Our First 35 Years

35 YEARS OF LOVE FOR GOOD FOOD

My love affair for good food began during my childhood summers in Emilia Romagna, Italy, the region where my father's roots run deep. Those sun kissed days gifted me cherished memories of fresh tortellini, piadina and bomboloni, shaping both my palate and culinary destiny. 

 

When L’AQUILA was born I was running a traditional Italian pizza and pasta restaurant in Islington and had previously had an Italian Trattoria in Winchmore Hill, north London. Then like now, I wanted to bring the taste, quality and heritage of my Italian summers to my native London, to show and share delicious Italian specialities.

Who would have said that all those years ago starting off in my restaurant basement, that L’AQUILA would evolve into what it is today – a renowned specialist in Mediterranean vegetable ingredients, serving customers across the country?

These glorious years are not only L’AQUILA's tale but also repeat our nation's culinary revolution. From the early truffle discoveries to the “wild mushroom revolution” led by celebrity chefs in the nineties, and now the premiumisation of ready meals - our enduring partnership with the food manufacturing sector remains steadfast. We continuously seek innovation and higher quality standards for an increasingly discerning, curious, and adventurous consumer base. 

Our pride lies in assisting customers to craft their perfect recipes. Whether it is a truffle-infused mac and cheese, a soul-warming porcini soup, a chargrilled artichoke baguette, or flavour-packed roasted vegetable pizza, we stand as champions of culinary innovation. As we look ahead, we remain committed to shaping the next 30 years of our country's gastronomic journey.

 

Nadia Howell