Tao Group Hospitality’s brand new LAVO location has officially opened in San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter.
Featuring 235 seats and occupying a prime corner in the historic Gaslamp Quarter neighborhood, LAVO San Diego will bring Tao Group Hospitality’s trademark attention to detail where every aspect is not only paid attention to, but amplified, from food and cocktails to design. The restaurant, located in the prominent former Searsucker space on the corner of 5th and Market, features site-specific artwork commissioned for the space by long-time collaborator and artist Peter Tunney. The light-filled, 15-foot loft-like restaurant houses an open kitchen, dining room with plush Hollywood banquettes, 3-sided bar with sports watching ability and outdoor sidewalk dining alongside olive trees and abundant live greenery from local North Park Nursery, antique wood floors and mirrors, and amber glowing pendants.
The latest addition to the notable Tao Group Hospitality with concepts spanning from Los Angeles to New York to Singapore, LAVO San Diego will cater to locals and visitors alike. At LAVO San Diego, guests can expect the boisterous, vibe-led dining experience of LAVO juxtaposed with a quintessential laid-back, yet chic Southern California flair.
Tao Group Hospitality Chief Culinary Officer Ralph Scamardella has created a menu of LAVO’s hits with highlights including Scarpariello Wings with Lemon, Rosemary and Roasted Garlic, “The Meatball” a One Pound Wagyu Meatball Served with Marinara & Fresh Whipped Ricotta, Chopped Antipasto salad, “Angry Maria” Brick Oven Pizza with Calabrian Chili, Tomato, Vodka Sauce, Basil Pesto and Fresh Mozzarella, Truffle Ricotta Cavatelli with Crema, Mushroom Ragu and Shaved Truffle, Grilled Shrimp Spiedini with Lemon Garlic Butter, Shaved Fennel and Sweet Baby Peppers, Crispy Chicken “Dominick” with White Balsamic, Potatoes and Red Chili Flakes alongside specialty desserts such as the Oreo Zeppole that’s Double Stuffed and served with a Malted Vanilla Milkshake and the famous 20 Layer Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Devil’s Food Cake with Peanut Butter Mascarpone. Cocktails include the LAVO-Lini with Vodka, Lychee, White Cranberry, Aloe Vera, Lemon and Raspberry Caviar, Sicilian Cartel with Mezcal, Fresh Lime, Egg White and Grapefruit Cordial and Platinum Martini with Vodka, Noilly Prat, Choice of Gorgonzola Dolce Stuffed Olives, Lemon Twist, or Pickled Onion and a “Bump” of Golden Osetra Caviar as well as an extensive selection of new and old world wines.
Debuting on June 14, LAVO San Diego will be open for dinner nightly (closed just the first three opening Mondays through 7/4) followed by lunch and brunch later this summer. The restaurant is located at 611 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101.
