High above Marina Bay Sands, where the city unfolds into the sea, and sunlight melts into the Singapore skyline, LAVO has returned with an identity reborn. What was once regarded as a rooftop institution for its bold personality and buzzy nightlife has now confidently stepped into a new era as LAVO Coastal Italian Restaurant & Rooftop Bar. Consider this a polished, sun-drenched evolution inspired by the cliffside glamour of the Amalfi Coast, if you will.
The revamp or transformation, whichever way you see it, marks the venue’s first major refresh since opening in 2018. Today, its wraparound terrace glows in warm Mediterranean neutrals, while an interior of handcrafted tiles and honey-toned accents defines a space for brunch dining, golden-hour spritzes, and late-night revelry. With panoramic views stretching across the Singapore Strait, LAVO offers a seamless journey from relaxed daytime dining to high-energy evenings and is the venue where the city’s social rhythm truly comes alive.
A Conversation with Jason Strauss, the Man Behind LAVO’s New Vision
One must first look to the man guiding its trajectory, Jason Strauss, Co-CEO of Tao Group Hospitality, to understand the thinking behind LAVO’s evolution. Armed with more than three decades of experience shaping some of the world’s most recognisable nightlife and dining brands, New Yorker Strauss has the rare ability to balance spectacle with substance. Our conversation with Strauss veered towards a common denominator: hospitality is, first and always, about human connection. That belief forms the backbone of both Tao Group’s success and LAVO’s new chapter in Singapore.
Reintroducing LAVO: Familiar, Yet Completely New
For Strauss, the brief for the refreshed LAVO was simple — yet deceptively nuanced. “We wanted to create a space that feels more authentic while still being distinctly LAVO,” he shares. “It was important to bring a fresh experience that reflects the vibrant spirit of Singapore while keeping the familiarity that our guests love,” shared Strauss.
This duality is evident in the refreshed space: softened, warmed, and modernised, but still pulsing with the same high-energy DNA that made LAVO synonymous with sky-high celebrations. A refreshed interior signals a culinary evolution, with the menu leaning confidently into coastal Italian flavours. Under the direction of Tao Group Hospitality’s culinary team, new dishes from succulent jumbo shrimp scampi and seafood-rich pastas to grilled branzino, wood-fired pizzas and vibrant antipasti bring the brightness and generosity of the Mediterranean coast to the fore. Fret not, iconic favourites such as the LAVO Meatball and the towering 20-layer chocolate cake remain proudly at the heart of the la dolce vita spirit, high above the city, offering an experience that balances indulgence with freshness.
Strauss explains that across layout, lighting, design and programming, the goal is to embark guests on a journey which shifts naturally through mood and moment. “Guests want spaces that can carry them through different moods,” he adds. “In Singapore, people want to start with a sunset cocktail and naturally transition into a high-energy party. We’ve designed LAVO to transform throughout the evening and offer that full journey under one roof.” With panoramic vistas, an expanded terrace, a vibrant lounge, and private dining for intimate gatherings, the reimagined LAVO is built for celebration — whether a lingering brunch or a balmy, music-charged night under the stars.
LAVO Singapore is returning with a refreshed vision. What was your main priority when reimagining the space for this reopening?
We wanted to create a space that feels more authentic while still being distinctly LAVO. It was important to bring a fresh experience that reflects Singapore’s vibrant spirit while maintaining the familiarity our guests love.
Singapore’s dining and nightlife scene has evolved rapidly in recent years. How does LAVO intend to stand out today?
LAVO has spent the past seven years building a strong cultural footprint as the rooftop destination where dining, social energy, and views come together. It has become known as the place where people come to celebrate, connect, and experience the city from above.
With the refresh, LAVO Coastal Italian Restaurant & Rooftop Bar captures the spirit of la dolce vita. It brings new energy, new flavours, and new moments while staying true to the blend of style, vibrancy, and sky-high glamour that our guests love.
What lessons from New York, Las Vegas, or beyond have shaped this relaunch?
Operating in cities like New York and Las Vegas teaches you to innovate without losing your identity. We learned the importance of creating spaces that evolve through the night and the value of building community. Guests return to places where they feel a sense of belonging, and that emotional connection is what we are creating at LAVO.
LAVO has had a longstanding partnership with Marina Bay Sands. What makes them ideal partners for this next chapter?
Our partnership with Marina Bay Sands is rooted in shared values of excellence, innovation, and the creation of world-class experiences. They understand the importance of delivering luxury with purpose and precision. That alignment has allowed us to build something truly special together.
What are the biggest shifts in what guests are seeking today?
Guests want spaces that can carry them through different moods and moments. In Singapore, we are seeing demand for flexibility. People want to start with a sunset cocktail and naturally transition into a high-energy party. We have designed LAVO to transform throughout the evening and offer that full journey under one roof.
How has this changed the way you design experiences?
Guests are more intentional with their time. They want curated, immersive, and emotionally resonant experiences. We think about the full journey from the moment they walk in, and every detail becomes part of the story.
LAVO’s identity comes from this duality, where the Mediterranean spirit of coastal Italy meets the dynamic energy of Marina Bay Sands. It is relaxed yet refined, spontaneous yet spectacular.
How do you stay ahead of trends while maintaining timeless appeal?
We stay plugged into global culture to see trends as they emerge, but we do not chase every wave. We filter everything through the lens of our brand and ask if it elevates the experience and aligns with our DNA. Timeless appeal comes from emotional consistency. People may not remember every song or dish, but they will remember how they felt.
How is storytelling shaping the future of hospitality?
Storytelling is everything now. Guests want to be transported. With LAVO, we want them to feel like they are in the sun-bleached cliffside towns of coastal Italy, enjoying sophisticated Italian cuisine with a coastal flair. The future is immersive, narrative-driven environments where every detail contributes to a larger story.
What was a pivotal moment that shaped your view of hospitality?
A pivotal moment was the opening of Marquee Singapore in 2019. Seeing how strongly it resonated showed me that hospitality works best when it balances universal principles like connection and energy with each city’s unique culture.
What leadership principles guide your decisions as you scale globally?
Culture, collaboration, and consistency. Culture is about surrounding ourselves with passionate people. Collaboration is empowering our teams to bring local creativity to the table. Consistency is never compromising on quality. Those three things protect the DNA of our brand.
What do you consider your proudest accomplishment so far?
Building a company that feels like a family. We have grown across continents, but many of our team members have been with us for years. Seeing their growth has been the most rewarding part of this journey. At the end of the day, hospitality is about people, and they are the reason the company has thrived.
Once you are done with this story, click here to catch up with our November 2025 issue.
Dining and Cooking