Lucca Menu

Lucca Restaurant Review:

Like many eateries along the North End’s Hanover Street, Lucca lures tourists with a hinged wall of windows for al fresco dining and a front row seat to people-watching. Unlike many of its neighbors, however, it bids the foodies among them to return by doing the upscale, contemporary Italian thing --- and doing it with style and pizzazz. From the dark wood walls to white (not red-and-white-checked) tablecloths to the full bar dispensing wicked cocktails (a rarity in the neighborhood), Lucca --- named for a medieval Tuscan town --- sets a sophisticated tone for the evening (extending into the wee hours with a late-night menu, yet another unusual bonus) that its kitchen matches. Start with the signature anatra appetizer of duck confit in a flaky pastry puff filled with caramelized onions, goat cheese and spinach. Pan-seared scallops surprise with accents of chili oil along with pork belly and sweet potato hash; meats like the prosciutto-wrapped bone-in pork chop toe the Tuscan line respectfully. Pair a glass of ice wine with classic tiramisu to finish. Of course, you’re paying for all the extra savvy here; if it’s cheap and homey you want, walk on by.