Share with your friends!
PinterestLinkedInFlipboardReddit

Nashville weaves a vibrant culinary tapestry, and Theresa Scotto is part of its colorful fabric. The co-owner of acclaimed local restaurants Luogo and Pelato, she has a passion for Italian cuisine that stems from her upbringing in Brooklyn, NY. 

Luogo is an undeniable gem in The Gulch offering coastal Italian cuisine, but Theresa’s true labor of love — her baby — is Germantown’s Pelato. On any given night, you can find her warmly welcoming guests, overseeing service, and imparting her memories of the dishes she grew up with, which now make up Pelato’s menu.

We caught up with Theresa to learn more about her approach to hospitality, what’s next on the horizon for her family, and which not-to-be-missed dishes to put on our radar!  

Theresa Scotto, a woman in a suit, stands behind a bar with bottles of alcohol on shelves in the background.Pin
Please welcome Theresa Scotto of Luogo and Pelato! Image: Pelato

What was your childhood in Brooklyn like, and how has it influenced your approach to hospitality?

I had a great childhood. I come from an area in Brooklyn that was densely populated with families. The block I lived on had 37 children between 12 houses. My mom was the mom who made us lunch every day and always made enough for any friends who wanted to come over. She was famous for her English muffin pizzas, veal cutlet sandwiches, pasta fagioli, and an occasional PB&J sandwich.

What is your very first memory of a meal or dish that made a lasting impact?

My mom’s potato croquettes — she made these mostly during holidays, and they were so labor-intensive. I loved helping her and watching her fry two at a time. I would try to add more to the enamel pan she had for 50 years, and she would explain a thousand times, “Only two at a time — they need room to breathe!”

What led you to the restaurant business?

My husband, Anthony, has been in the restaurant business since he was 17 years old. He started as a dishwasher at a French restaurant on East 52nd Street in NYC, then worked at the Sheraton Hotel for five years as Assistant Director of Catering on East 52nd Street. He finally opened his own restaurant on the same block 10 years later. Anthony is the consummate host and operator — no one does it better, and I learned watching him all these years.

Theresa Scotto, a woman with long hair, wearing a floral blouse, stands next to a seated bald man in a blue plaid blazer. She rests her hand on his shoulder against a plain background.Pin
Anthony and Theresa are one of Nashville’s most dynamic culinary duos. Image: Lilly Brown

What brought you and your family to the South? Why Nashville?

We’ve been coming to Nashville for almost seven years now. My daughter went to school here, and we always felt that the area was underserved from an Italian restaurant perspective.

You’re the co-owner of both Luogo and Pelato. How are they different, and what can guests expect?

Luogo offers service that can’t be found elsewhere in Nashville. Anthony spends most of his time there, and the food, which is coastal Italian, is all of the recipes he’s done in NYC for the past 30 years. Staples include his potato and zucchini chips, the pizza he grills on a char grill, and the duck ragu.

Pelato is a Brooklyn-Italian restaurant with a menu of dishes you will not see in Italy. These are recipes both Anthony and I grew up eating and making — hyper-local Brooklyn cuisine, such as panelle (fried chickpea fritters) with whipped ricotta, my mom’s potato croquettes, and Anthony’s famous chicken scarpariello.

What are your personal favorite menu items?

At Luogo, the potato and zucchini chips, pizza, and fritto misto. At Pelato, the potato croquettes, made-to-order warm mozzarella, and Pelato salad.

Theresa Scotto, a woman with long blonde hair, stands against a white background, wearing a brown top and blue jeans, with her hands in her pockets, smiling at the camera.Pin
Theresa is nothing if not hospitable. Don’t be surprised if she sidles up to the wine bar to chat with you as you dine! Theresa Image: Lilly Brown

Managing two restaurants is a lot of work! Where can we find you when you aren’t working?

We haven’t had much downtime since we opened two restaurants in 12 months, but my favorite things are always cooking and hanging out with my family.

What’s next on the horizon?

The number one question I get at both restaurants is, “When are you opening this in my city?” And we respond, “We’re on it.” The future is very exciting!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

My husband has a saying, “It’s only a dish of pasta.” He always says, “Theresa, in NYC, I had 10 Italian restaurants that surrounded mine, and at the end of the day, I’m selling a dish of pasta. That pasta has to be the best. Same for the service that customers receive — from the valet to the host to the server. That is what will set us apart.”

Outside of faith, family, and friends, what three things can’t you live without?

Candy, a blow dry, and the food at Luogo and Pelato.

A woman with blonde hair, wearing a brown top and blue jeans, poses with a hand on her head against a dark background.Pin
Theresa’s love of authentic Italian food is ingrained in her soul. And that’s clear when you taste the food at Pelato! Image: Lilly Brown

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite local restaurants: The Buttermilk Ranch and lou

Favorite local gift boutiques: Hero on 12thSouth and Ranger Station

Bucket list travel destination: Going back to Italy to source some surprises and The Maldives

Favorite thing about Nashville: The calmness, cleanliness, and having my family all here!

**********

Nashville women are doing inspiring work. Meet more of them over at our FACES archives!

Jenna Bratcher
About the Author
Jenna Bratcher

Jenna Bratcher is StyleBlueprint Nashville’s Associate Editor and Lead Writer. The East Coast native moved to Nashville 17 years ago, by way of Los Angeles. She is a lover of dogs, strong coffee, traveling, and exploring the local restaurant scene bite by bite.