A “charismatic and unexpected” takeaway in the Wirral has everyone talking
Pasta House Pizzeria Valente Birkenhead has spotted thanks to the signature colours of Deliveroo
Along a row of terraced houses in Birkenhead, you will see a Deliveroo sign outside number 126. That’s because, just a short walk up an alleyway beside the home and a sharp right turn, you will find yourself at Pasta House Pizza Valente.
The authentic takeaway belongs to husband-and-wife team Antonio and Gina Valente. Together, the couple own, cook, manage and serve the food. On the menu, you will find all the expected classics, but it is the carbonara, spaghetti Bolognese and meatballs, the owners said customers can’t get enough of.
Antonio, a dad-of-four from Naples, told the ECHO: “We’ve been open for seven months now, but I’ve been cooking all my life. It’s always been my wish to run something with my family involved, and so it made sense to start from our home.
“I learnt to cook when I was very young back home. It runs in our family; my brothers are chefs, so I know how to do everything from scratch.
Antonio & Gina Valente, owners of Pasta House Pizzeria Valente
“We have an Italian name, Italian chef and Italian recipes that I was taught by my mum and grandma. We hope our customers can see and taste that difference.”
The 34-year-old moved to the Wirral eight years ago, after a short stint in London. He said after visiting the UK, he knew it was somewhere he wanted to call home and raise his kids.
He said, since opening the takeaway, the support he has received has reminded him exactly why he wanted to relocate here in the first place.
Antonio and Gina Valente with their children David, Michaela, Anna-Marie and Elvira
One example of such is a TikTok video from a couple reviewing the takeaway that recently went viral, with over 80,000 views.
In the video posted online, the two said: “We found an alleyway in Birkenhead, worth going down. It’s not often we would tell you that, but this alleyway is well worth.
“If you live on the Wirral, you need to give this place a go. It is so charismatic and unexpected.”
Antonio Valente with some of the takeaway orders from his business in Birkenhead
He added: “We came here with nothing, and so now to have our own business is amazing. It is a beautiful country, and the people have made us feel like, such a family within this community.
“From day one, they have been so supportive. It’s a big emotion for us to have this and the reaction to our food – it’s overwhelming but in a good way.
“The logo is dedicated to my dad Michele Antonio Valente, it has his face in it and so knowing people are loving the food, makes me tearful. It makes me want to cry, doing him proud.”
The takeaway is open seven days a week at 126 Corporation Rd, Birkenhead CH41 8JG.