Eating Out with the Phoenician Trader: Lucia's Pizzeria
Created | Updated Feb 27, 2011
Lucia's Pizzeria
In a corner of one of the greatest food markets in the world – some rate it not far behind Boqueria Market in Barcelona, is a little café – half in its own shop space and half under the main food market roof. It is called Lucia's, named for the lady for whom it was bought and who ran it for many years. It is now run by her daughters, their friends and family.
The food is traditional Australia/Italian – pizzas, pastas and salads. There is a small range of traditional cakes and wines by the glass. The coffee is excellent and for many people the only thing they buy there. In common with the best cafés, wherever in the world they are, only one person works the coffee machine in a shift. The orders get queued next to them and they go through them sequentially. If they need a break for a chat or to go to the loo, then everybody waits. The system has its downsides but such is the price of quality.
Friday night is the late night for the market and then, along with Saturday morning, is peak time to drop past. The market does not do fast or take away food so visitors share the space with large shopping bags of fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, meats, breads and, especially on Saturday, children. On weekdays the place is much quieter, the sound of forklifts moving about among the vegetable stalls being the loudest sound, but it still remains a good place for a proper meal at a reasonable price.
Getting There: It is in the South Eastern corner of the Adelaide Central Market (easy to get to).
Who should eat there:Food shoppers.
Dining Style: Traditional Italian/Australian café.
Price: Allow £5 to 10pp but you can spend a bit more if you want.
Quality: Very good
Would I go Back: Weekly
