Nestled in the heart of historic Goshen, New York, Limoncello at the Orange Inn is much more than an Italian restaurant or boutique hotel. Housed in one of Orange County’s oldest landmarks, the property has welcomed generations of travelers—including, according to local history, President George Washington. Today, owner Luigi Kapiti has transformed what was once a neglected boarding house into an elegant destination where history, hospitality, and fine dining come together.
We sat down with him to learn about the remarkable story behind the restaurant, his philosophy on hospitality, and the vision that continues to shape one of Goshen’s most treasured landmarks.
Q: Limoncello is such a beautiful name. How did you choose it?
A: The name actually came from a friend of my wife, who is a designer. When we purchased the property, we were brainstorming names, and she suggested “Limoncello.” I immediately loved it. It also happens to be the name of the famous Italian lemon liqueur, so it perfectly reflected the Italian influence of our restaurant.
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Q: How would you describe Limoncello to someone visiting for the first time?
A: We’re primarily an Italian restaurant, but we also feature Mediterranean and international influences. I would say our menu is about 80 percent Italian and 20 percent Mediterranean and international cuisine. We want guests to enjoy authentic flavors while also discovering something unique.
Q: What brought you to Goshen?
A: I’m both a real estate investor and a restaurateur. I started investing in real estate when I was about eighteen years old, and I entered the restaurant business in my twenties. When someone introduced me to this property, I immediately saw its potential.
This building is incredibly historic, and Goshen itself is a beautiful village surrounded by government offices, professional businesses, and wonderful people. I knew it deserved a second life.
Q: What was the building like when you first bought it?
A: It was in terrible condition.
It operated as a rundown boarding house. Many of the upstairs tenants were homeless or struggling with serious personal problems. The property had been neglected for years.
Most people would have walked away.
But I looked beyond what it was. I saw what it could become.
I believed this building deserved another chance.
Q: You’ve restored one of Goshen’s historic landmarks. Why was preserving the building so important to you?
A: History matters.
This property has changed owners only a handful of times, and remarkably, each family owned it for about fifty years. I’ve now owned it for nearly twenty years, and I hope to continue that tradition.
When people inherit historic properties, they sometimes don’t invest in them. I came from nothing. Everything I’ve achieved came through hard work, so I wanted to restore this building instead of letting it continue to decline.
Q: Many people don’t realize just how much history this building holds.
A: There’s a lot of history here.
According to local stories, George Washington stayed here several times. The property has always been closely connected to Goshen’s history.
Downstairs, there’s also an old jail cell dating back to Revolutionary times. Local legends say two prisoners died there, which is why many people believe the building is haunted.
Whether people believe the ghost stories or not, they certainly add another fascinating chapter to the building’s history.
Q: The Orange Inn was originally a hotel. Why did you decide to revive that tradition?
A: Five years ago we completed a major renovation and reopened the hotel.
Today we have 31 guest rooms, many of them spacious suites with marble bathrooms and modern amenities while preserving the building’s historic character.
Guests appreciate that combination of history and comfort. Many return again and again.
Q: You are not only the owner—you also know the kitchen very well.
A: Absolutely.
I’m actually a chef myself.
My mother was an excellent cook, and so is my wife. I grew up surrounded by great food. Although I’m Albanian, our cuisine shares many traditions with Italian and Mediterranean cooking.
I still go into the kitchen every day. I taste dishes before they’re served because quality is very important to me.
When the chefs know the owner understands food, they respect the standards.
Q: If someone visits Limoncello for the first time, what dishes would you recommend?
A: Some of our favorites include:
- Our stuffed scallops with crabmeat in a cognac brandy sauce.
- Potato croquettes topped with filet mignon, shaved Pecorino Romano, and truffle oil.
- Our house lasagna, made from a family recipe that guests come back for again and again.
We also serve excellent seafood, fresh fish, rack of lamb, steaks, homemade pasta, and seasonal Mediterranean specialties.
Q: What makes a restaurant truly successful?
A: Hospitality comes first.
Service is the most important thing.
Food comes second.
Ambience comes third.
If guests feel welcomed from the moment they arrive until the moment they leave, they’ll remember the experience and come back.
That’s our goal every single day.
Q: Your restaurant seems to have a very loyal following.
A: Most of our customers are local residents who return regularly because they enjoy both the food and the experience.
We also host business dinners, pharmaceutical companies, corporate meetings, family celebrations, and many special events.
The hotel has become very busy as well. During many months of the year we’re fully occupied.
Q: Limoncello is very much a family business.
A: Yes.
My sons are involved, and my nephew serves as our general manager.
Running the business as a family allows us to stay personally connected to our guests. We want everyone who walks through the door to feel like family.
Q: You’re also known for supporting the local community.
A: Whenever local schools or community organizations ask for help, I try to support them.
Whether it’s fundraising for schools, charitable events, or local causes, I rarely say no.
Communities support businesses, so businesses should support their communities.
Q: Looking ahead, what is your vision for Limoncello?
A: I want to continue improving it.
One idea I’ve always loved is decorating every hotel room to honor a different American president. Since George Washington reportedly stayed here, I think it would be a wonderful way to celebrate the building’s history.
More than anything, I want future generations of my family to continue caring for this property. Historic buildings deserve to be preserved—not simply owned.
Q: After twenty years, what still motivates you?
A: I’ve always had a deep passion for this business because of the uniqueness and artistry I can put into every plate. But what truly keeps me fire lit is the relationship I have with the people here in Goshen & my family.
