Gokhan Akkaya, 28, of Elizabeth Street, Maryport, hopes to open Mezem next week, where six full-time and 12 part-time staff will try to offer something different to diners in the town.
Gokhan, who also owns Morfose Barber Shop in Maryport, has experience of running restaurants in his home country of Turkey.
He said: “I go to a lot of restaurants here but I can’t find anything like this for people to go with the family. This is a perfect spot for a restaurant and we’ve got the best chefs.”
The restaurant, in Ladies Walk, will specialise in a selection of small dishes called meze and has about 30 tables. It will also offer lunch and evening menus, including vegetarian dishes.
Gokhan added improving disabled access to the restaurant was a priority as the toilets are in the basement.
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