Welcome to Frallo – an elevated expression of Italian cuisine, thoughtfully crafted with care and passion.
Taken from the Italian word “frollo,” meaning aged and tender, Frallo reflects the essence of our approach: food shaped by time, tradition, and attention to detail.

Dorian Koti and Dean Lathbury began their journey over 12 years ago, working closely together in hospitality - Dean as Executive Chef and Dori as General Manager. Their shared dedication to exceptional food and service led to the successful opening of their first restaurant in Durham. Building on that foundation, they went on to establish Novellos Washington, continuing to grow their vision for authentic Italian dining.

As the team expanded, Max Mandri joined us as General Manager and Director, bringing with him a wealth of experience from respected restaurants across the North East. Leo Diano took on the role of Head Chef and Director, offering his fine-dining expertise gained at renowned venues such as The Langham Hotel under Michel Roux Jr., Ramside Hall, Café 21, and Marco Pierre White’s Steakhouse.

Together, this leadership team brings a unique balance of expertise, creativity, and consistency-culminating in the creation of Frallo, a new venture that honours everything they’ve learned along the way.

At Frallo, we uphold the values that have guided us from the beginning: authenticity, quality, and a strong sense of community. Many of our team members have been with us since the early days, and together we’re committed to delivering an Italian dining experience that is both refined and heartfelt.

We look forward to welcoming you soon!