Luci Ancora — Restaurant in Saint Paul

Update March 2024.

Came back in February 2024 to try this place one more time. This time we avoided repeating the dishes we got last time and ordered different dishes.

One thing I forgot to mention in previous review was their home made bread. It is delicious!

The second time we had better luck with the dishes but still found the portions to be extra small and much smaller that similar class restaurants of similar caliber within 7-10 mile radius.

It is clear that this restaurant cares about their customers, interiors are lovely and the food quality is decent. If you are not very hungry or want to order 2 pasta entres to get full it might be a perfect place for you. We, however , likely won’t be back soon.

Review from Summer 2023

The restaurant atmosphere suggests classy Italian with a very cute interior, white table linens, beautiful fresh flowers on each table but the food completely misses the mark. 4 of us went to check out the cute place and celebrate a birthday. We got 2 appetizers: shrimp and smoked salmon…

Shrimp consisted of 4 smallish shrimps with a weird sauce and cost $15… Tasted bad, as all of us agreed and a complete rip off….Salmon was more edible and came served on about a cup of of spinach without any dressing so unless you enjoy munching on spinach leaves, you will have a few tiny pieces of mediocre salmon and that too won’t be worth it… For entrees two of us ordered fettuccine with wild mushrooms, one a ragu pasta and one ravioli. Another disappointment for each: tiny portions for one…. Overcooked, overbuttered fettucine and wild mushrooms pastas…A dish called ragu was not ragu at all… it was the same overbuttered fettuccine with a tiny single piece of beef…..ravioli had 3 1 inch square pieces of ravioli….

Disappointed with our meal we got 3 desserts: home made pistachio gelato ( not creamy, icy, not flavourful); espresso mouse ( decent) and panne cotta ( ok)

Our bill for 4 people was around $180 and we left mildly hungry and highly disappointed. For a restaurant trying to be gourmet and upscale they miss every mark on food. We won’t be back and I strongly suggest that you save your money and time and go to Esthelle’s; Broders or IE for a great classy and delicious Italian...

I have lived near this restaurant for about a year. Because of the lack of signage, I at first didn’t even know that a restaurant existed there - it wasn’t until I saw customers eating on the patio during the nice weather that I realized it was a restaurant at all. This is a total hidden gem in every way. The service is outstanding and helpful without being overwhelming, and the atmosphere feels as though you’ve somehow entered a real Italian corner filled with delicious smells and happy sounds. The freshly made pasta was absolutely scrumptious, made with clean and fresh meats and vegetables, cheeses and butter, wonderfully flavored and well-portioned. Do not skip dessert, do not fail to try the warm bread, and order a bottle of wine to enjoy the evening. I highly recommend the patio on a pleasant evening. I would just like to personally share that this restaurant will always hold a special place in my heart from this day on, because it was a part of an uncommonly incredible evening I was able to share with my fiancé, and my mother - who lives out of the country and isn’t able to be here with us often. While there are many places you can spend an outrageous amount of money nowadays and walk away dissatisfied, this is not one of those places. While not being “cheap”, it is reasonable and worth the cost. While it is difficult to make a definitive promise from simply one visit, I can say as confidently as is possible that you should not hesitate to make a reservation and see...

Located off the beaten path in the heart of a nostalgic Saint Paul community you will receive a pleasant dining experience.

The parking lot can become full, especially during dinner time so be sure to arrive early in the event you have to locate street parking.

The dining room feels comfortable, warm and is decorated in an elegant italian decor. The staff are very diligent and welcoming, we were immediately seated in a table near the window, we ensured to make reservations. The atmosphere is quiet, regardless of how full the dining room is and the tables are located a distance from each other to ensure no conversation flow over. My observations of the customer base told me there is a core customer base whom frequent this establishment regularly.

They provide a wonderful selection of wines, I typically choose an italian wine in an establishment like this and found a very good wine off of the wine menu. The spaghetti carbonara was absolutely wonderful and just as it is prepared in Italy, light and flavorful. They also provide vegetarian options many include pasta and they are willing to work with your preferences.

I also recommend the flourless chocolate tart and an espresso. The price point seems excellent and I don't think you will be...