We came here before going to the Playhouse, which is only a short walk away. So glad I found this gem! I got the escargot as an appetizer and a chicken dish as my main course, and both were excellent. The area is so charming- I recommend sitting on the back patio if the weather is warm enough. We will be back! read more

The vegetarian pasta was excellent and the other meals served at the table looked awesome - they had steak frites, chicken provenance, and the special. The drinks were generous and the service excellent. Dahlia, Dakota, and Kylee all did a fantastic job. I would go back and recommend to anyone. read more

Beyond delicious and charming. Went on a Friday early around 11am and had a combo of things from the sides and breakfast menu to share. Everything was great. Ratatouille, Cauliflower Gratin, French Green Beans and Sautéed Golden Potates with a Sirop to drink. Can't wait 'til it warms up - the patio out back looks fantastic. read more

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First time experience and would definitely go back. Service was attentive and pricing was reasonable. Enjoyed everything we ate and plan to go back. read more

Very concerned that lack of training for servers is beginning to affect the dining experience here. Food was still excellent, but pacing and timing way off . I ordered 3 dishes, including the escargot appetizer (which is as good as any in Paris) and everything was delivered at once. The attention to diners was just careless. Dakota was not there that night, and he has the ability to keep his eye on how things are going for diners (he's also an experienced server). When we left, husband said 'not going back.' read more

Service was excellent. Quaint little spot in Mt. Adam's. The cod was out of this world as were both the cauliflower and ratatouille. French martinis were tasty. The price made it even better. Can't wait to go back! read more

This place is excellent on every level. I came here for Valentines day, and the service was excellent. They went out of their way to accommodate my date's wheelchair and could not have been more pleasant. The waitress was very helpful when going over the menu. We had the tarte tomates provencale to start, and then the 84 burger and the Cod, and then we finished with a chocolate mousse. Everything was prepared excellently. The prices were surprisingly low as well. We got out for less than $25 a plate. That's really good given how upscale the place felt. The atmosphere is incredibly charming. I highly reccomend coming here for any occasion. Just be advised the wait for a table can be a little long, but it's definitely worth it. read more

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My family and I went here after my sister's graduation from UC. We had reservations since we were a larger group and were seated in a cute back room. Loved the atmosphere here. The prices are reasonable and the wine list, while not extensive, covers a lot of ground and has some bangers. The charcuterie board was so good and loved the steak au poivre. The parking in the area is a lil tough so if you're driving be prepared but this restaurant could not be in a cuter neighborhood. read more

Steak frites was delicious and a huge portion. Hard to get a table but was able to sneak in and grab a high top near the bar. Will have to come back again and sit in the outdoor patio. read more

Luca was a wonderful date night for us! Reasonably priced, fresh, delicious food and not an overwhelming menu - what more could you ask for! The environment was cute and almost like it could transport you elsewhere. It was my fiancé and I. We ordered a bottle of wine (I believe it is all French wine, VERY reasonably priced as well) and then we enjoyed the Basil Boursin Crostini (YUUUUM), Pan Seared Salmon, Tagliatelle Pasta Bolognaise and topped it off with the Orange Crème Brûlée. All of the food was fresh, full of flavor and HOT! I only have two pictures because I couldn't wait to dig in! We felt cozy and taken care of the entire time. They were very busy on Friday night at 6 PM! I hope Cincinnatians will keep this gem alive and well because there just aren't enough family owned and operated with a passion and you can see that this place has that. They do not take reservations so you better get in early if you're trying to make this place a date night on the weekend! It's hidden a bit, but isn't everything in Mt. Adams? It's right next door to The Blind Lemon. Get in there and enjoy yourselves!! read more

Luca Bistro - Pan Seared Salmon - comes with the mashed potatoes! Beautifully seared. - French Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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I can't think of a place with better food, ambience, service or setting for the price. French bistro with perfect summer patio and cozy winter inside. Pre-pandemic food prices. Walk to city's best views a block away. We ate there Friday night around 6 pm. Got seats on patio (it did later fill up). Food was splendid and portions big too. read more

Luca Bistro - Luca Bistro - French Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Went here for lunch after visiting the Art Museum. They were out of the mussels--which ok, it was July 5. But then it turns out they were also out if ratatouille--while, I kid you not, the movie Ratatouille was playing on a TV. Now there's really no excuse for being out of that dish, a quick trip to Kroger and you've got the ingredients. Anyway, my husband and I don't eat meat so out options wee now quite limited. Buy an $18 salad (ridiculous price for lunch) or cobble something else together. I got a bowl of gazpacho that was good but small and pain tartine. The latter was supposed to be a baquette with special jam. Now it was clear that the baquette WAS from Kroger and for $6 there want much there and no butter. I am old enough to remember when restaurants gave you bread for FREE, not this place but Hey, they gave it a fancy name so you could perhaps feel sophisticated while they rip you off. Anyway, I won't be back. read more

