Coastside Coffee Spot Closes Unexpectedly

Caffé Lucca, a popular Coastside spot for Italian-roasted coffee, closed its doors to customers unexpectedly earlier this month. The business closed on June 6, according to a Dolphin Real Estate agent.

Located on Highway 1 in Montara, the Caffé is the last stop before Devil’s Slide and is close enough to the Pacific Ocean to hear the waves crash against the shore and enjoy the view of the coast. The Caffé’s motto describes its character: 'Vivi bene, ama spesso, ridi molto e bevi espresso' or 'Live well, love often, laugh a lot and drink espresso.'

“The only information I have is that the owner decided to close it,” said the Dolphin agent, who did not want to be named.

The owner, manager and other employees could not be reached by the time of publication.

“Caffé Lucca was like walking in your own front door at home.  You were always greeted warmly with the guarantee that whatever you ordered would be delicious,” said Half Moon Bay resident Deborah Fernandez.

The Caffé, which was opened in May 2004 by Julie Lucchesi, served an assortment of Italian-roasted coffee, tea, alcohol, pastries, panini, samosas, calzones, burritos, frittatas, soup and more.

“They served the best coffee on the coast,” said James Worthington, who works nearby at Stephanie’s Ocean View Restaurant. “They had the real Italian-style coffee going there.”

"Whenever I came in, I always got a hello or good morning; the staff was always pleasant and I looked forward to the mornings I planned to get mocha," said Pacifica resident Paul Miedona.

The Caffé hosted Open Mic nights every other Friday night, featuring live music and poetry by community members.

Community members said that the Caffé’s friendliness created a welcome feeling each visit.

“When I was pregnant, we were going there once in awhile and we really got to know the people there,” said Moss Beach resident Elizabeth de Lorimier. “They were so excited for us and always asking about it. They were people who were happy to open up and share with the customers.”

“The owner graciously allowed me to place a memorial plaque on the bench in front of Caffé Lucca to honor and remember my nephew who passed away at an early age; he was an avid surfer,” said Fernandez. “Going to get my delicious Siena decaf also turned in to a sweet memory of my dear nephew Steven.”

“It was a great place for networking,” said de Lorimier. “They were great about letting people post fliers there.”

The Caffé is for sale for $79,000, according to the Dolphin representative. See the listing here on the Dolphin Real Estate website by searching for properties east of Highway 1 in Montara under the "business opportunities" category.

“I am so very sad that not only will we be missing out on the coastal treasure Julie Lucchesi created, but also the fellowship that took place there because it was incredible,” said Fernandez. 

Half Moon Bay Patch will continue to provide more information as it becomes available. If you have more information, please contact us.