It was nice to have a return visit to a cozy local spot. We sat at the bar and were welcomed very nicely by bartender Chris. He expertly advised a cabernet and we coupled that with mushroom toast and calamari. Definitely would get those again although want to try other things...which we shall. Looking forward to a full blown dinner. Kitchen is open til 12 I think...and this isn't just "bar" food. Dishes are fine dining and presentation material. Try it! read more

Love this place. Always have. Delicious food, cooked to order for the most part, exceptional staff. Authentic, Italian cuisine.

Best restaurant in Tidewater!! The food, service and ambiance no other restaurant can match. If you have not dined here, you have missed the best. You will be surprised how they exceed quality, selection and taste of food, service impeccable. The ambiance is very upscale, high end NY ish. My wife and I dine there on a regularly. VB restaurants have met their match, Luce Secondo!!! Robert Branc 5 stars read more

Omg this was amazing. The menu is full of great options I had a pepperchini chicken dish with a rose sauce and it was absolutely phenomena

We sat outside and the vibe was great. Good service and food was delicious. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a nice date night spot! read more

Luce - Italian Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Overrated and overpriced. Why would I spend $28 on an unseasoned and cold pasta dish that's supposed to be the best on the menu? I can make the same dish, even better, myself at home. Not worth it. I ordered the pappardelle with boar ragout. The house made pasta comes with both ground and pulled boar meat. That sounds great and all until you actually taste it. The meat was cold - they had clearly cooked it at least an hour earlier and let it sit out. Even worse, what showed me that this wasn't a "fluke" but inexperienced or untalented cooking, was that the meat was completely unseasoned - which made the dish super bland. The house-made pasta was badly prepared as well - it was not thin enough. They clearly rushed it and either insufficiently rolled the pasta or did not let the pasta hang after rolling it. It was just too doughey. Overall, this was an extremely underwhelming dish. And it's their most expensive pasta! Before ordering, I asked the waiter whether the other pastas were house made (only the boar pappardelle stated house-made on the menu). His response was that they were not because house-made pastas can't be cooked al-dente and they want their other pastas to be al dente. The only problem with his answer is that one of those other pastas was a capellini, which our waiter described as "like an angel hair." Capellini should not be al dente, especially if you're going for angel hair. So his answer was not honest. Too bad, because if he had just said that they bought imported pastas for the other dishes without the fake excuse, I might have ordered another dish and both saved myself some money as well as avoided that lackluster house made pappardelle. People are always saying how amazing this place is. They're wrong. They're just following the crowd. Don't follow the crowd. This place isn't worth it. read more

Luce - Complete lack of seasoning made this bland. The meat was also cold and the house made pappardelle wasn't rolled thin enough. - Italian Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Grateful that they were able to accommodate my husband's dietary needs. He's had to have gluten-free, dairy-free diet, and he can't have tomatoes either. They whipped up a special pasta for him with shrimp and mushrooms. It was so good read more

The ambience is fantastic. I found things I loved and things I didn't think I liked that much on the menu. Ask questions, the professional wait staff is top-notch. The drinks are made with care and are spot on. Love the first three appetizers, tomato, lobster, Soto scallops.(left-hand side of the menu) I like to get things that I don't cook at home so I enjoyed the veal chop Milanese. (A lot) Or just try to find a spot at the bar and get a cocktail! read more

We loved the ambiance here! It was small so it almost felt like a hole in the wall. Our waiter was very knowledgeable on both wines and the menu. We were well taken care of. For dinner we had a tuna pasta special and wild boar ragu. The tuna was good and well cooked. The ragu had a rich flavor. The chocolate cake was a generous portion so great for sharing. However, if we came back, we would order different things all around. The wine selection was great, and I would come here just for that. read more

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I went for my wife's birthday. We had an amazing dinner and the wine was awesome. We love coming here and trying different things on the menu and trying new wines. The service was great and the restaurant has a really hip ambiance. Definitely recommend trying this if you haven't! read more

I have been here 3 times now for dinner and am consistently impressed with the food and the service. This is an amazing Italian option and I highly recommend it! read more

