Really, really outstanding service. Noticeably good. Like a well-oiled machine, aniticpating the diners' needs. Leftover cheese on your plate? We'll bring you extra bread. Like sparkling water? Try this drink with rose hips, on the house. Doing the equivalent of finishing each others' sentences - but the service version of it. read more

OMG!!! What a wonderful experience my partner and I had at Luca! We went for restaurant week and everything was perfect. This is definitely one of the best service experiences I have had in Denver. The staff was super friendly and everything was timed perfectly. There was never a moment that we felt rushed. We were able to relax and enjoy each course without anything overlapping which is so rare. Most places these days give you an appetizer and 5 minutes later your entree is out - not here, we had the time to enjoy every bite so we practically needed to be rolled out of the joint by the time we finished, lol. We started with the burrata which was amazing, I had the mussels and he had the eggplant to start and both were also delicious. The wild mushroom fusilli and the chicken parm were both wonderful as well and for dessert - tiramisu! Such an awesome experience, wonderful service and food with a lovely atmosphere - could not have asked for a better experience. Thank you!!! read more

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After talking to several restaurants about hosting our 10-year anniversary celebration, we decided to go with Luca and are so happy we did! We booked a private room for about 18 of our family. Carli, the event planner, was wonderful and so accomodating. We had customized menus for food and custom cocktails (which we renamed-- so fun!), name cards, and tables for decor we brought in. We appreciated chatting with Carli a few times before our event, and her communication with us about the flow of our event. The price for booking the private room was also very reasonable. We served a multi-course meal, and everyone loved the food! Favorites of ours included the foccacia bread, roasted corn angolotti pasta, wild mushroom fusilli, and the red snapper. The service was also friendly and welcoming. We had a few children and teens at our event, and the servers were great with them, including when the babies got tired and cranky. Thank you again for making our celebration a fun, cozy, comfortable one for us all! read more

I haven't been here in forever, but with the news that all of Frank Bonanno's restaurants require proof of vaccination or a negative test to dine in, I was happy to give them my money for a special occasion holiday dinner. They're still really good, though of course they were out of two items on the menu due to food supply issues like everyone else is having. It's pricey to eat here, which means you can only go once in a while, but it's worth it. Everyone's food was prepared perfectly, and the bread was excellent. The complementary small pour of bubbly before the meal was a nice touch as well. Also helpful is the parking lot directly to the north of the building on Grant St., as parking is very difficult to find in Capitol Hill. I was glad to come back here, as it had been way too long, and if they keep doing what they're doing, I'll be back again. read more

Have to recommend the food at Luca!. The pasta and entres are very good! Superb service and a cozy, small dinning area add to the ambiance and experience. Wine and cocktail selections are also good. read more

DO NOT ORDER DELIVERY. I was craving Italian food and wanted to get something through doordash. I ordered a bucatini pomodoro and a zucca pizza. I got bolognese instead, which would have ruined my night if I was vegetarian and not just trying to do a meatless day. And, despite the order being on time, the pizza was totally cold with GREASE SOAKING THROUGH THE BOX! Not only was it greasier than a meat lovers from Pizza Hut, but there was no discernible gorgonzola flavor just basic cheese. Also my order was somehow fulfilled by Bonanno Brothers, evidently a sister restaurant but further away from me--maybe sort that out with your delivery partners?? Not helpful when you're already getting a bad meal. read more

Luca - More grease than pizza - Italian Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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I had had several very respectful experiences with " Luca. The food was great, very expensive for Denver, but they kept me coming back. Tonight, they charged me for food I didn't order, left out some parts of my order and, after contacting the manager, I didn't get a refund on the missing items or the over charges. They can keep my money, but I ain't coming back. read more

I LOVE Luca!! Andrew made us the best cocktails. Just tell him what you like and he will make you a magical concoction that will make your tastebuds dance with sunshine and rainbows. The happy hour is the best and the service is always attentive. Thank you Luca! read more

