Luca

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711 Grant St
Denver, CO 80203

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(303) 832-6600
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Luca - Denver, CO
Luca - Denver, CO
Luca - Denver, CO
Reviews
( 29 )
( 7 )
( 3 )
( 5 )
( 6 )

Best

My husband and I celebrated our anniversary at Luca and it was fabulous. As requested, they reserved us a great little table by the window. The treated us like honored guests on o...

Worst

My friend and I went here for dinner. Our server was mediocre at best. He did not know what was on the tasting menu at all, did not know the three sorbets and only once did he top...

wild boar bolognese, just like in the hills of Tuscany ou... 8/2/2007

wild boar bolognese, just like in the hills of Tuscany outside of Lucca.\r SOOOOOO good more
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wild boar bolognese, just like in the hills of Tuscany ou... 8/2/2007

gabbie Provided by Partner
wild boar bolognese, just like in the hills of Tuscany outside of Lucca. SOOOOOO good more
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Best dinner experience in Denver 5/29/2007

This was our first time trying Luca. As we entered the restaurant we were greeted by a very friendly hostess, who showed us to our table right away. Our server was exceptional and took alot of time explaining the menu. The wine menu was exceptional and also very fairly priced. We had no problem finding something that looked great on the menu, in fact I would recommend trying several of the first or second courses, especially the clams. The entrees were also excellent. The chef/owner came out and spent about 10 minutes with us as we are also from the North East. I get to NYC frequently and Luca is every bit as good as the best there and much less expensive. I am just upset that we waited so long to try it. Pros: Menu, Food, Service, Wine List more
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Outstanding Italian food and service 5/9/2007

Luca was a pleasant surprise when we showed up because a near by restaurant could not get us in. The ambience is nice and the food was really fantastic. We opted for their special menu of the evening with wine pairings. Each course was outstanding and the wines complimented them perfectly. Our server was very good, especially since we had a large, somewhat loud, group. The owner came to our table and thanked us for coming in (which doesnt happen as nearly as often as it should at other places). A picky group left completely satisfied and thinking about our next visit. Pros: Great food, Great service more
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Amazing evening 4/30/2007

We went to this restaurant last friday night and decided to go with the 5-course prix fixe menu.. they decide that day based on what is fresh to make up their menu.. Every course was prepared with so much taste and the presentation was great.. I told my husband I felt like I was actually eating the food that I love to watch prepared on some of the food network shows :) Our waiter was very attentive and explained all the food and the wine pairings.. it really was a great night.. Price wise it is about the same as many of the other higher scale restaurants in denver.. don't go here if you are a skimper.. the food and service are worth every penny. more
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Light, tasty, original Italian. Great service and excellent wine selection 3/21/2007

From the friendly hostess and knowledgable, helpful servers and wine staff, the Luca dining experience was one of the best I have ever had. I was amazed at the light dishes, seafood combinations perfectly prepared and the option of a tastings menu that the chef does personally. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone - for a Saturday out or special occasion. Pros: ambience, parking, service and especially the food and wine more
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Great date 2/6/2007

They weren't ready for our reservation (hey, it was Saturday), but the bartender and her crowd were likable and the food well worth waiting for. My husband tried the fusilli with wild mushrooms and truffle oil--it was so good we wiped our plates with bread to get every earthy bite. Ended up ordering 3 more pastas before dinner, each as fabulous as the first. Especially memorable Veal Saltimboca. Found the wine list tricky, but the waiter was a pro and navigated us to a great Amarone. By the time we finished dessert, I knew we had a new date spot. A little pricey (add a babysitter to that bill), but we'll definately go back. Probably next weekend! Pros: Attentive service, best food ever, good martinis Cons: crowded on the weekend more
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What good food and service?!?! 2/4/2007

