Taverna Laudisio

Photos Courtesy of Elite Focus Studio

Hello my fellow foodies and welcome back. Taverna Laudisio recently opened in downtown Niwot, CO to raving reviews. When the “coming soon” sign was put up on the door, I kept peeking in to see when it would open. My husband and I stopped in for a cocktail a few weeks ago and we sat next to owner Antonio Laudisio and his wife Pat at the bar. Being new to this area, I really had no idea of the background of Antonio, but just talking to him for a few minutes, I knew there was a story to be written here. When the beautiful food started coming out of the kitchen, it was very evident that I had to return to interview Antonio and find out more while also dining at Taverna Laudisio.

A week later, we sat in a booth with Antonio and Pat Laudisio to learn more about his world travels, his background in restaurants, and most of all, how important his family is to him.

Antonio is originally from Brooklyn NY, and his parents were both from Italy. He studied in Paris and Spain. His parents owned a bakery in Brooklyn, and he says that his “Italian heritage was passed on through food”.  Antonio has sailed ships all over the world with Pat. They have been married 60 years, and by Pat’s choice, they ended up in Boulder. If you have lived in Boulder for any amount of time, you know the Laudisio name as he owned Laudisio Ristorante Italiano and was part owner of the Med in downtown Boulder. His traveling pizza and paella oven business is still alive and well catering parties and special events. Last but certainly not least, Taverna Laudisio made its debut in June 2026 taking over the 1914 House location from former owner and friend Nick Mastronardi. Executive chef Justin Hirshfield from the 1914 House heads up the kitchen which is fitting because Antonio met him when Justin was 16, mentored him, sent him to Italy for training, and now they are working together. Everything comes full circle! His son Tavio, and other family members including his two grandchildren help run the Taverna, so it truly is a family affair and that’s the way Antonio wants it. I could write an entire book about Antonio Laudisio or at least another article, which I might as he is a worldly, bright, humorous man who at 86 years young has a lot to talk about. 

By the time we finished our interview the taverna was packed and bustling with hungry guests. I too was hungry, so as usual, let’s eat! The taverna is stunning, and you can choose to sit outside on the huge patio, at the bar, or in the two floor dining room.

We started with Leo’s Greek Salad and the Burrata. The salad was full of all the goodness that goes into a Greek Salad with a delicious lemony dressing. It reminded me of my times spent at The Med in Boulder. The Burrata is plated with a tomato and cucumber salad and sits on top of basil pesto. It was the perfect start to the meal. We decided to split two entrees so we could share. If you are a vegetarian or not, you must order the Polenta Boulder. This is a family recipe that is indeed vegetarian, and so unique. The Puttanesca sauce was something that will make you order this dish every time you visit. We also ordered the Pollo Piccata. I consider myself a piccata aficionado of sorts.  I have been trying this dish all over the world ever since I was a child because I absolutely love it. Taverna Laudisio stands right up there with the best of them. It is perfectly cooked with just the right amount of that lemon caper sauce that just melts in your mouth. We were full but took a Tiramisu home with us, and it was nothing less than perfect.  

There are always drink specials and plenty of wine to choose from on the menu. Be sure to ask what the food specials of the day are because they change daily and are extremely unique.

When I asked Antonio if he had to pick one meal that is his favorite, the answer was something so simple, “A bowl of spaghetti with good olive oil, garden tomatoes and basil”. He wants the taverna to be an accessible meeting place where you can see old friends and make new ones. One thing you can be sure of at Taverna Laudisio, the presence of his family is always there, and when you dine there, you will be treated like part of the family as well. They are open Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 4-8:30pm, and Friday and Saturday from 4-9pm. Reservations are highly recommended. Until next time my fellow foodies, eat well, drink well, and be well.