LUCE, Norfolk - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews

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Yes

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CUISINES

Italian, Fusion, Tuscan, Central-Italian

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

Meals

Dinner, Late Night

FEATURES

Reservations, Seating, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service

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4.5

235 reviews

Excellent

176

Very good

43

Average

8

Poor

0

Terrible

8

JDA60

Middle Sackville749 contributions

Well Worth A Visit

Feb 2020 • none

The food is incredible and the service is very good. I would definitely recommend the bread salad it is delicious with sprigs of fresh Rosemary, and the wines are moderately priced. One of the best restaurants I have been to in a while. They are small (in the summer they have a patio) reservations are a must and I recommend about 2 weeks out. They have a nice ambiance with a buzz of conversation but not excessively loud. In the winter if you have a table near the door or at the bar it can get cold when the door opens. Street parking nearby can be a challenge, I recommend parking at MacArthur Center, it is a 2 minute walk, they are open 24/7 and 5 hours parking will cost you about $3.00, worth it to avoid the aggravation of street parking. Park on the South Side.

Written February 9, 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

OBX_Innkeeper

54 contributions

Been Too Long

Feb 2021 • none

Last time here was about 7 years ago. Next time will be SOON. Excellent food and service. Had the mozzarella app on special and the seafood cioppino served as an app, followed by lobster gnocchi. Meal topped off with delicious cappuccino. Server turned us on to a lovely Italian wine my wife ordered by the bottle a day or two later. Lovely atmosphere, professionals all around. Dinner for 3 around $200 with one drinker, most reasonable for caliber of food and service received. Will be our new go to for a Norfolk date night.

Written February 3, 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

pez-oz33

Smithfield272 contributions

A Wonderful Night Out!

Mar 2021 • none

My daughter, son-in-law, and I treated my wife to a surprise night out. We couldn't have asked for a better dining experience. To begin with, our Avocado Bruschetta appetizer was delicious as were our drinks. BTW, their bar menu is extensive. Our entrees included Hunters Sausage, Veal Saltimbocca, Sotto Scallops, and Veal Chop Di Casa. All were exceptional. My wife had no alcoholic drink and completed her meal by ordering the Midsummer Dream for dessert. She and my daughter (who had a couple of bites) claimed it to be delicious. In addition to the wonderful food, the atmosphere was terrific. Further, our server was helpful with our orders and attentive without being obtrusive. We do not typically spend nearly what we did this night for a dinner out, but it was money well spent as a special treat.

Written March 14, 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

jaybeeFL

Palm Harbor3425 contributions

Dishonest and Unresponsive

Sep 2021 • none

Party of four with reservation and seated on the street because they never told me they no longer had the dining room available (new owners took it back). Arrived and told they did not have a table other than a high boy in the bar (not acceptable for 4 elderly folks approaching the big 80!).. So they put us at a table on the side street that was very uncomfortable and had no elbow room. This was exacerbated by cars arriving and departing frequently that were there for take out orders at nearby establishments. ! Meals were generally quite good but service was less than stellar! Ordered a bottle of Clifford Bay Sauvignon Blanc but when waiter (Nikolas) placed order at the bar it was out of stock! He came back and we ordered a bottle of Subbida Sicilian Pinot Grigio. We finished our meals, received and paid the check which I failed to review and left. Upon review the next morning I discovered that they erroneously billed for both bottles of wine. I realize mistakes happen so I called the next evening evening and talked to TONY who said he would take care of it. I then gave Steve my CC info so that they could credit my account . This is now 2 weeks later and nothing has happened so I tried calling them numerous times and all you get is a recording!!! I don't care how good the food is at an establishment, if they are going to deal with a customer this way folks should think twice before frequenting their establishment! We certainly won't return!

Written October 2, 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Michael C

13 contributions

The brightest little night spot on Granby St.

Feb 2020 • couples

Full disclosure: I'm biased in that I'm in love with this restaurant and have dined here enough to be considered a regular. Amidst all of the chaos on Granby St., it's just nice to pop into Luce after a show for a late bite or drink. Luce can be a lot of things for many people. It can be a midnight drink/cocktail spot, a splurge to treat yourself on a birthday, an intimate dinner date with your lover, or maybe a small party of your best friends just enjoying life. Since the restaurant is small and intimate, I recommend reservations for dinner. Having said that, the kitchen is currently open until midnight which makes this a pretty great place for late night Italian cuisine after a show in Norfolk. All of the dishes are inspired and let the natural ingredients shine but also perfectly seasoned with herbs rather than just salt and pepper. Genuine flavor comes first! I have never been disappointed with their dishes, drinks and service. The staff is among the most professional people I've ever met in the industry. Luce is simply one of my favorite places to go in Norfolk.

Written February 13, 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mark W

Charlotte301 contributions

Veal Chop is a home run!

Aug 2020 • none

I have been to this restaurant three times all three have been excellent dinners. If you like a thick 2 inch veal chop done beautifully with caramelized onions and a sauce to die for, you have to go here. Wine list is also very attractive and reasonably priced. I always get the mussels as an appetizer and that’s also just delicious. Chef Tony is the best!!

Written August 27, 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ATLNative

Norfolk40 contributions

Luce Never Dissapoints

May 2021 • none

Twice we have been. And twice we have said, "We can't wait to come back." An experience for a special occasion, the food and the service is outstanding. Every time I have been I have never been disappointed. The ambiance is wonderful. I love their dining room! It's so airy and elegant! The waiters and waitresses are top notch at this establishment. Truly an elevated level of service. The level of focus is unmathced and I feel like they truly cater to a unique and one of a kind level of service. I can't even tell you what to eat there because every time I go I try something new and it is amazing! But I will say, the wild boar ragu and the calamari and pepperoncini salsa is a great place to start! Can't wait to come back!

