Named after chef Diego Reali’s mother, Stefania brings generations of Roman culinary heritage to Westbourne Grove. The restaurant is the London home of Reali’s Roman-Italian concept, which first established itself in Kuala Lumpur, and is built around family recipes and traditions passed down through four generations of the Reali and Cristofari families.
Born and raised in Rome, Reali learned to cook alongside his mother, Stefania Cristofari, and grandmother, developing a love for the simple, ingredient-led cooking that has long defined the family’s approach to food. That heritage stretches back to 1958, when Reali’s great-grandfather opened Hosteria Amedeo, a neighbourhood trattoria near Rome. Today, those influences shape a menu that celebrates the comforting flavours and traditions of the Italian capital.
At Stefania, the focus is on classic Roman cooking served in a warm, welcoming setting. Expect handmade pasta, slow-cooked ragùs and dishes prepared using quality ingredients and traditional techniques that have been refined over decades. Meats cooked in a Josper grill also play a key role, bringing smoky depth to a menu that balances rustic flavours with careful execution.
One of the restaurant’s defining features is its entirely pork-free menu. Rather than reimagining Roman cuisine, Stefania aims to preserve its character while making it accessible to a broader range of diners. The result is a distinctive take on Italian dining that remains rooted in tradition while catering to a variety of dietary preferences.
Reali’s career has taken him from Italy to kitchens around the world, including a previous stint in London, before he spent more than a decade helping shape Kuala Lumpur’s Italian dining scene. Stefania reflects those experiences while remaining firmly connected to its Roman roots, offering food inspired by family, heritage and hospitality. Whether stopping by for pasta, grilled specialties or a leisurely meal with friends, diners can expect an authentically Roman experience centred on sharing good food and bringing people together.