Lucca Lucca

Lucca Awards

Homey neighborhood spot for traditional Italian cooking.
Openings: Dinner Tues.-Sun.

Features

Lucca, Portland, OR


Lucca Restaurant Review:


Lucca's dining room is usually bustling, and there's a reason why. It offers reliably well-prepared Italian standards in a cozy neighborhood setting without exploring wildly original territory. Among the vegetables, try the filling portobello mushroom panino; the Caesar salad made with luxurious full leaves of romaine; or the roasted beet, green bean and arugula salad. Pastas include a mushroom pappardelle, strozzapretti with braised duck ragù, and a simple tagliatelle Bolognese; portions run small. If you're hungry, one of the meat-centric plates is a better bet. These range from chicken under a brick with faro risotto, roast root vegetables and greens, or milk-braised pork shoulder with kale and white beans. At dinner, a wood-fired oven cranks out quality pizzas. Desserts are satisfying, too, with the warm lemon soufflé pudding a top choice. The unpretentious, friendly atmosphere and the accessible food make this an ideal spot for family groups. Sitting at an outdoor table in good weather presents an opportunity to observe the leafy surroundings.