Upscale Italian restaurant to open in Bordentown (updated)

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A new upscale Italian restaurant and piano lounge is heading to Bordentown, according to a Sept. 18 announcement.

Located at 144 U.S. Route 130, Ristorante LUCCA will debut Dec. 19 at the former location of the Mastoris Diner, which closed in January partly “due to the ongoing pandemic’s impact on the restaurant industry,” according to its Facebook page.

CentralJersey.com was the first to report that a new Italian eatery would take over the spot.

LUCCA will feature authentic Italian dining and live music, as well as senior staff members who are fluent in Italian. The menu will include house-made pastas, fresh fish and charcoal steaks, as well as a wine list curated by Sommelier Daniel Bossi.

According to the restaurant, the wine program has already received full endorsement by the Italian Caterina de Medici Society.

Leading the kitchen is Executive Chef Maurizio Peccolo – an award-winning cook who brings more than 40 years of experience to the new restaurant. In fact, Peccolo said LUCCA’s menu was “perfected in Italy.”

“I am very excited to see LUCCA come to life, and promise that guests will be treated to a unique and unforgettable experience,” Maurizio said in a statement.

LUCCA also has a bar and lounge area where guests can enjoy before- and after-dinner drinks while listening to live piano music.

According to a Dec. 14 announcement, lunch will be served from noon to 4 p.m., and dinner from 5 to 11 p.m. Reservations by phone are required for dinner at (609) 262-0110.

For dinner, Ristorante LUCCA requires men to wear jackets, and “the appropriate equivalent” is required for women. During lunch hours, business casual attire is acceptable. More guidelines can be found by clicking here.

“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,” said Managing Partner William Burris.

The restaurant is accepting applications for front- and back-of-house positions, including line chef, pastry chef, servers, server assistants, bartenders, runners and bussers.

David Navazio, LUCCA owner and partner, added, “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.”

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 10:30 a.m. ET Dec. 14 to include an opening date and the dress code policy. A company representative also clarified that it is not a steakhouse, as described as such in the original version of a CentralJersey.com article.