Un vrai bistro Francais à Cincinnati ! What an absolute delicious delight to find Frédéric Maniet " au piano " at Luca Bistro as we were driving through Cincinnati. This is the real deal! From exquisite escargot, to perfectly crafted Bistro salads, les plats du jour, beyond affordable wines, and delicious desserts, the ambience will transport you to vieux Lyon! Warm and welcoming staff made the evening exquisite! Le Top du Top! Bravo Chef Frédéric et toute l'équipe !!! P read more

Living in Cincinnati is great, great restaurants, great breweries etc but what has been lacking are the choice of French restaurants. Sure we have Le Bar a Boeuf, Royce (yet to review), Chez Renee, French crust and I would put Pearlstar in there also. But we need MORE - and the new kid on the block is Luca Bistro, slap bang in the middle of Mount Adams right next door to Blind lemon and Mt Adams bar and grill. It's a wonderful space, eclectic rooms filled with French posters and Zizou (ZIdane) shirts, glorious courtyard and even a conservatory. We were in Paris when France won the 2000 Euros with Zidane and Luca transported me straight back there ! So I think we were the first or second couple in after they had their liquor license, so the offerings weren't great as you can imagine, but they had wine and they had Stella ! So I fully expect as days go by they will have a full bar - the cocktails sounded great. So our wine was great. We started with the Tapenade trio followed by Moules frites and Steak au poivre - the tapenade was great, I especially liked the carrot. But I would like to see a meat appetizer in the future. Maybe? My steak was delicious, as was my wife's Moules which came out a little dry but was easily rectified by our fantastic server who brought us some extra broth. Our meal was Finished off with a yummy chocolate mousse. There wasn't much wrong with Luca - maybe a little extra bread with the tapenade, saucier Moules ?, choice of cream on side with Mousse ? Missing full bar ( I was craving a Pastis) But overall an excellent French bistro. We shall return ! . read more

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So the name Lucas means bringer of light in Italian ..which it should mean bringer of good food. They are 2 months old and already making a name for themselves. It's in Mt Adams, so go early because of parking. The bartender was pretty cool too & it's Inexpensive. Meet me there tomorrow! read more

Luca Bistro - Chicken Provençal - French Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Cute French restaurant with good service and good quality food for the price. The steak and frites, burger, salmon and cod with mashed potatoes are all great. read more

1st time and definitely will be back. Great brunch menu with lots of choices. Service was great and food was delicious and reasonably priced. Looking forward to coming back for dinner. read more

Luca Bistro - Eggs Florentine - French Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

We had an overall wonderful experience here. The Boursin crostini was so creamy and yummy, definitely recommend! We cleaned off our whole entrees (steak and frites, and salmon). One member of our group is vegan and although the menu was very limited for her (fine for vegetarians though), our server worked with her to make sure she could get a meal; when there was a mix up of potential cheese, the servers were incredibly kind and made sure to get my friend whatever she needed to feel comfortable. They went above and beyond and we appreciated it so much. read more

Great atmosphere especially when able to eat outdoors. The hours are unpredictable but worth the wait.

We LOVE Luca Bistro! Such a gem in Mt.Adams for delicious French cuisine at Cincinnati prices. We sat in their large outdoor area and it's like you are on vacation - gorgeous trees with romantic lighting, like you're dining al fresco in France. I ordered Steak Au Poivre medium rare - nice New York Strip with cream peppercorn sauce with side of fries and salad. Chef's kiss! My partner got the Nicoise Salad with seared tuna steak slices, tomatoes, leafy greens with a nice light Dijon vinaigrette dressing. For drinks, I'm a BIG fan of their Kir Royale with cassis syrup. It's the best drink in the summer, heck, all year round really. Think bubbly champagne with a flavored syrup (cassis is black currants, original pairing) - so refreshing! My partner got the Boulevardier, which is like a negroni but with vodka. Such a great meal with beautiful ambiance. Highly recommend! The wait can be a bit long at times, so just be a little patient. I promise it's worth it! read more

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I enjoy Luca we've been there a few times with a group of friends and we sit in the back room. It gets pretty loud but service is good. I think I've gotten the burger every time with fry's. It's a French restaurant so I have a little trouble ordering. But friends seem to enjoy their meals. read more

Great atmosphere, friendly staff. Mediocre food. Chicken could not be cut with a steak knife.

