Caf Luce Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar

Located in New York, New York

Address: 235 E 53rd St, Manhattan, NY 10022, United States

Phone: +1 646-590-2777

Rating: 4.7

Services

Identifies as women-owned
Kerbside pickup
Delivery
Takeaway
Dine-in
Fast service
Great coffee
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Alcohol
Beer
Coffee
Comfort food
Happy-hour drinks
Quick bite
Salad bar
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Bar on site
Gender-neutral toilets
Toilets
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Family friendly
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safe space
Accepts reservations
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Good for kids
Free of charge street parking
Paid multi-storey car park
Paid street parking

Photos

Latest NYC Bar Directory

Comments

Review 1 (2024-11-15 - Rating: 5)
I ADORE this place. The pasta is soooo good and the happy hour is great ($10 wine). Salads are good too! Make a booking in advance to be safe, I feel like around 7PM it gets busy.Seating can be a little tight. The staff are amazing :)

Review 2 (2024-12-23 - Rating: 5)
This restaurant is a true gem and one of the best dining experiences we’ve had in New York — so much so that we came two nights in a row and almost missed our bus back home just to have the limoncello pasta again (worth it!!)This pasta was utterly exquisite — just heavenly! You could tell it was fresh and perfectly seasoned.The hostess, Bruna was so warm and welcoming; she ran a tight ship with poise and model efficiency. Trust, we will be back!!

Review 3 (2024-12-07 - Rating: 5)
Found this place when we originally wanted to try Tomi Jazz but that line was too long.Handmade pasta is delicious, and we also got the burrata salad. Super cute decor feels very homey. Had a great dinner here with my girls and would definitely come back!

Review 4 (2024-11-14 - Rating: 5)
This was my husband and I first time visiting Cafe Luce. We were immediately greeted by a friendly manager and seated within seconds. The atmosphere was calm and relaxing, the music was a vibe and the food was amazing. I had the carbonara and added shrimp and he had the limoncello with grilled chicken. The salmon bruschetta was good also. Our server, Joseph T. ensured that we were hydrated and checked in regularly which made the experience better. We will definitely return and highly recommend!

Review 5 (2024-10-22 - Rating: 5)
Café Luce offers an intimate, exquisite dining experience. The restaurant is small, but makes good use of their space. There are two seating options (if it isn’t busy): in the front area, where lighting is brighter, or in the back with dim lighting. My party sat in the back and enjoyed the atmosphere greatly. We enjoyed Limoncello Linguine with grilled chicken and Chicken Parmesan as our entrees, and I can say, after trying both, this was some of the best food I’ve ever had from an Italian restaurant. The flavor was very strong, to note. Portions were quite large, too, which made prices worth it. Our server was kind and helpful, and made sure to explain how the menu worked when she discovered it was our first time dining with them.

Review 6 (2024-12-08 - Rating: 5)
Great atmosphere and service. Placed was packed and we were greeted immediately and given a table within minutes. Food was delicious. The wine too!

Review 7 (2024-11-29 - Rating: 5)
A surprise to find east Village bohemian atmosphere with four star food and you feel like youve gotten 100 years back into the Victorian age Has to be one of the most wonderful places for a first dateIm in love with this place- And the food is outstanding, which is an extra bonus.

Review 8 (2024-11-24 - Rating: 5)
Fresh pasta! Loved it!And the quantity is a lot to eat for one person!

Review 9 (2024-11-20 - Rating: 5)
Very delicious food! My husband and I were searching for a later evening dinner option near our hotel, and this is where we ended up! We started with a salad to share and fries, which were both delicious. We had pasta dishes which were both amazing and a glass of wine with our dinner. Our bill came to about $120, which we expected. We’re hoping to come back soon with friends, the food was so delicious!I will warn the seats are smaller, little cafe tables with a booth seat and a chair and close together. Very intimate, but not uncomfortable. There are steps leading into the cafe so I’m unsure if it is accessible to those who cannot take stairs. Our meal took us about an hour maybe an hour and a half- the food was quickly served but not *too* quickly. We didn’t feel rushed even when we finished our meal around 10pm. Will be back if in the area :)

Review 10 (2023-11-20 - Rating: 5)
Cute little spot for delicious pasta and exquisite coffee drinks. I got the cappuccino and it was amazing. We got the Mediterranean Bruschetta for our appetizer and we devoured every morsel. It was very good. The fresh pasta dishes were also good. Fantastic service as well, our water glasses were never empty and we were checked in on every so often. Was very satisfied with everything. Definitely will return to try their brunch options as they looked really good.

Review 11 (2024-02-13 - Rating: 5)
Stumbled upon this place looking for a good Italian restaurant to try in NYC. Very glad I found it! The food was absolutely amazing. The roasted eggplant appetizer was absolutely delicious and my spaghetti and meatballs were amazing. Everything was fresh and homemade, especially the pasta! The tomato sauce is some of the best I’ve had in my travels. I highly recommend this place for anyone wanting to try an Italian restaurant in NYC. Service was absolutely amazing as well!

Review 12 (2024-12-08 - Rating: 5)
I was in NYC for a work trip and stopped in here because it had 4.7 stars, almost 1000 reviews, and moderately priced food. Cafe Luce was delicious! We tried a little bit of everything on the menu. The lasagna was the prize - huge portion with loads of flavor. All the dishes had perfectly prepared noodles.Dont sit by the entrance door in the winter. It doesnt close and can get breezy and cold. Cafe Luce needs to repair this.

Review 13 (2024-12-20 - Rating: 5)
Great little place. The food is excellent, especially the Alfredo sauce. We also ordered a side of grilled chicken which was fantastic. Our server Joseph was very attentive.

