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Upon first meeting Elias I was very impressed with both his eye for detail and a passion for food! Here was somebody who was genuinely proud to be in the restaurant trade and his enthusiasm was clear to be seen by everyone who met with him.

With two buyers wanting to buy the same business (Cafe Cambusa) in Puerto Calero it was down to the landlord to meet both potential owners to see who could offer them the best prospect and business plan. With the other interested party flying in from Rome, have the meeting and then flying back to Italy in the same day it showed us just how popular the Puerto Calero location is for potential buyers. However, it was Elias who showed he had the right attitude, experience and product to take the cafe to a new level with his fantastic authentic Italian menu.

Elias had ran his own restaurant in Italy for over five years and he had his sights on bringing authentic Italian cuisine to Lanzarote. Upon signing the new lease Elias wasted no time in making some changes to the cafe to make the business more a cafe/restaurant rather than cafe bar which has already proved to be a big hit with the local people and businessmen in the area. With a "Menu del dia" you can enjoy a starter, main meal and a drink in the great surroundings for only €10 per person! Using only the finest and freshest ingredients all the food is perfectly cooked and presented by loyal chef Antonio who has travelled from Italy to continue working for Elias. With starters such as "Slices of Veal with tuna sauce and capers" and a freshly baked lasagna that is as good as any I have ever tasted there is something for all taste buds. If you, like me, can always leave enough space for a desert then the Tiramisu is a must and certainly not for any weight watchers.

If its authentic Italian food with good quality service you want then you have to call in and see Elias and Antonio who will offer you great service, food and value! Open from 11.30am until 3pm and then from 6pm till late you can find Cafe Piazzetta in the plaza behind Submarine Safari in Puerto Calero. Elias also offers a takeaway service and also offers a function service for special occasions and also business lunches. Elias said,

"Myself and Antonio are so happy to now be open and to be able to offer Lanzarote people a real taste of Italy in a wonderful location such as Puerto Calero. Ian has been such a great help with both lawyers, asesorias and also simply being there for any help that we may need. Its a new business in a new country and Ian has been on hand to offer help and support even after we have signed the contract. I hope that we can continue our friendship with Ian and ¡Estupendo! for many years to come and we welcome all new customers to try our authentic Italian cuisine and to prove that Italian food is not just about Pizzas!"

From everyone at ¡Estupendo! we wish Elias and Antonio all the very best for their new business venture!