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Café Luce - Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Café Luce - Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar
7.8
This women-owned trattoria offers fresh housemade pasta and curated Italian wines in a cozy upper-level space between 2nd and 3rd Avenues. The intimate setting proves ideal for business lunches and casual date nights, with daily happy hour featuring $12 spritzes drawing neighborhood regulars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cacio e Pepe, Quattro Formaggi Pasta, Nutella Tiramisu
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Women-owned neighborhood trattoria with fresh housemade pasta and accessible pricing
Who should go: Budget-conscious diners seeking authentic pasta near office
When to visit: Happy hour 11am-6pm for $12 spritzes and $10 wines
What to order: Fresh pasta with choice of sauce, burrata salad, aperitivo spritz
Insider tip: Build your own pasta by selecting noodle type and sauce combination
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free off-street parking nearby, but public transit recommended. Subway: 6/E/M lines at Lexington Ave, just steps away at 51st-53rd St stations
Dress code: Smart casual - polished but comfortable. Jeans fine, lean slightly elevated for evening
Noise level: Intimate but can get lively - small space means tables close together. Cozy for conversation at off-peak, buzzy during prime dinner hours (7-9pm). Occasional live music adds energy
Weekend wait: 15-30 min without reservation - book ahead for 7-9pm
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait typically, especially before noon or after 2pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - multiple sauce options work with any pasta, plus salads and appetizers. Many cream and tomato-based sauces are meat-free
Vegan options: Yes - dedicated gluten-free vegan penne and spaghetti options available with compatible sauces like arrabbiata and pomodoro
Gluten-free options: Yes - GF vegan pasta available (penne and spaghetti) for ~$2-3 upcharge. Not a dedicated GF kitchen but options clearly marked
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice. The intimate upper-level space creates natural romance without fuss - cozy lighting, quality wine by the glass, and the build-your-own pasta concept gives you something to talk about. Reserve for 6pm to catch happy hour pricing and avoid the 7-9pm rush when tables get tight.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes for lunch or early dinner. For peak hours (7-9pm dinner, 11:30am-2pm lunch), reservations recommended - it's a small space that fills quickly. Solo diners can often snag a spot at quieter times.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - they welcome guests of all ages and serve approachable Italian that kids love (pasta with simple sauces, focaccia). Small space means less room for restless toddlers, better for kids 5+ who can sit through a meal.
Best For
Better for: Budget-conscious date nights with $12 spritzes and $10 wines until 6pm, solo dining without feeling awkward, and customizable pasta where you pick your noodle and sauce. True hidden gem pricing in expensive Midtown
Skip if: You need outdoor seating (indoor only), want a spacious restaurant for large groups (tight quarters), or prefer a scene-y vibe. Also skip if you're in a rush during peak hours - the intimate setting means slower turns
Café Luce - Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar
8.1
Cafe Luce is a cozy Italian restaurant and wine bar known for house-made pastas and generous portions at still-reasonable Midtown prices. Regulars lean on the alla vodka, carbonara, and truffle pappardelle, backed by a compact Italian-leaning wine list and late-night takeout volume.
Must-Try Dishes:
Alla Vodka fresh pasta, Black Truffle Pappardelle, Lasagna
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 6.5
What makes it special: Handmade pastas and warm hospitality make it feel neighborhood-first despite Midtown.
Who should go: Carb-lovers, casual dates, solo diners at the bar.
When to visit: Weeknights for relaxed service or weekend brunch for comfort plates.
What to order: Alla Vodka pasta, truffle pappardelle, tiramisu or Nutella dessert.
Insider tip: Customize pasta shapes and add burrata or shrimp for better value than many Midtown spots.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Turtle Bay, especially after 6pm; nearby paid garages on 2nd and 3rd Ave usually have space.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and sweaters are common, but many diners lean slightly dressy in the evenings.
Noise level: Moderate—conversational but lively; you can comfortably hear your dining partner except during peak weekend brunch.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation, especially between 7–8:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins easily accommodated.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage—several pastas can be made vegetarian, plus salads and appetizers.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 vegan-friendly dishes; pastas generally require modifications.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—gluten-free pasta is available on request, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—cozy lighting, warm service, and shared-pasta energy make it intimate without feeling formal or high-pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes—walk-ins are common on weeknights and early brunch hours; expect waits during weekend dinner rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids who enjoy pasta; no dedicated kids’ menu, but portions are shareable and staff is accommodating.
Best For
Better for: Generous portions, handmade pasta quality, and relaxed neighborhood energy at more approachable prices than many Midtown Italian spots.
Skip if: You want ultra-formal dining, a fully vegan-friendly menu, or extremely quiet ambiance.
Café Luce - Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar
8.3
Tucked just off Second Avenue, Café Luce is a cozy, owner-driven trattoria with house-made pastas and a warmly lit room that feels built for conversation. Service is unusually attentive, and the menu leans toward comforting, well-executed classics.
Must-Try Dishes:
Black truffle pappardelle, Eggplant rollatini with house marinara, Grilled octopus with mixed greens
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 9
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: A softly lit neighborhood trattoria with serious hospitality and handmade pasta.
Who should go: Couples seeking a quieter, intimate feel over hypey crowds
When to visit: Weeknight dinners before 8pm for the most relaxed pace
What to order: Black truffle pappardelle, eggplant rollatini, grilled octopus
Insider tip: Ask about half-bottles and by-the-glass recommendations to match your pasta.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce in Midtown East; expect to use nearby paid garages within a 1–2 block radius.
Dress code: Smart casual — neat jeans are fine, but most diners lean slightly dressy for date night.
Noise level: Moderate and date-friendly — low enough for easy conversation.
Weekend wait: Often 20–40 minutes without a reservation, depending on the hour.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, with plenty of open tables.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection — several pasta and appetizer options are naturally vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — the kitchen can adjust a few dishes, but expect 1–2 viable choices.
Gluten-free options: Moderate — some dishes can be prepared gluten-free; confirm pasta availability with the server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The warm lighting, small room, and attentive staff create an intimate environment without feeling stiff.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes on weeknights and earlier seatings. On weekends, walk-ins may wait, so arriving before peak hours improves your chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Acceptable for older kids, but the space is oriented toward adults and couples. No dedicated kids’ menu or stroller-friendly layout.
Best For
Better for: A quieter, more personal date-night experience with handmade pastas and standout hospitality — ideal when you want comfort over trend-chasing.
Skip if: You want a buzzy, high-energy hotspot, large-group seating, or extensive vegan/gluten-free menus.