Luca - Andrew and a lavender french 75..it's not on the menu..ask Andrew - Italian Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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Went for the third time last night to Luca, the refreshingly downscale cousin of pretentious Mizuno around the corner. On each visit. I've found the food good though not outstanding and the service terrible. Last night we waited a full forty-five minutes between salad and entree after asking the clueless waiter several times about the food and when it might arrive. This is bad enough but to make things worse Luca demands a pre-payment of $20 per customer upon making a reservation & tacks on a 22% gratuity to the bill. The concept of a tip reflecting service seems to be lost on them. We won't be back. read more

We had a great meal last night at Luca! The service was impeccable, the food was amazing and the atmosphere was lovely. We chose to eat here because they require that you provide proof of vaccination, something that I think all restaurant should do. It helped us feel safe with our kid who is under the age of 12 has only been able to have their first vaccine. As a small business owner myself, I want to caution people reading reviews about a business. If someone leaves a one-star review, check out their profile or consider what they're complaining about. A guy named Zach left a one-star review and upon looking at his reviews he basically only gives one star reviews to people. I've eaten here often and it's a really wonderful place to eat. Also a note to Zach who made the comment about the hostess in his review, it's 2021 an age of inclusivity not 1921... His comment was covert but definitely hateful and ignorant. Zach deserves one star really, not Luca!! read more

Luca - Cheese and Meat Platter - Italian Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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Had dinner here with friends and family on a Saturday night. The restaurant had a nice ambiance and service was very friendly and welcoming. Overall the food was good. The Lobster Fra Diavolo was very spicy with the lobster meat off the shell and mixed into the pasta. There are different ways to prepare this dish and I prefer having the lobster still in the shell and served on top of the pasta. The Bolognese was reasonably good and so was the trout. Crispy Brussels sprouts were a nice addition to the meal. For dessert, the olive oil cake and the Tiramisu were both good, but the gelato was sorta meh. We liked it - but wouldn't call it spectacular. read more

9/10 this place is FABULOUS. The atmosphere is exactly what you want from a small Italian restaurant. We ordered - Burrata (10/10) - Meatballs (10/10) - Scallops (7/10 - I would have liked more scallops, more prosciutto less risotto with this. I also don't think I read the description very well when I ordered the scallops were cooked perfectly I just didn't realize risotto would come with it. If you like risotto this would be a 10/10) - Lobster Ravioli (10/10) - Perfectly cooked al dente and be sure to eat it with the Parmesan. Fabulous - Bolognese (10/10) - you gotta order this. I kept saying I wish this was a family recipe I grew up with. It's phenomenal read more