Very nice French Bistro in Mt Adams. The steak frites was excellent but alas no green sauce. Point off for that

Luca was an absolute delight! We had no idea it existed. It was so cute and cozy, delicious food, excellent friendly service, amazing drinks. All for such a good value! We will definitely be back. read more

I went to this place for lunch pre theater. Bartender suggested a French pinot noir les amis which was a great choice. I started with a lobster bisque. Could have done without the parsley. Was disappointed there was no lobster meat. Good flavor otherwise. I followed with the mussels and frites. Portion was enough for two. I felt the servers could have done a better job of clearing dishes when finished. I would go back. read more

The only thing that's upsetting about this hidden gem is that the more people find out about it - the busier it will be. Seriously though, this is one of those 10/10 hidden gems - you take a risk on an unassuming exterior and inside you're greeted with a lively interior, great artwork and music, phenomenal food, more than reasonable prices, and a bar. Not sure what else you could ask for in a great lunch/dinner spot. The burger is one of the best I've had in Cincy. read more

Staff: How extraordinary is the staff at this young hip French restaurant? Very. Chris behind the bar is killer sweet and can handle the whole house by himself. Busy man. He is so gracious and welcoming to all the customers. He remembered me the last time I visited this charming eatery. An extra star for that one. Everyone is super friendly and attentive. Food. I had the TAGLIATELLE PASTA BOLOGNAISE - Pasta, meat sauce, tomato, gruyere. Delicious! My sister had the BURGER - Lettuce, tomato, gruyere cheese, harissa sauce. Excellent! Location. I'm so glad there is a new restaurant on the hill. I'm looking forward to more amazing restaurants to come alive up here. Bring your family and friends. You will enjoy the delicious food at a very fair price. Keep it up Luca! Merci! read more

This place is a real gem! Luca has a small menu but very reasonably priced. I had the cod and it was delicious. The sauces were divine. Service was professional and attentive. My only complaint was the noise level but my hearing has grown more sensitive over the years. It was difficult to have a conversation without over the Saturday night din. I will definitely return, perhaps for lunch. read more

Excellent ambience and food. Truly a wonderful restaurant, hidden in plain site in Mt Adams. read more

Talk about embarasing. It's a Wednesday night and I bring with me three people who wanted to try Luca Bistro, had never been, and were excited to go. I had been one time and it was great BUT, after checking the website this afternoon and early evening to confirm the hours, we get there and the lights were off, place was locked up tighter than a drum. Here we are, on a really cold night standing outside of a restaurant whose website said they were open for dinner from 5 to 9 and they simply were not. You need to be more attentive and update your website DAILY so this doesn't happen to anyone else. Really wanted to take my friends. SO careless. read more

Cozy vibe, good service and delish food! Friendly atmosphere! The drinks are great and so are the desserts.

This is my third visit in a week! The food is Terrific on the service is warm and charming! They opened recently and their liquor license is coming soon. But please come visit... You won't be disappointed! They serve breakfast lunch and dinner most days. On Sunday they're open 10 to 2. read more

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Visited Luca Bistro for lunch today. I had the pan seared salmon and orange creme brulee. Salmon was perfectly cooked and well seasoned. Creme brulee was excellent and a huge portion for the price. Would definitely come back! read more

Luca Bistro - Orange Creme Brulee - French Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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On a very cold night, Luca Bistro was just what we needed. Luca's is very cozy and comfortable. Our server was terrific. And our food was plate licking good. Highly recommend. Can't wait to go back. read more

A few things are missing here... the ambiance is wonderful- beautiful decor, stunning patio. There's a lot of heart in this place. The service was great. Attentive servers & bartenders! The food was the loss of the stars for me. I ordered mussels & frites, mash potatoes, ratatouille, and a goat cheese salad. Not one dish truly stood out. I was disappointed by this because I really want to be excited by the food here- I wanted a reason to want to come back. I didn't feel that with the food. It was missing that oomph and honestly missing seasoning. I hope that's something they can work on in the future because this place has SO much potential and I want them to succeed. I will definitely give them another shot in the future. read more

Incredibly disappointed with Luca bistro. I've dined here before and enjoyed the experience and was really looking forward to bringing my entire family here for my parents 23 anniversary. We struggled to reach the restaurant due to the fire that happened on the bridge recently and finding a parking spot. We reached the building at 1:33 to be told "we stop seating at 1:30". That policy isn't listed anywhere online or on signs. We are not lingers when it comes to dining and as a server I respect close times and we planned on being out by the time restaurant closed at 2. I understand wanting to have the policies to keep guests from coming in at close time but why is it not listed ANYWHERE, and could you not show any grace for the situation. Chef said no. read more

We called at 12:32 p.m. on Sunday and was told tables were available. We paid for parking on Gregory and arrived at 1:00 p.m. After waiting a few minutes, we were told they were no longer taking tables. We were very excited about a possible new Sunday lunch spot, but we won't be visiting again. read more

Had an amazing dinner! I will definitely return whenever I'm in town. Please add pâté to the menu! read more

Great place! Went for the first time and really enjoyed our meal! Looking forward to our next visit.

Food is French. Service and ambiance are European. Really loved everything. Will be back!