Zucca Italian Ristorante
808 Main St, Louisville, CO, 80027
Zucca Italian Ristorante Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Louisville for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
808 Main St
Louisville, CO, 80027 - Phone (303) 666-6499
- Website https://www.zuccalouisville.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:30 am - 2:00pm
- Mon : 11:30 am - 2:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Romantic, Classy
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
Categories
Italian Cuisine
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
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Aaron O.
Zucca is a great, local date restaurant. You get amazing food for prices. The staff is very welcoming, knowledgeable, and friendly. The veal is amazing, as well as the prosciutto wrapped cod. The daily specials are great. The atmosphere is great, lots of quiet little tables. Overall a great place for dinner and lunch.
(4)Matt J.
Very nice food, wine selection! We will certainly go back for more!
(4)Jackie M.
We sat on the patio this weekend and enjoyed fabulous happy hour appetizers and drinks. Service was great and so was the food and atmosphere. I can't wait to come back and try the dinner menu!
(5)Elmo G.
After the Street Faire stopped in for a beer and calamari, it is very good and the service was great at the bar. Good time!
(4)Michael L.
Can't agree more with Michelle M. Very good food, nice selection of appetizers, wines, mixed drinks, pasta, entrees and deserts. Attentive service in a nice atmosphere. We found the flavors authentic, fresh, well balanced, and enjoyable. All had a very homemade taste. Prices were very reasonable for the portions and quality of our meals. We will definitely be making Zucca a regular stop.
(5)Roxanne B.
Zucca's is in Louisville, about 15 minutes east of Boulder, one of the premier foodie towns in America, according to Bon Appetit, and it can stand with the best of them. Service was warm, kind, friendly, and professional. Food was exceptional. The Colorado lamb made me weep. Zucca's has a relationship with an excellent local organic farm that provides it with delicious vegetables. The pasta creations are inspired. We can't wait to go back.
(5)Michelle A.
Had our first dinner here last summer and sat outside. The food was awesome, the waiter funny, and our dessert amazing. Tonight we didn't feel like going out, so we ordered in. After ordering on the phone, I was told it would be ready in 15 minutes (which it was!) we brought our food home in reusable containers and it was delicious, warm and not mushy as some take out food can be. So happy there is a quality Italian restaurant with affordable prices so close to home!
(4)M O.
My new favorite restaurant in Louisville. I've had four or five dinners here now, and every one has been wonderful.
(5)Mick S.
We are from Southern California visiting my in-laws in Louisville and went Sunday night. The meal was outstanding, the wait staff friendly and accommodating. We will definitely return the next time we are in town.
(4)Joyce K.
Went for lunch . I had the speghetti and meatballs and my husband ordered the chicken marsala. My speghetti was cooked perfectly and the sauce was unusual but delicious. The meatballs were good but not exceptional. I couldn't stop eating this dish and was stuffed when I left. The chicken marsala was tender and extremely tasty. Our waitress was friendly and attentive. A good find!
(4)Gregory P.
With Zucca we have finally found excellent Italian food in the wilds north of Denver. The basis of our comparison comes from living in both NY and Boston, were a good Italian restaurant is a fixture on nearly every block and the minimum level of competence for a restaurant to survive is quite high. We've been looking around here for several years. The location is nicely appointed, with a muted ambiance that, with the right companion, could easily turn romantic. Our server was attentive and friendly, and was quite familiar with the menu - a rarity, I've found. We started by sharing the calamari appetizer. Compared to other reviewers, we're not as ecstatic about it, but it was good. Be sure to mix in some of the "goop" (small tomatoes, small sliced pepperoncinis) with each bite; it's much better that way. Next time (and there definitely will be a next time) I'm going to skip the appetizer in favor of a salad, since - rarity of rarities! - their Caesar salad description proclaims that it actually (and correctly!) has white anchovies in it. I'm a fan and seldom find that anywhere. (I'm sure they would be willing to leave them out if you so choose.) We each had pasta as a main course - I the fettucini vodka-something with sausage, my wife the bow-tie pasta with crumbled sausage and mushrooms. They had distinctly different flavors, and both were truly excellent. The sausage in particular is very mildly spiced and firm; it was wonderful. They make their own pasta daily, and it shows. Neither sauce was heavy, and both were delightful. Unusually, we split a canoli for dessert - still very good. The French press coffee - pressed at the table, of course, with one serving yielding two cups - could have been more coarsely ground; substantial grounds were present in the pour, making that the only thing they did wrong. Maybe it's better when not decaf. Well done. A very enjoyable meal. This was also a trip in which we discovered Louisville's downtown area, which has a very nice atmosphere with lots of interesting shops and restaurants. We'll be there, and certainly at Zucca's, again. Finally, a Thank You! shout-out to the other Yelp reviewers. They lead us to a very enjoyable meal.
(4)Brandon F.
Absolutely the best experience I've had at an Italian restaurant! The service was on point and our server was very knowledgeable. The atmosphere was perfect for an anniversary dinner. The bread is quite tasty, so don't fill up too much on that alone. The highlight of my evening here was the special, manicotti, and it was amazing! Whichever cheeses they used worked perfectly and the pasta was just right as well. I hope they make it part of the regular menu because I will return quite frequently if that were the case. I wasn't impressed with the Suppli' al Telefono, it was a bit bland for my preferences, but it was interesting. I can't wait to go back and try more options!
(5)Julie B.
Great Happy Hour! I go here often and always have great food. The outdoor seating in the summer is nice. Attentive and friendly staff also.
(5)Amy G.
Just love this place. My gluten free daughter will actually eat their gluten free pasta. Huge Plus! I've never had such delicious calamari, and all in all, the charm of the place plus the quality of the food makes this one of my faves. Unfortunately, I did have one experience where my server upgraded every drink we ordered to top shelf without our knowledge or request, so the bill was way higher than expected. But that has never happened again.
(4)Jennifer G.
Zucca was a great experience. Been twice, had a lovely time during both visits. The most recent was for my birthday, we were seated promptly on the little patio, and they were kind enough to move the umbrella so the sun was blocked :) We had the cheese and salami plate and olives to start, everything was nicely presented and explained. I had the special, which was alright - I did not care for the tomato, and the carrot/cauliflower purée was good, but it didn't seem to go with the fish. We tried the gluten- free chocolate cake,with mascarpone gelato, and it was great. I they have a nice wine list, which we did not try, but I will be back again soon. Service was prompt, not too attentive but good enough, and we loved our corner table outside. Nice ambience inside.
(4)Rob G.
average food at best ours pasta dishes were both warm and had no flavor service very good. there are much better places to eat.
(3)Chrystal T.
Wow, this place was better than expected. First off, homemade rosemary focaccia, very tasty. We started with the calamari fritti with peperoncinis, cherry tomatoes, white balsamic sauce. Probably the best calamari I have had, simple but perfectly done. We also had a cup of the seasonal soup a cold cumcumber and tomato gazpacho with radish root, refreshing. I had the Fettuccine alla Vodka Rustica, very balance vodka sauce and good italian sausage. My husband had the Eggplant Parmigiana, slightly, different preparation with unique noodles, he says tender but not overcooked. Service was prompt, so not necessarily a leisurely dinning experience. Excellent, we will return
(4)Jen W.
Being a Jersey girl eating Italian food in Colorado- let me say this was a TREAT! The food was insanely good. The service- refreshingly prompt and thorough. You can tell they use quality food and to hear they have their own farm where they grow local produce was even more impressing. We had a quality meal- from start to finish (you have to try the desserts) on a beautiful outdoor patio. A true sensory experience! Bravo Zucca!
(5)Allison M.
Awesome. This place lives up to the hype. Had the pasta special - capellini, crumbled Italian sausage, arugula, tomato sauce, other delicious things - and was more than satisfied. The fresh local ingredients made a clear difference. And the calamari is just sheer brilliance. We used some of the leftover sauce for our bread. Oh, I also had the Aperol Spritz - Aperol, Lunetta Prosecco, grapefruit juice, and soda. Delicious! We'll be coming back for sure.
(4)Tram N.
My new favorite Italian restaurant. Our party tried the trout, chicken parm, and roasted chicken entrees. Absolutely phenomenal dishes. Also had the Icari Barbera for our wine, which was delicious. Try to sit in the bar so you can get Theron as your server. He also deserves all the credit for our incredible dining experience. His food menu suggestions were all spot-on and his service was impeccable.
(5)Chuck R.
This cute quaint Italian restaurant is a winner! Definitely a fan of their 4pm to 6pm happy hour 7 days a week. And the happy hour food menu items are scrumptious! We will definitely be back!
(4)Andre J.
Very nice ambiance in the heart of old town Louisville, with inviting decor and comfortable seating. The place feels open while still managing to be cozy. We went here for lunch and had the gnocchi with beets and greens, sausage and mozzarella risotto balls, misto salad, Caesar salad, grilled trout, and a mushroom and arugula pizza. All of the dishes were excellent, as was their artful presentation. My Caesar salad, which consisted of two romaine wedges, a single crostini slice, and an anchovy, was somewhat inconvenient to handle on its small plate and required a bit more "deconstructing" than I'm used to. But it tasted good so not a big deal. Otherwise we had a wonderful meal, our waitstaff were friendly and attentive, and the restrooms were good. Recommended.
(4)Max R.
No reservations unless 5+ people so hung out in the bar waiting. NOTE: The tables in the bar are actually reserved dining so you need to seat/stand at the bar and not at any of the tables. The table bread was average, which is to say mediocre ... typical of most restaurants Started with the Suppli al Telefono which was very good. Moist and good flavor, not like the dry breaded rice ball most restaurants try to pass off as a risotto ball. next was the Tritato salad which I call a hearty salad with the addition of the meat and meaty flavors. greens were fresh and the dressing did not overpower the taste nor was there too much dressing. Then I had the Bistecca which was prepared as ordered. medium rare. great combination of flavors and more fresh greens on the side. Dessert was the cannoli which was good. The downfall was that the shell tasted like it had been refrigerated for awhile so did not have the freshly-made crispness. will go back
(4)Neha S.
I really like the cute decor, location and the feel of the place. The food here is good. I like some dishes here but some didn't steal my heart. The calamari app. is good. Nice and crisp. Risotto balls appetizer was good the first time we had it but was over-salty the last time I tried them. In the main course, I loved the Trota: pan seared trout with risotto. The trout was huge, nicely seared and tasty. Canneloni di frutti di mare was bland. The lobster cream sauce didn't taste much like lobster at all and too creamy for my palate.The filling inside the canneloni was noting great and it had some salted cod in it which I didn't really like. Their veggie apps. are good too. Over all a A- place for the prices.The service is good and the wait-staff and manager are attentive.
(3)Mariano d.
Again, please, somebody establish a LAW, a Regulation something to protect and control the Italian's denomination of origin (I know there is no such a thing). Italian is not a restaurant killing (synonym of cooking in this case) pasta! Call them something else please!
(2)Jim B.
We have been here twice before, both sitting outside in summer. Circumstances tonight dictated that we go here due to some accident in the area, and could not reach our original choice. Seated promptly, hostess GREAT!. But our waiter, bad, just no attention to our needs. Did not check back if we needed anything, I did tell the hostess though that I wanted a second glass of wine, but somehow that got lost. So, I saved $9. Chicken Caccitore (spelling), lots and lots of large carrot slices, not cooked well, too hard, where was the chicken, a few mushrooms. bland taste. My wife had the trout, she said, it was okay. The best part was that it was about $57 and change. My wife left a $10 dollar bill. (We usually do tip 20% but tonight I would not have. Too many good Italian eateries around. It will be awhile before trying it again. Maybe next summer.
(3)Alyssa M.
After moving from Los Angeles a little under a year ago, we were on the prowl for good Italian food. Some neighbors brought us here once and we now come whenever we're craving Italian food. Along with really great, amazing, mouth-watering tasting food, the service is absolutely wonderful. Very rare to have 5 star food with a small town atmosphere and impeccable service.
(5)Brandon M.
Service is typically excellent, the food is fresh and delicious. Prices are reasonable. They have a great happy hour. It was a good find when we moved to Louisville.
(5)Wang S.
We went there late Monday night on labor day, it was really quiet. The service was really grand. David is very engaging, friendly and quiet knowledgable about the food. We had the three tree pasta and spaghetti alla marinara con salisiccia (splendid). The three tree pasta was light and hit the spot for an evening meal. By the way; Pumpkin cheesecake is to die for. Amazing night. Thank you! (it was our first time in)
(5)Marty D.
I could not believe the Chef sent my wife's plate out with spoiled food on it. Honestly, my wife's potatoes were literally spoiled and rancid. I was almost mad at her for asking me to taste the potatoes to verify. I was seriously paranoid that I was going to get food poisoning (we did not get food poisoning), it was that bad. The server and the chef agreed the potatoes were 'sour' and continued to handle the situation poorly. 10-15 minutes later risotto was plopped down in front of my wife after we were done eating. We were never asked what we wanted to replace the spoiled potatoes. I spoke with management days later and they graciously apologized and mailed us a credit of $12 (dessert for two). If this was my restaurant, and I sent out really, really bad food, and the situation was handled poorly, you better believe I would comp the customer their next dinner (no alcohol) to try and win them over. My wife and I eat out 2-3 times per week and Zucca will not be getting our business. Our server was nice and professional, but damn his breath smelled like he just ate a sh*t sandwich. Yes, this is a petty comment, but maybe he'll read this and carry some mints, or gum in the future. My wife's chicken was good and my pasta dish was tasty.
(1)Pork Chop H.
Ordered the fettucine seafood special while one tablemate had linguine alla vongole (w/ clams) and the other, pork chop with butternut squash and roasted potatoes. My entree was $18 and the circumference of the dish was about 6 inches wide. It was touted as being in a white wine butter sauce, but they should have called it a water sauce. There was no flavor whatsoever. No seafood flavor... the 4 shrimp and 6 tiny mussels were placed around the dish, like an afterthought. The noodles were handmade, yet didn't have a fresh, chewy dough texture. Instead, the noodles were kind of stale (not al dente) tasting. The pork chop was great (also $18) and was a ton of food in comparison. The linguine alla vongole also came in a tasteless water sauce. That was $16. What a rip. For an $18 entree, I could've gotten an AMAZING meal at Brasserie TenTen in downtown Boulder. Our server was okay... she kind of stayed her distance and our waters were pretty low until we were about to pay/leave. And earlier when she did refill our water, she dipped the napkin that was wrapped around the pitcher (but dangling below the bottom of the pitcher) into my pasta plate. Gross. Just really mediocre and with all the competition out there, not worth it at all.
(2)Near M.
Zucca is a pleasant addition to Louisville. We typically go to Zamparellis, but this will now be our go-to local Italian restaurant. We went for a late dinner on a Thursday evening. The restaurant wasn't busy, so service was courteous and prompt. I had an inspiring fresh pasta dish with lots of vegetables, pine nuts, and some non-traditional cheese. It was really good. We also had a fish dish that was also really nicely done with great flavors. The kids sausage pizza was equally good. The only downside was dessert - I've had better cannolis before (but I'm a native Italian New Yorker... so we make them completely fresh) and the coffee was okay, not terrific. It is the same price as Zamparellis, so we'll be coming here instead. In case you are Zamparelli regular, the benefits of Zucca are: 1. VEGETABLES!!!! You can have various vegetables (besides fried eggplant, sautéed spinach, and salads) in your pasta dish 2. MEAT & FISH!! Outside of the Christmas special, Zucca serves various meats and fish dishes 3. FRESH PASTA! Happiness is fresh, house made pasta! Just try it!! 4. Happy staff. Besides the guy with the persistent smile and the woman with black curly hair, the other staff at Zamparelli's looks mad most of the time. Three people served us during the course of the meal at Zucca and they all looked happy. The benefits of Zamparelli's: 1. Kid's night! The staff at Zamparelli's remind us whenever we go in when Kid's night is (Monday) so kid's can get free gelato. Zucca - please have a kids/family night of sorts!
(4)Ben K.
Zucca Italian Ristorante has established itself as my go to for fine dinning in Louisville; the food is great, and the outdoor seating/atmosphere, facing Louisville's main street, offers a refreshing chance to embrace all the quaint town has to offer (at least when the suns out). After a bike trek from Boulder, my bike bro and I found ourselves in need of some sustenance and seating: Zucca. We arrived a few minutes after close, but the hostess was nice enough to offer Lunch anyway, securing us a nice spot on the outdoor patio under an umbrella. The patio is an ideal spot for relaxations, there are variety of tables with umbrellas set up cozily around the entrance looking onto main street, and the low-key hustle of downtown Louisville ( I took the umbrella down and received a nice roasting from the afternoon sun - it felt great). The server brought out a generous serving of bread accompanied by some olive oil and vinegar, then took our orders: the mixed green salad, risotto cheese balls, and their classic spaghetti marinara. All of the food was great. The bread was coated with salt and pepper (and maybe a garlic seasoning). Shortly after, our server delivered our salads followed by the risotto balls. The mixed green salad would have been good had it not been for the pickled radishes - those took it to awesome. The Rissoto balls were served as a hearty portion of four fried balls of risotto, stuffed with cheese (Mozzerla?) and sausage, served atop some oil and vinegar - super tasty. To top it off the spaghetti was served with a traditional marinara and two huge and delicious meatballs. I couldn't help but finish everything on the table, a skeptical endeavor considering the impending ride back to Boulder. Despite the brick in my stomach, I made it home alright and was very glad to have stopped at Zucca.
(4)Sandrine H.
