From a humble market stall to Cornwall’s favorite Italian restaurant

A journey built on passion, quality, and sustainability. Inspired by Italian tradition and rooted in the rich flavors of Cornwall

My Italian Roots

Ciao, I am Ugo. I was born in Garbagnate Milanese, a small town near Milan, and grew up in the nearby village of Arese. Creativity has always been in my blood. As a boy, I found my first love in music, playing classical guitar for my local church. I spent hours perfecting melodies, learning discipline and passion—two qualities that would guide me through life.

In 2001, my family moved to Imperia (my dad's birth town), a coastal gem in Liguria, and it was there that my love for Italian tradition deepened. I kept playing music, studied classical guitar, and thought I had my path laid out in front of me. But life has its twists.

In 2005, I lost my father, Piero. His passing turned my world upside down. To honor his memory, I organized a music show. I had no idea at the time, but that event would ignite a fire in me—a passion for creating experiences that bring people together.

A New Chapter in England

For years, I followed my passion for music and the arts, producing shows and working with theaters across Italy and the UK (Yes, I am proud to say I have learned and grew with some of the best arts organisation including The Royal Opera House, Phoenix Dance Theatre and Hall For Cornwall).

But deep down, I always felt something was missing. I longed to bring a piece of my Italian heritage with me wherever I went.

It wasn’t until I moved to Cornwall and I was made redundant due to a capital project that everything clicked. Cornwall reminded me of the Italian coastline—the warmth of the people, the abundance of fresh, local ingredients, and the strong sense of community. I started to think, “What if I could combine my Italian roots with Cornish flavors? What if I could bring a taste of Italy to this special corner of the world?”

From TiramisUGO to The Cornish Italian

I began small, selling jars of my signature tiramisù—TiramisUGO—at local farmers' markets. It wasn’t just any tiramisù; I wanted to make it perfect. Every jar was crafted with the same care and love I’d seen my mamma put into her cooking back home. To my surprise, it became a hit.

Soon, TiramisUGO grew from a market stall to something much bigger. It gave me the confidence to take the next step: delivering fresh pasta ready meals and TiramisUGO across Cornwall...

and beyond.

When the war in Ukraine started, I was forced to adapt and modify my business model. I built a food truck to reach my customers without incurring delivery fees. That’s how The Cornish Italian, as you see it today, officially started. Born by the side of a road!

After seven months (2022-2023) of serving street food from my trattoria on wheels, my passion caught the eye of Jules Chenoweth, who invited me to transform a former wine shop into my first restaurant. This marked a bold new chapter, elevating my team and me from the streets to our own elegant establishment.

My Vision for The Cornish Italian

BORN IN ITALY. MADE IN CORNWALL

June 2023. The dream has come true. The opening of our first ever restaurant in the heart of Cornwall.

From the start, my mission has been clear. I don’t want to be the best restaurant in the world—I want to be your Italian favorite in Cornwall. I want to create a space where families, friends, and couples can come together to enjoy honest, authentic Italian food made with the best seasonal ingredients Cornwall has to offer.

Every dish we serve tells a story. Our fresh pasta is made daily, just like in Italy, but with local Cornish flour. Our sauces are rich, flavorful, and inspired by recipes passed down through generations. And, of course, our tiramisù? Well, let’s just say it’s still at the heart of everything we do.

What’s Next?

The Cornish Italian is constantly evolving. We’re not just a restaurant anymore. We now offer cooking classes to share the joy of making fresh pasta, cater exclusive weddings and private events, and will soon start to deliver fresh pasta kits again so you can enjoy a taste of Italy at home.

But no matter how much we grow, our values remain the same. It’s about community, authenticity, and the love of good food.

So, next time you step into The Cornish Italian, know that every plate, every jar of tiramisù, and every strand of pasta is part of a much bigger story—one that started in a small Italian town and found its home here in Cornwall.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Without you, none of this would have been possible.

With gratitude,
Ugo, Laura, Piero & Mamma Daniela