Last night we had reservations at Luca for a rare and special night out. We arrived on time, waited 30 minutes in their freezing foyer (rather than hover over other peoples tables inside), then were greeted with slow and ultra-casual service by the waiter. We asked to be moved to table in a warmer part of the restaurant and were told ""that's just how it is"" by the snotty hostess. When our wine hadn't arrived in 20 more minutes, we left. The owner stalked us down the block in the freezing cold, trying to talk us into coming back in, but all we wanted was for her to leave us alone so that we could go someplace else. We happily spent our $150 at Barolo Grill instead... and the extremely similar menu plus better ambiance was well worth the money. Pros: It's across the street from Benny's... better experience and service to be found there. Cons: Service, service, service, ambiance more
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Luca D'Needs Improvement 11/22/2006

Our venture to Luca's was one salty surprise. The service is almost too serious, the portions are way too small, the food nothing to write home about. The wine list was interesting and along with the meatballs and bread -- very good. We wish we stopped there because our main courses were obviously not tasted by the kitchen. The scallops were unbearably salty, we had to return them. The butternut squash agnelotti (small version of a pocket pasta, ravioli concept) tasted very strange and I counted maybe 5 full bites in my ""diner size"" pasta plate. We would have crossed the street for some Mexican at Benny's but had no taste buds left. Not worth the praises they have framed in the lobby. Pros: Location, Interesting Menu, Name Cons: Bad tasting food, very small portions more
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Just a so-so Italian Restaurant 10/13/2006

The food was decent and the service was okay. The menu was just odd. The portions were tiny. The waiter we had was the most serious person i have ever met. I really have nothing bad to say but than again nothing really good to say about it either. more
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Top Italian restaurant in Denver 7/25/2006

Okay, it use to be Barolo (still a good choice) but now our favorite Italian restaurant is Luca. This is where we take out of town company. You know the food is good when I recommend that people order the rabbit or the wild boar. Most won't make that choice, so I order it, we pass the plates around and everyone is drooling and eating all of mine! And don't get me started about the fusilli with wild mushrooms or the saltimbocca. Our first try here was during the first 5280 restaurant week. It was a Saturday night, the place was packed and our table-to-be had the dreaded ""lingerers"" (sitting over coffee FOREVER, holding the table hostage). It was a nice night out and the 6 of us had a glass of wine and stood outside. Being a night where you're getting a lot of first time customers, Frank, while annoyed, did not want to push the table out. We understood, and our patience was more than rewarded. Frank and his staff could not have been more appreciative or accomodating during our meal and gave us all a night we'll never forget, and he got 6 fans for life. Pros: wine list, fresh ingredients more
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I wanted to love it but... 6/27/2006

My husband and I booked Luca for our 7th wedding anniversary. I am an Italian from the East Coast and read THIS was the place to get good Italian. I didn't care about the cost. I wanted to love it soooo bad. Well, it was just average. First, was the hostess. Our friend had to join us last minute, so I called ahead and asked if we could squeeze her in. They told us they weren't sure, but we could try it. Our friend arrived first, so the hostess said to her, ""Dont you think its weird your eating with them on their anniversary?"" Our friend was mortified, I didn't tell her it was our anniversary because I didn't want to make her uncomfortable that she was there. So, we were off to an awkward start. Regarding food, we got the meatballs, just okay. Lobster & capellini, nothing special at all. Salads, okay. I forget what my husband and friend got to tell you the truth. NOthing was bad, but it was nothing special. I wouldn't say don't go, but maybe keep your expectation levels average. All the hype I have been reading about Luca, I was expxecting excellent. Pros: Good neighborhood location. Cons: A lot of hype to live up to. more
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By far best meal I've had in US 6/25/2006

Butternut squash ravioli, crispy eggplant in tomato sauce, roasted beet salad, potato and parmesan encrusted fish, chocolate mousse, grapa...I'll never forget this meal. Pros: food, service, wine list Cons: price more
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Great dinner 2/25/2006

My fiance and I had one of the best meals of our lives here. We opted to do all of the courses, and they were all excellent. Our waiter was helpful and always there when we needed him, the hostess was sweet, and we just had a great time. The wine list was great, too. The experience reminded me of my time in Italy. Great place! Pros: Quality, service more
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User review by nbird73 1/22/2006