The setting is beautiful. The food is not that great. My last two experiences were quite disappointing: 1- the first time, we went for dessert and asked for the cappuccino creme brule. All it was, was coffee pudding. I returned it. 2- The second visit was with a group of friend, and I ordered the fish. It is an expensive dish and got it in a cold plate. The fish was cold, the mash potato was also cold, and no waiter came back to ask if we were satisfied. After about 30 minutes, someone finally came, and was sorry about this. We got free dessert, but all I wanted was a warm dish. I think the food quality is okay, not amazing for the price they want to charge.
(3)Rob D.
Good Food and a great Happy Hour.
(4)Scott M.
We have been to Zucca 20 times and have always had a great experience with the service and food. In fact, the owner is the nicest man and they have had what I consider the best bolognese. Until last night. Wife and I were experiencing our 16th wedding anniversary. Started off by ordering apps and the wait staff corrected my pronunciation in a snotty way. She was training a fellow waitress so maybe trying to show off. Same app was not very good so we didn't eat. It was obvious yet she definitely avoided discussing until my wife said something. My bolognese was good, wife did not care for her pasta and the service was annoying. She was not obviously rude but a definite attitude. First time I have tipped less than 20% in as long as I can remember. We just might not go back.
(2)Frank H.
Food is great and our recent server Janis was fantastic. Just another fun spot in Louisville.
(5)Lynn K.
Best happy hour in Louisville. Food is great. Happy hour menu changes, but it is always stellar. Staff is one of the best in town. Very kid friendly if you have them.
(4)Steven W.
We decided to try this place and it has its pros and cons. The service was excellent and the ambiance was nice but it seemed a bit loud. The calamari app was very good and the pasta mains were ok but just didn't have that certain something that makes you want to come back for more. Perhaps it just lacked enough spice to really keep me interested. Prices were reasonable for the setting and environment. Overall not a bad experience but just lacked that special something to make if a goto restaurant.
(3)Colleen K.
Best restaurant in Louisville by far. Portions are small for the price but it is worth it. Most restaurants in 'old town' leave much to be desired, but Zucca boasts fresh ingredients and delectable dishes. Don't waste your time with the cheaper pub fare. If you want a good meal in Louisville, go to Zucca.
(5)Liz M.
Super disappointing meal. We started with some olives and risotto balls. The olives were great although I found it weird there was a whole piece of garlic that had not been marinated very long... It was still hard and so fresh it made me tear up. The risotto balls were a little boring but the breading was nice and light and they weren't greasy. My boyfriend got some boar pasta that was decent but he got 3 pieces of bone in it... Big pieces. Good thing he has strong teeth. I got the capellini. The sauce was thin and watery, not creamy at all like a carbonara should be. The noodles had an undercooked ramen consistency. Either someone really messed up the pasta dough or they were frozen noodles. Not good for a place that is supposed to have fresh pasta. I'm fairly certain that the peas were from a frozen bag and the baby artichoke hearts were just from a jar. Between the bad noodles and the frozen peas and the flavor of that watery sauce it really really reminded me of cup o noodles. I couldn't bring myself to eat it. They replaced it with the vodka sauce which was definitely better. It wasn't anything too special but tasty. Some of the noodles were stuck together in a thick mess and were obviously not fresh but at least I left full. Pros: the manager came over to ask us what specifically was wrong so she could tell the cooks and all of the entrees were comped. Our server was lovely. The bread was fresh and delicious. Won't be back
(2)Andrew F.
Wonderful experience eating here. Great service! Kat did a great job with our table of 8. She gave great recommendations as well. I have to say the pork was one the best I've had. Also have to agree with some of the other reviews that the portions were a bit smaller than I expected. Other than that it was a great dinner.
(4)Jonathan S.
I've been here once for lunch and once for dinner. The best way I can describe it is consistently mediocre. I've had to wait around by an abandoned host stand while staff mill about when its already been acknowledged that all I need is a table wiped down and a check cleared from the previous party. My girlfriend and I find the food unexciting and generally underwhelming despite the attractive sounding menu descriptions. This evening's experience included vodka fettuccine that was under-seasoned and a pork dish that was oversalted. I remember similar experiences from the previous visit though I thought they deserved another chance to prove themselves. My conclusion is that it's just not worth my money and that there are better spots in Louisville. If you've never tried Via Toscana I recommend you start there. If Indian suits you try Taj Mahal III. Both are very good.
(3)Lee S.
Typical Louisville overpriced mediocre restaurant. The Calamari is inedible, over cooked and over spiced. If it wasn't so tough you might be able to taste it but it's over spiced with green chilies to the point that you couldn't taste it anyway. On top of that the charged $10 for a glass of "house wine". Louisville is losing its appeal, it's almost like the establishments have gotten full of themselves and figure the local yupps will pay through the nose for crap. Oh yeah, the Caesar salad, dressing was way too creamy but they did spring for one (1) anchovy. Service was good, atmosphere is nice and they did comp me the calamari as I really couldn't eat it, trust me I tried. If you're into Nuevo Italian have at it, pretentious as hell.
(2)DeeDee B.
We've been to Zucca many times over the past few years and have a great experience every time. The food is always tasty and interesting, staff are always attentive and helpful, and they have a great happy hour - good prices on a variety of menu items. I'm not very fond of fried appetizers, so I rarely eat calamari. However, the calamari at Zucca is very tasty! - Our favorite restaurant in Louisville!
(5)Rene D.
Fabulous menu. Great service. Nice atmosphere. Lovely place for a romantic dinner out or fun with friends. I'll be back!
(5)Brian W.
Surprisingly decent Italian food. Handmade pastas are great, the duck is just as good... wasn't quite as impressed by the lamb, but that was solid as well. Bread was only okay, but who goes for the bread? Outdoor seating is packed on a beautiful summer evening, but the inside had ample tables available and service just attentive enough to rate as above average. Only thing that I skipped was the fish special, which was escolar... I know my party was fine, but while I love almost all fish, and this one was presented exquisitely, I prefer to avoid the side effects, which they don't mention at all...
(4)Stephanie J.
Great little Italian restaurant! The food was good, well seasoned, and fresh! Our server was awesome and very thoughtful. Not huge portions but just enough for you to enjoy the meal and not leave feeling like a bloated whale! Will be returning with guests!
(5)Nory B.
Nice outdoor seating--much better than inside! Got here at 5:30 on Friday--still a few tables outside, but they were all gone before 6, so come early! Service was fairly crisp--we had drinks, appetizers and entrees with espresso and brandy and we're done by 6:45. Cesaer salad came out perfect with light dressing as requested--yay! Most salads are very overdressed. Parmesan fried zucchini was the only minor disappointment--there was mostly breadcrumbs, little Parmesan in the coating. The Basilico drink(vodka, basil, house made limoncello) was YUMMY! The zucchini polenta entree was tasty, as was the capellini. Good service, good food--we'll be back!
(4)Donna C.
Good food. Service is on the slow side and it's a little pricey, I'd say 2.5 $ if that were an option. We took our 2 kids (9 and 12) and it was fine for them but overall a pretty high bill for ok Italian food.
(3)Rob C.
The anti pasta was amazing! the spaghetti with duck meatballs were the best! loved the cheese cake! 5 stars!
(5)Electra L.
This is the best Italian place around and my husband's favorite Italian restaurant in CO. They have a fabulous happy hour (the drinks could be better but the food, for the price, is fantastic). We go to Zucca more than we probably should. Favorites include the Calamari and risotto balls for appetizers and any of the pasta dishes. The atmosphere is lovely (it can get loud during peak hours) and the service is always great. Love this place!
(5)Brandon N.
Amazing atmosphere, excellent food, and tasty drinks. I highly recommend the crab ravioli or the NY Strip! A must visit. Boom!
(5)Alison B.
My husband and I have eaten here twice. Both times were not on peak times (i.e. Friday/Sat night dinner), but the service was great. I read a recent bad review about the calamari, which was surprising - ours was the best calamari we'd ever had anywhere. Entrees were cooked well and delicious both times. We will be going back.
(5)Kimberly G.
Great friendly staff. Food had great presentation. For a friday nite at 1700, bar was busy however we were seated right away. Waitstaff was friendly & explained all the options. Had daily special, lavendar/honey geloto was so light and refreshing. Carloni was so rich I was glad we had espresso. Portions were generous and I went home with lunch. Local sausage, mushroom penne in tomatoe sauce. We will be back again. As we left the line had gotten larger, patio was full as well as the dining rooms.
(5)JF C.
The food here is wonderful. Their meatball appetizer is a must-have. If you like pasta, their homemade pastas and sauces will blow you away
(5)Alia Z.
Another sister restaurant to Dushanbe, Huckleberry, and others by Three Leaf concepts. Very fresh ingredients, seasonal menu that rides the line of not too big and not too small perfectly, and some interesting dishes. I had their Polenta Zucchini Parmesan, which was very rich. Oleg tried their half chicken, a very juicy dish with delicious white beans soaked in the chicken juice.
(4)Veronique C.
A nice neighborhood Italian restaurant. The place is a little loud though and I would say the portions on the small side considering the price (especially on some of the appetizers (Gnudi for example, which is otherwise very good). But I definitively recommend Zucca.
(4)Malissa M.
Happy hour: $4 drinks, a decent pour. Bruschetta: nice, 2 piece with artichoke n fava bean puree , needed garlic or something to pop the Flavors, $4 Risotto balls with spicy sausage n cheese needed spice. Sausage was mild. 3 decent pieces $4 For our entrees B had the porterhouse pork chop, it came out perfectly cooked to the requested med rare and the mustard sauce worked perfectly. I had the seafood pasta special of the night and again thought it needed some lemon and garlic to pop. All in all we had 1 cocktail each, 2 happy hour apps and 2 entrees for around $60. For Boulder prices that is pretty good.
(3)Danny B.
Our waiter was new he said but for that small short coming every thing was excellent. To apps and wine very fine. Entrees were killer. Trout, chicken, pastas A little spendy but the food made you forget that . Yep I would go again
(5)George W.
Best chicken parmasian in the world! Been there several times and it's my favorite. Not the usual thickly breaded chicken, with a slice of cheese. This is thoughtfully created, and a one-of-kind.
(5)Cormac M.
Very good Italian food. Portions are not huge but quality always is. Enjoy Lasagne there anytime I go and Calamari is always good.
(4)Mike R.
This place is so good. I have never had a bad meal here and the staff is always on point. This is the best Italian food in the Louisville/Lafayette area!
(5)Kai C.
I have been to Zucca several times, first when it opened...the food was absolutely terrible. The pizza was like tomato sauce on saltine crackers, and the pasta was cold and sauce too salty. Have been back several times to give them another chance. Each time something was wrong, either too bland or too salty. Insult to injury, they do not take reservations over the weekend. We have out of town visitors from SF and I tried to make a reservation for 4 on Saturday. They refused. For a small town eatery with a bad US economy, they sure know how to turn people away. The owners should get off their high horse and pay attention to the residents of Louisville, who are their customers. I made reservations at Parma , a newly open Italian restaurant in Louisville. They were happy to take my reservation, plus the food is very good. I will sure my friends in town will learn about this incident.
(1)Donna F.
We've been a few times previously, and went for Valentine's dinner. It was a prix fixe menu, and it was pretty genius. The selections varied nicely, and were perfectly executed. Portions fine, not too big which is something I really dislike. We got the wine flights that went with each course and the matching was perfect. Service was excellent too.
(5)Bob W.
Very nice food, at what I think are reasonable prices. Service is excellent. The building seems to be an old house, which gives it a kind of country-inn feeling. And the neighborhood is the charming old downtown section of Louisville, which seems like a quaint midwestern small town. However the building this restaurant is in seems to have been lifted directly out of southern California, with the stucco walls and red-tiled roof. The reasons I did not give it the full 5 stars are: (1) It's noisy. Really noisy. Not a relaxing place at all. (2) No chicken piccata on the menu. (3) The bread brought to the table at the beginning was hard as a rock. The olive oil served couldn't save it. Literally, the bread was inedible. Other than that everything was fine. Portions served are on the small side, but it's refreshing to go to an Italian restaurant that doesn't burden you with a huge pile of pasta on the side. They give you just a small amount of pasta, to complement your entreé. To me it's just right, but if you're looking just to chow down on a huge platter of spaghetti this is not the place for that.
(4)Cara H.
If you are in driving distance to Zucca, stop what you are doing and go there immediately. I loved everything about this place - food, service, ambiance and on and on. Just an amazing place for a delicious, authentic, fresh made Italian meal!!!
(5)Tae S.
CALAMARI!!! Dare I say this is the best calamari I have eaten. It was just the right about of crispiness and that sauce OMG!!! I did not even share with my friend it was a shame.. I was a greedy gut all the way. I had the Fettuccine alla Vodka Rustica, very balance vodka sauce and Italian sausage and I liked it.
(4)Stan D.
We didn't stop in here because we planned to. We just got lucky. From the outside, one might easily walk right past this place, but the inside is pretty nice. We liked the way it was decorated - very tastefully with an Italian flair - and we liked that it was clean, and well kept, but therein lies the fatal flaw. All of the surfaces, the floors, the walls, and the ceiling were hard. That means that sounds echo easily, and it gets noisy very fast. When we were there for lunch, it was near their closing time, (they have limited lunch hours, only serving from 11:30 to 2:00), so there weren't many people there. There was one table of four that was just finishing their meal, and enjoying light conversation. I do not think they were too loud, but, when one lady started laughing, I seriously could not hear what my wife was saying to the waitress, and both were standing right next to me. Just that much noise actually hurt my ears, and was enough to make me think I didn't want to be in there in the evening when the place was really busy, and really noisy. If, however, noise is not a problem for you, the food is really good. One thing to really like about this place is that they use locally grown products. This restaurant is one of the restaurants of "Three Leaf Concepts" management team, which, by chance, is the same management team that operates our favorite vegetarian restaurant, "Leaf," in Boulder. I do not know how they get locally grown products this time of year, or that all of the vegetables were entirely locally grown, but that salad tasted "Summer" fresh to us. We shared the large, "Misto," salad, and could not have been happier. For our entree, we shared the "Funghi e Zucca" pizza, and it was delightful. My wife was surprised I wanted that one because I prefer tomato sauce on my pizza, but this one with a garlic cream sauce instead, was a treat to my taste buds. Not only was the crust perfect, and the sauce great, but the whole pizza was a symphony of flavors and textures comparable to few I've ever enjoyed. I would definitely recommend this place and this pizza to friends, and I will dine here again when I am in Louisville, even though I probably will avoid it at night if it's as noisy as I suspect. After things quieted down, we enjoyed our entire meal, including the wine. We had a bottle of their least expensive red wine of the north, and found it to be a perfect accompaniment to that dinner, even though most probably wouldn't make the pairing we did. If it's not to noisy, give it a try. I think you'll find this place to be every bit as good as "Leaf" in Boulder, except with a different menu.
(5)Shalon A.
We really enjoy this place for happy hour. Great prices and the food never disappoints. On our most recent trip, the staff was really accommodating as we had our 6 month old baby with us. They certainly didn't care and just wanted us to be comfortable. One of our go-to places for happy hour. And, of course, their dinner is wonderful as well!
(5)J K.
Another great downtown Louisville restaurant. In the summer it's beautiful up and down Main Street, with most of the restaurants with outside seating. Zucca has a great Happy Hour. You can get wine and appetizers to share and go home happy. Perfect place to relax after work. Have been there with only one other, with a party of 12 and with numbers in between--on all occasions the staff was friendly and efficient, the food delicious.
(5)Paul C.
One of our favorite places and it's almost always excellent. The "almost" qualifier is why I gave them four stars and not five. The vast majority of the time the service and food are outstanding. We've been there a couple of times when the service seemed distracted and/or the food less than their usual excellent standard. The menu is not your usual italian fare but the favorites are still there. Experiment with something new and you won't be disappointed. One thing to be aware of is that the restaurant can be a bit loud on busy occasions. Would I recommend it? Yes, absolutely. If they seem a bit out of sorts that evening then go elsewhere and give them a try another time. There are plenty of cool places in Louisville to choose from.
(4)Lisa J.
This is a cute spot on the main street of Louisville. Great for people watching and solid italian food. I had soup and chicken parm- nothing blew my mind but it was all yummy. The server was so fantastic and attentive- she's the reason I'm upping my review to 4 stars.
(4)Sarah G.
The food was good. Some of it REALLY good. The sweet potato gnocchi was wonderful, the calamari had little peperoncinis in it and was outstanding, and the ravioli di zucca was easily what I would order next time. The vegetable lasagna was pretty good, but a wee bit on the bland side. Good atmostphere -- it's cute, and everyone seemed very nice. The waitress was competent, but a little flighty (she forgot to ask what the pizza of the day was, and dropped someone's signed credit card slip next to our table without noticing). I liked it and think it would be worth going back.
(4)Delery G.
Service was decent; took a little to get the bartenders attention Even though it looked as though the manager saw us come in and Sit at the bar for several minutes before we were greeted. Really enjoyed the Suppli de Telefono, but the other Happy Hour dishes Fell way short on flavors. They don't skimp on portion size though! Will most likely go back to see if the normal menu Is a little tastier...
(3)John K.
I'm pretty sure there aren't enough kind word for me to find to describe how good this place is. Everything tastes....FRESH! You gotta love a place that serves the food described on the menu....and by that I mean, when it says it comes with vegetables, they actually give you VEGETABLES and aren't stingy about it. Creative dishes.....tons of flavor and just overall great meal. Thanks Zucca. We'll be back for sure!!!
(5)Eloise P.
Good food, good happy hour, poppy seed brown butter sauce was really weird, but beet filling in the pasta appetizer was good as was the chicken entree. Stephanie gave great service, very friendly.
(5)Chris F.
