The team behind one of London’s legendary 90s haunts is delighted to announce its newest restaurant opening, Fellini. Due to open 6th May in Chelsea, the team behind the iconic Paparazzi Café intends to restore authentic Italian hospitality into the London dining scene, prioritising personal touch and valued relationships over gimmicks and maximalism, whilst retaining a Dolce Vita feel throughout.
Based on the previous successes of Paparazzi Café, the team are homing in on the true essence of hospitality and the old-timer recognition of loyalty in the new opening, encouraging guests from every walk of life to join them in the dining room – alone or in groups, all will be made to feel at home. On the menu, there will be a range of sharing options, making the venue an appropriate choice for a colloquial lunch, a long afternoon or an evening meal kicking on late into the night.
Food is to be approachable and unfussy, with a considered menu of classic Italian dishes and specialities, made with ingredients from carefully sourced suppliers in Italy and around the UK. Fellini showcases a healthier, holistic approach to Italian food, with a focus on nourishing and fuelling the community whilst offering true quality.
Dish highlights include the Fellini Primavera with homemade aubergine and basil pesto and courgettes, and the entirely vegan Ravioli Rossi, consisting of spicy chickpea-filled pasta served with a butter and sage sauce. The menu features an array of freshly prepared main-sized salads and a selection of veg-forward pizzas are prepared with organic and excellently sourced seasonal produce, with the option to make any pasta dishes and pizzas gluten free upon request. Secondi include Veal Milanese and simply grilled fish, with the menu rounding out with much loved decadent and delicious Italian desserts such as the Fellini Tiramisu and a Flourless Chocolate Cake. Alongside there will be an ever-changing specials board chosen by the knowledgeable team, and a Sunday Feasting menu is planned to launch soon after opening.
Lookswise, guests can expect Fellini to evoke a sense of the slow-paced Italian summer lifestyle in leafy London – attractive and luxurious without the gauche. The restaurant will feature olive trees, providing a taste of Tuscany and the walls will be lined with black and white photos of familiar faces, mounted in glossy black frames. There will be backlit banquet seating surrounds the edge of the room, with the glass front half shuttered with rich walnut slats and roman blinds in olive linen to ensure that guests may retain their discretion as day turns to night. A terrazzo marble bar will run the length of the room, where guests are encouraged to join the bar staff for an aperitif or digestif upon their visit. The dining room will seat 75 covers inside, with a wrap-around terrace providing another 20 al fresco that will open to the public in June.
Owner Tony Aalam and team say: ‘We’ve been looking forward to opening our door at Fellini for some time now. Our commitment to ‘Come Era Una Volta’, or ‘How It Used to Be’, will be prevalent in the restaurant as we revive the personal touch of 20th century Italy, delivering true hospitality and timeless service. We hope that Fellini will naturally become a go-to for our neighbours and indeed draw visitors from across the city. We are filled with anticipation and eager to greet our guests.’
Fellini will open 6th May at 149 Draycott Avenue, with bookings going live on 15th April. The restaurant will be open 7 days a week, 12pm – 12am.
