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Date night with hubby before seeing a play, so Luce was the perfect location. We didn't have reservations but only a 30 min wait. The hostess / waitress was great. We ordered bruschetta, mussels and the tenderloin. Everything was delicious, especially the mussels, but the tenderloin was medium rare when we asked it to be medium, the sauce was STRONG - so we scraped it and used the left over sauce from the mussels. Not sure if I'd order the tenderloin again but highly recommended the rest.
Stopped in based on reviews and they did not disappoint. We sat at the bar where the bartender made some food recommendations and they did not disappoint. Great service along with a great atmosphere, reservations highly recommend as seating is limited
So my wife chose this place and I am glad she did. Everything is made in house fresh. Very small and very cool. We will be back to this place. Our server was awesome she was as happy with our choices as we were. We chose the octopus appetizer. Oh man was it amazing. Usually the octopus is small and overly charred this one was cooked perfectly and a nice sized piece very flavorful treatment a little fragrant glaze with a little bite of balsamic The pasta Antonio was loaded with fresh ahi. So very good we enjoyed all of it. Lemony goodness and bright not overtly sauced which is perfect. The wild boar rigatoni was hearty and full of flavor. Ironically my wife ordered this and she loved it. Lots of boar and very flavorful sauce. Fantastic dish. Tiramisu was perfect very good. So many people over do the espresso flavor but this was just the right amount. Cold and full of flavor. Great place great food great service.
Another solid 4 star bar counter seating experience. Wife enjoyed the Persephone cocktail (mad tad sweeter on request). House red was high value ($6 happy hour). Toasted goat cheese and pesto app was top notch ($14, 5/5 stars); warm, creamy, savory app on fresh bread with garlic and veggies. Gamberi e crema al limon ($29, 3.5/5 stars) had big, tender shrimp over pasta. Pollo a la Vodka special ($29, 3.5/5 stars) was a ton of chicken in thin pink sauce; side of fresh bread would have helped. I could have asked for some but wanted to save room for dessert. Pistachio cheesecake was DYNAMITE ($14, 6/5 stars). Bar tender described it perfectly - "sweet but not too sweet, big enough to share about 3 bites each, light/airy and not overly filling but big on pistachio flavor."
Very disappointing, and very dishonest if you asked me. I ate there a month or so ago, and I have to say the steak I had was very subpar. So subpar, it still comes to mind nearly a month later (while watching a restaurant scene in the TV series Lioness (2nd season)). I was there (at Luce), with my son and my wife. I ordered "Filetto di Luce" which is described in their menu as "Fire-grilled beef tenderloin." In other words, fillet mignon. The only problem was, I didn't think it was beef tenderloin at all, but instead, apparently it was a petite sirloin cut in a round shape to look like a fillet or tenderloin (just guessing)(albeit, also much more thin than I expected). And, based on the chewiness or toughness, a low grade sirloin at that. (Or, in the alternative, perhaps they have a different definition of beef tenderloin than I do?) Why do I think it was a much less expensive petite sirloin, instead of the beef tenderloin (aka filet mignon) as described in their menu? Because our waiter admitted it when I asked him. He said I was the first one who had noticed it. (I am originally from Iowa and I worked at a refrigerated meat warehouse when I was in my early 20's - that serviced roughly a few hundred grocery stores in the Midwest.) (I know my beef.) First, the steak was cooked to the temp I wanted. It was pink in the middle. But that is the only thing they got right. It was dry, and I mean as dry as you can imagine as steak can be. Not an ounce of juice in it in my opinion. And, as I said before, it was tough, like low grade or rancher steak (definitely not U.S.D.A. Choice or Angus beef I didn't think). It was so chewy I had to spit out a lot of it. So I asked the waiter, "If I didn't know any better, this is a petite sirloin, not a fillet mignon?" He said he was impressed, I was the first person to notice it. He said if I wanted to have an actual fillet mignon (or beef tenderloin) I'd have to go to their other restaurant. (I don't know if they even have another restaurant.) Plus, I think they charged more - $39 instead of the $34 their online menu states. I think the waiter dismissed that as their online menu is not up to date. Nevertheless, I was expecting a juicy thick, tender steak, and what I got bared no resemblance to that. And, by the way, at the beginning of this review, I mentioned "very dishonest." I wasn't exaggerating. Not only did the steak suck, but to describe it as "beef tenderloin" in their menu is not even close to accurate if you asked me. Furthermore, it was WAY over priced, for what seemed to me to be a low grade, cheap cut of beef; low quality food if you asked me. A mockery of fine cuisine. That's how I see it. I had looked forward to an enjoyable meal, and left very unsatisfied to say the least. Obviously, I wouldn't go there again, or recommend anyone else goes there either. But who knows, maybe they will actually serve the beef tenderloin they advertised in their menu - the next time somebody else believes what their menu says and orders it.