Service and atmosphere here are great! The food? Good, but a little underwhelming. Nothing stand out. Did not like the bruschetta. It's in a great part of town and has a lot of character. Go if you're with a group where conversation is going to be the focus.
(3)John B.
I'll keep this short and sweet: Pasta Marinara, Pasta Bolognese, and Cannoli are the three barometers that I use to judge the quality of an Italian Restaurant. Having grown-up in a rather large Italian Family in Western NY & dinning on Nana's home-made pasta every Sunday, I'd like to think I can separate the wheat from the chaff when it comes to the "real thing". The Bolognese dish that I ordered with the home-made pasta was the best that I've ever had! Period! Better than any Bolognese I've had in Cali, London, Italy, & NYC including Nana's house (sorry nana, don't be angry with me, I still love you! I bet you're rockin the pasta on the other-side like there's no tomorrow. ;) ) The only complaint I had was the portion size; for $15 I would have expected a tad bit more than a 4-tablespoon sized portion, seriously. It was torture. Pasta this good should be doled-out in portions large enough that there will be some left-over for a doggy bag out the door. Darn you Zucca! ;) In all seriousness, you've created a masterpiece of a dish here that will keep me coming back for years to come, and for that I say: Grazie zucca ristorante italiano per fare la mia danza tastbuds con gioia!
(5)Renu D.
Cannelloni al Frutti Di Mare - Stole my heart. It's as perfect as perfect can be. Exceptionally executed dish. The flavors are robust and fresh. Beautifully presented. Trota - Crisp and cooked to perfection and served with perfectly cooked risotto. Delicioso!! La Zuppa del Giorno - Must try .. these change .. and the one we had was roasted pepper and potato. Flavorful and full bodied. If that doesn't say I am a fan, let me add that I absolutely adore the cute as a button exterior, quaint setting and fabulous service!!
(4)Jennifer B.
Nice ambiance, attentive staff. Their happy hour menu and prices are wonderful! You can't go wrong with the white wine, meatball sliders, or pizza. They were very accommodating with our kids' meals that weren't exactly on the menu. I'd recommend Zucca for date night, families or a business meal.
(4)Vanessa S.
My first trip to Zucca was amazing! The atmosphere was subdued and the tables were set up to allow a decent amount of privacy. Their cocktail menu was extensive and pretty creative with the options. We skipped the appetizers, but they do serve bread and a tomato/olive oil dipping sauce that was excellent. I had the linguine with clams (which can be very hit or miss) and he had the veal (ditto). I was extremely impressed with the quality of both. Mine had whole steamed clams in shell as well as mixed into the pasta with just the right amount of garlic and herbs. The veal was expertly prepared and the side dishes, salad and cauliflower soup were wonderful. The waitress did comment that the new chef had done great things for both dishes and I have to agree. I loved the service, the food and the ambiance. It wasn't cheap but not too expensive either. I think we spent $100 with tip for dinner, sides and cocktails. For a celebratory night out, this place is perfect! I'm excited for a chance to sit out on the patio and watch Louisville pass by!
(5)Dave C.
We heard so many fantastic stories about how Louisville used to be the place to go for old school Italian food. After eating at the Blue Parrot (horrible) we thought we'd stay away from Louisville. However we were driving home and saw the positive review of Zucca on Yelp and thought we'd give them a try. We were very pleased with the entire meal save the time it took to be served. I will say that we got there at 4:45pm so it was understandable that the kitchen wasn't running at 100%. We ordered the pizza for the kids, my wife had a shrimp dish and I went with my normal 1st meal at any Italian place....Chicken Parm. We didn't wait long for the bread which was quite tasty. Then they brought us a small appetizer the chef prepared. A few minutes later the pizza for the kids arrived which they gobbled up. Then it took over 30 minutes for our entrees to come out. If it were just my wife and I it would've been fine, but sitting at a table with a 7 and 3 year old for that long tried our patience. The food was 4-star but I can only give the overall rating of 3-stars as we waiting so long for our meal. We will be back without the kids.
(3)Globemaster S.
Calamari to die for! Zucca is doing everything right. The chef is passionate about the food and this will be obvious when you receive your plate. Inside Zucca you'll see clean and fresh settings with nice wood accents. If you're able, ask for the table by the fireplace... Good luck as it's a popular one for romantic dates. The staff is absolutely wonderful. Happy Hour specials are excellent. Regular dinners are fresh and innovative with the heart of real Italy. We've been numerous times and they've never let us down. I recommend Zucca without reservation. If you get there in time for Happy Hour try the Calamari and the Basilica drink.
(5)Frank E.
Tried it for the first time tonight. 5/4/12. Terrific! Really had a wonderful meal. One of the best dinners I've had in a long while. Highly recommend.
(4)Gordon F.
I was coming out to Boulder for a project about once a month and I always had at least one dinner at Zucca's. The food is excellent and I highly recommend the Grilled Trout. This is real Italian cuisine paired with a wide selection of Italian wines. Their staff are friendly and knowledgeable.
(5)Hitashi D.
This was our first time, I was definitely impressed by their food, rustic ambiance and great service. Their cannelloni Pasta was fresh (as mentioned), sauce was delicious and totally worth it. We also ordered their thin crust pizza, it was good too. Pasta definitely scored my vote ! I am definitely going back. They have an outdoor patio seating, which is just lovely!
(4)John M.
OK, So I have only been to Zucca once, but thus far I am a fan. I have a customer in downtown Louisville and this little place is a short walk from their office. The atmosphere is nice but not too small, the service was stellar and the salsiccia pasta was awesome. Antipasto was very nice as well, with fresh capers/proscioutto/blue cheese. Very frufru for Louisville, but I didnt care.
(3)Lou S.
One word, amazing! Jorge (Sous Chef) rocked the Halibut. Farm fresh green beans, purple finger potatoes, cherry tomatoes & artichokes were ridiculously delicious. Staff was incredibly friendly and service impeccable. We'll be back soon.
(5)John L.
As far as eat-in Italian goes.. this is the best in Louisville. The place is classy and warm, the food is mind boggling good. I had the pizza and loved all of it. My wife the Mahi Tuna.. this place is out of this world and well worth the value.
(5)Adam M.
I have now been here a handful of times, and each time was excellent, making this officially one of my favorite places to eat on Old Main Street. If you are a garlic lover, you must try the bruschetta. The tomatoes are so olive-oily and refreshing, and the garlic and herbs explode in your mouth. Literally EXPLODE. The vegetable lasagna is very unique, using a smoked mozzarella that is incredibly rich and satisfying. There is a nice cocktail menu highlighted by the use of homemade limoncello. I even like the wine menu presentation, as it shows on a map of Italy where the different varietals are from. Nice touch. The only item I wasn't super-impressed with was the margherita pizza. It just lacked any outstanding flavor. But I'm becoming kind of a pizza snob, so take that with a grain of salt. Go here tonight and eat bruschetta!!
(4)Shauna R.
I'm giving Zucca 2 stars only due to our server. We waited 1 hour to be seated, (by the door), food arrived cold, menu descriptions failed to clearly state what we received. Totally bummed, will never return.
(2)Kevin S.
Great food. Nice patio. The Suppli is awesome.
(5)Sarah H.
Tried to call to order some food to pick up and was placed on hold for 12 minutes before I gave up and hung up. I don't know where in the world that is considered an acceptable hold time, someone should have taken my name and number and offered to call me back. I had tried this place when they first opened and remember the food being decent but the service being TERRIBLE. Guess that hasn't changed. Figured I would give them another shot, but I guess not.
(2)Peter T.
Solid. Very solid. Server was knowledgeable, friendly and attentive. She timed her check-ins with us perfectly. We had a great appetizer and meal and the drinks were spot on. Add to the fact that it was affordable and I am sold. Really nice date night option for you and your significant other. Will return for sure.
(4)M M.
Just getting warmed up, 1st week in business. Friendly and attentive staff. Like their sister restaurant the Huckleberry, it may take a while to dial in the menu items of choice. Good Calamari, maybe a little tough but the alla Diavolo spices were interesting. My Linguini Vongole was a little too garlicly and salty. The Fettuccini alla Bosco was pretty tasty. I expect to add a star once they get going, ambitious menu could take a while to have fully practiced.
(3)Lesley N.
What a fantastic dining experience. Started with a drink and apps at the bar. The calamari was definitely a huge hit, some of the best I've ever had. Dinner was elegant, delicious, very reasonably priced and the excellent service completed the experience! This is our new favorite restaurant!!
(5)CE N.
Love this place! Also owned by the same people as The Huckleberry and The Boulder Tea House. Always accommodate the dairy allergy in our family. It is in a great location on Main Street. Feels high end but the prices are reasonable.
(4)Mary D.
My favorite Italian restaurant in downtown Louisville. The happy hour is excellent - reasonable and tasty food, cocktails and wine. The interior decor very warm and cozy - reminiscent of a restaurants in Italy. There's a nice room that can be closed off for private events. Entrees and pizzas are generous and authentic. The pizza is in the Roman style - very thin, crackery crust.
(5)Morgan B.
We really enjoy this new Louisville gem, although the hostesses could use some work. Whenever we arrive we are told a wait time that is incredibly over or under the actual time it takes. Even when we call to pick up food, they are short, don't give any details (like cost or pick up time) and hang up before we can ask. Other then them, the food is great and the atmosphere very welcoming. The food is really adventurous, so if you are unsure you'll like something, order something different. But be sure to order the goat cheese balls! Yum!
(4)Bonnie R.
I wish I'd consulted Yelp before making reservations for our first experience at Zucca; I didn't realize it's a "kid friendly" restaurant., as is plainly listed above. Shortly after our cocktails arrived this evening, my dining partner and I began to hear the shrieks of a disgruntled toddler issuing from the adjacent room. Eventually the atmosphere became so unpleasant that we asked the staff to address the child's caretaker. Staff seemed confused, conflicted, unable, and ultimately unwilling to address the situation. When the shreiking finally became unbearable to us, the manageress smuggly accommodated our request to box up our dinner so that, ironically, WE could leave the premises. The fare at Zucca (albeit now cold) is delicious and a solid value. If you appreciate thoughtfully prepared, quality cuisine and don't mind deaing with the under-three crowd (or perhaps have a noisy brood of your own), thiis is the place for you! Should you be planning a romantic date or just wishing a relaxing evening out, go elsewhere.
(2)Connie R.
I really wanted to like this place. We went when it first opened and then again four months later to give it a fair shot. The first time we ordered a couple of dishes to share. We got some kind of a seafood salad, which was left virtually untouched by both of us, due to the fact that it was greasy and unappetizing. When the waiter took it away, he didn't even ask if there was something wrong with it (with only four bites missing I'd have thought he would have asked). The second visit was slightly better (though the food was still under par) and we enjoyed sitting on the patio. Towards the end of the meal I decided to order a gin and tonic (not with any special gin), which was good, but I find $8.50 for a standard small gin and tonic to be a bit much. We have friends that like this place just fine, and we like to support local businesses, but with so many other wonderful restaurants on Main street, it will be a very long time before I give this one another shot.
(2)Matthew E.
Hostess did not know the happy hour special for thier 1 yr aniversary. Water girl said it ended at 6 PM Waitress only knew the drink special and did know the HH lasted till 7 but forgot all the food specials. Food was very very bland. I had Linguini al'Pescatore and it was basically a few noodles in a tomato sauce....
(2)Ward F.
Service was friendly and prompt, and made fantastic recommendations re: wine and appetizer. My dinner (lamb chops, risotto and warm tomato salad) was exceptional; well cooked and extremely nuanced flavors! Will absolutely be returning for a special occasion.
(5)debbie g.
We went to Zucca after the street fair tonight. We sat at the bar, we are bar people. David was our bartender, he was/is a nice guy, made me feel comfortable, I will come back. Also the food is wonderful, we had the calamari that is to die for....
(5)Ryssby R.
This restaurant is great! Cute restaurant. It can get really loud though when it is busy. The food is tasty and Fresh. At first you might think the proportion is small but when you Finnish your plate you realize it was perfect and quality food! Great waitstaff too.
(5)Stephanie J.
Great little Italian restaurant! The food was good, well seasoned, and fresh! Our server was awesome and very thoughtful. Not huge portions but just enough for you to enjoy the meal and not leave feeling like a bloated whale! Will be returning with guests!
(5)Nory B.
Nice outdoor seating--much better than inside! Got here at 5:30 on Friday--still a few tables outside, but they were all gone before 6, so come early! Service was fairly crisp--we had drinks, appetizers and entrees with espresso and brandy and we're done by 6:45. Cesaer salad came out perfect with light dressing as requested--yay! Most salads are very overdressed. Parmesan fried zucchini was the only minor disappointment--there was mostly breadcrumbs, little Parmesan in the coating. The Basilico drink(vodka, basil, house made limoncello) was YUMMY! The zucchini polenta entree was tasty, as was the capellini. Good service, good food--we'll be back!
(4)Donna C.
Good food. Service is on the slow side and it's a little pricey, I'd say 2.5 $ if that were an option. We took our 2 kids (9 and 12) and it was fine for them but overall a pretty high bill for ok Italian food.
(3)Brian W.
Surprisingly decent Italian food. Handmade pastas are great, the duck is just as good... wasn't quite as impressed by the lamb, but that was solid as well. Bread was only okay, but who goes for the bread? Outdoor seating is packed on a beautiful summer evening, but the inside had ample tables available and service just attentive enough to rate as above average. Only thing that I skipped was the fish special, which was escolar... I know my party was fine, but while I love almost all fish, and this one was presented exquisitely, I prefer to avoid the side effects, which they don't mention at all...
(4)Ben K.
Zucca Italian Ristorante has established itself as my go to for fine dinning in Louisville; the food is great, and the outdoor seating/atmosphere, facing Louisville's main street, offers a refreshing chance to embrace all the quaint town has to offer (at least when the suns out). After a bike trek from Boulder, my bike bro and I found ourselves in need of some sustenance and seating: Zucca. We arrived a few minutes after close, but the hostess was nice enough to offer Lunch anyway, securing us a nice spot on the outdoor patio under an umbrella. The patio is an ideal spot for relaxations, there are variety of tables with umbrellas set up cozily around the entrance looking onto main street, and the low-key hustle of downtown Louisville ( I took the umbrella down and received a nice roasting from the afternoon sun - it felt great). The server brought out a generous serving of bread accompanied by some olive oil and vinegar, then took our orders: the mixed green salad, risotto cheese balls, and their classic spaghetti marinara. All of the food was great. The bread was coated with salt and pepper (and maybe a garlic seasoning). Shortly after, our server delivered our salads followed by the risotto balls. The mixed green salad would have been good had it not been for the pickled radishes - those took it to awesome. The Rissoto balls were served as a hearty portion of four fried balls of risotto, stuffed with cheese (Mozzerla?) and sausage, served atop some oil and vinegar - super tasty. To top it off the spaghetti was served with a traditional marinara and two huge and delicious meatballs. I couldn't help but finish everything on the table, a skeptical endeavor considering the impending ride back to Boulder. Despite the brick in my stomach, I made it home alright and was very glad to have stopped at Zucca.
(4)Sandrine H.
The setting is beautiful. The food is not that great. My last two experiences were quite disappointing: 1- the first time, we went for dessert and asked for the cappuccino creme brule. All it was, was coffee pudding. I returned it. 2- The second visit was with a group of friend, and I ordered the fish. It is an expensive dish and got it in a cold plate. The fish was cold, the mash potato was also cold, and no waiter came back to ask if we were satisfied. After about 30 minutes, someone finally came, and was sorry about this. We got free dessert, but all I wanted was a warm dish. I think the food quality is okay, not amazing for the price they want to charge.
(3)Rob D.
Good Food and a great Happy Hour.
(4)Scott M.
We have been to Zucca 20 times and have always had a great experience with the service and food. In fact, the owner is the nicest man and they have had what I consider the best bolognese. Until last night. Wife and I were experiencing our 16th wedding anniversary. Started off by ordering apps and the wait staff corrected my pronunciation in a snotty way. She was training a fellow waitress so maybe trying to show off. Same app was not very good so we didn't eat. It was obvious yet she definitely avoided discussing until my wife said something. My bolognese was good, wife did not care for her pasta and the service was annoying. She was not obviously rude but a definite attitude. First time I have tipped less than 20% in as long as I can remember. We just might not go back.
(2)Frank H.
Food is great and our recent server Janis was fantastic. Just another fun spot in Louisville.
(5)Lynn K.
Best happy hour in Louisville. Food is great. Happy hour menu changes, but it is always stellar. Staff is one of the best in town. Very kid friendly if you have them.
(4)Steven W.
We decided to try this place and it has its pros and cons. The service was excellent and the ambiance was nice but it seemed a bit loud. The calamari app was very good and the pasta mains were ok but just didn't have that certain something that makes you want to come back for more. Perhaps it just lacked enough spice to really keep me interested. Prices were reasonable for the setting and environment. Overall not a bad experience but just lacked that special something to make if a goto restaurant.
(3)Colleen K.
Best restaurant in Louisville by far. Portions are small for the price but it is worth it. Most restaurants in 'old town' leave much to be desired, but Zucca boasts fresh ingredients and delectable dishes. Don't waste your time with the cheaper pub fare. If you want a good meal in Louisville, go to Zucca.
(5)DeeDee B.
We've been to Zucca many times over the past few years and have a great experience every time. The food is always tasty and interesting, staff are always attentive and helpful, and they have a great happy hour - good prices on a variety of menu items. I'm not very fond of fried appetizers, so I rarely eat calamari. However, the calamari at Zucca is very tasty! - Our favorite restaurant in Louisville!
(5)Rene D.