Another awesome time. It's worth the wait. Love this place. I just wish it was happy hour every day ;). read more

Luce - Great atmosphere. Lively. Love the kitchen view from the bar. - Italian Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

I am torn with this review, but needed to share. Went there last weekend visiting from Chicago. My wife and I didn't have a reservation, but still got a seat after a 20 minute wait. Not sure if us not having a reservation made the host upset, but we were met with a super aggressive attitude. I'm talking blatant condescension, eye rolling... it was bad. I'm not sensitive so we just assumed they had a tough day and like to give people the benefit of the doubt and not take it personally. After we were seated with the same rude host, our server was great, but the when the host took the menus, we had more negative energy and they even slammed our menus in the corner on the floor so loud that other patrons asked why they were throwing a tantrum after they walked away. I was honestly worried they were going to do something to our food. We would have left, but it was late and we were very hungry. Luckily, the food and the other staff were wonderful, but we should never feel like that going to a place that clearly prides itself on quality and service. I saw other feedback on reviews from the owner about how they run a tight ship, I just wish they held their employees to the same standards. Again, food was amazing, but patrons should never feel like a burden or insulted when they go out to eat. I recommend the food, but not the ambiance. I want to have fun and feel good when I go out. Too many other business out there to support. read more

The food was phenomenal! The service was excellent! We ordered gluten-free pasta dishes and they did not disappoint! Our Bartender/Server( Kris) personality was a WINNER! It was as if we've known him for years. We will definitely be back! read more

My best friends and I chose this as the place to eat on our girls night out. We made the perfect choice. If you decide to go here make sure to make a reservation. We did not think a Monday evening would be busy but the inside was packed and we had to sit outside. We all got drinks when we arrived. Two of us got a Luce Spritz which was delicious & my other friend got a Ransom Note. That was my first time trying a cocktail made with egg whites and it was delicious. We got some Bruschetta to split which was heavenly. For my entree I ordered the Rig and Goose which again was so great. And to finish we got a Berry Marscapone cake that was delicious. Our waiter was so helpful and patient with us. We asked him a million questions and he happily answered them all. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a fancier dinner!! read more

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Italian perfection in charming spot. We were a rowdy crowd of 6 discerning diners, some of whom go here every time they are in Norfolk. We were thus ready to be wowed. And we were. Staff were both efficient and tolerant. Best mussels I've ever had.....it was the pancetta, of course. Brilliant bronzino. Great wine and cocktails. Beloved Companion left his leftovers in the hotel fridge by mistake and whined all the way home as he was so looking forward to eating them on trip back. read more

Luce - Bronzino - Italian Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

The best!!! The best service. Ambiance. And the food was delicious. The best pasta I ever had!

Great food, great atmosphere!! One of the nicer restaurants in the area. A bit pricey but worth every dollar

Great service CRYSTAL shined bright, made excellent recommendations, and kept our basil lemon water coming all night... the peach marriccinni (misspelled) was awesome as well as limoncello desert! read more

This place is perfect for a romantic dinner. Their food and drinks are consistent, their service is patient and friendly, and they have food for even the pickiest eater. This is one of my favorite places in Norfolk and it's a must go. read more

I used to love this place, but at our last visit the hostess was really rude to our party and gave conflicting and confusing information to us regarding our reservation. read more

