Dinner time for dogs - 5th January 2024

A new restaurant's opened in Italy which welcomes dogs as VIPs. Fiuto even has its own gourmet menu for its four-legged guests.

Chef Luca Grammatico, who's in charge of the food, is an expert in canine cuisine.

Luca Grammatico: "The menu's been created in a very similar way to the human menu. It's made up of things that we can normally eat. Of course, we've tried to flavour it without using any spices, salts or oils, trying to make it look like a cooked meal by presenting it in a slightly gourmet form."

The majority of restaurants refuse entry to dogs. However, they're encouraged to come inside at Fiuto. Their food's even served in designer bowls! And the lack of noise is a sign that the pets approve of the menu.

It's great for dog owners to have the opportunity to dine out with their pets. Maria Gliottone's brought Nala and Nala's friend Douglas for a meal.

Maria Gliottone: "This is a very good thing. Because when we go to restaurants with her, she always wants to eat from our plates. So here, everything's more comfortable."

The price of each meal depends on the dog's size. Owners spend anything from 8 to 20 euros on each dish. And thanks to screens which divide the dogs, there's no danger that canine diners will have to compete for their food. They can eat in peace and relax on furry blankets.

Although some consider paying so much for a dog's dinner unnecessary, others disagree. Romina Lanza believes that it should be a personal decision.

Romina Lanza: "It's a personal choice to come. It's an option that's available. People can easily come or not come. But it's definitely an opportunity for those who want to do so. No, I don't see anything wrong with it, honestly."

Whether you agree or not, the restaurant's a popular location for big occasions, like birthdays. Dogs may even receive a surprise gift on their special day.