Had a girls night out here with 6 girlfriends recently. We all had a fabulous dinner! I loved the inside of this restaurant, it is an old house and there are a few different rooms with tables for diners. We sat in the library area. I want to go back to sit in the bar area too, it looked so cozy.
Our food was delicious. We all got different salads and then most of the table had either the veggie lasagna or meat lasagna. All of us enjoyed our dinners. I had the meat lasagna and it was delicious. It was a cold night out, so the warm food and cozy atmosphere by the fire definitely kept us warm!
The service was really attentive and our server helped us with the wine list which is always good with a group of indecisive females. He provided a few samplings of Pinot Noir so we could chose one. I thought that was a nice touch. We didn't get dessert that night, but next time I may indulge even more.
Overall, I would recommend. We did have to wait probably 25 mins or so even with a reservation- the place gets busy because it is so small. However, it was worth the wait for a very nice meal.
Oh my goodness. AMAZING, authentic Italian food- and affordable, considering!! My (italian) husband and I just moved back from Italy 3 weeks ago, and he was practically crying for how much the food reminded him of his Nonna's. We had the Caprese, prepared exactly like in Italy, calamari fritti, the tagliata which was serve with vegetables, potatoes and wild mushrooms, and -- our personal favorite-- homemade Veal Ravioli in a mushroom sauce. I would make the hour-long drive back for these alone!!! Finished off with grappa, espresso, and an incredible flour less chocolate cake with vanilla gelato.
The atmosphere was extremely romantic; we will definitely be back!!!!
Only downside- in attentive service. Our server Dale disappeared for 20 minutes at a time, three different times during our meal.... another server wound up having to come and help us because Dale was too busy talking to his daughter, who hostesses there. But the food more than makes up for it!!!!! Â Hence the 5 stars :)
Romantic cosy restaurant with average good.
We had shrimp scampi ad our appetizer, which was fresh and delicious (my favorite part if the meal). I ordered the Riscotto and my gf ordered then Linguine Vongole. The Riscotto was not as soft and creamy as I expected. Her linguine was good but tasting just like what I cooked at home.
Server was also inattentive, but he was really attentive to the group of old people next to us.
This is not typical Italian food. Its elavated....This is a hidden GEM with a homey feel...If you want FINE DINING go to the Capital Grille... Its so FAB that you cant even get in on Saturday unless you booked a REZ the week before. So, with that being said. The Busier they are the slower they get. Meaning the kitchen. However, It is worth the wait. Totally. Make sure you get an app and you'll be fine. I have never had a bad meal there. The 80's are calling them soon as they want their wine themed vests back. Cant blame the staff for that. Nikki is the sweetest Waitress as well as Monica. Stellar Waitstaff. Always willing to please. The one Cavaet is Currently nothing on the desert menu is appealing..., Which says alot. as Desert is always on the menu.for me... Â My advice is to add a apple crostada and pehaps some Fresh berries... anyway. I dont need the extra calories.. Overall I love this place.
Review Source:I found the place adequate for a dinner for two. The service can get a tad slow but the food was good enough, but nothing to rave about. We had the fried calamari (needed seasoning), the veal raviloi (pretty good), and the seafood pasta (good i think).
Its a pretty loud environment so unless you're ready to compete with the other tables who have bottles of wine flowing then you might try another place to whisper to each other.
Four stars for the service.
Was staying at the Blue Lantern Inn around the corner and was lazy and wanted some Italian food to go. They took my order and the lady was friendly. I walked over and picked up my merchandise. They continued to be helpful and friendly. The place was busy but I didn't feel like they were busy. Staff did a great job.
Unfortunately there was some mishaps
- The pasta dish (Vermicelli poll) which they don't make with glass noodles anymore (website menu out of date) was extremely bland
- Ordered an appetizer and was given soup
- Chicken Parmesan was just ok
I called and spoke to the manager. He adjusted the the bill for the appetizer and pasta dish. Was really friendly and very apologetic.
I WILL come back since I plan on coming to the Blue Lantern Inn again and this is so close. The food I saw come out while I waited looked delicious. I think it was an isolated incident but the staff was right there willing to find a solution.
