A First Look at Enlō

Positioned with a prime vantage point of the Reedy River, Greenville’s first tasting menu, Enlō, opens in late August. Helmed by chef Nico Abello, Enlō will offer an exploratory tasting menu that leans heavily into seasonal produce, global influences, and Abello’s time in some of the finest kitchens in France and the US. Abello’s culinary journey has been shaped by a deep appreciation of the craft and acute attention to detail, apprenticing at two-star MICHELIN restaurant, Les Trois Marches in Versailles, and helping launch L’Appart in New York, which received a MICHELIN star only six months after opening. With Enlō, Abello is returning to his French roots and harnessing the lessons garnered from over 25 years in the industry to bring something extraordinary to Greenville, South Carolina. 

Abello and his team spent months trying to figure out the best name for the restaurant, coming up with many meaningful suggestions that were ultimately discarded. After much deliberation, they settled on Enlō, a fusion of the names of Abello’s two children. 

“Using the names of my children marks this restaurant as something deeply personal, while also highlighting a childlike approach to progress. We’re seeking to emulate genuine curiosity and showcase a heartfelt progression that isn’t focused on perfection,” says Abello. 

Enlō has been in the works for three years now, with Abello hosting tasting menu pop-ups across Greenville to test reception throughout that time. The most recent pop-up sold out in only eight minutes. Needless to say, Greenville is buzzing with anticipation for Enlō to open its doors. 

“For me, these pop-ups have been a foretaste of what’s to come in the restaurant, and a great way to test our model. Those that have joined us have gotten the essence of our hospitality: getting to know us personally and fostering real connection. That same essence will be brought into fullness when we’re able to be in our new space, creating a full atmosphere,” says Abello. 

Abello’s journey to Greenville is somewhat unexpected, beginning in 2018 when he was sent to Greenville from L’Appart for a MICHELIN-style ticketed dinner at Restaurant 17 in Travelers Rest, South Carolina.  

“I’ll be honest, I had absolutely no clue where Greenville was at that time,” says Abello. 

The event was a smooth success, and Abello and his team went out to enjoy themselves after service, resulting in a missed flight home to New York the following morning. With no flight immediately available, Abello decided to embrace his stay in Greenville and fell in love with the relaxed, community-first atmosphere. When the pandemic hit in 2021, Abello and his family were ready to move from the city to settle somewhere slower-paced. A quick trip to Greenville resulted in an offer on a home and within months, the family moved in. When Abello met with Carl Sobocinski of Table 301 Hospitality in Greenville, he knew he’d found his next venture.

“The move to Greenville lined up perfectly. Now, I just partake in one glass of wine after dinner service so I don’t accidentally move somewhere else,” says Abello. 

The menu at Enlō will keep with a classic French 5- or 8-course tasting menu moving through courses like amuse-bouche, appetizer, fish, palate cleanser, meat, pre-dessert, cheese, and dessert. Abello will garner inspiration from the seasons and from the creativity of his staff, allowing team members to contribute to menu ideation and execution. The menu will change monthly, allowing guests to enjoy the space on special occasions or return with routine to experience something new.  

When people depart from Enlō, Abello hopes they have a lasting impression not just from the food but from the sincere hospitality and intentional care of his team. Enlō has been a long road in the making, one that Abello has leaned into at every twist and turn. And, as he approaches this milestone opening, Abello continues to trust the process, knowing that change is the only constant on a pathway toward growth.

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