Our story
Lumina, the light of culture: an Italian cafe where food, art, dancing, music and la bella vita come together.
From Oakland to the Plaza
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1997
Alessandro and Antonio first met working at Oliveto, an Italian restaurant in Oakland, CA. After a long day's work they would play music together at Antonio's place. They went on to form the band GSol and recorded several albums over two decades.
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2016
Alessandro moved to Ashland with his family.
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2023
Antonio came to Ashland as well.
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By the creek
While strolling on the Calle along Ashland Creek together, the idea of opening an Italian cafe in the heart of Ashland was born. Alessandro's oldest daughter, Sabrina, had recently returned from living in Italy for a decade, having learned all the recipes of her nonna — and they became the basis of the menu.
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2025
Lumina, the light of culture, opened its doors just before Thanksgiving.
Le ricette della nonna
Sabrina's decade in Italy gave the kitchen its recipes. The rest is how we cook them and serve them.
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Locally sourced and organic
100% organic ingredients, sourced locally — enlightened ingredients, farm fresh.
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Zero seed oils
A rarity in town: olive oil in the biscotti and focaccia, coconut oil for the graffe, avocado oil for the polenta.
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Served fast
The highest quality food, served fast, with a unique hot bar and order-at-the-counter service.
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Something from Italy in every drink
The best Italian wines, Oregon beers, and specialty cocktails.
Our promise
Farm fresh. Enlightened ingredients. 100% organic. Zero seed oils. Purity in every bite. Buon appetito!