Trattoria Lucca

This is a charming Trattoria and the give away is the word ‘Trattoria’. Eating is about occasions and on this occasion, as I am sure many will appreciate, we couldn’t be bothered to cook at home and just wanted something quick, simple and delicious. The welcome was warm and the food is classic Italian Trat fare meaning pizzas, pasta, meat and fish. The portions are not large but well balanced and suitably filling. Don’t expect a Michelin star, clinical white space interior designed; but do expect classic trat tables and chairs, tired posters of Lucca, saucepans on the wall (retro chic), relaxed atmosphere, attentive staff from a by-gone age and a good meal reasonably priced at around £25 a head for two courses and a bottle of wine. Oh, and grissinni on the table instead of focaccia and olive oil; always the sign of a classic Trat. Customers are Camden’s eclectic. A large back-room area is a great place for the girls or guys get-together when you actually want to talk to each other instead of sharking. Or maybe, like us, you just couldn’t be bothered to cook another creative-Jamie-Gordon-style-throw-it-together-culinary delight-ready-in-thirty-minutes meal.
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Adrian & Lisa
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, September 03, 2008

I foolishly read the reviews rather than take heed of the poor ratings - to say the food was poor would be a vast understatement.

I've had better Lasagne out of a microwave (which incidentally was more than likely where this one was served from), my husband's ravioli was dripping in oil, and my brother's "Chicken Surprise" was, well, a surprise indeed.

Don't bother going. I haven't the slightest clue how this restaurant has survived so long.
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Sophie
Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 5
Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Found myself having dinner here unexpectedly last Saturday with two friends. For £14/head we shared starters, had a decent sized main each and coffee and a bottle of wine, represneting very good value money wise. The house white is strongly recommended-at £11/bottle, it is surprisingly cheap for what is a decent white. Our bruschetta was just right, though the mains were of varying quality. My friends, who had pasta, seemed happy enough, but my chicken (one of the daily specials) was sadly quite overcooked, though the lemon sauce that accompanied it was good. The potatoes and veg were served by hand the waiter and were not overcooked which was refershing as they often are otherwise. The coffee was perfect. Service was typically indifferent but without being rude.

All in all, if you fancy an inexpensive meal out without going to one of the usual chain suspects, this place offers good value for money, albeit not a culinary surprise.
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Bullen
Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 9
Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Very pleasant - proper Italian-run trattoria. Not a huge choice on the main menu especially for veggies, but made up for with well-chosen specials. All of it is freshly cooked and very good. I would far rather eat in a place like this where there is a smallish selection of items but alL done well, than a bigger plAce with a huge range OF mediocre stuff.
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Richard Hunt
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, June 20, 2006

This place is brilliant. Although my favourite starter's not on the menu anymore, there's never a problem rustling it up for me!

Long may it stay and please don't change a thing.

In the words of Lional Richie - We love you just the way you are!
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Rich Orrick
Monday, September 26, 2005