Luca

One of the things that I love about Portugal is how mysterious it can be. Most of the cities are made up of a plethora of tiny streets and alleys. Porto is no different, even though it is a small city, there is something new to discover the moment you set foot in it’s maze-like streets. And these streets are laden with tiny cafes or even big spaces that would surprise you. It has been a pleasure going around and finding places that have so much to offer. At times, the food can be extremely humble but the space around it can it make it extravagant. 

‘Luca’ does it really well. The kitchen, the way they have their space organised and the people working here, it is comfort at its finest. I came across it while searching for an off-beat restaurant for a friends birthday lunch and let me tell you it is so satisfying. It feels extremely homely because of the space and such a simple menu. The menu consists of a set where you get a couvert, soup, three dishes to choose from and then a coffee to finish it off. The menus are different daily and even with a few choices, you won’t feel left out. The other day there was pea soup on the set and I chose to have Stuffed Aubergine with Couscous. The skin of the aubergine was crisp, the stuffing seasoned and everything topped off with cheese. The dish in its simplicity was really fulfilling and you get an idea of their style of cooking. (There are no grandmas here that I know of but they house ‘the grandma style’ of cooking) 

Now, coming to their space. It is two minutes from the beach which makes the location perfect. Unless you are looking for Luca, you will probably walk past it, although, I love how under the radar they have kept their restaurant. Francisca, the owner, opened this place 4 years ago. Before the restaurant came in the picture, it was an art gallery ran by Francisca’s friend. She was looking for a fun space to open her kitchen and this place was spot on. For sometime, even after Luca opened, half of it was still an art gallery until Francisca’s friend moved on. It is still extremely reminiscent of an art gallery though. 

In the past years, they have acquired their community of people who know this place and dining here reminds them of their grandma’s house. Luca is open for lunch to everyone but most of the dinners are based on private events except for certain special nights that I would talk about soon. I can totally see myself booking this space for a private dinner and enjoying my favourable dishes in such a great ambience. (A while back, I had some pan seared fish with baked potatoes in their backyard, basking fully in the sun’s glory, that is what I would go for and anyway, fresh seafood is prime in Porto.) All the artistic energy this place gives off is used beautifully. Every Tuesday night is Fado night at Luca. Fado is traditional Portuguese music that I have no expertise in to rightfully explain it. But what I can say, is that it sounds amazing and has so much sentiment involved in it. Porto’s Fado with good Portuguese food, in such a place, surrounded by a community of people who are fully involved in it, is a great representation of this city. A lot of the people who dine during the Fado night are also singers and they join in to make the whole evening more serene. 

There are also Jazz nights that happen once in a while and to be able to track that, other events and stuff like their menus, you should follow them on Instagram (@Luca.foz). Continuing with the art gallery aesthetics, artists can showcase their work around the dining room. Everything that you see around while dining is artwork that you can buy, it definitely adds a flare to the experience they are providing. I suggest that you go there, soak in the calm energy and have some good food. Luca would make your sunny afternoon around the beach better. And don’t forget about the Tuesday Fado, that is an experience you wouldn’t want to miss.