Fabulous menu. Great service. Nice atmosphere. Lovely place for a romantic dinner out or fun with friends. I'll be back!
(5)Rob C.
The anti pasta was amazing! the spaghetti with duck meatballs were the best! loved the cheese cake! 5 stars!
(5)Liz M.
Super disappointing meal. We started with some olives and risotto balls. The olives were great although I found it weird there was a whole piece of garlic that had not been marinated very long... It was still hard and so fresh it made me tear up. The risotto balls were a little boring but the breading was nice and light and they weren't greasy. My boyfriend got some boar pasta that was decent but he got 3 pieces of bone in it... Big pieces. Good thing he has strong teeth. I got the capellini. The sauce was thin and watery, not creamy at all like a carbonara should be. The noodles had an undercooked ramen consistency. Either someone really messed up the pasta dough or they were frozen noodles. Not good for a place that is supposed to have fresh pasta. I'm fairly certain that the peas were from a frozen bag and the baby artichoke hearts were just from a jar. Between the bad noodles and the frozen peas and the flavor of that watery sauce it really really reminded me of cup o noodles. I couldn't bring myself to eat it. They replaced it with the vodka sauce which was definitely better. It wasn't anything too special but tasty. Some of the noodles were stuck together in a thick mess and were obviously not fresh but at least I left full. Pros: the manager came over to ask us what specifically was wrong so she could tell the cooks and all of the entrees were comped. Our server was lovely. The bread was fresh and delicious. Won't be back
(2)Andrew F.
Wonderful experience eating here. Great service! Kat did a great job with our table of 8. She gave great recommendations as well. I have to say the pork was one the best I've had. Also have to agree with some of the other reviews that the portions were a bit smaller than I expected. Other than that it was a great dinner.
(4)Jonathan S.
I've been here once for lunch and once for dinner. The best way I can describe it is consistently mediocre. I've had to wait around by an abandoned host stand while staff mill about when its already been acknowledged that all I need is a table wiped down and a check cleared from the previous party. My girlfriend and I find the food unexciting and generally underwhelming despite the attractive sounding menu descriptions. This evening's experience included vodka fettuccine that was under-seasoned and a pork dish that was oversalted. I remember similar experiences from the previous visit though I thought they deserved another chance to prove themselves. My conclusion is that it's just not worth my money and that there are better spots in Louisville. If you've never tried Via Toscana I recommend you start there. If Indian suits you try Taj Mahal III. Both are very good.
(3)Lee S.
Typical Louisville overpriced mediocre restaurant. The Calamari is inedible, over cooked and over spiced. If it wasn't so tough you might be able to taste it but it's over spiced with green chilies to the point that you couldn't taste it anyway. On top of that the charged $10 for a glass of "house wine". Louisville is losing its appeal, it's almost like the establishments have gotten full of themselves and figure the local yupps will pay through the nose for crap. Oh yeah, the Caesar salad, dressing was way too creamy but they did spring for one (1) anchovy. Service was good, atmosphere is nice and they did comp me the calamari as I really couldn't eat it, trust me I tried. If you're into Nuevo Italian have at it, pretentious as hell.
(2)Electra L.
This is the best Italian place around and my husband's favorite Italian restaurant in CO. They have a fabulous happy hour (the drinks could be better but the food, for the price, is fantastic). We go to Zucca more than we probably should. Favorites include the Calamari and risotto balls for appetizers and any of the pasta dishes. The atmosphere is lovely (it can get loud during peak hours) and the service is always great. Love this place!
(5)Brandon N.
Amazing atmosphere, excellent food, and tasty drinks. I highly recommend the crab ravioli or the NY Strip! A must visit. Boom!
(5)Alison B.
My husband and I have eaten here twice. Both times were not on peak times (i.e. Friday/Sat night dinner), but the service was great. I read a recent bad review about the calamari, which was surprising - ours was the best calamari we'd ever had anywhere. Entrees were cooked well and delicious both times. We will be going back.
(5)Kimberly G.
Great friendly staff. Food had great presentation. For a friday nite at 1700, bar was busy however we were seated right away. Waitstaff was friendly & explained all the options. Had daily special, lavendar/honey geloto was so light and refreshing. Carloni was so rich I was glad we had espresso. Portions were generous and I went home with lunch. Local sausage, mushroom penne in tomatoe sauce. We will be back again. As we left the line had gotten larger, patio was full as well as the dining rooms.
(5)JF C.
The food here is wonderful. Their meatball appetizer is a must-have. If you like pasta, their homemade pastas and sauces will blow you away
(5)Alia Z.
Another sister restaurant to Dushanbe, Huckleberry, and others by Three Leaf concepts. Very fresh ingredients, seasonal menu that rides the line of not too big and not too small perfectly, and some interesting dishes. I had their Polenta Zucchini Parmesan, which was very rich. Oleg tried their half chicken, a very juicy dish with delicious white beans soaked in the chicken juice.
(4)Veronique C.
A nice neighborhood Italian restaurant. The place is a little loud though and I would say the portions on the small side considering the price (especially on some of the appetizers (Gnudi for example, which is otherwise very good). But I definitively recommend Zucca.
(4)Malissa M.
Happy hour: $4 drinks, a decent pour. Bruschetta: nice, 2 piece with artichoke n fava bean puree , needed garlic or something to pop the Flavors, $4 Risotto balls with spicy sausage n cheese needed spice. Sausage was mild. 3 decent pieces $4 For our entrees B had the porterhouse pork chop, it came out perfectly cooked to the requested med rare and the mustard sauce worked perfectly. I had the seafood pasta special of the night and again thought it needed some lemon and garlic to pop. All in all we had 1 cocktail each, 2 happy hour apps and 2 entrees for around $60. For Boulder prices that is pretty good.
(3)Danny B.
Our waiter was new he said but for that small short coming every thing was excellent. To apps and wine very fine. Entrees were killer. Trout, chicken, pastas A little spendy but the food made you forget that . Yep I would go again
(5)George W.
Best chicken parmasian in the world! Been there several times and it's my favorite. Not the usual thickly breaded chicken, with a slice of cheese. This is thoughtfully created, and a one-of-kind.
(5)Cormac M.
Very good Italian food. Portions are not huge but quality always is. Enjoy Lasagne there anytime I go and Calamari is always good.
(4)Mike R.
This place is so good. I have never had a bad meal here and the staff is always on point. This is the best Italian food in the Louisville/Lafayette area!
(5)Kai C.
I have been to Zucca several times, first when it opened...the food was absolutely terrible. The pizza was like tomato sauce on saltine crackers, and the pasta was cold and sauce too salty. Have been back several times to give them another chance. Each time something was wrong, either too bland or too salty. Insult to injury, they do not take reservations over the weekend. We have out of town visitors from SF and I tried to make a reservation for 4 on Saturday. They refused. For a small town eatery with a bad US economy, they sure know how to turn people away. The owners should get off their high horse and pay attention to the residents of Louisville, who are their customers. I made reservations at Parma , a newly open Italian restaurant in Louisville. They were happy to take my reservation, plus the food is very good. I will sure my friends in town will learn about this incident.
(1)Donna F.
We've been a few times previously, and went for Valentine's dinner. It was a prix fixe menu, and it was pretty genius. The selections varied nicely, and were perfectly executed. Portions fine, not too big which is something I really dislike. We got the wine flights that went with each course and the matching was perfect. Service was excellent too.
(5)Bob W.
Very nice food, at what I think are reasonable prices. Service is excellent. The building seems to be an old house, which gives it a kind of country-inn feeling. And the neighborhood is the charming old downtown section of Louisville, which seems like a quaint midwestern small town. However the building this restaurant is in seems to have been lifted directly out of southern California, with the stucco walls and red-tiled roof. The reasons I did not give it the full 5 stars are: (1) It's noisy. Really noisy. Not a relaxing place at all. (2) No chicken piccata on the menu. (3) The bread brought to the table at the beginning was hard as a rock. The olive oil served couldn't save it. Literally, the bread was inedible. Other than that everything was fine. Portions served are on the small side, but it's refreshing to go to an Italian restaurant that doesn't burden you with a huge pile of pasta on the side. They give you just a small amount of pasta, to complement your entreé. To me it's just right, but if you're looking just to chow down on a huge platter of spaghetti this is not the place for that.
(4)Stan D.
We didn't stop in here because we planned to. We just got lucky. From the outside, one might easily walk right past this place, but the inside is pretty nice. We liked the way it was decorated - very tastefully with an Italian flair - and we liked that it was clean, and well kept, but therein lies the fatal flaw. All of the surfaces, the floors, the walls, and the ceiling were hard. That means that sounds echo easily, and it gets noisy very fast. When we were there for lunch, it was near their closing time, (they have limited lunch hours, only serving from 11:30 to 2:00), so there weren't many people there. There was one table of four that was just finishing their meal, and enjoying light conversation. I do not think they were too loud, but, when one lady started laughing, I seriously could not hear what my wife was saying to the waitress, and both were standing right next to me. Just that much noise actually hurt my ears, and was enough to make me think I didn't want to be in there in the evening when the place was really busy, and really noisy. If, however, noise is not a problem for you, the food is really good. One thing to really like about this place is that they use locally grown products. This restaurant is one of the restaurants of "Three Leaf Concepts" management team, which, by chance, is the same management team that operates our favorite vegetarian restaurant, "Leaf," in Boulder. I do not know how they get locally grown products this time of year, or that all of the vegetables were entirely locally grown, but that salad tasted "Summer" fresh to us. We shared the large, "Misto," salad, and could not have been happier. For our entree, we shared the "Funghi e Zucca" pizza, and it was delightful. My wife was surprised I wanted that one because I prefer tomato sauce on my pizza, but this one with a garlic cream sauce instead, was a treat to my taste buds. Not only was the crust perfect, and the sauce great, but the whole pizza was a symphony of flavors and textures comparable to few I've ever enjoyed. I would definitely recommend this place and this pizza to friends, and I will dine here again when I am in Louisville, even though I probably will avoid it at night if it's as noisy as I suspect. After things quieted down, we enjoyed our entire meal, including the wine. We had a bottle of their least expensive red wine of the north, and found it to be a perfect accompaniment to that dinner, even though most probably wouldn't make the pairing we did. If it's not to noisy, give it a try. I think you'll find this place to be every bit as good as "Leaf" in Boulder, except with a different menu.
(5)Shalon A.
We really enjoy this place for happy hour. Great prices and the food never disappoints. On our most recent trip, the staff was really accommodating as we had our 6 month old baby with us. They certainly didn't care and just wanted us to be comfortable. One of our go-to places for happy hour. And, of course, their dinner is wonderful as well!
(5)J K.
Another great downtown Louisville restaurant. In the summer it's beautiful up and down Main Street, with most of the restaurants with outside seating. Zucca has a great Happy Hour. You can get wine and appetizers to share and go home happy. Perfect place to relax after work. Have been there with only one other, with a party of 12 and with numbers in between--on all occasions the staff was friendly and efficient, the food delicious.
(5)Cara H.
If you are in driving distance to Zucca, stop what you are doing and go there immediately. I loved everything about this place - food, service, ambiance and on and on. Just an amazing place for a delicious, authentic, fresh made Italian meal!!!
(5)Tae S.
CALAMARI!!! Dare I say this is the best calamari I have eaten. It was just the right about of crispiness and that sauce OMG!!! I did not even share with my friend it was a shame.. I was a greedy gut all the way. I had the Fettuccine alla Vodka Rustica, very balance vodka sauce and Italian sausage and I liked it.
(4)Paul C.
One of our favorite places and it's almost always excellent. The "almost" qualifier is why I gave them four stars and not five. The vast majority of the time the service and food are outstanding. We've been there a couple of times when the service seemed distracted and/or the food less than their usual excellent standard. The menu is not your usual italian fare but the favorites are still there. Experiment with something new and you won't be disappointed. One thing to be aware of is that the restaurant can be a bit loud on busy occasions. Would I recommend it? Yes, absolutely. If they seem a bit out of sorts that evening then go elsewhere and give them a try another time. There are plenty of cool places in Louisville to choose from.
(4)Lisa J.
This is a cute spot on the main street of Louisville. Great for people watching and solid italian food. I had soup and chicken parm- nothing blew my mind but it was all yummy. The server was so fantastic and attentive- she's the reason I'm upping my review to 4 stars.
(4)Sarah G.
The food was good. Some of it REALLY good. The sweet potato gnocchi was wonderful, the calamari had little peperoncinis in it and was outstanding, and the ravioli di zucca was easily what I would order next time. The vegetable lasagna was pretty good, but a wee bit on the bland side. Good atmostphere -- it's cute, and everyone seemed very nice. The waitress was competent, but a little flighty (she forgot to ask what the pizza of the day was, and dropped someone's signed credit card slip next to our table without noticing). I liked it and think it would be worth going back.
(4)Delery G.
Service was decent; took a little to get the bartenders attention Even though it looked as though the manager saw us come in and Sit at the bar for several minutes before we were greeted. Really enjoyed the Suppli de Telefono, but the other Happy Hour dishes Fell way short on flavors. They don't skimp on portion size though! Will most likely go back to see if the normal menu Is a little tastier...
(3)John K.
I'm pretty sure there aren't enough kind word for me to find to describe how good this place is. Everything tastes....FRESH! You gotta love a place that serves the food described on the menu....and by that I mean, when it says it comes with vegetables, they actually give you VEGETABLES and aren't stingy about it. Creative dishes.....tons of flavor and just overall great meal. Thanks Zucca. We'll be back for sure!!!
(5)John B.
I'll keep this short and sweet: Pasta Marinara, Pasta Bolognese, and Cannoli are the three barometers that I use to judge the quality of an Italian Restaurant. Having grown-up in a rather large Italian Family in Western NY & dinning on Nana's home-made pasta every Sunday, I'd like to think I can separate the wheat from the chaff when it comes to the "real thing". The Bolognese dish that I ordered with the home-made pasta was the best that I've ever had! Period! Better than any Bolognese I've had in Cali, London, Italy, & NYC including Nana's house (sorry nana, don't be angry with me, I still love you! I bet you're rockin the pasta on the other-side like there's no tomorrow. ;) ) The only complaint I had was the portion size; for $15 I would have expected a tad bit more than a 4-tablespoon sized portion, seriously. It was torture. Pasta this good should be doled-out in portions large enough that there will be some left-over for a doggy bag out the door. Darn you Zucca! ;) In all seriousness, you've created a masterpiece of a dish here that will keep me coming back for years to come, and for that I say: Grazie zucca ristorante italiano per fare la mia danza tastbuds con gioia!
(5)Renu D.
Cannelloni al Frutti Di Mare - Stole my heart. It's as perfect as perfect can be. Exceptionally executed dish. The flavors are robust and fresh. Beautifully presented. Trota - Crisp and cooked to perfection and served with perfectly cooked risotto. Delicioso!! La Zuppa del Giorno - Must try .. these change .. and the one we had was roasted pepper and potato. Flavorful and full bodied. If that doesn't say I am a fan, let me add that I absolutely adore the cute as a button exterior, quaint setting and fabulous service!!
(4)Jennifer B.
Nice ambiance, attentive staff. Their happy hour menu and prices are wonderful! You can't go wrong with the white wine, meatball sliders, or pizza. They were very accommodating with our kids' meals that weren't exactly on the menu. I'd recommend Zucca for date night, families or a business meal.
(4)Eloise P.
Good food, good happy hour, poppy seed brown butter sauce was really weird, but beet filling in the pasta appetizer was good as was the chicken entree. Stephanie gave great service, very friendly.
(5)Chris F.
Service and atmosphere here are great! The food? Good, but a little underwhelming. Nothing stand out. Did not like the bruschetta. It's in a great part of town and has a lot of character. Go if you're with a group where conversation is going to be the focus.
(3)Hitashi D.
This was our first time, I was definitely impressed by their food, rustic ambiance and great service. Their cannelloni Pasta was fresh (as mentioned), sauce was delicious and totally worth it. We also ordered their thin crust pizza, it was good too. Pasta definitely scored my vote ! I am definitely going back. They have an outdoor patio seating, which is just lovely!
(4)Gregory P.
With Zucca we have finally found excellent Italian food in the wilds north of Denver. The basis of our comparison comes from living in both NY and Boston, were a good Italian restaurant is a fixture on nearly every block and the minimum level of competence for a restaurant to survive is quite high. We've been looking around here for several years. The location is nicely appointed, with a muted ambiance that, with the right companion, could easily turn romantic. Our server was attentive and friendly, and was quite familiar with the menu - a rarity, I've found. We started by sharing the calamari appetizer. Compared to other reviewers, we're not as ecstatic about it, but it was good. Be sure to mix in some of the "goop" (small tomatoes, small sliced pepperoncinis) with each bite; it's much better that way. Next time (and there definitely will be a next time) I'm going to skip the appetizer in favor of a salad, since - rarity of rarities! - their Caesar salad description proclaims that it actually (and correctly!) has white anchovies in it. I'm a fan and seldom find that anywhere. (I'm sure they would be willing to leave them out if you so choose.) We each had pasta as a main course - I the fettucini vodka-something with sausage, my wife the bow-tie pasta with crumbled sausage and mushrooms. They had distinctly different flavors, and both were truly excellent. The sausage in particular is very mildly spiced and firm; it was wonderful. They make their own pasta daily, and it shows. Neither sauce was heavy, and both were delightful. Unusually, we split a canoli for dessert - still very good. The French press coffee - pressed at the table, of course, with one serving yielding two cups - could have been more coarsely ground; substantial grounds were present in the pour, making that the only thing they did wrong. Maybe it's better when not decaf. Well done. A very enjoyable meal. This was also a trip in which we discovered Louisville's downtown area, which has a very nice atmosphere with lots of interesting shops and restaurants. We'll be there, and certainly at Zucca's, again. Finally, a Thank You! shout-out to the other Yelp reviewers. They lead us to a very enjoyable meal.
