Cantinetta Luca

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1. HN

   HungryNoMore

   San Francisco

   7 reviews

   5.0

   7 reviews

   Dined 5 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience4

   Excellent food, very authentic. A little cramped when sitting at a table for 2. Enjoyed the experience, especially the signature cocktails.

   Report
2. P

   Priscoula

   Central Coast

   3 reviews

   vip
   4.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on March 13, 2023

   overall4food3service3ambience4

   Haven’t eaten there in a few years, a little disappointed last night. Pizza was good! We had the octopus with chickpeas, the octopus was tough and chewy. My pasta dish with black truffles was just not right, pasta a little chewy and not a lot of truffle taste. So I will try again in a few months.

   Report
3. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   San Francisco

   1 review

   vip
   1.0

   1 review

   Dined on March 12, 2023

   overall1food4service1ambience1

   Absolutely horrible experience! Service in particular was horrendous. Once we complained, the manager went to every other table in our section to check on them and did not come by our table. He only came by when we were done with our meal to address my husband and me separately about our concerns. Will not be going back here. The food was good, but they brought my husband’s dinner out 20+ minutes before mine and all we ordered were two pasta dishes. I had to ask repeatedly for my meal and did not get it until my husband was almost done with his meal (I encouraged him to eat so his food didn’t get cold). Asked for a water refill and were blown. All the whole, the manager just stood at the host stand chatting it up with the young hostess. These are just a few of the highlights of our terrible dinner.

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4. d

   debs

   Los Angeles

   13 reviews

   5.0

   13 reviews

   Dined on March 6, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   First time eating at this restaurant while staying in Carmel Valley Ranch. We were very pleasantly surprised (many restaurants in Carmel by the Sea are touristy and the food is mediocre) but this place was something special. The service was excellent, the ambiance was lovely, and best of all the food was delicious and not your standard Italian fare.the three standouts for me were the soup (tomato, bean, and ham), brussel sprouts, and flourless chocolate cake. Don’t fry me wrong, the appetizers and main were excellent but it was a nice surprise to experience new preparations for familiar dishes. I would definitely recommend this place and we will be back the next time we’re in town.

   Report
5. M

   Makemedinner

   San Francisco

   29 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   29 reviews

   Dined on March 5, 2023

   overall5food4service5ambience5

   Really excellent; well done

   Report
6. JP

   JoseP

   San Francisco

   9 reviews

   5.0

   9 reviews

   Dined on February 28, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Went in to celebrate my birthday with my girlfriend. Alex, was outstanding very kind, very nice, knowledgeable, and patient. We loved the food and the ambiance, everyone was great. The Aperto pizza was delicious

   Report
7. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   San Francisco

   11 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   11 reviews

   Dined on February 24, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Everything was delicious - loved the Neapolitan pizzas. Service was wonderful. Will definitely go back.

   Report
8. SS

   StephanieS

   San Francisco

   3 reviews

   2.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on February 19, 2023

   overall2food1service1ambience4

   This restaurant used to be so incredible but sadly has majorly declined. Not only did the food take over an hour to come out - the quality was poor. The pasta was over cooked and mushy and everything tasted oily and quick.

   Report
9. JB

   JodiB

   San Francisco

   2 reviews

   2.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on February 18, 2023

   overall2food4service1ambience4

   We've always loved eating here, but this time was not great. The food and ambience were wonderful, but our service was lacking. A large walk-in group came in after we were seated and had cocktails and then we waited an hour for our food. The server was so focused on the large walk-in group that he completely ignored us. We couldn't even get our water refilled. Super disappointing.

   Report
10. F

    Fatimaschwarz

    Monterrey

    14 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on February 17, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    I really like this place is one of my favorites in Carmel. The last time had a cocktail issue; the dirty martini not good and for me is kind of red flag. The food and service did the job. Thank you.

    Report
11. DA

    DABM

    San Francisco

    36 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    36 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall1food3service2ambience1

    We used to love this place. Maybe it was because it was Valentine’s Day and they had overbooked, but the waitress got my husband’s order wrong ( mussels instead of sword fish) so I ate my lukewarm pasta alone just finishing as his OVERCOOKED swordfish came. Very disappointing!

