Luciano’s

I am certain that when folks think of Mulvane the do not think, I bet they have an awesome Italian restaurant, well they do! Luciano’s is authentic Italian cuisine period! Yes call for reservations. Scratch made pasta and sauces fresh ingredients make this place a gem for Mulvane and a gem for you and your friends and family. Great atmosphere all nestled in a quaint little community just a short drive south of Wichita. The meal I had last time I ate here started off with an amazing cranberry salad in an edible mozzarella cheese bowl, main course was their cooked to perfection ribeye steak. If you are a foodie, you need to come try this place! You won’t be disappointed.
–Brent

Amazing authentic Italian food, did I mention is authentic!!! Luciano does a great job and I love his family and friendly staff, I’m a customer as long he’s around. Try it u won’t regret it.

Lets start with the bread, good but the dipping sauce? Just made all of balsamic. Not impressed. Appetizer. Caprese. Not good. No flavor to it at all, i have had way better homemade, tomatoes were not the best, the mozzarella cheese was the good part. Off to the pasta, it was good flavored but kinda skimped on having any meat.
Overall being «using the best ingredients we can afford for little taste of italy» literally seems like the only ingredients they can afford to make bland food. eeehhhh I’ve had better taste of italy in other small towns of kansas. Over priced for what is served.
Lastly the service was awful. when you go to a restaurant and the expectations of a wait staff is for them to wait on you, not for you to wait on yourself. Had to ask for everything and for refills. Had to stand up and ask for service. Customer service is an added bonus to the bland food. Offering free desserts does not make up for it. Do your job till the very end.
Not authentic. Not a taste of italy. Italian food is more flavorful than this.

We were in Mulvane for business. Someone suggested eating here. Wow, I thought I was in New York. The appetizers, and main courses that all 3 of us had was incredible. The service and décor are also excellent. What a great surprise.
By the way the prices are very reasonable!

This is good Italian food — for Wichita. That’s the major caveat here. It’s not authentic. At all.
Boston, San Francisco, New York’s Italian restaurants would blow this place outta da watah!
Everything tasted flat. Like it needed more spice, more flavour — MORE something. Perhaps they’re cooking for the Midwest palate; it was busy on a Monday night, so the locals definitely think it’s good.
I guess my tiramisu sums it up: it was homemade and good — and then they drizzled Hershey’s syrup on it and just killed a perfectly good dessert! Really? Just grate some chocolate on it or fan a strawberry.
Oh, and 86 the sawdust «Parmesan» cheese, which is authentic as a Kraft American cheese food single.
Service was a bit on the slow and inattentive side, but I wasn’t in a hurry and neither were any other tables. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t good either. Kinda like everything else in this visit.
Should be 2.5 stars, but that’s not an option here.

Great spot for food. Authentic Italian made well. Salads are fresh and filling. Pasta is cooked well. Paninis have a good ration of bread to goodies. Friendly staff and warm atmosphere. Love it.

