spago

Spago is a term used in Italian and as a proper noun in the culinary world. In Italian, spago means twine, string, or cord, and the word is used in everyday language to describe kitchen twine used to truss meats and secure foods during cooking. The word appears in various recipes and culinary contexts but does not have a single definition in English beyond its material meaning.

Spago is best known as the name of a restaurant established by chef Wolfgang Puck in Beverly Hills, California. Opened in 1982, Spago quickly became a landmark of contemporary American cuisine and a flagship in Puck’s restaurant group. The restaurant’s inventive menus emphasized seasonal produce, fusion influences, and a stylish dining experience, helping to popularize California cuisine and influence a generation of chefs and restaurateurs. The Spago brand has since been extended to other locations and incarnations associated with Puck’s restaurant group, though individual venues vary in concept and operation.

Beyond the restaurant context, spago is occasionally used in brand names or product lines, reflecting its Italian meaning. As a common noun in Italian, it remains a general term rather than a specialized concept in English. In summary, spago denotes a material used in cooking and, more prominently in contemporary culture, a high-profile restaurant brand tied to Wolfgang Puck.