BAR LUCA DEBUTS IN MID-BEACH, OFFERING ALL-DAY ITALIAN FARE FROM THE FORMER LUCALI CHEF

Bar Luca has recently opened its doors in the historic Alden Hotel building in Miami Beach, offering a unique blend of traditional and modern Italian-American cuisine. This new neighborhood trattoria a collaboration between Miami hospitality veteran Ken Ray and the Boston-based Chapter One Hospitality group.

The kitchen is led by executive chef Santo Agnello, known for his long-time tenure running the kitchen at Miami Beach’s popular pizza spot, Lucali. Starting with breakfast, which is available daily until 11:30 a.m., diners can enjoy sweet dishes like ricotta pancakes topped with whipped lemon ricotta butter and drizzled with honey maple syrup. For those preferring something savory, opt for the eggs purgatory featuring two poached eggs atop a spicy red sauce and creamy polenta, served with toast. Lunch options include crispy calamari with lemon garlic aioli and salads alongside unique handhelds, including a fish filet sandwich with IPA-battered cod, pickled green tomato, lettuce, and red onion tartar sauce on a brioche bun, and a very Miami-style Italian Cuban sandwich that combines porchetta, ham, mozzarella, pickles, mustard, and garlic aioli on Cuban bread.

The bolognese grilled cheese is a standout for lunch and dinner, inspired by the classic American sloppy joe, which includes short rib bolognese with gruyere and American cheese on brioche. Exclusive to the dinner menu are larger entrees such as the 20oz prime bone-in ribeye and squid ink tonnarelli with mussels, calamari, shrimp, clams, and lobster in a spicy tomato seafood sauce. A daily happy hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. offers food specials and discounted drinks.

The venue’s design honors the Art Deco architecture of the building, combining classic Italian elements with modern touches. It includes a 55-seat patio overlooking Indian Creek, a 25-seat lobby, and a 45-seat dining room decorated with wooden tones, terracotta tiles, and accents of leather and rattan. An intimate bar area features a decorative wooden pergola, enhancing the cozy atmosphere.

Bar Luca is now open at 2925 Indian Creek Drive on Miami Beach from 8 a.m. until 11 p.m. from Sunday to Wednesday and 8 a.m. until midnight from Thursday to Saturday.

2024-04-17T13:41:11Z dg43tfdfdgfd