Celebrity chef Fabio Viviani and the team at Fabio Viviani Hospitality (FVH) announced the opening date of LAGO, a modern Italian steakhouse located in Lake Zurich, IL (just outside of Chicago.) The new concept will officially open its doors to the public on March 4, 2024. To bring this tantalizing new concept to life, Chef Fabio & FVH partnered with Illinois-based real estate developer and entrepreneur Romeo Kapudija.
Widely known for his appearances on Bravo’s Top Chef and his success as a prolific restaurateur with over 40 concepts across the country, Fabio is not just a name at LAGO; he’s a neighbor. The intimate connection he and his family have with the community adds a very special and personal touch to the dining experience.
LAGO will have a sleek & sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere. In addition to a “four seasons patio” that can be enjoyed year-found, guests can dine and drink al fresco during the warmer weather months in LAGO’s greenery-lined outdoor dining area.
The 180-seat restaurant is located inside The Sanctuary on Lake Zurich, a new luxury townhouse community. Consisting of 23 townhomes, The Sanctuary offers a country club-like atmosphere that includes a private beach and 30 boat dock piers.
Chef Fabio’s menu at LAGO is both innovative and steeped in Italian tradition. There is a strong emphasis on steak – guests can expect to see over a dozen different cuts of premium steak from the finest purveyors – as well as fresh seafood, homemade pastas and shareable plates.
Guests are encouraged to begin their culinary journey with a single bite from the “Elevated One Bite” section before moving on to the rest of the meal (Chef Fabio recommends the Steak & Eggs Bite, which features Crispy Risotto, Wagyu Beef Tartare & Caviar.)
Highlights from the opening menu will include:
Smoked Filet Mignon Tartare
Roasted Garlic Aioli, Pickled Vegetables, Farm Egg Yolk
Prawns in Camicia
Large Spot Prawns, Roasted Garlic, Sauvignon Blanc Butter Sauce, Fresh Herbs, Creamy Polenta
Prime Bone-In Ribeye with Roasted Garlic & Truffle Butter
Bistecca Alla Fiorentina
Dry-Aged Center-Cut Porterhouse T-Bone
Wagyu Short Rib Bolognese
Fresh Paccheri, Savory Red Wine & Short Rib Ragout, Pecorino
Double Cut Aurelio’s Pork Chop
Mustard Glazed, Sautéed Apples
Taking things to the next level and adding a bit of drama to the dining experience, a number of dishes will be prepared or finished tableside, including a large format Caprese Salad designed to serve 2-4 people: a specially trained LAGO staff member will pull, stretch, and cut the fresh Buffalo Mozzarella Cheese Curds at the table before assembling the salad and drizzling it with the finest Italian olive oil and 20 year aged Balsamic.
The beverage program at LAGO is headed up by sommelier Fabrizio Di Rienzo. LAGO’s wine menu includes a carefully curated list of international vinos. Because of Fabrizio and Chef Fabio’s personal connections to various vineyards and winemakers throughout Italy, LAGO will also offer a special collection of unique and rare Italian wines. Found under the “Captain’s List” section of the wine menu, this list will include bold Brunellos, Barolos and other harder-to-find varietals.
LAGO will also offer one of the most extensive craft cocktail programs in the area. Created by master mixologist Armando Conway, LAGO’s cocktail menu will feature 25 different handcrafted libations.
Chef Fabio Viviani expressed his excitement about the opening of LAGO, staying in a statement, “LAGO is not just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of the flavors and community spirit that make Lake Zurich and the surrounding communities such an exceptional place to live. I am thrilled to be opening LAGO in my own neighborhood, where friends and families can create lasting memories over exceptional meals.”
LAGO by Fabio Viviani is located at 350 N. Rand Rd. in Lake Zurich, IL.
