The new Liverpool city centre restaurant was born out of the family’s love of pasta
Antonio Cillo (left) and Donato Cillo (right) with Italian pasta maestro Giacomo, who visited from Santarcangelo di Romagna.
The family behind a Liverpool empire has opened a new restaurant, adding to the already successful venues dotted across the city. Farina, the latest addition to the city’s pasta offerings, has officially opened its doors.
Formerly known as Hey Farina when it first opened its doors in 2023, the venue has been reimagined to now serve over 15 varieties of freshly made pastas onsite each day. The business venture is the brainchild of brothers Paolo and Donato Cillo, who are best known for their multiple Gran Caffe sites and being at the helm of the city’s tallest restaurant.
They have teamed up with Donato’s son Antonio, to deliver what they describe as the “true essence” of casual Italian dining.
The family, originally from Potenza in Basilicata, began building their empire over ten years ago, becoming a staple of the Italian Quarter in Williamson Square.
Paolo Cillo (far right), owner of Gran Caffe, with staff Tom Costain (far left),and Giuseppe Verde(Image: Andrew Teebay)
Following successful expansions, their Lark Lane and Duke Street establishments opened their doors post-Christmas 2023. In January 2025, we saw the Jesse Hartley Way, Park Central also come to life. Farina aims to build on these establishments.
Antonio Cillo, said: “Farina was born out of our family’s love of pasta, and we’ve worked so hard to develop the menu so that we’re able to create a huge variety on site every day and with an open kitchen so that guests can see the pasta being handcrafted by our team.
“From indulgent, authentic Italian classics to simple but delicious sauces, there is something for everyone at Farina, which makes it the perfect lunch spot or restaurant for dinner.
“Being Liverpool’s first and only pasta lab is very exciting, and we’re delighted to bring a completely new concept to the city that’s built on our family history and culture.”
Farina lets guests watch as the food is made in front of them
The restaurant displays a selection of pasta varieties, and the chefs create portions in an open kitchen for guests to admire. It is also home to the brand’s signature crispy pizza Romana and focaccia sandwiches, with the bread provided by Paolo and Donato’s brother Carmine, who has his own bakery and bakes fresh every day.
Located on Richmond Street, as part of the Italian Quarter, Farina prides itself on offering an authentic taste of Italy in the heart of Liverpool. Guests can tuck into their choice of pasta and pair it with their favourite sauce to create their very own pasta dish.
Alternatively, they can go classic and order traditional with the likes of Genovese sauce made up of melt in the mouth beef with onions, paired with paccheri pasta.
Farina is open every day from 11am for lunchtime diners, to 8pm on Sundays, 8.30 pm Monday – Thursday and 9 pm Fridays and Saturdays.