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At Lira, we believe that love, friendship, and connection all find their home around the dinner table. Guided by Chef Tucker Ricchio’s vision that food is love, our team brings together global influences, heartfelt hospitality, and creative craftsmanship. Meet the dedicated individuals who bring Lira’s philosophy to life, one dish and one smile at a time.
FOOD IS LOVE
Chef Tucker Ricchio, a proud Bay Area native, discovered her love for cooking as a child, helping her Nonna roll fresh pasta in the kitchen. Despite earning a double bachelor’s degree, her passion for food led her to follow her heart and pursue a culinary career, enrolling at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu.
Her journey took her through some of California’s finest dining establishments, including Michelin-starred kitchens, where she honed her craft and mastered the art of blending technique with creativity. Chef Tucker’s dedication and talent culminated in her winning season two of Gordon Ramsay’s Next Level Chef, where she impressed some of the world’s toughest culinary critics. Since then, she has graced television screens and been featured in SF Gate and People magazine, sharing her passion for food with audiences nationwide.
Now, with the opening of Lira, her first restaurant, Chef Tucker brings her vision to life. Lira’s New American menu reflects her Italian roots, French culinary training, and the global flavors she’s fallen in love with through her travels. Committed to working with local purveyors and using innovative gastronomic techniques, Chef Tucker invites you to experience food that is as thoughtful as it is delicious.
the
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The Owners
Faisal Gowani has always been passionate about the way food and drink bring people together. With years of experience in business, he’s developed a talent for creating spaces that go beyond the ordinary—places designed for connection, celebration, and shared moments.
Lira is the realization of that vision: a warm, vibrant restaurant where every detail, from the comforting New American menu to mixologist-crafted cocktails and a curated selection of craft beer and wine, reflects Faisal’s commitment to quality and hospitality.
When he’s not at Lira, Faisal enjoys discovering innovative dining concepts and finding inspiration in spaces that push boundaries. Time with family and friends keeps him grounded and fuels his passion for creating memorable experiences.
For Faisal, Lira isn’t just a restaurant—it’s an invitation to gather, savor, and create lasting memories around the table.
Faisal
Gowani
Zachary Smith is driven by a passion for connection and shared experiences. His background as a storyteller and global explorer has shaped his perspective, emphasizing the value of building meaningful relationships through every interaction.
With a keen understanding of teamwork and resilience from his years as a dedicated soccer coach, Zachary brings a collaborative spirit to every project he undertakes. For him, creating spaces where people feel valued, understood, and welcome is at the heart of hospitality.
Family and community remain central to Zachary’s life, grounding him and fueling his commitment to spaces like Lira, where connection happens naturally around the dinner table.
For Zachary, Lira is more than a restaurant—it’s a reflection of his belief that life’s most memorable moments are created when people come together to share stories, meals, and laughter.
Zachary
Smith
