The vibrant pulse of South Tampa's culinary scene will beat a little less lively by the month's end, as the modern Cuban restaurant Luv Child prepares to shutter its doors permanently. In a somber yet grateful announcement on social media, Creative Loafing Tampa Bay reported the restaurant's farewell message, "After careful consideration, we have decided to permanently close our doors at Luv Child, with our last day of service being Sunday, July 28th," read a statement from the restaurant. "We have cherished every moment spent serving you and are incredibly grateful for your unwavering LUV and support. Thank you so much for being a part of our journey!” the statement expressed.
Managed by the Ciccio Restaurant Group, famous for other notable local dining spots, such as Green Lemon, Daily Eats, and Fresh Kitchen, Luv Child has been part of Tampa's food landscape since its opening. Recognized for its posh atmosphere and a well-appointed cocktail menu, the establishment has served as a gathering spot for friends and families, alike. Diners have until July 28 to bask in the distinctive ambiance and savor favorites from the Luv Child menu, including offerings like loaded quesadillas, tostones, and the crowd-pleasing marinated pork appetizer, according to a Q105 article.
The announcement did not pinpoint the exact reasons behind the closure, but the space will not sit idle for long. A new Italian venture is poised to take its place. "Stay tuned for more updates on the grand opening, and we can't wait to welcome you to Jay Luigi soon!," as reported by Q105 article, hinting at the transformation to come. This upcoming eatery, Jay & Luigi, stems from a collaboration between Ciccio Restaurant Group and Jason Brunetti, co-founder of Forbici. It will be the second of its kind, joining its sibling established in St. Petersburg in 2021 as reported by Creative Loafing Tampa Bay.
There's an echo of nostalgia in seeing the establishment close, recalling memories when the spot used to house The Lodge, an erstwhile haunt for food by day and revelries by night. Patrons, some residing as far as Westchase, have remarked on the picturesque interior and the draw of the restaurant's charm, even for those not in the immediate South Tampa vicinity. "Even though it’s not at all a “kids restaurant,” my girls loved it because it is so pretty inside," a patron conveyed memories to WiLD 94.1.
For its part, Luv Child leaves behind patrons with a melange of satisfaction and a twinge of loss for the culinary experiences it provided and the community it fostered.
