The Italian Garden opened Feb. 9 in downtown Ocean Springs and in the first month the new restaurant has already gained a large number of fans. Several people with whom The Mississippi Press spoke had eaten at The Italian Garden and the response from each was virtually the same: Great food, ample portions and reasonable prices.

A tough combination to beat. Owner Tim Sadiku decided to open The Italian Garden after driving down from Georgia to visit his father and brother-in-law, who own the original Italian Garden in Bay St. Louis. "I wanted to drive along (U.S.) 90 and see the beach," Sadiku explained. "I stopped and visited in Ocean Springs and, as soon as I saw it, I loved it. I love the city, the area, the people -- so I decided to open a restaurant here."