Menu is excellent, service is prompt and knowledgable. The food is outstanding, every flavor was right on, and was well complimented by the wine our server suggested. The ambience is hip without a cheesy feel, and the place was packed, always a good sign. Overall this would have to rate as one of our favorites in town more
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Good But a bit Frantic 12/17/2005

We had an excellent meal and wonderful service mainly from the front person/greeter, Yvetta who is AMAZING - we did not have a reservation so she sent us over to Mizuna (sister restaurant) around the corner to get a glass of wine while she worked something out. She remembered us from a visit MONTHS ago and could not have been more helpful. The butternut squah ravioli looked average but tasted phenomenal - just fantastic. And my Rabbit three ways lived up to its billing. Bread was wonderful as was the chicken liver appetizer - like a lovely low-budge foi gras! THe only issue was the frenetic pace of servie which belied the number of tables and mood of the diners. Waitstaff seemed hurried and disorgized and a bit more dramatic than would seem to be warranted. Overall, a fine experience and the meals and the price did not disappoint. Pros: greeting staff Yvetta, food quality, wine recommendations Cons: hectic vibe/service more
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Unbelievable everything 11/13/2005

Always a WOW. Definitely my favorite restaurant in town. Phenomenal service, outstanding food and the most personable caring staff ever. I have never had a bad experience. Top notch all the wayKeep it up!! more
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The place for ""real"" Italian 8/24/2005

Having traveled through Italy extensively, savoring the amazing cuisine, it has been difficult finding satisfaction in the typical red sauce and spaghetti Italian joints in America. Unfortunately the food in most Italian restaurants here is heavy, over sauced, and mediocre. Luca is the exception. Pastas are a perfect balance of al dente pasta with just the right amount of sauce. Spinach and housemade ricotta tortelloni is simplicity at its best. The salumi of cured meats are made in house as is the sausage and braeseola. Mozzeralla is made fresh every day. Pannacotta is etherealy light, and the oliveoil cake with grilled peaches and lemon gelato a wonderful balance of flavors. Don't come expecting big plates of fettuccine alfredo and over sauced chicken parmesan, but if you want to eat the way the Italians do, this place is a must. Chef Bonanno, trained in Italy and knows ""real"" Italian food. Pros: Excellent food, interesting wine list, perfect pastas more
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disappointing experience 8/13/2005

Our first time at this restaurant and a disappointing experience. I would highly overrated! We decided to try the Chef's tasting menu at the recommendation of the waiter. One would expect the best dishes of the menu and some surprises but none of this at all. Food was too rich and combinations probably didn't work. We both felt stuffed afterwards and the joy of offloading the food the next day was bigger than the 'dining' experience. Why would you serve disappointing Italian wines when you have so many quality American wines? At least put some choice on the menu. one of the waiters was a bit arrogant - not very smart if you need to survive on the tip.. Pros: really none, highly overrated, felt sick afterwards Cons: boring dishes, why the Italian wines, staff attitude more
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Epic every time 6/29/2005

This place has quickly turned into a favorite for me. Unbelievably impressive menu and service. I have always been a fan of Mizuna'a and will from now on judge every Italian experience based on this place! If you're not willing to venture out and treat yourself to a fantastic dinner than you're missing out. I have and will always recommend Luca. Keep up the great work Frank! Pros: food, service, atmosphere Cons: parking more
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Menu for Luca


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Owner Message

  • Chef Bonanno executes Sicilian-style meats that are cured in-house; pastas, breads and cheeses made fresh daily & authentic recipes that change monthly. The menu is designed to allow diners an authentic, multi-course experience without overreaching.

Editorial

  • In Short
    Colorful walls and art create an upscale, urban feel. The place is packed on weekends and pleasantly busy during the week. The menu allows diners to have an authentic,...

  • 6/13/2006 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Tue-Sat: 5pm-10pm
  • Payments: American Express, Visa, Discover, Master Card, Diner's Club
  • Neighborhoods: Southeast Denver, Capitol Hill
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