Luciano Bar & Bistro

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#3 of 32 Restaurants in Peterlee££ - £££, Italian, Bar, Vegetarian friendly

+44 191 375 8900+ Add website

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Hours

Sun

11:00 - 23:00

Mon

11:00 - 23:00

Tue

11:00 - 23:00

Wed

11:00 - 23:00

Thu

11:00 - 23:00

Fri

11:00 - 0:00

Sat

11:00 - 0:00

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What is Travellers’ Choice?

Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Ratings and reviews

4.0

142 reviews

#3 of 32 Restaurants in Peterlee

RATINGS

Food

Service

Value

Atmosphere

Food and ambience

European, Italian, Bar, Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

“My friend enjoyed her gluten free pasta.”

“... the chicken parmo, Luciano’s burger and chicken arribiata were really goo...”

Romantic, Groups, Bar Scene, Business meetings

“Bar area good but not the restaurant”

“... in a curved booth and just had to order at the bar, which was fine for us.”

Location and contact

Durham Way, Peterlee SR8 1QB England

+44 191 375 8900

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Is this restaurant good for special occasions?

Yes

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Details

Manage this business?

About

A quaint bar & bistro located next to a beautiful nature reserve. Along side outstanding food we also have a hand selected wine menu from fine Italian Wines. In the bar area we serve tapas and light bite meals as well as the a la carte menu in the restaurant. We have a wide selection of Gins, Draught and even cocktails.

PRICE RANGE

£2.00 – £18.00

CUISINES

Italian, Bar, European

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

Meals

Lunch, Dinner

FEATURES

Reservations, Seating, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service

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4.0

142 reviews

Excellent

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Average

Poor

Terrible

TheBizness

Durham797 contributions

Good food nice decor shocking service 👎🏻

Mar 2020 • couples

I’ve reviewed Luciano before and raved about it, and we were down that way today so decided to call in for lunch. A gent with one of those waxed moustaches and his hair up in a bun with a biro through it to keep it in place (classy) acknowledged us- it was hardly a greeting- and sat us at a table for two as requested. Mrs B went to powder her nose and the waxed moustache gentleman came over with menus. I won’t dissect the whole server (as they seem to be preferring to be called these days as opposed to waiters, presumably America to thank again for that one)/diner experience but suffice to say that please, thank you and smiles are sadly devoid from said gentleman’s repertoire, along with any of the usual finesse accustomed to the dining experience in an “Italian restaurant”. Food was excellent again as previously- my tagliatelle carbonara was among the best I’ve had, with plenty of rich, seasoned creamy sauce. Mmmmm. I’d return for the food, but not the service on this occasion. Maybe the bloke was having a bad day, but there’s no need to inflict the consequences of this upon paying clientele.

Written 3 March 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

936habibf

Hello MR B, Thank you for visiting us again, we are ecstatic to hear your compliments of our food, however I am shocked to hear our team member that served you that day was a little out of sorts. Matt usually has a uplifting personality, fabulous customer service and is highly head hunted by our industry for these reasons alone, so I apologise deeply and will raise your concerns immediately. As for Matthews appearance I have never had a concern, he always looks smart styling the newest Ralph Lauren and Hugo Boss. His pen is mandatory for his job and as long as he has one to hand at all times I struggle to enforce a more suitable place for him to put it. Individuality here at Luciano's is important to us, it creates personality, style and an exciting place visit. We have a great loyalty to our hard working staff and will support them in anyway possible when trolling them online. We hope to see you in the near future Kind Regards The Manager Stephanie Emmerson

Written 13 March 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Bear3031

Peterlee37 contributions

The good and the bad

Aug 2020 • friends

Visited last night for the first time. Lovely place well decorated. The food was beautiful and well presented however I did find it strange to offer veg with salad but it was nice. There is hand sanitiser all over and they take temperature when entering but feel the tables were to closely together other customers were squeezing against other to get passed certainly not 2 meters and didn’t look to be any space anywhere. We were a group of 4 put on a 2 person table we could barely move which was rubbish when there was bigger table to accommodate us. The atmosphere was loud and you couldn’t hear your own company but not a lot you can do about that. Paying for the meal was terrible we were told to go to till the bill wasn’t ready she asked us 3 times which table number not sure how we were to know that and drinks weren’t on bill had to ask us took a good 15mins just to pay. Overall we would go back as meal is what we went for and that was beautiful couldn’t fault it.

