Luca D’Italia in Denver Colorado

Luca D’Italia

Address: 711 Grant St.

Cross Streets: 7th and Grant

Phone: 303-832-6600

Price: $$$

Reservations: Yes

Hours: D:Tue-Sat

Luca D'Italia brings great excitement to the Italian dining scene. The space is inviting and bright with wonderful art accenting the soft-gray walls. Modern tables and chairs and a separate hammered-aluminum bar add a contemporary feel. A huge table of wines makes a great focal point in the dining area, while the bar attracts diners and those who just want to stop by for a drink. The terrific staff provides amazing hospitality along with excellent, knowledgeable service. Chef/owner Frank Bonanno knows Italian food and has created a totally delightful menu. Complimentary crostini that change nightly and wonderful homemade breads start the meal. Appetizers include an amazing house-made mozzarella with fried baby artichokes, sweetbreads with onions and capers, grilled octopus with kumquat jam and divine crispy squash blossoms stuffed with ricotta. Salads of roasted organic beets, spinach with goat cheese or the panzanella bread make a great second course. Every good Italian knows the pasta course is special, and Frank really knows his noodles. Lobster fra diavolo, linguini vongole and pappardelle Bolognese with wild boar are all wonderful. Don't miss ricotta ravioli, squash agnolotti or gnocchi with crab meat. All are also available as entrées, if you prefer. Main courses bring great seafood like large grilled prawns, Parmesan-potato-crusted sole, halibut, and grilled Arctic char. All come with exceptional sides that enhance the taste. Try veal saltimbocca with prosciutto, provolone, spinach and sage sauce--enjoy the last drop of sauce with the homemade breads. Other entrées include steaks and the popular rabbit three ways. The signature dish is brick chicken, an outrageous entrée with divine grilled chicken served over an amazing orzo with roasted peppers, tomatoes and olives. End the meal with decadent desserts--tiramisu, chocolate and hazelnut torte with hazelnut-toffee gelato, semifredo, fruit tart or homemade gelatos. The wine list is excellent, the prices affordable. The divine Jacqueline Bonanno charms all as she chats with guests in the restaurant. Luca is what a restaurant should be--great food, wonderful service and that "part of the family" feeling.