Pope taps Stefani to open restaurant at papal villas

The Vatican is teaming up with two Chicago hospitality heavyweights, chef Art Smith and restaurateur Phil Stefani, to open a restaurant at Borgo Laudato Si’, located within the historic Papal Villas of Castel Gandolfo. The collaboration was announced in early September as part of the inauguration of the 135-acre property, with Pope Leo XIV presiding over a ceremony, Eater Chicago reported. The yet-to-be named restaurant is expected to open in spring. The restaurant will be open for breakfast and lunch, and “will highlight farm-to-table Italian cooking with global touches, drawing influences from Chicago and Peruvian flavors in honor of Pope Leo XIV’s heritage.”