We ate here while visiting friends. We are so thankful they brought us to Luce! It was the best meal of our trip. The atmosphere is private and comfortable. The staff were friendly. The food was delicious and we savored each bite. read more

Horrible! Rude owner! Been numerous times thought we were valuable customers. After complaining about wayyy over priced drinks, owner who was belligerent while dining with friends became so irrate he got in our 9 years face! It did not end well. We are not allowed back but would NEVER go back regardless! Dont waste your time read more

A very, very strong 4 stars. Friends had asked to take us out for Italian, so I offered Luce, a restaurant recommended by a friend to which I'd never been. When I looked at the prices on the menu, I was immediately embarrassed - I had thought it casual but this was pretty serious dining - especially for the Middletown area. This was going to cost them and I had no idea what we were getting ourselves into! Whoa! Was I bailed out by this restaurant!! The meal - the meals were fabulous. Simply fabulous. The fish soup appetizer was delicious, complex, bowl-wiping good. The caprese salad special was perfect. I mean it. Perfect. The buffalo mozzarella was the tastiest I've ever eaten. The tomatoes ripe but firm and dressed just right. Presentation wasn't shabby either. My colleagues had variously ravioli, veal and the scallops. Tasting all around and nothing failed to impress. The porcini mushroom ravioli had a truffle oil white sauce that managed to complement and not overwhelm the ravioli. The veal, a lovely thick cut, was tender and very flavorful. We shared home-made cannollis for desert. Well done. Service was attentive and professional. This is a fine restaurant. Highly recommend. read more

Luce's has a great atmosphere and a great menu..I went with my twin one night and we both enjoyed the food and the wine..dessert was a little disappointing, but overall the place and the staff are friendly and knowledgeable about the wine and food... but the I've never heard one thing good about the owner ever..In fact I heard he got punched in the face b/c a couple who had ate there, left and went to another place to have drinks and had their car towed..what kinda owner does that?? Also I heard he went into ESCA a new place in middletown and caused a stir at the bar with patrons..for someone who has great food and a good rapport with customers, why would you act like such an ass??.. I would def go back for the food and atmosphere, but I am heavily turned off by an owner who doesn't have respect for fellow competitors. read more

For the price of this place they could do a whole lot better. There staff sit outside of the restaurant and just talk talk talk and smoke smoke smoke! read more

My fiancé and I were in town for a zip lining adventure, and we're looking for a meal that we could unwind from the exciting day. Our waiter (wish I could remember his name, he had an accent though) was excellent. We wanted to finish our drinks before ordering anything from the menu and he allowed us to feel like we owned the place. He couldn't have been more accommodating. We ordered the steak for two, although it didn't come out as we wished (very rare over a nice pink medium) he brought it back to the kitchen to cook it for just a but more. We finished up with a nice dessert and a after dinner drink. It was exactly what we needed. Although we wished the town could be cleaned up a bit more, Luce was the perfect getaway from the craziness of the day. read more

Was there today for lunch with my sisters. The food was great! The service was amazing! Love that place

The service was excellent here, the atmosphere was wonderful. We had lunch here, the food was just good. Had calamari for an appetizer and it was very good, lightly breaded and fresh. Two salads and two sandwiches. The salads were good. Only two shrimp in one of them (although it did state that on menu, should be more), the other one had a nice size of protein The corn beef sandwich was good and a nice portion. However, the Cajun shrimp Cesar wrap while good was 85 percent lettuce! It had at best one shrimp in it cut up, a lot of croutons a nice sauce that was not Cajun at all, it really was Cesar. Reason for 4 stars. Ask how many of these proteins are in the dishes you get before ordering. Food and service are good would go again but Would order some things differently. read more

Last night was my first visit. I had oysters as an appetizer, and they were only over. The cocktail sauce was not home made. The wine list does offer a varied assortment of by the glass. My venison entre was excellent, though the sides were lacking. Something green on the plate would have been nice. My dining companion thoroughly enjoyed his NY Strip Steak. I probably will not return. read more

