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

More Eating & Drinking in Milan During the 2026 Winter Olympics

Back on the ground in Milan, Appetito contributor Rob LeDonne continues his first-person look at where to eat and drink during the Olympic Games 2026.

February 20, 2026

Olympic-Inspired Ossobuco alla Milanese by Chef Matthew Cutolo

Chef Matthew Cutolo’s ossobuco celebrates Northern Italy as the Olympics shine a light on Milano and its classic cuisine.

February 20, 2026

Francesco Martucci Brings Pizza Tasting to Miami

From Caserta to South Florida, Martucci shares why Miami was the right place for his next chapter.

February 19, 2026

Lent-Friendly Citrus Salmon with Burst Tomatoes

This one pan citrus roasted salmon with burst tomatoes and peppers is a bright, effortless dinner that carries you from Lent straight into spring.

February 19, 2026

Roman Rice Stuffed Tomatoes: A Roman Comfort Dish

A Roman summer classic made with arborio rice, Pecorino Romano and ripe tomatoes, this comforting dish brings the flavors of Rome straight to your table.

February 18, 2026

Puerto Rico’s Fairmont El San Juan Hotel Offers Lively, Abundant Getaway 

A first-hand look at Puerto Rico’s iconic Fairmont El San Juan, where history, beachside beauty and nonstop energy create a vibrant Caribbean escape.

February 18, 2026
See all posts