(4)Brandon F.
Absolutely the best experience I've had at an Italian restaurant! The service was on point and our server was very knowledgeable. The atmosphere was perfect for an anniversary dinner. The bread is quite tasty, so don't fill up too much on that alone. The highlight of my evening here was the special, manicotti, and it was amazing! Whichever cheeses they used worked perfectly and the pasta was just right as well. I hope they make it part of the regular menu because I will return quite frequently if that were the case. I wasn't impressed with the Suppli' al Telefono, it was a bit bland for my preferences, but it was interesting. I can't wait to go back and try more options!
(5)Julie B.
Great Happy Hour! I go here often and always have great food. The outdoor seating in the summer is nice. Attentive and friendly staff also.
(5)Amy G.
Just love this place. My gluten free daughter will actually eat their gluten free pasta. Huge Plus! I've never had such delicious calamari, and all in all, the charm of the place plus the quality of the food makes this one of my faves. Unfortunately, I did have one experience where my server upgraded every drink we ordered to top shelf without our knowledge or request, so the bill was way higher than expected. But that has never happened again.
(4)Jennifer G.
Zucca was a great experience. Been twice, had a lovely time during both visits. The most recent was for my birthday, we were seated promptly on the little patio, and they were kind enough to move the umbrella so the sun was blocked :) We had the cheese and salami plate and olives to start, everything was nicely presented and explained. I had the special, which was alright - I did not care for the tomato, and the carrot/cauliflower purée was good, but it didn't seem to go with the fish. We tried the gluten- free chocolate cake,with mascarpone gelato, and it was great. I they have a nice wine list, which we did not try, but I will be back again soon. Service was prompt, not too attentive but good enough, and we loved our corner table outside. Nice ambience inside.
(4)Rob G.
average food at best ours pasta dishes were both warm and had no flavor service very good. there are much better places to eat.
(3)Chrystal T.
Wow, this place was better than expected. First off, homemade rosemary focaccia, very tasty. We started with the calamari fritti with peperoncinis, cherry tomatoes, white balsamic sauce. Probably the best calamari I have had, simple but perfectly done. We also had a cup of the seasonal soup a cold cumcumber and tomato gazpacho with radish root, refreshing. I had the Fettuccine alla Vodka Rustica, very balance vodka sauce and good italian sausage. My husband had the Eggplant Parmigiana, slightly, different preparation with unique noodles, he says tender but not overcooked. Service was prompt, so not necessarily a leisurely dinning experience. Excellent, we will return
(4)Jen W.
Being a Jersey girl eating Italian food in Colorado- let me say this was a TREAT! The food was insanely good. The service- refreshingly prompt and thorough. You can tell they use quality food and to hear they have their own farm where they grow local produce was even more impressing. We had a quality meal- from start to finish (you have to try the desserts) on a beautiful outdoor patio. A true sensory experience! Bravo Zucca!
(5)Allison M.
Awesome. This place lives up to the hype. Had the pasta special - capellini, crumbled Italian sausage, arugula, tomato sauce, other delicious things - and was more than satisfied. The fresh local ingredients made a clear difference. And the calamari is just sheer brilliance. We used some of the leftover sauce for our bread. Oh, I also had the Aperol Spritz - Aperol, Lunetta Prosecco, grapefruit juice, and soda. Delicious! We'll be coming back for sure.
(4)Tram N.
My new favorite Italian restaurant. Our party tried the trout, chicken parm, and roasted chicken entrees. Absolutely phenomenal dishes. Also had the Icari Barbera for our wine, which was delicious. Try to sit in the bar so you can get Theron as your server. He also deserves all the credit for our incredible dining experience. His food menu suggestions were all spot-on and his service was impeccable.
(5)Chuck R.
This cute quaint Italian restaurant is a winner! Definitely a fan of their 4pm to 6pm happy hour 7 days a week. And the happy hour food menu items are scrumptious! We will definitely be back!
(4)Andre J.
Very nice ambiance in the heart of old town Louisville, with inviting decor and comfortable seating. The place feels open while still managing to be cozy. We went here for lunch and had the gnocchi with beets and greens, sausage and mozzarella risotto balls, misto salad, Caesar salad, grilled trout, and a mushroom and arugula pizza. All of the dishes were excellent, as was their artful presentation. My Caesar salad, which consisted of two romaine wedges, a single crostini slice, and an anchovy, was somewhat inconvenient to handle on its small plate and required a bit more "deconstructing" than I'm used to. But it tasted good so not a big deal. Otherwise we had a wonderful meal, our waitstaff were friendly and attentive, and the restrooms were good. Recommended.
(4)Max R.
No reservations unless 5+ people so hung out in the bar waiting. NOTE: The tables in the bar are actually reserved dining so you need to seat/stand at the bar and not at any of the tables. The table bread was average, which is to say mediocre ... typical of most restaurants Started with the Suppli al Telefono which was very good. Moist and good flavor, not like the dry breaded rice ball most restaurants try to pass off as a risotto ball. next was the Tritato salad which I call a hearty salad with the addition of the meat and meaty flavors. greens were fresh and the dressing did not overpower the taste nor was there too much dressing. Then I had the Bistecca which was prepared as ordered. medium rare. great combination of flavors and more fresh greens on the side. Dessert was the cannoli which was good. The downfall was that the shell tasted like it had been refrigerated for awhile so did not have the freshly-made crispness. will go back
(4)Neha S.
I really like the cute decor, location and the feel of the place. The food here is good. I like some dishes here but some didn't steal my heart. The calamari app. is good. Nice and crisp. Risotto balls appetizer was good the first time we had it but was over-salty the last time I tried them. In the main course, I loved the Trota: pan seared trout with risotto. The trout was huge, nicely seared and tasty. Canneloni di frutti di mare was bland. The lobster cream sauce didn't taste much like lobster at all and too creamy for my palate.The filling inside the canneloni was noting great and it had some salted cod in it which I didn't really like. Their veggie apps. are good too. Over all a A- place for the prices.The service is good and the wait-staff and manager are attentive.
(3)Mariano d.
Again, please, somebody establish a LAW, a Regulation something to protect and control the Italian's denomination of origin (I know there is no such a thing). Italian is not a restaurant killing (synonym of cooking in this case) pasta! Call them something else please!
(2)Jim B.
We have been here twice before, both sitting outside in summer. Circumstances tonight dictated that we go here due to some accident in the area, and could not reach our original choice. Seated promptly, hostess GREAT!. But our waiter, bad, just no attention to our needs. Did not check back if we needed anything, I did tell the hostess though that I wanted a second glass of wine, but somehow that got lost. So, I saved $9. Chicken Caccitore (spelling), lots and lots of large carrot slices, not cooked well, too hard, where was the chicken, a few mushrooms. bland taste. My wife had the trout, she said, it was okay. The best part was that it was about $57 and change. My wife left a $10 dollar bill. (We usually do tip 20% but tonight I would not have. Too many good Italian eateries around. It will be awhile before trying it again. Maybe next summer.
(3)Alyssa M.
After moving from Los Angeles a little under a year ago, we were on the prowl for good Italian food. Some neighbors brought us here once and we now come whenever we're craving Italian food. Along with really great, amazing, mouth-watering tasting food, the service is absolutely wonderful. Very rare to have 5 star food with a small town atmosphere and impeccable service.
(5)Brandon M.
Service is typically excellent, the food is fresh and delicious. Prices are reasonable. They have a great happy hour. It was a good find when we moved to Louisville.
(5)Wang S.
We went there late Monday night on labor day, it was really quiet. The service was really grand. David is very engaging, friendly and quiet knowledgable about the food. We had the three tree pasta and spaghetti alla marinara con salisiccia (splendid). The three tree pasta was light and hit the spot for an evening meal. By the way; Pumpkin cheesecake is to die for. Amazing night. Thank you! (it was our first time in)
(5)Marty D.
I could not believe the Chef sent my wife's plate out with spoiled food on it. Honestly, my wife's potatoes were literally spoiled and rancid. I was almost mad at her for asking me to taste the potatoes to verify. I was seriously paranoid that I was going to get food poisoning (we did not get food poisoning), it was that bad. The server and the chef agreed the potatoes were 'sour' and continued to handle the situation poorly. 10-15 minutes later risotto was plopped down in front of my wife after we were done eating. We were never asked what we wanted to replace the spoiled potatoes. I spoke with management days later and they graciously apologized and mailed us a credit of $12 (dessert for two). If this was my restaurant, and I sent out really, really bad food, and the situation was handled poorly, you better believe I would comp the customer their next dinner (no alcohol) to try and win them over. My wife and I eat out 2-3 times per week and Zucca will not be getting our business. Our server was nice and professional, but damn his breath smelled like he just ate a sh*t sandwich. Yes, this is a petty comment, but maybe he'll read this and carry some mints, or gum in the future. My wife's chicken was good and my pasta dish was tasty.
(1)Pork Chop H.
Ordered the fettucine seafood special while one tablemate had linguine alla vongole (w/ clams) and the other, pork chop with butternut squash and roasted potatoes. My entree was $18 and the circumference of the dish was about 6 inches wide. It was touted as being in a white wine butter sauce, but they should have called it a water sauce. There was no flavor whatsoever. No seafood flavor... the 4 shrimp and 6 tiny mussels were placed around the dish, like an afterthought. The noodles were handmade, yet didn't have a fresh, chewy dough texture. Instead, the noodles were kind of stale (not al dente) tasting. The pork chop was great (also $18) and was a ton of food in comparison. The linguine alla vongole also came in a tasteless water sauce. That was $16. What a rip. For an $18 entree, I could've gotten an AMAZING meal at Brasserie TenTen in downtown Boulder. Our server was okay... she kind of stayed her distance and our waters were pretty low until we were about to pay/leave. And earlier when she did refill our water, she dipped the napkin that was wrapped around the pitcher (but dangling below the bottom of the pitcher) into my pasta plate. Gross. Just really mediocre and with all the competition out there, not worth it at all.
(2)Near M.
Zucca is a pleasant addition to Louisville. We typically go to Zamparellis, but this will now be our go-to local Italian restaurant. We went for a late dinner on a Thursday evening. The restaurant wasn't busy, so service was courteous and prompt. I had an inspiring fresh pasta dish with lots of vegetables, pine nuts, and some non-traditional cheese. It was really good. We also had a fish dish that was also really nicely done with great flavors. The kids sausage pizza was equally good. The only downside was dessert - I've had better cannolis before (but I'm a native Italian New Yorker... so we make them completely fresh) and the coffee was okay, not terrific. It is the same price as Zamparellis, so we'll be coming here instead. In case you are Zamparelli regular, the benefits of Zucca are: 1. VEGETABLES!!!! You can have various vegetables (besides fried eggplant, sautéed spinach, and salads) in your pasta dish 2. MEAT & FISH!! Outside of the Christmas special, Zucca serves various meats and fish dishes 3. FRESH PASTA! Happiness is fresh, house made pasta! Just try it!! 4. Happy staff. Besides the guy with the persistent smile and the woman with black curly hair, the other staff at Zamparelli's looks mad most of the time. Three people served us during the course of the meal at Zucca and they all looked happy. The benefits of Zamparelli's: 1. Kid's night! The staff at Zamparelli's remind us whenever we go in when Kid's night is (Monday) so kid's can get free gelato. Zucca - please have a kids/family night of sorts!
(4)John M.
OK, So I have only been to Zucca once, but thus far I am a fan. I have a customer in downtown Louisville and this little place is a short walk from their office. The atmosphere is nice but not too small, the service was stellar and the salsiccia pasta was awesome. Antipasto was very nice as well, with fresh capers/proscioutto/blue cheese. Very frufru for Louisville, but I didnt care.
(3)Lou S.
One word, amazing! Jorge (Sous Chef) rocked the Halibut. Farm fresh green beans, purple finger potatoes, cherry tomatoes & artichokes were ridiculously delicious. Staff was incredibly friendly and service impeccable. We'll be back soon.
(5)Vanessa S.
My first trip to Zucca was amazing! The atmosphere was subdued and the tables were set up to allow a decent amount of privacy. Their cocktail menu was extensive and pretty creative with the options. We skipped the appetizers, but they do serve bread and a tomato/olive oil dipping sauce that was excellent. I had the linguine with clams (which can be very hit or miss) and he had the veal (ditto). I was extremely impressed with the quality of both. Mine had whole steamed clams in shell as well as mixed into the pasta with just the right amount of garlic and herbs. The veal was expertly prepared and the side dishes, salad and cauliflower soup were wonderful. The waitress did comment that the new chef had done great things for both dishes and I have to agree. I loved the service, the food and the ambiance. It wasn't cheap but not too expensive either. I think we spent $100 with tip for dinner, sides and cocktails. For a celebratory night out, this place is perfect! I'm excited for a chance to sit out on the patio and watch Louisville pass by!
(5)Dave C.
We heard so many fantastic stories about how Louisville used to be the place to go for old school Italian food. After eating at the Blue Parrot (horrible) we thought we'd stay away from Louisville. However we were driving home and saw the positive review of Zucca on Yelp and thought we'd give them a try. We were very pleased with the entire meal save the time it took to be served. I will say that we got there at 4:45pm so it was understandable that the kitchen wasn't running at 100%. We ordered the pizza for the kids, my wife had a shrimp dish and I went with my normal 1st meal at any Italian place....Chicken Parm. We didn't wait long for the bread which was quite tasty. Then they brought us a small appetizer the chef prepared. A few minutes later the pizza for the kids arrived which they gobbled up. Then it took over 30 minutes for our entrees to come out. If it were just my wife and I it would've been fine, but sitting at a table with a 7 and 3 year old for that long tried our patience. The food was 4-star but I can only give the overall rating of 3-stars as we waiting so long for our meal. We will be back without the kids.
(3)Globemaster S.
Calamari to die for! Zucca is doing everything right. The chef is passionate about the food and this will be obvious when you receive your plate. Inside Zucca you'll see clean and fresh settings with nice wood accents. If you're able, ask for the table by the fireplace... Good luck as it's a popular one for romantic dates. The staff is absolutely wonderful. Happy Hour specials are excellent. Regular dinners are fresh and innovative with the heart of real Italy. We've been numerous times and they've never let us down. I recommend Zucca without reservation. If you get there in time for Happy Hour try the Calamari and the Basilica drink.
(5)Frank E.
Tried it for the first time tonight. 5/4/12. Terrific! Really had a wonderful meal. One of the best dinners I've had in a long while. Highly recommend.
(4)Gordon F.
I was coming out to Boulder for a project about once a month and I always had at least one dinner at Zucca's. The food is excellent and I highly recommend the Grilled Trout. This is real Italian cuisine paired with a wide selection of Italian wines. Their staff are friendly and knowledgeable.
(5)John L.
As far as eat-in Italian goes.. this is the best in Louisville. The place is classy and warm, the food is mind boggling good. I had the pizza and loved all of it. My wife the Mahi Tuna.. this place is out of this world and well worth the value.
(5)Adam M.
I have now been here a handful of times, and each time was excellent, making this officially one of my favorite places to eat on Old Main Street. If you are a garlic lover, you must try the bruschetta. The tomatoes are so olive-oily and refreshing, and the garlic and herbs explode in your mouth. Literally EXPLODE. The vegetable lasagna is very unique, using a smoked mozzarella that is incredibly rich and satisfying. There is a nice cocktail menu highlighted by the use of homemade limoncello. I even like the wine menu presentation, as it shows on a map of Italy where the different varietals are from. Nice touch. The only item I wasn't super-impressed with was the margherita pizza. It just lacked any outstanding flavor. But I'm becoming kind of a pizza snob, so take that with a grain of salt. Go here tonight and eat bruschetta!!
(4)Shauna R.
I'm giving Zucca 2 stars only due to our server. We waited 1 hour to be seated, (by the door), food arrived cold, menu descriptions failed to clearly state what we received. Totally bummed, will never return.
(2)Kevin S.
Great food. Nice patio. The Suppli is awesome.
(5)Sarah H.
Tried to call to order some food to pick up and was placed on hold for 12 minutes before I gave up and hung up. I don't know where in the world that is considered an acceptable hold time, someone should have taken my name and number and offered to call me back. I had tried this place when they first opened and remember the food being decent but the service being TERRIBLE. Guess that hasn't changed. Figured I would give them another shot, but I guess not.
(2)Peter T.
Solid. Very solid. Server was knowledgeable, friendly and attentive. She timed her check-ins with us perfectly. We had a great appetizer and meal and the drinks were spot on. Add to the fact that it was affordable and I am sold. Really nice date night option for you and your significant other. Will return for sure.
(4)M M.
Just getting warmed up, 1st week in business. Friendly and attentive staff. Like their sister restaurant the Huckleberry, it may take a while to dial in the menu items of choice. Good Calamari, maybe a little tough but the alla Diavolo spices were interesting. My Linguini Vongole was a little too garlicly and salty. The Fettuccini alla Bosco was pretty tasty. I expect to add a star once they get going, ambitious menu could take a while to have fully practiced.
(3)Lesley N.
What a fantastic dining experience. Started with a drink and apps at the bar. The calamari was definitely a huge hit, some of the best I've ever had. Dinner was elegant, delicious, very reasonably priced and the excellent service completed the experience! This is our new favorite restaurant!!
(5)CE N.
Love this place! Also owned by the same people as The Huckleberry and The Boulder Tea House. Always accommodate the dairy allergy in our family. It is in a great location on Main Street. Feels high end but the prices are reasonable.
