De Luca’s Restaurant

I was expecting a little more from this restaurant in Whittier based on Unilocal reviews. The food was quite middle of the road, I ordered half spaghetti and half ravioli, the ravioli tasted like it had been frozen, and my wife ordered calamari pasta which was also undistinguished. The mozzarella and tomato appetizer really lacked flavor. It seems more popular with the senior crowd.
Lastly, we had a check in special but it was not honored because technically my wife’s dish was an appetizer not entrée though priced similarly.

It’s so nice to have a delicious local Italian restaurant right here in Whittier. My husband Dave had the lasagna and I had the capellini shrimp. I loved my dish and Dave said the same! The remodel was impressive! We hadn’t been here in several years so it was a very pleasant surprise. We shared the Tiramisu dessert. Wow! Best I’ve ever had. We will be back

Good food. Fresh breas. Some of the friendliest people work here. All you need; right!!! Bön appetite!

I wanted to write another review for this restaurant due to another great experience I had last Friday night, 1÷15÷16. When we came in there was a 15 – 20 minute wait. We asked if they started using the coffee bar area for dining since they had tables set up, which they usually don’t. The owner asked us if we would like to be seated there. We agreed and he was our server. When I placed my order for a Caesar Salad (because I’m trying to watch my figure, haha) he recommended the special which was a Caesar with poached salmon. Wow, it was frickin tasty. Anyway, the food was awesome, the service was awesome, and the atmosphere was awesome. I’m pretty sure the owner just purchased the restaurant. He and his staff are doing a great job taking care of their customers. If you’re in the Whittier, La Habra, Fullerton, Brea, or anywhere in North OC, do yourself a favor for some rad Italian food.

I have always gotten take out and it is yummy. However, last night I was dining with a group of friends and although the food was good, the service was slow. I ordered an extra item to take home and they let it sit and when I got it it was just warm. I will say, after complaining they took it off my bill, but they maybe were short handed.
Additionally, they have entertainment. This isn’t a nightclub. Although he sang nice songs, we really almost had to shout to hear each other over the singing. I spoke with a friend today and she said that they avoid this when they see he is there.
I will still go for take out, but maybe try eating there when they don’t have entertainment and aren’t so busy.
Hi Rafael, yes, the twelfth. Again, the staff was helpful. Thank you!

I have been going to this restaurant with my family for a couple years now, and the recent refurbishments done to the interior are very pleasing! The staff is always friendly, and while sometimes it takes a while for food to come out, it’s only because it’s so fresh and always busy!
Soup and salad are always yummy. My favorite dish is the Penne Caruso (I hope I spelled it right!) it is so delicious! The complimentary bread is always hot and goes great with oil and balsamic!
Always a great place for date night!

We came here for a nice Italian dinner before watching a movie. Immediately upon walking in we were greeted by a friendly face. The entire staff was very friendly and kind. The restaurant had a true rustic appeal. I had to hold myself back from eating too much of the TASTY bread they bring out. For dinner I had the veal parmigiana which was excellent and had an authentic flavor. The portions are hearty, so come hungry or be ready to take home leftovers. This was exactly what I was looking for. Unfortunately, there aren’t very many good Italian restaurants in the area (trust me, Unilocal the area for «Italian» and you will get listings that include Pizza Hut), but DeLuca’s fills the void. The only reason I am downgrading from 5 stars was because service was very slow, especially for what seemed to be a not so busy weeknight (quite a few empty tables). I’m hoping this was an anomaly. Would I come back here again? DEFINITELY. Great place to have a nice family dinner.

My folks and I have been here thrice since 2014 with coupons so far. Great food and people there. It can be loud and noisy due to other people doing dishes, groups’ parties/​gatherings/​whatever, etc. even after 3 PM PT. Also, today was really busy so it took longer to get services. Maybe hire more people? We’ll still come in the future though! ;)

First time here. I had a reservation for 5 people at 7:30 pm on a Friday but we got there at 6:00. They sat us in the bar with 2 plastic folding tables. I didn’t realize that people would start trickling into the bar and standing around us. We felt like the help as we tried to have a dinner amongst standing people. We tried not to feel ostracized and discriminated from the other diners who were in the main dining area. Once we got our food, the server did not check in on us until it was time for the bill. Food was tasty but not to die for. It was a poor decision to try to squeeze in a party to fit in one more check in an area that was clearly not a dining area. Thank you for showing us where not to go next time for a special occasion. We felt like we paid money to feel insulted.

Well! Is my second time to came here to celebrate a birthday and people here are friendly, service is great, the pasta, bread and wines, etc. really good I recommended to everyone!!! Love, love here!

