Why restaurants?
In the restaurant industry I believe you can express your personality through food, drinks and ambience, and I love those three elements together.
Tell us something you wish you had been told at the start of your career?
You won’t have time for yourself.
What’s your favourite restaurant or group of restaurants (besides your own)?
Zuma.
What motivates you?
Seeing people enjoying our restaurant in different ways.
What keeps you up at night?
Only a long night out can keep me awake.
Which colleague, mentor or employer has had the biggest influence on your approach to the restaurant business?
I worked at one of the Dorchester Collection hotels in Milan “Hotel Principe Di Savoia” and the hotel manager at that time, Mr. Rizzi, has always been my mentor and an example to follow. In fact one day I would like to have my own hotel (I'm a big dreamer).
Best business decision?
To open Officina 00.
Worst business decision?
I always take my time with business decisions. I analyse everything before so I cannot say the worst business decision, but I have made few bad decisions outside of business.
What time do you wake up?
Between 6am and 6:30.
Coffee or tea?
I don’t drink caffeine.
How often do you check your email?
Every hour if not in a long meeting or back-to-back calls.
How do you let off steam?
A good hour session of kick boxing.
Do you prefer a night on the tiles or a night on the sofa?
Definitely a night on the sofa with my loved one.
What’s your signature dish to cook at home?
Pasta al forno or parmigiana.
Typical Sunday?
Spend time with my family.
Favourite holiday destination?
Thailand.
What are you currently reading?
No time for reading at the moment.
What was your dream job growing up?
Own a boutique hotel.
What piece of advice would you give to those looking to climb the rungs in the business?
Be wise, and don’t take steps bigger than you can manage.
Bio
Born in Naples, Italy, Mirto studied to be an architect at university, but left after two years. His first hospitality job was working as a bartender for Soho House Group. Having worked in hotels in both Italy and Spain between 2007 and 2012, Mirto eventually arrived in London and worked as bar manager, and later general manager, at W London. He later moved took on the role of restaurant manager for Roka; and then general manager at Ella Canta in the InterContinental London Park Lane. Mirto founded Officina 00 with chef Elia Sebregondi in 2019.
