A NEW restaurant offering Indian and Italian cuisine in Belfast city centre has opened with the creation of 20 new jobs.
Mumbai Milano launched from its premises in Wellington Place last week following a £500,000 investment from hospitality company Global Caterers Belfast.
Fronted by Indian head chef, Jainal Abedin, and Italian sous chef, Luigi Savarese, the 120-seater restaurant is open seven days a week.
Located opposite the £70 million office scheme Merchant Square, the restaurant's menu includes traditional Indian curries, Italian pizza and pasta, and some fusion options.
Mr Abedin, who has worked all over the world including Dubai, London and Jersey, said he is committed to using produce from Northern Ireland.
"The location was a no-brainer for us, especially with the Merchant Square development across the way," he said.
"This part of the city centre is seeing an influx of new offices and student accommodation so there is a market for more restaurants in this area to cater for what is anticipated to be an area of increased footfall.
"We have identified other sites across the city for potentially expanding the concept to a second location however we are entirely focused on the Wellington Place site for now.
"I've always had a desire to fuse both Indian and Italian cuisine, so when we decided to open the restaurant I knew exactly what we wanted to create."
Mr Savarese, who worked for Paul Rankin for several years, brings four decades of experience with him.
The chef, who came to Northern Ireland 20 years ago, said he was excited to create a distinctive menu.
"To be able to showcase these beautiful cuisines and create a fusion menu that we think will both intrigue and excite people is a delight," he said.
"So far the feedback has been great from the public."
