Meet Newport's newest Italian restaurant, Moka E Farina

South Wales Argus

7 hours ago

Owner and manager Aziz Harache, 46, began cooking in 2000 and since then his work has taken him across Europe, before coming to Newport. After working in Paris and Ireland, Aziz developed a love for 'late cafes'. These cafes are simply cafes that stay open later than usual but give customers a relaxed environment to spend their time sipping coffee and eating crepes until the early hours.
The restaurant interior is modern and homely (Image: NQ) Aziz claims that over 20 years of experience working as a chef means that he can cook anything, but Italian food is his specialty and always a favourite among customers.
The menu boasts a large selection of Italian favourites, along with a fresh cake cabinet and several gelato flavours for customers to enjoy alongside a barista crafted coffee.
All food on offer at Moka E Farina is halal, and the restaurant serves no alcohol on the premises.
Aziz said: 'My vision is to create a family restaurant for people of any age to visit.
They serve up fresh cakes all day (Image: NQ) 'I want to have a place that young people can come to and avoid heavy drinking around them, so they can feel safe if they're out late at night. And their parents can feel safe knowing that they're with us.'
Those who have had the pleasure of dining at Moka E Farina are already hooked, with Aziz and his staff already boasting many loyal customers who visit multiple times a week. Some have even taken to eating there multiple days in a row, finding themselves drawn in by their large portions, fresh ingredients and low prices.
Aziz Harache, 46, and Kaitlyn Short, 19, offer up service with a smile (Image: NQ) They pride themselves on making sure that every person that comes through their doors is looked after, with Aziz claiming that its simply part of his Algerian tradition and culture.
Aside from the restaurant upstairs, downstairs has an extra seating area that can be opened when the restaurant upstairs is full. The walls are adorned with flowers, and Aziz hopes that the homely space will be available to host events and parties in the future.
Though the outside of the building is currently covered by scaffolding, Aziz hopes that customers aren't deterred from visiting Moka E Farina and seeing the service with a smile that his cheery staff offers.