Miranda (second right)
The Forte family is bringing authentic Italian cuisine to Fulham – buon appetito!
‘We’ve had a lovely welcome from the community, with many locals becoming regulars,’ smiles Miranda Forte, the owner of Raffaele’s on Munster Road and one of London’s few female restaurateurs. ‘Often they pop in just to ask about the weekly Specials, our bambini menu has proved very popular with families at weekends and, of course, we’re dog friendly.’
In opening Raffaele’s, Miranda has followed in a proud family tradition. ‘In 1933, after arriving from Italy, my grandad Ambrogio founded the famous Star Cafe in Soho and my Uncle Mario then ran it for many years,’ she says. ‘I suppose that hospitality must be in my blood (the photographs are on the wall to prove it).’
Miranda handles front of house at Raffaele’s (named after her late father), her partner Steve manages the bar and her cousin Gino works with chef Justin and Luis in the kitchen. ‘I know Fulham well, and when we saw this premises on Munster Road it seemed the perfect opportunity for us to work together.
‘We come from the Amalfi coast, so our food is inspired by Southern Italian cuisine. I wanted to get back to the concept of a “proper” neighbourhood restaurant serving the delicious rustic dishes with big flavours that I remember from my childhood. And if a customer fancies a dish that isn’t on the menu, then they just have to ask. The chef makes everything fresh and, if he has the ingredients, he will prepare it.
‘Nothing is bought in and we use local suppliers, with excellent quality fish, meat and vegetables delivered fresh every morning. We have vegetarian options, a wine list with bottles for all tastes and budgets and our spacious rear room is available for sit-down parties and events or the whole restaurant for a buffet.
‘A restaurant should be about getting together with family and friends and enjoying good food in a friendly atmosphere. And that’s what we’re about – we look forward to seeing you.’
Raffaele’s
199 Munster Road
Fulham SW6 6BX
020 7386 8814
raffaeles.fulham@gmail.com
https://www.raffaeles.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/Raffaelescucinaitaliana/
https://www.instagram.com/Raffaeles.fulham/
Photography: #AnnabelMoellerPhotography
https://www.instagram.com/annabelmoellerphotography