A hidden gem of a family-run Italian restaurant—don’t be misled by the humble exterior. Inside, you’re welcomed with genuine hospitality and unforgettable food. My husband and I ordered the filet of sole and the white Provini veal scallopini—both were bursting with flavor and perfectly portioned. This isn’t a place for flashy plating—it’s all about honest, delicious Italian cooking made with care. The host greeted us with a warm smile and made us feel instantly at home. The retro, moody lighting adds a cozy, nostalgic touch. We’ll definitely be back!
Tip: Make a reservation—this spot stays busy, and for good reason.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nuvea SC
A hidden gem of a family-run Italian restaurant—don’t be misled by the humble exterior. Inside, you’re welcomed with genuine hospitality and unforgettable food. My husband and I ordered the filet of sole and the white Provini veal scallopini—both were bursting with flavor and perfectly portioned. This isn’t a place for flashy plating—it’s all about honest, delicious Italian cooking made with care. The host greeted us with a warm smile and made us feel instantly at home. The retro, moody lighting adds a cozy, nostalgic touch. We’ll definitely be back!
Tip: Make a reservation—this spot stays busy, and for good reason.
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Great old style Italian restaurant
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Roxanne
It was a Tuesday which was wonderful as they were barely busy but it did pick up by the time we finished. Hostess and waitress were wonderful and welcoming, very happy the customers were there. My dish was okay- fettuccine chicken carbonara, it was creamy and had chicken but was lacking overall flavor- definitely missing garlic and a few other regular things. The other dish was spaghetti and meatballs, flavorful and filling. The wedge salad was perfect! I guess if you order a Caesar you have to ask for anchovies as they were not offered and it didn't taste like they were in the dressing. Would I go back- absolutely as they have so many other dishes to choose from I would score a 7 out of 10
Diane
We really enjoyed going there sitting at the bar before dinner. He always make wonderful people bartenders are great. We enjoyed the food in the ambience and everybody is very friendly there.
stefania
Octavio our server, other server assisted too. I had prime rib French dip au jus sando with fries delish. Only why would you charge me addl 75 cents for roll? What are you supposed to put a prime rib sando on?? Strange! Finished with tiramisu. My company had ravioli cheese spinach delish. Finished with spumoni. We liked so much we came back Saturday evening, party 4. Scallops and cannelloni, yum!
Brian Weber
This is your place for old school Italian food and atmosphere. All the resturant employees treat you warmly, as if they are the owner. Food is always great.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Shelley
Our food was not served in a timely manner. The final entree came out when some of us were finishing up- NOT OK. Very disappointing and will make me think twice before I book again.
Victor
The menu is very diverse, which provides something for everyone. Some of the dishes are a little overpriced while some are decently priced. This restaurant appears to be an old time favorite in San Mateo, with regulars patronizing the business. Would go here again for dinner to try other entrees.
Marilyn
Extra noisy this evening where hard to talk to table mates. Food was sub par (had French onion soup and cannelloni). Service was extra slow (they had party in back) and table extension collapsed and spilled our creamed spinach to the floor. I just felt it had gone downhill from what I remembered. For the price point, there are many other places to patronize.
My sister in law and myself loved having lunch at Luceti. The food was very tasty with wonderful size portions. I myself had Fettuccine with nice size prawns and for desert...Cheese cake with raspberry topping...delicious meal all around. My sister in law had a large plate of a salad with bbq chicken slices which she loved and to top off her meal, she had the chocolate mousse that was rich n creamy...”to die for”. I also want to give a great salute of hands to all the work staff. We were greeted with an energetic bartender while we waited less than 5 min to be taken to our table by the sweetest hostess. Our waitor with his associates was a fantastic and very patient person; very knowledgeable also...he knew everything we asked about from the menu...his advise was well taken. We definitely were ready to eat and enjoy out meal. :) We will be back and will bring our husbands.. Since Luceti's arrival from San Francisco in 1990's this has been our family go to ever since. So much flavor in all their foods, especially the entrees.. The restaurant ambience is like going back to San Francisco with its authentic surroundings: bar drinks, salad combo's galore, flavorful entrees and pasta dishes, great tasting desserts. Celebrated many date nights pre and during my marriage (still do), lots of anniversaries, birthday's, along with educational school graduations Amore......
Barbara
The noise level was so high I was not able to hear my husband. Not being able to have a conversation really spoiled the evening.
Carol
Never disappoints... from the moment you are seated until you pay the service is friendly. One of the few restaurants that still seats you as if your family. We are not regulars... but I see plenty every time we dine here... but I've always felt they know us. The food is wonderful and priced well.
Scot
Luceti's is a neighborhood gem and been here for decades. The interior is modest, the guests are locals and regulars mostly, and the whole place feels like a time warp from the past. But that's part of the charm. There are things NOT to get (don't recommend the steaks) there are must haves like the espresso martinis and bread pudding and most of their homemade pastas (the gnocchi are light and fluffy). They do tend to under salt and under season. So don't be shy adding some salt once things arrive. The staff all feel like family and it's a good value for the quantity.
Yihshyong Leong
Took our friend there for his 65th birthday. It was great! The wait staff and the whole floor sang happy birthday. A gem that you don't want to miss.
