After 23 years in Downtown Ludington, Luciano’s Ristoranti is undergoing a transformation to include a contemporary look and fresh revolving menu, as a new manager takes over for the Maniaci family.
With building renovations currently underway, the Ludington Avenue establishment will soon boast a modern, cosmopolitan look. Meanwhile, all food is made fresh to order from scratch, and an exclusive wine and cocktail bar will allow customers to enjoy drinks perfectly paired with entrees prepared by extensively trained culinary professionals.
“We are changing the overall look, feel and experience of Luciano Ristoranti,” said Head Chef and Manager Joshua Dudle. “Our commitment to fresh food and overall quality is the key to building a reputation within our community, along with proper and professional customer care.”
Classic favorites, such as Luciano’s signature brick-oven pizzas, lasagna, spaghetti marinara, fettuccine bolognese and fettuccine alfredo, will be offered, while daily specials based on fresh local ingredients will be featured.
“It is much more of a trattoria or bistro-style restaurant than a standard everyday-the-same-offering establishment,” Dudle said. “Everything is made fresh daily, made to order by hand, never pre-made, never held for service. All meats are hand cut fresh. Our doughs and sauces are hand-made from scratch every single time.”
The Maniaci family still owns Luciano Ristoranti, but Dudle has assumed overall business oversight and has big plans for the future.
Dudle said a banquet room is presently being renovated, which will provide a glimpse into what the rest of the restaurant will eventually look like. The room will have a revolving gallery of local and traveling artists, modular partitions, and an open industrial look in a contemporary style. Luciano’s will be serving and accommodating private parties, wine pairings and tastings, meetings and exhibitions in this space. Seating and space will be available to accommodate up to 60 individuals in the banquet room.
In addition, Luciano’s was the first establishment to be approved in the Ludington Area Social District, meaning customers may enjoy an alcoholic beverage to go, as long as it is enjoyed within the district.
“We serve an array of beverages (wine, beer, cocktails) but have streamlined our inventory and service to include primarily ‘exclusive only to Luciano Ristoranti’ wines and true Italian signature cocktails,” Dudle said of the restaurant’s new cocktail bar.
He encourages the community to dine in and experience their menu offerings and changes firsthand. Customers may inquire about daily soups, salads and sides of the day, along with available dinner and dessert specials.