Avo is a regional Italian restaurant from New Orleans-born chef, Nick Lama, a third-generation Sicilian. Avo is an Italian word that translates as grandfather or ancestor. The name is both deliberate and meaningful. The menu at Avo is inspired by his family’s recipes but served with a fresh perspective. Classics like meatballs and lasagna are standards, with inventive takes on dishes like the grilled octopus. While the food is Italian-focused, many ingredients are Southern-grown and locally harvested.
Chef Nick Lama has competed on Bravo’s Top Chef Masters series, “Battle of the Sous Chefs“, Top Chef New Orleans series, “Padma’s Picks” and won Gambit’s Emerging Chefs Challenge. He has also appeared on The Today Show with Hoda & Kathie Lee. Avo has won numerous awards in the short time it’s been open, including Italian Restaurant of the Year from New Orleans Magazine.
APPETIZERS
Fried Calamari Pepper & Carrot Agrodolce, Citrus Pickled Cucumbers
Charred Octopus Black Garlic, Pineapple, Calabrian Chiles
Meatballs Pork & Beef, Sugo, Fontina
Mussels & Nduja Fennel, Tomato, Herbs
Fried Artichoke Lemon-Caper Aioli, Gremolata
Beef Tartare Horseradish, Pink Peppercorn Aioli, Bread
Pear & Apple Bruschetta Walnuts, Gorgonzola, Vanilla Balsamic
Sicilian Salad Romaine, Olive Salad, Salami, Provolone, Red Wine Vinaigrette
PASTA
Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe Jumbo Lump Crab
Lasagna Short Rib Ragu, Tomato, Béchamel
Ravioli Ricotta, Tomato, Basil
Spaghetti Shrimp, Artichoke, Peperoncino
Squid Ink Fettuccine Lobster, Tomato, Roasted Garlic, Breadcrumbs
ENTREES
8oz Filet Chianti Reduction, Parmesan Butter
Snapper Satsuma-Caper Piccata, Hazelnuts
Lamb Chops Mint Pistachio Pesto, Feta, Peas
Tuna Steak Blood Orange, Basil, Fennel, Avocado
Chicken Fra Diavolo Calabrian Chili, Olive & Sun-Dried Tomato Tapenade
SIDES
Pumpkin Risotto Sage, Pumpkin Seed, Balsamic Vinegar
Black Eyed Peas Kale, Pancetta
Fried Cauliflower Romesco
Butternut Squash Gnocchi Taleggio
Brussels Sprouts Pancetta Vinaigrette, Pickled Red Onion
All menu items are subject to change based on seasonality and availability.
Coppetta, “Italian Sundae”
Vanilla & Pistachio Gelato, Chocolate Crunch, Butterscotch, Fudge Sauce
Affogato
Vanilla Gelato, Espresso
Zeppole
Chocolate Hazelnut Fudge, Pistachio Ice Cream
Pineapple Financier
Rum Caramel, Vanilla Gelato, Brown Butter Crumb
Butterscotch Pot de Crème
Salted Caramel
Cocktails $6
Bella Satsuma
Blanco Tequila, Habanero Shrub, Local Satsuma
Pecan Old Fashioned
Cathead Pecan, Orange Bitters, Cherry
Vesper
London Dry Gin, Vodka, Cocchi Americano, Lemon
Classic Manhattan
Bourbon, Sweet Vermouth, Bitters
Lavender French 75
Gin, Lemon, Lavender, Prosecco
Honeysuckle Spritz
Cathead Honeysuckle, Blood Orange, Prosecco Rosé
Snacks
Fried Calamari $7
Chili Pepper, Parsley, Lemon
Brussels Sprouts $5
Honey Goat Cheese Balls $7
Cherry Tomato Salad, Torn Herbs
Meat, Nuts, Olives $9
Soppressata, Roasted Nuts, Marinated Olives
Fried Cauliflower $5
Pastas $9
Cacio E Pepe
Black Pepper, Parmesan
Carbonara Pasta
Bacon, Parmesan, Egg
Aglio Olio e Peperoncino
Garlic, Olive Oil, Calabrian Chiles
Amatriciana
Tomatoes, Guanciale, Red Pepper, Parmesan
House Wines $6
Classic Cocktails $6
Beer $4
An Italian Christmas Tradition
Tasting Menu Available December 9 – December 28
First Course
Fried Oyster
Celery Root and Apple Slaw, Oyster Aioli
Seared Scallop
Cauliflower, Shellfish Foam
Caesar “Crostini”
Anchovy, Parmesan, Romaine
Second Course
Shrimp Spiedini
Mirliton, Breadcrumb
Third Course
Spaghetti ai Gamberi
Crawfish, Arrabbiata, Trout Roe
Fourth Course
Branzino Three Ways
Flash-Fried, Pan-Roasted, Housemade Sausage, Soppressata-Grillo Emulsion
Our newly renovated dining room is the perfect backdrop for any get-together. From a formal rehearsal dinner to a casual business lunch, we can accommodate just about any request. For more information about a private lunch, dinner or group event at Avo, please email info@restaurantavo.com or call 504.509.6550.
GENERAL
P: 504.509.6550
E: info@restaurantavo.com
We do not accept reservations at the above email address.
HAPPY HOUR
MON-THURS 4PM-6PM
DINNER
MON-SAT 5PM-10PM
JOIN OUR TEAM
For employment opportunities, please
send your resume to:
info@restaurantavo.com
PARKING
Street parking only.
Please be mindful of our neighbors.
LOCATION
5908 MAGAZINE ST {BTWN NASHVILLE & STATE} | NOLA
Dinner » Mon-Sat 5pm-10pm
ONLINE RESERVATIONS:
AVO (166444), New Orleans / Louisiana Reservations
Prefer to make your reservation via phone? Call 504.509.6550