Beccafico to open restaurant at former Tied House in Lititz with traditional Italian dishes

An Italian restaurant is slated to open early next year in downtown Lititz, taking a spot formerly occupied by Tied House.

Renovations are underway at 27-31 E. Main St. for Beccafico, a new restaurant that will feature traditional food from southern Italy. Beccafico will be owned and operated by Sara Elia, a local chef who owns the catering company Serafina's by Chef Sara. Elia has also been an organizer of the L'Italia Festival, an Italian cultural festival that held its third annual event this year in Lititz Springs Park.

Elia, who has taught cooking classes and been a private chef, said her new restaurant will offer the kind of traditional Italian food that has become her specialty, including pasta dishes, seafood and pastries.

A wine bar will be situated in the lower level of Beccafico where there will be seating for around 50. Upstairs will have seating for around 90 and include some small private rooms.

Elia said she has a silent partner for the project that she will own and operate. Elia, who is leasing the space, recently secured a restaurant liquor license for the property.