How Lydia Shire’s Scampo Blends Italian Tradition with Spring Ingredients

Spring at Scampo: Tradition Meets Culinary Innovation

In the storied halls of the Liberty Hotel, once the Charles Street Jail, Scampo stands as a beacon of culinary innovation, where Italian tradition is celebrated, reinvented, and elevated with each season. At the helm is legendary chef Lydia Shire, a James Beard Award winner and pioneering force in Boston’s restaurant scene. Alongside Executive Chef Simon Restrepo, Shire continues to redefine what Italian cuisine means, using the bounty of spring to craft dishes that are vibrant, unexpected, and unmistakably Scampo.

A Taste of Spring in Beacon Hill

Scampo’s spring menu is an ode to seasonality. Rather than follow a rigid structure of Italian regional cuisine, Chef Shire uses it as a foundation to build upon, adding Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and globally inspired accents. Her unorthodox approach results in a menu that feels as adventurous as it is comforting. This spring, diners can begin with starters like the Italian Sushi Roll, featuring sushi rice, Maine crab, avocado, and mango, wrapped in branzino and lightly torched, or indulge in the bold flavors of Wood Oven Mussels with ‘Scampi’ Butter and Garlic Confit. These dishes immediately showcase Scampo’s signature: honoring ingredients while giving them a thrilling twist.

Tradition with a Twist

While some Italian staples appear, like the handmade Buffalo Mozzarella Ravioli with Lemon Butter, they’re never presented in a way that feels expected. The Veal Bolognese with Cavatelli pays homage to the classics but with a deeply layered richness that only a chef like Shire can execute. Even the pizzas step outside tradition. The Prosciutto Pizza with Whipped Ricotta, Candied Lemon, and Sweet Pea Tendrils is bright, creamy, and crisp, the kind of spring bite that surprises and delights. A favorite for vegetarians is the Roasted Asparagus & Artichoke Pizza with shaved Parmigiano and mint-pistachio pesto.

Spotlight on Seasonal Produce

Fresh, spring-forward ingredients take center stage across the menu. The Grilled Octopus is served with Sicilian chickpeas and preserved lemon, while the Spring Vegetable Risotto bursts with ramps, baby leeks, and English peas. These ingredients aren’t just seasonal—they’re celebrated. Each dish on the menu reflects a deep respect for produce at its peak. And while the techniques are refined, there’s always a rusticity to Shire’s cooking that keeps the experience grounded and soulful.

A Setting as Unique as the Food

Scampo’s location inside the Liberty Hotel is part of what makes dining here so memorable. The open kitchen gives guests a view of the action, while the restaurant’s blend of historic architecture and sleek Italian design creates a chic, energetic, and warm atmosphere.

Experience Scampo This Spring

Scampo has remained a must-visit destination for those seeking bold, inventive Italian dining in Boston for over a decade. Lydia Shire’s fearless style continues to shine, especially in spring when ingredients are fresh, colors are vibrant, and the spirit of reinvention is in the air. Make a reservation this season and discover how tradition and innovation come together only at Scampo. Call us at 617-536-2100 or submit a contact form online for more information.