aLuca

aLuca is an Italian restaurant that brings Chinese spices and techniques into the mix with a light touch. Near the Sannōshita intersection in Akasaka, the restaurant occupies the fourth floor of a building. Its calm interior has the feel of a hideaway, a quiet place to enjoy a meal.

Lunch begins with a generous salad

Lunch diners have described a salad that arrives on a plate as large as a main-course dish. It is piled with plenty of meat, beans, tomato and egg; the tang of the house-made French dressing whets the appetite. It makes a promising start, naturally building anticipation for what follows.

One of the most talked-about main dishes is a generously filled macaroni gratin with rich cheese and jidori chicken. A white sauce that avoids feeling heavy brings it all together, while the plentiful filling makes for a satisfying meal. The tantanmen takes a different path: its Western-style broth is paired with minced meat in miso, and what seems to be a hint of Hatcho miso. The mellow notes of Western cooking meet the depth of Chinese flavors in a bowl that reflects the restaurant’s distinctive style.

Evenings bring chef’s choice and a wide wine selection

In the evening, the set menu is kept deliberately short, with a range of dishes served in the chef’s-choice style. The cooking moves easily between styles to suit requests, from gyoza and pasta to shrimp dishes served with house-made tartar sauce—one reason diners might want to return. With counter and table seating, plus a broad selection of wines and beers, it is a relaxed setting for an evening meal.