Luce - Hamden

Luce was crowded and noisy during my visit. I tried the pesto from their menu, which included one medium scallop and three sizable shrimp. Unfortunately, the sc... read more Luce was crowded and noisy during my visit. I tried the pesto from their menu, which included one medium scallop and three sizable shrimp. Unfortunately, the scallop wasn’t seared properly, and although the shrimp had a nice sear, they were overcooked and rubbery. I cannot recommend this restaurant.

Excellent experience. We enjoyed just appetizers and drinks, and everything was absolutely delicious! read more Excellent experience. We enjoyed just appetizers and drinks, and everything was absolutely delicious!

Dining outdoors at Luce was absolutely wonderful, featuring spacious tables and large umbrellas that created a charming ambiance. Every dish we tasted was super... read more Dining outdoors at Luce was absolutely wonderful, featuring spacious tables and large umbrellas that created a charming ambiance. Every dish we tasted was superb. The service exceeded all our expectations and was truly exceptional. I wish I had taken more photos of the food and drinks, but I was too busy savoring every bite! We enjoyed the mussels, meatballs, salmon, and gnocchi, paired with a pear martini and a lemon drop martini. There was nothing to improve—everything was perfect. I hold restaurants, especially Italian ones, to very high standards, as my grandparents owned a prestigious northern Italian restaurant, and Luce met every one of them.

Just about a perfect lunch! Service was excruciatingly slow to start. Once orders were taken everything flowed smoothly. $22 Prix Fixe lunch could be one of the... read more Just about a perfect lunch! Service was excruciatingly slow to start. Once orders were taken everything flowed smoothly. $22 Prix Fixe lunch could be one of the best available!! Meatballs were bakef perfectly. The pomodoro sauce with ricotta pairs verywell with the meatballs. Mussels are definitely a heaping bowl size you get a lot. Lemon garlic broth brings out the musselstaste really well along with bits of smoked speck tasting like bacon. Salad course is served second and is a great pallettecleanser in between. It's not a typical American iceberg salad, you get nice baby greens. Gnocchi is a large serving size withjust the right amount of sauce and ricotta. Gnocchi are bite sized but taste great. Risotto Pescatore is another good sizedserving with pieces of shrimp, scallops, calamari, and clams. This tasted great as well. Would 100% go back again for lunch.

We enjoyed the lovely weather and opted for the outdoor seating. The $22 Lunch Special was outstanding, and the service was great as well. read more We enjoyed the lovely weather and opted for the outdoor seating. The $22 Lunch Special was outstanding, and the service was great as well.