Short Version: If you are traveling along I35, this is absolutely worth the 4 mile detour to have either lunch or dinner. Especially, if you want to avoid fast food and low level franchise food chains as much as we do. They can accommodate gluten-​free and do have a gluten-​free pasta! They also do a masterful job in balancing the Italian sensiblity that is about providing high-​quality ingredients and smaller portions to taste many flavors in a meal with the American need for large portions. Extremely Good! Estremamente Buono!
Long Version: My husband and I are always seeking out unique finds in our travels. This is one of those places. Luciano, the proprietor, has settled in Mulvane, Kansas from his birthplace of Italy where he grew up in Viareggio with his six brothers and sisters. A place in northern Tuscany, Italy, on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea. After meeting an American, who he confesses as the love of his life, he immigrated to the United States settling in Mulvane, which is located just 26 miles south from Wichita’s city center, as it reminded him of the wheat fields and sunflowers of his Tuscan home.
As we approached the town of Mulvane we were struck by the Mayberry-​esque feel. The neat and clean main street had evidence of the town’s beginnings featuring Italianate architecture, a quaint park with large stature trees, as well as a train museum. It all makes sense since the town was laid out in 1879 at the junction of five Santa Fe rail lines, and later incorporated in 1883. Most likely an intermodal of sorts.
After a long day of travel we arrived at the beginning of Luciano’s dinner service. We walked past a cat sleeping on the front stoop who had no interest in accommodating us and our entry to the restaurant. We carefully stepped around her as she yawned. Then we were immediately greeted by a lovely young lady and seated.
Our waitress greeted us within a beat or two of sitting down. We began by viewing the wine list and asking about their standout dishes. When she was stumped by a wine question and about to seek assistance, a gentleman arrived by her side and quickly answer all our questions. We choose a glass of montepulciano and we started with the Antipasti — Antipasti Misti di Parma which featured two types of fresh mozzarella cheese, imported prosciutto, kalamata olives, olive oil & salt, and Calamari al Vino Bianco which featured sliced calamari sautéed in garlic, white wine & olive oil served over greens & topped with lemon, herbs & spices. Eleven and Nine dollars, respectively. Our next course was pasta. I had Quattro Formaggi — shredded Italian cheeses blended with real cream & bits of fresh asparagus & carrots, served on farfelle (bowtie) pasta. The farfalle tasted like a high-​quality dried pasta and not homemade/​handmade, but I would absolutely have it again. My personal preference would be to order it with much more asparagus & carrot in the future. The flavor was very good. My husband had the Mottola Sugo di Carne which is one of Luciano’s family recipes. When it first arrived, I know he thought it should have had more meat, but by the last bit he said it was «perfect». He had it served over the gluten-​free pasta and parmesan cheese. Both dishes were only ten dollars. You can tell their dishes are made to order, and with high-​quality ingredients. Based on the extremely affordable prices the dinners were outstanding and WE WILL BE BACK. We concluded with an espresso. We would have had a lemoncello if that had been available. Fino al Nostro Prossimo Incontro!
While eating dinner we witnessed the local «justice of the peace» pull over a car headed for the restaurant. We understand the driver rolled through a stop sign. So their «Sherrif Andy Taylor» is on duty, but we think he really a nice guy too, since the driver only received a warning.
Then strolled through the park for a few minutes after dinner.
Tip: Ask for a seat in room to the left of entering. You would have a view of the park I mentioned earlier.

Goods: Excellent staff. Friendly and attentive; knew the menu. Good wine and nice antipasto.
Others: Food lacked the zest necessary for high quality Italian food. Lasagna was lacking in thickness and had little flavor. Carbonara didn’t appear to be prepared by the standard method and lacked both zest and consistency.
The staff, wine, appetizers, and general ambiance made for a pleasant meal and good evening overall. The food just wasn’t up to par. Maybe a stressed kitchen due to it being Mothers’ Day, but it wasn’t crowded and we had reservations.
I wouldn’t go again, but it was a really nice experience because of the people, who were awesome. The food, not so much. Wish I could give them a better review but just can’t.

