01/23/09

Worth a ONE time visit.

by stonewanderer

Beautiful setting, perfect for a date. Cozy and romantic without being over the top. Service was incredible. From the valet, coat check, waitress and bus boys - we were well taken care of throughout the evening. The food? It was good. Not great, but good. Bottom line on that is I'd expect it to be better at those prices. Swordfish was well prepared, not overcooked. Accompanying risotto was 'alright'. Overall it is a good spot to check out and take a date for a special occassion or to impress. But for this reviewer there are too many attractive alternatives to try that I probably won't visit again.

• Pros: Service, Atmosphere
• Cons: Average Food, Price

10/31/08

fantastic wine list

by rcastoro11

I was invited to a dinner at Lucca. I didn't want to go because the North End is kind of cheesy. I was really surprised by Lucca. First the wine list is one of the best I have seen in the city. They have a wine spectator award of excellence. I collect wines and they have a really, really impressive collection. The service was very attentive and the food was exceptional. I will definitely be back, I wasn't expecting such a good restaurant in the North End.

• Pros: extensive wine list
• Cons: its in the North End

10/31/08

best atmosphere in Boston

by wendygft

I go to Lucca about twice a month. I love this place great food service and ambiance. I would recommend this place to anyone. It is always busy and the staff are always really friendly

5 stars

• Pros: always great
• Cons: really busy usually need a reservation

09/09/08

WOULD NEVER EAT HERE AGAIN!

by kkro

I went to this restaurant on the recommendation of a friend and I must say I will never go back. I knew the restaurant was expensive when I went so this was not the problem. I visited the restaurant with a friend and our three kids. We ordered our meals and the kids were offered spaghetti and meatballs which they ordered.( They later charged us $24 each for kids spaghetti!) I also asked if my friend and I could split the antipasto appetizer.($14) She said that was fine and she would bring plates and serve it to the whole table. I informed her the kids would not be interested in the antipasto and she said well she would serve it to everyone. Thought this was a little strange but went with it. When the platters arrived it was way more than we could finish. The kids ate a breadstick and that was it. The meals were average at best. When the bill arrived I noticed the charge for the antipasto was $70. When I questioned the waitress she said, "Well I told you I was going to serve it to the whole table" to which I replied "I told you the kids weren't going to eat it" After going back and forth with her and the manager and being treated as if I were some Neanderthal who had never dined in a nice restaurant before, the manager agreed to take off the kids charges. Mind you no where on the menu does it say the charge for antipasto is $14 per person or you are not allowed to split an appetizer with someone. Needless to say I find this place to be OVER RATED! ALso, FYI the valet parking is located down the street at Fiores which no one told me when I called. Next time maybe I'll just dine at Fiores! BEWARE!

• Pros: Bar seemd OK
• Cons: Valet parking Service Price

08/01/08

A classic Italian menu plus an elegant atmosphere equals a most-soothing dinner experience in the North End.

by Eric Grossman

The Scene
Dimly lit and awash in romantic tones, Lucca's dining room is unquestionably one of the North End's most romantic. Hordes of regulars line the handsome mahogany bar on weekends, whereas weeknights draw couples on dates and visiting business types. Dutiful servers maintain a welcoming vibe by ensuring that wine glasses stay filled. When the weather agrees, the front windows open up onto Hanover St. allowing for cool breezes and prime people-watching.

The Food
Lucca's inviting menu merges regional Italian staples with modern European fare. This varied approach yields a roast duck, spinach and goat cheese tart sharing table space with a dish of hand-cut basil pasta tossed with a traditional Bolognese sauce. The house Caesar salad, in which red and green romaine is topped with marinated white anchovies, demonstrates the kitchen's penchant for style. Standout homemade desserts include a warm, flourless chocolate cake with vanilla bean gelato and a poached pear brulee.

06/13/08

Great!

by Lauraandover

Recently had a birthday dinner here and loved it! Atmosphere was nice and waitress was great. I had the beef tar tar which is a personal favorite and it was fabulous!! Nice restaurant for an occasion or just a dinner out! Definitely try Lucca!

05/30/08

gret place

by trentfarmer

I have heard about Lucca before as being a great place , so I decided to go there with some friends last Saturday. I was really impressed with how friendly everybody was from the front door to the buss people. The place was packed it is much larger than I thought with lots of different rooms. The halibut was really good and the carrot cake was also really good. My friend all enjoyed their meals and we are going again next week. A good discovery

• Pros: big restaurant easier to get a reervation
• Cons: busy, busy, busy

05/26/08

Bad Food, Good Atmosphere

by JohnnyRedd

Were hoping for a special dinner, and expected one given the prices. Food was simply not good. Bland, cold, poorly presented, etc. Atmosphere was excellent, though, so if you're looking for a place for drinks only, this is a great spot. For the hungry, avoid at all costs (because this one costs a lot!)

04/14/08

Food is good but small selection

by sparrowwithabell

I think the food at Lucca was very good, esp. the rigatoni with wild boar. The selection in the menu was a bit small, esp. the apetizers. The price is a little bit expensive, the cost of seared beef tenderoin was $36, I think I have had similar food with comparable quality elsewhere but at a cheaper price. The pasta dishes are all expensive, $25++. The waiter was new and a bit confused which was a minus point. And, there is no valet parking.

Overall, I think the food is good, but I'm that "wowed" to pay for the food.

• Pros: Good food
• Cons: Small menu, pricing, no valet parking

04/09/08

Most Outstanding Italian dining in Boston!

by vianneyd429

Came here with my dear friend who was showing me around town. Excellent choice!! We were seated promptly upon arrival although the place was packed. The service was phenomenal!! The food was totally exquisite with the highest quality of ingrediants and great presentation. Best of all, they have an exceptional wine list. While visiting the Boston area, I must say, I dined at the best Italian place. I will definitely come back when I'm in town. Lucca is definitely the best Italian Restaurant in the North end by far.

• Pros: Exceptional food and wine list
• Cons: none that I can think of