Amazing food and cozy vibe- a must-visit downtown spot! We were at Luce on Friday and it absolutely lived up to the hype. The space is intimate and cozy with side-by-side counter seating right in front of the open kitchen -- perfect for watching the chefs at work and adds to the whole experience. We started with the ensalata di Luce and it was fresh and flavorful, a great balance to the rich mains. The pollo con strati was perfectly cooked and the lobster gnocchi was phenomenal -- rich, indulgent, and definitely worth ordering a side of sourdough bread for dipping in the sauce! To finish, the cheesecake with berries was a delightful end to the meal -- creamy and just sweet enough without being heavy. Service was attentive without being intrusive and the ambiance complemented the food beautifully. This place is small and fills up fast, so reservations are a very good idea, but snagging a seat at the counter made our night feel special and lively. Overall -- truly one of the best Italian meals in Norfolk if you're looking for great food, a cozy atmosphere, and a memorable dinner. Always my fave & we will definitely be back!
I had the pleasure of revisiting Luce after a couple of years and the food is just as flavorful as I remembered! I recommend making reservations a couple weeks out or if you have time to spare to wait, they do offer walk-ins. Also for parking, it's a bit tricky to find street parking downtown Norfolk, but the parking garages offer a free 2 hour pass, so that would be the best move. We ordered the bone-in veal chop Milanese made with the perfect panko crust and lemon caper sauce that was to die for. For the pasta, we order the special which was fennel sausage and a cream sauce with rigatoni pasta cooked just al dente creating the perfect texture. Service was impeccable and the restaurant is a bit smaller, so the noise level can be loud. Can't wait to go back!
Second time here and it was a wait to get it but worth it. The food here is as close to Italy as you're going to get. I had a glass of Moscato to go with my dinner and it was all perfect.
Was in Norfolk for business and decided to stop here for dinner. It did not disappoint! Val was our server and she was attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. She answered our questions and helped us pick our choices for the evening. I chose the Gamberi e Crema al Limone and it was rich and full of flavor. The shrimp were massive and the noodles were absolute perfection. The asparagus pieces were also the perfect texture, they weren't soggy but they weren't too crunchy either. My friend chose the Lobster and Prosecco Gnocchi, it was delicious and we were pleasantly surprised by the lobster portion. They certainly didn't skimp. We finished the evening with mini cannolis and tiramisu. Both were rich and the perfect ending to a wonderful dinner. 10/10 recommend. Small venue so I would encourage you to make a reservation.
One of my fav place! Even though it's small, It's worth trying it! I mostly eat at the bar area, cause you get a better feel of the restaurant plus you get to meet interesting people. And by the way it's simple decore, but the food makes up for it by far. You can actually see the kitchen in the back, and mesmerized how the chef conjure these wonderful dishes. The service was perfect! I ordered "Cesar Salad" it was nice they grill the lettuce just a touch to bring out the flavor and the dressing was so good! Next I ordered the "Clams Brodo" and Wow! I sipped up all the juices. Lol And finally my dessert was "Fresh Fruit Puff Pastry" It was so fresh and flaky that it completed a perfect meal for me for sure! All and I mean all of my plates where squeaky clean. Lol Definitely will come back! If you are in the area you definitely have to try.