Restaurant week - my absolute favorite time of the year. This year, the hubs suggested we try two new restaurants, and put me in charge of figuring out which ones. I challenge I happily accepted. Having read 5280 magazines latest article on "Best Italian Restaurants" in Denver, I chose Luca to start out the week. Here were the takeaways: SPACE: Located the semi-corner of 8th and Grant, sits this small yet cozy restaurant. The adjacent parking lot, although designed for and named after "Benny's", is available for parking, per our waiter's suggestion, as he too, parks there. Upon entering, the space is larger than one would assume from the outside. With one large dining room and two smaller rooms, there is plenty of seating for all. The cozy interior creates an intimate setting and feels as though you have stepped into a warm kitchen in Italy! The lights are dim - and I mean REAL dim, like to the point where it feels like you're dining in the dark, but I guess that's the vibes they are going for. The table we were seated at was so dark, I could hardly see my husband's face, where as one of two lights in the room, was directly over my head, making it seem like I was being interrogated. Awkward. SERVICE: The host, who also happened to be our waiter, was friendly upon entry. He greeted us with a smile, and took us to our (really) dark table, in the adjoining room. He explained the restaurant week menu, offered suggestions of the truly remarkable dishes on the menu and had a glowing review of the flown-in daily prosciutto. He and another server were quick to deliver our food, ensured our waters were never empty and brought boxes upon request. One kind of obnoxious touch: the changing of silverware with each course. Literally, we each ate off 3 different forks, and had 3 different knives and spoons delivered to us whether we used them or not.  SIPS: While their cocktail menu was extensive (and expensive) we each opted for our usual. A vodka sprite with a lime for him and a glass of crisp house white for me. For $8, my 9oz pour was perfect, sweet and dry, the perfect combo. Only the first page of the cocktail menu offers wines by the glass but if you're feeling fancy AF you can order bottles of wine ranging in price from $50-$400. SUSTENANCE: I will admit, I liked my courses. My husband on the other than wasn't all that impressed. We started off with the arugula salad (which featured peppery arugula, freshly grated parmesan cheese, pickled onions drizzled in an oily vinaigrette dressing) and the house made mozzarella cheese with peppers, pesto and a few crostini's. The bread was carefully grilled and the mozzarella was so fresh! For the second course, I chose the Squid Ink Pasta (because I've been dying to try it), which was mixed with fresh clams in a white wine butter sauce. I easily slurped it all up and was impressed with the perfectly black noodles! My husband opted for the pasta with Italian sausage, which he found to be extremely bland - I easily boxed it up, and ate it for lunch today! For our final course, I chose the famous chicken parmesan, as this is an Italian restaurant after all! It was loaded with fresh cheese, spinach and had the prettiest sauce - all of which made this meal outstanding. My husband stuck with a traditional favorite - flank steak - and again, wasn't all that impressed. I'm not sure if it was the interestingly seasoned wet croutons under the steak or that the steak was wood fired (which literally tasted like a campfire), but he left without finishing the meal -which I again, boxed up! While the portions were perfect for sampling, everything we ate was doused in oil, creating a very rich taste which not all can stomach. We both left feeling a little queasy and spent the evening in and out of bathroom. Lovely. For $95 for the three courses and drinks, I'm not sure I'd come back. I would, however, enjoy coming for their happy hour, which occurs mainly during the week and all day on Sunday.  While we had our hopes high on this James Beard winning chef and establishment, our expectations weren't entirely met. Maybe next time, Luca. read more

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Five stars for you Luca. My partner and I came here for a pre-valentines day dinner and you were everything we hoped for and more. First of all they give you a little champagne straight away which set the scene for a great evening. A little bubbly never fails me. We also tried the burrata which they make in house and it's delicious. I was not entirely sure how to act because there are some fancy looking people around here and I was wondering if I am inferior. But then I remembered it's pretty selfish to think some other people at the restaurant would even take two seconds to think about me over here at my table. Anyway i'm trying to eat meat after like 10 years of vegetarianism so I got the satanic lobster fra diavolo pasta and choked down as much of it as possible. It was awesome. We also got two desserts to go and those were delicious. When I ate the apple cannoli it was like I was slammed back into a pre birth state and I felt at home in my own body again. The staff treated us like queens which was nice of them. We'll be back luca. Thank you xo read more

My wife and I have dined her several times and love the food, but last night we, and our three guests were disappointed in the choice of music. First it did not seem appropriate for an Italian restaurant like Luca and it was way too loud. When we asked if it could be turned down the manager said it was "corporate policy" to have that volume. Give me a break! Corporate policy? Our group of five wanted to be able to hear each other chat over excellent food. It was difficult. As we left, the restaurant was almost full and one of us went to three tables near us and asked if they wanted the music to be louder. All said they wanted it quieter, so they could talk easily. Food for thought! bj read more

So yummy - we will be back. Great food, service and ambiance! Don't forget your vaccine card as they require vaccination. read more

