Luca Lagotto — Restaurant in Homewood

We walked in expecting a lovely night but were sadly disappointed. We walked in through the cafe entrance at the front, and were pleased with the cute decor and calm ambiance. The moment we walked to the host stand in the dining room, though, we were hit with this wave of noise that didn’t quiet down at all during the time we were there.

The hostess looked like she had forgotten her work clothes that day - she didn’t match the rest of the staff’s nicer uniforms or even the color scheme of the restaurant - but she was very kind. We waited for a table and while we did, had a lovely chat about the beautiful decor. It was clear someone put a lot of effort into that aspect, but more attention should have been given to the menu and service.

Drinks took 27 minutes to get to us, and I doubt the server was really to blame for this issue, though he did look like all the life had been drained from him. That was a common denominator with all of the staff I saw walking around. My drink was okay, though very sweet, then very alcoholic, not a lot of balance. My date’s was atrocious. He had some bourbon cocktail he let me try, and I felt like I got punched with orange and then bourbon. None of the softer notes you get of bourbon were present, and none of the flavors that were supposedly imbued into that drink were present. I saw a person in a suit that may have been a manager for about twenty seconds, but he seemed to be too preoccupied with whatever event they had going on outside to really check on the dining room.

Onto the food, Everything, and I mean EVERYTHING needed salt. It was like they read the one star review about having TOO MUCH salt, and just took a hard turn in the other direction. The focaccia was topped with sesame seeds, which isn’t a bad choice, but a very odd one to exclude flake salt and only have sesame and herbs. The beets weren’t bad, but were lacking flavor (read: need salt and pepper or literally ANY semblance of seasoning). I never ask for salt at nice restaurants, but I ended up asking this nice younger gentleman who was very kind and seemed to be the only one with some pep in his step. I wish I had gotten his name.

I had the lasagne and… lord. The pasta turned to dust in my mouth, which usually means it was overcooked or the dough isn’t being made properly. Given that my date’s pasta was also bland and didn’t have any texture to it, I’d say that the dough recipe is seriously lacking. We looked at the dessert menu but decided to just hit up Jeni’s. I’d rather pay for $6 scoops of dessert there. Also an “upscale” restaurant offering rainbow sprinkles made me laugh a bit, so at least I ended the night...

Luca lagotto

I came the week it opened. Buzzing with activity & pictures going on personal socials.

I ordered from the shop. I could not immediately review because I didn't get a chance to sit to eat. A partial review is so rude, especially since I need plenty of information for whoever may read, this review is for those who haven't been & are making a selection. I vowed to return when in need of pasta. So, after a much needed appointment (the kind of appointment that is never considered exciting or fun, just a chore) I needed a bit of Italy. I don't own a private jet, so Venice was unavailable...ahhhha! LUCA Yes indeed, with everything that gives you nostalgia for Italy. Gelato, caramels, wine, focaccia, cheese, olive oil, pasta, sardines, tomatos...I might forget something, it is most likely there.

Wine selection is exquisite. I loved the legs, always proof of quality. Ambiance is very enjoyable, casual, clean, crisp. Nice touches to the eye. Fountains, flowers, lights, awnings, paved stones.

Focaccia & strawberry basil burrata to table, is effortlessly elegant & the bread is pillowy & crisp edges like you daydream of, the burrata is creamy & delicate. Olive oil is fragrant & aromatic & stands on it own. Wait staff is well trained & interactive & timely.

Meatball sandwiches Beautiful & nourishing & tasty. Plentiful portions. Amazing fries, covered in light shredded Italian cheeses, just right.

Pizza slices for lunch Large, northern Italian on focaccia bread.

I ordered from the shop again. A white wine for the citrus salmon at home, caramels, some pasta, etc., essentials for quick dinner or lunch when you just need that Italian lift to the spirit.

I've asked for feedback from family & friends; good parking, plenty of space. Clean bathrooms, handicap accessible, family friendly. Very very good for light lunch, big value, amazing 👏 🤩 on taste (who did they poach, from what big city did they snag the executive chef who leads this kitchen??? How did little Homewood get this sweet corner of joy??? You can ask when you go. If I tell you, then it's not as much fun...Discovery is your forte!) Great for pasta, great for salad, just go. I'm running long & you are hungry, make this one of your new favorites. Until next...

I really wanted to like this place. Wanted a solid place to go in Homewood, but I don't think I will go back, as there are plenty of awesome options in BHM at the same or better price point.

First the good...the space is very nice. I know others noted the noise, but that gave the space life, as far as I am concerned. I did have trouble hearing my server, but I chalked that up to too much loud music in my life, but maybe I was wrong.

the service was good, but not great. I sat at the bar, and it felt a bit chaotic. as the bartender staff was all over the place. To their credit, they were trying hard, and were very kind and nice to me. They would have been better off with a bartender that only took care of bar patrons, and another that dealt with floor drinks. When sitting at the bar, you want to enjoy the back and forth with your bartender.

The wine selection was decent, appropriate. I was glad they had some good italian wines, and stayed away from the popular garbage. I watched a few drinks being made, cocktails, and the prep was sloppy and all over the place. Ice spilled, liquor poured irregularly and they just weren't well done cocktails...the approach was more volume based, like you would see in a college bar.

Finally the food...damn, I had high hopes for this, as the IG pictures looked good. Ordered a pizza and a salad. I always try the straight up cheese/margherita pizza first so I can taste the ingredients vs. having it covered up by toppings. The pizza was very basic. It was akin to a cheap flatbread at a chain place. The sauce tasted like a sugary hunts canned sauce, and the cheese was tight and chewy, didnt melt right. The salad also was not great. Chopped iceberg, with brown bits and even the lettuce head stem parts included. Again, very chain restaurant mentality there. Tasted similar to what you get at Olive Garden, and that sucks. I was rooting for them to deliver a delightful meal.

That being said, the place was packed. So, maybe there is something there, maybe homewood wants Olive Garden plus, but I didnt get it. Walked out spending $100 and probably wont come back again as I cant point to one part that really...