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Lucio’s Pizzeria: Joburg’s Family-Run Italian Landmark
If you ask Joburgers where to find a true slice of Italy, chances are someone will mention Lucio’s Pizzeria in Blackheath. For nearly four decades, this family-run eatery has been more than a restaurant. It has been part of the community, a place where generations have shared pizzas, pastas, and unforgettable moments.
From Seven Tables to a Joburg Icon
Lucio’s began humbly in 1987 with just seven tables. Founder Claudio Merlo built it on a passion for authentic Italian food and a belief that every guest should feel like family. Word spread quickly, and the little pizzeria grew into a 160-seat restaurant that today stands as a landmark for Northcliff and the surrounding suburbs.
A Legacy That Lives On
Claudio ran Lucio’s until his passing in 2009. His son Giuliano, also a familiar face at the restaurant, sadly passed not long after. The heart of Lucio’s remains strong, though. Claudio’s wife, Bimba, and younger son, Armando, now carry forward the tradition. Regulars find comfort knowing the same family spirit still guides every dish served.
Image 1: Facebook/Lucios Pizzeria
More Than Food: The Lucio’s Experience
Walking into Lucio’s feels like stepping into a cosy Italian village. The eclectic décor, lively atmosphere, and warm service set the stage for meals that turn into conversations and celebrations. The menu balances simplicity and authenticity: crisp thin-based pizzas, hearty pastas, seafood, steaks, and Italian desserts like tiramisu and gelato.
But it is not just the food that makes Lucio’s special. Customers often describe it as their “home away from home,” a place where birthdays, first dates, and Sunday family lunches become woven into their own personal history. On social media, regulars call it “the soul of Northcliff dining” and “a place that never changes, in the best way possible.”
Why Lucio’s Still Matters in 2025
Restaurants in Joburg come and go, but Lucio’s remains timeless. Its endurance is built not on trends but on consistency, warmth, and excellence. For Joburgers, it is a reminder that good food and genuine hospitality will always have a place in our fast-changing city.
Visit Lucio’s
Find Lucio’s Pizzeria at 231 Beyers Naudé Drive, Blackheath. Whether for a sit-down meal or a takeaway, the Merlo family and their team are ready to welcome you with a taste of Italy right here in Johannesburg.
Also read: Al Volo Pizza: The Mobile Wood-Fired Slice Lighting up Joburg Gatherings
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Source: Lucios Pizzeria
Featured Image: Facebook/Lucios Pizzeria
