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

Serafina Finds a New Home in Downtown Miami

Serafina opens in Downtown Miami with Italian favorites, Miami-inspired cocktails, and a focus on neighborhood hospitality.

Some Travel Tips for Your Upcoming Trip to Italy

A frequent traveler to Italy, our Editor-in-Chief offers some simple suggestions on how to make the most of a visit to Il Bel Paese.

June 6, 2025

Campari Spritz Square Pops Up in NYC for One Weekend Only

For one weekend only, Campari brings its signature red cocktail to life with a two-day aperitivo experience in New York’s Chinatown and Lower East Side.

Angelina Bakery Opens Ninth NYC Location with Mini Pizzas and Gelato Shakes

The ever-expanding empire of Angelina Bakery has opened its ninth NYC location in the Lenox Hill neighborhood of Manhattan.

Fabbri 1905, Toscana Tourism & All About Italy Bring Aperitif to NYC

Ten NYC restaurants celebrate Italian Aperitif Week with custom cocktails and Tuscan pairings, thanks to Fabbri 1905, All About Italy, and Toscana Tourism.

See all posts