I would give this restaurant ten stars if I could! I loved everything thing about this place. The restaurant is beautiful inside and out with Italian decorative pieces, the staff is super nice and helpful, very attentive. The owner is wonderful too he greets you with a smile and really takes care of his customers. This restaurant is great in all aspects especially the food thumbs up, if your looking for an elegant party celebration this is the place to go, if you want to take a special someone on a romantic date this is the place to go, and if you want to take your family I am sure they would love it!

went here last night for the first time. we were celebrating my husband’s and his twin sister’s birthday. had a party of 9 and they accommodated our reservation with no problem. I even had to call about 30 minutes before our reservation time the night of and push it back 30 minutes and they were more than gracious to accommodate.
the food was excellent. the service was great. all of the servers were attentive and knowledgeable about the menu, giving suggestions.
from our party’s order we had the lentil and another type of bean soup and both were delicious.
I would have liked more than just iceberg lettuce in the salad but still good.
they garlic cheese bread appetizer was wonderful.
the bread they serve with every order was absolutely delicious. light and great.
many of us had the trio (chicken parm, fetuccini alfredo and lasagna) and the server suggested we split plates, which they did with no problem and we still had leftovers. great portions to have leftovers.
the lasagna is great. all of their pasta they make in house, very fresh.
can’t say enough good things. we loved it. also, several of the servers spoke Spanish which was great for my husband’s family as some of them feel more comfortable speaking in Spanish.
in all, everyone made us feel welcomed and wanted at the restaurant. very great service!

Outstanding!
Flavor! Ambience! Great service!
Huge portions!
Generous sauciness! my server was psychic! Always knew what I needed… Romeo@! You made it more enjoyable.. Thank you!

I ate dinner at De Luca’s Restaurant in Whittier, CA on 10/​16/​2015. It was my 1^st time there. I had their spaghetti puttanesca ($ 11.99) while my companion had their linguini sausage peppers ($ 15.99). Both the iced tea and the pink lemonade were $ 3.25. I upgraded with a bowl of lentil soup for $ 1.99. Our server, Romeo, did a fine job. Plus, I took photos.

With the closing of Portofino Ristorante in La Habra, my wife and I have been looking for a decent, mid price Italian that isn’t Olive Garden. After some searching on Unilocal,we decided to try De Luca’s with their 4 star rating.
The décor is modern on the inside, but rather nondescript on the outside. So much so, we almost blew right by it driving on Whittier.
The wait staff was very attentive and quick to take our order. Only beer and wine on the menu so leave your drink cravings behind. The bread is simply delicious. A small round loaf like a sourdough, but soft Italian instead.
The lentil soup is very good, but a bit on the thick side. It was nice to see I could order the included with dinner salad as a Caesar complete with anchovies.
The penne pasta was a bit too al dente, but my linguini was spot on. We ordered a side of meatballs that my son absolutely devoured.
When you check in, you get $ 10.00 off 2 entrees, so it’s worth the trouble to check it out and give it a try.

Sat in the banquet room to fit 18 people. The server was very friendly and attentive. Everyone’s food came out at the same time and it was surprisingly very hot! Usually when it’s a large party, the food sits around and gets cold. I was very pleased with the chicken Marsala. Flavorful and filling! I’d like to come back and try more

This has been by far my favorite Italian restaurant for more than 20 years. If you are looking for an authentic home style Italian cooking experience give them a try. It’s like coming home to your mommas kitchen.

De Luca’s food would make my Nonni drool. I tried the Puttanesca with Linguini and a glass of chianti. So good. The bread is fresh baked and fluffy. :)
Tuesday nights there is a live singer (think rat pack) — he can really croon and adds some class and romance to the air, very impressed. Mangia!

I ordered clam linguini and it’s very good and big portion!
Our server Carlos is very attentive super nice ! All the staffs are very friendly! The food are very good and yummy !
I would definitely go back again !

Use to come here a lot, a long time ago. We had a groupon and decided to give it a try. It was a group of high school friends, us now being middle-​aged and just wanting a girls night out to talk about the good old days, along with our stories of present life with families. Unfortunately we came on a Friday to do that and was extremely crowded (not that bad) but we could barely hear each other talk as it was really loud. I don’t even remember if music was playing or not. Not a big deal, but it looks so cute and quaint, but for a little bit of peace or some classy Italian music, just wasn’t there.
Our waiter, was a really friendly and hard working young man named Eric, who went beyond his call of duty and made sure we were happy and taken care of. Eric, you man were simplly Awesome! My friend thought you were also cute (wink for her) the rest of us were married. Lol, poor guy must get a lot of cougars flirting with him.
Despite it being crowded (a good sign) for a smaller restaurant (they really should look into a larger location, since they are very popular with the locals), it was a welcoming atomosphere.
Food is also great, being crowded, it took a while to get our main dish. Our poor waiter Eric was very appologetic and kept checking on us until we got it and even after we paid the bill. Excellent!
I had the Capellini (Yum), two of my friends had the Alfredo and another the Penne pasta. Me, personally, I loved it. The food is delicious, it’s simple as one stated, but unique in the area we live in (Olive Garden, is the standard around there, not knocking it, just prefer more variety). I also like how you have a clear, clean view of the cooks working area & them working steadily at their masterpieces. I thought a lot better than Beppos — again for our little humble area.
People there are most composed of families, friends, couples and more familes, it was really nice and it’s dimly lit, but very nice feel to it.
You can either dress cool, casual, trendy or dressy, but most people were cool, light-​trendy and decent-​casual.
Parking wasn’t an issue, but we did get there early, so that might be the ticket for most to show up early to get a spot and get served right away before it starts getting crowded.
I liked it, I think my other two friends we satisfied with it, and one that disagreed. I’m bringing the husband to see what his opinion is, but he is like me, as long the food is good, prices about average to great deal w/​coupons, place is appealing, people are delightful and that they really try hard on the service (which they did) he’s a happy camper like I am. We not that difficult to please.
Also reccommend for couples wanting a romantic cozy ambiance, this would be a great date night spot. Enjoy!