Luca Cucina Italiana

2057 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA 94702, USA

Address:	2057 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA 94702, USA
Phone:	+1 510-649-9718
Site:	lucacucinaitaliana.com
Rating:	3.9
Working:	4:30–9:30PM 4:30–9:30PM 4:30–9:30PM 4:30–9:30PM 4:30–10PM 4–10PM 4–9:30PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 34

Michael Wyszomierski

This place has potential. The service is a little confusing; you first order and pay for your food at a cash register, grab your own beverage, and then seat yourself. But then after that they start waiting on you, bringing your food to the table and clearing courses as you finish. I was so confused when I walked in, that I had no idea how much to tip, at first confusing it for self-service when I paid. I ended up leaving a little more on the table as I left since the experience transitioned into full service partway through. While the woman who took my order and served me was friendly, the awkwardness of the service model made it a less pleasant experience. The food is probably awesome, though I think I made a bad decision and ended up with mixed results. First, I had the burrata appetizer, which I really liked. It was very simple and just about perfect: burrata, a couple of good tomato slices, and olive oil. Then, I had the eggplant panini, which just wasnt for me. It might be good if you really like eggplant. It was a lot of eggplant. I usually expect paninis to be thin, but this was piled high with eggplant, plus some cheese and marinara sauce. It was first of all difficult to eat (fortunately they provided a serrated knife with the dish) due to its size, which is a pet peeve of mine. And then again, it was just a lot of eggplant. To drink, I had a Purity Organic Strawberry Paradise, which was tasty and refreshing.

A Private User

I have passed by this cute little neighborhood restaurant many times but today I walked in. It had been a long time since I ate pasta in a restaurant because Im allergic to gluten and cant usually eat the noodles being made of wheat. But wow, I found an Italian restaurant that has gluten-free pasta options. Not only that, but also the food was authentically Italian, delicious and fresh. The raviolis, the beet salad, the tiramisu were all amazing. Im looking forward to inviting friends there for dinner and sitting at the big long family style table and trying out the other menu items. Also the service was friendly and the place was clean.

V Thibault

Très bonne adresse avec un excellent rapport qualité prix. Pâtes excellentes et préparées devant vous par le Chef. Nous avons gouté 4 plats différents et je recommande vivement. Enfin de vraies saveurs !

Jessica Eskew

This place has decent Italian food, the pink sauce was probably my favorite thing. Parking is limited to neighborhood street parking and street parking on San Pablo. The portions are not huge, I ate my entire plate whereas I normally take leftovers from. Other restaurants. Ideal size for me, but people with larger appetites may want more.

Drew Todd

Ill take this place over many Italian restaurants Ive been to in the area. Luca feels and tastes like an Italian trattoria, and thats a good thing for this diner. Its simple and yet delicious (the bruschetta and chicken piccata were yummy), neither nouveau-foodie or cheesy-fettuccine alfredo Italian-Americana.

Maria Allain

The perfect neighborhood spot for a casual dinner out. I highly recommend their spaghetti bolognese - so flavorful youll need to get a basket of bread of clean the bottom of the plate. Wine selection is decent and generally their house red/white is a nice pairing to any of their dishes.

Michael Sculling

I really love this place: great food, comfortable atmosphere, Acme bread. Ive eaten at Italian restaurants that I like just as well, but I havent eaten at one that I liked better. My favorite is the Italian sausage with peppers. I havent had anything here that I didnt like.

Gwenhwyvar Rua

Lobster ravioli is great! They now have table service so thats really nice and a heater by the door so its much warmer now. Really terrific improvements. If you havent been in awhile try it again. You might like it better now.

Rob S

Was trying to find a good Italian restaurant... This one is it... The cheese ravioli with just their basic tomato sauce was awesome... Im definitely going back!!! All homemade pastas and sauces .. I would definitely recommend it

Ung Choi

Cool atmosphere. Friendly service. Pasta Al dente ... The only miss is the sauce isnt what it should be. I ordered carbonara. Their carbonara is a tomato sauce... ????? ... Something didnt go right here. They should know better

Erik Appel

My wife and I have been going to Lucas for several years. It is an amazing experience every time. They have recently switched to table service and have added a heater over the front door. Nothing on their menu is bad.

Rod Lamkey

No bread served with spaghetti, UNTIL you ask for it! No water, either. Service was friendly but inept. Not worth the prices charged. Better service, lower prices, and friendlier down the street. Were not going back.

Christopher H

Minestrone soup is thin with no beans and no tomatoes. It is not even Minestrone soup in my opinion. The pasta was about as good as Olive Garden. Go somewhere else if you want quality Italian food.

Diana Neil

I watched the main blonde waitress mix two different bottles of wine into the same glass I had and charged me $9! and poor attitude, I will NOT be returning. The food was OK,

Timothy Economou

Very intimate setting. Great food. There is no waiting area and the service is good, but be sure you have no where to go in a hurry.

Jennie Lu

The best Italians around here other than spqr which is superb! Get anything pasta and its amazing, salads is perfect too!!

Sandy Clark

Great little Italian. Really good main dishes and fantastic pasta. Good atmosphere, friendly staff. Highly recommended.

Djskype Lance

Delicious panna tortellini! I loved it besides the tough prosciutto. Ill just get the Alfredo sauce next time

Dylan Hyland

The service was extremely poor and the portions are really small. The quality was decent. Not worth it.

Darth Revan

Good veal piccata. Great potatoes and veggies. Small area, so it could get busy. Really enjoyed it.