Ristorante LUCCA, Bordentown, NJ:
A Restaurant Review

Ristorante Lucca is a luxurious romantic fine dining restaurant offering an exquisite experience that combines exceptional ambiance, delectable food, and impeccable service.

Opened in December 2022, this Burlington County hidden gem ranks as one of the best restaurants in NJ. It's a go-to place for area business leaders, for celebrating a special occasion, or for a memorable romantic evening.

The ambiance sets the stage for a romantic evening, with soft lighting, elegant decor, and intimate seating arrangements. The restaurant exudes an air of sophistication and charm, creating a perfect atmosphere for couples to enjoy a special occasion or a romantic date night.

Ristorante LUCCA is a throwback to a different place and time, as opposed to the current trend of new restaurants with ambiance featuring industrial chic, exposed ceilings, and high energy noise levels.

Be forewarned, it's not for everyone. If you are looking for that exceptional dining experience, be prepared to pay more for an exceptional top-of-the-line restaurant. The best restaurants incur higher costs to achieve this distinction and need to pass them on in the form of higher prices.

The management team comes with a track record of founding and operating successful, highly-rated restaurants.

The team is headed by Managing Partner William Burris, supported by General Manager Giuseppe "Pino" Algeri, Executive Chef Maurizio Peccolo, and Sommelier Daniel Bossi.

Managing Partner William Burris is a seasoned successful restaurateur who as part of the Tide Table Group, operated restaurants on Long Beach Island, including being the founder and co-owner of the Black Whale Bar & Fish House, Parker’s Garage & Oyster Saloon. William Burris was also an owner of several restaurants in New York City and Bergen County, and currently serves as President of the Caterina De Medici Society, a fine dining Italian wine and food organization that fosters the sharing of knowledge of classical Italian cooking, its great wines, and its cultural heritage. Also serving as officers of the Caterina De Medici Society are Executive Chef Maurizio Peccolo, and Sommelier Daniel Bossi.

Before joining Ristorante Lucca, General Manager Algeri served as Manager of Ristorante Toscana in Cherry Hill, and other highly regarded restaurants including Le Bec Fin/Brasserie Perrier and Girasole Ristorante in Philadelphia.

Executive Chef Peccolo is an international award-winning chef who received his formal culinary education at the Institute of Culinary Education in NYC, and the IPSSEOA Giuseppe Maffioli Institute for Food, Wine, and Hotel Hospitality in Veneto, Italy. He later honed his culinary skills at highly regarded restaurants in Northern Italy, Monte Carlo, Monaco, and Moscow, Russia. Before coming to Ristorante LUCCA, Chef Peccolo served as the Exec Chef at other highly regarded restaurants in St. Petersburg, Russia.

When it comes to food, this fine dining establishment with Chef Peccolo at the helm serves a well-executed menu of authentically prepared Italian dishes. The menu features a carefully curated selection of dishes, prepared with the finest ingredients and expertly crafted. Each plate is a work of art, beautifully presented and bursting with flavors.

All pastas are made in-house and served al dente.
Meats are sourced from high-end purveyors Wells Meats in Philadelphia and D'Artagnan in Union, NJ who feature prime cut meats raised free-range, using sustainable humane farming practices. Wild caught Seafood is freshly shipped unfrozen daily. Many of the menu items are prepared or filleted table-side, i.e., Caesar salad, pasta, fish, etc., adding a nice touch to the dining experience.
Vegan options are available.

The interior of the 250-seat restaurant and piano lounge features an attractive guest entry marble-floored lobby, where Guests are greeted by the welcoming maître-d' who provide guests who have not previously dined here with a 5–10-minute introduction on the restaurant. This included a description of the available selections of seafood that are on display in the attractive ice-based display, prior to being escorted to your table.

The best is yet to come with entry into a spacious dining room that is luxuriously done-up with crystal chandeliers hanging from the attractive ceiling with recessed dimly lit squares. Walls are adorned framed photos of famous Italians; flooring is carpeted. White-clothed tables are set with Italian imported sterling silver and elegant glass /dinner ware, and white, naturally lit, foot long dinner candles. For quiet conversation with low background noise, the main dining room is recommended.

Background lit menus are provided followed by a complimentary prosciutto & olive dish Amuse-bouche, and bread.

The wait staff is dressed in formal black and white attire, and it is not unusual to see 2-3 servers at a table, especially when assisting in the table-side deboning of one of the daily fish specials.

In addition to the exceptional ambiance and delectable food, the service at this high-end restaurant is second to none. The staff is highly trained, attentive, and knowledgeable, ensuring that every guest feels pampered and well taken care of. From the moment you step through the door until the end of your dining experience, the service is seamless and personalized, adding an extra touch of luxury to your evening.

To complete the memorable dining experience, stop by for an after dinner drink and to enjoy the Piano Lounge with music and entertainment.  

Ristorante Lucca is not recommended for children.

Ristorante LUCCA is open seven days/week for Dinner, Monday - Friday for Lunch, Happy Monday - Thursday (3pm-6pm)

Reservations are highly recommended.

Updated December 2024