(4)Mary D.
My favorite Italian restaurant in downtown Louisville. The happy hour is excellent - reasonable and tasty food, cocktails and wine. The interior decor very warm and cozy - reminiscent of a restaurants in Italy. There's a nice room that can be closed off for private events. Entrees and pizzas are generous and authentic. The pizza is in the Roman style - very thin, crackery crust.
(5)Morgan B.
We really enjoy this new Louisville gem, although the hostesses could use some work. Whenever we arrive we are told a wait time that is incredibly over or under the actual time it takes. Even when we call to pick up food, they are short, don't give any details (like cost or pick up time) and hang up before we can ask. Other then them, the food is great and the atmosphere very welcoming. The food is really adventurous, so if you are unsure you'll like something, order something different. But be sure to order the goat cheese balls! Yum!
(4)Bonnie R.
I wish I'd consulted Yelp before making reservations for our first experience at Zucca; I didn't realize it's a "kid friendly" restaurant., as is plainly listed above. Shortly after our cocktails arrived this evening, my dining partner and I began to hear the shrieks of a disgruntled toddler issuing from the adjacent room. Eventually the atmosphere became so unpleasant that we asked the staff to address the child's caretaker. Staff seemed confused, conflicted, unable, and ultimately unwilling to address the situation. When the shreiking finally became unbearable to us, the manageress smuggly accommodated our request to box up our dinner so that, ironically, WE could leave the premises. The fare at Zucca (albeit now cold) is delicious and a solid value. If you appreciate thoughtfully prepared, quality cuisine and don't mind deaing with the under-three crowd (or perhaps have a noisy brood of your own), thiis is the place for you! Should you be planning a romantic date or just wishing a relaxing evening out, go elsewhere.
(2)Connie R.
I really wanted to like this place. We went when it first opened and then again four months later to give it a fair shot. The first time we ordered a couple of dishes to share. We got some kind of a seafood salad, which was left virtually untouched by both of us, due to the fact that it was greasy and unappetizing. When the waiter took it away, he didn't even ask if there was something wrong with it (with only four bites missing I'd have thought he would have asked). The second visit was slightly better (though the food was still under par) and we enjoyed sitting on the patio. Towards the end of the meal I decided to order a gin and tonic (not with any special gin), which was good, but I find $8.50 for a standard small gin and tonic to be a bit much. We have friends that like this place just fine, and we like to support local businesses, but with so many other wonderful restaurants on Main street, it will be a very long time before I give this one another shot.
(2)Matthew E.
Hostess did not know the happy hour special for thier 1 yr aniversary. Water girl said it ended at 6 PM Waitress only knew the drink special and did know the HH lasted till 7 but forgot all the food specials. Food was very very bland. I had Linguini al'Pescatore and it was basically a few noodles in a tomato sauce....
(2)Ward F.
Service was friendly and prompt, and made fantastic recommendations re: wine and appetizer. My dinner (lamb chops, risotto and warm tomato salad) was exceptional; well cooked and extremely nuanced flavors! Will absolutely be returning for a special occasion.
(5)debbie g.
We went to Zucca after the street fair tonight. We sat at the bar, we are bar people. David was our bartender, he was/is a nice guy, made me feel comfortable, I will come back. Also the food is wonderful, we had the calamari that is to die for....
(5)Ryssby R.
This restaurant is great! Cute restaurant. It can get really loud though when it is busy. The food is tasty and Fresh. At first you might think the proportion is small but when you Finnish your plate you realize it was perfect and quality food! Great waitstaff too.
(5)Aaron O.
Zucca is a great, local date restaurant. You get amazing food for prices. The staff is very welcoming, knowledgeable, and friendly. The veal is amazing, as well as the prosciutto wrapped cod. The daily specials are great. The atmosphere is great, lots of quiet little tables. Overall a great place for dinner and lunch.
(4)Matt J.
Very nice food, wine selection! We will certainly go back for more!
(4)Jackie M.
We sat on the patio this weekend and enjoyed fabulous happy hour appetizers and drinks. Service was great and so was the food and atmosphere. I can't wait to come back and try the dinner menu!
(5)Elmo G.
After the Street Faire stopped in for a beer and calamari, it is very good and the service was great at the bar. Good time!
(4)Michael L.
Can't agree more with Michelle M. Very good food, nice selection of appetizers, wines, mixed drinks, pasta, entrees and deserts. Attentive service in a nice atmosphere. We found the flavors authentic, fresh, well balanced, and enjoyable. All had a very homemade taste. Prices were very reasonable for the portions and quality of our meals. We will definitely be making Zucca a regular stop.
(5)Roxanne B.
Zucca's is in Louisville, about 15 minutes east of Boulder, one of the premier foodie towns in America, according to Bon Appetit, and it can stand with the best of them. Service was warm, kind, friendly, and professional. Food was exceptional. The Colorado lamb made me weep. Zucca's has a relationship with an excellent local organic farm that provides it with delicious vegetables. The pasta creations are inspired. We can't wait to go back.
(5)Michelle A.
Had our first dinner here last summer and sat outside. The food was awesome, the waiter funny, and our dessert amazing. Tonight we didn't feel like going out, so we ordered in. After ordering on the phone, I was told it would be ready in 15 minutes (which it was!) we brought our food home in reusable containers and it was delicious, warm and not mushy as some take out food can be. So happy there is a quality Italian restaurant with affordable prices so close to home!
(4)M O.
My new favorite restaurant in Louisville. I've had four or five dinners here now, and every one has been wonderful.
(5)Mick S.
We are from Southern California visiting my in-laws in Louisville and went Sunday night. The meal was outstanding, the wait staff friendly and accommodating. We will definitely return the next time we are in town.
(4)Joyce K.
Went for lunch . I had the speghetti and meatballs and my husband ordered the chicken marsala. My speghetti was cooked perfectly and the sauce was unusual but delicious. The meatballs were good but not exceptional. I couldn't stop eating this dish and was stuffed when I left. The chicken marsala was tender and extremely tasty. Our waitress was friendly and attentive. A good find!
(4)Jim B.
We have been here twice before, both sitting outside in summer. Circumstances tonight dictated that we go here due to some accident in the area, and could not reach our original choice. Seated promptly, hostess GREAT!. But our waiter, bad, just no attention to our needs. Did not check back if we needed anything, I did tell the hostess though that I wanted a second glass of wine, but somehow that got lost. So, I saved $9. Chicken Caccitore (spelling), lots and lots of large carrot slices, not cooked well, too hard, where was the chicken, a few mushrooms. bland taste. My wife had the trout, she said, it was okay. The best part was that it was about $57 and change. My wife left a $10 dollar bill. (We usually do tip 20% but tonight I would not have. Too many good Italian eateries around. It will be awhile before trying it again. Maybe next summer.
(3)Alyssa M.
After moving from Los Angeles a little under a year ago, we were on the prowl for good Italian food. Some neighbors brought us here once and we now come whenever we're craving Italian food. Along with really great, amazing, mouth-watering tasting food, the service is absolutely wonderful. Very rare to have 5 star food with a small town atmosphere and impeccable service.
(5)Brandon M.
Service is typically excellent, the food is fresh and delicious. Prices are reasonable. They have a great happy hour. It was a good find when we moved to Louisville.
(5)Wang S.
We went there late Monday night on labor day, it was really quiet. The service was really grand. David is very engaging, friendly and quiet knowledgable about the food. We had the three tree pasta and spaghetti alla marinara con salisiccia (splendid). The three tree pasta was light and hit the spot for an evening meal. By the way; Pumpkin cheesecake is to die for. Amazing night. Thank you! (it was our first time in)
(5)Aaron O.
Zucca is a great, local date restaurant. You get amazing food for prices. The staff is very welcoming, knowledgeable, and friendly. The veal is amazing, as well as the prosciutto wrapped cod. The daily specials are great. The atmosphere is great, lots of quiet little tables. Overall a great place for dinner and lunch.
(4)Matt J.
Very nice food, wine selection! We will certainly go back for more!
(4)Jackie M.
We sat on the patio this weekend and enjoyed fabulous happy hour appetizers and drinks. Service was great and so was the food and atmosphere. I can't wait to come back and try the dinner menu!
(5)Frank E.
Tried it for the first time tonight. 5/4/12. Terrific! Really had a wonderful meal. One of the best dinners I've had in a long while. Highly recommend.
(4)Gordon F.
I was coming out to Boulder for a project about once a month and I always had at least one dinner at Zucca's. The food is excellent and I highly recommend the Grilled Trout. This is real Italian cuisine paired with a wide selection of Italian wines. Their staff are friendly and knowledgeable.
(5)Hitashi D.
This was our first time, I was definitely impressed by their food, rustic ambiance and great service. Their cannelloni Pasta was fresh (as mentioned), sauce was delicious and totally worth it. We also ordered their thin crust pizza, it was good too. Pasta definitely scored my vote ! I am definitely going back. They have an outdoor patio seating, which is just lovely!
(4)John M.
OK, So I have only been to Zucca once, but thus far I am a fan. I have a customer in downtown Louisville and this little place is a short walk from their office. The atmosphere is nice but not too small, the service was stellar and the salsiccia pasta was awesome. Antipasto was very nice as well, with fresh capers/proscioutto/blue cheese. Very frufru for Louisville, but I didnt care.
(3)Kevin S.
Great food. Nice patio. The Suppli is awesome.
(5)Marty D.
I could not believe the Chef sent my wife's plate out with spoiled food on it. Honestly, my wife's potatoes were literally spoiled and rancid. I was almost mad at her for asking me to taste the potatoes to verify. I was seriously paranoid that I was going to get food poisoning (we did not get food poisoning), it was that bad. The server and the chef agreed the potatoes were 'sour' and continued to handle the situation poorly. 10-15 minutes later risotto was plopped down in front of my wife after we were done eating. We were never asked what we wanted to replace the spoiled potatoes. I spoke with management days later and they graciously apologized and mailed us a credit of $12 (dessert for two). If this was my restaurant, and I sent out really, really bad food, and the situation was handled poorly, you better believe I would comp the customer their next dinner (no alcohol) to try and win them over. My wife and I eat out 2-3 times per week and Zucca will not be getting our business. Our server was nice and professional, but damn his breath smelled like he just ate a sh*t sandwich. Yes, this is a petty comment, but maybe he'll read this and carry some mints, or gum in the future. My wife's chicken was good and my pasta dish was tasty.
(1)Pork Chop H.
Ordered the fettucine seafood special while one tablemate had linguine alla vongole (w/ clams) and the other, pork chop with butternut squash and roasted potatoes. My entree was $18 and the circumference of the dish was about 6 inches wide. It was touted as being in a white wine butter sauce, but they should have called it a water sauce. There was no flavor whatsoever. No seafood flavor... the 4 shrimp and 6 tiny mussels were placed around the dish, like an afterthought. The noodles were handmade, yet didn't have a fresh, chewy dough texture. Instead, the noodles were kind of stale (not al dente) tasting. The pork chop was great (also $18) and was a ton of food in comparison. The linguine alla vongole also came in a tasteless water sauce. That was $16. What a rip. For an $18 entree, I could've gotten an AMAZING meal at Brasserie TenTen in downtown Boulder. Our server was okay... she kind of stayed her distance and our waters were pretty low until we were about to pay/leave. And earlier when she did refill our water, she dipped the napkin that was wrapped around the pitcher (but dangling below the bottom of the pitcher) into my pasta plate. Gross. Just really mediocre and with all the competition out there, not worth it at all.
(2)Mary D.
My favorite Italian restaurant in downtown Louisville. The happy hour is excellent - reasonable and tasty food, cocktails and wine. The interior decor very warm and cozy - reminiscent of a restaurants in Italy. There's a nice room that can be closed off for private events. Entrees and pizzas are generous and authentic. The pizza is in the Roman style - very thin, crackery crust.
(5)Morgan B.
We really enjoy this new Louisville gem, although the hostesses could use some work. Whenever we arrive we are told a wait time that is incredibly over or under the actual time it takes. Even when we call to pick up food, they are short, don't give any details (like cost or pick up time) and hang up before we can ask. Other then them, the food is great and the atmosphere very welcoming. The food is really adventurous, so if you are unsure you'll like something, order something different. But be sure to order the goat cheese balls! Yum!
(4)Near M.
Zucca is a pleasant addition to Louisville. We typically go to Zamparellis, but this will now be our go-to local Italian restaurant. We went for a late dinner on a Thursday evening. The restaurant wasn't busy, so service was courteous and prompt. I had an inspiring fresh pasta dish with lots of vegetables, pine nuts, and some non-traditional cheese. It was really good. We also had a fish dish that was also really nicely done with great flavors. The kids sausage pizza was equally good. The only downside was dessert - I've had better cannolis before (but I'm a native Italian New Yorker... so we make them completely fresh) and the coffee was okay, not terrific. It is the same price as Zamparellis, so we'll be coming here instead. In case you are Zamparelli regular, the benefits of Zucca are: 1. VEGETABLES!!!! You can have various vegetables (besides fried eggplant, sautéed spinach, and salads) in your pasta dish 2. MEAT & FISH!! Outside of the Christmas special, Zucca serves various meats and fish dishes 3. FRESH PASTA! Happiness is fresh, house made pasta! Just try it!! 4. Happy staff. Besides the guy with the persistent smile and the woman with black curly hair, the other staff at Zamparelli's looks mad most of the time. Three people served us during the course of the meal at Zucca and they all looked happy. The benefits of Zamparelli's: 1. Kid's night! The staff at Zamparelli's remind us whenever we go in when Kid's night is (Monday) so kid's can get free gelato. Zucca - please have a kids/family night of sorts!
(4)Vanessa S.
My first trip to Zucca was amazing! The atmosphere was subdued and the tables were set up to allow a decent amount of privacy. Their cocktail menu was extensive and pretty creative with the options. We skipped the appetizers, but they do serve bread and a tomato/olive oil dipping sauce that was excellent. I had the linguine with clams (which can be very hit or miss) and he had the veal (ditto). I was extremely impressed with the quality of both. Mine had whole steamed clams in shell as well as mixed into the pasta with just the right amount of garlic and herbs. The veal was expertly prepared and the side dishes, salad and cauliflower soup were wonderful. The waitress did comment that the new chef had done great things for both dishes and I have to agree. I loved the service, the food and the ambiance. It wasn't cheap but not too expensive either. I think we spent $100 with tip for dinner, sides and cocktails. For a celebratory night out, this place is perfect! I'm excited for a chance to sit out on the patio and watch Louisville pass by!
(5)Lou S.
One word, amazing! Jorge (Sous Chef) rocked the Halibut. Farm fresh green beans, purple finger potatoes, cherry tomatoes & artichokes were ridiculously delicious. Staff was incredibly friendly and service impeccable. We'll be back soon.
(5)John L.
As far as eat-in Italian goes.. this is the best in Louisville. The place is classy and warm, the food is mind boggling good. I had the pizza and loved all of it. My wife the Mahi Tuna.. this place is out of this world and well worth the value.
(5)Steven W.
We decided to try this place and it has its pros and cons. The service was excellent and the ambiance was nice but it seemed a bit loud. The calamari app was very good and the pasta mains were ok but just didn't have that certain something that makes you want to come back for more. Perhaps it just lacked enough spice to really keep me interested. Prices were reasonable for the setting and environment. Overall not a bad experience but just lacked that special something to make if a goto restaurant.
(3)Colleen K.
Best restaurant in Louisville by far. Portions are small for the price but it is worth it. Most restaurants in 'old town' leave much to be desired, but Zucca boasts fresh ingredients and delectable dishes. Don't waste your time with the cheaper pub fare. If you want a good meal in Louisville, go to Zucca.
(5)Frank H.
Food is great and our recent server Janis was fantastic. Just another fun spot in Louisville.
(5)Lynn K.
Best happy hour in Louisville. Food is great. Happy hour menu changes, but it is always stellar. Staff is one of the best in town. Very kid friendly if you have them.
(4)DeeDee B.
We've been to Zucca many times over the past few years and have a great experience every time. The food is always tasty and interesting, staff are always attentive and helpful, and they have a great happy hour - good prices on a variety of menu items. I'm not very fond of fried appetizers, so I rarely eat calamari. However, the calamari at Zucca is very tasty! - Our favorite restaurant in Louisville!
(5)Rene D.
Fabulous menu. Great service. Nice atmosphere. Lovely place for a romantic dinner out or fun with friends. I'll be back!
(5)Rob C.
The anti pasta was amazing! the spaghetti with duck meatballs were the best! loved the cheese cake! 5 stars!
(5)Jonathan S.
I've been here once for lunch and once for dinner. The best way I can describe it is consistently mediocre. I've had to wait around by an abandoned host stand while staff mill about when its already been acknowledged that all I need is a table wiped down and a check cleared from the previous party. My girlfriend and I find the food unexciting and generally underwhelming despite the attractive sounding menu descriptions. This evening's experience included vodka fettuccine that was under-seasoned and a pork dish that was oversalted. I remember similar experiences from the previous visit though I thought they deserved another chance to prove themselves. My conclusion is that it's just not worth my money and that there are better spots in Louisville. If you've never tried Via Toscana I recommend you start there. If Indian suits you try Taj Mahal III. Both are very good.
(3)Lee S.
Typical Louisville overpriced mediocre restaurant. The Calamari is inedible, over cooked and over spiced. If it wasn't so tough you might be able to taste it but it's over spiced with green chilies to the point that you couldn't taste it anyway. On top of that the charged $10 for a glass of "house wine". Louisville is losing its appeal, it's almost like the establishments have gotten full of themselves and figure the local yupps will pay through the nose for crap. Oh yeah, the Caesar salad, dressing was way too creamy but they did spring for one (1) anchovy. Service was good, atmosphere is nice and they did comp me the calamari as I really couldn't eat it, trust me I tried. If you're into Nuevo Italian have at it, pretentious as hell.
