'Norwalk icon in the making.' Luca's Beach Kitchen opens at former Ripka's Cafe site at Calf Pasture Beach
It was a soft relaunch, owner Rosa Luciani says. The actual building is under construction as the business works on its new concept for 2027.
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Norwalk beachgoers have a new place to grab a bite this summer.
Luca's Beach Kitchen has opened up shop at the former site of Ripka's Cafe at Calf Pasture Beach.
Ripka’s was a community staple for more than a decade before closing this past October.
Owner Clyde Ripka died months later at just 68 years old.
"Clyde Ripka really paved the road for us," Luca's Beach Kitchen owner Rosa Luciani says. "We're going to continue doing music nights in his honor."
Dozens of people looked on as city officials helped cut the ribbon on Norwalk's newest food destination Friday night.
"It just shows you how important the concession here is at Calf Pasture Beach," Mayor Barbara Smyth says. "This is just the icing on the cake."
It was a soft relaunch, Luciani says.
The actual building is under construction as the business works on its new concept for 2027.
"We all know we want to be outside with good music and good vibes," Luciani says. "We're really pushing that out here, and we're trying to turn it more into an outside space."
The menu consists of beach classics like burgers, hot dogs, chicken, grilled cheese and of course seafood.
Lobster rolls, clams and oysters are obviously on the menu.
"The lobster rolls, Connecticut style!" customer Jack Griffith says. "Hot lobster, hot butter, and a hot dog bun."
Beachgoers are glad to see a Norwalk family with ties to the local restaurant scene open up shop at Calf Pasture beach.
"We love Luca, we love Rosa and Anthony, and we love Mr. Frosty's," Fran Hoyt says. "This is a Norwalk icon in the making."
