A popular Italian restaurant has reopened in Durham city following a revamp marking a new chapter.
Coviello, on Silver Street, has unveiled a fresh new look, an updated menu and an expanded Italian wine collection after several weeks of renovation work.
Husband-and-wife team Daniele Vernassi and Alicja Szotek have been at the helm since taking over from close friend Alberto Coviello in 2020.
Daniele, from a small city near Pompeii in southern Italy, said the refurbishment aimed to strengthen the restaurant’s Italian identity while staying true to its roots.
He said: “We wanted to give the place a warmer, more distinctive Italian identity. We have a wine list with over 80 different wines from the north to the south of Italy.
“There’s lots of competition in Durham, so to make us different I make a point of authenticity.
“We want a place where people can come for an Italian coffee, stay for lunch and spend an evening discovering old wines.
“That’s what Coviello is. There’s no rush, it’s comfortable.
“People feel like they can have a break in the middle of the week.”
The bigger wine list is central to the restaurant’s new direction and reflects the passion that brought the couple together.
Daniele moved to England 11 years ago and worked as a chef before meeting Alicja, who is from Poland, while they were both working at Ramside Hall.
“We both share a passion for wine,” Daniele said.
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Coviello’s menu focuses on traditional Italian cooking, including fresh pasta, ravioli and focaccia, alongside its extensive wine list.
“I don’t compromise,” Daniele added. “Everything is Italian, it’s made in Italy, from Italy and made following Italian tradition.”
The couple hope the revamped restaurant will draw customers in for coffee, lunch with friends or Italian food and wine after work.