I came here to meet with friends for dinner and I ordered the bruschetta and the rigatoni salciccia which is made with large tubes of rigatoni, grilled chicken, mushrooms with a tomato cream sauce. Â The bruschetta was excellent with nice crusty Italian bread with chopped fresh tomatoes, basil, capers and olive oil. Â Yummmm! Â The rigatoni salciccia was also very good with a good ratio of pasta to chicken and mushrooms. Â The portion size was spot on as you feel full but not so stuffed that your in a food coma for the rest of the night. Â I also tried the flourless chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream and raspberry reduction. Â It was thick, rich, and smooth. Â Absolutely delicious and something perfect to end the night. Â The ambiance is very cozy. Â Kind of like being in a Hobbit house with the dim lights, shelf of books, brick walls, and wooden doors that resemble that seen in Bilbo Baggin's house. Â The staff was great and we didn't wait much for our food. I highly recommend this charming restaurant for anyone who is looking for a nice warm place that dishes up quality Italian food. Â The place can get noisy especially if you have a large party next to you, but overall it's been a positive experience. Â Looking forward to trying more of their menu items.
Review Source:Yummy food. Great service. Â Noisy ambiance, but that is forgivable. Â Crappy parking situation. Â I had the chicken florentine and it was delicious. Â Others in my party were extremely pleased as well. Â Spaghetti bolognese, chicken parm, veal were huge hits.
Watch out if you are POC; in spite of the fact that we are privileged young professionals straight out of north orange county dressed in cocktail attire, suits, heels, with our Chanel bags slung over our shoulders, the idiotic, geriatric white clientele residing in the surrounding areas might mistake you for being "the help." Be careful; dialysis bags, oxygen machines, and canes might lurk in the aisles.
Hmmm, okay I would not call this place Italian. The food did not seem fresh or authentic. Â I am used to the North End in Boston or Little Italy in New York mind you but Italian food is Italian food and this is a half assed rendition of it. Granted the service is decent and the atmosphere is nice but I know homemade sauce when I taste it and fresh pasta. None of which I saw here. It was my first and only visit because I am personally tired of being overcharged for crappy food in these beach towns.
Review Source:Delicious, and so affordable!
Coming from LA, decent Italian food will make you go broke, but not Luciana's!
We got the clams for an appetizer, my boyfriend got the Veal Parm (he said it was delicious), and I got Tortellini's, which were amazing. We had a $36 bottle of Chianti (chosen off a huge wine menu), and left perfectly satiated.
If you want an amazing Italian dining experience from ambiance to service to gastronimic delight, this wonderful bistro has it all. Â You need reservations, so don't forget to call ahead. Â This is by far the best Italian food I've ever had, and I'm married to a full blooded Italian! Â Shhh, don't tell my mother in law! Â Ten stars for Luciana's.
Review Source:Damn Gina!!! This place is the real deal. We took bro and his honey out and they were thoroughly impressed as well. Super fresh, super authentic, super awesomely yummy! Hubbs is from Jersey and says it's the first really authentic taste of home he's had yet.
We had the Ravioli, sausage and pasta, and a couple of chicken dishes. The ravioli are to die for... actually all of their food is amazing. The staff is on top of it and I have seen to owner cruise around and check on people. Two thumbs up.... (Actually, in this case 8 thumbs up...). Great wine selection, too. Little pricy, but worth every cent.
I liked this place so much, I went two days in a row! It's a little pricey, but so is nearly every place that serves decent Italian food these days. But, it was a true gem. Enter into a dim lit room, walls painted a tasteful pink with wood-lined chairs. Traverse to the next room, a woman playing an accordion across from the bar. Stare up at the television--creatively framed by a picture frame. Look ahead to the seating in the back room that is lined with books, the room behind you with basic, modern flair, or the gently lit patio out front. Aside from figuring out what to order on a rather exhaustive menu of food, you have a thorough choice of where to sit!
As for the food, the first night I got the spinach salad (caramelized walnuts, goat cheese, etc.): 4-stars of YUM! For $8, the portion was just about right given the fancified ambiance, and the presentation with the "sticks" of apple was very nice. I also tried the polenta and sausage dish, and was pleased with the result. It was definitely more a sausage and peppers flavor than the heart of pasta-loving Italian, but also very good: 3.5 stars. The second night, I enjoyed the salad again, but this time tried out the chicken topped with spinach, which was a bit overcooked (dry) but fairly flavorful (3-3.5 stars).
