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.

11:38 AM EDT on September 27, 2023

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 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.

The Meatball from LAVO Ristorante in Los Angeles.
Salt-baked sea bass from LAVO Ristorante.
Tagliatelle al limon from LAVO.
More of the stunning interiors from LAVO Ristorante.
The patio at LAVO Ristorante.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More Stories

My Accidental Ferragosto: What Italy Teaches Us About Summer

When weekend plans unexpectedly disappeared, I discovered the pleasure of slowing down and embracing a little Italian summer spirit.

August 14, 2026

Chef POV: Italian Food News, Gifts and Kitchen Finds

These new releases bring a little fun, flavor and Italian flair to the season.

August 14, 2026

Pasta School with Lowcountry Bella: How to Make Fresh Fettuccine

In Lesson Two, learn how to turn fresh pasta dough into silky ribbons of homemade fettuccine.

August 14, 2026

This Week in Italian Food & Travel News (Aug. 14)

A fresh mix of stories offers plenty to talk about, from what’s new on the menu to what’s unfolding across the Mediterranean.

August 14, 2026

Campari Hosting Campari Spritz Square in Nolita this Weekend

Reservations have been available on a rolling basis and a limited number of walk-in spots are also available.

August 13, 2026

Lolita’s Gelato: Italian Gelato in Santorini, Greece

A tiny gelateria in Oia became much more than a place to stop for something sweet.

August 13, 2026