued support from the community through challenging times, busy periods, people returning to raise a glass and break bread with us is what we are most proud of after 24 years. Longevity, relationship, the smiles and the feeling that our humble restaurant has become a place where people feel welcome and at home and that is a memory we are still creating today.”
1. Celebrations
The award-winning business, which is run by Christina Power, who is front of house and her dad, Filippo Lombardi in the kitchen, is still one of the most highly rated restaurants across the town with a reputation for authentic Italian dishes. Photo: Submitted
3. Team work
Christina praised their staff past and present, who have helped create a ‘real family environment. Photo: Submitted