The food isn't perfect at all times, but for such a large menu, it is consistently good based on my two experiences. And, with the lovely ambiance--and service that makes you not only feel appreciated but known ("Thank you for coming in... REBECCA"), I would go back whenever I pass through Dana Point.
Luciana's is a gem in the city of Dana Point!
Amazing, fresh, delicious homemade food that melts in your mouth!
Truly one of my favorite restaurants in the area. You can't go wrong with anything you order here. I've had many things on the menu and they were all great! Even spaghetti bolognese has complex flavors! Â
It is recommended that you make a reservation here but if you find yourself in the area you can always just walk in and sit at the bar. Â Marcus the bartender is amazing! He will remember you and your preferences whether you are a regular or not.
Keep in mind that for one person you can't walk out under $25 for dinner, drink, and tip. Â Give it a try you won't regret it!
I'm from out of the area, but I've eaten here twice. Â The food here is very good. Â Let's just get that out of the way. Â I've sampled probably 7 or 8 of the dishes on the menu.
However, my first experience was on a quiet weekday where the dining room was peaceful and you could carry on a conversation and possibly have a romantic dinner if you were out on a date. Â The service was very friendly and prompt. Â My more recent visit was on a busy Saturday. Â We were seated in an annex or something. Â There were communal tables, the TVs were on and it was loud and cramped. Â It really didn't bother me as I wanted to watch some football, but this may be a concern for others. Â Also, understandably, the service was not the same - very curt and frantic.
In either case, the food is terrific and the prices are reasonable.
Spent the weekend in the area and was happy to come across this restaurant just a few minutes from Dana Point Harbor. The exterior looks like a european cottage. Interior is just as nice.
The last time I went, I ordered the cranberry & nut stuffed pork chop and it was the best chop I've ever had. Great selections on the wine menu too.
If you're not a local like me I recommend an overnight stay at the Blue Lantern Inn just a few streets away. It's much like a bed and breakfast and the architecture reminds me of properties you'd find in Cape Cod. Located above a cliff overlooking the ocean!
Have been here twice. Well kind of. My first visit, I would have given 5 stars. It was tasty, prompt and nice. The second time, well that was a different story. I couldn't even get a table! Â Now I know what you're thinking, make a reservation right? Â I did!!!! Â I still got nothing. The beast of a hostess told me there was a large group and they weren't leaving and there was nothing she could do. Lame!! Â I could've understood until she sat someone else wtf!!!!! Â So disappointing and I will never go back
Review Source:Two weeks ago I discovered this Italian gem in the heart of Orange County and instantly fell in love. Since then nothing is the same; I cannot sleep, work or eat: I must return here for dinner!
But seriously, Luciana's is an amazing place serving top-notch pasta, seafood and other cuisine that will quite literally melt in your mouth. Yet, the experience of dining here is hardly even about the food - the cozy, romantic ambiance alone is enough to recommend this exceptional establishment without reservation.
For starters, check out the Linguine Vongole with manila clams or the Linguine Luciana with seafood and mushrooms, and I promise you'll find yourself permanently addicted before you know it.
Of course, every quality meal has its price, and Luciana's is no exception. So be prepared to spend $20-30 per person on a complete dinner here, and try to make it a date to maximize your value, eh?
We were drawn to this place by its reviews, and we could not believe that anyone had a less than stellar experience here. We were welcomed, seated promptly, and had excellent service. The food was also delicious, hot, and oh-so-satisfying! The eggplant appetizer was just enough to wet our whistle, and the salad with goat cheese and walnuts was the perfect amount, split for two. We enjoyed the waiter's recommendation on a great wine, and the fish special we both had was also enough for two people, though we enjoyed every bite! The salmon was huge, and it came with veggies and potatoes in a heaping amount, topped with a nice sauce. Delicious from the word "go!" And that it what we would say... go to this restaurant. it's top notch, and we will be back when we are in the area!
