My regular haunt
Having moved into the Adelaide CBD seven months ago, Luigi's has become my regular haunt. I visit almost daily for coffee, often with a serve of the tempting 'crostoli' (deep-fried pasta dough with icing sugar scattered on them), a delicacy I normally associate with 'Carnevale' in Rome where I lived for several years.
I also pop in quite frequently for 'minestra del giorno' with bread freshly made on site, which I take home for my working lunch. The soups are simple and straight-forward and invariably taste delicious, my favourite being the cream of tomato which has a secret ingredient the chef won't reveal.
My wife and I have frequently had meals at Luigi's - Sunday breakfast/brunch and dinners, and we have never been disappointed. We are happy to be guided by the staff - or Luigi himself - in our choice of food, and we have never been disappointed. The antipasto is almost certainly the 'piece de resistance' (what's that in Italian?), the over-flowing platter (to share) being voluminous and varied.
We have attended two celebratory dinners in a large group, and have been amazed by the quality and quantity of the serves and the ability of the chef, Giovanni, and his team to deliver to every table at virtually the same time.
'Friday Night Live' is a recent innovation at Luigi's, with very pleasant (not too loud) music provided by various performers, including Kim who is also a local.
Apart from the quality of the food and the sensible wine list, what stands out for me is the team of superb staff that Luigi has gathered round him and his sister Sonia who regularly oversees the smooth running of the cafe/restaurant. It is unfair to single out individual staff members, but I must commend Josh and Dominic, who are ever- attentive in their role as waiters and the highly professional barista behind the bar - "Call me Jewel", he laughingly advises because his actual name is almost unpronounceable.
Along with other outstanding restaurants in the CBD, Luigi provided a much-valued home delivery service during the pandemic lockdown of restaurants. He continues to provide such a service, which is handy if you want to host a dinner party without admitting you did not actually cook the superb meal.
To quote and translate Molly Meldrum "Fatevi un favore" and visit Luigi Delicatessen soon and often.