Lucca

4.7 ( 407 reviews )
Checking... See Hours
$50–100
420 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States
+1 515-243-1115
Lucca, nestled in the heart of Des Moines at 420 E Locust St, encapsulates the essence of an authentic Italian dining experience. With a focus on a four-course fixed menu, diners rave about the masterfully crafted dishes that highlight the rich flavors of Italy. Customers like Vas Shebarshov emphasize not only the delightful food, where every course impresses with its presentation and taste, but also commend the attentive and genuinely warm service. Ambiance plays a significant role at Lucca, where minimalist, modern decor, adorned by rustic brick walls, creates a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere. Reviewers such as Ojas Gokhale appreciate this aesthetic, noting that it complements the exquisite dining experience without overwhelming the palate. The standout dishes, often praised for their perfect portion sizes, allow guests to savor each bite without feeling overindulgent. Many share that the pasta courses are particularly memorable, calling them the highlight of their meal. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Lucca promises a culinary journey worth revisiting. As Abigail Lee puts it, this establishment is not just a meal but an experience that lingers in memory, beckoning for return visits. If you're in Des Moines, Lucca certainly deserves a spot on your dining itinerary.

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Has outdoor seating
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
    • No delivery
  • Highlights
    • Has fast service
    • Has fireplace
    • Serves great cocktails
    • Serves great dessert
    • Has great wine list
  • Popular for
    • Popular for lunch
    • Popular for dinner
    • Good for solo dining
  • Offerings
    • Serves alcohol
    • Serves beer
    • Serves cocktails
    • Serves coffee
    • Serves food
    • Serves healthy options
    • Has salad bar
    • Serves wine
  • Dining options
    • Serves breakfast
    • Serves lunch
    • Serves dinner
    • Serves dessert
    • Has seating
  • Amenities
    • Has toilet
  • Atmosphere
    • Cosy
    • Romantic
    • Trendy
    • Upmarket
  • Crowd
    • Good for groups
    • Popular with tourists
  • Planning
    • Dinner reservations recommended
    • Accepts reservations
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards
  • Parking
    • Paid parking lot
    • Paid street parking
    • Plenty of parking

Reviews For Lucca

Vas Shebarshov
May 9,2025
We were here on a Friday night with a group of 8. We had a reservation and we were seated immediately. The owner stopped by and said hello before our waiter even got there. The service was great the whole evening, our waiter knew exactly when to come back and when to let us be and just enjoy the dinner. The food was great, it was a 4 course fixed price menu. Everything was delicious and the portions were just right. The brick walls add to the already great atmosphere. The restaurant was great and we will definitely be back in the future!
J B
May 7,2025
My wife and I have been to Italy several times and we can confidently say this is the closest to being back that we’ve been with a culinary experience. The food was a 5-star experience from the first course to desert. Everything was plated beautifully, the flavors were complex, and the experience was so fun. While the service was just slightly lacking, it could pass for a true European experience so that can be easily overlooked. My wife and I will be returning whenever we come to Des Moines, and we cannot wait.
Ojas Gokhale
Apr 28,2025
Excellent four course fixed menu. Everything we ordered was great. What set the experience apart was the impeccable service. The ambiance is very minimalist and modern - loved it. The pastas were our favorite part of the meal and we loved that all portions were right, not excessive.. so you could eat and actually enjoy the meal and not feel overstuffed.
Abigail Lee
Apr 12,2025
This was one of my favorite meals I've ever had and I keep thinking about it and can't wait till I can go back and have some pasta! Really cool vibe and there's so much to see and do and downtown Des Moines. I love me some Iowa! I highly recommend and will go again!
Melinda
Apr 5,2025
My friends took me here for my birthday a few months ago and wow, everything was so good!!! The portions were honestly perfect. Definitely one of my favorites as a Des Moines transplant. The restaurant itself is so beautiful and the staff is genuinely nice and so efficient. Looking forward to my next visit!
George M.
Mar 13,2025
We ate lunch here because another restaurant was too busy, and are we glad we did! The food was fantastic, the service was quick and the price was very competitive. I had sausage spaghetti, though the other five people with me had sandwiches. We all thought the portion size was generous, especially when compared with chain restaurants. My spaghetti was delivered steaming and had great flavor. The sandwiches were made with fresh bread and ingredients. Our experience here was so nice, we would definitely return. Lucca is a winner!
Mary Jensen
Feb 22,2025
Perfect place for a special meal. 5 course price fixe dinner for 55 is a deal, especially when the food is of such high quality. Only quibble was the bread was a little dry. But very other course was delicious: spinach and butternut squash salad; exquisitely grilled eggplant with homemade tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella; sea bass with remoulade and fresh salsa; and a lovely light lemon pannacotta with blueberry topping. Even though I came on my own and drank only water, the service was as warm and attentive as if I'd been a party of ten. The dining space is light and airy. This would be a perfect place for a romantic date or a gals' night out. I look forward to returning!
Andy Fales
Feb 20,2025
It had been a few years since we’d been to Lucca and I can’t for the life of me understand why. We had an absolutely fantastic experience there last Friday and are already planning our return. We’d decided to do a fancy night on the town with friends (the kind where you dress up for no good reason) and liked the look of Lucca’s prix fixe menu. We arrived at 8pm sharp but our table wasn’t quite ready so the wonderful hostess got us drinks and made us comfortable in the seats near the door. She checked on us several times and we’d honestly have been fine waiting there all night. But they soon seated us and we had an amazing dinner. Four courses, including dessert, for 57 per person. The NY strip alone might cost that at another restaurant. All dishes were delicious and we were impressed at just how wide the selection was. Once again, the service took dinner to another level and we loved the ambience. Plus, you step out into the East Village and have a million options for the rest of the night. Exceptional job, Steve Logsdon and crew; it’s no wonder you’re still making national lists after so many years in business. We will absolutely return soon. Highly recommended.

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