Bermuda’s newest restaurant has been unveiled with a grand opening attended by Michael Dunkley.

The Palm Gardens is adjacent to the Fourways Inn, on Middle Road, Paget, and the owners hope it will attract a wide variety of customers, from residents to corporate and business clients.

Although attached to the Fourways Inn, the new restaurant has its own entrance, and it offers a different experience for diners.

“It is unique,” said Emilio Barbieri, MEF Group’s managing director, explaining that customers encounter an intriguing and inviting combination of paintings and mirrors as they enter The Palm Gardens.

What was previously an outdoor area is now mostly covered, and there is room for 150 seated customers, or up to 300 when it is configured for a party. More than $250,000 was spent on renovations to create the new restaurant.

“It is a beautiful, Bermuda garden setting. It gives you a wonderful feeling.”

Premier Dunkley was among the special guests yesterday evening at the ribbon cutting event to mark the opening of the restaurant.

An impressive ice sculpture that resembled the America’s Cup, was on display.

Mr Barbieri said it was Fourways’ event manager Mimi Belboda who pushed for the new restaurant experience.

“She has been there since 1976. She said people love Fourways, but they would like to see something done with the outside area,” he explained.

The Palm Gardens will offer a wide variety of menu choices, from traditional local items to international cuisine, including French, Italian, oriental and Indian.

“Local food is the number one, so we always have the local corner,” said Mr Barbieri, who said business and corporate clients particularly were always on the lookout for new places to dine out, and he hopes they will try The Palm Gardens.

“We have some small private rooms beside the palm area, and one is in the cellar which can hold ten people. But the garden is the big thing — that will be the ‘wow’ thing.

“We want to give people something special that they are not expecting, as well as great service, quality and value. That is what we are aiming at.”

He added: “We want to give people an experience, something that they will remember.”

The restaurant will also be able to cater for special functions and events, such as weddings.

The opening of The Palm Gardens restaurant comes ahead of the 290th anniversary of the original building at the property, which will be celebrated in 2017.