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Bagni di Lucca
Categories: Restaurants Pizza Restaurants Italian Pizza, Italian [Edit]
407 E. 5th St.Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 243-0044
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
4 reviews for Bagni di Lucca
4 reviews in English
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Review from Megan H.
Ankeny, IA
6/27/2010
Bagni di Lucca just opened up in the spot formerly occupied by Basil Prosperi. Right now they're open for lunches M-F and dinners Friday and Saturday, but based on how packed the place was this Friday, I wouldn't doubt if they eventually expand their hours.
The food is casual Italian, mostly pizzas, salads, and a few calzones. You can get a pizza and side salad for $8.75, or a three course menu for $18 which included salad (presumably larger than the cheaper side salad?) and gelato. Of course, no one seemed very well-versed in the menu the night on Friday - it was their first night open, and we overheard our "server" telling another table she and a friend had come in for dinner and ended up waiting tables to help out! I think they were far busier than they'd anticipated, as the line was out the door and we waited at least half an hour for a table.
Despite some forgivable delays in service, we had really excellent pizzas. We probably could have split one pizza between the two of us, but we managed to finish one each (don't ask me how). Charlie tried the potato pesto, which had thinly sliced potatoes, prosciutto, and fresh pesto spooned over the top, and I had the pizza frutta di mare with scallops, shrimp, black olives and feta. The briny black olives were so wonderful with the seafood... it was certainly worth the half hour wait.
Bagni di Lucca also has fresh mozzarella, stuffed olives, and a few other items for sale. They did have a decent beer and wine selection, and though service was quite harried, everyone was very helpful and we ended up getting our drinks comped due to the excessive wait time and lags in service.
If I worked downtown, I would absolutely come here for lunch - there were so many interesting pizzas on the menu! There are lots of restaurants in the East Village that, although wonderful, are a bit pricy - this seems like the perfect kind of casual, inexpensive restaurant that was missing in the neighborhood. I'm so glad they're open on Friday and Saturday evenings for the non-downtown workers - I'll definitely be returning! -
Review from jessica j.
Des Moines, IA
7/21/2010
I've eaten at Bagni di Lucca twice now since it opened (once the week it opened and once last week) and had a pretty good experience both times.
The place is tiny, but not claustrophobic. It has the same counter-and-sit service as Proof, but it's not as well organized or designed when it comes to serving yourself water, getting utensils, etc.
The prices are pretty good for what you get, a pizza or calzone with a salad for $9 is great for lunch, especially if you get the calzone.
As for taste - both times my pizza lacked seasoning (just plain old salt on the crust and maybe a little more olive oil would have been great) and the toppings are skimpy at best. I know so many pizza places over do it, but ordering a potato pizza and getting 4 half-moons of potato on an 8-inch pizza was just ridiculous. The tomato sauce is delicious (and so is the crust) though - which really is the most important thing when it comes to pizza (in my opinion).
The best thing offered though is the gelato. The spumoni I had last time I visited was so gloriously perfect I almost ordered a second dish. I hope they expand the menu of gelatos offered because they are doing that just right.
I'm sure I'll come back to Bagni di Lucca in the future once things have hopefully settled and improved a bit, but for now, they're doing pretty good. -
Review from Jordan H.
10/31/2010
I love the vibe. I love the pizza - the potato pesto is spot on. The crust really makes it, with that perfect crunch on bottom and chew on top. This is very good pizza, especially for $8.75 including a salad at lunch.
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Review from Catherine S.
Des Moines, IA
6/28/2010
The food is excellent. Small, personal sized pizzas with unique toppings, high-quality ingredients. Inexpensive pizza/salad lunches. The romaine salad has a very delicious dressing. I've been there twice (once at 11:15, once at 12:45) and have been able to get a seat, but it is tiny and the buzz about this new little pizza place may result in longer lines for tables and a longer wait for meals right at noon as they get into their groove. It is worth the wait, but be cautioned if you don't have extra time. I'm hooked!
