Say olá to the Portuguese restaurant coming soon to Honiton High Street

A Portuguese restaurant will open on Honiton High Street in the next couple of weeks and it looks set to be a fantastic new addition to the town. 

Mamma Mia is located where the Lacemakers Café used to be. The traditional tea shop was available for rent last summer before going on the market. 

The Grade II listed building has been used as a café or restaurant for more than 50 years and features unusual bow windows. 

The premises have been purchased by Fatima De Aguiar and her husband Elvio who have been busy renovating the inside and outside of the building. Gone are the traditional colours of the Lacemakers and instead there are vibrant green walls and a modern fresh look.

Fatima, Elvio and their four children are from Johannesburg but five years ago the family left South Africa and relocated to Axminster. In South Africa they run a café and takeaway business but this is their first UK venture.

Fatima explained: "We really like Honiton and when we saw this building was available, we knew this was our chance."

"The restaurant will be open all day and will serve a range of Portuguese food for all tastes. We've been working really hard to get it ready - it has taken longer than we thought it would - but we are really excited to be opening soon."

The restaurant will serve traditional Portuguese food including grilled chicken (which will be available with lemon and herb, or the chef's homemade chilli, if you like your food spicy!), prawns, chicken burgers and Portuguese-style spicy rice.

More unusual food options such as creamy chicken livers, pregos (marinated chicken breast served in a roll) will also be available, as well as Portuguese beers. 

Visitors are welcome to pop in just for a tea or coffee and a snack - there will be a Cake of the Day as well as other cakes and treats, such as the popular Portuguese custard tarts.

Fatima and Elvio plan to expand and change the menu as they see what the residents of Honiton enjoy the most. 

Fatima will cook the meals, assisted by Elvio and their son who will be front of house. 

Mamma Mia will be open Monday - Saturday for breakfast, lunch and evening meals. Mamma Mia is located at 46 High Street.