I would LOVE to give Luce a 5 star review like so many others have done! However, I can only share my experience from last night. My husband made a reservation there for our 30th wedding anniversary. I specifically chose Luce even though we had never been there because a friend told me how wonderful the lobster gnocchi was. We drove to Norfolk from our home in Virginia Beach and arrived a few minutes before our 7:15 p.m. reservation. When we gave the host our name and reservation time, he looked at his paper and said he had no record of our reservation. We were offered a seat at the bar for dinner since the host said everything else was reserved. My husband mentioned that it was our 30th anniversary and the host replied, "Sorry." Not wanting to sit at the bar for this special occasion, we left and went back to our car. We were sitting in the car trying to figure out where we were going to go eat when my husband's phone rang. It was the host at Luce. (How did he have my husband's phone number if we never made a reservation?!?!?) He proceeds to tell us that he DOES have a table for us. My husband and I go back into the restaurant and the host informs us that we will be sitting at the "chef's table" like we are getting special treatment. We're impressed until we find out that the chef's "table" is actually two seats at the bar near the kitchen, right next to where the waiters pick up their drinks. We told the host thanks but no thanks. We didn't want waiters going back and forth right behind us during our meal. AND we wanted a table where we could actually face each other. So once again we left to go back to our car to find a restaurant for our 30th anniversary. I did ask the host when we went back in the second time, how he had our phone number. He said he found our reservation in another book and "he wasn't given the right information." ???? Regardless, the mix up didn't get us an actual table even though we DID make a reservation. There were empty tables (for four) inside but we were told they were all reserved. Guess those people's reservations were more important than ours. Maybe they were all celebrating their 40th or 50th anniversaries. read more

I came with a bunch of girlfriends to celebrate a night out. We were met with a super friendly waitress and host. The vibes of the restaurant are so cool and inviting. The drinks were great, the service was fantastic. The food ... well let's just say not everyone at the table 100% enjoyed their food HOWEVER - there's a lemon shrimp pasta that they sometimes have on the menu that's TOTALLY WORTH GETTING! you'll lick the plate clean even at a nice place like this because of how good it is! read more

If you want some delicious and very fresh, great quality Italian food, look no further. Come to Luce!! We came here on a Monday...a Monday! That's a perk because most non-chain smaller restaurants are closed on Mondays. This is where my hubby took me for our 8th dating anniversary dinner. It's on Granby Street downtown Norfolk, small place, dimly lit, so at night, it's a bit tough to get good food/pasta pics, but it's ok. My hubby said he purposely asked to be seated near the back, so we could see all the (cooking action.) There are not too many tables, and there is the bar area as well, but I highly recommend making reservations, because they were busy, even on a Monday night. I can't even imagine how Friday/Saturdays are. For drinks we had Rose' and for me - basic Moscato because I love sweet drinks. For apps, we had the Mushroom Toast - "Portobello, white, and cremini mushrooms, fresh mozzarella, truffle oil, porcini dust, and Madera" - AMAZING. I would come back for this alone! We also had calamari because if an Italian place has calamari, you get the calamari. For dinner, D chose the "WILD BOAR RAGU - Ground Cinghiale ragu over house made tagliatelle pasta topped with roasted pulled Cinghiale with rosemary infused oil." I chose the "LOBSTER AND PROSECCO GNOCCHI - Maine Lobster, Prosecco with Sage Butter tossed with Potato Gnocchi." At the end of any nice meal together, we always ask who got the winning (better tasting) dish, and for this night, I was the winner. Price wise, it's definitely not cheap of course, you are paying for quality. I probably wouldn't be able to come weekly but definitely for a special occasion or nice night out. Or maybe happy hour for drinks and apps. That mushroom toast, heeeeeeey. So memorable. Service was great from beginning to end, and the owner Antonio was very nice and said hi; we even got a picture with him outside of the restaurant. Great experience and I would definitely recommend. Review #27 of 2019. read more

Luce - Italian Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Outstanding on all levels! My favorite place in Norfolk ! Knowledgeable staff,delicious food in an area in an excellent location! The vibe is low lighting unique decor and place you don't want to miss ! Cocktails are amazing unique and an extensive wine list ! read more

The bolognese special last night was PHENOMINAL! Also, adding spaghetti to the Clams Brodo is a cheat code. Luce never dissapoints

Tiny little Italian restaurant with some of the best pasta I have ever had. Restaurant opened at 5pm and by 5:30 every table and bar stool were filled. We waited about 30 minutes for bar seats and it was well worth it. read more

Luce - incredible pasta - Italian Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

One of the best Italian restaurants in the area. Great seafood options. Great wine selection.

