Inspired by traditional Italian family cooking and values, The Fat Chef operates 'La Trattoria', high quality restaurants in both Helmsley and Malton, North Yorkshire.
Customers can expect the finest ingredients, authentic recipes and a warm welcome, with all dishes freshly prepared in the kitchen by a passionate team of experienced chefs.
La Trattoria brings an authentic taste of contemporary Italian life to the heart of Helmsley & Malton. Step inside either of our two restaurants, and you’ll be welcomed into an Italian bistro & pizzeria, contemporary cocktail bar and café all rolled into one – it’s a place to relax and enjoy the best of Italy at any time of the day.
Our mission is to bring customers delicious, authentic food made from scratch using high quality, carefully sourced ingredients.
Whilst our menus are always evolving, our values will never change – it’s about quality food that everyone can enjoy, prepared with passion and served in a friendly, welcoming environment.
Meet Francois
The Fat Chef Company is owned and operated by Francois Strydom, a charismatic, experienced chef with a real passion for food, and a flair for Italian cooking.
After honing his craft for several years in restaurants across the country, Francois became head chef at Jamie’s Italian in York. In 2013, he founded The Fat Chef Company, initially as an event catering business and restaurant consultancy.
As The Fat Chef Company developed, the focus of the business changed, and Francois took over his first restaurant in 2016.