Chef Diego Reali Brings Four Generations of Roman Cooking to London with Stefania

Stefania, the Roman-Italian restaurant brand built around the recipes of chef Diego Reali's mother, is opening its first restaurant outside Malaysia this summer in Westbourne Grove, West London. Led by fourth-generation chef Diego Reali, the pork-free menu carries four generations of the Reali and Cristofari family's Roman cooking to a new city.

Born and raised in Rome, Reali learned to cook at home alongside his mother, Stefania Cristofari, and his grandmother - matriarchs who passed down the time-honoured techniques and soulful flavours of traditional Roman cuisine. The family's legacy dates back to 1958, when Reali's great-grandfather opened Hosteria Amedeo, a beloved neighbourhood trattoria near Rome known for its rustic setting and home-style cooking. It was in those kitchens that Reali developed his respect for quality ingredients, simplicity, and food's power to connect generations.

‘Everything I know in the kitchen is because of my mum,’ Reali said. ‘She was the one who taught me everything, from basic food skills to how to cook. Of course, I also learnt a lot when I worked abroad. But the basics are still the most important.’

After honing his craft in Italy and working in kitchens around the world, including time in London earlier in his career, Reali brought his expertise to Kuala Lumpur more than a decade ago, quickly becoming one of the city's most influential Italian chefs. In December 2024, he opened Stefania Ristorante Italiano at Naza Tower, his first restaurant as chef-owner and a tribute to his mother and the women who shaped his culinary identity, in partnership with Kesavan “KC” Purusotman, founder of Continuum Hospitality Group. The menu built its following on signature pastas, rich ragù's, and meats grilled over a Josper for a distinctive smokiness and depth. In February 2026, Reali expanded the brand with Stefania Osteria, a more casual, family-style concept in Damansara Heights, followed by Stefania Lounge.

The London opening marks Stefania’s first outpost outside Malaysia, bringing its pork-free approach to Italian dining to Westbourne Grove. The concept has always been designed to make Roman cooking accessible to a wider audience, with the pork-free menu allowing guests from different backgrounds and dietary preferences to enjoy the food together. In London, where the demand for inclusive dining continues to grow, Stefania sees an opportunity to offer something distinctive: traditional Roman cooking in a format that welcomes everyone.

At Stefania London, Reali brings the same spirit that defines the brand in Kuala Lumpur: recipes refined over four generations, and Roman cooking served with the warmth of home rather than the formality of fine dining. It's an invitation, as Reali describes it, to share in something larger than a meal.