LEESBURG, Va. — Downtown Leesburg has a new evening destination with the opening of Piazza di Gogo’s, an Italian-inspired aperitivo bar that celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 10.
Located at 7 W. Market St. and sharing space with Buford’s Biscuits, Piazza di Gogo’s transforms the restaurant into a nighttime gathering place Thursday through Sunday, serving Italian small plates, handcrafted cocktails, wine, and classic aperitifs.
Founder Mike Golino said the concept grew out of his travels along Italy’s Amalfi Coast, where lively public squares inspired him to create a similar atmosphere in the heart of Leesburg.
“Leesburg already has an incredible restaurant scene, and I wasn’t trying to reinvent the wheel. I just saw an opportunity to bring something that didn’t exist here yet,” Golino said. “At the end of the day, I want people to walk through our doors and feel like they’ve been transported to an Italian piazza for a couple of hours.”
Rather than offering an extensive menu, Golino said the focus is on quality and scratch-made food.
“I’d rather do twenty things exceptionally well than fifty things just okay,” he said. “I think people can taste the difference when that kind of care goes into the food.”
Among the restaurant’s signature dishes are Crostini di Polpette, featuring house-made meatballs with pomodoro, Parmesan, and basil, and Arancini, crispy risotto balls with a creamy cheese center served alongside warm tomato sauce and pesto.
Golino said another surprise hit has been the fried mortadella, while the house-made gelato has quickly become a favorite with guests.
For Golino, the goal extends beyond serving food. He hopes Piazza di Gogo’s becomes another place where residents and visitors gather, helping strengthen Leesburg’s already thriving downtown.
“Opening Piazza di Gogo’s has been something I’ve been working toward for a long time, so seeing people fill the dining room and genuinely enjoy what we’ve created has been really rewarding,” Golino said. “I want Piazza to become a place people think of when they’re looking for a great night out. Whether it’s a date night, grabbing a spritz with friends, celebrating a birthday, or coming to one of our wine dinners or workshops, I want people to know there’s always something happening here.”
He added that if the restaurant helps make downtown Leesburg even more vibrant while giving people a place to connect over food, drinks, and conversation, then it will have achieved its mission.
Piazza di Gogo’s is open Thursday through Sunday beginning at 5 p.m. In addition to regular dinner service, the venue is available for private events, including wedding welcome parties, rooftop receptions, and rehearsal dinners. More information is available at piazzadigogos.com.
