Monti in Southend-on-Sea is a Roman family restaurant serving an amazing selection of Italian food. However, its story began in the south of Italy, where Nonno Pino was born in Mazzarino, a small village in the heart of Sicily. He decided to move to Rome where he started working in an Italian kitchen and played guitar in his spare time. In 1965, he opened his first pastry shop in an area called Rione Monti, right underneath the Colosseum, in the very centre of the first district of Rome. You can see his first machine, which he bought in the same year, displayed in the restaurant. It was also in 1965 when Papa’ Enrico, the head chef, was born from the love between Nonno Pino and Nonna Rossana.
 
The pastry shop became one of the busiest in Rome! Even though Nonno was spending most of his time working in his shop, he also became famous in the music scene for his skills playing the guitar. He played along with some of the greatest Italian artists of his time. It didn’t take long before he had his first TV appearance, two film roles, and a recording of his first LP disc.
 
In 1974, Papa’ started working in the family business at the age of nine by doing some small jobs with his dad. When Nonno saw Papa’s talent, love, and passion for the job, he gave him the chance to take over the business at the age of 17 in 1982. In the same year, Papa’ met Mamma Sabrina. It didn’t take long for him to fall in love with her. She was a beauty! After a long courtship, Mamma finally fell for him, too. In 1995, they had a son whom they named Enrico Jr. At a young age, he had worked with them in the shop after school. He then decided to move to England and follow his dream of opening a restaurant.
 
After five years of hard work, Enrico Jr. finally found the right place to fulfil his dream!  Papa’ and Mamma decided to sell their business in Rome and come to England to support his dream. This is where the concept of Monti started—a real family-run restaurant, where good food meets good people, and happy memories are made!