Written 20 August 2020

Kw2086

27 contributions

Nice food but slow service

Jul 2020 • couples

we've been to Lucianos a few times, however at our recent visit, staff were slow to take our orders. Food came out very quickly, then we waited with empty plates for 20 minutes until our plates were cleared and the bill was brought. Lovely food, but don't be in a hurry.

Written 6 August 2020

Molly

1 contribution

Mrs Ps

Apr 2021 • business

Visited for some food and drinks for a small business lunch, they were unable to serve cocktails, the waitresses were completely incompetent, this may have been because they were massively understaffed with having to wait on all tables because of eating outdoors only rule. When the food arrived it was mediocre for the price and went cold extremely quickly, understandably eating outdoor was the cause of this, I would have thought that such an establishment would have provided outdoor heating. The manager was on site as the table next to us informed us but said they eat there often with being local and she very unapproachable and doesn’t take well to complaints. Such a shame a lovely place with the right management.

Written 16 April 2021

Joanne

County Durham3 contributions

Bar & Bistro but shocking wine over priced wine

Jun 2021 • none

So I paid a visit a few days ago, and since there was a new menu I was keen to try the new choices. I ordered the salmon, but was massively disappoint with both the price, size and quality that was presented to me. However, my mother in law ordered the Belly Pork, which was the same price, give or take a £1, but the portion size totally disjointed to the Salmon.. so I was left massively underwhelmed, if not surprisingly still hungry ! putting the size of the portions to one side, what was more disappointing was the poor choice of wines on offer. In addition to this, was the ridiculous excuse for a 'Wine List' an A4 paper which consisted of which 'House', 'Chardonnay', 'Pinot Grigio' or 'Sauvignon Blanc !! £6.60 for a very substandard Sauvignon Blanc was a massive let down!! If a customer asks for a Wine Menu/List in a Bar & Bistro, you expect to see at least the brand and the region of the wine!! This establishment or Manageress, is more than happy to caters for the +18 and 2 -4- 1 cocktails, with the loud music just lacks class... the ambience of the venue isnt fitting to the setting am afraid.

Written 28 June 2021

Sue L

Durham110 contributions

First visit...will be back!

Mar 2020 • none

This was our first visit, will definitely not be our last....can’t wait to come back. The restaurant and bar are spacious, the decor is simple yet classy, the staff are friendly, helpful, chatty and attentive. The food is excellent, great choice, well presented and very very tasty. I would definitely recommend the belly pork or mussels to start, both king prawn mains were superb and the fillet steak was well cooked, the chicken Diane was really good. We had a wheelchair user with us and we were given a choice of tables which were suitable, we opted for a window table rather than the one just in the entrance, the restaurant is spacious so when we were leaving and even though the restaurant was very busy by this time this didn’t cause any problems at all. Overall great experience and nice to have a good restaurant on our doorstep. Many thanks for a great meal, we will be back soon!

Written 14 March 2020

Travelingjohn123

Peterlee3138 contributions

I’ve never been a big fan

Aug 2020 • couples

I’ve never been a big fan of Lucianos and always thought it was overpriced. Called last night on a Rishi special and yes definately the starters and deserts are too expensive but the mains were superb and well priced. I probably would not have paid the full price for my mixed grill but having tried it at half price and tasted how good it was I would have no hesitation at buying it again at £16 - it was really nice and one of the best mixed grills o have had in a long time. The service was excellent and the decor and ambiance was really good. I did have a hair in my food but that was swiftly and efficiently sorted with a free desert. We will definately be back

Written 10 August 2020

skiathos2000

53 contributions

Very Good Again

Sept 2020 • none

We have now been here about 6/7 times and cannot praise the food quality enough . Service this time was erratic but we have to take into account the extra work involved in the health precautions . One observation that we would make is about the arrival of a young mother with children who was either family or friends or staff who , and the children , was not respectful of the Covid rules and not respectful of the fact that food on the counter to be served is for some diner who is entitled to not having it shouted over even if you do know the Chefs and Servers . It looks unprofessional and we were not the only ones to notice . Otherwise food was once again first class and that is primary reason for going and we will return .

Written 26 September 2020

Easy traveler

London96 contributions

A great disappointment.

