our story
come for the simple flavors, stay for the true italian experience.
THE VISION
We created Osteria LuCa to celebrate the simple, straightforward restaurants found throughout Italy. Whether in the foothills of Piedmonte, along the canals of Venice, through the rolling hills of Tuscany, or in the coastal cities of Livorno and Naples, one can always find a delicious bowl of pasta, an artisan pizza, a glass of fine regional wine, and good company. These restaurants are welcoming and inviting, and serve as a gathering spot for their communities. We wanted Osteria LuCa to be reminiscent of these restaurants where delicious preparations are served in a warm, inviting space by people who genuinely care about the guest experience.
Osteria LuCa is an Italian-style eatery with Artisan pizza, hot and cold antipasti, housemade pasta, wood-fired meats, fresh seafood, specialty cocktails, craft beer, and well – chosen Italian wines. The space is open and inviting with an abundance of natural light from the large floor-to-ceiling windows. The long marble bar and large communal table serves as gathering spots for people to enjoy high-quality food and beverages. Our pizza bar allows guests to watch as their pizzas and antipasti are prepared by our crew of experienced Piazzaiolos. The restaurant’s high ceilings, ambient lighting, and clean lines make it visually appealing while the communal tables, active bar, and banquette seating create an exciting and comfortable atmosphere.
THE FOOD
The menu is flexible and versatile, appealing to all demographics and appropriate for all dining occasions. In keeping with Osteria tradition, selections are limited, yet change frequently to emphasize freshness and seasonality. The menu is designed to encourage sampling and sharing. It is perfect for guests who want to stop in for a snack, a pizza and a cocktail, or for those wanting to stay for a whole meal and a bottle of wine. Either way, the lively communal space, top-notch Italian food, innovative beverages, and casual but correct service create a memorable experience that will bring people back for more.
Our food is focused but not fussy, straightforward and always uncompromising. The cuisine at Osteria LuCa is made in-house, from scratch, using the best ingredients. The essence of fine Italian food is simplicity and freshness with an emphasis on quality ingredients. When possible, we source our ingredients locally and organically and prepare them in ways that accentuate the food’s natural flavors.
THE BEVERAGES
The beverage program at Osteria LuCa enhances the entire experience. A diverse selection of local and regional craft beers – both on draught and in bottles – fills the demand created by Charlotte’s exploding beer scene. A well-chosen, short Italian wine list focused on small production wines with varietal character enables guests to try esoteric wines of value from regions throughout Italy. The cocktail program consists of all the classics and many specialty cocktails mixed with syrups and elixirs made in house.
THE TRUE ITALIAN EXPERIENCE
Our approach to service is simple; genuine care and concern for the guest experience. Our staff is knowledgeable and experienced, but more importantly, they are friendly and nice. People often choose a restaurant because of the food, but they return because of the service. At Osteria LuCa, we want all of our guests to feel welcome and well taken care of.
Osteria LuCa is a sophisticated yet casual and exciting community-based restaurant. We believe strongly in giving back to our community and actively participate in local church events, school fundraising, and youth athletics. Restaurants that achieve long-lasting devotion produce quality products for extended periods of time while becoming inexorably linked to the community. A sense of community is achieved when we take part in community activities and create a restaurant that allows people to come together, share stories, and enjoy each other’s company over good food and beverage. Restaurants that serve the community and become involved in the community tend to outlast those that simply feed the community.
Enjoy, from our family to yours!