(2)Electra L.
This is the best Italian place around and my husband's favorite Italian restaurant in CO. They have a fabulous happy hour (the drinks could be better but the food, for the price, is fantastic). We go to Zucca more than we probably should. Favorites include the Calamari and risotto balls for appetizers and any of the pasta dishes. The atmosphere is lovely (it can get loud during peak hours) and the service is always great. Love this place!
(5)Brandon N.
Amazing atmosphere, excellent food, and tasty drinks. I highly recommend the crab ravioli or the NY Strip! A must visit. Boom!
(5)Alison B.
My husband and I have eaten here twice. Both times were not on peak times (i.e. Friday/Sat night dinner), but the service was great. I read a recent bad review about the calamari, which was surprising - ours was the best calamari we'd ever had anywhere. Entrees were cooked well and delicious both times. We will be going back.
(5)Stephanie J.
Great little Italian restaurant! The food was good, well seasoned, and fresh! Our server was awesome and very thoughtful. Not huge portions but just enough for you to enjoy the meal and not leave feeling like a bloated whale! Will be returning with guests!
(5)Nory B.
Nice outdoor seating--much better than inside! Got here at 5:30 on Friday--still a few tables outside, but they were all gone before 6, so come early! Service was fairly crisp--we had drinks, appetizers and entrees with espresso and brandy and we're done by 6:45. Cesaer salad came out perfect with light dressing as requested--yay! Most salads are very overdressed. Parmesan fried zucchini was the only minor disappointment--there was mostly breadcrumbs, little Parmesan in the coating. The Basilico drink(vodka, basil, house made limoncello) was YUMMY! The zucchini polenta entree was tasty, as was the capellini. Good service, good food--we'll be back!
(4)Donna C.
Good food. Service is on the slow side and it's a little pricey, I'd say 2.5 $ if that were an option. We took our 2 kids (9 and 12) and it was fine for them but overall a pretty high bill for ok Italian food.
(3)Brian W.
Surprisingly decent Italian food. Handmade pastas are great, the duck is just as good... wasn't quite as impressed by the lamb, but that was solid as well. Bread was only okay, but who goes for the bread? Outdoor seating is packed on a beautiful summer evening, but the inside had ample tables available and service just attentive enough to rate as above average. Only thing that I skipped was the fish special, which was escolar... I know my party was fine, but while I love almost all fish, and this one was presented exquisitely, I prefer to avoid the side effects, which they don't mention at all...
(4)Rob D.
Good Food and a great Happy Hour.
(4)John K.
I'm pretty sure there aren't enough kind word for me to find to describe how good this place is. Everything tastes....FRESH! You gotta love a place that serves the food described on the menu....and by that I mean, when it says it comes with vegetables, they actually give you VEGETABLES and aren't stingy about it. Creative dishes.....tons of flavor and just overall great meal. Thanks Zucca. We'll be back for sure!!!
(5)Lisa J.
This is a cute spot on the main street of Louisville. Great for people watching and solid italian food. I had soup and chicken parm- nothing blew my mind but it was all yummy. The server was so fantastic and attentive- she's the reason I'm upping my review to 4 stars.
(4)Delery G.
Service was decent; took a little to get the bartenders attention Even though it looked as though the manager saw us come in and Sit at the bar for several minutes before we were greeted. Really enjoyed the Suppli de Telefono, but the other Happy Hour dishes Fell way short on flavors. They don't skimp on portion size though! Will most likely go back to see if the normal menu Is a little tastier...
(3)John B.
I'll keep this short and sweet: Pasta Marinara, Pasta Bolognese, and Cannoli are the three barometers that I use to judge the quality of an Italian Restaurant. Having grown-up in a rather large Italian Family in Western NY & dinning on Nana's home-made pasta every Sunday, I'd like to think I can separate the wheat from the chaff when it comes to the "real thing". The Bolognese dish that I ordered with the home-made pasta was the best that I've ever had! Period! Better than any Bolognese I've had in Cali, London, Italy, & NYC including Nana's house (sorry nana, don't be angry with me, I still love you! I bet you're rockin the pasta on the other-side like there's no tomorrow. ;) ) The only complaint I had was the portion size; for $15 I would have expected a tad bit more than a 4-tablespoon sized portion, seriously. It was torture. Pasta this good should be doled-out in portions large enough that there will be some left-over for a doggy bag out the door. Darn you Zucca! ;) In all seriousness, you've created a masterpiece of a dish here that will keep me coming back for years to come, and for that I say: Grazie zucca ristorante italiano per fare la mia danza tastbuds con gioia!
(5)Renu D.
Cannelloni al Frutti Di Mare - Stole my heart. It's as perfect as perfect can be. Exceptionally executed dish. The flavors are robust and fresh. Beautifully presented. Trota - Crisp and cooked to perfection and served with perfectly cooked risotto. Delicioso!! La Zuppa del Giorno - Must try .. these change .. and the one we had was roasted pepper and potato. Flavorful and full bodied. If that doesn't say I am a fan, let me add that I absolutely adore the cute as a button exterior, quaint setting and fabulous service!!
(4)Jennifer B.
Nice ambiance, attentive staff. Their happy hour menu and prices are wonderful! You can't go wrong with the white wine, meatball sliders, or pizza. They were very accommodating with our kids' meals that weren't exactly on the menu. I'd recommend Zucca for date night, families or a business meal.
(4)Gregory P.
With Zucca we have finally found excellent Italian food in the wilds north of Denver. The basis of our comparison comes from living in both NY and Boston, were a good Italian restaurant is a fixture on nearly every block and the minimum level of competence for a restaurant to survive is quite high. We've been looking around here for several years. The location is nicely appointed, with a muted ambiance that, with the right companion, could easily turn romantic. Our server was attentive and friendly, and was quite familiar with the menu - a rarity, I've found. We started by sharing the calamari appetizer. Compared to other reviewers, we're not as ecstatic about it, but it was good. Be sure to mix in some of the "goop" (small tomatoes, small sliced pepperoncinis) with each bite; it's much better that way. Next time (and there definitely will be a next time) I'm going to skip the appetizer in favor of a salad, since - rarity of rarities! - their Caesar salad description proclaims that it actually (and correctly!) has white anchovies in it. I'm a fan and seldom find that anywhere. (I'm sure they would be willing to leave them out if you so choose.) We each had pasta as a main course - I the fettucini vodka-something with sausage, my wife the bow-tie pasta with crumbled sausage and mushrooms. They had distinctly different flavors, and both were truly excellent. The sausage in particular is very mildly spiced and firm; it was wonderful. They make their own pasta daily, and it shows. Neither sauce was heavy, and both were delightful. Unusually, we split a canoli for dessert - still very good. The French press coffee - pressed at the table, of course, with one serving yielding two cups - could have been more coarsely ground; substantial grounds were present in the pour, making that the only thing they did wrong. Maybe it's better when not decaf. Well done. A very enjoyable meal. This was also a trip in which we discovered Louisville's downtown area, which has a very nice atmosphere with lots of interesting shops and restaurants. We'll be there, and certainly at Zucca's, again. Finally, a Thank You! shout-out to the other Yelp reviewers. They lead us to a very enjoyable meal.
(4)Dave C.
We heard so many fantastic stories about how Louisville used to be the place to go for old school Italian food. After eating at the Blue Parrot (horrible) we thought we'd stay away from Louisville. However we were driving home and saw the positive review of Zucca on Yelp and thought we'd give them a try. We were very pleased with the entire meal save the time it took to be served. I will say that we got there at 4:45pm so it was understandable that the kitchen wasn't running at 100%. We ordered the pizza for the kids, my wife had a shrimp dish and I went with my normal 1st meal at any Italian place....Chicken Parm. We didn't wait long for the bread which was quite tasty. Then they brought us a small appetizer the chef prepared. A few minutes later the pizza for the kids arrived which they gobbled up. Then it took over 30 minutes for our entrees to come out. If it were just my wife and I it would've been fine, but sitting at a table with a 7 and 3 year old for that long tried our patience. The food was 4-star but I can only give the overall rating of 3-stars as we waiting so long for our meal. We will be back without the kids.
(3)Globemaster S.
Calamari to die for! Zucca is doing everything right. The chef is passionate about the food and this will be obvious when you receive your plate. Inside Zucca you'll see clean and fresh settings with nice wood accents. If you're able, ask for the table by the fireplace... Good luck as it's a popular one for romantic dates. The staff is absolutely wonderful. Happy Hour specials are excellent. Regular dinners are fresh and innovative with the heart of real Italy. We've been numerous times and they've never let us down. I recommend Zucca without reservation. If you get there in time for Happy Hour try the Calamari and the Basilica drink.
(5)Liz M.
Super disappointing meal. We started with some olives and risotto balls. The olives were great although I found it weird there was a whole piece of garlic that had not been marinated very long... It was still hard and so fresh it made me tear up. The risotto balls were a little boring but the breading was nice and light and they weren't greasy. My boyfriend got some boar pasta that was decent but he got 3 pieces of bone in it... Big pieces. Good thing he has strong teeth. I got the capellini. The sauce was thin and watery, not creamy at all like a carbonara should be. The noodles had an undercooked ramen consistency. Either someone really messed up the pasta dough or they were frozen noodles. Not good for a place that is supposed to have fresh pasta. I'm fairly certain that the peas were from a frozen bag and the baby artichoke hearts were just from a jar. Between the bad noodles and the frozen peas and the flavor of that watery sauce it really really reminded me of cup o noodles. I couldn't bring myself to eat it. They replaced it with the vodka sauce which was definitely better. It wasn't anything too special but tasty. Some of the noodles were stuck together in a thick mess and were obviously not fresh but at least I left full. Pros: the manager came over to ask us what specifically was wrong so she could tell the cooks and all of the entrees were comped. Our server was lovely. The bread was fresh and delicious. Won't be back
(2)Andrew F.
Wonderful experience eating here. Great service! Kat did a great job with our table of 8. She gave great recommendations as well. I have to say the pork was one the best I've had. Also have to agree with some of the other reviews that the portions were a bit smaller than I expected. Other than that it was a great dinner.
(4)Kimberly G.
Great friendly staff. Food had great presentation. For a friday nite at 1700, bar was busy however we were seated right away. Waitstaff was friendly & explained all the options. Had daily special, lavendar/honey geloto was so light and refreshing. Carloni was so rich I was glad we had espresso. Portions were generous and I went home with lunch. Local sausage, mushroom penne in tomatoe sauce. We will be back again. As we left the line had gotten larger, patio was full as well as the dining rooms.
(5)JF C.
The food here is wonderful. Their meatball appetizer is a must-have. If you like pasta, their homemade pastas and sauces will blow you away
(5)Alia Z.
Another sister restaurant to Dushanbe, Huckleberry, and others by Three Leaf concepts. Very fresh ingredients, seasonal menu that rides the line of not too big and not too small perfectly, and some interesting dishes. I had their Polenta Zucchini Parmesan, which was very rich. Oleg tried their half chicken, a very juicy dish with delicious white beans soaked in the chicken juice.
(4)Veronique C.
A nice neighborhood Italian restaurant. The place is a little loud though and I would say the portions on the small side considering the price (especially on some of the appetizers (Gnudi for example, which is otherwise very good). But I definitively recommend Zucca.
(4)Malissa M.
Happy hour: $4 drinks, a decent pour. Bruschetta: nice, 2 piece with artichoke n fava bean puree , needed garlic or something to pop the Flavors, $4 Risotto balls with spicy sausage n cheese needed spice. Sausage was mild. 3 decent pieces $4 For our entrees B had the porterhouse pork chop, it came out perfectly cooked to the requested med rare and the mustard sauce worked perfectly. I had the seafood pasta special of the night and again thought it needed some lemon and garlic to pop. All in all we had 1 cocktail each, 2 happy hour apps and 2 entrees for around $60. For Boulder prices that is pretty good.
(3)Danny B.
Our waiter was new he said but for that small short coming every thing was excellent. To apps and wine very fine. Entrees were killer. Trout, chicken, pastas A little spendy but the food made you forget that . Yep I would go again
(5)Cara H.
If you are in driving distance to Zucca, stop what you are doing and go there immediately. I loved everything about this place - food, service, ambiance and on and on. Just an amazing place for a delicious, authentic, fresh made Italian meal!!!
(5)Tae S.
CALAMARI!!! Dare I say this is the best calamari I have eaten. It was just the right about of crispiness and that sauce OMG!!! I did not even share with my friend it was a shame.. I was a greedy gut all the way. I had the Fettuccine alla Vodka Rustica, very balance vodka sauce and Italian sausage and I liked it.
(4)Paul C.
One of our favorite places and it's almost always excellent. The "almost" qualifier is why I gave them four stars and not five. The vast majority of the time the service and food are outstanding. We've been there a couple of times when the service seemed distracted and/or the food less than their usual excellent standard. The menu is not your usual italian fare but the favorites are still there. Experiment with something new and you won't be disappointed. One thing to be aware of is that the restaurant can be a bit loud on busy occasions. Would I recommend it? Yes, absolutely. If they seem a bit out of sorts that evening then go elsewhere and give them a try another time. There are plenty of cool places in Louisville to choose from.
(4)J K.
Another great downtown Louisville restaurant. In the summer it's beautiful up and down Main Street, with most of the restaurants with outside seating. Zucca has a great Happy Hour. You can get wine and appetizers to share and go home happy. Perfect place to relax after work. Have been there with only one other, with a party of 12 and with numbers in between--on all occasions the staff was friendly and efficient, the food delicious.
(5)Bob W.
Very nice food, at what I think are reasonable prices. Service is excellent. The building seems to be an old house, which gives it a kind of country-inn feeling. And the neighborhood is the charming old downtown section of Louisville, which seems like a quaint midwestern small town. However the building this restaurant is in seems to have been lifted directly out of southern California, with the stucco walls and red-tiled roof. The reasons I did not give it the full 5 stars are: (1) It's noisy. Really noisy. Not a relaxing place at all. (2) No chicken piccata on the menu. (3) The bread brought to the table at the beginning was hard as a rock. The olive oil served couldn't save it. Literally, the bread was inedible. Other than that everything was fine. Portions served are on the small side, but it's refreshing to go to an Italian restaurant that doesn't burden you with a huge pile of pasta on the side. They give you just a small amount of pasta, to complement your entreé. To me it's just right, but if you're looking just to chow down on a huge platter of spaghetti this is not the place for that.
(4)Brandon F.
Absolutely the best experience I've had at an Italian restaurant! The service was on point and our server was very knowledgeable. The atmosphere was perfect for an anniversary dinner. The bread is quite tasty, so don't fill up too much on that alone. The highlight of my evening here was the special, manicotti, and it was amazing! Whichever cheeses they used worked perfectly and the pasta was just right as well. I hope they make it part of the regular menu because I will return quite frequently if that were the case. I wasn't impressed with the Suppli' al Telefono, it was a bit bland for my preferences, but it was interesting. I can't wait to go back and try more options!
(5)Julie B.
Great Happy Hour! I go here often and always have great food. The outdoor seating in the summer is nice. Attentive and friendly staff also.
(5)Amy G.
Just love this place. My gluten free daughter will actually eat their gluten free pasta. Huge Plus! I've never had such delicious calamari, and all in all, the charm of the place plus the quality of the food makes this one of my faves. Unfortunately, I did have one experience where my server upgraded every drink we ordered to top shelf without our knowledge or request, so the bill was way higher than expected. But that has never happened again.
(4)Jennifer G.
Zucca was a great experience. Been twice, had a lovely time during both visits. The most recent was for my birthday, we were seated promptly on the little patio, and they were kind enough to move the umbrella so the sun was blocked :) We had the cheese and salami plate and olives to start, everything was nicely presented and explained. I had the special, which was alright - I did not care for the tomato, and the carrot/cauliflower purée was good, but it didn't seem to go with the fish. We tried the gluten- free chocolate cake,with mascarpone gelato, and it was great. I they have a nice wine list, which we did not try, but I will be back again soon. Service was prompt, not too attentive but good enough, and we loved our corner table outside. Nice ambience inside.
(4)Rob G.
average food at best ours pasta dishes were both warm and had no flavor service very good. there are much better places to eat.
(3)Chrystal T.
Wow, this place was better than expected. First off, homemade rosemary focaccia, very tasty. We started with the calamari fritti with peperoncinis, cherry tomatoes, white balsamic sauce. Probably the best calamari I have had, simple but perfectly done. We also had a cup of the seasonal soup a cold cumcumber and tomato gazpacho with radish root, refreshing. I had the Fettuccine alla Vodka Rustica, very balance vodka sauce and good italian sausage. My husband had the Eggplant Parmigiana, slightly, different preparation with unique noodles, he says tender but not overcooked. Service was prompt, so not necessarily a leisurely dinning experience. Excellent, we will return
(4)Jen W.
Being a Jersey girl eating Italian food in Colorado- let me say this was a TREAT! The food was insanely good. The service- refreshingly prompt and thorough. You can tell they use quality food and to hear they have their own farm where they grow local produce was even more impressing. We had a quality meal- from start to finish (you have to try the desserts) on a beautiful outdoor patio. A true sensory experience! Bravo Zucca!
(5)Allison M.
