ABOUT US

Our story begins back in the serene hills of Cassino, near the prestigious and historically resilient Monte Cassino, the home of The Zoccola Family. Bruno’s parents were part of the agricultural world. Their livelihood came directly from the soil, producing olive oil, tomatoes, wheat and other staples that defined everyday Italian cooking. Food was never just sustenance, it was knowledge, craft and tradition passed down through generations. After coming to the UK, they set out on a mission: to offer a piece of our culture to the British people, to show our love of food and when it comes to making food, we take great care of every step of the way, from root to recipe.

In 1991, the Zoccolas opened Valentina’s doors for the very first time. Building on three generations of culinary tradition, Valentina always focused on sourcing the finest ingredients and serving only the finest dishes. This commitment to quality remains at the heart of everything we do to this day, our very own panettone has received multiple Great Taste Award Gold Stars, showing that we continue to strive for excellence.

What started as a neighbourhood deli has grown into a thriving family business with locations in East Sheen and Weybridge, Surrey. Across both sites, the delicatessens offer an extensive selection of meats and cheeses, alongside a fresh produce section filled with seasonal fruit and vegetables.

The grocery shelves are home to over 1,500 products, from everyday pantry essentials to hard-to-find artisanal ingredients. While the roots remain proudly Italian, the journey has taken Valentina further. Continued exploration of exceptional food has led to a carefully curated range from across Europe and beyond, with every item chosen for its quality.

For us, from root to recipe reflects everything Valentina stands for. It speaks to our deep roots in Italian heritage, our careful selection of every ingredient we source, and our belief that great food begins long before it reaches the plate. From the foundations of a dish, like garlic, the heart of Italian cooking, to the finished recipes that bring people together, every step matters. In our stores, this philosophy comes to life, offering everything you need from the very first ingredient to the final dish.

At the heart of each store is the freshly prepared counter, featuring a daily selection of pasta, salads, and meat and fish dishes, all made in-house using the finest ingredients and traditional recipes.

We take great pride in our Wine Selection, carefully curated to reflect the same commitment to quality, provenance and tradition that defines everything we do. With over 150 bottles, the range span from Italian classics varying from regions to smaller, distinctive producers, alongside a considered selection of wines sourced from across Europe and further afield.

From easy drinking table wines to more complex and expressive vintages, the collection is built to complement the ingredients, recipes and regional influences that shape our deli.

In Weybridge, you can find our restaurant for the ultimate culinary experience, offering a menu that brings together Italian staples such as pizza and pasta alongside dishes with an Italian twist. This extends to burgers and a dedicated steak menu, featuring carefully selected cuts from the in-house dry ager, paying homage to Bruno’s time at Smithfield Meat Market.

Food has the incredible power of bringing people together and at Valentina, we want to share our history, culture and burning passion for exceptional food with you.