Review Source:Just had dinner here with a group of friends on a Friday night. We got there at 6:15pm, ordered drinks and food. While eating, we were just telling each other how nice and quiet it is to be able to have a nice conversation. Then suddenly the live music starts and we couldn't here each other any more, disappointing.
The fettuccine with shrimp, mushroom and spinach in a garlic wine sauce was good but not exceptional. I felt like it was missing something. The arugula salad was great. I love the vinegrette dressing. The fried green beans were were really good, crispy and crunchy. For dessert we tried tiramisu and flourless chocolate cake. The tiramisu was average. The chocolate cake was better.
The best italian restaurant in Orange County. Authentic, outstanding food from the appetizers to the entrees to the desert.
Very romantic, cozy, charming ambiance. Â Very good wine list, and friendly Italian inspired staff. Â Excellent service.
Also competitive pricing, but you get so much more. This is a great place to take a romantic date, but it can also be a great place to take friends and family. You will have a great time and feel like you had so much more than just a dinner.
This is a great restaurant for those intimate nights out with your significant other. There are 3 dining rooms: the main room, the library room, and the wine cellar room. The wine cellar room is the most intimate of the 3 with about 8 tables - this is were my gf and I were seated. This room features a tuscany-styled wine cellar on the left wall and a flat screen tv on the back wall which projects a warm fireplace video loop. +1
The food menu is pretty straightforward. Each dish has a description and price next to the name. My gf ordered the Scampi al Aglio (Shrimp sautéed in a White Wine Lemon Garlic Sauce, served with Grilled Ciabatta Bread) and I ordered the Farfalle Contadina (Bow-Tie Pasta with Grilled Chicken, Mushrooms, Spinach, and Artichoke Hearts in a Parmesan Cream Sauce). Both dishes tasted amazing! +1
Our waitress was very attentive. She came by often, but not too often, and was willing to exchange my sour-tasting wine for something better. +1
There was a lady playing the accordion throughout the night! +1
Towards the end of our dinner, the staff began putting away tables and opening doors which didn't sit too well with my Farfalle Contadina. -1
All in all, a great Valentine's Day dining experience :)
I came here on a Thursday night and it was busier than I thought it would be, being a weeknight and all.
For an appetizer, we ordered fried green beans. I like green beans but I'm not sure I like them fried so that was only ok for me.
For my meal, I ordered a pesto cream sauce pasta that had chicken in it. Yum I loved the pesto cream sauce but the chicken was a little dry for me. Still good though. :)
The only thing I didn't like was that all of the tables are so close together that not only could I hear every word that the people next to us were saying, but I could what people a couple of tables down were saying as well. Normally I wouldn't care that much but with the dim lighting, it felt like a place to go on a romantic dinner. If I'm on a romantic dinner, I wouldn't want to hear every word from other people's conversations. But the good food did make up for it. Can't wait to come back!
Four stars for the food, five stars for the service.
My colleague and I were visiting LA on business, and we coaxed my San Diego friend to meet us between here and there for dinner. He chose Luciana's, and off we all went. Naturally, my colleague and I were late for the 7 p.m. reservation my SD friend had set up (I'm a terrible judge of travel time), but Luciana's was quite understanding and made my friend feel welcomed; their waiting area is outfitted with sofas and rugs and just felt wonderfully cozy. When my colleague and I walked into the dark, romantic Italian restaurant, the hostess lightly joked about my friend having two gorgeous dates, and BOOM! we were smitten with the place.
We sat not far from a windown and enjoyed a basket of bread by candlelight as we caught up. We talked so much that we had to send our very understanding server away several times because we had forgotten to read our menus. They were in no hurry, so they just kept bringing out more bread until we were ready to order. I chose the house salad and potato gnocchi.
Salad came first (Oh, how I wish we were European and ate salad at the end of the meal.). It was a large plate of fresh mixed greens with a delicious dressing. I was quite happy to eat every leaf and soak up the dressing with bread.
Not long after we finished our salads, our entrees arrived. Our server placed a large dish of gnocchi before me, and I swore that I could never eat the whole thing. The gnocchi were done perfectly, firm and held their shape. The potato inside were creamy, and nothing was mushy. The gnocchi were covered in a delicious tomato/cheese sauce, and the entire dish made me feel so warm inside. I felt like I was dining at someone's house, and that was a good thing, considering I was in a classy, romantic restaurant. I didn't devour all of my gnocchi because I was saving room for dessert, but I sure wanted to.
