Gusto Italian has confirmed its opening date for the restaurant which will open in the former Mitre premises in Oxford High Street.
Bookings are now live for brunch, lunch, dinner and drinks from Thursday December 1.
An estimated £1.4million is being spent on the transformation of the historic site which has been vacant since 2019.
The 170-cover dining room will feature an open-plan Theatre Kitchen as well as a cocktail lounge and bar serving Gusto Italian signature drinks and classic cocktails.
Upstairs there is a private 60-cover dining room available to hire for events, parties and celebrations.
The new restaurant will also offer a Pizza Experience.
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Groups between six and 10 people will enjoy four courses, lots of fizz, fun and flour in a two-hour experience and will get to make their own sourdough pizzas and cannolis.
The restaurant will serve contemporary Italian dishes on its à la carte and set menus.
Working closely with Italian suppliers and producers, Gusto Italian has also launched a brand-new wine list with 50 handpicked Italian wines.
Matt Snell, Gusto Italian CEO, said: “We’ve been waiting for this day to come for quite some time now and we can’t wait to open our doors and welcome in the people of Oxford.
"We’ve been working tirelessly to restore the building back to its former glory and can’t wait for everyone to see it and enjoy the Gusto Italian experience.
“We hope Gusto Italian will become a go-to destination in the city to celebrate all occasions with friends, family and colleagues. We will open on December 1st and guests can book now through our website.”
Gusto Italian will open on the former site of the historic Mitre Pub on the High Street. The restaurant has confirmed it has worked hard to maintain the history and integrity of the original, Grade II listed building.
Mr Snell said: “We were determined to preserve the legacy of this iconic building and restore it to its former glory.
"We have made every effort to keep as much of the existing infrastructure as possible including the fireplace, original wood panelling and stonework.
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“We are pleased to restore this once-loved landmark and can’t wait to reintroduce the venue to the Oxford drinking and dining scene.”
The opening of Gusto Italian will boost the city centre’s economy creating 85 jobs for people who live in and around Oxford.
Opportunities are available for roles including sous chef, chef de partie, bar manager, and servers.
Gusto Italian will be open for lunch, dinner and drinks every day and brunch on the weekend.
Bookings are live at https://gustorestaurants.uk.com/restaurants/oxford/
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This story was written by Miranda Norris, she joined the team in 2021 and covers news across Oxfordshire as well as news from Witney.
Get in touch with her by emailing: Miranda.Norris@newsquest.co.uk. Or find her on Twitter: @Mirandajnorris
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