I've never had a bad meal here! I've been here several times and for different occasions and the food is always on point. The staff is always attentive and professional. I've also introduced friends to Luce and everyone else seems to love it as well. read more

This place is amazing!! I had heard good things... so I stopped in on a busy Friday night. Started with a cucumber martini, and Moira the bartender made sure that I liked my drink before she departed!! She is a total sweetheart!! I started with the Bluepoint oysters... they came with a port mignonette. It is the best mignonette I have ever had. The oysters were fresh and crisp, and highly enjoyable, not just due to the mignonette!! I next had a special appetizer of Gorgonzola stuffed figs with shaved prosciutto. The combination of the flavors was perfect! I later had the fresh Buffalo Motz with tomatoes, basil, and a balsamic reduction. This may have been the best cheese I have ever had. I am now awaiting my panna cota and my dessert eh w. I expect to be highly impressed!! And thanks, Moira!! read more

Steak was awesome. Oysters were awesome. Beautiful night on the street. Highly recommend it.

We went to Luce once again last night. One of the commenters it right, this is the place to be on a cold winter's evening. In fact, I had my back to the fireplace, and it was nice and toasty. So warm, in fact, I almost needed to strip down to my skivvies, but that would have been inappropriate. Luce's menu does not change much, but the specials were plentiful and creative - venison, sea bass, lamb chops - I could have ordered any of them. The wine list is very extensive. The best thing about it - you can get a bottle of wine for 20 bucks if you want - unlike way too many places these days that require the $40 minimum on the wine list. You can also get your $300 bottle of wine too, if you have cash to burn. The place was packed, and our server was really wonderful. But, as often happens, she was assigned with too many tables and could not quite keep up. It wasn't slow, but it wasn't as attentive as expected. We both went with specials - butternut squash soup and beet salad. The soup was just OK - lacking a real kick. My wife loved the beet salad with goat cheese. For dinner, the scallops over mushroom risotto were great. My bride went with the seabass special with lobster broth, which she really loved. For sweet lovers, the dessert menu is thin. Mostly Italian desserts which are not my bag. We made the right choice - molten lava cake (with an extra scoop of ice cream) was awesome. Luce remains a favorite spot in Middletown - creative, consistent, warm. read more

My girlfriend and I went for dinner before we had a cocktail party to go to. We unfortunately ran into a time constraint. At any rate, we each got to have a Martini while we debated whether or not to try to wait for a table. I had the sinkertini and it was D-elicious. I usually do not like vodka drinks. We will definitely go back again and make reservations first! read more

Fabulous cocktails and plates. My only complaint is that my salmon was a little overcooked.

Excellent. A huge step up from the 'Cornerstones' that I had been to years ago. Everything was fantastic from the appetizers to the service. Top notch! read more

I just had dinner at Luce last night. The restaurant is warm and inviting. Our server was knowledgable and attentive. I had the special, Chilean Sea Bass with garlic braised kale and potato gnocchi. The presentation was delightful and the taste was perfect. The fish was cooked just right with a nice sear. The gnocchi was delicate and flavorful. I was sad when I had eaten my last bite. My date had the veal dish on the menu and was very pleased. For dessert we had the lava cake that was no doubt made in house. This was also perfect and served with a scoop of gelato. I can't wait to return to Luce! read more

I've lived in the area all my life and never made my way to this place until last month. I've been back twice since. It's a fantastic Italian restaurant and I would say the best in the county by far and really one of the best in CT. The menu is amble but not needlessly extensive. The specials are fantastic and the staff is always on point. The feeling you get from the quality of the meal, the atmosphere, and of course the great time you have with your guests makes this a fantastic restaurant. Go! read more

