The independently owned and operated Tucci’s Café Italia was established in 1995. The staff exhibit sincere pride in their location almost immediately from their demeanor, menu selection and originality. The staff seemed pleased to sit and talk about the atmosphere they try to

create at their intimate 15th Street café. The modern twist of neighborhood café and old Italian is observable throughout the interior.

Throughout the warm summer months, Tucci’s offers an intimate outdoor patio seating surrounded by delicate greenery. The interior is dimly lit with simple accents. Antique black and white photographs are scattered across the deep burgundy and black walls.

The house salad was mouthwatering and by far my favorite part of the meal. The variety of chopped, green crisp lettuce and Bertolli Olive Oil vinaigrette was simple, but coupled with the shredded Parmesan cheese, it created a delicate combination. With a pinch of finely ground black pepper, the salad was delicious.

The Chicken Scaloppini, Tucci’s “prize dish,” was served with a lemony cream sauce, salty capers, and artichoke hearts over angel hair pasta.

The presentation of the food was pretty, and the edges of the round, red plate were garnished with finely chopped fresh basil. The chicken was rather dry and much too overdone, unfortunately. I questioned the originality of the recipe but, the portion of the dish was quite filling.

Tucci’s Spaghetti Bolognese, a meat-based sauce originating in Bologna, Italy, strongly emphasized the American cooking style. The simmered ground beef in tomato herb sauce was served over a bed of spaghetti. The dish was mediocre and did not emphasize the “hearty” feel typically presented by a traditional Bolognese.

Visit their website here.

Scene - Tulsa