Matteo
Maritati
A Passion Born in Southern Italy
Growing up in the heart of Southern Italy, food was always much more than nourishment—it was a way of bringing people together. My earliest memories are of watching my mother cook with love, transforming simple, seasonal ingredients into meals that created lasting memories around the family table. That passion inspired me from a young age and shaped the values that still define my work today.
At just 14 years old, I began working in my family’s restaurant, learning every aspect of the kitchen from the ground up. Those early experiences taught me discipline, respect for ingredients and the importance of hard work.
After graduating from culinary school with honours, I moved to London at the age of 22 to pursue my dream of working at the highest level of hospitality.
Co-owner & Executive Chef
Salotto, Chelsea
Co-owner and Executive Chef of Salotto in Chelsea, where I create the menu and lead the culinary direction, combining Italian tradition with seasonal ingredients and contemporary flair.
The Gordon Ramsay Years
Shortly after arriving in London, I joined the Gordon Ramsay Restaurants group, beginning an incredible journey that would shape my professional career.
Over almost a decade, I progressed through several of the group’s flagship restaurants, including Bread Street Kitchen, Union Street Café and Heddon Street Kitchen, eventually becoming Head Chef.
Leading large kitchen brigades, managing high-volume operations and maintaining exceptional standards under pressure taught me invaluable lessons in leadership, organisation and consistency. Those years refined not only my technical skills but also my understanding of what true hospitality means.
From Restaurants to Private Households
Following my time with Gordon Ramsay Restaurants, I became Executive Head Chef at Century Club in Soho, where I led a larger operation while continuing to develop innovative menus and mentor talented chefs.
Seeking a more personal and bespoke approach to hospitality, I transitioned into the world of private service, working as a Private Chef for ultra-high-net-worth families, international clients and royal households.
This role has taken me across London, Europe and beyond, creating highly personalised dining experiences while maintaining complete discretion, flexibility and attention to detail.
Every client is different, and understanding their lifestyle, nutritional goals and personal preferences has become one of my greatest strengths.
Hospitality Beyond Cooking
Today, my work extends far beyond the kitchen.
Alongside my career as a Private Chef, I provide hospitality consultancy, restaurant development and recruitment services for luxury hospitality businesses, private households and international clients.
From designing kitchens and creating menus to recruiting exceptional hospitality professionals and improving operational performance, I help businesses and families build outstanding hospitality experiences from the ground up.
My background in Close Protection has also given me a deep understanding of discretion, professionalism and the high standards expected within private residences and VIP environments.
My Philosophy
I believe that great hospitality is about much more than exceptional food.
It is about understanding people, creating memorable experiences and delivering excellence with humility, passion and consistency.
Whether preparing an intimate family dinner, leading a large kitchen brigade, consulting on a restaurant opening or recruiting outstanding hospitality professionals, I approach every project with the same commitment to quality, integrity and genuine Italian hospitality.
Selected Career Highlights
- Born and trained in Puglia, Southern Italy
- Graduated from culinary school with honours
- Nearly 10 years with Gordon Ramsay Restaurants
- Head Chef at Heddon Street Kitchen
- Executive Head Chef at Century Club, London
- Private Chef for UHNW families and international clients
- Private Chef for Royal Households
- Experience supporting elite athletes and high-performance nutrition
- Hospitality Consultant for luxury restaurants and private clients
- Founder & Director of Matteo Maritati Hospitality Ltd
