La Cucina has called Dunmore home for more than 30 years, but its history is rooted in Florence, Italy.
The business was originally established on Mortimer street by the late Luciano Lepri and his wife Anne.
Mr Lepri was born in Florence and came to the United States with his wife and small son in 1962.
They settled in Binghamton NY but later came to Scranton where Mr Lepri managed the Scranton Club for about 15 years before he decided to open La Cucina where he could offer authentic Italian dishes, true to those from his homeland.
The restaurant was well established and successful, until a building collapse forced the Lepris to seek a new home for La Cucina
After a short period at the former Treadway Hotel on the Carbondale Highway, the Lepris learned that the building housing Gallagher’s Bar and Night Club in Dunmore had become available and they were more than happy to return to their original home town.
The food at La Cucina reflects the family’s history from northern Italy and includes some of Luciano’s original recipes, but the menu is extensive and appealing to a wide range of tastes. Signature dishes include homemade baked pastas, such as Pasta Verde, made with spinach dough, rolled into a loaf with Mozzarella and Ricotta cheese, sliced and served with Marinara sauce.
Veal is a stand out as well, whether served Parmigiana, Marsala or Piccata style. We also serve a nice mixed grill, with sausage, chicken and steak said Mr Lepri’s son and chef, Paolo.
Paolo, who learned recipes and technique from his father and on his own, still makes frequent trips to visit family in Florence, and is always on the lookout for new and tasty ideas for the food and wine at the restaurant.
He has fond memories of big Sunday family dinners where bowls and plates were passed around.