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What else can I say? I was blown away from the minute we walked in the door. And seated so quickly. We sat by the table by a window. I sat facing the restaurant because I love watching how the restaurant does their operation and service. I work in a 2 star Michelin restaurant in nyc so I tend to like watching how they go about their service l, not only to me but to others as well. My gf sat facing the window because she likes to look outside the window for the view and scenery. Our server Al was more than fantastic. I loved the complimentary champagne in the beginning of the night. I got the wine pairing with the tasting menu and it paired pretty well with each course. All the people dropping the food were very knowledgeable. I knew most of the wines I had for my wine pairing but it was still a wonderful experience. This restaurant has the potential to get a star, just need to touch up on a few details. Wonderful experience. When I'm in Denver again, I shall return. read more

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Didn't end up going here had to cancel and was charged $180 for canceling within 24 hours. Keep that in mind you will be charged $20 per person no matter a cancelation or no show. Doesn't seem reasonable considering I did call to cancel and didnt just no show. Lesson learned I guess, they'll keep my money and I'll never want to try it or recommend it to friends. Just very distasteful, seem more concerned with financial gain more than anything. read more

Service was polite and friendly, but... deliberate. Wine selection was good, on the pricy side. Food was fantastic, and my bolognese was nearly life changing. We'll be back. read more

Best chicken parm in Denver. Service is always great as well.

I've just come home from an extremely memorable dinner at Luca. I have not been to this restaurant for a number of years (so many choices in Denver these days), but it is definitely better than ever. The three of us shared quite a number of items so we were able to savor many wonderful flavors and textures. We started with a luscious Prosecco and three small plates: the crab cake, meatballs, and the carne crudo (beef tartare). The crab cake was great; heavy on the crab with a delightful aioli on the side. The meatballs were light with an intense flavor. The tartare was a very generous portion, very well-seasoned and with a nice texture. My only complaint was the accompanying toast which had an odd, charred flavor that really did not complement the beef that well. Our next course was the pappardelle which came with a very flavorful ragù. Just like everything else, the pasta and the sauce had clearly been prepared with love and care, indicated by the deep and intense flavors. We accompanied this with glasses of Barbera and Chianti and found it very satisfactory. We were still hungry, so we then ordered the short rib. This was amazing. The waiter explained the extremely complex preparation which was definitely reflected in a lovely dish that was extraordinarily tender and flavorful. The gorgonzola sauce was subtle and perfect with the beef. We practically licked the plates. Somehow we still had room for dessert and we ordered the butterscotch bread pudding. Another revelation. The intense butterscotch flavor was perfect. The dulce de leche crema complimented it well and the chocolate gelato tasted like it had been made only moments before serving. I could have done without the tuile, though. It really was superfluous and not up to the quality of the rest of the dessert. We had a Vin Santo with the dessert. Vin Santo is one of my favorite dessert wines and this one did not disappoint. The atmosphere was calm and welcoming and the waiter was personable, knowledgeable, and efficient. The other employees were equally friendly and helpful. I could not have asked for a more perfect experience. read more

We came here last night for our anniversary for the first time and left disappointed. We did the Luca experience so spent $300 when all was said and done. The wine was delicious but the pours were very small and we were given 3. The first course was nice because we got to try a lot of items (cheese, bread and meats). The 2nd course was one small plate to share of a Alfredo kind of pasta (it was good but small and that's all that came). 3rd course was a smaller than the palm of my hand piece of steak with no sides, just sat on a sauce (again pretty good but that was it). It just wasn't worth what we paid, doing the math we paid twice as much as we would've ordering a la cart :( read more

Amazing first visit here. Of course the food was incredible, but our service with Steven and Joey was 10/10. Highly recommend for a fun night out with delicious food and drinks! read more

I had unexpected guests that had a layover on their way to New York. I was scrambling to find a place to go for dinner. Thank God Luca took us in. Even though we didn't have a reservation, they accommodated our hungry needs. Our server was a young man named Jordan. He wasn't a typical server. He actually listened to my friends and made recommendations that actually fit what they were looking for. He didn't just push the more expensive items just to raise the tab. He also nailed the wine recommendations to pair our dishes perfectly. I was so stressed trying to find a nice place to have a great meal so late, and without reservations. Luca came through, as always. Thank you guys over there. read more

