The Dolphin Street Food reveals four new vendors

New Japanese, Italian, and Middle Eastern flavours enhance the Dolphin's Street Food offering in Poole town centre

The Dolphin Street Food in Poole has confirmed the opening of three new restaurants on the first floor of The Dolphin.

The three new local independent restaurants to open at Dolphin Street Food are:

·         Sumo Sushi

·         Ojo’s Pizza

·         Betsylicious

The Dolphin Street Food is a vibrant showcase of Poole’s independent food operators, bringing together a range of flavours from all over the world. The initiative was first introduced two years ago to create a platform for local food vendors to serve their cuisine in the town centre.

Sumo Sushi, Ojo’s Pizza, and Betsylicious join pre-existing vendors Noodlebar and Loco Lime, enhancing the offer with more dining options for locals to enjoy.

John Grinnell, Centre Manager at The Dolphin, said: “The Dolphin Street Food is a celebration of the very best local, independent food and drink vendors that we have under one roof at The Dolphin. We’re thrilled to welcome Sumo Sushi, Ojo’s Pizza, and Betsylicious to our new Steet Food line-up.

“The three new additions to Dolphin Street Food are already proving to be popular, with rave reviews being shared by our visitors. We’re proud to have created a dining destination that offers so many different types of cuisine in the heart of Poole, which has enhanced our overall guest experience at The Dolphin.”

Sumo Sushi is the first Japanese sushi bar to be run by the same group as its Street Food neighbour, Noodlebar. The restaurant’s ‘pick and mix’ approach to sushi encourages diners to try a wide range of the menu which consists of nigiri, sashimi, poke bowls, and hot dishes. The business prides itself on creating dishes of generous proportions which are full of flavour, offering great value for money.

Ojo’s Pizza was founded by Poole local Joe Wright who has a culinary passion for authentic Italian food. Joe prides himself on Ojo’s Neapolitan pizzas, made with fresh, local ingredients. Ojo’s Pizza at The Dolphin Street Food is the business’ first physical restaurant and is run by Joe with the help of Richard Lee.  The pair have opened with a new menu exclusive called Pizza Pockets. The dish is a pizza bread sandwich.

Joe explained: “We have always been a mobile pizza business and knew that we eventually would want to open a physical restaurant, but could never find the right place. We’re so excited to be a part of The Dolphin Street Food, it definitely feels like the right fit for us. I have been keeping an eye on The Dolphin for some time, and I am really impressed by the diverse range of retailers that are thriving and bucking the national trend of the declining high street.”

Betsylicious is owner Btissam Mikram’s first Poole-based restaurant, specialising in Middle Eastern and Turkish cuisine. Btissam grew up immersed in Middle Eastern and Turkish traditions and has worked in the hospitality industry for more than 15 years, honing her craft in busy hotel and restaurant environments.

Btissam said: “I am proud to be Poole’s first kebab lady, bringing high-quality fresh lamb shawarma made entirely from scratch to the town centre. We also grill premium lamb and chicken shish, tender ribs and wings over charcoal to create an authentic smoky flavour. Vegetarian options are also on the menu with delicious halloumi and falafel burgers available.

“I am opening our new restaurant with six new signature sauces that I have personally created to complement my menu. I am so proud to be a Dolphin Street Food vendor and can’t wait to share my creations with locals.”

Betsylicious is hosting a launch event on Monday the 31st of August from 12pm. Locals are encouraged to come down to try free samples, listen to live music, and meet the team.

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