Ristorante Luce

This would have been 5 🌟, if not for the host. Upon entering, she was a bit abrupt and not friendly. Very matter of fact, walking us to our table very heavy footed and stating "enjoy" in a less than enthusiastic tone. As she seated everyone else around us, i could hear her clopping around. No smile, no friendly tone. As a host, you are the establishments first impression, and I immediately felt like i was at a less classy place based on her presentation. Otherwise, the waiter - attentive and friendly, food - prompt, hot, and delicious. I understand everyone has bad days, and I hope that's all it was.

The food was great. The atmosphere was okay. I was a little disappointed. I called ahead of our reservation to ask them to bring out a slice of cake and to see if they could write "Happy Retirement" with the sauce on the plate. I was told yes, but it never happened.

Great local Italian. One of our party was injured, and the staff went above and beyond to insure her comfort. A pretty classic Italian menu, great comfort food for a chilly autumn night. Pretty noisy / lively depending on your perspective. Attractive dining rooms. Maria, our server, could not have been better, friendly and attentive.

Ordered take out. My salad(that I paid for) was missing,the penne Pollo was beyond disappointing with the teeeeeny peices of DRIED chicken. Not ONE asparagus tip in the dish. $26 for that.....$12 for the missing salad....AND the pasta fagioli???? U know what kind of pasta sucked up all the liquid? Lasagna pasta along with the rest of the rifraf extra pasta. I think my dinner cost luce $5 in actual food cost to "serve" to me. Disgusting and appalling. I HAD to leave this negative review because I couldn't believe the most recent good reviews. Go elsewhere to eat for the prices they charge bc they cant afford to stay open and serve slop for take out and "forget " your salad u paid for.

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.