One of London's most celebrated Italian restaurants is marking a significant milestone with the triumphant return of a legendary culinary creation. Gloria, the vibrant Shoreditch establishment from the French-born but Italian-obsessed Big Mamma group, is celebrating its seventh birthday by reintroducing its famous 10-layer lasagna to the menu.
A Limited-Time Culinary Spectacle
For the entire month of February, diners will have the exclusive opportunity to experience this towering pasta masterpiece once again. The dish represents more than just a meal – it's a celebration of Gloria's journey and the group's decade-long commitment to extravagant Italian dining experiences.
The Anatomy of a Legend
The returning lasagna is a carefully constructed marvel of Italian cuisine, featuring ten distinct layers of flavour and texture. Each portion is meticulously assembled with traditional ragù alla bolognese, creamy bechamel sauce, aged parmigiano, and fresh mozzarella fior di latte. The result is a harmonious blend of rich, comforting flavours that has earned the dish its legendary status among London food enthusiasts.
Beyond the culinary celebration, this special menu item carries a charitable purpose. For every portion sold, Gloria will donate £1 to The Felix Project, a respected food redistribution charity working to combat food waste and hunger across London. This initiative adds a meaningful dimension to the dining experience, allowing patrons to enjoy exceptional food while supporting a vital community cause.
The Big Mamma Phenomenon
This celebration coincides with the approximate tenth anniversary of Big Mamma itself, which was founded in Paris in 2015. The group has become renowned for creating immersive, over-the-top dining environments and developing social media-friendly dishes that capture the public imagination.
Beyond the famous lasagna, Big Mamma restaurants have become known for their theatrical presentations, including pasta served directly from hollowed-out cheese wheels and metre-long spaghettone that creates memorable dining moments. Their approach combines authentic Italian flavours with undeniable visual spectacle.
London's Big Mamma Empire
The group has established a significant presence across the capital, with Gloria being just one of several distinctive venues. Their London portfolio includes Circolo Popolare in Fitzrovia, Ave Mario in Covent Garden, Jacuzzi in Kensington, Carlotta in Marylebone, and their most recent opening – the 1970s-themed Barbarella in Canary Wharf.
Gloria itself has earned particular acclaim for its immersive atmosphere. As Time Out's original review noted, 'The room is like the inside of your Italian nonna's parlour, if she also had the kind of hoarding problem that would get her on to a late-night Channel 4 documentary.' The venue's every surface is adorned with eclectic decorations, creating a sensory-rich environment that complements the bold flavours of the food.
National and International Recognition
Big Mamma's success extends beyond London, with the group establishing itself as one of the UK's most beloved restaurant operators according to industry studies. Their expansion continues with Circolo Popolare in Manchester, La Bellezza in Birmingham, and numerous locations across Europe, all maintaining the group's signature approach to Italian dining.
The return of Gloria's 10-layer lasagna represents more than just a menu change – it's a celebration of culinary theatre, community support, and the enduring appeal of Big Mamma's distinctive approach to Italian cuisine. For one month only, Londoners have the chance to experience this legendary dish while supporting a worthy cause, making February a particularly special time to visit this Shoreditch institution.
