Our Story

Welcome to Novellos, where tradition meets new beginnings. "Novello" means "new" in Italian, reflecting our journey of combining authentic Italian cuisine with a passion for fresh opportunities and growth.

Dorian Koti and Dean Lathbury’s story began over 12 years ago when they worked together in hospitality, each covering key areas of the business—Dean as Executive Chef and Dori as General Manager. Together, they built a shared vision for exceptional food and service. After opening their first successful restaurant in Durham, they saw the potential to purchase and establish Novellos Washington (formerly San Lorenzo)—a place they had both worked at and helped shape. Seizing the opportunity, they made it their own and took the restaurant to new heights.

Eighteen months later, they expanded into Gosforth, another location they had previously worked at. With the addition of Max Mandri as a director, they brought their vision to life in a new community, ensuring the continued success and growth of Novellos.

At Novello’s, we’re proud of our incredible team, many of whom have been with us since the start. For us, they’re like family, and together we’re dedicated to delivering the best in Italian dining, with a focus on quality, community, and growth.

We hope to see you soon!