    Report
12. DM

    DarylM

    San Francisco

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This was the best meal that we have experienced in Carmel! Superb from the front door to the table. The food is wonderful. Just a great experience.

    Report
13. RS

    RobertS

    Los Angeles

    29 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    29 reviews

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This is our favorite restaurant in Carmel. In fact we like it so much that we went there 2 nights in a row. The food, ambiance and service is top notch. I also think their bolognese sauce is one of the best anywhere. We will definitely be back on our next trip to Carmel.

    Report
14. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Went here for my birthday dinner with my best friend and I have to say the food was amazing and so was the service. They gave us yummy sorbet and lit a candle for me, which I feel many places don’t do anymore even when you tell them it’s your birthday! We got the steak and the spaghetti carbonara, AMAZING. Will be coming back!

    Report
15. CL

    CharlieL

    Phoenix

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 7, 2023

    overall2food3service4ambience4

    Disappointed. Menu limited. overall mediocre.

    Report
16. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Cantinetta Luca does not disappoint t! The food was amazing as well as the cocktails and wine. The Tiramisu is a must for anyone wanting dessert. My wife had the Pumpkin Ravioli which I would recommend. The pizza is good but I like the pizza from La Bicyclette, down the street from Cantinetta Luca, better but again.. it’s still very good. Antipasti….I would recommend the focaccia bread and burratta! Bon a petit !

    Report
17. CF

    CharlotteF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Wonderful cheerful atmosphere. Delicious food. Great service.

    Report
18. CC

    ChristianC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 26, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience4

    First thing first, if you want amazing service, this is the spot. Cup was never empty and waiter had great knowledge about the menu. The food was above average but not outstanding. I had the salumi pizza. The focaccia bread was very good as well.

    Report
19. PM

    PeggyM

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Simply the best experience I’ve ever had. We got reminders of our reservation and even a phone call to check on us since we driving for 7 hours the day before. When we got there, everyone was super friendly, amazing, and the food was out of this world. I’ve never had pumpkin ravioli and it was everything you thought it would be and more. They made my best friends night by bringing her some ice cream for her birthday! I cannot express how accommodating this place is, how friendly the staff is, and how the food was the best Italian I’ve ever had in California! I made a promise to them that we would visit again this year and I intend to hold that promise.

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20. DG

    DaveG

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on January 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Place is getting back to hopping. Great attitude from staff. Start singing they may join in.

    Report
21. p

    pennyp

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 8, 2023

    overall1food1service2ambience2

    We were left standing in the rain and cold because we were 10 minutes early. It would have been so easy to invite us in and explain that we would not be served until 5:30. Ungracious and unacceptable. The special ravioli was not good. We will not go back.

    Report
22. M

    Marinmike

    San Francisco

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on January 7, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    We have had dinner at Cantinetta Luca twice and have not been disappointed. Their food is tasty although the portions aren't especially large. The service has been excellent; the servers are exceptionally kind. The restaurant is very appealing and inviting.

    Report
23. MZ

    MaryZ

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    1.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on January 2, 2023

    overall1food2service1ambience2

    Cute atmosphere if you want to wait 2+ hours for overpriced, overcooked food.

    Report
24. TF

    ThomasF

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 2, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4

    After a rough start when the hostess tried to put us down at the worst table in the house we ended up having an outstanding dining experience. Of course if you can’t have a good meal with a $165 steak and a $250 bottle of wine you are probably in the wrong place. The porterhouse steak was one of the best prepared pieces of meat I’ve ever eaten. I will be dreaming about it for weeks. We went with a pasta as our second dish and the broccolini as our side. Everything about it was delicious. Table spacing was a little tight but we had fun people at the tables on either side and it only added to the festive vibe.

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25. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    My wife and I brought our teenage daughter and friends to share a New Years Eve dining experience. This was our first visit to Cantinetta Luca. Alessio provided us with a very memorable experience with his hospitality. We felt even more fortunate for this since the restaurant opened after a very lengthy power outage due to a storm. Looking forward to our return.

    Report
26. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    New Years Eve!

