Zagats 2009-10

"With bright earthenware dishes, statues and an abundance of amusing art, this Somerset spot serves up serious old-world recipes with new-world twists at moderate prices."

**1/2 Stars

2007 Star Ledger

LUCA'S: An adorable strip mall spot in Somerset, nothing ordinary about the ambience at the family-owned and run ristorante, whose elaborate, one-of-a-kind design transports you to the shores of the Mediterranean, meant to mimic an al fresco trattoria on Ischia, an island off the coast of Naples near Capri, where the owners are from.

STAFF: Friendly and efficient.

HOUSE SPECIALTIES: A fabulous bread basket of freshly baked rolls and vegetable and cheese-stuffed focaccia. Escarole ($9.99) sauteed in olive oil and garlic with portobello mushrooms, pine nuts and raisins was pleasantly sweet and savory. A sizable portion of eggplant rollatine ($9.99) impressed, the homemade potato gnocchi Sorrentina (split four ways, $14.99) with perfectly executed dumplings.

BUT DON'T MISS: Pastas and entrees, both accompanied by house salads (penne also comes with entrees). As for pasta, rigatoni ($12.99) in a vivacious cream-tomato sauce was excellent. Lasagna ($14.99), hand-made pasta sheets layering cheeses and meats in an enriched tomato sauce, was also on target. Both the chicken Sorrentina ($15.99), sauteed chicken breasts crowned in eggplant, prosciutto and mozzarella in a light tomato sauce, and shrimp Amalfi ($17.99), a hearty portion of medium shrimp, broccoli, portobellos and sun-dried tomatoes in garlic and wine over linguine, satisfied.

ROOM FOR DESSERT? There's always room for Death by Chocolate (warm chocolate cake with a semi-liquid center, $8) and warm berry cobbler ($7) served with choice of house-made gelato (vanilla, chocolate, pistachio, hazelnut), prepared by the house pastry chef.

***1/2 Stars

Princeton Packet 2006

"There are often surprises at this Italian Restaurant and never disappointments - I'm a bit reluctant to tell the rest of the world about Lucas. . .Please save me a seat at the table"

**** Stars

New Jersey Life 2006

"Perfectly executed on its own and comes together to make a pleasing vision"