Luce is recommended by all the locals and it is definitely worth your time. The dessert was served warm - one of my favorites because it was a brownie covered with nuts and a caramel drizzle. The service was outstanding. This is a small location. Please make reservations in advance. If not, you may get lucky and have a seat at the bar - which I did after happy hour crowd was left. Prepare to be amazed by the risotto and scallops which happened to be today's feature muscles was the star of the entire experience.
On a recent business trip, my wife joined me and we ventured out for dinner in the city. This restaurant is small and cozy - and I mean *really* small. We called ahead to check for availability and were told we could grab seats at the bar. Perfect! We walked right in with no wait and settled in immediately. The bartender was sweet and friendly, but something was off with the service. She didn't seem overworked (the place wasn't that busy) and she didn't appear inefficient either, but the service just... wasn't great. She seemed like a lovely person who probably isn't cut out for the service industry - nothing wrong with that, just not her strong suit. Right off the bat, we hit a snag when my wife asked about swapping the tuna for shrimp on one of the dishes. Nope, absolutely not possible. It seemed like such a simple substitution, but they were completely inflexible about it. Not a great start. We started with bruschetta, which had great flavor, but it was billed as having a ricotta with it, and if there was any ricotta on there, it was microscopic however, there was about seven tomatoes worth on there... A little imbalanced and needs some improvement. I ordered a chicken dish that was quite tasty and came in a generous portion, but here's where things went downhill fast - two pieces of chicken were loaded with gristle. I'm talking completely inedible, unappetizing gristle. When you're dropping $100+ on a meal at a place like this, serving gristly chicken is just unacceptable. My wife's gnocchi with lobster was pretty good, no major complaints there. But here's the plot twist - the best thing we ate all night was a simple side of fresh pasta with basic seasoning! Seriously, it was fantastic. Maybe they should focus on nailing the basics like that incredible pasta instead of being so rigid about substitutions or serving subpar chicken. We wrapped up with a hazelnut torte that was just okay - nothing to write home about. Despite the hiccups, we actually had a fun time together, and honestly? We'd probably come back just to order that amazing plain pasta with a simple protein on the side. Sometimes the simplest things are the best! To those about to nosh, we salute you!
If I could give Luce a Michelin star, I absolutely would! This charming little restaurant in Norfolk offers a dining experience that feels both intimate and vibrant, with the bar ambiance creating a cozy yet lively atmosphere. The romantic two-person tables are perfectly arranged, making it an ideal spot for a special night out or a memorable date. The small size of the restaurant enhances the feeling of exclusivity, and having a bar right next to the dining area only adds to the experience. It's a place where you can enjoy the sights and sounds of fellow diners savoring cocktails, while still feeling the warmth of a personal dining experience. Our waitress was incredibly attentive, ensuring that every need was met without being intrusive. The level of service truly elevated the meal. We began with the Calamari served with a delightful tomato pepperoncini salsa. The calamari was light, crispy, and perfectly fried, showcasing a soft, tender interior that was a joy to eat. The accompanying tomato-based sauce was vibrant and flavorful, cutting the oily, richness of the calamari, making each bite a delight. Next, we indulged in the Steamed Clams in broth, which we ordered with extra slices of bread for dipping. These clams were fat, meaty, and cooked to perfection, offering a rich flavor profile that was beautifully complemented by the broth. Dipping the bread into that savory liquid was a highlight--there's nothing quite like it. For our main courses, I ordered the Hunter's Sausage Pasta, and I was blown away. The pasta was cooked al dente, and the sausage paired perfectly with it, delivering just the right amount of sauce to enhance the dish without overwhelming it. Additionally, the special of the day, the Veal Parmigiana, which featured a HUGE bone-in veal chop. The savory tomato sauce and cheesy mozzarella created a classic dish that felt both comforting and sophisticated. And then came dessert! The Chocolate Sponge Cake was nothing short of phenomenal, with rich chocolate fudge cream and a glossy chocolate ganache that made each bite decadent. We couldn't resist adding scoops of Coconut Gelato and Coffee Gelato, both imported from Italy. The gelato was creamy and luxurious, perfectly rounding off our meal. Luce proves that great things come in small packages. It's amazing what the chefs can accomplish in their small kitchen. From the attentive service to the impeccable food, every aspect of our dining experience was stellar. This is a place I would 100% return to and recommend to anyone looking for an extraordinary meal. If you're in Norfolk, make it a point to dine at Luce--you won't be disappointed! read more