Tried this place while staying in Norfolk for a half marathon. The food is amazing! Very small restaurant so make a reservation is suggested. We didn't, we walked in and they had room at the bar for us. Which turned out great. I definitely want to come back here again. I have other food I want to try. Yummy read more

Luce - Glass of Syrah - Italian Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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Hands down my favorite Italian restaurant in the Hampton Roads area! Every pasta dish I've had is *chefs kiss* my favorites so far are the rig and goose and the wild boar ragu. The espresso martinis are also heavenly :) read more

Luce - Rig and goose - Italian Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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I'm going to be honest, I was expecting this place to blow my mind. ESP for the prices. The cheese board was just cheese and 2 dry bread sticks ... I was expecting at least some sort of jam. We payed an extra $3.50 for bread with it (this is a $26 cheese board). I got the Lobster Prosecco Gnocchi. It was good, but I just wasn't super blown away by the flavor. I wouldn't come back for a full dinner again, it's quite expensive. We also made reservations and sat on the less nice bar side. It felt like a sports bar. I truly never leave reviews like this but I was just really disappointed... Leone's is just way better IMO read more

Great menu and wine selection. Great ambiance. Great service. My friends and I had a fun night with delicious food in a cozy setting. Make reservations as seating is limited. read more

Stop 4 out of the 5 downtown Norfolk restaurant adventure was Luce - immediately welcomed and seated at the bar - staff was very attentive and helpful in the selections - atmosphere; classy sophisticated with a touch of Italy. The selection was a red sangria I would pair with the Pinsa Marcherita, this was met with regret when the group next to us were brought out the mushroom toast (the amazing aroma of the mushrooms triggered my regret) not to downplay the pizza - it was lovely , fresh and vibrant - however I will order the mushroom toast at some point in the near future. The sangria was bright and full of flavor - I would say the best I've had - my favorite by far of the 5 stops and reservations will be made to indulge in a full dinner next week. A follow up review soon to come. Highly recommend Luce! read more

Luce - Pinsa Marcherita paired with a lovely red sangria - Italian Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

At work, we had to do a get-to-know-you activity before our meeting, and the question asked was "what is your favorite local restaurant?" I think almost everyone said Luce! It's tiny and hard to get seats unless you plan super far ahead of time (or are really good at timing it so you can get squeezed in at the bar), but Luce is really worth the hype! read more

We had a lovely evening at Luce! We began with the Bisol Sparkling Rose and the braised octopus. It was absolutely delightful! Our waiter, Nick, recommended the dish and we were so pleased! For our main, we both got the Seafood Cioppino which was to die for!!! The calamari was so tender and not at all chewy. We are outside but the indoor space looked bright and inviting. Can't wait to go back. We were beyond pleased. read more

The food was so good!!! U got the lamb but honestly the customer service was good tooo! Will be back for sure.

The male greeter was rushed and rude. We almost decided to leave based upon this interaction alone. However, our server was amazing and the food was delectable. Also, if you're seated outside next to the planted flowers on a windy day, there will consistently be dirt in your food and drinks. Sit elsewhere! read more

Luce - Italian Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Thoroughly enjoyed dinner and drinks outside. The lobster and brown butter gnocchi was amazing. Highly recommend the chocolate cake for dessert, super moist and hands down best I've ever had. Bella was our waitress and gave us the best service! Very friendly and helpful when we had questions about the menu or wines! Will be visiting again! read more

Luce - Persephone (red one) and Del Sol drinks. Chocolate cake for dessert. The BEST I've ever had. - Italian Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Only two cons, our entrees took about 50 minutes and though our server was informative about the menu, he was stretched a little too thin, seemed to be understaffed. I had the Lamb Chop Pops and my partner had the Shrimp Con Pasta Verdi -- both dishes were amazing, flavor out of this world, kudos to the chef! For dessert, we had cannolis, couldn't do Italian without those and they were GREAT! I see why this spot is ranked so highly in the area, amazing dining experience! read more

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Luce - downtown Norfolk location. Poorly managed. Promised a table for two reservation and when arrived seated at the end of the bar near serving station. Waited over 10 minutes for the bartender to come over ask if I wanted to order a drink and then left when that didn't happened. So many other excellent restaurants, food and service, in Norfolk and Virginia Beach. Suggest you pass on this place. Life's too short to accept poor service. #selfcare #valueyourself. Covid taught us this very important lesson. read more