A restaurant on Commercial Road has received a new five out of five food hygiene rating.

Milan was given the maximum score after an inspection on September 27.

Manager of the Italian restaurant, Eri Vucaj, told the Echo: “We’re very pleased.

“We were waiting a long time for the official result to come through and the main things is that we were rewarded with the best possible rating.”

A report on the Food Standards Agency website showed that the food safety officer found the eatery’s hygienic food handling, cleanliness, and management of food safety was ‘good.’

The food hygiene score was upgraded to a five after Milan had previously received a four rating.

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The restaurant manager said: “I took over nine months ago and the score under the previous owners had been a four.

“Having the best possible food hygiene score reflects really well on the staff who put a lot of effort in to make sure we were prepared.

“A lot of time has gone into this and it’s the best possible outcome.”

The food hygiene rating comes after Milan partnered with Southampton Football Club, offering Saints fans a discount when they dine in.

Mr Vucaj added: “We’re offering reduced prices to Southampton Football Club season ticket holders.

“Anyone with a membership account can claim 20 per cent off when they eat with us.

“It’s really good to be collaborating with the football club, we’ll be offering four tickets to the upcoming match with Birmingham City on our Instagram account so I’d encourage people to get involved.”

The restaurant offers classic Italian fayre, including Caprese salad, deep fried calamari, a range of pizzas and pastas such as cannelloni, carbonara, lasagna and ravioli.

A children's menu also offers smaller portions of those favourites such as bolognese and a margherita pizza.