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Lucia's Gourmet Italian Cuisine
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Lucia's Gourmet Italian Cuisine
8.0
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
This family-owned BYOB spot combines a bustling deli counter with an elegant sit-down dining room, serving comforting Italian-American classics for over 20 years. Domenic and Lucia's personal touch shines through from their acclaimed subs and pasta fagioli to refined dinner entrees.
Must-Try Dishes:
Yale Special Sandwich, Chicken Parmigiana Sandwich, Pasta Fagioli
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Family-run deli and restaurant with 20+ years of neighborhood loyalty and BYOB policy
Who should go: Families and sandwich lovers seeking authentic comfort food
When to visit: Lunch for deli counter, dinner for full service
What to order: Yale special sandwich, Italian beef, cannoli, veal saltimbocca
Insider tip: BYOB with no corkage fee makes dinners exceptionally affordable
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - challenging in urban Wicker Park. Small temporary spot by deli entrance for quick pickups. Consider rideshare or public transit.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - classy yet comfortable. Jeans welcome, the vibe is neighborhood Italian, not stuffy.
Noise level: Moderate - intimate candlelit dining room feels like eating at a friend's house. Conversation flows easily.
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation - call ahead as dining room is small and fills fast. Saturday only (closed Sunday).
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait at deli counter. Sit-down dining may have short wait during peak lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pasta dishes (gnocchi, rigatoni with mushrooms), eggplant rollatini, bruschetta, caprese salad, and cheese-based options
Vegan options: Very limited - marinara sauce is vegan, some salads can be modified, but menu is heavily dairy and meat-focused. Call ahead to discuss options.
Gluten-free options: Limited - no GF pasta available, but some entrées (grilled proteins, salads) can accommodate. Ask server for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Absolutely. The candlelit back dining room has old-school Roman charm that feels effortlessly romantic. BYOB means you can bring a special bottle without markup. Small and intimate - feels like discovering a secret spot together.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Risky for dinner - the dining room is small (maybe 10-12 tables) and fills up, especially weekends. Call (773) 292-9700 to reserve. For the deli counter up front, just walk in. Not on OpenTable - phone reservations only.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, very family-friendly with a casual atmosphere. No kids' menu, but plenty of crowd-pleasers like pasta with marinara, chicken parm sandwiches, and gnocchi. The deli counter works great for quick lunches with antsy kids.
Best For
Better for: BYOB value (no corkage fee makes dinner remarkably affordable), old-school Italian-American comfort food, legendary deli sandwiches, and that 'grandma's kitchen' hospitality from Domenic and Lucia themselves. The dual deli/restaurant concept offers flexibility other spots lack.
Skip if: You want modern Italian or trendy vibes - this is unapologetically old-school. Also skip if you need Sunday dinner (closed), require gluten-free pasta, or have a large party (small space, max 2 credit cards per table).
Lucia's Gourmet Italian Cuisine
8.3
Lucia's is a longtime family-owned BYOB Italian restaurant and deli that’s been part of the Bucktown/Wicker Park fabric for over two decades, with a dining room that feels like an extension of someone’s home kitchen. Families rotate between subs, risotti, and pastas, while the attached deli makes it easy to bring trays home for gatherings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rigatoni alla Casalinga, Lucia's Famous Sub, Seafood Risotto
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: A BYOB neighborhood Italian spot with both deli and full dining room.
Who should go: Families wanting cozy, old-school Italian with flexible portions.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners and Saturday brunch before the room fills.
What to order: Rigatoni alla Casalinga, Lucia's Famous Sub, seafood risotto.
Insider tip: Use the deli counter for easy family-style takeout trays.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the neighborhood; can be limited during peak dinner hours
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; jeans and everyday wear are common
Noise level: Moderate – family conversations and groups but still workable for normal conversation
Weekend wait: Often a short wait during peak dinner hours, especially for larger groups
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or very minimal
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection of pastas, salads, and appetizers without meat
Vegan options: Limited – some items may be modifiable, but selection is small
Gluten-free options: Some dishes may be adapted; confirm with staff when ordering
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want something relaxed and homey rather than polished or formal. The atmosphere feels personal and welcoming rather than showy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially on weekdays, but peak weekend dinner times may require a short wait. Calling ahead for groups helps.
Is it kid-friendly? Very. The space is casual and comfortable for families, with approachable pasta and sandwich options that work well for kids.
Best For
Better for: Cozy, family-style Italian meals in a neighborhood setting where BYOB keeps the check reasonable.
Skip if: You’re looking for trendy, high-design dining or a buzzy nightlife scene.
Lucia's Gourmet Italian Cuisine
7.9
Lucia’s is a family-owned Italian restaurant and deli that flips from daytime sandwiches and soups to warmly lit, BYOB dinners with a neighborhood feel. The combination of comforting pastas, a small patio, and the ability to bring your own favorite bottle makes it a relaxed, affordable date-night option.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rigatoni alla Casalinga, Seafood risotto, Eggplant appetizer
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: BYOB trattoria-deli hybrid with decades of loyal neighborhood regulars.
Who should go: Couples who want cozy, BYOB Italian without pretense.
When to visit: Weekend evenings or later weeknights for a mellow dining room.
What to order: Rigatoni alla Casalinga, seafood risotto, eggplant appetizer.
Insider tip: Bring a favorite bottle; the BYOB policy keeps date night affordable.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the neighborhood; can be competitive during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; date-night attire fits the room but jeans are fine.
Noise level: Moderate — generally easy to hold a conversation except during peak weekend dinners.
Weekend wait: Often a short wait depending on time; earlier seatings are easier.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait during deli hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection of meat-free pastas, salads, and appetizers.
Vegan options: Limited — some dishes may be modified but options are fewer.
Gluten-free options: Some items may be prepared gluten-free; ask staff about current availability.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s cozy, welcoming, and BYOB keeps the night relaxed and affordable without feeling casual.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially on weeknights, but weekends are safer with a reservation or early arrival.
Is it kid-friendly? Kids are welcome, but the ambiance leans adult and date-night friendly; best for older kids or early dinners.
Best For
Better for: A relaxed, neighborhood-style Italian date night with BYOB and comforting classics.
Skip if: You’re looking for fine-dining formality, craft cocktails, or a trend-driven scene.
Hours
Monday11am - 10pm
Tuesday11am - 10pm
Wednesday11am - 10pm
Thursday11am - 10pm
Friday11am - 10pm
Saturday11am - 11pm
SundayClosed