A fine artist in the kitchen, Chef Pietro Scotti has turned out culinary masterpieces at his acclaimed Westport restaurant, DaPietro’s, for close to 20 years.
Born in Ischia, Italy, a resort and fishing island on the Mediterranean, Scotti launched his culinary adventure at age 11, working in both the local fish market and a famed hotel kitchen. As a young apprentice, he accompanied chefs to the markets each day and learned to pick the freshest bounty. From there, he traveled to international ports as a seaboard chef, sampling exotic cuisines, flavors and spices. Even while serving in the Italian army, Pietro found himself working in the kitchens, further sharpening his skills. But it was not until he left his island home and literally traveled the seven seas on the San Giusto, an Italian oil tanker, that Pietro immersed himself in the culinary riches of the world.
Over four years, his visits to markets in Biafra, Yokohama, Singapore, Morrocco, and Istanbul (and too many more to mention) brought him in contact with exotic spices and foods. Pietro was mesmerized by the variety of new tastes and incorporated them into his culinary repertoire.
In 1974, it was time for Pietro to plant roots. He crossed the Atlantic Ocean to America and landed a chef’s position in Weston, Connecticut, an area where he could hunt and fish “just like home.” For 10 years, Pietro honed his talents as head chef at the Cobb’s Mill Inn, all the while dreaming of owning his own business.
In 1979, he launched his first entrepreneurial foray, as the chef owner of Winfield’s, a successful delicatessen and catering business that attracted a cult following and garnered terrific word-of-mouth. Still Pietro harbored dreams of presiding over an elegant restaurant of his own. In 1987, he took a chance, opening DaPietro’s on a waterside street lined with antique shops in Westport. He decorated the restaurant’s cozy, jewel-like dining room with plush banquets and framed Hermes scarves. Pietro’s Italian and French fare quickly became the talk of the town - and of reviewers. Zagat gave DaPietro’s a 27 rating for food, calling it “Extraordinary.” And Patricia Brooks of The New York Times granted the restaurant an “Excellent” rating.
When he is not working, Pietro enjoys spending time with his wife, Janine and his two young children, Tomaso and Lucia. The Scottis enjoy entertaining friends at their home on the Saugatuck River in Westport, a community in which they are quite active, serving on a variety of boards and donating their time and resources to many local charities and foundations.
Lunch is served Monday thru Friday from 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
Dinner is served Monday thru Saturday from 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Closed Sunday, however we would be happy to host your private event. Please inquire.
