Tuscany Meets Millsboro

Luca Ristorante stands out in central Sussex County thanks to traditional Italian recipes, its charming atmosphere and a classy wine bar.

By Matt Amis Published April 12, 2011 at 12:37 PM

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The organic pork loin is layered with fennel, garlic, rosemary, olives and in-season roasted roots. Photograph by Thom Thompson

Luca Ristorante and Enoteca
303 Main St., Millsboro
934-5822
lucaristorante.com

Prices
Appetizers $9-$13, pasta $15-$21, entrées $23-$35

Recommended Dishes
Braised duck ragú pasta, wood-fired pizzas, braised wild boar

All seemed quiet and dimly lit around down-town Millsboro on a chilly Friday night. Wind whistled between darkened storefronts and a few men milled around the gentle buzz of the ice cooler parked outside the Corner Store liquor shop.

Here the town’s business district features a few sturdy antiques stores, and a diminutive gift shop that actually calls itself Slower Lower. Nearby, the classic Georgia House stands as perhaps Millsboro’s best-known restaurant, but it is undeniably steak-n-seafood antiquity. There are a few others like it nearby, where they serve a mean rockfish, or cream of crab soup, but nothing quite like Millsboro’s newest addition, Luca Ristorante and Enoteca.

First-time restaurant owners David and Christine Jones took a calculated risk when they poured immense time, labor and funds into making Luca come to life last fall, melding modern, upscale dining ideals with traditional Italian recipes. A destination restaurant, it would seem, in a pretty restaurant-barren destination.

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