There is such a hype about Luce and so I was expecting heaven on earth. The food was only decent for me, although the service was impeccable. You're given bread and olive oil to hold your stomach until your food comes. I had the risotto special and the chocolate lava cake. The entree was simply okay, while I had a better time with the dessert. Their cappucinos are somewhat divine. It didn't leave an aftertaste or taste bitter. The owner (I believe it was the owner) kept asking my table to make reservations for graduation, which was annoying but she meant well so it was sort of cute. Overall, I wasn't wowed. It was a simple A-OK for me. read more

We went to this restaurant based on word of mouth. The ambience and area is decent though the prices are inflated. Specifically the dinner specials. Word to the wise!! Ask the price of the specials before ordering!! We had a great deal of sticker shock when we got the bill! read more

We recently had a funeral reception at Luce's. The understanding and compassion they showed was only surpassed by their great food and even better service. They helped make a difficult time for the family a little better. We could not be happier with Luce's, and would highly recommend them! read more

Mediocre food... Mediocre service if you don't have a thousand dollar suit on! And expensive for the crap that you get. If your not dressed up expect to get looked at up and down by the college waitress. Never ever coming back! read more

The only reason I gave 4 not 5 was they seated us near a very, very noisy table when there were plenty of quiet ones available. Other than that, the service was prompt, informative and too invasive. The food was wonderful. I had the Seared Scallops with Pomegranate Reduction, and Mushroom Risotto. I would have preferred a sherry reduction, Madera, something like that but it was still incredible. The scallops were cooked perfectly, nice sear good seasoning. The risotto was al dente, and creamy. My sweetheart had the Soup Pouisson and while I didn't try it, he was loving every bit of it. We have found a new date night spot, and will definitely be going back. read more

Decent food, nice atmosphere, good drinks. Menu could be larger as choices are limited. Waitstaff is friendly but management could be more welcoming. read more

Luce is a restaurant that I would visit again. I thought that the ambiance was warm and I enjoyed the service. I am usually torn when reviewing restaurants like this, that are above average for their location, but less so when compared in general to restaurants with similar menus and price points. This is definitely one of the nicer establishments that you will find in Middletown. The menu boasts a nice array of entrees including a few pasta, fish, poultry and meat options. There is also a pretty extensive wine list. I had the clams casino as an appetizer and I was not particularly fond of their preparation. For my entreé I had the pan seared char special. It was perfectly cooked and flavorful. My dinner companion and I both skipped dessert. Overall a pleasant dining experience. 3.5 stars. read more

Went in on a Tuesday night and sat at the bar, the bartender was attentive and pleasant. We had the tenderloins with mashed, and the bolognese dish, both were very good. Would definitely hit this place again if we venture back out to Middletown. Other nice point to this place, although they are on the strip, they do have their own parking lot so that is a major bonus. read more

Like a diamond in the rough, Luce's will transport you out of Middle-of any small-Town, USA and back to big city civilization. Very nice scallop entree and generous portions. An extensive wine list to help you cope with Main St. doldrums. read more

Enjoyed a very tasty buffalo chicken wrap. It was accompanied by a mix of regular and sweet potato fries, a nice touch. The French onion soup was also very tasty. read more

Went here for dinner last night and ate in the bar. I had the clams casino appetizer and their signature salad. It had arugula and a shallot sherry vinegrette. It was awesome and the bar tender was very helpful. read more

Service was excellent, and the entrees have been fantastic each time I've come here, which is about three times now. The raw oysters were also very good. However, the bread seemed like a loaf of plain Italian bread grabbed at Stop & Shop, and I expect a cut above from a fancy place like this. Our Bellinis were merely ok. There was some peach puree at the bottom of the glass but you had to stir it up to taste it and that caused the sparkling wine to foam up, which is never a good thing for sparkling wine. And dessert was merely meh. I got the molten lava cake and instead of molten hot ganache inside, it was lukewarm pudding encased in what seemed like steamed cake. I didn't even finish it, and if you know me and chocolate, that's really saying something. The wife said her creme brulee was just ok, but I noted it was larger than you usually get. But again, the entrees were fantastic. We got the scallops and the sea bass special this time, and another time I've gotten the duck and it also was excellent. read more

