PHILADELPHIA, PA — Philadelphia’s culinary scene is set to welcome a new addition as Chef Liz Grothe prepares to open her first restaurant, Scampi, on December 6th. Located at 617 South 3rd Street in the Queen Village neighborhood, Scampi will feature a unique supper club vibe, focusing on different regions of Italy each month.
Chef Grothe, a Filipina chef originally from Oklahoma, gained recognition for her work at Couch Café, a private dining experience in her home. She initially signed the lease for the former Neighborhood Ramen space last April. At Scampi, she will blend Italian cuisine with American influences and personal culinary experiences from Oklahoma. The menu will change monthly, offering a five-course dinner with optional additions, adapting to seasonal ingredients and Chef Grothe’s inspiration.
“Scampi is a restaurant designed as a scrapbook of my life and experiences,” Grothe stated. “My love for Italian food will be front and center, but there will be a lot of my history and personality woven into the food, the physical space, the merch, and the vibe during service.”
The restaurant will operate from Wednesday to Saturday, hosting two seatings per evening starting at 5:30 p.m. Scampi will offer a cozy dining experience with 26 seats, a four-seat counter for walk-ins, and a patio for private events. Reservations can be made through OpenTable.
Grothe’s culinary journey began under Chef Jason Peabody at Oloroso in 2021. She later worked at Chef Marc Vetri’s Fiorella, where she advanced to become a Sous Chef. Inspired by a trip to Italy, she focused on Couch Café, delivering Italian-themed dinners. Her experiences culminated in residencies at Forîn and Wim Cafe in Philadelphia.
Chef Grothe personally designed Scampi’s interior, incorporating a wooden counter and installing a grill and smoker on the patio. The debut menu promises to delight with dishes like Caesar toast, smoked trout culurgiones, beef cutlet, tiramisu, and a few surprises for guests to enjoy.
Learn more about Liz Grothe at https://lizlaugh.love or on Instagram.
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