A NEW Italian restaurant has opened its doors in north Dorset. 

La Vita opened in Blandford Forum for the first time on Monday, February 19. 

The restaurant is owner Indrit Fana's first business.

Indrit has spent seven years training to be ready to open his own place. 

Indrit said: "I opened an Italian in Blandford because I saw that the area needed an authentic Italian restaurant because no one is offering fresh food like I know we could. 

"We've managed to turn this place around in two months and the first day has been good. I was a little bit nervous to begin with but that's now gone."

Indrit grew up in Italy with an Italian mother.

Falling in love with her cooking, he claimed this was the start of his love for Italian food. 

The myriad of recipes are inspired by his own mother's cooking. 

He said: "I grew up in Italy with an Italian mum and Macedonian father and it's why I love Italian food. 

"The food comes from my childhood and everyone is welcome to come down at any time. You can come and try our fresh food and we offer everything from pasta, steak, risotto and more."

Indrit, who lives in Bristol, has travelled to Blandford Forum daily to prepare the restaurant to open. 

Keen to show how this as a sign of his commitment to the area, he chose Blandford after visiting for a meal. 

He said: "I was attracted to Blandford because it has nice countryside with lots of walks and parks.

"I was once passing Blandford and decided to go for a meal and I spotted the place where La Vita is now and it was first love."

Indrit trained with all the chefs at the restaurant. 

While the only La Vita open right now, Indrit hopes to expand the business and open two or three restaurants in the future.