L’Incanto—“The Enchantment” in Italian—is more than a restaurant. It is a place where craft, passion, and people come together to create something unforgettable.
At the heart of the kitchen stands Executive Chef Alex, whose journey reflects both discipline and discovery.
Born in Costa Rica and shaped by a lifetime devoted to culinary refinement, Chef Alexander Abarca Salazar brings over three decades of international fine-dining experience to L’Incanto.
Since arriving in the United States in 1993, Chef Alex has cultivated a career rooted in classical technique, disciplined execution, and a profound reverence for hospitality. His early rise drew the attention of renowned restaurateur Michael Cetrullo, leading to his role at the acclaimed Scalini Fedeli, long celebrated among the country’s distinguished dining institutions.
In New York, Chef Alex continued his ascent with Piano Due in Manhattan, where his cuisine earned critical recognition for its sophistication and precision. His culinary path further deepened through collaboration in Little Italy with celebrated chef Mario Batali, refining a philosophy grounded in artisanal pasta, regional Italian tradition, and elevated contemporary expression.
His cuisine is guided by the principles of alta cucina—purity of ingredient, mastery of technique, and respect for tradition—while embracing the warmth and soul that define true hospitality.
In 2014, Chef Alex brought this philosophy to South Carolina, contributing his craft and leadership to the respected Olympia Family Restaurant.
In 2025, Chef Carlos Echeverri invited Chef Alex to join L’Incanto—recognizing in him not just technical skill, but a shared philosophy of food, family, and experience. Today, Chef Alex leads the kitchen with a deep respect for Italian tradition, elevated through his global journey.
His cooking is not simply prepared; it is composed.
The Founders of L’INCANTO
L’INCANTO The Enchantment of the finest Northern Italian cuisine. A labor of love from visionaries Chef Carlos Echeverri and Manager Kristi Echeverri. These two proprietors have decades of experience in the restaurant industry. But L’INCANTO represents a new adventure for their longtime passion.
