27 August 2020
Rosario's family restaurant fantasy turns into reality
A WOKING man who has worked in restaurants since he was 13, has realised his dream of opening his own family-run restaurant.
Rosario Palumbo started his career as a potwash in Sicily after moving there from Manchester at the age of 10 to help out in a vineyard.
He returned to Britain when he was 15 and worked in restaurants around the country before moving to Woking 25 years ago.
Rosario worked at several food outlets in and around Woking and then took over the former Bella Amalfi Italian restaurant premises in Knaphill High Street.
He had the kitchen and dining area completely refitted and opened La Zingara on 14 August.
Rosario said the name was a play on a family nickname and the restaurant is a little bit of Italy in Knaphill.
“The food is made with a lot of passion and the atmosphere is homely run,” Rosario said.
“It’s like going around to a friend’s house for a lovely Italian meal,” he added.
La Zingara is open Monday to Saturday from 5.30pm to 10.30pm and on Sundays from noon to 4pm.
“Despite the coronavirus restrictions, the restaurant has been busy, with many people returning,” Rosario said.
“We’ve had nothing but great feedback.”
He said that having his wife and three children helping in the restaurant is important to him, adding, “if we get even busier, there are a lot of extended family members we can call on to come and help.” Rosario said bookings are essential, so the tables can be spaced apart to allow for social distancing.
Credit: Woking News and Mail Editorial Team
