Went here for Easter and it was amazing! Lots of great appetizers, our waiter was awesome, and the meals were a good size and delicious. I'd go back for a nice Italian dinner date read more

We went for our book club and it was just delish. But our waiter Anthony was a huge bonus!! Will ask for him again

This was our first time here and everything from the food, service and ambiance was amazing. We ordered the Arancini to start and it was 10/10. I ordered the short rib ragu pasta. My parents ordered the Valdosta and Sorrentino. All of it was amazing and perfectly cooked. My favorite was probably the Valdosta. The veal was cooked to perfection and it was creamy and salty from the prosciutto. We went at 5:45pm on a Saturday night. It was very crowded and quite loud but the ambiance and service was top notch. read more

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Luce is one of those places I passed by so often and wondered what it was like, so when my friend asked me to have dinner there last night, it was an immediate yes! This spot has been a staple in Hamden for decades, and it's easy to see why. Luce serves a menu full of classic Italian food, with some of my personal favorites from the evening being the pane cotto and chicken parm. I was really impressed by the style of the dining room! It would be perfect for a fancy date night, or could really stand out as a special event venue, especially if you're looking for a corporate holiday party. Proper attire is required! Our server was also very attentive and friendly. read more

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bravo!!! I'm a bit of an Italian food snob, my parents grew up in Italy, and I lived there in the summer my entire childhood, I'm quite accustomed to good Italian food, Luce not only gives you a good food experience but the ambience and the service is top quality. We went there with another family from my daughter's college on a recommendation, the restaurant itself is beautiful, the wait staff and the service is top shelf, we all got an Italian dish and raved about it. In particular was the gnocchi alla bolognese which was incredible. The fried calamari for appetizer was cooked to perfection. I will be returning every time I visit my daughter at college. This is definitely a must. My compliments to Luce read more

Ordered apps for dinner tonight. Haven't been here in a few years. We ordered pretty standard appetizers for our meal. Meatball, arancini, broccoli rabe and gnocchi. Completely disappointed in each item. The gnocchi at best. Everything else was mediocre and the broccoli rabe was awful. Tasted as though the rapini was boiled in sausage water. Unbelievably disappointing. read more

It was time to celebrate an incredible friend's magnificent retirement and we all decided on Ristorante Luce at 2987 Whitney Avenue in Hamden. The restaurant offers an unbelievable beautifully decorated outside seating area and off the street parking. For $22 they offered an impressive selection of appetizers, a salad and your choice of an phenomenal entrée. The portions were the perfect size for lunch and the waitress was wonderful. The chicken limone dish and lobster ravioli were amazing. The Caprese salad needed more basil but overall everything was very good. read more

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Proper attire requested. This is a linen tablecloth type of restaurant, with dim lights, dark wood, well dressed and groomed staff. We were well,greeted upon entering, quickly,taken to our table. Edwin was our server and he was prompt, courteous, a good sense of humor. We shared the meatballs appetizer: Juicy, flavorful, hearty. I had the special blackened swordfish which can be tricky, but this was prepared exquisitely - not dry (over cooked) at all! Unfortunately, we left no room for dessert, so we'll have to return to try some! . This is a great place for a date, business meeting, or just a special night out. read more

Ristorante Luce - Pizza Near Me - Hamden, Connecticut

Food was good although a little overpriced. Biggest drawback was the slow service, 3 hours on a Tuesday seems a little long. read more

The most amazing food. The best service. And the most fabulous ambiance. This food is 10/10. I have been eating here for years and when i looked at the Yelp i was very disappointed in people's reviews. This is a family owned business with the most delicious food in Hamden! I believe this is the best Italian food outside of Italy! And the service and environment is so beyond lovely. It makes you feel like you're in Italy!!!! If you haven't been here, highly recommend coming at 5:30, sitting at the bar and getting any of their specials or staples. It's the best restaurant and food! read more

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Beautiful place, fabulous food!! The waitstaff was gracious and friendly. Was taken as my birthday dinner, and couldn't have had a better time! Have told numerous people to check out this place... will definitely be back! Delicious!! read more

Food is good. I got charge gratuity on pick up order? I haven't seen the anything like this before. The lady said we charge for gratuity... !!!! For pick up. Is anyone get charge too. read more