Mamma mia! Eccellente!
From the caprese and calamari al vino bianco to the crème brulèe and tiramisu — delizioso!
Personally, I took half portions for the salad and the pasta, but after five courses, I was more than sated.
The wine list was extensive enough to match the menu, affordable and many selections were offered by the glass as well as the bottle.
Some memorable points:
1) Fresh food prepared with pride. (Although, our table declined the cheesecake because it is not made by the restaurant — how lamentable.)
2) Edible cheese bowls for full-​sized salads.
3) A soft pudding-​like crème brulèe — not the usual custard.
4) Very good service.
5) Two visits to our table by the chef himself.
Some modest points of discontent:
1) The pasta carbonara, while delectable in taste, left me unimpressed with the egg in the sauce (My personal recipe for carbonara sauce does not include egg, and I think it is more velvety.) and the a dente state of the pasta was almost crunchy.
2a) I was told the kitchen could not work with me to order the Filletto al Pepe Verde well done, so I ordered the Felletto alla Senape, well done. Naturally, the table waited for my steak to cook; alas, when the Filletto al Pepe Verde for my table mate arrived, it was — guess what — well done! Ostensibly this happened because it sat in the sauce while my steak cooked. My table mate was disappointed as he had hoped for medium rare.
2b) Consequently, I would like to express my opinion that the kitchen could improve its manner of responding to guests by preparing dishes per request.
3) The Cotoletta di Maiale was unavailable. Disappointing because I have always wanted to try a sous vide dish.
4) I wish the silverware could have been refreshed at least once.
Overall, a delectable, delightful experience. Would I go back? Absolutely!
Grazie Chef Luciano!
Date of visit: 20JN2014

Definitely the best for authentic Italian and well worth the drive. Fine food, kind friendly service and a first class atmosphere combine for the perfect dining experience. Luciano may even let you alter the menu and on Sunday evenings there is live music. Call ahead. You won’t be disappointed!!!

I’ve heard that this is THE place to go for years and just last Saturday a group of four went to try it. We made reservations which was a good idea, it was pretty busy but not super packed. We didn’t feel crowded at all. We had drinks, apps, salads, entrees, desert and espresso. Not one person had one complaint. We had a great time and the food was wonderful. The portions were perfect, not huge and not too small. We got to meet Luciano as he came out to check on our meal. He’s a great guy and wonderful chef, ironically he is from the town in Italy that 2 of our group just got back from. They had lots to talk about. He’s got some great plans for the near future too.
The staff is great and is very informative with all the options for menu choices. You can get ½ salad or ½ entrée or entrée with ½ pasta whatever you want. They truly want to make sure you have a wonderful dining experience. We weren’t rushed and definitely were not ignored, they know how to be attentive without rushing you through the meal. We were there for 3 hours but because we wanted to, we probably waited close to an hour to order entrees because we were busy talking and eating appetizers.
We found out that Wednesday is Hand made Gnocchi night, Thursday is pizza night, a tasting menu is available with wine pairings on Friday and Saturday and Italian wine testing the last Monday of every month coordinated by Luciano’s wife.
You won’t regret a trip down here. It’s wonderful, and get the espresso before you go, it’s amazing!

This place is FANTASTIC! Hands down the best, most authentic, delicious Italian food I have ever had the privilege to eat. A true gem in Mulvane. I live in Kansas City and I truly believe this place is worth the drive. I only wish I’d had the opportunity to thank the chef myself. I probably should’ve asked to!

Unbelievably good, authentic Italian food! I always eat lunch here whenever we are back home to see family, and of the 5 – 6 times we have been here, I have never been disappointed. A must eat if you are near Mulvane. It’s worth the short trip from Wichita.

We had been working in town and looking for a good place to eat out and finish our trip near our hotel. A couple of folks recommended Luciano’s.
We arrived a bit late at the restaurant and thought we would be rushed since the restaurant was closing in 30 minutes. Couldn’t have been farther from that. We had a wonderful meal and desserts and I would never have thought to have such a great Italian meal in Kansas. After dinner we sat with Luciano and his wife to discuss the restaurant and one of the folks in our party was starting a food truck. They were great in sharing ideas with us and providing feedback.
If you are near the Mulvane area in Kansas, be sure to make a stop at Luciano’s. It will be well worth it!

