Our Story

Fr Gianluigi Colombo, a Salesian Italian priest in charge of overseeing the operations of the Don Bosco Printing Press, was given permission by Don Bosco management to set up a “canteen” to support its employees, thus giving birth to Amici di Don Bosco (Friends of Don Bosco).

Starting with Italian coffee and gelato, the canteen eventually introduced wood-fire oven baked pizzas and homemade pastas. Fr Colombo’s kitchen eventually became a taste of heaven where tired and weary “souls” found comfort. News of great Italian cuisine prepared and served by priests and “ordinary people” inside a canteen spread like wildfire, attracting patrons from all over Metro Manila. From humble beginnings, Amici di Don Bosco became well known for authentic Italian pizza, pasta, and gelato.

Amici Executive Chef Paolo Moran worked in restaurant kitchens in Florence and Sicily for a year to learn the culinary traditions of true Italian cooking. Now working in the Amici kitchen, he gives importance to the freshness of the ingredients to bring about the authentic Italian flavor.

Being the creative mind and working hands behind the crafting of the new dishes offered by Amici, Chef Paolo aims to bring a smile to others by serving up his love and passion for good food.

“I’m happy to share this taste of Italy with you. My biggest satisfaction comes when I see friends and family gathered together enjoying the dishes I’ve prepared for them. Buon Appetito!” -Chef Paolo