Acclaimed “Top Chef” Carla Pellegrino Joins Limoncello Fresh Italian Kitchen Near Summerlin as Partner and Chef

A standout cheftestant on Bravo’s “Top Chef” and acclaimed culinary superstar, Carla Pellegrino has joined Limoncello Fresh Italian Kitchen, located in the Lakes near Summerlin at 8245 W. Sahara Ave., as partner and chef.

Husband and wife restaurateurs, Giuseppe and Jenny Bavarese, opened Limoncello Fresh Italian Kitchen in 2019.

Dazzling food aficionados for nearly two decades, Pellegrino brings her award-winning talent and expertise to Limoncello’s award-winning menu of traditional southern and northern Italian cuisine with a modern flair. “We have long admired Carla Pellegrino’s cuisine, which is truly beyond compare,” said Giuseppe. “We are thrilled to welcome Carla to Limoncello.”

“There is nothing better than being a part of a family restaurant, and Giuseppe and Jenny Bavarese have created something truly special with Limoncello,” said Pellegrino. “I couldn’t be happier to join Limoncello in what has become my home, Las Vegas.”

One of Las Vegas’ most renowned chefs, Pellegrino was born in Brazil and raised in Italy, where she began learning to cook traditional Brazilian, Italian and Portuguese cuisine from her family. She graduated with honors from the French Culinary Institute in New York City and went on to open and lead top restaurants in New York City, Miami, California and in Las Vegas, which has become her home. They include Baldoria Restaurant in the heart of NYC’s Theater District; the legendary Italian restaurant, Rao’s, located inside Caesars Palace; Touché Rooftop Restaurant in Miami; Meatball Spot in Las Vegas; and the Majestic Yosemite Hotel in Yosemite Valley, California. She also excelled as a private chef for Hollywood’s elite at Jarvis Khattri WWC.

Pellegrino opened two signature restaurants in 2011, Bacio on the Las Vegas Strip and her neighborhood restaurant, Bratalian, where she earned top awards. They included “Best New Restaurant” and “Best Italian Restaurant” in the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s “Best of Las Vegas Awards,” as well as an honorable mention among Gayot’s “Top Ten Best New Restaurants in the United States.” Pellegrino has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including a “Women in Food” and “Best Pasta Recipe” honoree by James Beard Foundation.

Under the leadership of Giuseppe and Jenny, Limoncello was named “Best Italian Restaurant” by MyVegas Magazine, and Giuseppe was recently honored among “Las Vegas’ Top 100 Men of Success,” recognizing his achievements with Limoncello and throughout the greater community. A 20-year restaurateur, Giuseppe’s previous restaurants include Prosecco Fresh Italian Kitchen and Caffe Dolce in Las Vegas, in addition to several restaurants and clubs in Los Angeles. An optometrist by day, Jenny oversees various facets of the business, including marketing.

Reservations to Limoncello may be made on OpenTable as well as by calling 702.888.1144.

About Limoncello Fresh Italian Kitchen:
Husband and wife restaurateurs Giuseppe and Jenny Bavarese have partnered with acclaimed “Top Chef” Carla Pellegrino at their family restaurant, Limoncello, located in the Lakes near Summerlin at 8245 W. Sahara Ave. Founded in 2019, Limoncello serves authentic southern and northern Italian cuisine with modern flair.

The 8,000-square-foot restaurant and bar is beautifully designed, offering private dining rooms for larger gatherings as well as a spacious, stylish bar. Voted “Best Italian Restaurant” in 2022 by MyVegas magazine, Limoncello’s menu highlights house-made pasta and other dishes made with fresh ingredients.

Reservations are available on OpenTable as well as by calling 702.888.1144. Limoncello is open from 4:30-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 4:30-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. More information is available on the website at www.limoncellolv.com, on Instagram and on Facebook.