A brand-new café set to open on the outskirts of Helston will offer a little taste of Italy here in Cornwall.

Piatto is set to open its doors at Homestead Woodland Garden, on the Helston to Redruth Road on June 13, taking over the former home of Slice, Taste, and Cornish Food Hub.

At the helm is this new venture is experienced chef Donato Dondiego, who brings a wealth of culinary expertise to the table – 28 years to be exact.

Donato’s passion for cooking began in his childhood, watching his grandmother create dishes in her Italian home. He then went on to acquire skills with a five-year education at a prestigious culinary school in Italy.

Falmouth Packet: Donato brings 28 years of culinary expertise to Piatto Donato brings 28 years of culinary expertise to Piatto (Image: Piatto Facebook page)

Donato’s journey has taken him from South Africa, where he successfully ran his restaurant for six years, to Surrey where he worked at esteemed establishments like McLaren in Working and Royal Holloway University, before coming to Cornwall in 2012.

Since moving here, he has been a familiar face in the culinary scene, working as a head chef at Amalie’s in Porthleven and contributing his talents to events like the Porthleven Food Festival and Padstow Christmas Markets.

Now, Donato is ready to share his love of food and Italian heritage with the people of Cornwall.

Piatto promises a menu loaded with fresh, locally, sourced ingredients offering a blend of Italian charm.

There will also be a selection of light lunches, featuring paninis, classic eggs Benedict, Florentine delights, and a unique royal hummus. Donato will also be serving his signature homemade dishes consisting of lasagne, burgers with crispy skin-on-chips as well as daily specials.

Falmouth Packet: Inside Piatto Inside Piatto (Image: Piatto Facebook page)

Of course, no café is complete without a selection of cakes, coffee, and desserts which will be offered daily.

With the café set to open in just a couple of weeks, Donato said he is “looking forward to meeting new customers” and is already finishing the final touches to the new menu.

He has also expressed his gratitude to his family, who have been a constant support. He said: “All of this wouldn’t have been possible without my wife and family.

“This will give us a new life, and it’s all for them.”

To find out more, visit Piatto on Facebook.