Nestled in the leafy, sun-dappled Chestnut Hill neighborhood, Luca has quickly become a new favorite Lancaster spot. The space is beautiful—industrial but warm—and the food is delicious. Luca successfully manages both while being completely unpretentious.
Owner Taylor Mason said he and his wife, Leeann, spent hours picking out each fixture for the restaurant, giving it a cozy yet open-and-airy farmhouse vibe.
This painstaking care in delivering an experience does not end with the Instagrammable decor. It carries through to the service, beverages and menu planning. “I think it’s important to look at every piece. I think far too often people come out of the gate and say we’re just going to make a full space, but the food and beverages lack or the service lacks. This was a real effort to ensure we were bringing all of those—hospitality, beverage service, food and ambience all on level with each other with a cohesive theme.”
Mason, also of Ma(i)son, approaches the menu at the months-old restaurant as “food anthropology.” Throughout the year, the menu will journey through the different regions of Italy taking into consideration seasonality, history and geography. In July, for example, the menu was inspired by southern Italy. As the weather cools, the geographical references will move slightly north, reflecting earthier, more forest-inspired flavors. Into the winter, the menu will move even farther north, featuring the most rich, nutty flavors of all.
Each season will also make historical references to its respective region and will employ local ingredients traditionally used in that region while taking full advantage of the wood-fired pizza oven and grill. Chef Taylor mentioned his excitement at the menu progression. “Fall and winter are when we layer flavors really well and create depth of flavor. That’s the most hearty, primal, delicious, satisfying food I think we make,” he shared.
The depth of flavor, attention and execution that goes into each dish will leave you more than satisfied. The well-curated, one-page menu includes a selection of appetizers, salads, pastas and wood-fired pizzas. Gluten-free pasta is also available. The dessert menu features housemade gelato and seasonal sorbet, among other delicious treats.
“Luca was always the goal,” said Mason. “We wanted to have a place that was for us, by us.” It’s an exercise in creating a casual spot where customers can feel comfortable coming with anyone for any occasion: date night, family dinners, catching up with friends—all these occasions make sense here. That’s important to Mason. “The most satisfying thing is to look around the room and see the diversity of people, the diversity of age groups. It’s important to have a place where we can come and eat with our children and where our peers feel comfortable, but it doesn’t need to sacrifice on the quality of beverage or food,” he said.
Look for Ma(i)son to open again, after a little refresh, toward the end of October—and if you haven’t already, be sure to check out Luca some time very soon.
Visit Luca between 5 and 11 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, at 436 W. James St. in Lancaster; phone: (717) 553-5770.
- Photos: Lisa Yoder