Jun 2022 • family

This was a dismal experience. A previous visit here had been very good so thought it would be a nice choice whilst visiting family in the north east. From start to finish was terrible. A couple of members of staff were capable of friendliness, most were not and none were capable of competent service. They seemed both confused and irritated about basic drinks orders, one of them put ice in a glass for beer, while another seemed to think asking for a spoon was too much hard work. They clearly lacked communication as some were selling what was already sold out. They also argued that a starter which was supposedly in white wine sauce, but came out red was not incorrect and didn’t change it despite it obviously being a tomato sauce. Overall I would say the service staff had zero training. Then the main course came. The saddest attempt at a Sunday lunch seen in a long time. They have something called feathered beef - don’t - it was like canned stew slopped on a plate. The lamb was marginally better, though dry, poor to average at most. Even dessert was a failure, apple crumble that tasted like cardboard. What was previously a decent place has obviously not maintained it’s standards. Won’t be going back.

Written 26 June 2022

JF7785

Durham92 contributions

Steak Night

May 2022 • couples

Have dined here on a number of occasions in the past but decided to try the steak night which is on a Wednesday. Two starters (good choice available) and two steaks (altgough some incur an additional cost) as well as a bottle of house wine for £40 so very good value. Opted for the rump steak which was superb and was a good size and which also comes with chunky chips although you can select vegetables if you prefer. Black pudding starter which comes with bacon and peppercorn sauce which again was superb. All of the staff in the pub are very welcoming and friendly. Well worth a visit on a Wednesday if you are a steak fan.

Written 25 May 2022

19rebecca88

Peterlee46 contributions

It’s a no from me….

Mar 2022 • friends

Massive disappointment Went in and order two drinks, ordered starters and the fillet steak. No complaints with the starters. Quite a wait for the mains, just come steak nothing else. Asked the waitress for the chips. 15 mins later and no sign of chips. Found waitress who then said steak didn’t come with chips. Got the menu and showed the same waitress that the steak did indeed come with chips. Chips arrived 20 mins later when the steak was long gone. I advised the staff I was not happy and was offered a free dessert. I don’t eat dessert so this was refused and asked to speak to manager. Manager come over another 20 mins late and the words were “ you wanted to see me “ no hello, sorry nothing. Advised of the situation and that £100 spent for a disappointing meal, she then proceeded to check the bill and said I had only spent £83 not £100. In actual fact the drinks at the bar meant I spent over £100. Got £20 literally flung at me. Used to be lovely when this first opened but this is now the second time has major issues. Wouldn’t recommend. I certainly will not be back which is a shame but customer service goes a long way.

Written 27 March 2022

Marg H

1 contribution

I Feel Ripped Off

Jan 2023 • none

My starter of Tempura King Prawns when it arrived was 3 King prawns with half shells on,no mayo,I'd asked for ordinary mayo not the firey mayo. I have skin problems so had great difficulty shelling the prawns. My main was again king pranws in a garlic and wine sauce and again the 6 prawns were in half shells.So altogether I paid £28 pounds for 9 prawns. I had a soft drink and a coffee.The supposedly filter coffe was tasteless.Everyone else at the table got full sized meals.I will not be recommending this place.It was very busy as it was Friday night .What I had I enjoyed but felt ignored by the staff.

Written 22 January 2023

JF7785

Durham92 contributions

Great Bar & Restaurant

Dec 2022 • couples

I am a regular customer here although I recently visited here on my birthday which also happened to be the steak night. Steak night is great value with 2 starters, 2 steak mains and a bottle of wine for £40 although the main menu is available if you do not want to have the steak. All of the staff are top class but with it being my birthday then they sang happy birthday to me which I was not expecting. The resident singers on that evening were Matt, Emily and Izzie. I would highly recommend this bar and restaurant if you have not been before.

Written 31 December 2022

Rachel B

1 contribution

Terrible service

Apr 2023 • couples

We visited here for the second time as really enjoyed the food on our first visit. Once again could not fault the food however the service is abysmal. From our mains being taken away we waited half an hour before we had to approach a member of staff to request a dessert menu and extra drinks. We then waited another 20 minutes after receiving the menu for still nobody to come and take the order. We ended up going up to the bar and just asking for the bill in the end as got sick of waiting. We pointed out about the wait and were told ‘we’re understaffed’, no apology! Highly disappointing considering 2 members of staff were sat on their breaks and got more attention from the waiters that we did as paying customers. As much as the food is lovely we won’t be returning.

Written 3 April 2023

kevan r

Sunderland130 contributions

no complaints

Jan 2024 • couples

Called in with my wife Christine around 5pm, ordered off the A la carte menu as we had Christmas voucher to spend. We both ordered the Mediteranean Grill, Chicken breast , 3 slices of steak , chips, onions , peppers and paid for peppercorn sauce, drinks prices reasonable , staff attentive and polite. No complaonts at all and we will return.

Written 29 January 2024

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