Lucia's Berkeley — Restaurant in Berkeley

We've frequented Lucia's for years, mostly delivery — sometimes even once a week—, but tonight's experience made me regret such. It appeared they had a table for my husband but nor for me (I arrived before him), and one is left to wonder if it was due to the fact he's white and I'm an Arab woman who was also wearing a keffiyeh, or it's simply incompetence and terrible customer skills.

My husband called 15 min before we were planning to arrive to ask if they had a table available for 4, the host said he should have a table, he didn't ask for a name although my husband try to tell him but he had already hang up. All of us, including my parents, heard the convo because we were in the car.

I arrived with my parents as my husband was parking and I asked if he had a table for 4 available, he seemed reluctant to say yes or no (there was an empty table just next to us and some empty tables outside too) so I mentioned we just phoned. He told me no one phoned the restaurant and that he was the only one answering to the phone so he questioned me which restaurant I called. I clarified my husband is the one who phoned and that we all heard the conversation in the car. He insisted again no one phoned and if I hadn't phoned another restaurant. After that I was doubting myself so I said I believe so?

Then immediately told me to close the door — I was holding the door for my mum because the place is really tight and there was nowhere to go, it was not possible to close the door and why was that of any importance instead of trying to resolve the table issue? We just needed to know if there was a table available so we could move on and move away from that door — whether by being seated or leaving the restaurant. After that I just said we were leaving because all this was making no sense and it truly felt unwelcoming, like he didn't want us to be seated yet he couldn't tell us there were no tables as it was really easy to see there were plenty of empty ones.

My husband arrived, went in and the host told him he hadn't received a call from a woman. Wasn't he listening when I told him it was my husband who phoned? And why would he insist again and again he received no phone calls and that I had probably phoned the wrong place?

The whole experience was very uncomfortable, the good thing? The East Bay is full of...

You might find some of my darker reviews out there where I slay restaurateurs with vile words, though they are only a fraction of the distaste I truly feel. But I am from NJ, so, that's as standard a behavior as is a discerning taste for good pizza.

As a glutardian transplant there was little hope of experiencing the visceral joy of biting into a typical NY/NJ style pizza. I had all but given up hope. Was I to uproot myself, and give up all the benefits of this sordid technopia, just to chase the dragon of the perfect pizza bite in another land, or buy land in the hills and squat in an RV next to my own earthen pizza oven, with a gluten free flower mix laboratory in the adjacent container?

Now I won't tell you that this is the perfect New Jersey pizza, but I doubt that was the intent of the creator. Rather, I suspect the alchemy of this exquisite thing was conjured with the intention to make exactly what was presented. Perfection. A thing with it's own true name! Damn those that claim the name of California Pizza, as it did not exist until this moment. A first to be sure, for the confused Californian knows not what pizza means. We question, where did this knowledge come from? Who gave it to them? What impact had it had on other places!?

Years I struggled with this deep nagging desire, like a hermit in the forest with no access to salt. No longer will I suffer this deprivation. Thank you, kind bakers....

Lucia's, a charming small Italian restaurant, truly impressed me during my recent visit. I decided to try their Neapolitan pizza with anchovies and burrata cheese, and it was exceptional. The Italian colleagues I dined with vouched for the authenticity of the pizza and other foods, which made the experience even more delightful. Before the main course, we enjoyed a plate of calamari as an appetizer, and it was perfectly cooked - tender and flavorful.

In addition to the delectable food, I was pleased to discover that they offer a selection of alcoholic beverages, including beer and wine, which complemented the meal nicely.

The service was excellent, with friendly and accommodating servers who were happy to provide recommendations and answer any questions. Despite the restaurant's small size, it had a cozy and intimate atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a romantic dinner or a gathering with friends.

One thing to note is that Lucia's popularity was evident as the restaurant was full even on a Thursday night. It's a testament to their delicious food and inviting atmosphere, so I highly recommend making a reservation to secure a table. I look forward to returning to Lucia's to explore more of their menu and savor their delightful...