LULO Kitchen Bringing Latin American Flavors to Crocker Park

Crocker Park will welcome LULO Kitchen to its dining lineup, introducing a locally owned Latin American restaurant concept that goes beyond fresh, thoughtfully prepared food to deliver a vibrant, culturally inspired dining experience. Anticipated opening this winter, the restaurant will be LULO Kitchen’s second full-service Northeast Ohio location and the group’s fourth overall concept, alongside LULO Cafe locations. The Crocker Park location joins its original flagship restaurant in Cleveland’s Warehouse District.

Founded by Chef Stefanie Montoya and her husband, Mario, LULO grew from a personal passion for food, culture and well-being. Stefanie arrived in Cleveland from Colombia in 2012 and later studied at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, shaping the philosophy that guides the restaurant today: food can connect people to their roots, bridge cultures and nourish the body.

LULO’s menu celebrates flavors from across Latin America through dishes made fresh with carefully selected ingredients. Its culinary offerings include mango salmon, carne asada with chimichurri and handcrafted empanadas, with options that accommodate vegan and vegetarian guests. Fresh fruit smoothies, juices and handcrafted cocktails round out the concept.

“LULO Kitchen brings a personal story and a fresh perspective to Crocker Park’s dining scene,” said Stacie Schmidt, Vice President of Marketing at Stark Enterprises. “Stefanie and Mario have created a concept that brings people together through food, culture and hospitality, creating a unique experience for guests. We’re excited to welcome them to the center and provide our community with another special place to gather.”

LULO’s menu celebrates Latin American flavors with Colombian influences, featuring dishes such as empanadas, grilled steaks with chimichurri, traditional rice dishes and sweet plantains, alongside fresh tropical juices and fruit-forward desserts. The restaurant also offers catering menus for corporate gatherings, celebrations and group events. Beyond the kitchen, LULO’s beverage program draws inspiration from Latin American drinking traditions, with cocktails such as pisco sours and caipirinhas, a wine selection emphasizing South America, and house-blended herbal teas.

LULO Kitchen’s original restaurant, created inside a former tattoo parlor in Cleveland’s historic Warehouse District showcases the brand’s attention to detail through its inviting atmosphere, lush greenery, original art and warm, earthy textures. This winter, Crocker Park guests will have the opportunity to experience the same hospitality, fresh cuisine and culturally inspired dining experience closer to home.

The Crocker Park expansion will introduce LULO’s approach to a new audience, giving shoppers, residents and visitors another destination for lunch, dinner, cocktails, celebrations and shared experiences. Anticipated hours are Sunday through Thursday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM and Friday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM. An official opening date and additional details will be announced closer to opening. Follow Crocker Park and LULO Kitchen on social media to stay up to date on what’s happening.