In a city full of restaurants, Luogo stands out far above the rest in Nashville, and with good reason. Opened by famed restauranteur and chef Anthony Scotto a year and a half ago, Luogo is Scotto’s heritage and heart in one masterful culinary experience.
Of Italian descent, Scotto grew up in Brooklyn, New York, where his family focused largely on food and the experience of sharing a meal. Scotto began working in restaurants in New York City right out of high school, the humble beginnings of a career that would span decades and states.
“I rose through the ranks at the Sheraton Hotel Times Square to be the Director of Food and Beverage in my 20s,” Scotto tells Everything Nash. “After that, I moved to California and opened a few restaurants in San Fransisco, and a popular nightclub in LA called Bar One.”
After eight years, the pull to the Big Apple lured Scotto back to New York City, where he opened Fresco by Scotto in Midtown Manhattan, a popular restaurant that has now been in business for more than 30 years. But when the opportunity came for Scotto and his family to relocate to Music City, Scotto jumped at the chance.
“The move to Nashville was an easy one – my whole family moved here from NYC, and I just love the city and the people,” he says. “The city’s growth is remarkable and we are excited to be a part of it. What more can a husband, Dad, and small business owner ask for?”
Scotto has spent his entire adult life working in restaurants and the food industry, combining all of his collective experiences to make both Luogo and his other restaurant, Pelato, so successful.
“This business isn’t something I stumbled on later in life,” Scotto explains. “It has been a huge part of my life since I was 16. I pulled from all that experience to open Luogo and Pelato — my greatest joy is when the customer feels that. There are many options for dining in Nashville, but when our customers come back time and time again, it’s the ultimate ‘thumbs up’ for me. In return for their patronage, I personally ensure the service stays at my high standard and the food stays exciting and relevant.”
Scotto is, rightfully, proud of both Luogo and Pelato, restaurants that are much more than a business to him, but a way to welcome guests that quickly feel like friends.
“We just do our thing!” Scotto says. “I come from a city where there were ten Italian restaurants within a five-minute walk from me – that competition always keeps you sharp. It also teaches you that when it’s not broken don’t fix it! We brought that same winning formula to Nashville and thankfully Nashvillians have embraced it with open arms.”
Luogo, which offers indoor and outdoor seating, boasts a wide variety of menu items, including their unique Potato and Zucchini Chips, drizzled with gorgonzola cheese, their impressively large Arancini del Luogo as appetizers, plus their impossibly thin, grilled pizza for appetizers and pasta courses that include Pappardelle with Duck Ragu and Gnocchi Genovese; Crispy Bronzino and Chianti Braised Short Rib for entrees.
Luogo also offers an impressive array of desserts, such as Lemon & Olive Oil Soft Serve Swirl and Mocha Pot Tiramisu. It’s a menu that is always changing and evolving, both seasonally and as creative inspiration strikes.
“We are constantly changing the menu here at Luogo,” Scotto reveals. “Seasonally, but also just whenever we feel like it. We also have rotating daily specials which always keeps it interesting. I really love the duck ragu pasta that is a mainstay on the menu.”
Scotto is already leaving his mark in Music City, but he is always looking for new opportunities.
“As Nashville continues to grow, so will we,” Scotto says, adding that he loves the uniqueness that Luogo represents.
“Luogo focuses on casual upscale coastal Italian food on a beautiful corner in the Gulch,” Scotto says. “It really pulls heavily from what I did for 30-plus years in New York at Fresco, with some local flare. The service is impeccable with decor and ambiance to match.”
For a slightly different, but equally enjoyable experience, Scotto also recommends Pelato, located in Germantown.
“Pelato is really a first of its kind in the South and Southeast,” Scotto says. “We focus on Brooklyn Focaccaria classics that I grew up on. Casual dining with home cooking in a beautiful old warehouse in Germantown. This style of food is a dying art that continues to get watered down as the years pass. I am proud to be the flag holder and pass it down.
Luogo is located at 211 12th Ave South. More information is available at LuogoRestaurant.com.