About
Welcome to Lucia's Berkeley, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Berkeley, California. Located at 2016 Shattuck Ave., this charming Italian restaurant has captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike with its authentic Naples-style pizzas and warm, inviting atmosphere.
Lucia's started as a beloved pop-up at the Grand Lake Farmers Market, and it's easy to see why. Customers rave about their incredible wood-fired pizzas, especially the fan-favorite 4 cheese pizza, which has left a lasting impression on those lucky enough to savor its exquisite flavors. It's not just pizza that delights here; the menu boasts an array of pastas and soups that have consistently earned praise, making it a versatile dining destination whether you're a meat lover or a vegan.
One of the highlights at Lucia's is their attention to dietary preferences. The menu is clearly labeled for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, making it an inclusive space for all diners. This thoughtful approach has garnered applause from patrons like Mel, who touts the restaurant's consistent quality across various dishes.
The atmosphere elevates the dining experience further. With its cozy setup, Lucia's is perfect for a romantic dinner or a gathering with friends. The attentive and friendly staff enhance the warmth of the experience, making recommendations and ensuring that every visit feels personal and welcoming. Many reviewers, Alethea D. included, have noted the high quality of service as a key factor in delighting their dining experience.
Don't miss out on trying their Negroni or the whiskey cocktail with Amaro Montenegro. These beverages paired with a meal can elevate your visit from exceptional to unforgettable, as echoed by Alex Tiberi’s enthusiastic endorsement of their crafted cocktails.
Lucia's Berkeley may be a small establishment, but its impact is mighty. Even on a Thursday night, the buzzing atmosphere reflects its popularity, a testament to the delicious food and the authentic Italian dining experience it offers. Reservations are highly recommended to secure your spot, as the rave reviews speak for themselves!
In summary, Lucia's Berkeley is not just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of Italian culinary craftsmanship where every pizza, pasta, and cocktail tells a story of tradition and passion. Whether you are a first-timer or a returning patron, Lucia's promises to enchant you with every bite.
“ First time I had Lucia's pizza was at their pop up at the Grand Lake farmers market in oakland, and completely fell in love with the 4 cheese pizza! Decided to try the restaurant a couple of months ago and the didn't disappoint! Pizza was delicious and staff were super nice and friendly! Totally recommend them if you're looking to have a legit Italian pizza experience! ”
“ Love their pizzas, pastas, and soups. Everything I have ordered from here has been good! They also clearly label vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free items on the menu. ”
“ This place is our favorite! They make authentic wood fired Naples-style pizzas and their gluten free pizzas are on par with the real stuff. They also make a really good Negroni and whiskey cocktail w/ Amaro Montenegro. ”
“ Lucia's, a charming small Italian restaurant, truly impressed me during my recent visit. I decided to try their Neapolitan pizza with anchovies and burrata cheese, and it was exceptional. The Italian colleagues I dined with vouched for the authenticity of the pizza and other foods, which made the experience even more delightful. Before the main course, we enjoyed a plate of calamari as an appetizer, and it was perfectly cooked - tender and flavorful. In addition to the delectable food, I was pleased to discover that they offer a selection of alcoholic beverages, including beer and wine, which complemented the meal nicely. The service was excellent, with friendly and accommodating servers who were happy to provide recommendations and answer any questions. Despite the restaurant's small size, it had a cozy and intimate atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a romantic dinner or a gathering with friends. One thing to note is that Lucia's popularity was evident as the restaurant was full even on a Thursday night. It's a testament to their delicious food and inviting atmosphere, so I highly recommend making a reservation to secure a table. I look forward to returning to Lucia's to explore more of their menu and savor their delightful Italian dishes. ”
“ It was all delicious. It’s pretty over priced unfortunately. Here’s what we got- Little Gem salad: crisp, small portion, but tasty Meatballs: the white sauce drizzle was great, I wish there was more of it. Napolitana pizza with mozzarella: light and tasty, I recommend adding the cheese (though it is 5 dollars extra) Pasta with beans: (I forgot the name) very comforting and packed with protein. House red and white: we enjoyed the white more than the red. Overall, I will be back, just with a little more in my stomach and a little more in my wallet too! ”
“ One of my favorite places in Berkeley, and definitely the best Italian food I've had in California. Is it a little pricey? Sure. But you get what you pay for here--authentic, fresh, lovingly made pizzas and pastas. And to answer earlier reviewers, their pizzas are Italian style, not American. You eat them with a knife and fork. So their consistency isn't what you'd find at a NY style pizza place. The drinks here are great, the appetizers are varied and well done, AND their gluten free options are as delicious as the regular (no one does a gf pizza crust like this place. They're magic.) If you want a cheap pizza, then please, go elsewhere. I hear Domino's does coupons. ”
“ Our Italian friend recommended and took us to this place, so you know the pizzas here are pretty legit. We didn’t even realize the pizzas are gluten-free until we read the reviews. The servers were friendly, but the place is super busy. So we waited for a while to make the order and get our food. ”
“ We booked Lucia’s PIZZA TRUCK for a lawn party in the presidio and they were AMAZING. Easy to work with, great price, and all the food was so good, from salads and appetizers to wood fired pizzas. They were so gracious to make gluten free and vegan pizzas on request. Our guests loved them. ”