For dessert, one of my friends and I split creme brulee. The hard sugar layer was nice and thick, and it was a wonderful mix of sweet and charred. Under that, the custard was very light. You could taste the vanilla, but it wasn't overpowering. It was fabulous.
We spent about two and a half hours at the restaurant, and all of our items were very reasonably priced (My gnocchi was about $13, I think - surprisingly low for what felt like a very expensive experience). When we left, all of the various servers (our regular one, the one who brought out more bread, our water filler, the hostess) said goodbye to us. The hostess was gracious and took several photos for us and asked us to return if we found ourselves in the area again. Most definitely.
Romantic atmosphere...Arrive before 7:00 p.m. and grab a table in the library. Your biggest problem will be whether to order off the menu or indulge in one of their nightly specials (ie. steak, fish or pasta).
Their wine list is top notch; loaded with Italian reds & whites at very reasonable prices, leave the California wines for when you dine continental. If you're thinking of arriving after 7:00 p.m. better call ahead and put your name in (reservations are always suggested for any day of the week). If you arrive without a reservation and you don't want to wait for a table, dine at the bar and chat with the regulars.
Good ambiance, good food, good wine, and good service at good prices.
Better late than never, right? My boyfriend and I came to Luciana's almost a year ago while on vacation for his birthday. It was literally five minutes away from where we were staying and thanks to my fellow Yelpers, I found this place and took him here for some BEEDAY grub.
Now, my honey is very picky when it comes to Italian food so let's just say this place left him speechless. I can honestly say I have never had better Italian food than here! The bf ordered filet minon while I ordered the cannelloni (It was like the italian version of an enchilada lol). The filet minon had such a perfect smoky taste and the vegetables did too. Perfect texture as well. The cannelloni was BEYOND deliciousness. I swear, I think about it on a consistent basis lol.
The ambiance was perfect for what I wanted for the occasion. I made a reservation through their OpenTable program (love it!) and the hostess called earlier in the day to make sure we were still on. This dinner was a surprise so when we arrived my man loved everything about the place. So professional and catered to us like we were the only ones in the restaurant. The hostess seated us in the corner of the restaurant, yet not secluded from the other guests at the same time. There was a fireplace in front of us, it was fairly quiet but perfect for conversation so I didn't have to yell across the table at him nor whisper as to not disturb others. The waiter was great! Wasn't overbearing yet at the same time we didn't have to look all over the restaurant to find him.
The price for what we paid for was great! We weren't super stuffed afterwards yet perfectly satisfied. I still want to make a trip there just for the food lol.
Down the street from the Blue Lantern Inn, Luciana's is as lovely and friendly a place as you'll find. Though the seating is ample, it's separated into many different rooms, making each customer feel like they're one of the privileged few.
As for the food - best pasta I've had outside of Italy. The bolognese was so amazing, we actually came back the next night and had it AGAIN. The wine list is extensive and thoughtful and the wait staff was impeccable and incredibly welcoming.
I went last Saturday night for dinner with my sister and boyfriend. We ending up having some of the best service I have had in a long time. The cocktails were really reasonable and strong for only about $8 bucks each. We started off with the bread and butter (a must!) and for dinner we had.....
3 Caesar Salads (Really Good)
Halibut Special that was almost to die for.
Farfalle Contadina.-- Bow-Tie Pasta with Grilled Chicken, Mushrooms, Spinach, and Artichoke Hearts in a Parmesan Cream Sauce
(This was sooooooo good I ate everything on my plate!
Pollo alla Parmigiana --- Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breast topped with Mozzarella Cheese, Pomodoro Sauce and Served with Spaghetti Marinar
(Tasted Great but not the best thing on the menu)
Our Bartender, forgot his name...But HE was awesome, took good care of us and sent us this amazing pumpkin cheesecake with raspberry sauce drizzled on top..that was incredible!!!!
Needless too say I will always recommend this place if you want real and true Italian food. The ambiance and decor is like you have transported into Italy, lovely place for a cute date or dinner with family!
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