Lucetta Dining

14/20

Updated October 26, 2026,first published November 11, 2024

14/20

Lucetta Dining

Italian$$

A stylish osteria in the heart of town.

Behind the facade of a handsome shopfront half-concealed by cafe curtains lies a moody scene of raw brick, sleek fixtures and flickering candlelight. This is Lucetta, Orange’s most romantic osteria (just check out the cute couple’s corner by the entrance), grounded in local sensibilities but Italian to the core.

Still, we’re not sure Nonna ever made parmigiana quite like this: half an eggplant, roasted until it almost collapses, capped with squiggles of creamed ricotta salata and sugo. House-made focaccia Pugliese, generously topped with tomato, olive and oregano, is a standby snack, but don’t sleep on the wedge of crumbed and fried mortadella, piped with cacio e pepe cream.

Bucatini all’amatriciana is more classic, if a little saucy, but it’s some of the best pasta in town, especially paired with a racy syrah from up-and-coming locals ChaLou. Tiramisu is present and correct, staff can banter as well as they can stir down a negroni, and the room has a gentle hum that makes dining here feel as if you’re in on a secret even if, we’re sorry to say, the secret’s out.

Best for: Date night with local wines.

Good Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant can’t pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide.

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Last visited: August 2026

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