Donato Poto was born in Salerno, on Italy’s scenic Amalfi Coast, and always had an interest in seeing the world. After he attended culinary trade school, he first delved into the front of the house as a server in dining rooms throughout Italy and France, as well as with a stint on the luxury cruise liner MS Stardancer, sailing the Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, and Alaskan coast. The international hospitality industry drew him in, despite the fact that his family wanted him to pursue a career in medicine.
“Traveling to new places and learning new languages sounded more fun than being a doctor,” quips Poto, who is now regarded as one of L.A.’s most gracious, consummate hosts at the much-acclaimed, three-Michelin-starred and recent James Beard Award ‘Outstanding Hospitality’ Finalist, Providence.
Poto has been part of the Los Angeles dining scene since the late ’80s. One of his first roles was assistant manager at Primi, which was at the time the newest restaurant from Valentino Owner Piero Selvaggio. Selvaggio mentored Poto on meticulously attending to details and handling challenging situations with aplomb. Poto became general manager and stayed 12 years at Primi and Valentino.
Interested in gaining greater financial-management expertise in preparation of someday opening his own restaurant, Poto entered the training program at King’s Seafood Company and was named senior manager at downtown’s Water Grill, the flagship restaurant. It was there that he met, and came to greatly respect, Executive Chef Michael Cimarusti.
Poto served as the opening general manager at Bastide, the exclusive West Hollywood restaurant at which Alain Giraud was opening chef and which subsequently garnered four stars from the Los Angeles Times. Then in 2004, when Poto happened upon Cimarusti at the Santa Monica Farmers Market and learned the chef was also looking to open his own restaurant, the duo decided to collaborate, introducing Providence the following year. “We had great respect for each other’s skills and became very excited about opening a high-end seafood concept,” recalls Poto, who notes that as dining trends in L.A. have become more relaxed, Providence’s elegance has become more distinctive.
Poto has also partnered with Cimarusti to open Connie & Ted’s, a West Hollywood restaurant serving a more casual, New England-inspired seafood menu.
Not surprisingly, Poto has a tremendous passion for discovering new foods and wine, and he keeps in shape by religiously participating in weekly soccer games. Outside of work, he is also active with Special Olympics and Alex’s Lemonade Stand, and he enjoys spending quality family time with his wife, Natacha, and their two sons.
Travel With Donato Poto