Luca's Ristorante

Luca's Ristorante Restaurant Review:

This little Italian place does serve pizza, but don’t stop at that; there’s so much more. The interior is whimsical, decorated with hanging vines and clusters of plastic grapes, but isn’t that better than the usual Formica tables and cheerless walls? The owners are brothers who hail from Ischia, just off the coast from Naples, which explains why many of the menu items, such as gnocchi and focaccia, are lovingly made by hand. The menu offers all the usual suspects but among them find some engaging and creative dishes such as spicy veal osso buco pizzaiola --- a braised veal hind shank with caramelized onions and oregano in a spicy white wine plum tomato sauce, which is served over spinach and risotto. Chicken pulcinella is a battered chicken breast layered with ham and mozzarella and Gorgonzola cheeses, and napped with aged balsamic vinegar sauce. For a sweet ending, try the tiramisu or cannoli. Service is informal and friendly.