Great experience start to finish. Good was delicious and they were very accommodating with our daughter as well. They had great options for kids as well. Would definitely Recommend and would be going back. read more

There food here is very good. They always do a great job. The staff is usually on point. I've had a few minor issues here and there throughout the times I've been here but the food is solid. I'm always trying something different. The bolognese sauce was delicious. Although we thought it was so good we purchased a container to go off it. Unfortunately it disappointed when I got home and warned it up later on. But eating there at the restaurant has always been positive experiences. Warm and cozy. read more

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I love, love, love Luce! I have been several times and I always bring new friends I am a huge fan of the prix fixe lunch specials, but have also come for dinner. It is always a treat and superb dining experience. This time Art was our server. He is witty and wise! His suggestions and knowledge of the menu was impressive. He was proud to share that he has been employed there for over 20 years. Staff longevity speaks volumes about an establiment. I am happy to support their business. The food was excellent! Every single bite! Did you see the photos? The taste was superior in every way. Stop reading and make yourself a reservation. You won't be disappointed. read more

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Omg such a good time at Luce. The food and service is impeccable! They have a wonderful pre-fix menu available for lunch. App, salad and entree for 22.00 The food portions were huge. We sat outside on a gorgeous October afternoon. Waitress was very nice and once again the food was impeccable. This was my 1st time here and I definitely recommend and will return! I hear the happy hour is also very nice. Definitely check this place out and thank me later. You will not be disappointed. read more

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Had an excellent meal out on the patio for my birthday dinner. We started with friend mozzarella and pane cotto for appetizers. The highlight for me was the Misto Portofino - a huge portion of shrimp, scallops, calamari, clams and mussels served over spaghetti. I had a large container of leftovers for the next day. My husband had the chicken parmigiana with a side of penne vodka and my daughter chose the Milanese with chicken rather than veal. We all loved our meals. I have never had a bad meal here. Give it a try if you are looking for high quality Italian food. read more

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Always a good meal. The Scarola con fagioli is out of this world delicious. No joke. Since that night I've tried it at two other restaurants in the area and all that dud was make me want Luce's even more. The off menu entree was also good. I passed on the angel hair and went with Spinach since I really wanted the risotto. My mouth is watering now. I need to get back there quickly. BTW make a reservation for Friday and Saturday night. I went in last Saturday around 6pm and there was no possibility of getting a table. I almost dropped my rating to 4 stars because they don't use OpenTable but after looking at the food pix again thought otherwise. read more

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I have been to Luce several times. Service is consistently good. The servers and staff go above and beyond to ensure their guests are happy. Food is usually delicious. I've enjoyed many of the entrees and appetizers. I do not recommend the fried calamari. The calamari was rubbery, however it could have been an off day. I would highly recommend trying out the lunch special. Very affordable way to taste several items from the menu. The bar area is always bustling with conversation. Also there's an cute option to dine outdoors. I went for lunch two weeks in a row. Both weeks the restaurant was pretty busy for a Tuesday afternoon. We all continue to come back because Luce has a great product. read more

Had an ahi tuna special there last Friday night that was absolutely fabulous. The best combination of ingredients and beautifully done. Each in our party of 2 loved his dinner also. Exceptional food. read more

