The American Dream Comes True

The restaurant was born from the love of Antonio and Gaetana Russo.

Antonio was born in Acireale, a small village near Catania in Sicily. Gaetana "Lunella" born in Altamura, a small village near Bari, in Puglia both wanted to come to this country to pursue "A better life" in fact it is precisely between 1861 and 1985  it is found that almost 30 million immigrants left Italy luckily for these two love was born along the way.

They met in a five and dime shop in "Little Italy" and from there it was love at first sight.

They went on to have their only daughter Rossana in 1984 they decided to open their dream restaurant, a beacon of hope and a meeting place for the community.  Rossana later on blessed them with their heir Matteo.

Rossana has since taken over Lunellas and has become invested in Little Italy in hopes to return this enclave to its roots.

Matteo an actor has debuted in first feature film “The Many Saints of Newark “ as young Artie Bucco. 

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After more than thirty-five years, "Lunella" restaurant is one of the last to still boast an Italian and family management within "Little Italy".

The philosophy of the Russo's family always remains the same: attention to hospitality, a great sense of community

and authentic and quality Italian cuisine in  fact we believe the restaurant is not just a place where you can have a meal, but it's a place where you can live the true Italian experience from food and atmosphere. The restaurant has become a place for art and community,

Lunellas showcases several events including acoustic music, Jazz, Blues, LGBTQIA, DJ sets

and many other forms of entertainment to satisfy the pleasure of many.

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