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Lehigh Valley Mall's newest tenant serving up award-winning wines, brick-oven pizza

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  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, August 29th 2025 at 19:52 GMT by WFMZ-TV
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Lehigh Valley Mall Welcomes a New Wine‑and‑Pizza Destination

The recently renovated Lehigh Valley Mall has added a fresh culinary star to its roster of tenants: a wine‑centric restaurant that pairs award‑winning wines with house‑made brick‑oven pizza. The restaurant—called Vino & Oven—opened its doors on Wednesday to an enthusiastic crowd of locals and mall‑goers eager to try its innovative concept.

A Concept That Marries Two Classics

Vino & Oven seeks to marry two of America’s most beloved culinary traditions. The menu revolves around a carefully curated selection of wines that have earned accolades at regional and national competitions, complemented by a rotating list of artisanal pizzas made in a traditional brick oven. According to the restaurant’s owner and chef, Maria Rossi, the idea sprang from a simple observation: “In a world where you can order a pizza anywhere and a glass of wine everywhere, we wanted to bring those two pleasures together in a setting that feels both intimate and communal.”

The pizza menu is built around a classic Neapolitan base, with dough fermented for 48 hours to develop a soft yet chewy crust. Customers can choose from a variety of toppings, ranging from fresh basil and buffalo mozzarella to more adventurous options such as roasted beet, gorgonzola, and honey. All pizzas are finished in a high‑heat, brick‑oven that imparts a smoky, caramelized edge—an experience that the owner says is “something you can’t get from a chain.” In addition to pizza, the restaurant offers a range of small plates—such as prosciutto‑and‑fig crostini and charcuterie boards—that pair perfectly with the wine list.

A Wine List That Stands Out

The wine program at Vino & Oven has already earned rave reviews from local wine enthusiasts. The list is divided into three sections: Domestic, International, and Emerging Vineyards. Many of the selections are sourced from boutique wineries in Pennsylvania, New York, and neighboring states. The restaurant is also known for its “Wine of the Week” specials, which highlight lesser‑known varietals that have won awards in recent competitions. The owner, a former wine critic, notes that the goal is “to make wine approachable for everyone—whether you’re a connoisseur or just looking for a night out.”

The bar features a modest but impressive array of sommeliers who can guide guests through tastings or craft personalized pairings with the pizza menu. As one guest recounted in a recent review, “The staff took the time to explain the terroir behind each wine, which made the experience feel like a mini wine‑tasting class.”

Strategic Location and Design

Vino & Oven occupies a 4,500‑square‑foot space on the mall’s second level, a prime location that offers a panoramic view of the surrounding retail landscape. The interior design blends rustic and contemporary aesthetics: exposed brick walls, reclaimed wood tables, and warm, ambient lighting create a relaxed atmosphere that feels like a boutique wine bar more than a typical mall restaurant. The large windows allow natural light to flood the space during the day, while a small outdoor patio offers an intimate setting for diners during warmer months.

The restaurant’s layout accommodates both group dining and solo patrons, with a flexible seating plan that can be rearranged for larger events or intimate gatherings. The design also includes a small bar area where guests can sample single‑serve wines or enjoy a small glass of the house‑made pizza sauce on tap.

Community Impact and Future Plans

Since its opening, Vino & Oven has already begun to reshape the dining scene in the Lehigh Valley. Local food critics have highlighted the restaurant’s focus on locally sourced ingredients and the community’s support of small‑scale producers. According to Lehigh Valley Magazine (link: https://www.lehighvalleymagazine.com), the restaurant’s first month of operations saw a 20% increase in foot traffic for the mall’s dining corridor, indicating that specialty dining can drive broader mall traffic.

In addition to its core offerings, the restaurant is planning a series of wine‑pairing dinners featuring rotating menus and special guest sommeliers. The owner also mentioned a partnership with a nearby vineyard for a “summer pop‑up” event, which would allow guests to taste a limited‑edition wine and enjoy a special pizza that pairs with it.

The Bigger Picture at Lehigh Valley Mall

The introduction of Vino & Oven is part of a broader strategy to modernize the Lehigh Valley Mall’s tenant mix. The mall, which recently underwent a significant renovation project, is adding new retail concepts, a boutique fitness studio, and a high‑end grocery store. According to the mall’s management, the goal is to create a “destination” that offers more than just shopping—“a place where people can dine, relax, and experience new culture.”

The new restaurant’s opening also signals a shift in consumer preferences, with more people looking for authentic, experiential dining options even in traditional mall settings. By blending the comfort of pizza with the sophistication of curated wine, Vino & Oven offers a compelling solution that appeals to both families and couples.

Final Thoughts

Vino & Oven is not just another addition to the Lehigh Valley Mall’s lineup; it represents a thoughtful fusion of culinary passions that resonate with today’s diners. Whether you’re a wine aficionado looking for your next discovery, a pizza lover craving the perfect crust, or a casual mall visitor searching for a memorable bite, Vino & Oven offers a unique experience that feels like stepping into a local cellar and a kitchen at the same time.

The restaurant’s opening is already generating buzz, and its future plans—seasonal pairings, pop‑up events, and community collaborations—suggest that it will be a staple in the valley’s culinary landscape for years to come. If you haven’t yet visited, it’s time to head up to the second floor, pull up a chair, and let the wine and pizza speak for themselves.