06/07/09

Small menu, over rated

by Looneyman

$20-$22 entrées. Very small menu of local dishes (usually 3 choices each for appetizers, entrées and desserts), small wine bar, sidewalk tables in summer.

Small wine menu, but a number under $40.

Food was average or below. The lamb entrée was ordered medium. It was served almost cold – not just because it was cooked medium rare, but more likely because it was not served quickly after leaving the kitchen. Duck breast was simply okay.

Service was very casual. Smaller dining room with high ceilings was fairly noisy, but not overwhelming. They say they have valet parking ($5), but that is a misnomer – they have parking lot attendants – a true valet service allows you to drop your car at the entrance to the restaurant – here you drive the car into their close by lot and let the attendant simply park your car. Try finding on street parking instead. Overall, not worth a return trip.

• Pros: Price, changing menu
• Cons: Quaility of food and service, noisy, parking

10/05/07

Best Restaurant

by rebost

I always love stumbling across an unassuming small restaurant that serves great food in a casual atmosphere without being precocious or trendy. It is a local treasure, one of the city's most reliable destinations for affordable-yet-high-quality seasonal & local food. Artful simplicity at its best. Kudos to Lucia and her staff.

09/20/07

Exceptional.

by jasonbaker

My wife and I recently held our rehearsal dinner at Lucia?s. We were sold on the idea the moment we met Lucia herself, who was bright, kind, knowledgeable about local and organic foods, and uncommonly willing to listen to and collaborate with us. She quickly organized a unique menu of sauteed polenta and tomato-saffron cioppino for our event, and quoted us a reasonable price. Throughout the process of planning our wedding, Lucia was easily the most competent vendor we worked with. Brava!

Traditional dining at Lucia?s is likewise a delight. The menu always features the season?s best offerings, as well as one of the better wine lists around town (check the Portuguese Alvarinho and the Austrian Rose). Both indoor spaces?the cafe and restaurant proper?are lovely, filled with natural light and pleasant atmosphere; weather permitting, the patio seating can?t be beat. The waitstaff are all helpful and charming, and know their menu well. Lucia?s is perfect for morning coffee and pastries, lunchtime salads and sandwiches, after-work wine and cheese, and dinners that will impress hipster friends and family alike. And don't forget to try the home-made sorbet. Lucia's is my new favorite place.