Michelin-Starred Chef Laurent Tourondel to Open Scusi Pizza in Northern Liberties This Month

Scusi Pizza, a new concept from Michelin-starred Chef Laurent Tourondel will be opening its doors on November 21st in Northern Liberties’ Piazza Alta, Scusi. The opening marks Tourondel’s first foray into the Philadelphia restaurant landscape and introduces a relaxed yet refined approach to pizza — blending Italian tradition with creative flair and modern sensibilities.

Scusi Pizza sets the stage for Tourondel’s growing Philly footprint, joining his upcoming Terra Grill, an American wood-fired restaurant opening next door. Together, the two concepts will anchor one of the city’s most exciting new culinary destinations.

Helmed by Executive Chef Georgeann Leaming, Scusi Pizza offers an elevated yet approachable menu that celebrates the art of pizza-making while adding inventive twists. Guests can enjoy whole pies or slices, balancing familiar favorites like pepperoni and Grandma’s Pie with distinctive offerings such as The Siciliano (anchovies, olives, onions, and tomatoes) and The Francese (mushrooms, prosciutto cotto, comté, gruyere, and pili pili oil).

Each pizza is baked on a 16-inch crust, with a 12-inch gluten-friendly option available. To take things a step further, diners can add signature crust dippers like pesto, truffle aioli, hot honey, or ranch — playful details that highlight Scusi’s balance of fun and finesse.

Beyond pizza, Scusi features an array of Italian-inspired sandwiches, cicchetti (small plates), and salads. Standouts include:

• Panuozzo with prosciutto San Daniele, mozzarella, and peppers on pizza dough

• Whipped Ricotta with rosemary focaccia

• Stromboli stuffed with soppressata and provolone

• Escarole Salad with anchovy and breadcrumbs

• Italian Chopped Salad with salami, provolone, and pepperoni

For dessert, Scusi takes a playful turn with a rotating house-made soft serve menu, offering indulgent combinations like vanilla with candied orange and pistachio, or chocolate hazelnut with butterscotch — plus a classic affogato with espresso.

Scusi’s beverage program captures the essence of Italian aperitivo culture. Guests can sip on light, refreshing cocktails such as the Blood Orange Aperol Spritz, Negroni Sbagliato, and Amaro Spritz, alongside a rotating list of small-production Italian wines and local craft beers like Carbon Copy.

Designed in collaboration with OV & Co Designs, Scusi’s aesthetic blends rustic charm with modern elegance. Warm textures, layered materials, and an open, inviting flow between indoor and outdoor seating make the space feel both intimate and energetic.

A standout feature is a mural by New Jersey artist Victoria Tentler-Krylov, whose colorful brushstrokes capture moments of togetherness and the joy of sharing a meal. Outside, the seasonal patio offers a serene setting surrounded by greenery — ideal for a relaxed lunch or a sunset spritz.