story

When Chef Edward Mendoza opened Cucina 503 in Martinez ten years ago, he wasn’t trying to make a statement — he just wanted to cook good food. The kind that’s made from scratch, with ingredients that are fresh, seasonal, and thoughtfully sourced. A decade later, that approach hasn’t changed — and neither has his quiet dedication to doing things the right way.

Edward grew up in Augusta and started working in kitchens as a teenager. His culinary path took him across the country — from Charleston to California to Dallas — and beyond, including time spent in Belize. He’s taught culinary students, worked at resorts, and appeared on an episode of Survivorman. But Augusta has always been home, and Cucina is where he’s poured his heart for the past ten years.

As Cucina 503 grew, Edward found a way to make even more of the space by launching LOCAL, a daytime concept offering fresh, casual meals in the same location. It’s a practical setup — Local by day, Cucina by night — and a reflection of how Edward approaches everything: no wasted effort, no unnecessary flair, just food that’s done well and served with care.

Cucina also offers catering for weddings, private dinners, and special events — always with the same focus on quality and simplicity. Whether you’re here for a weeknight dinner, grabbing lunch at Local, or celebrating something big, the goal is the same: good food, done right.