Did not get to try the food, but was seated and offered a glass of Prosecco. My partner and I waited 15 min or so to have someone come and take our order but no one stopped by or would acknowledge us. We left a $10 bill on the table and left. We had water and the free Prosecco on the table and were never given the chance to order. Not sure if we were ignored because of how we looked but everyone else in the establishment were being served or it could be lack of initiative to take care of every table. Either way, we were disappointed to not be able to try the food. The only person who was kind or seemed to understand hospitality was the one who seated us. read more

I had an amazing experience dining out tonight. With no reservation I was able to snag a table outside just as the sun was setting. As I progressed with my meal, the hostess noticed I was shivering. She offered to bring me a blanket and came over with a super soft fluffy one. Let me tuck you in, she said. I was instantly warm and comfy. I think the hostess job is under appreciated and under paid. The host is the first experience the customer has with the restaurant. She can set or break the pace of the restaurant. This one was top notch. Not to be outdone, my server was spot on as were the food runners. And the food was amazing. So thrilled to have such an excellent eating establishment just a 3 block walk from my condo. 5+ Stars read more

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It's been a few years since we ate at Luca. We actually wanted to eat at Fruition but they were on summer break. I remember a rabbit dish "three ways" in the $20's. Their menu has changed. Now all entrees at $34; we ordered the scallops - 3 large ones. It was a saturday night and they were full/busy. The service was great; wish the food was as good. Had a calamari appetizer which was ok; a lot of flavors & spices - too many. Then the house salad which was good. Third dish was wild boar pasta; to much spice and salt - you couldn't tell what it was. The scallops were the best part. Had a cab/merlot @$14 a glass was very good. Two of us shared everything and we were too full to have desert. With 3 glasses of wine the bill came to $136 w tax. read more

Phenomenal food and staff! Had a great dinner. Highly recommend the mushroom pasta!!!

Horrible wait times. They don't warn you. First time we came it was a table of 4. Slow slow slow service and no explanation. Second time we tried to come, their system kicked us off their wait list. Awful place. read more

Everyone who knows me knows that I am a pasta connoisseur, and I had a fantastic experience at Luca. The atmosphere is cozy and would be great for a date night spot. They have unique cocktails and appetizers to share, but the real star of the meal was the chicken Parmesan I ordered. Luca puts a spin on this classic dish with thick, homemade noodles and burrata stuffed chicken- quite possibly the best version I've ever had. I plan to take family here the next time they visit. It isn't a cheap meal but I think it's worth the splurge. read more

Everything from Luca is always amazing. My favs are the burrata, bolognese and wild mushroom pizza!

OK, I'm not one to cry "RACIST!" at every slight, but this particular incident rocked me. I have been here many times, as I live one block away. I have never in my life written a Yelp review, but this incident rocked me. I was walking my dogs. I wanted their excellent grilled octopus. I sat at a table outside to ask the waitress for take out with my pups. She came. She ignored me. Others came after. And were served. I sat there. Then she finally addressed my presence, AFTER I said excuse me. I told her I simply wanted carry out. I had been there for 10 MINUTES. Here's the kicker. I am a Black professional. But I could not get acknowledged, let alone served. I complained about the slow service, and the waitress apologized profusely. She was all of 21. I am 61. Since, I was being ignored, I thought I'd take the dogs home and go back and order inside. NO THANKS! They told me I insulted the waitress and then said they would call the cops. For trespassing! After my order was taken. And I was paying with my AMEX Gold Card. Keep in mind, I am Black. I live in the neighborhood, and I'm a senior. The "Manager" a 20 something, then tried assaulting me. He kept grabbing my chair and daring me to hit him. He said I was mean to his staff for complaining. He was also in his 20s. I will never go back. I was the only person of color there. I just wanted take out. They denied me service. Saying I was drunk. Kids. I typed this immediately after the incident. So their drunk defense is a farce. read more

