Step off Chelsea’s busy Walton Street into what Italians call qualcosa di speciale—something truly special. Established in 1988, Scalini brings the spirit of classic Italian dining to a Georgian townhouse in one of London’s most elegant neighbourhoods.

Scalini’s roots stretch back to 1959 with La Trattoria Terrazza in Soho. It was here that Scalini’s founders, Mario Paggetti and Valerio Calzolari, first met. Florentine restaurateur Mario Paggetti arrived in London during its culinary renaissance, opening Sale e Pepe, Sambuca and Signor Sassi in the 70's and 80's. In November 1988, Scalini opened its doors on Walton Street, where it still thrives today.

A major influence on Scalini’s success was founding Head Chef Luigi Ferraro, who led the kitchen for over 30 years. Shaped by Italy’s early trattoria tradition and a passion for simple, honest Tuscan cooking, Luigi's signature dishes use the finest local and Italian ingredients prepared with heart and without pretension. This straightforward, flavour-driven approach remains Scalini’s philosophy.

Today, Executive Chef Paulino Alves, along with Restaurant Manager Massimo and the team, continue to welcome generations of guests to the original Scalini in Walton Street, London. In recent years, Scalini has expanded to Dubai, Doha, Bahrain, Cannes, Istanbul and Egypt, bringing its timeless style and spirit of Italian dining to guests worldwide.