Awesome. This place lives up to the hype. Had the pasta special - capellini, crumbled Italian sausage, arugula, tomato sauce, other delicious things - and was more than satisfied. The fresh local ingredients made a clear difference. And the calamari is just sheer brilliance. We used some of the leftover sauce for our bread. Oh, I also had the Aperol Spritz - Aperol, Lunetta Prosecco, grapefruit juice, and soda. Delicious! We'll be coming back for sure.
(4)Tram N.
My new favorite Italian restaurant. Our party tried the trout, chicken parm, and roasted chicken entrees. Absolutely phenomenal dishes. Also had the Icari Barbera for our wine, which was delicious. Try to sit in the bar so you can get Theron as your server. He also deserves all the credit for our incredible dining experience. His food menu suggestions were all spot-on and his service was impeccable.
(5)Chuck R.
This cute quaint Italian restaurant is a winner! Definitely a fan of their 4pm to 6pm happy hour 7 days a week. And the happy hour food menu items are scrumptious! We will definitely be back!
(4)Eloise P.
Good food, good happy hour, poppy seed brown butter sauce was really weird, but beet filling in the pasta appetizer was good as was the chicken entree. Stephanie gave great service, very friendly.
(5)Chris F.
Service and atmosphere here are great! The food? Good, but a little underwhelming. Nothing stand out. Did not like the bruschetta. It's in a great part of town and has a lot of character. Go if you're with a group where conversation is going to be the focus.
(3)Andre J.
Very nice ambiance in the heart of old town Louisville, with inviting decor and comfortable seating. The place feels open while still managing to be cozy. We went here for lunch and had the gnocchi with beets and greens, sausage and mozzarella risotto balls, misto salad, Caesar salad, grilled trout, and a mushroom and arugula pizza. All of the dishes were excellent, as was their artful presentation. My Caesar salad, which consisted of two romaine wedges, a single crostini slice, and an anchovy, was somewhat inconvenient to handle on its small plate and required a bit more "deconstructing" than I'm used to. But it tasted good so not a big deal. Otherwise we had a wonderful meal, our waitstaff were friendly and attentive, and the restrooms were good. Recommended.
(4)Max R.
No reservations unless 5+ people so hung out in the bar waiting. NOTE: The tables in the bar are actually reserved dining so you need to seat/stand at the bar and not at any of the tables. The table bread was average, which is to say mediocre ... typical of most restaurants Started with the Suppli al Telefono which was very good. Moist and good flavor, not like the dry breaded rice ball most restaurants try to pass off as a risotto ball. next was the Tritato salad which I call a hearty salad with the addition of the meat and meaty flavors. greens were fresh and the dressing did not overpower the taste nor was there too much dressing. Then I had the Bistecca which was prepared as ordered. medium rare. great combination of flavors and more fresh greens on the side. Dessert was the cannoli which was good. The downfall was that the shell tasted like it had been refrigerated for awhile so did not have the freshly-made crispness. will go back
(4)Neha S.
I really like the cute decor, location and the feel of the place. The food here is good. I like some dishes here but some didn't steal my heart. The calamari app. is good. Nice and crisp. Risotto balls appetizer was good the first time we had it but was over-salty the last time I tried them. In the main course, I loved the Trota: pan seared trout with risotto. The trout was huge, nicely seared and tasty. Canneloni di frutti di mare was bland. The lobster cream sauce didn't taste much like lobster at all and too creamy for my palate.The filling inside the canneloni was noting great and it had some salted cod in it which I didn't really like. Their veggie apps. are good too. Over all a A- place for the prices.The service is good and the wait-staff and manager are attentive.
(3)Mariano d.
Again, please, somebody establish a LAW, a Regulation something to protect and control the Italian's denomination of origin (I know there is no such a thing). Italian is not a restaurant killing (synonym of cooking in this case) pasta! Call them something else please!
(2)Matthew E.
Hostess did not know the happy hour special for thier 1 yr aniversary. Water girl said it ended at 6 PM Waitress only knew the drink special and did know the HH lasted till 7 but forgot all the food specials. Food was very very bland. I had Linguini al'Pescatore and it was basically a few noodles in a tomato sauce....
(2)Ward F.
Service was friendly and prompt, and made fantastic recommendations re: wine and appetizer. My dinner (lamb chops, risotto and warm tomato salad) was exceptional; well cooked and extremely nuanced flavors! Will absolutely be returning for a special occasion.
(5)debbie g.
We went to Zucca after the street fair tonight. We sat at the bar, we are bar people. David was our bartender, he was/is a nice guy, made me feel comfortable, I will come back. Also the food is wonderful, we had the calamari that is to die for....
(5)Ryssby R.
This restaurant is great! Cute restaurant. It can get really loud though when it is busy. The food is tasty and Fresh. At first you might think the proportion is small but when you Finnish your plate you realize it was perfect and quality food! Great waitstaff too.
(5)Elmo G.
After the Street Faire stopped in for a beer and calamari, it is very good and the service was great at the bar. Good time!
(4)Michael L.
Can't agree more with Michelle M. Very good food, nice selection of appetizers, wines, mixed drinks, pasta, entrees and deserts. Attentive service in a nice atmosphere. We found the flavors authentic, fresh, well balanced, and enjoyable. All had a very homemade taste. Prices were very reasonable for the portions and quality of our meals. We will definitely be making Zucca a regular stop.
(5)Roxanne B.
Zucca's is in Louisville, about 15 minutes east of Boulder, one of the premier foodie towns in America, according to Bon Appetit, and it can stand with the best of them. Service was warm, kind, friendly, and professional. Food was exceptional. The Colorado lamb made me weep. Zucca's has a relationship with an excellent local organic farm that provides it with delicious vegetables. The pasta creations are inspired. We can't wait to go back.
(5)Michelle A.
Had our first dinner here last summer and sat outside. The food was awesome, the waiter funny, and our dessert amazing. Tonight we didn't feel like going out, so we ordered in. After ordering on the phone, I was told it would be ready in 15 minutes (which it was!) we brought our food home in reusable containers and it was delicious, warm and not mushy as some take out food can be. So happy there is a quality Italian restaurant with affordable prices so close to home!
(4)M O.
My new favorite restaurant in Louisville. I've had four or five dinners here now, and every one has been wonderful.
(5)Mick S.
We are from Southern California visiting my in-laws in Louisville and went Sunday night. The meal was outstanding, the wait staff friendly and accommodating. We will definitely return the next time we are in town.
(4)Joyce K.
Went for lunch . I had the speghetti and meatballs and my husband ordered the chicken marsala. My speghetti was cooked perfectly and the sauce was unusual but delicious. The meatballs were good but not exceptional. I couldn't stop eating this dish and was stuffed when I left. The chicken marsala was tender and extremely tasty. Our waitress was friendly and attentive. A good find!
(4)Adam M.
I have now been here a handful of times, and each time was excellent, making this officially one of my favorite places to eat on Old Main Street. If you are a garlic lover, you must try the bruschetta. The tomatoes are so olive-oily and refreshing, and the garlic and herbs explode in your mouth. Literally EXPLODE. The vegetable lasagna is very unique, using a smoked mozzarella that is incredibly rich and satisfying. There is a nice cocktail menu highlighted by the use of homemade limoncello. I even like the wine menu presentation, as it shows on a map of Italy where the different varietals are from. Nice touch. The only item I wasn't super-impressed with was the margherita pizza. It just lacked any outstanding flavor. But I'm becoming kind of a pizza snob, so take that with a grain of salt. Go here tonight and eat bruschetta!!
(4)Shauna R.
I'm giving Zucca 2 stars only due to our server. We waited 1 hour to be seated, (by the door), food arrived cold, menu descriptions failed to clearly state what we received. Totally bummed, will never return.
(2)Sarah H.
Tried to call to order some food to pick up and was placed on hold for 12 minutes before I gave up and hung up. I don't know where in the world that is considered an acceptable hold time, someone should have taken my name and number and offered to call me back. I had tried this place when they first opened and remember the food being decent but the service being TERRIBLE. Guess that hasn't changed. Figured I would give them another shot, but I guess not.
(2)Peter T.
Solid. Very solid. Server was knowledgeable, friendly and attentive. She timed her check-ins with us perfectly. We had a great appetizer and meal and the drinks were spot on. Add to the fact that it was affordable and I am sold. Really nice date night option for you and your significant other. Will return for sure.
(4)M M.
Just getting warmed up, 1st week in business. Friendly and attentive staff. Like their sister restaurant the Huckleberry, it may take a while to dial in the menu items of choice. Good Calamari, maybe a little tough but the alla Diavolo spices were interesting. My Linguini Vongole was a little too garlicly and salty. The Fettuccini alla Bosco was pretty tasty. I expect to add a star once they get going, ambitious menu could take a while to have fully practiced.
(3)Lesley N.
What a fantastic dining experience. Started with a drink and apps at the bar. The calamari was definitely a huge hit, some of the best I've ever had. Dinner was elegant, delicious, very reasonably priced and the excellent service completed the experience! This is our new favorite restaurant!!
(5)CE N.
Love this place! Also owned by the same people as The Huckleberry and The Boulder Tea House. Always accommodate the dairy allergy in our family. It is in a great location on Main Street. Feels high end but the prices are reasonable.
(4)Bonnie R.
I wish I'd consulted Yelp before making reservations for our first experience at Zucca; I didn't realize it's a "kid friendly" restaurant., as is plainly listed above. Shortly after our cocktails arrived this evening, my dining partner and I began to hear the shrieks of a disgruntled toddler issuing from the adjacent room. Eventually the atmosphere became so unpleasant that we asked the staff to address the child's caretaker. Staff seemed confused, conflicted, unable, and ultimately unwilling to address the situation. When the shreiking finally became unbearable to us, the manageress smuggly accommodated our request to box up our dinner so that, ironically, WE could leave the premises. The fare at Zucca (albeit now cold) is delicious and a solid value. If you appreciate thoughtfully prepared, quality cuisine and don't mind deaing with the under-three crowd (or perhaps have a noisy brood of your own), thiis is the place for you! Should you be planning a romantic date or just wishing a relaxing evening out, go elsewhere.
(2)Connie R.
I really wanted to like this place. We went when it first opened and then again four months later to give it a fair shot. The first time we ordered a couple of dishes to share. We got some kind of a seafood salad, which was left virtually untouched by both of us, due to the fact that it was greasy and unappetizing. When the waiter took it away, he didn't even ask if there was something wrong with it (with only four bites missing I'd have thought he would have asked). The second visit was slightly better (though the food was still under par) and we enjoyed sitting on the patio. Towards the end of the meal I decided to order a gin and tonic (not with any special gin), which was good, but I find $8.50 for a standard small gin and tonic to be a bit much. We have friends that like this place just fine, and we like to support local businesses, but with so many other wonderful restaurants on Main street, it will be a very long time before I give this one another shot.
(2)Ben K.
Zucca Italian Ristorante has established itself as my go to for fine dinning in Louisville; the food is great, and the outdoor seating/atmosphere, facing Louisville's main street, offers a refreshing chance to embrace all the quaint town has to offer (at least when the suns out). After a bike trek from Boulder, my bike bro and I found ourselves in need of some sustenance and seating: Zucca. We arrived a few minutes after close, but the hostess was nice enough to offer Lunch anyway, securing us a nice spot on the outdoor patio under an umbrella. The patio is an ideal spot for relaxations, there are variety of tables with umbrellas set up cozily around the entrance looking onto main street, and the low-key hustle of downtown Louisville ( I took the umbrella down and received a nice roasting from the afternoon sun - it felt great). The server brought out a generous serving of bread accompanied by some olive oil and vinegar, then took our orders: the mixed green salad, risotto cheese balls, and their classic spaghetti marinara. All of the food was great. The bread was coated with salt and pepper (and maybe a garlic seasoning). Shortly after, our server delivered our salads followed by the risotto balls. The mixed green salad would have been good had it not been for the pickled radishes - those took it to awesome. The Rissoto balls were served as a hearty portion of four fried balls of risotto, stuffed with cheese (Mozzerla?) and sausage, served atop some oil and vinegar - super tasty. To top it off the spaghetti was served with a traditional marinara and two huge and delicious meatballs. I couldn't help but finish everything on the table, a skeptical endeavor considering the impending ride back to Boulder. Despite the brick in my stomach, I made it home alright and was very glad to have stopped at Zucca.
(4)Sandrine H.
The setting is beautiful. The food is not that great. My last two experiences were quite disappointing: 1- the first time, we went for dessert and asked for the cappuccino creme brule. All it was, was coffee pudding. I returned it. 2- The second visit was with a group of friend, and I ordered the fish. It is an expensive dish and got it in a cold plate. The fish was cold, the mash potato was also cold, and no waiter came back to ask if we were satisfied. After about 30 minutes, someone finally came, and was sorry about this. We got free dessert, but all I wanted was a warm dish. I think the food quality is okay, not amazing for the price they want to charge.
(3)Scott M.
We have been to Zucca 20 times and have always had a great experience with the service and food. In fact, the owner is the nicest man and they have had what I consider the best bolognese. Until last night. Wife and I were experiencing our 16th wedding anniversary. Started off by ordering apps and the wait staff corrected my pronunciation in a snotty way. She was training a fellow waitress so maybe trying to show off. Same app was not very good so we didn't eat. It was obvious yet she definitely avoided discussing until my wife said something. My bolognese was good, wife did not care for her pasta and the service was annoying. She was not obviously rude but a definite attitude. First time I have tipped less than 20% in as long as I can remember. We just might not go back.
(2)George W.
Best chicken parmasian in the world! Been there several times and it's my favorite. Not the usual thickly breaded chicken, with a slice of cheese. This is thoughtfully created, and a one-of-kind.
(5)Cormac M.
Very good Italian food. Portions are not huge but quality always is. Enjoy Lasagne there anytime I go and Calamari is always good.
(4)Mike R.
This place is so good. I have never had a bad meal here and the staff is always on point. This is the best Italian food in the Louisville/Lafayette area!
(5)Kai C.
I have been to Zucca several times, first when it opened...the food was absolutely terrible. The pizza was like tomato sauce on saltine crackers, and the pasta was cold and sauce too salty. Have been back several times to give them another chance. Each time something was wrong, either too bland or too salty. Insult to injury, they do not take reservations over the weekend. We have out of town visitors from SF and I tried to make a reservation for 4 on Saturday. They refused. For a small town eatery with a bad US economy, they sure know how to turn people away. The owners should get off their high horse and pay attention to the residents of Louisville, who are their customers. I made reservations at Parma , a newly open Italian restaurant in Louisville. They were happy to take my reservation, plus the food is very good. I will sure my friends in town will learn about this incident.
(1)Donna F.
We've been a few times previously, and went for Valentine's dinner. It was a prix fixe menu, and it was pretty genius. The selections varied nicely, and were perfectly executed. Portions fine, not too big which is something I really dislike. We got the wine flights that went with each course and the matching was perfect. Service was excellent too.
(5)Sarah G.
The food was good. Some of it REALLY good. The sweet potato gnocchi was wonderful, the calamari had little peperoncinis in it and was outstanding, and the ravioli di zucca was easily what I would order next time. The vegetable lasagna was pretty good, but a wee bit on the bland side. Good atmostphere -- it's cute, and everyone seemed very nice. The waitress was competent, but a little flighty (she forgot to ask what the pizza of the day was, and dropped someone's signed credit card slip next to our table without noticing). I liked it and think it would be worth going back.
(4)Stan D.
We didn't stop in here because we planned to. We just got lucky. From the outside, one might easily walk right past this place, but the inside is pretty nice. We liked the way it was decorated - very tastefully with an Italian flair - and we liked that it was clean, and well kept, but therein lies the fatal flaw. All of the surfaces, the floors, the walls, and the ceiling were hard. That means that sounds echo easily, and it gets noisy very fast. When we were there for lunch, it was near their closing time, (they have limited lunch hours, only serving from 11:30 to 2:00), so there weren't many people there. There was one table of four that was just finishing their meal, and enjoying light conversation. I do not think they were too loud, but, when one lady started laughing, I seriously could not hear what my wife was saying to the waitress, and both were standing right next to me. Just that much noise actually hurt my ears, and was enough to make me think I didn't want to be in there in the evening when the place was really busy, and really noisy. If, however, noise is not a problem for you, the food is really good. One thing to really like about this place is that they use locally grown products. This restaurant is one of the restaurants of "Three Leaf Concepts" management team, which, by chance, is the same management team that operates our favorite vegetarian restaurant, "Leaf," in Boulder. I do not know how they get locally grown products this time of year, or that all of the vegetables were entirely locally grown, but that salad tasted "Summer" fresh to us. We shared the large, "Misto," salad, and could not have been happier. For our entree, we shared the "Funghi e Zucca" pizza, and it was delightful. My wife was surprised I wanted that one because I prefer tomato sauce on my pizza, but this one with a garlic cream sauce instead, was a treat to my taste buds. Not only was the crust perfect, and the sauce great, but the whole pizza was a symphony of flavors and textures comparable to few I've ever enjoyed. I would definitely recommend this place and this pizza to friends, and I will dine here again when I am in Louisville, even though I probably will avoid it at night if it's as noisy as I suspect. After things quieted down, we enjoyed our entire meal, including the wine. We had a bottle of their least expensive red wine of the north, and found it to be a perfect accompaniment to that dinner, even though most probably wouldn't make the pairing we did. If it's not to noisy, give it a try. I think you'll find this place to be every bit as good as "Leaf" in Boulder, except with a different menu.
(5)Shalon A.
We really enjoy this place for happy hour. Great prices and the food never disappoints. On our most recent trip, the staff was really accommodating as we had our 6 month old baby with us. They certainly didn't care and just wanted us to be comfortable. One of our go-to places for happy hour. And, of course, their dinner is wonderful as well!
(5)