A world-famous iconic chef from Rome to Miami: the story of Nonna Iris and the "Osteria da Fortunata" legend.
The story
Cooking is a momentary pleasure—you savor it, you feel it, and then it's only left in memories. But there's a way to make cooking timeless and boundless: how? Iris, the undisputed queen of carbonara in Rome, will tell you herself. At 93 years old, she's a culinary icon who continues to amaze.
Since stepping into the kitchen at just 13 years old, this elderly chef has never stopped nurturing her passion for gastronomy. "I started washing dishes, but then I used my eyes to steal the secrets of good Roman cooking," she recalls in an interview with Corriere. "During the war, we made strozzapreti, strictly by hand, and sold them to the farmworkers." Today, she runs eight restaurants, continuing a culinary legacy that began in the 1920s with her grandmother Fortunata.
The osteria "Da Fortunata," named in honor of her grandmother, has become a landmark for traditional Roman cuisine, with carbonara remaining the most popular dish. Every day, Iris welcomes famous clients, celebrities, politicians, and tourists, all united by their love of good food.
The chef treats everyone with respect and courtesy, and this attitude is reflected in the high regard she enjoys among both Roman and international clientele. Her ability to create an unforgettable experience is what makes her a true legend in Italian cuisine. Iris personally oversees the management of her restaurants, leading a real family team with confidence and determination. With four locations in Rome, two in Milan, one in Bologna, and even one in Miami, her brand employs 480 people.
The key to Iris's success lies in her simple yet effective philosophy: do a few things, but do them well and always the same way. Her consistent presence in the restaurants, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., is a tangible sign of her commitment and passion for cooking. In every dish prepared by Iris, you can taste the love for tradition and attention to detail. Her pasta makers, always in full view through the restaurant’s windows, are a delightful sight for the customers and define the brand's identity.
Beyond her culinary skills, Iris embodies the values of courtesy, generosity, and dedication to her employees, whom she regards as a core part of her big family.
