Last night my wife and I had the pleasure of finding this hidden gem on our way back from shopping. From the outside Luca's looks like every other strip mall pizza shop in Jersey, but on the inside it is quite the contrary. The inside is not your typical red and green pizza colors, but rather a dining room filled with warm colors, tile floors, and mirrors that added to our dining experience. When my wife and I opened our menus, pizza was the furthest thing from our minds! Luca's menu is extensive, yet layed out simply enough as not to overwhelm you. It is loaded with Italian classics, such as Veal Franchaise, homemade Lasagna, as well as one of my favorites Homemade Gnocchi. But it was the seasonal specials that really caught our eyes. We started out with the cocoa ravioli appetizer. It sounded so interesting, I had no choice but to order it. And I was very pleased I did. The ravioli were made, as was perfectly explained by our waitress, with a "hint" of cocoa and filled with a red pepper and cheese filling. They were amazing! A perfect way to start what was to become a great meal. For dinner my wife the traditionalist had the homemade lasagna. Huge homemade noodles layered with italian cheeses in a hearty meat sauce. The taste and texture of the noodles alone told you these were made fresh in house. For myself, the carnivore I ordered the 36 ounce bone in rib eye! It was a monster steak. I am usually apprehensive about ordering steaks in an Italian restaraunt, but everything in my head was telling me it would be good. It wasn't.. It was great! Cooked perfectly, it was served with huge wild mushrooms, and a side of red peppers with olives, as well as a few homemade spinach gnocchi's. Luca's also offers a great array of homemade desserts, none of which we had room to try. But we will be sure to give them a shot when we return. (very shortly) We have found a new home here at Luca's!
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