Fine-dining Italian restaurant coming to former Mastoris Diner location
BORDENTOWN TWP. – Ristorante LUCCA, an upscale, fine dining, authentic Italian restaurant, will open in late fall where an iconic restaurant once operated.
The new restaurant, at 144 Route 130 South, will feature entertainment, including a piano lounge, senior staff fluent in Italian, tableside service, live music and special events inside the building that for decades housed Mastoris Diner & Restaurant.
The menu, created by executive chef Maurizio Peccolo, will feature a refined selection of house made pastas, fresh fish and charcoal steaks, a news release stated.
“Once inside, visitors will be transported to a completely new experience that will make you feel as though you've returned to a time when the caliber of dining was worthy of emulation. We are redefining what exceptional food and service really means,” said managing partner William Burris in a news statement. “I'm confident that Ristorante LUCCA will be the premier destination in elegance and fine dining for residents all over the Central and South Jersey, and Greater Philadelphia regions, quickly becoming the state's crown jewel of restaurants.”
Peccolo, an award-winning culinary artist with more than 40 years of experience, has worked in the kitchens of some of the most renowned restaurants in Italy.
“I have created an exceptional menu of authentically prepared Italian cuisine, perfected in Italy and ready to delight your palette,” he said. “I am very excited to see LUCCA come to life, and promise that guests will be treated to a unique and unforgettable experience.”
One closure, one opening
Mastoris closed in January. The landmark eatery hosted a plethora of important figures over the years, including former President Gerald Ford, governors and more. It drew people across the region for its cinnamon and cheese bread and many other dishes, but closed permanently partly due to the effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Ristorante LUCCA will also offer a carefully selected list of exclusive and exceptional wines representing the “finest vineyards from every region of Italy”, curated by sommelier Daniel Bossi. Ristorante LUCCA's wine program has already received a full endorsement by the Italian Caterina de Medici Society, the release said.
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“From the beginning, our vision was clear,” said David Navazio, owner and partner at Ristorante LUCCA. “At Ristorante LUCCA, we will embody what fine dining is truly meant to be — elegant, memorable, and always an occasion. As Ristorante LUCCA works to complete renovations, we are focused on ensuring each internal space is distinctive and refined, and ready to offer unparalleled service and genuine hospitality.”
The lounge will feature a piano player and a special menu. Dining room guests can enjoy before or after dinner drinks as well.
“We want guests to rediscover the lost art of fine dining and the feeling that anything is possible when everything is first-class,” added Burris.
Celeste E. Whittaker is a news features reporter for the Courier Post, Daily Journal and Burlington County Times. The South Jersey native started at the CP in 1998 and has covered the Philadelphia 76ers, college and high school sports and has won numerous awards for her work. Reach her by email at cwhittaker@gannettnj.com. Follow her on Twitter at @cp_CWhittaker.
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This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Ristorante LUCCA to open at former Mastoris Diner location
