Sam & Luca Rustic Kitchen is offering families great dining options for the holidays — from its full menu of Italian food favorites on Christmas Eve to a special three-course prix fixe menu for New Year’s Eve.
The New Year’s Eve menu will be offered at $70 per person with a choice of three salads, one of more than half a dozen entrée options, and any of the eatery’s decadent desserts.
Guests who haven’t visited for a while will also be greeted by a refreshed dining area.
“We did a facelift on the interior this summer,” said owner Dennis Shaw. “We painted, we put all new artwork up, we lightened it up and brightened it up.”
The patio is also open for outdoor dining with heaters, making it perfect for winter dinners outdoors.
Best-loved menu items such as the lasagna and Pappardelle Bolognese have remained favorites of Sam & Luca regulars thanks to consistency provided by executive chef Rosallio Tarin and the rest of the team — many of whom have been with the restaurant since it opened three and-a-half years ago.
The eatery is also well-known for its house made limoncello and sangria as well as being one of the only places in Mesa with wines on tap, offering eight different high-quality wines at the perfect temperature.
“Having the wines on tap means they’re fresh and always the perfect temperature,” said Dennis. “It’s amazing. When people try them, they love them. It’s really one of the best ways to serve wine.”
While many of the things that customers have loved the best are remaining the same, they can look forward to an updated menu in early 2022, complete with an expanded, more diverse wine menu introducing California wines and some new Italian varieties.
Another exciting change is that Dennis will be leaving his previous position at Las Sendas Golf Club to be at the restaurant full-time.
“After more than three years, I’ll be at the restaurant full-time and I’m looking forward to seeing everybody every night,” said Dennis. “I’m really excited for that.”
Sam & Luca Rustic Kitchen is located at 1959 S. Power Road in Mesa. For more information, or to make a reservation, visit samandlucaaz.com. The eatery strongly recommends reservations to ensure a table.