Luigi’s Tuscan Grill is a long-standing, well-regarded Italian restaurant situated on the charming Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
What Makes it Unique
- Waterfront Al Fresco Dining: A key feature is the waterfront location, which offers guests a beautiful al fresco dining experience on a patio overlooking a canal, providing a romantic and Mediterranean ambiance.
- Award-Winning Wine List: The restaurant has been a recipient of the Wine Spectator Magazine’s Award of Excellence, highlighting its extensive and exquisite wine selection, which includes 50 by-the-glass options and 400 bottle selections.
- Authentic, Homemade Italian: Luigi’s prides itself on authentic Italian cuisine with a focus on homemade elements, notably their homemade pasta. The philosophy, as expressed by the owners, is to serve “true home cooking” based on the recipes of Chef Luigi Di Meo’s mother and grandmother.
- Personalized Service: The staff aims to treat guests like family, with an enthusiastic and welcoming approach, creating a memorable dining experience. Live music, often featuring a concert pianist, also contributes to the unique atmosphere.
History
- Establishment: Luigi’s Tuscan Grill was established in 1996.
- Chef Luigi Di Meo: The restaurant is associated with Chef Luigi Di Meo, who was born in Naples, Italy, and earned his formal cooking credentials from a culinary school in Italy, but whose recipes are rooted in his family’s traditions.
- Evolution and Ownership: The current iteration, which embraces the “Luigi’s Tuscan Grill” name, and the dedication to his traditional recipes is a key part of its story. Chef Luigi Di Meo is also associated with Luigi’s Coal Oven Pizza, which he opened in 2011. The current general manager/COO is Jaime Buckley, Luigi’s wife.
Highlight Menu Items
The menu focuses on classic Tuscan and Italian dishes, emphasizing fresh, high-quality ingredients. Highlights include:
- Homemade Pasta: A signature element of the menu.
- Steaks and Chops: Featuring USDA Prime Aged Steaks and Veal Chops (including a 16oz Grilled Veal Chop and a Veal Chop Parmigiana).
- Seafood: Fresh local seafood is a fixture, with items like Branzino Special and Zuppa Di Pesce (seafood stew).
- Ravioli: Popular options include Pear Ravioli with a Gorgonzola cream sauce and Short Rib Ravioli with a creamy porcini sauce.
- Pizza: They offer authentic pizzas, such as the Margherita Pizza.
- Classics: Luigi’s Meatballs and Spaghetti Meatball are customer favorites.
- Weekend Brunch: On Saturdays and Sundays, they offer brunch with options like bottomless Mimosas, Bloody Marys, and Bellinis.
Customer Feedback
Customer feedback generally praises the authentic Italian food and the feeling of eating “home cooking.” The waterfront al fresco dining and the cozy, welcoming atmosphere contribute significantly to the positive experience. The attentive and warm service, often described as treating guests like family, is frequently noted. The pasta dishes and the award-winning wine list are consistent high points for diners.
Significant Events
Specific, independently famous events hosted at Luigi’s Tuscan Grill are not widely detailed in general search results. However, the restaurant frequently participates in community culinary events and offers special dining experiences:
- Dine Out Lauderdale: The restaurant is a participant in this annual culinary program, offering specially curated prix fixe menus to diners.
- Private Events: As an established, well-located venue on Las Olas, it is a frequent host for private parties, special occasions, and romantic date nights, leveraging its waterfront patio and Mediterranean ambiance for memorable events.
Location and Contact Information
