Weymouth's newest restaurant 'Finna' opens on St Alban Street

The new restaurant Finna is located on St Alban Street next to Roly’s Fudge Pantry in Weymouth town centre.

Open for the first day on Saturday, owner Marcelo Alesandro Ullman was excited to get started.

Marcelo said: “I have always liked this street. I like the people and the culture. I am doing a new thing but I think there's a market here — English people like sweet things, and they like coffee.

"It has been very good so far. I think everyone is happy to see a new business opening."

The restaurant sells both sweet and savoury treats as well as coffee. From pizzas to Argentinian pastries like medialunas or facturas to sandwiches and empanadas. All handmade.

Before settling down in Weymouth eight years ago, Marcelo – originally from Argentina – was a sailor and often moved about. As he travelled he picked up new recipes and foods, which he plans to bring to his shop.

After sailing for years he wanted to find somewhere in the UK to open a restaurant where he could keep his boat nearby. After looking in Brighton and Poole he settled on a Spanish restaurant in Weymouth called Le Casa Espanola on North Quay, which has since closed and is currently Nana Moons Cafe.

"My boat brought me to Weymouth," said Marcelo.

“Making good food makes people and makes me happy. Food is a way to the heart.

“I want to do something a little bit different, homemade."

Right now he is running the business by himself, but he hopes to be busy enough to need more hands if things go well.

In the future, Marcelo plans to serve vegan pasties and gluten-free food.

Marcelo named his restaurant after his two-year-old daughter Rufinna - named after his father Rufino. She is not yet able to pronounce her name, so she shortens it to ‘Finna.’

Marcelo intends to be open seven days a week whilst he works out what works best for his business and will be open from 9am to 4pm.