Description: Named after a coveted variety of French olive, Lucques offers inspired rustic Mediterranean cuisine with strong California influences. And it's served in an idyllic setting: the former carriage house---transformed by designer Barbara Barry---of silent film star Harold Lloyd. Dine inside in one of the booths near the fireplace, or outside, on a lovely patio where the walls are covered with climbing vines. Chef Suzanne Goin, who clearly picked up some valuable knowledge working at places like Campanile and Chez Panisse, utilizes a wealth of intriguing vegetables from local farmers markets to produce a contemporary Mediterranean cuisine as clean as the stylish setting. Some representative starters from Goin's regularly-changing menu include veal sweetbreads with quince purée, fennel, prosciutto and a hint of vanilla; and a lively salad of apples, Asian pears, radicchio and mint with buttermilk dressing. Among the entrées, you may find pancetta-wrapped trout with sorrel, fennel gratin, verjus and crushed grapes; or a slow-roasted lamb sirloin with chickpea mash, Nyons olives and cherry tomatoes. For dessert, consider a fruit tart or a satisfying French cheese plate. You may also experience Goin's work nearby at sister restaurant A.O.C., where the focus is on small plates.
Hours: Lunch Tue-Sat 12pm-2:30pm | Dinner Mon-Tue 6pm-10pm | Wed-Sat 6pm-11pm | Sun 5pm-10pm