The Mays Landing Golf Course has been revamped, remodeled, renamed and renewed with the extra special addition of LaScala’s! More than three decades after its beginnings, LaScala’s Restaurant Group has grown from a beloved Philadelphia pizza shop into a family of restaurants known for homemade Italian-American favorites and a welcoming atmosphere.
Entrepreneur Rob LaScala purchased the famed Apollo Pizza location around the turn of the millennium, bringing its secret recipe with him. The business quickly expanded, earning four “Best of Philly” titles and growing to six Apollo pizzerias.
In 2005, LaScala opened a seventh Apollo location at the corner of 7th and Chestnut streets in Philadelphia. Unlike the traditional pizzerias, this location introduced a full-service restaurant concept, offering an extensive menu of homemade Italian-American dishes, a cozy full-service bar and a dedicated staff focused on creating a welcoming dining experience.
The concept was an immediate success. As the restaurant established its own identity, the decision was made to give it a name that reflected the family behind it. LaScala’s Restaurant & Bar was born, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the growing restaurant group.
What started with pizza and a family recipe has since evolved into a recognizable restaurant brand, with LaScala’s continuing to build its reputation around Italian-American food, hospitality and a commitment to its Philadelphia roots. Now, you can find LaScala restaurants from West Chester, Pennsylvania, to Brigantine.
What better way to spend a mommy-and-daughter day than enjoying a new restaurant everyone can’t stop talking about? Although we did get lost trying to get in. The large front doors are behind the large XII waterfall in the front of the building, and the name LaScala’s is close to a set of smaller doors. We walked to the smaller doors, only to see some empty ballrooms and the hallway that led up to the bright, beautiful restaurant. No big deal, and honestly a happy accident since we got to see their large space for events! It looked spacious with gorgeous windows.
The main restaurant colors are dark, but the atmosphere is warm and inviting. The walls are covered with black-and-white photos depicting golfers and their love for the game. The large bar was filled with early lunch birds like us looking to grab a great snack before a big day of adventure ahead of them.
I had heard from many locals that the honey ricotta board is a must-try, so I had to try it! This was incredible. I think I just found my new favorite snack to add to my lunch rotation. It is so simple: A lovely whipped ricotta cheese with a lovely swirl of honey, all delicately piped into a mason jar and covered in more honey with a tower of warm, fresh, delicious bread. I can’t say enough great things about this dish. Simple. Sweet. I think it’s healthy? I know it’s delicious!
A lot of restaurants have cheesesteak egg rolls, and everywhere has their own twist. I needed to know how LaScala delivers these appetizer staples. I was not disappointed. Two egg rolls cut in half and placed perfectly on a bed of melted cheese sauce, served with a side of ketchup. But I didn’t even need the ketchup. These egg rolls were thick, juicy, and dripping wet with oo-ey gooey cheesy flavor. They were fried to a beautiful, crispy gold with the meat cooked perfectly.
We loved the cheesesteak egg rolls so much we wanted to keep that going! My mom ordered the cheesesteak with cooper sharp cheese. This monster of a sandwich came out busting with cheese-coated rib eye in a soft sesame seed roll. “Wow” is all we could say.
I had to try the chicken cheesesteak with sharp provolone and a side of secret sauce. Another plate with a massive sandwich came out with a cheese pull to make a mozzarella stick jealous. The secret sauce added an extra kick and zest to every bite. By the time I got halfway through my sandwich, I had to throw in the towel.
Even though I couldn’t finish my meal, there is always room for dessert. Though they did not have every dessert prepared at the time, we were able to score a cannoli made with ricotta and chocolate chips in a homemade shell. This was a beauty! The plate came out decorated intricately with swirls of chocolate all over. This dish tasted just as good as it looked. It was light and fresh with the perfect blend of chocolate. The ratios worked, and worked well.
Our kind and attentive server, Linda, made the experience all the more special. The waitstaff was friendly and made sure we had everything we needed. This may have been one of the best lunch spots we have been to in a long time.
As we were leaving, someone came in to get two pizzas to go. We didn’t try the pizza this time, but if they’re good enough to order to go, then count me in!
LaScala’s is so much more than “a bar on a golf course.” Whether you’re stopping in for a quick lunch, enjoying a cheesesteak with family, grabbing appetizers and drinks at the bar, or looking for a place to celebrate a special occasion, LaScala’s at Mays XII Golf offers plenty of reasons to stay awhile. And if our mommy-and-daughter lunch was any indication, this is one South Jersey restaurant that deserves a spot on your must-try list.
Holly Martin has been immersed in the media world since 2012, building a dynamic and versatile career that spans nearly every corner of the industry. She has also hosted as a DJ and created the blog SNJ Sober Party Girl. She enjoys sharing stories that inspire connection and community.