Ristorante Luce is an artisanal Italian restaurant that opened in Hamden, Connecticut in 1992. It was founded by husband and wife Ralph and Anna Iannaccone. When they first opened, the name of the restaurant was Raffaello's Ristorante. In the early 2000s, the restaurant underwent a major renovation and added a new lounge and outdoor patio dining area. To reflect the change, the Iannacones decided to rename their eatery Ristorante Luce. The new name reflects the Italian saying "luce d'ella vita" meaning "light of life". The Iannaccones' sons Paul and Lucian were also involved with the business from its inception; they both worked as chefs. Today, Paul and his wife Kayte run the restaurant. Ralph and Anna are semi-retired, but they still stop by often. The menu consists of contemporary Tuscan dishes featuring pasta, seafood, and various meat dishes. My wife and I recently visited Ristorante Luce for the first time. We were without our son that day, so we decided to have a quiet lunch date to ourselves. We started off with a couple of cocktails: my wife ordered a Margarita and I ordered an Aperol Spritz. For food, we decided to order off the Prix Fixe Menu and share everything. For the appetizer course, we split the Arancini and Arrotolato. The arancini had a nice smoked mozzarella flavor with a roasted pepper sauce, and the arrotolato (spring rolls) tasted like a delicious Tuscan-Asian fusion dish. For the entrees, we shared the Chicken Limone and the Risotto Pescatore. The chicken was served in a delicious white wine lemon sauce and reminded us of dishes we tried in Florence. The risotto was reminiscent of a dish we shared in Venice. We ordered another round of cocktails: white sangria for my wife and an Old-Fashioned for me. For dessert, we split a plate of cannoli as well as Lemon Ripieno (both served with fresh strawberries). Both desserts were very refreshing! We fantastic time at Ristorante Luce and will definitely return in the future! read more

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Fabulous food and service. Love going there. The portions are big so you get to take them home and get extra meals out of them. The drinks are great too. read more

We haven't been to Luce in a while. Went last night. What we didn't care for was when we went into the bar there were 2 seats at the end of the bar and the bartender said we couldn't sit there because he was holding them for someone. Total turnoff. Won't be back. Food was just ok. read more

We went yesterday and all four of us got the price fix menu. The food was some of the best I've eaten in more than 40 years of dining out, The chef uses all high-end ingredients and the Italian influence is very authentic. Lately I've been thinking most restaurants are overpriced and the food has gone down since COVID, this is not the case with this restaurant. 5 stars on everything here.. read more

Singularly one of the finest Italian restaurants I've visited, I plan to visit again and again. Topped only by fine dining in Italy itself, Ristorante Luce possibly exceeds even my favorite Manhattan Italian restaurant - Carmine's. The service by the entire staff was impeccable, and the food was outright magnificent. Everyone in my party ordered the three course Prix Fixe Lunch with selections that made you want to sample all of them. Everyone in my party went home with leftovers. Eccellente Luce! You will be seeing me many times in the future. read more

We went to Luce's with a party of 7 It was Graduation Day for Quinnipiac University. We had a reservation for 5:30. We were seated at 5:30 The waitstaff were very professional and quit pleasant and most helpful explaining the menu. Food was perfect. When we were on our way out the restaurant was full to capacity . A line out the door with at least 50 people snaked around. They surly are doing something right if folks are willing to wait in a line that long for a table. My daughter said it's her new favorite restaurant. And I second that. Cheers to Luce read more

Went there for lunch, and ordered from the Prix Fixe menu. What are great deal three courses for $18.95. My wife and I both had the meatball appetizers It was absolutely delicious. For the entrée I had chicken parmesan. The portion was huge, and their sauce is so good. My wife had veal sorrentino. You can cut it with a fork it was so tender. For dessert we had the homemade tiramisu. It was so good. read more

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Luce never disappoints; food is always delicious, portions are sufficient, and the service is on point. Highly recommend the Barese, Veal Sorrentino, Gnocchi Bolognese, the Branzino, and Pane Cotto and/or Bruschetta as an app Also, bravo on the complimentary bottle of wine for spending $50 or more. The bottle they provide is actually good too. Well done, Luce read more

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The "lunch special" pricing is to good to pass up for a lunch date. The portions are big enough that after your apps and salad you will be taking some food home. The only thing is if you order any wine or fountain drinks your bill will be much higher than expected. As for the service, they are always a delight and friendly :) read more

We had a large party of 9 and they had no problem accommodating us on a busy night (we made a reservation well in advance). Enzo was our waiter and did a stellar job from start to finish with our group and made us feel like part of his family the way he tended to us. Food wise, our table ordered quite a sampling of options, but their goat cheese stuff fig special for an app, seafood risotto, and tiramisu were by far the highlights. I wish I took pictures, but we collectively were quite hungry! I would whole heartedly recommend Luce and look forward to going back! read more

We were seated promptly at 7 pm party Of 4. Service was very slow , the calamari was good , the Panne cotte was not great. Entrees: Ahi Tuna was good , they ran out of filet mignon substituted a NY strip which was raw and very tough. Branzino was extremely fishy was not edible. Veal Parmigiana was chewy. Slow service ... waiter never came by to ask how our food was ... will not rush back read more

