A new restaurant serving authentic Italian cuisine is set to open in Reading this month.

San Carlo Ristorante, an independent eatery, will be the first of its kind in the area offering a genuine Italian experience to local diners.

Owners, Franco and Agostino are set to take over the building on Caversham Road after many years as restauranteurs in the UK and Italy.

Franco Guglielmone said: “We are really excited to be opening our first restaurant in Reading.

“Our goal is to create authentic Italian dining in a modern and relaxed atmosphere with some delicious dishes.

“Agostino is the owner of a pasta company near Napoli so all of our dishes are made with the best ingredients using original family recipes that have been passed down over generations.”

Originally from Torino, this will be Franco’s fifth business since he moved to the UK 36 years ago.

“After all these years, I still love my job and I have such a passion for everything that I do,” explained Mr Guglielmone.

“It has been a risk deciding to open a new restaurant in this current economic climate but we believe in our product and the service we provide.

“We want to offer the people of Reading something other than what you get in a chain restaurant and we thought that we’d take the bull by the horns.”

Although this independent will offer a 100% Italian experience, it also contains a subtle tribute towards the British Royal family.

The name Carlo is Italian for Charles, inspired by the crowning of our new monarch King Charles - following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Franco added: “When someone enters into San Carlo for a meal they can expect to find good food, a relaxed atmosphere and a place to create good memories.”

They have announced on their website that the restaurant will be welcoming their new chef Gianni after working in a variety of popular Berkshire eatery’s.

They said: “Gianni is our chef and is a legend in Berkshire and worked as head chef for the original Nino Caversham, Ruchetta in Wokingham and for many years in Pepe Sale Reading.

The new independent is set to open on November 22 on 93-97 Caversham Road (opposite TGIF’s).