Serving award-winning modern Italian food with a fabulous wine list and romantic European atmosphere since 2013 at luca italian cuisine, Acqua de Luca is sure to be a favorite in the neighborhood thanks to the passion of its owners, Luca and Lola Sema.
So who are the people behind Luca?
Before immigrating to Cleveland, Luca and Lola met while growing up in their native Albania. As a cook in the Albanian army, Luca picked up some of his culinary skills during that time, and the pair both spent time in Italy before officially making the move to Cleveland.
When Luca first arrived in Cleveland 20 years ago, he started working for a steel factory and later picked up a job in Little Italy working for various restaurants. While he worked in Little Italy, Lola worked as a server for Morton’s Steakhouse for many years, both finessing their skills and learning a great deal about Cleveland’s culinary scene.
One day, Luca and Lola were having dinner at the former Ponte Vecchio restaurant on the Super Viaduct. They decided there and then to pool their savings together and open their very own restaurant—and Luca was born.
What makes Luca so special?
Undoubtedly, Luca and Lola are the reason the restaurant has been such a success. The pair are the lifeblood of the restaurant, with Lola running the business side of things, and Luca cooking up unforgettable meals as executive chef.
Lola is also a third level sommelier, handling the beloved wine program at the restaurant. She is always in-tune with the look and feel of the restaurant, hoping to create an experience for customers that offers European fine dining in a comfortable and memorable setting.
Moreover, the pair are delighted to open their third restaurant, their first in the Warehouse District, this spring.
Between the outstanding restaurants, hospitality, and character of the buildings, the Warehouse District has been the perfect first location as the hottest restaurant area in Cleveland. As regular participants in the Downtown Cleveland Alliance’s Restaurant Week, the Sema’s have been so appreciative of the neighborhood’s support through the years.
As such, the Sema’s may not be Clevelanders by birth, but it has certainly become home.
For those looking for some of the finest northern Italian cuisine in Cleveland, Luca will be open for indoor and outdoor dining soon! You can check out their full menu here.