Luca's Ristorante Italiano

6 Gwen Lane, Sandton 2031
$$ Italian

Luca's Italian Restaurant, was established in 1994, and captures the essence of the Italian lifestyle –colourful and flavour-filled. We honour centuries old traditions essential to authentic Italian cuisine - simplicity and passion.

A grand wood-burning oven which uses specialised refractory brick and mortar, designed to deliver even heat throughout the dome, built single handedly by Guido, a perfectionist Italian artisan, delivers pizzas, pastas and other dishes in an authentic manner, that is certain to delight the gods! Slow-food specialities, including rabbit casserole served with polenta and the most unusual lamb, pot-roasted in coffee and apricots (Mamma Alma's recipe!), will have you coming back for more. Our comprehensive menu promises you the ultimate Italian food experience!

The extensive menu goes hand-in-hand with a collection of carefully selected fine South African and Italian wines to complement your choice of meal.

Winter months are made cosy with gas heaters and in the summer you can enjoy warm afternoon lunches and lingering evening dinners outside under magnificent London Plane trees.

Over years we have been given a few accolades that we are very proud of:

We have been voted the Best Italian Restaurant in the Best of Joburg awards;
We carry the Marchio Ospitalità Italiana seal of approval for restaurants that embrace the tradition of culinary excellence are considered genuine “Ambassadors of the ‘Italian palate’, and Italy’s rich culture.
We are the proud bearers of the Dinner Club Wine List Diamond Award

Luca's Food Philosophy
We live to eat! We feel the value of life can be celebrated with food and wine but more importantly through sharing experiences and laughter with friends and family. Our restaurant is inspired by a home cooked feeling, where the kitchen is the heart of the home! A space in which anyone feels “Parte Della Famiglia”

Reservations

Business Info

  • Address: 6 Gwen Lane, Sandton 2031
  • Cross Street: Fredman Drive
  • Cuisine: Italian | South African |
  • Cost: | Inexpensive
  • Category: Casual Dining
  • Star Rating:
  • Reservations: Recommended
  • Dress Code: Casual
  • Meals Served: Lunch | Dinner |
  • Parking: Car Park | Parking Garage |
  • Payment Options: VISA | MasterCard | Cash | Debit |
  • Corkage Fee: 75.00 | R75 Wine - R95 Bubbly - R145 Magnum
  • Phone: ‎(010) 595 8470
  • Features: Full Bar, Sunday Brunch, Catering Services, Outdoor Seating, Private Room, Smoking Area, Takeout Available, Winning Wine List, Personal Wines Allowed, Healthy Options, Big Screen TV,
  • Occasion: Child Friendly, Romantic Dining, Business Dining, Meet for a Drink, Special Occasion,

Photos

Business Hours

Reservations Available
Monday
All Day - All Areas 11:30 - 20:30
Tuesday
All Day - All Areas 11:30 - 21:30
Wednesday
All Day - All Areas 11:30 - 21:30
Thursday
All Day - All Areas 11:30 - 21:30
Friday
All Day - All Areas 11:30 - 21:30
Saturday
All Day - All Areas 11:30 - 21:30
Sunday
All Day - All Areas 11:30 - 20:30
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Customer Reviews & Ratings

4.78 out of 5 stars based on 723 votes

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Aug 02, 2023
Tonia F.
I love going to Luca's. The fiod is great. The ambiance is great. To have Luca himself come and check up on you during your meal is even better. It shows that he cares about his customers.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 10/10
Jul 31, 2023
Bernard L.
Lucas is such a good friend as is his entire family for so many years.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jul 30, 2023
Tanner B.
AMAZING, as always.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jul 22, 2023
Kirsty F.
Loved it. Amazing meal and excellent service.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jul 15, 2023
Hayden V.
Most excellent experience from the fantastic service to the phenomenal cuisine. The calamari, lasagna, and ossobuco were the best I've had. A great evening. Highly recommend Luca's! I'll be back

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jun 21, 2023
Gary D.
Always fabulous

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Jun 21, 2023
Jean M.
Hi Luca, we just love your food! Your staff always makes us welcome to Luca's with the warmest greetings, and it is great when you are there to welcome us too. We are looking forward to our next meal at Luca's, the very best!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jun 04, 2023
Roy W.
Never had a bad experience! Having Luca there makes all the difference

