Luca: A stylish slice of Italy in Liverpool

A spotlight on Liverpool's Luca

In the heart of Liverpool, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city’s more trodden streets, Luca is quietly reshaping the way we think about Italian dining. This intimate yet lively restaurant has become a beacon for those in search of authentic, modern Italian fare served with a fresh, inventive twist. For those who appreciate the art of small plates, impeccable design, and a meticulously curated menu, Luca is your new favourite spot.

Luca’s journey began with a passion for Italian food that goes beyond just cooking — it’s about culture, heritage, and craftsmanship. Founded by a team of culinary experts with deep roots in the hospitality industry, Luca’s concept is a celebration of both traditional Italian cooking and modern culinary techniques. Drawing inspiration from the hidden picturesque alley bars of Venice, known as bacari. These bars are full of locals, standing at the bar sipping on aperitifs and snacking on small plates known as cicheti. Inspiration was swirling and thus, Luca was opened in 2021. The restaurant prides itself on using seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients, creating dishes that are as much about flavour as they are about the culture behind them.

From the moment you step foot in the door, it’s clear this is where good food meets great design. The space blends rustic Italian charm with sleek, contemporary touches. Think warm, exposed brick walls, low-hanging lights that set the mood, lush greenery for a bit of liveliness, and a casual, open dining area where you can spy a peek of the kitchen working their magic.

Whether you’re popping in for a casual meal with friends, a romantic dinner for two, or celebrating something special, Luca’s atmosphere hits the mark. They’ve perfected the balance of relaxed yet polished — ideal for just about any occasion.

Luca’s menu is all about small plates — giving you the chance to try a bit of everything and keep things interesting throughout the meal. The dishes are packed with flavour, and there’s plenty of variety to keep everyone happy.

To start, we’d suggest something along the lines of their Anglesea mussels diavola with an nduja butter sauce, & warm sourdough, arancini of scamorza mozzarella & San Marzano pomodoro , pepperoni crisps with a chilli honey, and the goat’s cheese bruschetta with roasted red pepper & aged balsamic. All perfect for whetting the appetite and sharing around the table.

For mains, you can’t look past Luca’s pizza and pasta section without your mouth watering. Think gnocchi di patate alla salt & pepper with padron, pancetta, & mascarpone, a 24-hour braised Welsh lamb ragu with pappardelle, risotto with a saffron butter, roast courgette, & parmesan, or perhaps their seafood risotto king prawns, calamari, and mussels. Their pizzettes are equally delicious – our top picks being the mortadella pizza with a bianco base, pistachio, & chilli honey, as well as their carni with pepperoni, lamb meatballs, Tuscan
sausage, & nduja. Perfectly crispy, cooked to perfection, you can’t say no to a sharing pizzete at the table.

Not feeling like something heavy? Luca’s insalata section is full of light, zesty options that let the fresh vegetables shine. We love the crispy breaded goat’s cheese seasonal salad with walnuts, honey, & Amalfi lemon oil, as well as the classic burrata salad served with roast figs, chicory, basil, focaccia crisps.

Luca knows that the right drink can make a meal even better, so they suggest a drink from their negroni bar alongside your meal, offering classic, white, or grapefruit options. Or they also carry a range of classic cocktails if an Aperol Spritz takes your fancy a bit more, or you’re on the hunt for something unique, try their seasonal cocktail of the week. Of course, you can also sip on wines, beers, spirits, and non-alcoholic drinks too.

Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks, (as well as a £35 Bottomless Brunch Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays!), Luca is the perfect Italian gem for any kind of occasion. The team behind Luca has nailed the balance between feeling like a local favourite and offering something a little bit more exceptional. The small plates make it easy to share and try different flavours, and the relaxed, stylish atmosphere means you can kick back and enjoy your time there without feeling rushed or out of place. Luca has that cosy, neighbourhood restaurant feel, but with food that’s elevated enough to make you feel like you’re at the centre of something special.

You’ll find them at 109 Allerton Road, Liverpool United Kingdom, L18 2DD. Book your table here on Dish Cult.