3 years ago
Wow wow wow, no words other than amazing. We had heard so many amazing things about Luce upon moving here. All the great things we heard absolutely lived up to the hype. We had a reservation for 3 at 5pm & Luce had our table waiting for us upon our arrival. The inside is small, but yet feels spacious- the dining experience was so smooth that I understand how they can accommodate so many diners in one evening. Our waitress was amazing- I wish I remembered her name, and the server she was training was also extremely accommodating & attentive! It happened to be happy hour during our dine- they had wine specials, $4 well drinks & sangria discounted. They have a large wine selection, phenomenal cocktails & a few variety of beers on draft. We started off by ordering appetizers and went with the calamari and pepperoncini salsa, tonno crudo e tartufo Nero, and the waitress asked if she could surprise us with a special appetizer that we agreed to, and of course we said yes!! This happened to be the polpo carbonizzato (octopus!!!!). She brought it out and said we had to eat it even if we were weary about the octopus. Oh my gosh.... The flavor and the tenderness of the octopus was incredible. You could slice it with your fork! A must try if you're dining here!!! The other 2 appetizers were beyond amazing as well- I don't think there's any choice that you could go wrong with on the menu in regards to apps. Next we had our entrees. I went with the rig and goose (vodka sauce pasta) and added sausage. My dad was recommended the mafaldine di guanciale (pork sauce based pasta) and my husband got the rigatoni con salsicce e funghi. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their meals- and I can't even begin to imagine what the rest of their meals taste like and I can't wait to come back to try them. We didn't try any dessert this time around but I can only begin to imagine what delicious items reside on that menu.... Will be back to definitely try them. read more
9 months ago
1 year ago
We went there for my birthday recently, and I had made a reservation for 7:45. We had run about 5 minutes late, so we were surprised when they said our table wasn't ready yet. Apparently, the previous party had been there for 5 hours and hadn't left yet. So, we waited outside for 15 more minutes until a group of older intoxicated men came outside. They cleaned the table off quick and had us seated not 5 minutes later. Our waitress was great, attentive and nice. The food was great as well. We ordered the fried calamari and it was perfectly cooked, tender and crisp without much chew. It came out hot too. Not too long after we finished our appetizer, our entrees came out. We ordered the wild boar ragu, the lobster and prosecco gnocchi, and the rigatoni con salsicce e fungi. All of which, was great. The sauces were decadent, a good amount, and had wonderful flavor. Pasta wise, the rigatoni was undercooked, but that was the only complaint. For dessert we had the tiramisu, which was perfect. It was a bit on the more moist side, and I felt like it needed more coffee flavor, but the mascarpone was the best. As far as atmosphere goes, it wasn't really my cup of tea. A few guys at the bar area next to the door where we were sitting at were quite loud, like a sports game was on. They eventually left, which quieted things down to a steady volume, but the volume was still a bit too noisy for me. Having been to their second location, I gotta say I prefer that over their main overall. It's a larger space. which of course, makes it quieter and more intimate. Also, the decor there had more flare. Food has no difference, both are great, same goes for waitstaff. The wine list is more extensive as well, and I feel also has better options. We got the cheapest cab at both locations and I prefer the Twenty Bench to the Foxglove. Twenty Beach had more depth of flavor and dryness than that of Foxglove in my opinion. I'd come here for apps and drinks, but for a more intimate place I'd go to their other location is all. Wonderful food though, I definitely recommend going to one of their places to try it out! read more
