Luca was born in Molise, in South Central Italy. He grew up in a large family with limited resources. As a result, he enjoyed the simple and rustic foods that his mother prepared. He also feasted upon the many local delicacies that were cultivated and grew in the wild in his native farming town. This includes: tomatoes, wild asparagus, peppers, figs, olives, and apples.
When Luca left his family home, he spent time in various parts of Italy and London picking up skills and honing his cooking craft before arriving in the United States.
He worked around the country in restaurants in Chicago, Las Vegas, and South Florida. He moved to California in 2008 and immediately embraced Berkeley's food culture. His passion for cooking led him to open his restaurant. Luca Cucina Italiana inaugurated in January 2011. Luca's inspiration comes from the earth and is based in simple food prepared with fresh ingredients. He is excited to serve you in hopes your taste buds will be satisfied.
“I am happy to share my food from my hometown with people that appreciate it” - LUCA
Buon Appetito; thank you for joining us!!!
Our specialty is homemade foods. We buy good ingredients and prepare the foods through long and artisan process.
Luca was born in Molise, in South Central Italy. He grew up in a large family with limited resources. As a result, he enjoyed the simple and rustic foods that his mother prepared. He also feasted upon the many local delicacies that were cultivated and grew in the wild in his native farming town. This includes: tomatoes, wild asparagus, peppers, figs, olives, and apples.
When Luca left his family home, he spent time in various parts of Italy and London picking up skills and honing his cooking craft before arriving in the United States.
He worked around the country in restaurants in Chicago, Las Vegas, and South Florida. He moved to California in 2008 and immediately embraced Berkeley's food culture. His passion for cooking led him to open his restaurant. Luca Cucina Italiana inaugurated in January 2011. Luca's inspiration comes from the earth and is based in simple food prepared with fresh ingredients. He is excited to serve you in hopes your taste buds will be satisfied.
“I am happy to share my food from my hometown with people that appreciate it” - LUCA
Buon Appetito; thank you for joining us!!!
Fresh Homemade Noodles
Our pasta is made of a dorum wheat flour imported from Italy, we also offer gluten free pasta made from brown rice and corn.
Homemade Sausage
Our sweet sausage is made of 100% Niman Ranch pork, fennel and italian spices.
Fresh Tomato Sauce
Luca uses vine ripe heirloom San Marzano plum tomato. The flesh is mush thicker with fewer seeds, and the taste is stronger, sweeter and less acidic.