A hidden gem of a family-run Italian restaurant—don’t be misled by the humble exterior. Inside, you’re welcomed with genuine hospitality and unforgettable food. My husband and I ordered the filet of sole and the white Provini veal scallopini—both were bursting with flavor and perfectly portioned. This isn’t a place for flashy plating—it’s all about honest, delicious Italian cooking made with care. The host greeted us with a warm smile and made us feel instantly at home. The retro, moody lighting adds a cozy, nostalgic touch. We’ll definitely be back!
Tip: Make a reservation—this spot stays busy, and for good reason.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A hidden gem of a family-run Italian restaurant—don’t be misled by the humble exterior. Inside, you’re welcomed with genuine hospitality and unforgettable food. My husband and I ordered the filet of sole and the white Provini veal scallopini—both were bursting with flavor and perfectly portioned. This isn’t a place for flashy plating—it’s all about honest, delicious Italian cooking made with care. The host greeted us with a warm smile and made us feel instantly at home. The retro, moody lighting adds a cozy, nostalgic touch. We’ll definitely be back! Tip: Make a reservation—this spot stays busy, and for good reason.
Great old style Italian restaurant
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
It was a Tuesday which was wonderful as they were barely busy but it did pick up by the time we finished. Hostess and waitress were wonderful and welcoming, very happy the customers were there. My dish was okay- fettuccine chicken carbonara, it was creamy and had chicken but was lacking overall flavor- definitely missing garlic and a few other regular things. The other dish was spaghetti and meatballs, flavorful and filling. The wedge salad was perfect! I guess if you order a Caesar you have to ask for anchovies as they were not offered and it didn't taste like they were in the dressing. Would I go back- absolutely as they have so many other dishes to choose from I would score a 7 out of 10
We really enjoyed going there sitting at the bar before dinner. He always make wonderful people bartenders are great. We enjoyed the food in the ambience and everybody is very friendly there.
Octavio our server, other server assisted too. I had prime rib French dip au jus sando with fries delish. Only why would you charge me addl 75 cents for roll? What are you supposed to put a prime rib sando on?? Strange! Finished with tiramisu. My company had ravioli cheese spinach delish. Finished with spumoni. We liked so much we came back Saturday evening, party 4. Scallops and cannelloni, yum!
This is your place for old school Italian food and atmosphere. All the resturant employees treat you warmly, as if they are the owner. Food is always great.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Our food was not served in a timely manner. The final entree came out when some of us were finishing up- NOT OK. Very disappointing and will make me think twice before I book again.
The menu is very diverse, which provides something for everyone. Some of the dishes are a little overpriced while some are decently priced. This restaurant appears to be an old time favorite in San Mateo, with regulars patronizing the business. Would go here again for dinner to try other entrees.
Extra noisy this evening where hard to talk to table mates. Food was sub par (had French onion soup and cannelloni). Service was extra slow (they had party in back) and table extension collapsed and spilled our creamed spinach to the floor. I just felt it had gone downhill from what I remembered. For the price point, there are many other places to patronize.
Restaurantji Recommends
My sister in law and myself loved having lunch at Luceti. The food was very tasty with wonderful size portions. I myself had Fettuccine with nice size prawns and for desert...Cheese cake with raspberry topping...delicious meal all around. My sister in law had a large plate of a salad with bbq chicken slices which she loved and to top off her meal, she had the chocolate mousse that was rich n creamy...”to die for”. I also want to give a great salute of hands to all the work staff. We were greeted with an energetic bartender while we waited less than 5 min to be taken to our table by the sweetest hostess. Our waitor with his associates was a fantastic and very patient person; very knowledgeable also...he knew everything we asked about from the menu...his advise was well taken. We definitely were ready to eat and enjoy out meal. :) We will be back and will bring our husbands.. Since Luceti's arrival from San Francisco in 1990's this has been our family go to ever since. So much flavor in all their foods, especially the entrees.. The restaurant ambience is like going back to San Francisco with its authentic surroundings: bar drinks, salad combo's galore, flavorful entrees and pasta dishes, great tasting desserts. Celebrated many date nights pre and during my marriage (still do), lots of anniversaries, birthday's, along with educational school graduations Amore......
The noise level was so high I was not able to hear my husband. Not being able to have a conversation really spoiled the evening.
Never disappoints... from the moment you are seated until you pay the service is friendly. One of the few restaurants that still seats you as if your family. We are not regulars... but I see plenty every time we dine here... but I've always felt they know us. The food is wonderful and priced well.
Luceti's is a neighborhood gem and been here for decades. The interior is modest, the guests are locals and regulars mostly, and the whole place feels like a time warp from the past. But that's part of the charm. There are things NOT to get (don't recommend the steaks) there are must haves like the espresso martinis and bread pudding and most of their homemade pastas (the gnocchi are light and fluffy). They do tend to under salt and under season. So don't be shy adding some salt once things arrive. The staff all feel like family and it's a good value for the quantity.
Took our friend there for his 65th birthday. It was great! The wait staff and the whole floor sang happy birthday. A gem that you don't want to miss.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Calamari
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