1 year ago
I really don't get hype for this place. I will say; the ambience is very cozy and romantic but other than that I wasn't really impressed. The cocktails were weak and one note. The mussels were good but they serve it with ONE piece of bread torn in half. We asked for more bread and they charged $3.50 for extra. The "lump" crab and vodka sauce was meh. They said it was Maryland crab but it was definitely not fresh- either frozen or pasteurized. I love that they have fresh pasta but it was overcooked. My husband got the lobster gnocchi, also meh. They had one claw of lobster in it and left the cartilage inside it and not a lot of lobster. I wouldn't be as critical if it wasn't so expensive. For those prices, I expect higher quality and attention to detail. read more
2 months ago
6 months ago
5 months ago
1 year ago
SMOKE SALMON ARRABBIATA is a must try. I asked for extra spicy.. it came out super fresh. Sat at bar, service was great. Pretty tight, intimate space but overall hit the spot. read more
6 months ago
1 year ago
2 years ago
Top notched, highly recommended for sure. For starters, the service was wonderful from the time my friends and I came without reservation. The hostess asked the bartender if something could be done to accommodate us; and he did! The bar staff was hands down personable and friendly, the Australian accent definitely brought the added charm! Even Sheila was happy regarding the service. Ambiance was casual trendy with seemingly faithful patrons whose name the bar staff remembers. Small place but packed with lively spirit, and not just those along the bar shelves. Speaking of drinks, one friend of mine enjoyed her red wine from Spain, well it's St. Patrick's day so wine tasting was in the offing. My other friend wanted some refreshing cocktail. The bartender prepared a vodka and lime mix with orange twist. She absolutely loved it. The food was absolutely second to none, well maybe only to Luce Secondo, its sister restaurant. I ordered the Tonno and Tomatoes which was wonderfully mouth-pleasing dish with perfectly seared ahi tuna on Parmesan infused polenta accented by sweet and tart ripe cherry tomatoes in a wonderful sauce. Ordered the hazelnut cake with espresso ice cream for dessert. It was the best of 3 desserts we ordered, the other 2 being the limoncello mascarpone cake and the rum infused puff pastry. Was a more than satisfying dinner, will definitely come back to try other dishes (my friends ordered the cioppino and clams and pulpo (grilled octopus) appetizer. They lived their food but I won't pirate their turn to write their own reviews! read more
1 year ago
3 years ago
Wow, Luce is the bomb. My friend and I came here as a last-minute birthday dinner option. I'm glad that we came here. Although the interior is a little tight when it gets busy, the food was amazing. I was thoroughly impressed with the warm, comforting aromas of the sage sausage in my dish (I can't remember the name of it), but it was outstanding. The chicken was also seasoned very well. My friend also enjoyed her meal. We also got drinks and a cannoli for dessert and everything we tasted was delicious. read more
Ended up here on a recommendation from my coworker. The restaurant is tinier than I expected, but the decor and seating gives a nice and cozy feel. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and the food outstanding. I was impressed with the whiskey flight and the cocktails were on point. Was kind of disappointed that I didn't try deserts but probably will on my next visit. I will recommend that you make reservations and street parking can be tough. read more
We made reservations at the bar and glad we did. They had our spot ready when we arrived. A spot looking out the window. It was perfect. Katie was our server and she was very helpful. She was attentive but gave us time and space. We had a great Cabernet Sauvignon that was a substitute from the menu but was good. We split an Insalata Luce and they kindly put it in two bowls !! Nice ! It was a perfect mixture of greens and dressing sweet (orange) and salty(olives). My husband ordered the wild boar ragu. He loved it!! I opted for the Rig and Goose (rigatoni and vodka sauce). The pasta was perfect. The sauce was sensual!! Yes. I said sensual. Silky tasting ! I usually like a bit more heat, but the flavors of this were perfect ! A little pricey, but we'll worth it!!!! read more
Very small establishment, suggest reservations in advance. We lucked into a no-show cancelation and got seated within 5 minutes. We were just grabbing a quick bite and drinks before a local show and saw the reviews for this place. We had appetizers and shared an entree. The high lights here were the Wild Boar Ragu and the service. The pasta is made daily, and it was really good. I think the server's name was Veronica, and she was very pleasant. read more
