IT HAS been a byword for good food and a great evening out in Southampton for decades, but arguably the city’s best known Italian restaurant has been re-born and given a brand new name: Fantini’s.

La Margherita became a Southampton institution first in small premises in Commercial Road back in the early 1970s. It then doubled in size before making way for re-development and moving to its present waterfront site at Town Quay in September, 1998.

Today a new name appears over the restaurant, Fantini’s, which recalls the legendary restaurateur, the late Franco Fantini, whose distinctive signature is even etched on the double glass doors at the entrance to the restaurant.

Franco came ashore after a life at sea on Cunard liners and settled in Southampton where he opened his first eaterie, the Cabin Crew Cafe, in 1971 and from those modest beginnings, he quickly established a name for himself as someone who first brought the true taste of Italy to Southampton.

Word soon spread and Franco welcomed more and more customers, queues formed outside the restaurant and Franco’s success tempted other restaurants to open up in the area.

Commercial Road came to be nicknamed “Hungry Hill’’.

La Margherita restaurateur Franco Fantini (far left) made a special pizza to say goodbye to The Two Ronnies who were regulars whilst their show was on at The Mayflower.

Now Franco’s former partner at La Margherita, Nikos Raftopoulos, has decided to give the Town Quay premises a facelift and at the same time change its name to Fantini’s as a tribute to Franco, who always served more than a touch of over-the-top flamboyance and theatrical style alongside the pizza and pasta with every visit to his restaurant.

“Franco and I were not only partners but he was also my best friend, and he liked nothing better than seeing his customers having a great time,” said Nikos, now in partnership with Sebastian Bousson.

The bar and restaurant have been refurbished bringing with the changes a modern, elegant feeling but above all the character of Italy while the menu has also undergone a revamp ensuring customers experience the enticing flavours of Tuscany, Naples, Milan and Rome.

“At Fantini’s we have aimed at create the same atmosphere, ambiance and service which Franco would have approved.

“I would like customers to come here, sit down, perhaps with their family and friends, and enjoy a glass of wine and our food,” said Nikos.

“We will do things right, just like Franco did.”

The late Franco Fantini.

Each evening there will be music, including I Am What I Am and My Way, which will begin with Shirley Bassey singing I Am What I Am and at the end of the evening it will finish with her version of My Way, two of Franco’s favourite songs.