Launch of The Italian Quarter has 'brightened up' Williamson Square

We all love a bowl of pasta, but thanks to the Cillo family in Liverpool, we can enjoy a host of Italian treats without having to go more than a few steps in between.

As part of Liverpool BID Company’s “Business of the Month” we are shining a light on, newly launched, The Italian Quarter on Tarleton Street near Williamson Square.

Headed by Donato Cillo, the family have created an amazing Italian Quarter in the heart of the city centre, with a host of amazing independent businesses, from an artisan chocolatier to a brilliant bakery, an ice cream creator and more.

So it’s hardly surprising it’s been nominated as Liverpool BID Company’s Business of the Month for October.

Perry Daly-Ryall, operations manager for Liverpool BID Company, says: “It’s gone from one shop and expanded into all those businesses to create the Italian Quarter, and they’ve brightened up and transformed the iconic area of Williamson Square where they are.

“It’s great to see they are investing in this part of the city centre, and that is encouraging other businesses to open there too, to create a lunch and brunch destination not just for locals, but for people who work in town, for visitors and tourists.”

The Italian Quarter based on Tarleton Street is a passion project of Donato and his famous foodie family, who are aiming to bring a taste of the authentic Italy to Merseyside.

Donato says: “We have waited a long time to officially open the doors of the Quarter in its entirety and it’s such an exciting time for everyone involved.

“We first launched the Italian Quarter in 2012, but we have continued to expand the venture over the years. It’s been magic.”

The official launch recently follows a seven-figure sum transformation of the Quarter, with many members of the Cillo family joining in its development with their own authentic Italian offerings within the space.

It’s now made up of seven businesses spread over four floors, including Brunchin by Antonio Cillo which serves healthy breakfasts, freshly made smoothies and juices, and light afternoon bites; Gran Caffe, the first of the businesses to open, with coffees, home-baked goods, desserts and gelato; Hey Farina, with a bakery, pasta and a salad bar, and the latest, Antonietta Gelato & Cioccolato.

Each of them has decades of experience and a passion for what they do, making everything from scratch so it’s super fresh every day.

On the top floor of the Italian Quarter, and away from the public, the in-house bakery produces bespoke celebration and occasion cakes, and pastries – which it supplies to businesses across the city – on a daily basis.

Perry adds: “What I must add, too, is that they are a lovely family to deal with. They are so welcoming and it’s lovely to see how they have embraced the whole area and taken such a pride in it.

“And the food is amazing. I recently tried a Cannoli pastry in Venice and thought nothing was ever going to beat that – but theirs do! They deserve recognition, it’s fabulous.”

With his dream now realised, Donato says: “Made from authentic Italian recipes we put our true passion for food into everything we craft.

“We wanted to make sure family and friends had something to enjoy, and we want everyone to enjoy and try our philosophy, the concept of the business, which is that if we haven’t made it, we don’t sell it!”