We went to Bella Luca on the recommendation of a friend who has good taste and the reviews we read here. We really wonder if we were at the same restaurant. The only thing we can think of is that a trainee chef was on duty or there was some other kitchen nightmare.

For appetizers, we had the calamari fritti which was tasty, but not crisp because of the sauce. While the crabcake had plenty of crab , it was over sauteed, leaving the bottom slightly charred and decidedly hard. Though the appetizers had their prohlems, there was worse to come. We were warned that the chicken marsala was different in style than the "normal" but we were not warned that the chicken would be overcooked and dry, despite being in a sauce, which was decidedly lacking in marsala flavor.

The signature dish of scallops risotto was poorly conceived. The scallop reduction did not combine well with the creamy risotto and cutting a scallop on the risotto's surface was difficult. In addition, 3 small scallops for over $20 was not good value. To the restaurant's credit, when we told them we did not like the dish, they took it back and took it off the bill. The substitute dish, clams and mussels on pasta, was probably the tastiest dish of the evening, though overpriced.

While the rather plain decor was not a problem, the flies were. We have been experiencing unusually wet weather in New Mexico with its' accompanying fly population explosion, however, the fly control in the restaurant was severely lacking and we spent most of the dinner shooing flies.

Based on these disappointments, we opted for dipped cones at the always reliable local Dairy Queen for dessert. Even without dessert at the restaurant, the bill was $75, with two appetizers, two entrees and one beer and one glass of wine.

Perhaps the most disappointing thing was that we really wanted to like this restaurant and thought we would, based on the reviews and recommendations. We certainly hope our disappointing experience was an anomaly..

Cafe Bella Luca was a delicious experience. The place was packed the Thursday evening we went for dinner. There was acoustic music (a little difficult to hear) and only a few empty tables in the room.

The trays of olives/oil with herb and balsamic vinegar served with crusty bread was a tasty start to our meal. The wine list had good variety, the menu offered choices of salads and entrees, and the service was well done.

We chose to share the spaghetti and meatballs. The sauce was superb and freshly made. The meatballs were well seasoned and tender to boot. I often judge an Italian restaurant by this standard dish. When they do it well I can count on their other dishes being something to look forward to in my coming visits.

Definitely add it to the list for your next trip to Truth or Consequences.

We are so happy that T or C has a restaurant like this; this makes up for the loss of Sierra Grande's restaurant. I had a risotto here that gave me new respect for something usually taken for granted. The scallops atop it were stunning as well, but one is not ever treated to risotto like this. My wife had what she terms the best filet ever and everyone else at the table (10 in all) loved their dishes. They also have a fail safe wine list with mostly all good choices. The staff were also comfortable with their jobs, capable and on top of things.

This restaurant is amazing. We were visiting family in this small quirky town and decided to go out to eat. The Bella Luca is a new restaurant in town so we decided to try it. We couldn't believe the caliber of restaurant that it is, as is is located in a small town, as I mentionned before. The food is italian style, but not the boring spaghetti and meatballs and greasy pizza that you might think. Everything is a fresh, mouth watering, piece of art. We were starving when we arrived so we ordered the fried calamari and capri salad as appetizers. They were both delectible, the capri salad had fresh buffalo mozzarella and beautiful tomatoes and a house made balsalmic reduction with fresh basil, it left us excited to see what our entrees would entail. The calamari was unbelievably fresh and was accompanied by the most delightful sauce I have ever experienced that included roasted garlic and red pepers, yumm, to the last bite.
I think that I would have been happy with just that, we were so amazed at the quality of the restaurant, which compares to some of the best restaurants that I have been to in the city, but what a unique gem it is to find in the middle of the desert in New Mexico, what a treat.
We decided to order a bottle of wine with our meal and chose a bottle that truly blew us away. It was among many Very well priced fine quality wines that they had on the menu as well as fun, cool and unique beers. The bottle that we got was called the Stratton Lummis and the waitress told us about its interesting story. It comes from an undisclosed vineyard in Napa Valley from which hundred dollar bottles of wine are sold . The producers of this wine got a contract with the vineyard a long time ago, so they are selling excellent wine at incredilble prices. Ours was only $48!!!
We didn't think that is could get any better until our entrees arrived. I ordered the sea scallop risotto on the recommendation of the waitress. I could have died and gone to heaven right there!! The scallops were the size of golf balls, and again they were FRESH!! wow they came over a creamy risotto with asparagus and a beurre fondu that made me want to lick the plate. My husband ordered the Frutti di Mar which had the largest shrimp that I have ever seen as well as clams, mussels, and squid. The sauce was divine with a hint of spice. My sister orderd the filet. It was cooked to perfection and topped with carmelized onion, garlic and a roasted red pepper chutney. It had the most beautiful array of rainbow swiss chard next to it and "smashed" potatoes that had hints of garlic and lots of butter. We couldn't get enough. Her husband ordered a classic with Chef Byron's twist, the Rigatoni Bolognese. He told us on the way over there that a friend told him "I would eat a dirty shoe with that sauce on it." And it truly lived up to its reputation. They also had food for the little ones including chicken cutlets that they call fingers, mac and cheese, grilled cheese and a few other things, that made all of the kids happy. We couldn't leave without tryig the deserts which included a light beautiful fresh fruit cream tarte and vanilla bean creme brulee that were both out of this world!! How could we resist when the waitress offered organic espresso roast coffee go with our desserts? It was the best coffee that I have ever had. And it's nice to know that this place cares about the environment, they do organic and free range as well as ecofriendly to go products, and straws!! how cool.
They also have delightful pizzas, which we tried the next day at lunch time. They are cooked in a brick oven and are oh so good, especially the grilled pizza with a crispy crust, the dough was grilled and topped with garlic sauce, carmelized onions and goat cheese. It is the pizza for any gourmande like me. It was a sunday so they were serving brunch, which is also unbelievably delicious. The menu included things like prosciutto wrapped fruit, eggs florentine, brioche french toast, Byron's biscuits and gravy (oh my god) and much more!! All in all this place was fabulous and it is like a diamond in the rough. If you are ever near this area make the detour. It's only a few hours from Santa Fe and Albuquerque, and El Paso and there are a couple of great places to stay (did I mention they have hot springs??) It is most definetely worth the trip. And would make a great weekend getaway location.