Lucca — Restaurant in Des Moines

Lucca (Thu, 03/24)

The Dinner Club is working our way through our looooong list of places we want to attend.  And, most all of us were first-timers on Thursday night.  Steve, the owner, assured our experience was incredible.  A personal introduction, wine recommendations, and a complementary cabernet for our club to (thoroughly) enjoy!

You choose from their selection, your first three courses (salad, pasta, protein) then enjoy a dessert plate with portions of each selection.  Robert, our server, was patient with our quickly sidetracked group.  He was prompt, patient, and quick to refill our bread!

Let's dig into the food!  No complaints with our first course as the various salads were dressed proportionately and delicious.  The second course?  This is where we may have been a little loud as we exclaimed our excitement with our personal selection.  And, we passed our dishes around for everyone to try.  Gnocchi, rigatoni, etc.:  perfectly prepared, cheesy, well-seasoned...I could go on and on!

I believe we covered every option in the fourth course, and in the words of Janice from Friends:  "Oh.  My.  God!"  I can personally attest to the ribeye, scallops, chicken parmesan, and salmon.  I'm hesitant with scallops as I find them cooked poorly and/or tasting far too 'fishy'.  You won't find me saying any of that because they were incredible.

The portions are perfect.   We only had one club member ask for a box and we are all still judging her for not cleaning her plate like we all did with each course.

The only constructive feedback is the final course:  dolci.  We had a cookie, gelatin, flour less brownie, and palette cleanser.  The cookie was across-the-board approved, but after that the reviews were mixed and we traded like we had pogs in junior high.  I believe there is an opportunity to elevate the dessert selection to meet the level of the rest of the course - and, perhaps showcase local dessert businesses with their amazing selections.  The palette cleanser was a cucumber and mint shooter.  It was sweet and pointed.  I gladly traded for all those and am trying to figure out how to recreate in my own home.

Overall, we recommend Lucca.  While small selections can leave customers hesitant, we know you'll find exactly what you want with what their amazing staff is...

I was staying at the AC and this place was recommended. I sat at the Bar and saw a gal working on her computer. I needed to send a report out urgently while I had a quick lunch. I ordered quickly. Iced Team and Chicken Salad. First surprise- Only regular white sugar or pink sweetener for Iced Tea. Server was unapologetic those are my only choices. Second disappointment- I asked server for Internet Password, She did not know but would get someone to help me. Third Surprise- Manager or owner walked over and told me to just use someone else's nearby, I should be able to get on someone else's. He does not give his out. Did he tell a patron of his business to STEAL from another business. I felt uncomfortable but was in a pickle so I tried to do as he asked. Third Shocker- I could not do as this owner/manager asked and inquired for his password once again. He said "no". I said, I just needed to get on line for 5 minutes as I have an urgent report. He said "No" and if I did not like it, I need to leave. So as my food sat there and not having one bite.... I packed up and left.

NEVER EVER has anyone ever been so rude to me in my life. I travel to Des Moines often and love the people but this is a terrible display and not typical of the people in Des Moines. I think the food is good but with this kind of attitude your cities wonderful reputation is being ruined. I encourage everyone to stay away and not support this behavior.

Best of Luck Lucca and enjoy your internet!

PS- I walk a few doors down and was greeted by a lovely lady and free internet with my lunch. The Continental is Des Moines hospitality! ...

It had been a few years since we’d been to Lucca and I can’t for the life of me understand why. We had an absolutely fantastic experience there last Friday and are already planning our return.

We’d decided to do a fancy night on the town with friends (the kind where you dress up for no good reason) and liked the look of Lucca’s prix fixe menu. We arrived at 8pm sharp but our table wasn’t quite ready so the wonderful hostess got us drinks and made us comfortable in the seats near the door. She checked on us several times and we’d honestly have been fine waiting there all night. But they soon seated us and we had an amazing dinner. Four courses, including dessert, for $57 per person. The NY strip alone might cost that at another restaurant. All dishes were delicious and we were impressed at just how wide the selection was.

Once again, the service took dinner to another level and we loved the ambience. Plus, you step out into the East Village and have a million options for the rest of the night.

Exceptional job, Steve Logsdon and crew; it’s no wonder you’re still making national lists after so many years in business. We will absolutely return soon. Highly...