Our Story
Alessandro and Antonio first met in 1997 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. In 2016 Alessandro moved to Ashland with his family. In 2023 Antonio came to Ashland as well. While strolling on the Calle along the 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 (grandmother), and that became the basis of the menu. Lumina, the light of culture, opened its doors just before Thanksgiving 2025.
Lumina is an Italian cafe in the heart of the Ashland Plaza near Lithia Park, where food, art, dancing, music and la bella vita come together. We are locally sourced + organic and we don’t use seed oils. We offer the highest quality food, served fast, with a unique hot bar and order-at-the-counter service. We also have the best Italian wines, Oregon beers, and specialty cocktails featuring something from Italy in every drink.
Come linger over authentic homemade Italian cooking from le ricette della nonna.