Written June 11, 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Pat E

Virginia Beach207 contributions

Luce Norfolk, VA

Aug 2020 • couples

I have been dining @ Luce for several years now and always look forward to Chef Tony and staff’s creative spin on Italian cuisine. My husband and I had dinner there Saturday evening and had delicious food, wine and dessert. I had a shrimp, asparagus and pasta with lemon sauce, which was wonderful. My husband had the pasta special with Bolognese, also a hit. Dessert was a marscapone berry layer cake; a great way to end our meal. Luce is my absolute favorite restaurant, with consistently great food, wine and service. If you’re looking for a special Italian dining experience, then Luce is the restaurant for you!

Written September 1, 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

MissyKelly

896 contributions

Late night weekday dining, authentic Italian

May 2021 • couples

This place has a hip, chic vibe with low lighting perfect for a date night. There’s a full bar with friendly service. Every dish is made from homemade pasta; I loved my vegetable pasta dish. Don’t leave without trying their basil water.

Written May 30, 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LMK101

Virginia Beach420 contributions

Best Italian Bar None!

Aug 2021 • none

We have loved this Italian restaurant for it's delicious dishes that are carefully prepared. We brought some visitors to the restaurant and had quite a variety of dishes: burrata, goat cheese pesto, monkfish con pasta nero tagliatelle bolognese, pollo al limone, pasta garlic. all of the dishes were prepared very well. The wine selections were good. The cannolis were very nice! The service was also attentive. You need reservations since this is a small restaurant.

Written October 10, 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ingrid J

Newnan108 contributions

Excellent food, just limited seating

Jul 2021 • none

I would be giving this 5 stars, if not for the seating. We made reservations, but still ended up having to sit at the bar. We made the best of it, and enjoyed watching Chef & his amazing staff work their magic. Food is outstanding & will definitely go back when in Norfolk, just wish they had more seating available

Written July 20, 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tim M

Port Saint Joe80 contributions

Do not read this review or try this place

Jan 2022 • family

I thank god for the previous reservation issues, if the word got out too far and wide we would never get in. Where do I start ? I spend a lot of time in the area for work, and my wife woke me one morning and wanted to know about the Luce I was apparently having an affair with after moaning about it in my sleep. I took her to meet Luce and she is as in love as I am. How do you say that the food is absolutely amazing? The freshest highest quality ingredients, An amazing menu, too many choices to have tried them all but we’re certainly going to try. Did I mention that the men working the bar make amazing cocktails? Anyhow, avoid this place so I can still get in the door, please

Written December 31, 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kristyn F

Roanoke2 contributions

Host nearly made me cry

Feb 2024 • solo

I made a reservation to eat here tonight. Upon arriving the hostess does not seat me at the bar as my reservation requested. Also note, I had notes in my reservation indicating it was only me, a single patron and I wanted to sit at the bar. I then am told it’s a 45 min wait. She begins talking to me sternly and treating me in an unkind way. I did all the right things to eat here. I made a reservation 2 weeks ahead. Double checked. Confirmed. Etc. I’ve been here at least 5 times since the start of the year. It’s a shame that a girl at the front can essentially ruin a nearly perfect restaurant. I’ve never been yelled at in public like that and embarrassed publicly. In the event that “bar” seating is not the bar, as she said, then 3 things need to happen. When a person makes a reservation don’t offer bar seating if you won’t honor it. Secondly, if you don’t honor reservations don’t offer them. Lastly, don’t claim you offer all these things. Allow me to reserve MULTIPLE times over the last few months honoring my reservation. For those wondering. I was moved the the back of the list for multiple other people who were not on the reserve lish. It’s really disappointing to be treated this way as someone who does eat out alone often and who always makes the reservation to ensure I have a good meal.

Written February 21, 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

sweetbetsy127

Norfolk74 contributions

Happiness leads to excellence.

Jan 2024 • couples

We've eaten on our Jan. 6 anniversary meal in some amazing cities in the world. For our 45th we went to one several friends in Norfolk recommended as the best. It turned out that this was one of the most delectable anniversary meals we've had. I had the perfect filet mignon with arugula and zucchini, and my husband had the seafood that was served in a boulliabaise liquid. Everything was prepared to perfection. We sat at the chefs' table, able to watch the team quietly and happily working. Wow!And thank you especially to the manager, Val. The place itself is unpretentious with few tables, but oh, the service. No wonder it's so hard to get a table. Reserve days in advance.

Written January 8, 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

DAEsmae

Boise685 contributions

Excellent food; slightly slow service

Sep 2024 • solo

I wasn’t;t able to get a reservation when in town on business, but I was able to get a streetside patio table as a walk-in. The menu offered many tempting choices, and the fresh made pasta dish I ordered was authentic and delicious! The sauce was exceedingly tasty and I would have loved a piece of bread to use to soak up every drop (scarpetta) but none was available. Wine choices were good, though the timing was not. I ordered a Prosecco to start and a Barolo to pair with the pasta; unfortunately the Barolo did not arrive until the pasta was 2/3 gone (had I waited for the wine the dish would have been cold). It was a busy night and I am sure that played into it, but since I had specifically asked about the pairing, it would have been nice to have the timing such I could actually pair wine and food. I would have loved a Dolcetto or Barbera to be on offer by the glass. I won’t hesitate to go back for the food next time I am in Norfolk.

Written September 13, 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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