Terra American Bistro opened in April of 1998. The brother tandem of Tom and Peter Lukes are co-owners and the inspiration behind Terra. Peter serves as the Executive Chef and is a graduate of The California Culinary Academy (CCA).
Terra features new American cuisine, “Diners can expect an innovative, savory mix of fresh flavors and contrasting texture,” says Peter. “From menu description to presentation, we create a cuisine that conveys personal intention. The menu changes seasonally, and reflects a variety of culinary traditions from all over America and abroad.” As for his choice of name for the restaurant Peter explains, “Terra means ‘earth’ in Italian. Like the earth, Terra is intended to be a place diners consider their own.”

Formerly a fast-food establishment, Terra has been redesigned by Nims-Calvani Associates, PA, and Patricia Harrell-Hoech of Patrician Design to reflect the subdued pastoral nature of the North Valley. Significant changes to the exterior of the building have given Terra a more natural agrarian feel. The landscape design was created by David Cristiani.

When asked why the North Valley, Arroyo Verde principal, Tom Lukes replied, “Of all the locations we considered, the valley mirrored our vision for Terra the best. Flanked by desert mesas and granite mountains, the valley is more than fertile lowland. It is an oasis. We envisioned Terra to be like an oasis, a highly sought-after, refreshingly stimulating place to dine.”