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Lucca ~ Montreal, Quebec


(Rue Dante - in middle of same block as Inferno)

This was a compromise selection as I had hopes to find something open on a Monday night. There's not a lot to pick from on Dante, but this little gem gave me a very solid dinner. They also have a limited lunch sitting - noon to 2:30 - so better timing options than many of the other places listed here.

Menu changes daily at Lucca, in fact they do not print a menu at all (all chalk board). Comfortable setting, focus on fresh ingredients, and a mix of higher-brow fare with traditional red-sauce. It was a cold, nasty day, so I wanted to find something warm to start. Decided to follow that theme throughout dinner.

First course was a butternut squash soup. Very good but not a deal-maker or breaker. It warmed me up to the main course, a mixed seafood grille with linguine and red sauce. Scallops, shrimp, clams and mussels - all piping hot and served with a very stout red sauce & pasta. (I did not inquire as to whether the pasta was home-made, but I assume it was). A pretty traditional presentation, very well prepared and plenty for dinner.

Other notes (Lucca): they started me with a tiny bruschetta and have a very nice wine list - glass or bottle - that I sampled. Also served fresh bread that helped soak up the very little bit of sauce that I missed with pasta & seafood. And lots of Italian conversations between the clientele and the restaurant staff.

- Rude Dante review
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