Skip to Content
News

LAVO Ristorante Announces New Chef in LA, Global Expansion

Sicilian native Luca Maita takes over as Executive Chef at the West Hollywood location, while a new restaurant opens in London, and more from the Tao Group’s LAVO brand.

LAVO Los Angeles

One of the dining rooms at LAVO Ristorante in Los Angeles

LAVO Ristorante in Los Angeles, part of the sprawling Tao Group of nightclubs and restaurants, has changed its kitchen leadership. Opened to fanfare in West Hollywood last year, the elegant coastal Italian restaurant now has Luca Maita at the helm as executive chef. A native of Catania in Sicily whose grandfather was a fisherman and who grew up in a family with a seafood business, Maita brings expertise and experience. 

Luca Maita
Luca Maita is the new executive chef at LAVO Ristorante in West Hollywood, in Los Angeles.

He started his career cooking in Sicily and then in London and Australia, before landing in the Los Angeles area in 2016. More recently, he led the kitchens at highly rated Italian restaurants 1212 in Santa Monica and Nonna in Westlake Village, before joining Lavo in West Hollywood.

At LAVO Ristorante, he’s tasked with overseeing a menu that goes deep into seafood while covering many popular Italian dishes, as well as representing a dynamic, growing brand with locations in Manhattan, Las Vegas, and San Diego, as well as the new LAVO London. There’s a Mexico City LAVO in the works for 2024 as well.

Angelenos will have a chance to experience a special LAVO menu for DINE LA, running October 6-20, with prix-fixe brunch at $35 [pdf] and dinner at $65 per person [pdf].

Check out more images from LAVO Ristorante in Los Angeles below.

big meatball
The Meatball from LAVO Ristorante in Los Angeles.
salt baked sea bass
Salt-baked sea bass from LAVO Ristorante.
tagliatelle topped with caviar and herbs
Tagliatelle al limon from LAVO.
LAVO Los Angeles
More of the stunning interiors from LAVO Ristorante.
Patio at LAVO
The patio at LAVO Ristorante.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Appetito

MICHELIN-Starred Chef Michele Minchillo Heads to Savannah for La Vetta Opening

Chef Michele Minchillo shares his vision for La Vetta, a new Italian restaurant opening on Savannah’s Broughton Street.

Osteria Molo Brings Puglian Cooking to Newport Beach

Chef Piero Topputo and co-owner Michele Riviello are setting a high bar for Italian dining in Newport Beach.

Appetito’s Andrew Cotto Shares an Easter Menu on ABC News Live

Ahead of Easter, Appetito's Editor-in-Chief went on ABC News Live to share a menu inspired by Roman traditions.

April 6, 2026

Trattoria Lucia Builds a Following in Atlanta

At Trattoria Lucia, a simple approach to Italian cooking is drawing a loyal crowd in Atlanta’s Glenwood Park.

Seirēn Song Spritz: Exploring Portugal and Spain’s Aperitif Culture

If you love Italian aperitivo options, try the Seirēn Song Spritz.

April 6, 2026

Aria Fritta: Almost Anything—But Not Air

From polenta to zucchini blossoms, Italian frying knows few limits. Its only boundary becomes a metaphor for words without substance.

April 6, 2026
See all posts