2 years ago
Such an exceptional dining experience. The food and drinks were amazing. The service was above par. read more
This place books up very quickly because it's a date night hot spot. I recommend booking this place three or four weeks in advance. It's in downtown Norfolk, so make sure to arrive in the area 15 minutes early to find a parking spot in a garage. My boyfriend and I made a 9pm reservation and we were really hungry. We couldn't tell if the food was good because we were hungry or because of the taste. At the end of the night, we concluded that it actually tasted really good. Service was great as well! Calamari and Pepperoncini Salsa: Calamari was crispy and was not chewy on the inside. The pepperoncini salsa was the best marinara sauce to dip in for calamari. I wish there were more of it Gamberi E Crema Al Limone: Shrimp pasta with Lemon cream sauce. IT WAS DELICIOUS. It didn't sit too heavy in the stomach, and it actually tasted really fresh and light. Rig and Goose: If you love vodka sauce, this is for you. Overall, 9.5 out of 10! read more
4 years ago
My friend and I just watched Wicked. We had planned this night for about 6-7 months, but had decided that we will decide on dinner after the show. We knew that Luce has limited seating, and they are always booked up, and that we could cross our fingers and eat at the bar. If they were full we were gonna look elsewhere. BUT we got lucky! We came in and all the guys working there were so nice! Very helpful explaining the menu. Hooked me up with my drink...took my order...and came to check on us often. I order the beef tenderloin with the gorgonzola cheese cream and the salad...I also got the mushroom toast which was delicious...it was made with Madeira wine, and I absolutely love food cooked with Madeira. It did not disappoint! I forgot what drink I got but it was perfect and delicious. I tried my friend's ragu...oh my gawd it was so good. Getting that next time..I enjoyed my steak. Cooked perfectly. I love strong cheeses, and the cream was perfect. If you don't like strong cheese such as blue cheese, the cream is probably not for you. I got the torte dessert with the caramel icecream and a cappuccino. I ate the whole thing...and I was extremely satisfied and stuffed. My friend got the lemon dessert... delicious. I loved the ambiance of the place. I like that I can see them cooking in the kitchen, and that there isn't any cross contamination going on, and it was clean! I am a stickler for food safety, and have a keen eye for observing these kinds of things, and food temperatures as well. I find it hard for me to be fully satisfied in all areas. read more
If you are downtown Norfolk and love Italian food, you need to check out Luce. It's a small place downtown so make sure you get a reservation unless you take the chance to sit at the bar. The chef at this location was so inviting and was great to talk to about the menu. You can tell he loves his job and makes sure everything out the kitchen is quality. Mangia Mangia! read more
I sat down and ordered the Mary Pickford cocktail and it was made beautifully. Strong, cold, light taste. My Clams Brodo and Bread Salad came at the same time because I asked for that. The clams were especially tasty and very tender. The salad is a favorite of mine and helps to absorb the alcohol. I finished the cocktail and ordered a Stella Beer but unfortunately it was too warm and I had to send it back. I suspect their refrigerator doesn't get cold enough and their bottles feel cold but the liquid isn't. For dinner I had the Lobster Gnocchi and it tasted as if the lobster was fresh? My dessert and cappuccino was good too. I have been to this restaurant 4 times already and every time it's been wonderful, however I will not return because it's just too small and claustrophobic. My next reservation was made at Luce Secondo in Chesapeake after the Beetlejuice show in December at Chrysler Hall. I'm taking my 16 year old nephew to his first fine dining experience and Broadway Show and I think this restaurant will be more comfortable for us. read more