FABULOUS!!! Real Authentic Italian Restaurant. If you love wine they have a wide selection for your palate. And the food is very rich in flavor. Love this place. Enjoy the experience. :)

Food: Just ok.
I have eaten Italian all over the the U.S. and this was below average. The Chef’s Special is typically the best in the house. Not here. They served five courses which were not flavorful. In fact the appetizer, a crab purée served in a tomato cup with a leaf of lettuce tasted like canned crab. The pasta was not fresh and was topped with a bland sauce. The entrée was a pan fried pork chop that was certainly well cooked but had zero flavor other than salt and butter.
Maybe we should have ordered a la cart.
Service was good, polite and efficient.
Ambiance: We were seated on the annex side (dont let them seat you there) which was cramped, warm and loud.
It seems like they were going through the motions tonight. I don’t believe the owners were there.
I don’t know if I will go back. Its a long drive not to be «Wowed» with what has been touted and THE Italian restaurant in the area.

Our first visit to Luciano’s was for our 44^th wedding anniversary on Saturday, July 28. It was a totally satisfying experience.
Surroundings: street parking was ample and convenient.
Ambiance: simple and unpretentious; tables were large leaving plenty of leg and elbow room and ample space for condiments, water/​wine glasses, bread and butter plates.
Service: impeccable! Waitress was very knowledgeable about menu and entrees. She was there when and if we needed her, and didn’t intrude or hover when we didn’t need her.
Food: we had a five-​course meal — appetizer, antipasti, pasta, entrée and dessert. Each course was professionally prepared and presented, delicious and appropriately sized. It was such a pleasure to eat dishes that weren’t over-​seasoned and that brought out the full flavor of the foods; and, to finish each course at a leisurely pace without being rushed by the wait staff. Our total meal took about two hours allowing us to enjoy the dining experience and to have an enjoyable conversation.
Drink: we ordered wine by the glass, but felt that the volume of wine served (about 4 – 5 oz.) was small and skimpy. I would suggest that management consider serving a more generous amount of wine per glass.
Prices: for the ambiance, quality and flavor of the dishes and service, Luciano’s offers an exceptional value. Our check (with tip included) was under $ 130.00. A little more than meals at an Applebies, Red Rock, Granite City, etc., but then we didn’t have to run out and buy a bottle of antacids after our meal at Luciano’s.
Overall impression: we’ve lived in MI, OH, TX, FL and KS. We’ve eaten in many fine, «name» restaurants in the states that we lived in, but have never had a more positive or memorable dining experience anywhere else than our recent celebration at Luciano’s.

I was disappointed with Luciano’s. I had a sandwich, salad and pasta. The sandwich lacked flavor. I expected it to have fresh basil and it had dried. My pasta was dry and noodles were over cooked. The salad was the most palatable but was a tad over dressed.

It’s no secret that Luciano’s has some of the best Italian food in Wichita, so I took Rock Road as far south as it would go to try it out for myself.
Real Italian food is something that many people haven’t experienced — choosing chains that overload customers on garlic breads, overcooked pastas, and heavy, heavy cream sauces; I can’t escape an Olive Garden without feeling bad about myself. No, real Italian food is about a handful of pure, fresh ingredients that come together to make something special.
It starts with pasta, of course. I’ve always been under the impression that if Mexican restaurants can be expected to make their own tortillas (and they should, or at least procure them locally), Italian restaurants can make their own pasta. Luciano’s does this, and their fettuccine consisted of the base for my lunch whose name I cannot remember, as I don’t speak Italian. It consisted of the pasta, along with diced tomato, shaved carrots, chopped green onion, small pieces of a nice fennel sausage, all sauteed in butter and Parmesan. THIS is an alfredo sauce.
There wasn’t much of a lunch crowd, but I could see how reservations may be warranted in the small restaurant for dinner. As I ate, I watched as Luciano tended to a big pot of sauce for lasagna later in the evening. This is obviously a man who enjoys what he does and we enjoy eating it.

Migliore alimento italiano in Kansas! This is the real deal! The first time I went we braved the tornado sirens and let me tell you… no tornado was going to tear me away from the table! Everything was phenomenal, the setting is adorable, and Luciano and his family came out to check in on all the tables.
It is a short drive and I highly recommend you go. Call first and see if Luciano is in the kitchen, his cooking skills are the real 5 star!