The new Italian spot is named for its owner’s great grandfather 

A new Italian restaurant, Carmelo’s, had its soft opening on Wednesday, Oct. 30 in Covington. Named after one of the founder’s great grandfathers, Carmelo Caserta, the restaurant dedicates itself to his best qualities: generosity, love, sincerity and good humor. 

Culinary veterans Billy Grise, whose great grandfather the restaurant is named after, and Mitch Arens created the restaurant. Grise grew up working at his family’s restaurant, Caserta’s, and previously worked as head chef at The Rookwood and Quan Hapa, director of food and beverage at Hotel Covington, and director of food and beverage at Thunderdome Restaurant Group most recently. 

Aren previously worked as executive chef at Hotel Covington and created Bayou Backyard Pop Up, Beard & Bellies BBQ in Newport and Grub Local, which is featured at The Well in Covington. The longtime friends met 16 years ago while both working at David Falk’s Nada. 

The process from announcement to opening has been quick, with the restaurant only having been announced in August. 

The restaurant has a goal of putting modern spins on immigrant Italian food. The menu is still being finalized, but a few dishes released so far are the oxtail ragu, garlic soup and tiramisu. Other classic dishes included are lasagna and spaghetti and meatballs. One reviewer from the soft opening said, “Just eat everything.” 

At the bar, you can grab a spaghet, Aperol with a mini bottle of Miller High Life, or a glass of wine from the extensive list. 

The restaurant has also made a point to use local products, including focaccia and sourdough from Elle McKee at Family Thyme Kitchen, butter from Shannon Paul at Buttercat Dairy and Biscuits and coffee from Carabello Coffee. 

Carmelo’s at 434 Madison Ave. in Covington is open Tuesday-Thursday 4-9 p.m., Friday-Saturday 4-10 p.m. and Sunday 4-9 p.m. Reservations are recommended but walk-ins are welcome. You can find more info on its website.