It’s hard to pin down just what flavor the newly opened Lucia’s Cafe brings to Westwood.
The interior of the cute space, which is across the Chevron gas station and right by In-N-Out, is incredibly modern. Most of the seating, large cushions in cool grays and blues, surrounds wooden tables. The only real color in the room is provided by the abstract paintings on the wall, beautiful paint splatter pieces in neon pinks, yellows, greens and oranges.
With such an art deco feel, one almost expects a menu full of fancy, expensive small dishes ““ ready to bust bank accounts but not appetites. Neither is the case.
The cafe specializes in hearty Italian meals that taste like something out of Grandma’s kitchen. There is a large selection of pizzas, pastas and sub sandwiches. There is also a surprisingly varied selection of salads for everyone about to embark on the dreaded spring quarter diet.
Neither the pizza nor the pasta disappoint. The Greek Pizza was a pleasant surprise, as the stereotypical ingredients of mozzarella, kalamata olives and red onions were sprinkled over a pesto base. It was a beautiful marriage of Mediterranean flavors in every bite.
The baked ziti was also extremely flavorful and a customer favorite. Like the pizza, it was full of fresh ingredients, with Parmesan shreds, sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil adding to its authenticity. Covered in thick marinara sauce, it was the perfect way to warm the soul on a rainy night in Westwood.
Lucia Cafe’s prices definitely fit a college student’s budget. Most pastas range $8-$10, only tipping over when seafood is requested. Medium gourmet pizzas, enough to feed two people, are $13, and extra-large pizzas are $16.
There are also a number of cheap appetizer options for those who aren’t as hungry. Less than $5 can purchase a delicious and overflowing plate of seasoned potato wedges, which are crispy and well-cooked. The garlic bread, topped with warm melted mozzarella cheese, is another great selection.
It didn’t take longer than 20 minutes for the food to come out, and the cooks adorably ring a bell every time an order of food is ready. The servers were attentive, though not yet totally familiar with the new cafe’s menu.
Lucia’s quirky personality ““ there are peanut bowls instead of bread bowls and the music ranges from classic Bollywood to ABBA to the Goo Goo Dolls ““ is hardly defined. What is consistent, though, is its warm, hearty food, sure to not disappoint.
Email Konstantinides at akonstantinides@media.ucla.edu.