Thanks for the news about Luca's Cafe. Every night I look to see the progress. It will be a welcomed neighbor in Locust Point!

If you go, give us a mini-review.

So is Meli the place with the Ally McBeal style unisex bathroom?

Can't wait to try Luca's! I won't post a mini-review, though, because apparently my childhood spent in Ohio did not prepare me to be a pizza connoisseur ... I've been told many times that my taste in pizza is not up to par. So, I'll happily keep my opinions to myself and just enjoy the fact that I can now order pizza in LP!

I think people would still like to know what you thought, even with that disclaimer.

Both the estimable Warthog and to a lesser extent myself have posted reviews on Chowhound. Verdict: we both liked it a lot.

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/491812

Went to Luca's this evening. First impression was how pretty it is. We sat on the first floor and ran into our neighbors. A lot of us from Locust Point were waiting for them to open. We started with the crab dip which was amazing. We also had the giant meatball, wings and the steak pizza, all were starters. We weren't disappointed. As the Chef was walking about, we welcomed him to the neighborhood. He told us about the specials, We order all three. The mahi-mahi was good and served with broccoli rabe. The jambalaya wasn't hot enough for our taste but seemed to have a lot of seafood. Crab cakes sandwiches were nice and home-made french fries were great. The best of all was the Branzini. Served whole and the Chef fileted at the tableside. Dessert was a pleasant surprise.... fried dough and the chocolate of the day. Also as a note the pricing for both drinks and the food was reasonable. We are happy with the first visit and will be back very soon. As a side note, it was very busy when we walked in. I had concerns whether the kitchen staff and service would be ok. I was happily surprised that things went very smoothly. The restaurant is in walking distance of my home, so I have a feeling I will become a regular! Give it a try, I think you will enjoy!

Thanks for the mini-review.

Thanks, Missy, for sticking your neck out. It sounds like a great neighborhood and also a place worth seeking from outside of the neighborhood.

My mom and some friends went to Meli last night for their soft opening. She said that both the food and the service were fantastic. Yes...men and women share the same sink area but have separate "facilities"

We went to Luca's over the weekend. I think there are still some kinks to be worked out, but all in all it was a good experience and I'm sure we'll be back often. What I really like about the place is that they have a very wide selection of offerings with their pizzas, sandwiches, and entrees.

We had the crostini with the horseradish dipping sauce to start which was very good. I had the steak pizza and my only complaint was that it was over done. My wife had the Italian Hogie (I think that was what it was called on the menu) pizza and it was absolutely delicious. Our waiter was spot on and the chefs, bartender and owner were all very personable and friendly. By the time we left (about 10:00) the bar was full and the place was hopping.

Someone on one of the chowhound boards noted that they didn't have an option for a create your own pizza, which I think they'll need to offer.

The above poster said that Locust Point had been chomping at the bit and she couldn't be more right. We needed a place like Luca's in a big way and I think that the neighborhood will support it.

A few initial impressions from Meli the other night:

My first impression: wow, they really need to move that oversized dumpster and attendant fencing away from the front door or many people will drive right on by! Alas, I know that's not a permanent problem.

Me and a buddy sat at the bar -- it's a small bar -- but it was full. They also have a nice looking dining room and the coolest part is the downstairs where they have little U-shaped and S-shaped tables and booths. Should make for a fun scene if you get a group of friends to go (or even a romantic little hideaway in one of the nooks down there). They also have a small stage which the bartender told me they may turn into another bar or have late night jazz, depending on what the clientele wants.

Lastly (and most importantly), the food. A nice little menu, very reasonably priced (I think everything was under $20) and about 10-14 wines by the glass. I had an excellent grilled tomato salad (warm yellow and red tomatoes, layered with a cheese -- maybe manchego but I don't recall -- drizzled with a balsamic vinegar and served with two small pieces of focacchia). Excellent. I spilt a smoky crab cake appetizer -- three small crab cakes which were fine but I'm not a fan of smoked foods for the most part. My dinner was the Bistro Steak Sandwhich with aged cheddar. Very tasty but somewhat fatty -- it was tender though -- like a brisket. A few people I know have raved about it. I enjoyed it but would try something else next time.