Benvenuto Nella Mia Passione

Welcome to my passion

Chef Vito

 

Ciao!

I am Chef Vito, a second generation Sicilian from Queens, New York, now located in New Orleans. My roots reach through several regions of Italy, with two grandparents hailing from Bisacquino and Palermo, and two from Corazzano and Bari. My upbringing included learning Northern, Southern, and Sicilian cooking through the tutelage of both sets of grandparents. I spent my younger years and well into adulthood assisting in the kitchens of both sides of the family as they lived within blocks of each other.  I visit relatives in Sicily and travel the mainland, continually seeking out new dishes and engaging local chefs.  Besides the authentic dishes, I love to present my zeal for blending combinations of Northern and Southern cuisines into my own masterful creations. My joy comes from sharing my passion for cooking and my heritage. Let me bring a touch of Italy to you!

Chef Vito

Chicken Pesto Smothered in Bruschetta

Chicken Pesto Smothered in Bruschetta

Cosa Facciamo

What We Do

I invite you to experience the wonders of Old World Italian cuisine in a distinctive and fun way in the comfort of your own home or rental. Whether it's your next dinner party, special occasion or intimate dinner for two I will prepare a multi-course dining experience we have designed together. If you are coming for an extended stay and wish to have private daily service please let me know and we can discuss your needs for a complete menu. Looking for something different than a standard restaurant pre-party for your bachelor or bachelorette celebration, pre-book an Italian themed dining experience before you head out on the town. My staff and I will guide you through each course, explaining its origins and indigenous ingredients giving you a tour of Italy along the way. One of my staff is from Rome, speaks fluent Italian and Spanish, and would be more than happy to engage you in your native language! At your request I can pair wines for each course along the way. All course selections are for the entire group. 

Mediterranean Seafood Pasta

Mediterranean Seafood Pasta

Shrimp Appetizer

Shrimp Appetizer

Bolognese

Bolognese

Dinner With Vito Reviews
Jessica T.

This was our second time reserving Chef Vito and the dinner did not disappoint! We booked him for a private dinner for my mother in law and contacted him almost 9 months in advance to ensure we had him for her dinner. Chef Vito was very personable and spoke with us several times during the weeks leading up to the dinner to help us create a personalized menu fit for all of our guests. He uses only premium cuts of meat and finds the freshest ingredients for his food. He is very easy to work with and makes hosting a dinner at your home a breeze — his assistant helped to keep our kitchen picked up and made sure our guests dinner plates were cleared for each course. We also love the passion and creativity he brings with each item he serves. His Italian roots are always present in each meal — you never get the boring/basic/Americanized Italian cuisine with him. Everything is perfecto!

Hilary P.

Wow! What an amazing evening, Vitorio cooked up an absolute feast for my partners birthday. There were 8 of us, and the flavors were spectacular, from the Eggplant bruschetta mozzarella appetizer, to the Salmon with pistachio glaze. The bolognese was to die for. Would highly recommend!

Julian and Gabriella

Chef Vito created an incredible bespoke experience for my girlfriend's birthday. We met Vito on a plane ride and hit it off. He far exceeded our expectations - building a custom menu and creating a beautiful, romantic evening in his backyard. Five stars!

Robert C., Metairie, LA

We hired Chef Vito for a birthday dinner at my house for eight people. The food and service were absolutely spectacular! The chef had his own take on some traditional Italian dishes which worked extremely well. Everyone was impressed and wanted his number for their own family dinners. It looks like he has many different options for many different occasions depending upon what you want. He is easy enough to work with and flexible enough to cater to all of your needs. I definitely would and will hire him again.

DDD, New Orleans

Chef Vito arrived at my French Quarter home with a gourmet large bag of fresh ingredients for bruschetta, Vito Special with veal and eggplant, pasta, and Italian wines for 2 people. He spent about 2 hours sharing wonderful descriptions of his heritage and sauces! We experienced great smells, delectable Italian food, and great wines!!! Overall, a very memorable time in the kitchen. I give him “5 stars.”

Kristina B., San Diego, Ca

Chef Vito catered our rehearsal dinner for our Italian themed wedding. He made the most awesome classic Italian meatballs and sausages in his famous sauce. His eggplant appetizer was unbelievable. Not one person left hungry! We highly recommend Chef Vito for any event you might have — he will not disappoint!

Patricia Greenberg, The Fitness Gourmet, Los Angeles, Ca

I cannot say enough about the quality of food and service from the staff at Dinner With Vito! I was traveling to New Orleans on business and I had a group of 6 in a private venue dinner. I called upon Chef Vito LaRussa to help us out. Everything was prepared to perfection and the service was impeccable!

Catherine G., New Orleans, La

Mama Mia! What can I say? Vito has cooked meals for my friends and I on numerous occasions—birthdays, get-togethers, holidays, or just because. His sauces are amazing and authentic! There is so much thought and love that goes into each dish... it’s truly something your Sicilian grandmother would be proud of.

Mariana S., Providence, RI

Vito, many thanks for the wonderful Italian Christmas dinner for my family during our holiday visit to the Big Easy. It felt like the times we had at home. Hope your holidays were as good as you made ours! Bon appétit!

Sandy H., New Orleans, La

Chef Vito orchestrated a Sicilian Christmas Feast at our house for about 12 of our friends and family. He ran a tight ship and was in perfect control of every detail from beginning to end. The food.... wow, the food! His Bolognese is like nothing we have ever had before and that’s just the beginning! Trust me, bring him in and turn him loose!