Reviews - Luca Cucina Italiana
Reviews summary
Reviews from various users
Last update : 20.08.2023
Why is it so hard to get good Italian food in the East Bay? Ordered takeout and it was a mistake. They just plain forgot to put one of the items in the bag, the other two were extremely mediocre. Then they put a absurd amount of dressing on the caesar salad. Who dresses a takeout salad in the first place? It was soggy and gross by the time it got to us. Do yourself a favor and order elsewhere.
The food was delicious and portion size was just right for an individual. All the ingredients tasted fresh. Guests can enjoy their meal accompanied by light Italian (and some English) music. The restaurant has a limited number of seats and not much space to wait inside. Overall, I would rate the food 4 out of 5.
This place was so fantastic. The service was great, the food was great, and it’s so affordable. Loved our dinner here, thanks for a great time!
Mediocre food though lovely servers. While I have nothing against the location or interior, I was hoping for tasty food. My linguini didn't look or taste homemade, the vodka sauce was fine but...DON'T try the meatballs small and weird tasting! Perhaps the ownership is new as I can't understand many of the reviews. And my partner in crime complained about the Special he ordered... so go elsewhere.
The food at this restaurant was amazing! The salad came in a large portion, so I only ate about half and it's definitely shareable. I added meatballs to my pasta and while I wish I had gotten one more for the price, it was still very tasty. The service was excellent. The hardest part was deciding what to eat because everything looked so delicious, especially watching them cook the fish. Looks like I'll have to come back again!
Luca Cucina offers an intriguing blend of Southern Italian cuisine in a cozy neighborhood setting, delighting some diners with its authentic flavors while disappointing others with inconsistent service and dish quality. Highlights include perfectly cooked pasta and generous portions of fresh ingredients, particularly praised are the lasagna and chicken marsala. However, lukewarm dishes and meager portions marred some experiences, alongside lengthy waits and inexperienced staff. Despite these issues, many guests appreciated the lovely atmosphere and reasonable prices, suggesting a restaurant striving for excellence amidst the challenges of a busy service environment. Worth a visit for pasta lovers seeking comfort.
Last update : 15.06.2023
I had a fantastic experience at this restaurant. The service was outstanding, the food was delicious, and the prices were quite reasonable. Thank you for a wonderful dinner!
The food, service, and atmosphere were all outstanding. My partner and I are here on vacation, and we definitely want to return! We had a delicious three-course meal without drinks for just $75 for two people. It was an excellent value, and I can’t recommend it highly enough!
Delicious food and great service! I recommend trying it out. Their portions are large so you will not leave hungry. They currently do not sell alcoholic beverages.
The food at Luca Cucina Italiana was amazing! We began with the fried calamari, which was absolutely delicious. The tortellini was equally delightful. I was too full to try the tiramisu, but it looked so tempting—I wish I had saved room for it.
I have dined at Luca Cucina Italiana several times during their early years, and the food was always excellent. I live in Los Angeles, but whenever I’m in the Berkeley area, I make sure to enjoy a meal there again.
Last update : 25.04.2025
The food, service, and atmosphere at this restaurant were amazing. My partner and I are on vacation and we definitely plan on coming back. We enjoyed a three-course meal without drinks for a total of $75 for both of us. It was great value for the price and I highly recommend it!
Atmosphere : a little underpolished and hole-in-the-wall-ish, but VERY welcoming. EXACTLY the kind of place you might expect to find astonishingly good food. Their pastas are cooked to perfection, and their sauces are as rich and subtle as any I 've ever had in Italy. You 'll feel an urge to keep this place as your own special secret, only to be shared with close friends.
I was disappointed with my meal, which cost $15 for the pasta and $7 for the chicken. The sauce tasted and felt like milk, offering no depth or richness. The portion of chicken was small and lacked flavor. The only upside was that the dish was served warm, and I was able to improve it somewhat with a good amount of salt and pepper.
Atmosphere: somewhat unrefined and reminiscent of a hidden gem, but incredibly inviting. This is exactly the kind of spot where you'd anticipate discovering exceptionally delicious food. Their pastas are cooked to perfection, and their sauces are as rich and nuanced as any I've experienced in Italy. You'll feel tempted to keep this place as your own little secret, meant only for close friends.
The service was outstanding, and the food was quite tasty! I truly appreciated the overall atmosphere of the restaurant. Please note that they are not serving alcohol at this time.
Last update : 29.11.2017
Last update : 30.07.2025
Good “bang for your buck” Italian food. A bit oily for my taste, but still pretty good Service: Dine in Price per person: $20–30 Food: 4 Service: 4 Atmosphere: 4
Meatballs... I really liked them. The issue was there were only two when added to the pasta vodka sauce. They were small also. Food was very good. No wine on menu. Service: Dine in Price per person: $20–30 Food: 4 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 4
Delicious food and amazing service. Two big thumbs up. Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5 Service: Dine in Price per person: $20–30
Last update : 15.08.2023
This restaurant serves excellent Southern Italian cuisine in a modest neighborhood environment. The self-service approach helps keep prices reasonable. The relaxed atmosphere is ideal for families, and the food is truly delightful!
