Scott Conant's Scarpetta to Close in Beverly Hills by Spring

Scarpetta, which has a prime location inside the Montage Beverly Hills, is scheduled to closed by spring 2016. Representatives for the restaurant confirmed the news, which has been known to some of the staff members for the last few months.

Scott Conant first opened his signature Italian restaurant in the resort back in 2010, taking over a fully built out kitchen and interior. The place has more or less done very well over the past few years, attracting celebrity regulars like Rihanna, Samuel L. Jackson, and Hilary Swank.

Though Scarpetta itself is purportedly doing well financially, the Montage resort has expressed more interest in a concept that can accommodate guests throughout the day. A source tells Eater that Scarpetta tried to make lunch work in the area, but instead pivoted to offering the ever-popular Paninoteca. Whatever replaces Scarpetta will likely serve breakfast through dinner.

Here's the statement from the Montage:

Our priority at Montage Beverly Hills focuses on delivering new and memorable experiences for our guests. We have had the distinct pleasure of working with Scott Conant and the Scarpetta team for the past 6 years, and are immensely proud of the partnership cultivated during that time — particularly of the record breaking results produced in 2014 and 2015 thus far. In the spirit of endeavoring to provide unique experiences, we will be renovating and expanding our culinary offering with a new concept. In the meantime, Scarpetta will continue to operate business as usual through Spring 2016. While we are not yet prepared to confirm details surrounding this exciting new project, we look forward to sharing additional updates as they become available.

Meanwhile, here's the official word from Scott Conant's team:

The opportunity to open Scarpetta in Los Angeles was one I couldn't pass up. There's so much diversity and such a rich community of talented chefs making great food. I've been able to spend some quality time here over the years, and consider the people I've met and worked with dear friends and colleagues. While Scarpetta's time with Montage Beverly Hills is nearing its end, I can't wait to find another opportunity to share my food and brand of hospitality in LA.

While no replacement has been stated for the Scarpetta space, rumors have swirled that New York City restaurateur and Food Network star Geoffrey Zakarian in talks to open a concept inside the Montage.

In the meantime, chef Freddy Vargas will continue to helm the ship until a confirmed closure date is announced. Earlier this week Vargas announced that he'd be teaming up (as a consultant) with Brandyn Tepper and Octavio Olivas at the new rendition of El Chavo.

Anyone with a strong craving for that fantastic spaghetti, or the caramel budino, will have a few more months to get their fix. After that, they'll have to head to Vegas for Scarpetta or D.O.C.G., Conant's sister concepts inside the Cosmopolitan.