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 10/10
May 27, 2023
Lianne B.
Luca's consistently delivers an all round close to perfect dining experience. The wait staff are well trained, friendly and always a pleasure to deal with. Nothing is too much trouble for them. The owner is hands on, available to his customers, passionate about food and always friendly and welcoming. I'm so glad that they reopened in Sandton.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
May 05, 2023
Bill C.
Have been going to Luca's for years and is always a wonderful dining experience.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Apr 28, 2023
Kuben N.
Not all available drinks appear on the menu. Please stock Bourbon. Have a printed menu not all clients have data to view online or data connection at all times.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Apr 03, 2023
Jennifer S.
We always love coming to this old family favourite! Best pizza in town!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Feb 01, 2023
Charlie C.
Luca & his entire staff were very attentive & personable. The menu was extensive and impressive but each in our group went with his recommendations. The salad & appettizer were tasty. I had the Kob fish for my main & the others had penne arribiatra & fettuchini. All including the wine & digestive were delicious. I can’t wait to go back. grazie mille È stato molto bello.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Jan 15, 2023
Jean M.
Luca's always the BEST

Overall: 10/10
Food: 5/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 20, 2022
Kevin M.
Service was brilliant, the food on the other hand (this time) wasn’t as good as the last . I ordered a fillet/rump (can’t remember as it said new on the menu). I normally order my steak medium to well done however the waiter advised that it would be to tough and recommended medium rare and I agreed. The top half of the steak was great/perfect but the bottom half was still to raw. The waiter, a gentleman, wanted to put it back on the grill but I was already put off. This is just one experience as mentioned. This place is still awesome and I can’t fault them for just one meal.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 20, 2022
Andrew D.
Luca an outstanding host as always. Delicious food and great service - nothing has changed for over 20 years, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it! Highly recommended

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Nov 24, 2022
Ellen V.
We have known Luca's for many years. From their location in Morningside Shopping Centre to Achter Road in Sunninghill to Gwen Lane in Sandton. The food has always been delicious and the service and value consistently great. Eccellente a tutto tondo!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Nov 24, 2022
Terry L.
Only downside was that the side plates were a little dirty.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 7/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Nov 10, 2022
Carol R.
Thoroughly enjoyed our evening. Thank you.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 8/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Oct 04, 2022
Michelle E.
An absolutely lovely restaurant with great food and a fantastic and friendly atmosphere.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Sep 19, 2022
Joan R.
Thank you. Delighted to have rediscovered Luca's. Will definitely return!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Sep 16, 2022
Saloshni P.
Food is both delicious and beautifully presented. The atmosphere is appealing. The staff is always ready to help. The premises are extremely clean. I'll definitely come back again.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Sep 13, 2022
Anita R.
Always outstanding!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 10/10
Aug 31, 2022
Anjali J.
The food, service and hospitality was amazing. I will definitely be going back. Ambience inside during the day could do with some improvement (I.t.o lighting).

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Aug 21, 2022
Keith M.
Lucas is still a great restuarant Luca there to see that everything runs well Food was very good

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Aug 17, 2022
Ralph B.
Whilst the food was excellent The price of the prawn pasta should warrant more than 5 small little prawns in the dish

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Aug 17, 2022
Carla H.
Excellent service and food - will definitely be going back soon! Love the new location!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Aug 14, 2022
Neil W.
Best Italian in town

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Aug 02, 2022
Lee-Anne G.
Luca's never fails to disappoint. The food, service and overall experience is always a great treat.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jul 24, 2022
Athena P.
Amazing dinner at Luca’s. Whilst the menu is extensive, each meal is an experience! Note- choose one of the special’s recommended by Luca… you won’t go wrong!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jul 19, 2022
Gretchen d.
We absolutely love going there - always a great eating experience! Will definitely be back :-)

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jul 19, 2022
Errol L.
Luca is the most attentive host. Must be exhausted when he gets home!! Very likeable.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jul 17, 2022
Lynne D.
Really excellent!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jul 14, 2022
Jeanette B.
Excellent service, delicious food, we will be back!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jul 01, 2022
Kathy D.
A favourite!!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jun 30, 2022
Michelle T.
Great experience, from start to finish. the booking (online) was efficient, staff was attentive and the food was great.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
May 26, 2022
Lucy S.
Fantastic meal & atmosphere as always

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
May 11, 2022
Jessica R.
Always a fantastic meal at Luca’s. This was my first time at the new location and it’s much bigger but thankfully the service and quality remain the same.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Mar 28, 2022
Joey H.
Fantastic experience, good vibe and great meals

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Mar 23, 2022
Mike V.
Once again, quality of food was really good, wine prices very reasonable combined with friendly, efficient service makes for a good dining experience!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Mar 21, 2022
Rosalind C.
Efficient service and quick food preparation and service.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Mar 08, 2022
Marika A.
Wonderful!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 10/10
Feb 27, 2022
Chris C.
Delicous food! I had the gnocchi and tiramisu which was AMAZING!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Feb 17, 2022
jean-claude c.
the new venue has not impacted the hopitality , good service or wondefull food! thanks Luca! onwards and upwards.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Feb 06, 2022
Stefan B.
very nice Italian, Luca is very friendly and we felt welcome from the start. food and service was outstanding.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 10/10
Feb 05, 2022
DANI M.
The service was absolutely amazing! Thanks for moving to Sandton!!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Jan 13, 2022
Sorrel M.
An absolutely awesome experience , old memories came flowing back , we were treated like old friends, nothing was too much trouble , we will be back and back and back .

