When visiting another country, it’s best to follow the ancient proverb, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” And when the foodways of Rome come to Nashville, dine as the Romans do. That’s the premise of DeLuca, a restaurant rooted in these traditions, recently opened in the former Porta Via location on White Bridge Road.

Executive Chef Rosario DeLuca and General Manager Angelo Ferrante are both natives of The Eternal City. The son of Calabrian parents, Chef DeLuca had his passion for cooking initially sparked by his grandmother. As a young man, he moved quickly from working the restaurant floor to the kitchen, where he mastered the art of Roman pastas.