Lovely. If I wasn't on a online date, I would have been able to enjoy it more.....lol. Very crowded, but staff was overly attentive. Food choices for a non Vegan were amazing. I had called ahead and they prepared a wonderful grilled veggies plate. Although my date was interested, I did enjoy a nice Sangiovese from an extensive wine lust. Down side was the parking lot definately didnt have enough space needed. Was lucky as someone was leaving....timing us everything. read more

Went here for dinner... come hungry... leave hungry... small portions ... overpriced! Veal was so tough not even a steak knife could cut it. The chef threw two skimpy shrimp over the veal that tasted like he cooked them in the microwave. I'm sorry but this isn't NYC to charge what Luce does especially for the quality of food they serve!! Service was slow and the servers and owner are not friendly at all. Wouldn't recommend this place to anyone read more

Beautiful outside flowers. Onion soup good. VEAL SCALLOPINI was good to very good. Steak tips very good.

Very nice dining, food is very high end, as well as the atmosphere. When the weather is nicer, outside dining is a must.

Late lunch with friends on a Wednesday results in good food and service at Luce Restaurant. Very attentive service and the ricotta cheesecake was a nice ending to the meal. (even the coffee was very good) Will return - loved the cheesecake! read more

Great place! I'm a Middletown native and forgot about this place. I went back over the summer and was blown away. The drinks by a bartender named Nichole were delish, the food was phenomenal!!! Reminds me of a NY fusion/Italian restaurant. Everything tasted so fresh! I think I'm officially a regular!?? read more

Food's good; service good; ample choices and selection; prices are hyperinflated. Did something nice for someone and went here to "treat" myself. Sat at the bar, had an app, a salad and a beer.. price was $33 with 4.50 tip... Way too high. App was potato chips with blue cheese topping ($4.5); salad (w/chicken) was $12.00 for chicken; beer for $10... (for a beer). Service was good; very attentive bar service.. Great selections and suggestions. Salad was good; blue chip potato chips were fine (frankly could have been warmer). Beer was tasty but really not ample for the $10 lunch hour tab. Ambiance was appealing... the sticker price just shocked me unnecessarily. $10 for a beer; $12 for a lunch salad (not that big)... again, maybe I just expected a lower bill. read more

A delicious find. If you are looking for a nicer night out, this is your spot. An extensive drink list with my fave, espresso martinis. The menu had food for all tastes. My husband ordered the veal special and really enjoyed it along with the garnishes. His one complaint was that it was a smaller portion for $36. I ordered a salad with shrimp and chicken, which was also good. The service is top notch and employees are all friendly. I loved the upscale feel without the upscale attitude. We will gladly return. Ps-they have their own parking lot which eliminates the stress of finding a spot. read more

Beautiful place. We started with the escargot special which was excellent. My husband had the duck two ways and it was generous and delicious with a chilled plum wine reduction. I had the special shrimp and filet. The filet was done to perfection and seasoned well. I hate it when the steaks aren't seasoned. The shrimp and garlic mashed potatoes were good, not outstanding like everything else. Molten lava cake was delicious as it was dark chocolate. Would definitely be back! read more

Party of seventeen celebrating college graduation - a lot to handle. And it was top-flight from start to finish. It began with the parking lot being full, and the owner coming out and moving his own car for us. They set a fantastic table in an elevated section just for our party. The food was absolutely delicious and authentic Italian - the bread and oil; the buffalo motz & beefsteaks, and the salmon carpaccio; the very reasonable 2005 malbec/syrah; the entrees and specials - the preparation and sauces were superb - and the desserts: the coconut sorbet was just divine. We're a demanding bunch and everyone had nothing but accolades for the entire evening. Couldn't have been better! read more