Do you like dining in style? Luce gives you that night on the town vibes. Casual setting, with fine dining touches. Please book a reservation because tables are limited, and this place is popular. I was able to book 7pm the day of, most likely due to a cancellation. A lot of the early evening reservations seem to be booked for a couple weeks out, so plan ahead. We were greeted by a friendly host, and immediately given a table for two. We were cozied up with the kitchen and server station, a little close for comfort for me but I did get in last minute so we settled in anyway. The server immediately came over and explained that they take the whole order at once, will course it out for us, and let us know they didn't have any specials for the night. We started a bottle of Commuter Pinot Nior and Calamari. The Pinot was excellent. The calamari was okay, it lacked flavor, but was definitely fresh. We chose the same main the Spaghetti Della Pescatore, again the dish lacked a certain flavor profile. Could use a hint of a spice. The fresh basil was a nice touch and again the seafood was definitely fresh. Luce gives upscale bar vibes, most likely a great place for happy hour and appetizers, for the price I wouldn't make this my main dinner experience. Too pricey and not enough taste. Service wasn't extraordinary either, so unfortunately I have to give Luce 3 stars. read more
1 year ago
Authentic dishes made from scratch. Excellent flavors and textures. Excellent staff service and good wait times. read more
2 years ago
If we could give Luce 10 stars we would. We had a 5:15 dinner reservation at the bar, didn't think we would have the two seats by the open kitchen. Whoohoo!! Thank you so much for a fabulous evening. Our server was beyond attentive to everything as well as Wesley the Sous Chef. I swear he had mom or "bartender ears". Thanks again so much. This was an early 60th Birthday Dinner for my husband. What a nice surprise. We'll be back and recommend you to anyone looking for a great dinner. read more
Luce was the best meal I've had in the 757 so far.It can be a bit difficult to get reservations, but I recommend calling if you can't find one online. We came as a party of 3 and came in right around opening. All but one of their tables inside are high-top, which I typically don't love, however these were comfortable and spacious. Service was impeccable. I sadly don't remember our servers name, but he was super attentive, warm and gave great menu recommendations. We ordered many menu items and we had absolutely no complaints. The chef obviously puts serious care and thought into the menu and into the preparation of each dish that hits the table. For appetizers, we started with the Luce salad and the octopus, both delicious. The octopus is sous-vide, so it is super tender and flavorful! My entree, the veal chop Milanese, was fantastic, as was the pasta dish with shrimp and asparagus. My two favorite dishes of the night, but I don't think you can go wrong here. Will be back! read more
Some of Clients recommended this place. Glad I chose to come out . The experience was intimate and gave very sexy , moody vibes. The silver sun cocktail was everything . I always get the chefs choice , which was lamp chops and they were on point. I loved how open their kitchen was so I could experience watching their culinary skills. The chef was passionate I could tell. Me and my sister celebrated here on a date night after we both recently got divorced and wanted to celebrate getting back to loving ourselves and being amazing women. So having a sisters date night here was perfect. Thank you again for holding our reservation... Will definitely recommend to all my friends.. read more
1 year ago
I've been here a total of five times whenever I fly into Norfolk to visit. Today was the first time that I tried the Mafaldine di Guanciale, best pasta dish on the menu ... And let me tell you if you are a lasagna lover this is in your mouth. Order it ... Trust me you're welcome! Warm interior and warm vibe! Let me know how you like it?! read more
2 years ago
Just came again for dinner and it was PERFECT. Wanted to share this yummy drink I tried called Ransom Note. read more
1 year ago
Wonderful service and delicious food at Luce! Cozy restaurant makes you feel the Italian authenticity. Wine was delicious, clams SO AMAZING! Wild Boar Ragu and Veal Saltimbocca were phenomenal! Hunters sausage was great too! read more
9 months ago
Finally get to check Luce off of my foodar! Had reservations at 5PM on a Friday which is the time they open. They had regulars outside also waiting. It's not as small as I thought it was inside. Ambiance was warm and inviting. I loved the canvas pics on the wall each telling a story. We started with red wine for happy hour. My friend initially asked for vodka and olive juice, but was told that's not part of happy hour because of the olive juice. The happy hour red wine was delicious. My first Montepulciano. Then, my friend asked what was on the cheese board and the waitress responded, "cheese". The two strikes my friend experienced did not start off our experience well at all. She was done at this point. I felt so bad because I picked