About Us
La Balena is Italian for ‘the whale” and Matteo Giovanazzi, who is behind the project, says: “We know everyone’s going to call it ‘the Whaler’s’ anyway, so it was the obvious name”.
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Matteo comes with impeccable credentials having done most of his training in Glasgows La Parmigiana and latterly worked as head chef in Caffe Parma, a firm favourite with a few islanders living in Glasgow – his wife, Laura, is from Lewis while his own family background goes back for 200 years in the restaurant business.
The Giovanazzi family originates from the small town of Compiano ( which can be seen in the bar area) in the region of Emilia Romagna - Italys capital of food. This is where many of Matteos recipes come from although a few other have been developed along the way to compliment the diverse ingredients found in Scotland.
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An award-winning chef, Matteo Giovanazzi is offering familiar Italian fare of pizza and pasta but also intends to place heavy emphasis on island seafood and the produce of local butchers.
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Matteo and Laura decided to take the Stornoway plunge while Laura was expecting their daughter Sofia and are extremely grateful for the welcome they have received.