Don Amici
Italian Restaurant
Book and Order
01702 334 980
Book and Order
01702 334 980
Our History
I was born in Venice and grew up in Milan, opened Don Amici’s in 2016, after a long and rewarding career in the restaurant industry.
When I finished my studies I started working in restaurants in the heart of Milan, the city of fashion and design.
Surrounded by foreign workers and tourists it motivated me to learn another language and to move to London to study and to work. I had planned that once I finished my studies I would go back to Italy but I loved the London lifestyle and ended up living in the city for 30 years.
During the eighties I worked as a restaurant manager in some of the West End’s top clubs and restaurants including the Hippodrome Club in Leicester Square and Stringfellows night club in Covent Garden.
As well as a love for food, I have a love of music and in the early nineties had a singing career. When promoting my album and touring around Europe I met some of the most well-known singers including Whitney Houston, Prince, George Michael and many more famous stars including Italian pop stars and international sports personalities.
Memories of my career are showcased in the gallery at the restaurant with photos of myself with many famous faces.
In 1992 I opened my first restaurant in Camden Town and then moved to Battersea to open another restaurant which I ran for 20 years.
After a successful period in London, I sold up and moved back home to Italy for a while.
After three years I started missing England, friends and family and that’s why I decided to return and start all over again and to move to Southend.
And this is where the Don Amici story begins.
Offering authentic Italian pizza and pasta. Passion and professionalism, along with many years of experience in the industry made me want to open a “little restaurant” in Westcliff.
In the past my restaurants had up to 100-120 covers but Don Amici’s is smaller with 15-20 covers.
Although smaller, and booking is recommended, I have ensured the same level of high service is on offer and food is served as diners would expect from an Italian restaurant.