this spot. Hopefully, the food outshined the initial blows is all I kept thinking. Burrata plate to go w/ our wine was delicious! We especially loved and were fighting over the little stuffed peppers. Charred Octopus was a total hit at the table. We tried to savor, but 3 of us were devouring this appetizer. The octopus was tender and well balanced with the beans. Wild Boar Ragu - I've had my eye on this dish for awhile and knew this would be my order during my first visit to Luce. I believe the noodles are made in house from what I've read. I'm allll about homemade noodles. I saw another pic w/ a dollop of burrata. When I asked the waitress about a dollop of burrata, I was advised it was a special that was not available. Ugh. Third strike. While I had higher expectations overall of this dish, it was good. I enjoyed the quality of the meat. Shrimp w/ lemon cream sauce was another hit. Loved the rich balanced sauce. The lemon was just enough to add that crisp refreshing taste. I truly could have drank the sauce or dipped my bread in it, but it was my other friend's dish. I refrained. TONNO AND TOMATOES w/ Polenta - ohhhh the polenta & tuna were cooked perfectly!! I had a little taste, but would have loved if my friend didn't finish this dish so I could eat the leftovers. Delicious. We chose not to order dessert, as my friend was still annoyed, but would love to give Luce's another try one day. read more
1 year ago
I'm disappointed to say that this is the worst service I have received in my whole life. Borderline discriminatory staff and a genuine waste of time. The only upside was that the food was good. However, I completely lost my patience when the waitress brought me a DIRTY box to pack up the rest of my food. read more
What a great Italian restaurant! This came highly recommended by a friend so I went with her to try it out and was totally impressed. We sat at the bar on the side that's near the entrance. It's definitely noisy inside the restaurant because it's so small but it led to a vibrant atmosphere. We started with the fried calamari appetizer and it was amazing! The dipping sauce was so hearty and flavorful. It reminded me of a Senegalese tomato sauce. For my entree I got the lemon pasta with shrimp and asparagus. This was a perfect plate: the shrimp were plump and fresh, the sauce was delightfully creamy, the asparagus was cooked just right, and the pasta noodles were chewy and filling. I requested some garlic bread on the side and that was delicious too! You can tell the olive oil is high quality. Coming here is definitely a treat and on the pricey side but definitely worth it with how well done the food is! read more
2 years ago
So this review is for dessert and drinks as we have never eaten a full meal here. This is the second time we have been here for drinks and desert and both have been wonderful. This time we had the limoncello cake which was delicious and not overpoweringly sweet. The wines suggested by the excellent bartender paired perfectly with it and he makes one hell of a good Old Fashion. We hope to get back for dinner sometime soon. read more
More info about Luce
245 Granby St
Norfolk, VA 23505
Directions
(757) 502-7260
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https://lucenorfolk.com
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Ask the Community - Luce
I see you can offer gluten-free and dairy-free dishes... do you have vegan options as well?
Yes
Do you accept carryout/take-away orders, and how do we place them?
Sorry for late response, yes we do. 757-502-7260
Hello, do you guys have a diary free meal or anything diary free?
Yes we sure can make many dishes dairy free.
How do we get a reservation?
Just call and leave a message with your telephone number and they will call you back. I have never had any problems doing that, they always call back. Cheers!
Do you offer gift certificates to purchase?
No we do not. Sorry. Thanks for considering us
What's the best parking recommendation or suggestion? Is valet offered or an option? Thanks in advance!
Hello, there is street parking only. And unfortunately no valet.
Are kids welcome?
Tony and Angel would make you feel welcomed if you have to bring kids. But it is really a great place for a real Italian meal, wine and great conversation. Not engineered to keep young people happy. Now when your kids get to be old like mine it is…
Are you doing anything special for Valentine's Day?
We have beautiful specials . Also recommend reservations
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38 reviews that are not currently recommended
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Luce - italian - Updated August 2026
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