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Luca Lagotto Restaurant and Market

thealabamafoodist

1722 8th Avenue South

Homewood, Al

205-624-0086






In the past, I have usually been disappointed when I dine at a new Italian restaurant in the Birmingham area. NOT SO with Luca Lagotto. Italian food is my favorite so I have pretty high standards. We have had a lot of new places open that play at being Italian but fall short in the execution. They don't usually last but I always go, expecting the best, finding the food missing even a hint of Italian roots. Lately, however, there have been a couple of new spots that have been delightful! When I heard of the opening of Luca Lagotto, in Homewood, I was cautiously optimistic. I had nothing to fear.

Luca is one of the best Italian restaurants in the Birmingham area. While I am a big fan of Amore for it's old school ambience and classic menu that never changes (a good thing for Amore), I think that Luca has managed to walk the line between classic Italian and a bit of novelty in preparation and atmosphere. If I had an Italian grandma, I suspect this would be similar to her food - simple but hearty and bursting with flavor.

Four of us dined here this past Friday evening and we all left happy, energized and FULL! I suggest reservations in the evenings because this place is popular! If they continue with superior service, food and that wonderful atmosphere, Luca will be popular for a long time to come.

Let's talk atmosphere first!

The dining room is energetic but has subdued lighting that gives it a relaxed vibe that encourages you to stay awhile and enjoy what is to come. The kitchen is semi-open which I enjoyed because I could see the guys tossing pizzas into the air with skill. (Hey, a free show with dinner!) The clientele was eclectic. There were couples there on dates, a couple of families with kids and a large table of friends, along with folks like us! The bar area is beautiful with a welcoming feel. The lighting is bright enough to see your drinks but comfy enough to stay all night. I'm telling you - The lighting designer hit a home run throughout the place. There is an outdoor dining area that resembles a streetside cafe. There is a fountain and string lighting. I will choose that area as soon as the temperature dips below "deep fry"!. Atmosphere: 5 stars



Now, about the food!

With classic items on the menu (see below), it is often the case that the appetizers are of the frozen variety so the cooks can focus on wowing you with entrees. Prepare to be "wowed" with the appetizers. I highly recommend that you NOT skip this course because there were several stars! We chose the Mozzarella Sticks, the Meatballs and the Luca Fries. Which one would I skip next time? I couldn't say because all three were fabulous! The Mozzarella sticks were hand breaded with a flavorful breading, not relying on the cheese and the accompanying marinara to do all of the work. There are four pieces to an order and it easily serves four diners. The Meatballs come three to an order and are tender and savory with polenta and that sauce! My favorite was the Luca Fries. These fries are seasoned with sage, rosemary and parmesan and would be good if served that way. BUT the star of the dish is the calabrian chili aioli. Not hot, but with heat. My friend, who is from Minnesota, was delighted to finally get "mayo" served with her fries! Seriously, this dipping sauce would be wonderful on ANYTHING (even a spoon, wink)!



Entrees were reasonable in size without being rediculously large. I wouldn't say they were shareable unless you decided to do a tour of the appetizer section! The two guys got the lasagna and raved about how simple but how delicious it tasted. I had a cold coming on so I didn't get to taste everyone else's like usual. (Yes, I do and no, I won't apologize! They understand----I think!)

My friend got theAgnolotti with crabmeat and corn and she enjoyed it too!

I ordered the Bucatini all'Amatriciana and, while I encourage trying different dishes when you dine out, this might be my regular order here. It had pancetta, tomatoes, bacon and cheese. The bucatini was homemade and you could tell from the first bite. That was fresh homemade pasta. I was in heaven.

I saw lots of pizzas being made and delivered to tables and they looked like classic pizza from Napoli. It will definitely be on our list for next time. We also didn't opt for any dessert because we were full and had taken up our table space for a long time!



Service and the Market!

If you get a chance to request a server, ask for "T". She was so welcoming, happy to explain everything on the menu. I always ask questions to see if the server knows the menu and is willing to spend time explaining things. T was funny and made us feel so comfortable and relaxed. She attended to the table enough but not too much. We enjoyed talking with her briefly and she seemed to have all the time in the world --which she didn't because that place was. HOPPING! She was the same with every table and never missed a step! She is a treasure that I hope the management prizes!

The market in this place is phenomenal and is worth visiting even when you don't plan to stay and eat! Fresh homemade pasta, gourmet meats and cheeses by the pound, specialty Italian items like olives, tomatoes and oils as well as a gelato case. T told us that you can order pasta or pizza dough if you would like to try your had at it at home! I could see the bag stuffed with products as a fun housewarming gift!


Luca Lagotto is a great date night, business dinner, family night or any other occasion (or no occasion at all)!. Contact them at the number above or check out their website at eatluca.com !

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How It Began...
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My name is Leslie and my love of restaurants that “get it right” started during the several years that I worked for a company called Restaurant Rating Service. This was not a mystery diner type position. Restaurant owners hired the company to come in and secretly evaluate every aspect of the restaurant and dining experience. These guys knew that successful restaurants didn't succeed on food alone. These owners I understood that, for a restaurant to be truly stellar, every component of the business had to work. That position made me look at restaurants entirely differently. Of course, if the food is not good, it doesn’t matter what else you do right. But many restauranteurs believe that, if the food is right, nothing else matters. That is a recipe for what I call a "shooting star" restaurant - they are great for a short while and then they fizzle out. I love food and I love seeing restaurants that get it right! I especially love to see local restaurants succeed. At first, I used Twitter to share great food of course, but also to share what I had learned,  and to discuss small issues within establishments that could be changed for big results. Then Covid hit. I soon realized you could do everything right, and a Pandemic could STILL completely destroy you. I developed an even deeper passion for our local restaurants. We have some of the best establishments anywhere and even the little guys deserve a chance!
That is when the focus of my Twitter adventure changed. I still like to share restaurant experiences, new places to eat in Alabama cities across the state, history of restaurants (particularly in Birmingham, because I live here) and fun discussions about food in general. However, I have become more interested in promoting and encouraging local restaurants and businesses. I like to encourage my followers and friends to patronize the new and the old but mostly the local!

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