Meet the Chef

A native of Beverly Road in Pittsburgh’s beautiful Mt. Lebanon community, Jeff Iovino grew up immersed in the food world. His interest in becoming a chef was shaped by grandparents who were hardworking Italian immigrants with a fundamental love of cooking and gardening. During his high school years, Jeff worked as a dishwasher at the storied Bado's Pizza Grill & Ale House. With Pearl Jam blaring in Bado’s bustling kitchen, a spark ignited in Jeff to learn more about the intricacies and hierarchy of the restaurant business.

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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, including the Plaza Grill, Market East Bistro and Kiawah Island Resort.

After moving back to Pittsburgh in the late 90’s, Jeff met his wife and business partner, Carol, while working at the Good Wood Grill in Bridgeville. Jeff moved on shortly after to become the head chef at Olive or Twist in Downtown Pittsburgh, followed by Soba in Shadyside. Driven by a desire to give back and support the community that shaped his love for the culinary world, Jeff returned to Beverly Road in 2006 to open his first restaurant, Iovino Cafe. 

 

Since then, Jeff and Carol 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, establishing Cafe io, the io Deli and Taco Diablo. Now, the Iovino’s are very excited to take the next step with the much-anticipated opening of Iovino’s Neighborhood Brasserie.

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