Jeff Iovino likes to joke that he hasn’t gone very far in life, but if you ask anyone in Pittsburgh’s suburb of Mt. Lebanon, they’ll tell you differently! Having grown up on Beverly Road, just blocks from his continually evolving culinary empire, Jeff’s interest in becoming a chef was shaped by his grandparents—Italian immigrants who had a fundamental love of cooking and gardening that ignited Jeff’s early passion for working with food. 

​

Jeff’s enthusiasm was further fueled during high school. While working as a dishwasher in the bustling kitchen of Beverly Road family staple Bado's Pizza Grill & Ale House, Jeff was exposed to the intricacies of the restaurant business and began dreaming of one day owning his own establishment. 

​

A graduate of the culinary arts program at Johnson & Wales University, Jeff spent the early years of his career honing his craft in kitchens in Charleston, South Carolina, before moving back to Pittsburgh, where he met his wife and business partner, Carol.

​

After stints at Olive or Twist and Soba, Jeff was driven by a desire to give back and support the community that shaped his love for the culinary world. In 2006, Jeff returned to Beverly Road to open his first restaurant, Iovino Cafe, with Carol by his side. Since then, the Iovino family have dedicated their livelihoods to building Mt. Lebanon’s reputation as a culinary destination for diners in Pittsburgh. 

​

With their eye on creating a resilient business while raising two kids in the community, Jeff and Carol have grown and evolved the Iovino brand through the years. During a family beach trip in 2010, Jeff dreamed up the Iovino restaurant staple and fan-favorite Pittsburgh-style fish tacos while thinking about a new menu for Iovino Cafe. 

​

The genesis of the infamous fish taco prompted Jeff and Carol to think about a more family-friendly and affordable spot on Beverly Road for their friends and neighbors, and Cafe io was born, followed by Mt. Lebanon favorites io Deli and Taco Diablo.

​​

Jeff and Carol are thrilled to take the next step in the culinary evolution of the Iovino brand with Iovino’s Neighborhood Brasserie. Located in the heart of Mt. Lebanon's Beverly Road business district, this new spot offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere—a perfect gathering place for friends and family, just as you’ve come to expect from the Iovinos. The space blends comfort and elegance in a way that feels both welcoming and refined.

​

The menu, focused on elevated comfort food, features a delicious mix of Iovino fan favorites alongside new artisanal dishes crafted by Chef Jeff. Or stop by and sit at Iovino’s Neighborhood Brasserie’s new custom-designed bar with seven rotating craft beers and four wines on tap, plus an extensive selection of bottled wines and a full-service bar for all your drink preferences.

​

Whether it’s a late lunch or a celebratory dinner, Jeff and Carol can’t wait to see you at Iovino’s Neighborhood Brasserie.