Luca Bistro Mt. Adams - Baubles to Bubbles

Outdoor dining at Luca Bistro in Cincinnati — The outdoor patio at Luca Bistro Mt. Adams

French Dining in Mt. Adams

I had been eagerly awaiting the opening of Luca Bistro in Mt. Adams since it was first announced over the summer. I used to spend so much time in Mt. Adams when I was in college that it’s crazy to think how little I’ve ventured there in recent years. My dry cleaner is there, I had my wedding reception there last year, and I have real estate clients in the neighborhood. Outside of that though, it no longer felt like the destination it used to back in the day. That is, until now.

Speaking of college, I remember dining at Mantra, an Indian restaurant where Luca Bistro is now, with my mom. It was a cozy, dimly-lit space that offered me my first naan experience and the flavors of Indian cuisine. I’m so excited to see the space brought back to life in the form of Luca Bistro.

My mom and I ventured there on a Thursday night and we both had a wonderful meal. I am one of those people who do extensive research on a restaurant before I go, and I was able to find some pictures of the menu on Yelp. With my nut allergy and not eating meat, I like to peruse a menu to see what options, if any, I’m working with. I was thrilled to see so many items I would happily order. The menu is classic and approachable and doesn’t throw you for any loops, which I like.

I got the grilled shrimp kabob, which came with mashed potatoes and a salad. It was the perfect amount of food. My mom had the lamb kabob and really enjoyed it. We were both clearly in a kabob mood, and will definitely be tasting more of the menu next time we visit. Luca Bistro offers a little something for everyone. I was eyeing the salads and the salmon entree, and there is an orange creme brulee for dessert that I’m very intrigued by.

Grilled shrimp and grilled lamb kabob at Luca Bistro Cincinnati

Colorful artwork at Mt. Adams French restaurant Luca Bistro

One of the coolest parts of the restaurant is the spacious outdoor dining area. I can totally see this being a hotspot in the warmer months. This colorful and beautifully lit walkway leads you to the open outdoor area and you forget you’re in Mt. Adams for a second! It had a really good vibe and I cannot wait to spend many meals out here.