Lucia Wine Bar And Grill - York

I had never come across Lucia's before until I was recommended this Italian restaurant by a friend. Tucked away in Swinegate Court in York, it is easy to miss this hidden gem. There are also two sister restaurants in Beverley and Harrogate too.

The York restaurant was extremely busy when we visited on a Thursday night before Christmas. You can eat alfresco outside if you wish as there are electric heating lamps to keep you warm during the colder months of the year. We chose to eat inside at the annex which is just across from the main restaurant. Our fellow diners all seemed to be locals, probably because tourists are unaware of the restaurant.

The menu, as you would expect, is mostly Italian although they do steaks, mussels and burgers too. Our starter of a selection of flat bread was wholesome and tasty but it was the mains when the meal really took off. I chose the Pollo Pizza which was stacked with lots of tasty chicken. It felt like we were back in Naples!

My partner went for the Pork Milanese which was described as "succulent and cooked to perfection". Served with chips it was a meal in itself.

For dessert I went for the Gluten Free Sponge which came with a jug of cream. The pudding size, like the pizza was very generous. My partner's Limoncello Cheesecake was very tangy but the verdict was that it did not have enough of the Limoncello taste about it. An excellent end though to a meal which had taken about 75 minutes to be served and eaten from start to finish.

Service was fast but the servers did not want to engage with the diners and no eye contact was made when ordering. It could have been because they were so busy with it being just before Christmas. Perhaps it would improve if your visit was at a less busy time.

The drinks menu is reasonably priced and they also have a loyalty card which also includes 10% off your food bill and 10% off cocktails Monday to Thursday. For York the prices are excellent and quality has not been forsaken for price.

There is also a shop where you can purchase Italian food and an ice cream counter too. A popular restaurant with a deserved good reputation.

Lucia, 12-13 Swinegate Court East, York YO1 8AJ
www.luciawinebar.co.uk