While the food and service may be stellar, I have tried making a reservation for over a week for a special event. I have filled out the on-line reservation request several times and have left voice messages daily, to no avail. I love this restaurant but I am extremely disappointed that I have not received a follow-up call. I wanted to celebrate by birthday with and have been trying to get a reservation for 10 people on Dec. 28th at 6:30 p.m. I have called during open business hours and have been left on hold until the call is dropped. I have done everything except drive down in person to make a reservation. Fortunately, there are other restaurants in the area that were more than willing to accept my reservation. read more

Went here to celebrate and they were amazing ! The atmosphere was cozy and intimate, our server Paige was the best, the Brussels sprouts were delicious, and the mushroom tagliatelle/chicken parm were both mouth wateringly good. We'll be back! read more

I think I've fallen in love??? Came here on a whim and it was spectacular! Every single person was so nice to us! WE MET FRANK!!! Joey and sam were awesome! We got house burrata , zucchini , bucatini pomodoro and the lobster fra diavolo. All delicious my personal favorite was the bucatini!! Also their cocktails are so good! read more

Absolutely BLOWN AWAY by the service, the FOOD (yumm) and the ambience of this establishment! Firstly, my deep appreciation for Jackie Bonnano allowing us to dine here to make it right after a rather awful experience at Russell's Smokehouse. Let's just they they outdid themselves! The place itself is cute and simple, with just the right touch of decor. Jim the General Manager is an absolute delight and such a wealth of knowledge when it comes to wine (a true sommelier). He made sure everything was PERFECT at all times for the guests dining (not just us, but everyone there and at ALL TIMES). David our server was A-Mazing! He was super friendly and attentive, but didn't overly hover (we didn't mind even if he did because we felt like we actually made a friend ). Both the GM and our server continually made sure we had fresh silverware and wine pairings for every course. They even cleaned the table throughout the meal! The meal was spaced just right so we always had room for what was coming next. The food is outta control! I had the New York Strip and it was PERFECTLY cooked and my parents had the Fiscilli (you HAVE to try this pasta dish with truffles.. OH MY GOD!!!) and the braised short ribs. My Dad said it was the best braised ribs he had had... EVER! We had Tiramisu for dessert and I don't suggest leaving without trying some. It's the perfect finishing polish to the meal! Overall, we were HIGHLY impressed and plan on trying their other concepts soon such as Mizuna! Thank you Luca and BRAVO!!! 5 Stars!!! read more

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Top notch! Love it! Becoming one of our favorite spots because of the outstanding service and great food. Great experience.

After wanting to eat here for awhile my friend Emily and I decided to walk and and try for a girls night and celebrating my birthday. We were seated on the patio which was lovely. Our server Joey was incredible! He made us feel so taken care of with a welcome champagne and take home tiramisu. Thank you Joey! And the food was amazing!! Highly recommend the "tiny pillow" butter nut squash ravioli. read more

Our visit to Luca was one of the worst meals I have ever had. The meal was way overpriced, the food was almost inedible, the wait staff was rude, and I even saw a cockroach in the restroom. Wonder if they had rats in the kitchen. So, do yourself a favor and avoid this dog of a restaurant (which really isn't fair to the good dogs out there). ONE-STAR. read more

I dined in last night (Oct 22nd) with some friends, and was absolutely appalled by the hostess that was working, and her behavior. She was rude, consistently had a nasty look on her face, and her temperament was short. I witnessed her being extremely rude to people who came into the restaurant to pick up food, and I saw her walk out of the restaurant verbally assaulting a woman. The food here is good (I would give the restaurant a 4), but it has major staffing issues. Being rude to people who come into your restaurant for any reason is unacceptable. I will think twice before returning or ordering anything online from Luca. When I saw her run outside my mouth dropped to the floor. My husband told me that I should write a review rather than talk to management. We are both under the impression that that type of behavior form Luca's staff must be encouraged if that young lady felt bold enough to not only be nasty to the customers dining in, but to the people picking up food. There is NO excuse for that type of behavior or customer service...ever. read more