    Report
27. Y

    Yelp

    San Francisco

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience3

    Arrived on time for our new years reservation. Great seating in quiet booth by front window. Appetizers and cocktails were nice to start. The main issue is that server was pressing for us to order entree when we hadn’t even received our appetizers and cocktails. I understand they need to move the table within a certain time frame but felt very rushed meal.

    Report
28. MB

    MBBaby

    San Francisco

    17 reviews

    4.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Dined at Cantinetta Luca for the first time during a weekend celebrating our anniversary. Restaurant has tightly packed tables and was very crowded. Food was good but not a lot of variety. Really liked the grilled octopus appetizer. Had the baked rosemary chicken which was a little overdone and served only with a handful of arugula—some tomatoes or olives or roasted potatoes along with the dish would’ve been a nice accompaniment. Husband had the swordfish which was prepared very nicely; it was juicy and moist, served with tomatoes, olives and potatoes. Overall a nice meal and experience!

    Report
29. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    vip
    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall3food4service2ambience2

    It is too noisy , service is very very slow. We wanted forever for our food. Servie is friendly and food is good.

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30. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We were met at the door instantly. Food was great as usual. Sarah our server was amazing! Alex came to say hi and took our coats for us and was right there with them as we were ready to go! Amazing experience! Thank You, we’ll be back!

    Report
31. PP

    PatrickP

    Hawaii

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Thanks to Sarah for her and the rest of the team’s amazing hospitality at Cantinetta Luca! The food was amazing to boot!

    Report
32. j

    joannes

    Las Vegas

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on December 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great ambience, amazing food, staff was friendly and knowledgeable! Will comeback here for dinner for sure !!!!

    Report
33. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Central Coast

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    My husband is Sicilian. He has fond memories of eating authentic Italian at Nonna’s. From the moment we walked into Luca we were greeted with that familiar Italian, warm hospitality. Our server was polished; brought out the correct stemware for the bottle we brought, he explained the dishes in detail and all his recommendations were home-runs. We shared the eggplant Parmesan for an appetizer and it was fabulous; baked to perfection in a flavorful tomato sauce with just the right amount of crusty edge. We both remarked that we could have made that dish our entree. For our main, we shared the Florentine Porterhouse steak; best steak. EVER! For dessert we enjoyed the spice cake and sipped on some Limoncello because if you feel like your in Italy eating one had better end the meal like Nonna. This is our new favorite restaurant in Carmel. Bravo!!

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34. PV

    PaulaV

    San Francisco

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on December 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Our second time here and food is always spectacular. Service is very very good. The only thing that I could comment on is that tables are very very very close together. It’s hard to get in and out and you are very cozy with complete strangers

    Report
35. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great tricolor salad, wonderful house made salami and the best pizza I’ve had in the Carmel/Monterey area. Also, the Manhattan was generous and well made and the server was very friendly.

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36. F

    Foodgloriousfood

    Central Coast

    47 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    47 reviews

    Dined on December 10, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience3

    Not quite as good as the old days at CantinettaLuca but still good.

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37. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    17 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on December 4, 2022

    overall3food4service2ambience2

    Service is off. Waiter is not taking most of our orders right. I feel squished inside. Not a nice place to relax when you are so close to the next table and the noise is vibrating in the room.

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38. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Central Coast

    117 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    117 reviews

    Dined on December 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent service and great specials made for a very nice evening. Corkage was a little steep at $35.

    Report
39. MH

    MichaelH

    San Joaquin

    36 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    36 reviews

    Dined on December 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food and an excellent place to relax for an evening. The ambiance is perfect and the cocktails delicious!

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40. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    11 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on December 1, 2022

    overall3food3service5ambience4

    Greeted with warmth and excellent attention throughout dinner. Not a fan of the music, instead of nice Italian music, it wasn’t what I would call dinner music (maybe good for the staff because it had a lot of energy). We are not old folks, but sitting down and having a relaxing meal is what we like to experience. Corkage fee is high ($35) and food selection is somewhat limited. We have loved this restaurant in the past, but like many surviving Covid we’d give it another chance, only fair. We wish them the best as they get things back in full swing.

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