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.