Who we are... The Metropolitan of stylish Italian restaurants was founded by Stefano Fraquelli with one simple aim – to offer guests premium quality regional Italian cuisine and exceptional service, friendly atmosphere. Before the untimely death of his father in 1989, resulting in his early inheritance of the business, Stefano Fraquelli completed a degree in Business Administration at Bath University in 1987. Thrown into running the 15 restaurant business with his uncle Simone, (the existing and equal shareholder of the Spaghetti House chain,) proved to be very challenging.
Although years of being in restaurants as a child had given Stefano a good insight as to how things were done, (he proofed menus from the age of 9) it was a situation that demanded he learn quickly, on his feet, acquiring operational skills through instinct and mistakes. However, his studies allowed him to bring a certain degree of business acumen to the table, which within a short space of time resulted in a growth in sales and progression for the company overall. 10 years later in 1999 Stefano Fraquelli disengaged himself from the partnership with the desire to have the autonomy to make his own decisions and choices. Retaining 4 of the original restaurants, now operating under the banner of the Metropolitan Restuarants – Getti, Marylebone High St and Jermyn St, Gallileo in Haymarket and Zia Teresa in Knightsbridge. Our menus draw on Italy’s rich culinary heritage to offer modern interpretation of classic Italian dishes and a superb list of regional Italian wines from carefully selected suppliers. Our Italian chefs each supplement the menu with their own regional and seasonal specialities, making each of our restaurants an authentic and unique culinary experience. We source only premium quality Italian ingredient from leading producers and importers. Value for money is an integral part of the Metropolitan promise with each restaurant offering excellent traditional Italian experience, where the quality of the food and the atmosphere is special every single day. Each of our restaurant has private dining areas suitable for a wide range of events including parties, corporate functions, cocktail parties, product lunches, themed events, private dinners and family celebrations.