A York chef known for his pop-ups, collaborations, and international food projects is preparing to open a new Roman kitchen in the city centre next month.
Alessandro Venturi, originally from Rome and the chef behind projects including Spaghetti Junction and the British Invasion, will take over the kitchen at Fossgate Tap from the end of March under a new concept called Foro.
The name Foro is inspired by the historic Roman Forum, once the social heart of ancient Rome, and reflects the idea of a lively meeting place centred around food, culture, and conversation.
“After years of travelling, collaborations, and pop-ups, opening something permanent in York feels like the right moment,” said Alessandro. “Fossgate has an amazing independent energy, and I’m excited to become part of that community.”
The kitchen will serve traditional Roman recipes including fried bites such as supplì, pasta cacio e pepe, carbonara and amatriciana, alongside Roman-style pizza.
While Neapolitan pizza is widely known, Roman pizza is thinner, crisp and light, with almost no internal crumb. Pasta is served al dente, and carbonara is made using guanciale and Pecorino Romano, bringing the taste and memories of Rome to York diners.
The opening will be celebrated on next weekend, Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 March with a launch event featuring Italian pizza chef Leonardo Milioni and his team from Salto Pizzeria, who will create special dishes showcasing contemporary techniques and flavours.
Also for the weekend, Italian tattoo artist Marco Luchetti will host a guest pop-up at Adara Tattoo Collective, and a limited-edition graphic will be released in collaboration with designer Matt Glasby, whose work includes Elton John, Ed Sheeran, and The Beatles.
The kitchen will operate five days a week inside Fossgate Tap.
