Tony Conte OUT, John Melfi IN at The Oval Room

Tony Conte is leaving The Oval Room, the restaurant announced today. He plans to open his own restaurant in Maryland.

Conte is being replaced by John Melfi, who has recently worked at such restaurants as Fiola Mare and Blue Duck Tavern. Melfi also has a resume of Charleston, South Carolina restaurants.

Tom Sietsema reports Conte's next move is to run Pizzeria Inferno, a Neapolitan pizza restaurant, in North Potomac (the restaurant will also have a fine dining section).