I have been going to Luce for more years than I can even remember. One of the most consistent places in the area. No matter what the food is delicious. The servers are amazing and they take the time to get to know you. Edwin, Enzo, and art are amazing along with everyone else. If somone one asks me where to go for a fantastic meal for a great price I always say Luce. I recommend - Mare salad, shrimp pesto, seafood crepes, risotto, and tiramisu. Those are some of my favorite dishes! read more

Ristorante Luce - Scallops wrapped in prosciutto - Pizza Near Me - Hamden, Connecticut

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I am surprised by the rating Luce has. My family and I went last night for NYE & was blown away by the food & service at the restaurant. Even on NYE - & the last few seatings late into the night the food Was still supreme. The place was super busy and everyone was hustling and bustling like a team of Allstars. Our waiter, Edwin was incredible and super professional. He made great recommendations all night and was attentive and friendly. It added to our great dining experience. Food was delicious. We all had branzino & pork chops. We will be dreaming of our meals for a long time. Can't wait until my next visit back to CT to come back to Luces. read more

Ristorante Luce - Pizza Near Me - Hamden, Connecticut

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Just felt comfortable. Nice atmosphere with good service and above average Italian food. Only criticism is that entrees could have been slightly hotter when delivered. read more

We had an fantastic meal at Luce the other night. I very much enjoyed the old school, laid back vibe in there. They also have a great patio but I wanted to eat inside as it was my first time there. It was an older crowd as you'd expect and it cleared out by 8:30pm. The service was very prompt and kind. Our server told us he would be leaving and assured us he didn't have covid but was just burnt out (he was an older gentleman) so we understood and his replacement didn't skip a beat with continuing the high level of service. Started with the fried mozz which was amazing. Sauce nice and light. The pasta Vongole was really out of this world. Pasta cooked perfectly and that white wine and garlic sauce was so good I could bathe in it! They also get a plus for having my favorite wine on hand, Conundrum from the makers of Caymus. Really great overall meal. We will be back for sure. read more

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One of the best Italian restaurants in the area certainly the best restaurant in all of Hamden little on the pricey side, but the fix price lunch menu is a true bargain and the food is scrumptious. I highly recommend this fine Italian restaurant. read more

We had a lovely "prefixed menu " lunch for $18.00 each. Too much food, as always,delicious and not reflective of the discount...a premium price dining The Pane Cotte (escarole and beans) & Fried Calamari were our appetizer choices. For lunch we had the Veal Valdosta w/prosciutto,shiitake mushrooms and a Shrimp Pesto w/parpadelle egg noodles. Never a complain, always delicious, abundant, meats & shrimp were perfectly tender and al dense pasta. 10/23 Enjoyed a lovely prefixed dinner for 29.00. A nice variety, same portion size as on the regular menu and very affordable. A great dinner ..nothing super special but good solid tasty Italian food! read more

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This is late in coming but I've been there three times in the past two months and they are consistent in providing delicious food and great service. Portions are sufficient enough that you will have leftovers. Save room for dessert! Parking is ample and easy on and off the highway. Even before the pandemic, the seating is spacious and comfortable. I always ask for Enzo, even when we do takeout. He always makes us feel like we are guests in his home. My only constructive criticism is there are generally a few typos on the online menu. This is a great fine dining experience. I look forward to our next visit. read more

The gnocchi bolognese is my favorite! You can get the app or the entree. The service is up to par, it's a place where you can dress up or down. The feel is a not too casual and not too fine dining, a very comfortable feel when you want to indulge in fine Italian dishes. COVID guideline compliant - they have dividers between tables for physical distancing. read more

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We have been regular customers at Luce and always enjoyed the service and food . On the last two visits we were disappointed with the service and the portions. Reservations had been made but we were kept waiting for over a half hour. Finally, when we were seated we found a table for six next to us, vacant and it remained so till we left after two hours. They did not care that four of us were waiting although we had a reservation, but preferred to have a table for six empty. There were no others waiting! We are still wondering why we were treated so poorly. read more