This has been one of the most anticipated restaurant openings of the year in Savannah for 2025. That doesn’t mean it all came together quickly. Owner and chef Kyle Jacovino opened the doors on his new space in the Starland District this week. Lucia Pasta Bar was years…many years in the making, but it is now here for you to enjoy.
We are planning a visit with Kyle next month to talk about a great many things, but in the short term, we are sharing a few things you should know before you head on down to Lucia to Eat It and Like It.
Lucia Pasta Bar is not The Florence v2.0
The Florence (2014-2017) was quite possibly the most polarizing restaurant Savannah has ever seen. Certainly in the 15 years we’ve been taking notes. Some folks really really loved it-including me. Others really really didn’t love it. Those of you that did, probably remember that Kyle Jacovino was the Executive Chef of that restaurant. Kyle tells me there are 3 carry over dishes from that menu-including the Squid Ink Bucatini-but otherwise this menu is more in-line with Kyle’s vision for his own Italian restaurant.
That said, just like The Florence, don’t show up here looking for Spaghetti and Meatballs, Veal Marsala or Fettuccine Alfredo add chicken. This is beautifully crafted Italian food and very much a welcomed addition to our food scene. And the comparisons should end right there.
The Price is Right
Of the many things I was impressed by on my first visit were the prices which I found to be extremely reasonable. The most expensive item on the menu, I believe, was the steak and it was only $35. The wine list was short-ish, but again, the highest priced bottle of red was $72. There were plenty of options red, white, still and sparkling for anyone and everyone. Even an $8 Two Tides Italian Lager from the crew around the corner.
Pastas at Lucia are reasonably priced in the 20s
Have a plan to get there and/or parking
The Starland District is bubbling. It is more popular than it ever has been, which is great to see. You should know that Lucia Pasta Bar is the first of three crowd-drawing spots that will be opening in the next 4-6 weeks. The others being Southern Cross Hospitality’s FISHBar in the old Squirrel’s Pizza space and Garden Square, featuring a “Modern Bar and Bites” will open adjacent to Brochus Family Tradition.
The point? Once everyone starts rolling, parking-especially on the weekends-will be next to impossible to find in the area without investing a walk. Or an Uber. Bottom line is the ones who want to be there, will make it work, the others will find an excuse not to. More bites for us. Just don’t say you weren’t warned.
Pizzeria Vittoria Pies in the air conditioning
Kyle brought his “OG Vittoria oven” over from his very popular pizzeria around the corner at Starland Yard. He says he picked that one for good luck. The best part is now you can enjoy Savannah’s best pizza 365 days a year indoors. There are, I believe, 3 pies on the menu at Lucia. You can now enjoy Pizzeria Vittoria quality pies without having to sit in the elements at Starland Yard.
You can enjoy Lucia Pasta Bar outdoors as well
The work done on this space is beautiful. Rustic and tight. There are 46 or so seats inside (including a Pasta Room for small groups) and a courtyard which will seat an additional 28 or so people when the weather is behaving, which will make this a go-to year round.
Dining and Cooking