Luga Decatur
Contemporary Italian restaurant and bar in downtown DecaturAbout Us
Berin Islami, Owner
Berin's career in hospitality began at 16, when he moved to the United States from Europe and found his footing in the restaurants and rooftop bars of New York City. Starting as a busboy, he worked his way through nearly every facet of the industry; an experience that shaped both his approach to hospitality and his belief in the power of restaurants to bring people together.
After moving to Georgia, Berin became instrumental in the growth of Positano Pizza Napoletana, helping expand the neighborhood concept across metro Atlanta while building a reputation for thoughtful hospitality and memorable guest experiences. His work has spanned operations, beverage development, restaurant openings, and ownership.
Now, alongside the hospitality team behind Positano and Giulia Italian Bakery, Berin brings that experience to Luga Decatur. His vision for Luga is clear: exceptional food, genuine hospitality, and a neighborhood restaurant that becomes an enduring part of the community it serves.
Robbie Pacheco, Executive Chef
Seattle-born and Georgia-raised, Robbie Pacheco has built his career in some of Atlanta's most celebrated kitchens. As Chef de Cuisine at Cardamom Hill, he was part of the team during its rise to national acclaim, earning a James Beard Award semifinalist recognition for Best New Restaurant and honors from Bon Appétit and Southern Living. He later served as Executive Chef of Restaurant 356 at Porsche North America Headquarters, leading one of Atlanta's most distinctive dining experiences.
His career has since spanned acclaimed restaurants and hospitality concepts including Auburn Angel, Wildleaf, Country Club of the South, and Brewed to Serve Hospitality Group. Robbie brings a globally influenced, ingredient-driven approach to the kitchen, pairing bold flavor and thoughtful technique with the belief that exceptional food is only one part of what makes a restaurant unforgettable
Aaron Corbett, Sous Chef
A Baton Rouge native with Guyanese heritage, Aaron brings a diverse culinary perspective shaped by family, culture, and years of experience in leading kitchens across the Southeast. Inspired by his mother and grandmother from an early age, he pursued formal culinary training at Johnson & Wales University before earning his culinary degree from The Art Institute of Atlanta.
His career includes experience with Cherokee Town and Country Club, Country Club of the South, White Oak, and Auburn Angel, where he developed his skills in fine dining, kitchen leadership, and restaurant openings. After spending two years in Charleston, he returned to Atlanta to reunite with Chef Robbie Pacheco and help launch Luga Decatur.
Ricky Saucedo, Executive Pastry Chef
A Georgia native raised in a Mexican family of restaurateurs, Chef Ricky discovered his passion for pastry after first pursuing classical music. He went on to study the craft extensively, later connecting with renowned pastry chef Joshua John Russell as a mentor before founding Zúcar Patisserie and establishing himself within Atlanta's culinary community.
His career includes serving as Executive Pastry Chef for Café Vendôme, Highland Bakery, Oliva Restaurant Group, and Pata Negra Mezcaleria, along with appearances on FOX and Food Network. Today, Ricky brings his creativity and technical expertise to pastry programs across the country, developing menus, consulting with restaurants, and training culinary teams while creating desserts that balance artistry, technique, and a deep appreciation for the craft.
Cuisine
At Luga Italian Eatery Decatur, the cuisine is led by Executive Chef Robbie Pacheco and shaped by contemporary Italian cooking, seasonal ingredients, and the energy of the neighborhood. The menu brings together handmade pastas, pizzas, seafood, composed plates, and dishes designed for lunch, brunch, dinner, and late evenings in the city.
The Bar
The bar at Luga Italian Eatery Decatur is designed with a city energy: social, polished, and easy to settle into. Expect Italian-inspired cocktails, spritzes, wines, amari, and zero-proof drinks made for quick meetups, dinner at the bar, and nights that naturally stretch a little longer.
Our Menus
Whether it's your first visit or your favorite neighborhood spot, we hope you'll find something you'll love. Explore our menus and see what's waiting at the table.
FAQ
When is Luga Decatur opening?
Luga Decatur is opening this fall in downtown Decatur. Follow us on Instagram or visit our website for the latest opening updates, reservation announcements, menu previews, and soft opening details.
Where is Luga Decatur located?
Luga Decatur is located in downtown Decatur at 855 Commerce Drive, Decatur, GA 30030.
Is there parking at Luga Decatur?
Yes. Parking is available in the adjacent Modera retail garage, and Luga Decatur offers two-hour parking validation for guests.
What are Luga Decatur's hours?
Luga Decatur's hours will be announced closer to opening. Follow us on Instagram or check our website for the latest updates.
Is Luga Decatur locally owned?
Yes. Luga Decatur is locally owned and operated by Berin Islami in addition to the team behind Positano Pizza Napoletana, and Giulia Italian Bakery. The team has been in hospitality for over 20 years and are looking forward to bring this new concept to downtown Decatur.
What should guests expect from the Luga Decatur menu?
Luga Decatur will feature a chef-driven, contemporary Italian menu led by Executive Chef Robbie Pacheco and his team — fresh pasta made in-house, pizzas, seafood, meats, composed entrées, seasonal specials, and desserts from the pastry chef.
Will Luga Decatur serve lunch, dinner, and brunch?
Yes. Luga Decatur plans to serve lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch once fully open.
What kind of bar program will Luga Decatur have?
A full Italian-inspired bar program with cocktails, spritzes, aperitivi, wine, beer, espresso drinks, and zero-proof options.
Do you take reservations at Luga Decatur?
Yes. Luga Decatur will take reservations through Resy once reservations are open. Walk-ins will also be welcome based on availability.
Does Luga Decatur offer gluten-free options?
Yes. Gluten-free pizzas, pastas, and other options throughout the menu. Guests with allergies should let their server know.
Does Luga Decatur offer vegetarian options?
Yes, throughout the menu, including pastas, pizzas, salads, seasonal plates, and other Italian-inspired dishes.
Does Luga Decatur have outdoor seating?
Yes, patio seating is available, weather permitting.
Is Luga Decatur good for date night, groups, or business meals?
The restaurant and ambiance is designed for date nights, casual lunches, dinner with friends, business meals, drinks at the bar, and full evening dining.
Does Luga Decatur offer private dining or events?
Luga Decatur will offer options for group dining and events. More details will be available through the website once the restaurant opens.
Decatur
Coming Soon
Luga Italian Eatery - Decatur (Coming Soon!)
855 Commerce Dr
Decatur, GA 30030
Luga Decatur offers 2-hour parking validation in the Modera parking deck, located within the same apartment complex as the restaurant.
Hours
Monday - Thursday: 5 pm to 10 pm
ComingSoon
Friday - Saturday: 5 pm to 11 pm
ComingSoon
Sunday: 5 pm to 10 pm
ComingSoon