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jan 06, 2022
Marcelle B.
What a wonderful place. Food is exceptional as well as the service.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 31, 2021
Graham C.
Been going to Lucas for 12 years. Never ever had a bad meal. Best Italian food you will ever eat.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 27, 2021
Nire T.
We were a table of 15, very foody opinionated adults who had starters, mains and desert. Not one complaint, in fact only the highest compliments. Very authentic Italian food with excellent quality produce prepared with expert knowledge and skill.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 22, 2021
Danilo G.
We will definitely be back again. This is my NEW FAVORITE ITALIAN Restaurant. Thank you for an amazing first time experience.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jun 21, 2021
Shirley L.
Excellent; our experience, as always, was exceptional.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
May 22, 2021
Daniella B.
Luca’s is definitely one of my favourite restaurants. Very consistent in all aspects. Highly recommendable.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 9/10
May 20, 2021
Liesl v.
we've been eating at Luca's for a good 17 years! have never been disappointed! the food is ALWAYS fresh and delicious, personal attention from Lucas is always appreciated. this is still our favorite restaurant in Gauteng! keep doing what you're doing! well done and thank you!! :)

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Oct 26, 2020
Rene R.
Excellent food, hospitality and personal service. Thank you Luca for a memorable lunch!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Sep 07, 2020
Kriba M.
Always a pleasure to have lunch at the Restuarant with family and friends.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Jul 21, 2023
Kelly B.
It was a wonderful evening as always! We are very sad to hear of the closing of Luca's. My only minor criticism is that the restaurant can be loud and I can sometimes struggle to hear, but that's such a small matter in the face of the loss of the restaurant altogether. Go well Luca, your restaurant has been a precious place for my family and I for many years!

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Apr 26, 2023
Beverley M.
The food is always excellent. Staff attentive.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 8/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Oct 27, 2022
Ian D.
A great evening out

Overall: 9/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Oct 15, 2022
Liana H.
The electronic menu is not very convenient. We prefer the old fashioned menus.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Aug 20, 2022
Sanjay S.
Always great experience at Lucas

Overall: 9/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Aug 07, 2022
Vihaan D.
Excellent service and great food as always - only complaint was the prawn pasta which was slightly too salty. However the chef was happy to re-make it and it was great the second time round.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Apr 28, 2022
Tony D.
We enjoy Luca's food and the ambience.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Feb 10, 2022
Genia K.
So happy that Lucas has moved nearer to us. Owner & his Staff are outstanding & so is the food. We’ll be back!

Overall: 8/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 09, 2022
Sanri d.
Thank you!

Overall: 8/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 8/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Nov 09, 2022
Ernie B.
When a table is reserved, staff don't refer to reservation. I had to insist. Surely you want to know if reservations were kept?

Overall: 8/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 8/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 9/10
Oct 28, 2022
Mike L.
Very pleasant evening but found it difficult to converse on our table as the music got louder later in the evening

Overall: 8/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 7/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Sep 04, 2022
Ronald A.
What a lovely time we've had at Luca's!! Will definitely become a regular there.

Overall: 8/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 8/10
May 12, 2022
Peter L.
Excellent house salad

Overall: 8/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 8/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Apr 19, 2022
Anna M.
Friends had recommended Luca’s and it didn’t disappoint. Food was excellent!

Overall: 8/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 6/10
Feb 14, 2022
Sam B.
Superb service Yummy salad , the dressing is addictive Time tho to up the ante on the veg that accompanies the delicious mains They were rather bland looking (like grandma style) and tasting and not very plentiful Mains

Overall: 8/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 7/10
Value: 8/10
Feb 05, 2022
Lynne E.
Siphiwe was a great waiter, thank you! The restaurant is very noisy, that's why I marked down the ambiance rating - some soft furnishings to absorb the noise would make a huge difference.

Overall: 8/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 8/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Feb 03, 2022
Rob M.
We love Luca's and have supported him over many years and will continue to do so..we sincerely hope others share our view and support him.

Overall: 7/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 8/10
Ambience: 0/10
Value: 10/10
May 29, 2022
Amandalee D.
Luca’s has no ambiance.

Overall: 7/10
Food: 7/10
Service: 3/10
Ambience: 5/10
Value: 6/10
Oct 23, 2020
Neil G.
We had to repeatedly ask the waiter to put on his mask properly! Even the manager did not have his mask on properly - this is not acceptable in this time of Covid 19!

Overall: 7/10
Food: 7/10
Service: 5/10
Ambience: 7/10
Value: 5/10
Oct 23, 2020
Sergio D.
Too few waiters