We are working our way through the SMH Good Food Guide and today its Lucio’s turn. The restaurant is located in leafy Windsor Street in the suburb of Paddington. We have always wanted to try this restaurant as many times we have driven past and wondered how it fares compared to other 5* restaurants in the SMH Good Food Guide.

Immediately being placed at our table we were mesmerised by all the fabulous artworks which dripped tastefully off the restaurant walls. The staff displayed traditional Italian service and were friendly and helpful. We ordered a Sauvignon Blanc from NZ and settled down to reading the menu.

I decided on the Balsamic roast duck, warm salad of roasted carrots & garlic dressed in prune vinegar whilst hubby went for his normal weird choice of Pan fried calves’ liver scented with sage on caramelized onion tart with pan juices !

My duck was very tasty but it certainly was not the best I’ve tried as it was a little on the dry side, however my husbands dish certainly raised glasses and he was extremely satisfied.

We both had Affogatos which were terrific and shared the tasting plate of desserts... Yum!

Overall, we had a delightful and memorable meal and would definitely recommend the restaurant for those looking for a special or romantic occasion and a reminder a good service.

Not worth the bill, overly presumptuous.

Lucio's has a formidable reputation, but regrettably in our case the experience was very dissapointing. The antipasto and entrees were OK but certainly not 'special'. There was no 'finesse' about the food or its presentation.

There was a 1 1/4 hour wait between entree and mains. The pork cutlet was dry and bordering on tough, the lamb rack, although correctly cooked medium as requested was likewise bordering on tough, both certainly edible but nowhere near the quality we expected. The potato 'chips' were way over cooked. No crusty outside and soft centre here, just plain overcooked . . . . . the spinach was cool heading for cold . . . .

Dessert : again OK but nothing exceptional. The panna cotta was over set and of the wrong texture, not smooth and creamy.

All in all extremely dissappointing. For an exceptional meal I am happy to pay a good price. Regrettably this was 2 star food at a 5 star price. If you are looking for an 'italian experience' with an italian 'feel' to the food this isn't it.

Consistently delicious food, fabulous artworks and friendly Italian service. By far the best pasta I've eaten outside of Italy. I recommend to everyone for a fabulous night out or a relaxing long lunch!