Lugo Cucina in NYC, NY
On a Friday night, we were looking for an Italian restaurant Midtown when we stumbled upon Lugo Cucina. Located close to Penn Station, I never noticed this place before, although passing close by many times. I never noticed for instance the two vespa in front, with the same colors as the front of that place.
Facade of Lugo Cucina in NYC, NY
But then, when I entered, I was even more surprised: this place is big and modern, yet with a casual feel, with large black and white photos reminding their theme that is La Dolce Vita, that some translate as "a life of indolence and self-indulgence". In fact, I noticed some photos of Federico Fellini, especially Marcello Mastroianni.
Bar area at Lugo Cucina in NYC, NY
Dining room at Lugo Cucina in NYC, NY
They started off by bringing us some focaccia bread with olive oil, one bread being with rosemary and the other one with tomato and parmesan. This was a good start.
Focaccia at Lugo Cucina in NYC, NY
Instead of having wine, I got tempted by their 30 day barrel aged negroni, made with carpano, campari and Bombay Sapphire gin, a drink deliciously bitter.
30 days barrel aged Negroni at Lugo Cucina in NYC, NY
30 days barrel aged Negroni at Lugo Cucina in NYC, NY
For our appetizer, we decided to share their meatballs that are apparently known. For sure, they are gigantic, but I have to say that I did not find them great, being very dense and not as flavorful as I thought. However, the tomato sauce was sublime.
Meatballs at Lugo Cucina in NYC, NY
Meatballs at Lugo Cucina in NYC, NY
For her entree, Jodi ordered the ravioli di spinachi or spinach ravioli, served with a tomato and mascarpone sauce. This was good, the ravioli being perfectly made and cooked.
Spinach ravioli at Lugo Cucina in NYC, NY
On my side, I decided to go with linguine alle Vongole, pasta with a garlic and wine sauce accompanied with clams. When they brought a bowl for the shells, I was expecting lots of them, but was surprised to see only two shells on the plate, the clams being deshelled...It was good, but it could have had more sauce for sure.
Linguine alle Vongole at Lugo Cucina in NYC, NY
We decided not to order dessert as it was late. The dinner was good, nothing standing out there. For me, Lugo Cucina is a good address if you want to eat Italian food in a nice setting. Would I go back? Maybe...
Enjoy (I did)!
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