Review 14 (2024-05-07 - Rating: 4)
I came in without a reservation and was treated with amazing service. The workers were very welcoming and accommodating. I had a bit of sauce spill on my shirt and they immediately provided a solution to remove it. Thanks to them, it saved the day and the pictures ahead of us.

Review 15 (2024-04-30 - Rating: 5)
Such a cute, great Italian spot! Chef came out and asked about our meal. Server was very friendly. Homemade pasta, gluten free&vegan options, and homemade pesto!

Review 16 (2023-12-10 - Rating: 4)
Easy to make a reservation. The pasta was okay (linguini bolognese). The shrimp and fried burratta were good. Focaccia too. That was a little spicy. The bench seating is uncomfortable to me and the place feels cramped. It’s a small restaurant though. I also think they keep it a bit too warm inside, at least in the colder months. The ambiance is nice. Not very loud so it’s easy to converse. Service is attentive but not overly so which is appreciated.Original visit was just over a year ago. Cozy spot, delicious pasta and truffle fries.

Review 17 (2021-12-17 - Rating: 5)
First off, this place has no alcohol, second, it has no bathroom....third...it has 6/7 tables....Its smaller than a Chinatown bedroom...BUT all that aside, you will not care because when the food gets placed in front of you... that will be the only thing you will focus on....You will eat every crumb on the plate and be so satisfied you will then look up and realize all those other Italian places you ate at are frauds! If this chef opens up more seating and gets a bathroom and a decent wine list.....holy heaven, God will be in line waiting for a seat! Deliciousness....

Review 18 (2024-09-13 - Rating: 5)
Limoncello pasta is incredible, every dish is amazing, pistachio cake to die for.

Review 19 (2024-12-23 - Rating: 5)
Amazing all around from the food to the service everything was exceptional really enjoyed the experience.

Review 20 (2022-03-20 - Rating: 4)
Ordered take out from here. Took a bit but we got a lot of food. I loved my penne vodka. Got a side of grilled chicken and it was a huge portion and very tasty. My friends had mixed reviews on the lemon pasta (claimed it was a little too lemony). They really liked the pesto pasta and the burrata! We got bread, but only one piece for four meals.

Review 21 (2024-01-29 - Rating: 5)
Food is great. Service is amazing. Our waitress is very lovely always checking on us to make sure we had a good experience dining there. Will definitely come back

Review 22 (2024-12-27 - Rating: 5)
Perfect food with perfect service in a perfect place. Can’t say more. Wouldn’t change a thing. Perfect for date night!

Review 23 (2024-09-28 - Rating: 5)
Amazing family owned business with awesome service and even better food. Order the shakshuka if you make it to brunch and the limencello pasta !

Review 24 (2024-06-27 - Rating: 5)
Perfect spot for a girls lunch after a full morning. Food was phenomenal and service was on point. Sadly didn’t have room for dessert.

Review 25 (2023-01-01 - Rating: 5)
Super cute cafe with friendly staff. It’s run efficiently and the pasta tastes great. My only wish would be to lower the sodium level.The decor inside is super calm and again the staff are super friendly.I went with the cacio d pepe and the pasta was super fresh.I’m definitely open to coming back here with my friends.If you’re into pasta, it’s worth checking out!

Review 26 (2024-11-10 - Rating: 5)
This restaurant is really good, its a really good place the food was really really good the owner is soo nice it was a really great night, merci heddy

Review 27 (2024-12-21 - Rating: 5)
We love café Luce. The food is so delicious plentiful good pricing and such a warm and friendly atmosphere! Bruna is so lovely and kind. We love coming here! So NYC!

Review 28 (2024-12-01 - Rating: 5)
The seafood special was amazing and the serving sizes for all four of us were fulfilling. We also had the octopus carpacio and Caesar salad appetizers. Definitely worth a visit and repeat visits.

Review 29 (2024-12-22 - Rating: 5)
Bruna was really good to us, our evening was amazing. This place has the best panna cotta in New York. You have to try it!

Review 30 (2024-04-23 - Rating: 5)
Been here twice and I absolutely loooove their gnocchi. Ill keep coming back for more. They are all very friendly and courteous. Great ambiance if you like to chill and relax, enjoy good food and a great glass of wine.

Review 31 (2024-04-10 - Rating: 5)
Love this place. Little cute restaurant with the best Pasta. Everything tasted very good. The start of the show was their Nutella tiramisu probably the best one I’ve tried. The ambience of the place is very nice and chill with very nice decor. I would definitely recommend stopping by here…

Review 32 (2024-07-07 - Rating: 5)
First visit to NYC - So glad we found this place! So cute - great atmosphere, food, and service. We had spaghetti and meatballs and chicken Gorgonzola pasta and they were phenomenal. We had flan for dessert that was delicious.The service was excellent - very welcoming and attentive. When we make it back to NYC, we will make sure we visit Cafe Luce again.

Review 33 (2023-05-10 - Rating: 4)
We were a big group of 8 and the service was pretty decent. Food on the other hand - hit or miss. Four stars because the dessert was to die for!

Review 34 (2024-11-25 - Rating: 5)
The food was absolutely amazing and fresh. I would definitely recommend this to everyone everything was so sweet and quick. Definitely coming back again for more!

Review 35 (2021-07-14 - Rating: 5)
Finally we have a home-made, fresh Italian pasta place in this block!I accidentally found this place on google when I was craving for good Italian near my place and I’m so glad we found this place. They have 19 different types of pastas which are all freshly made at this restaurant. You can also choose variety of different kinds of pasta types as well.The salads were also very delicious and portion was just the right size.The only thing is they don’t serve drinks here but you can BYOB which is amazing.Definitely coming back here again.

Review 36 (2023-07-19 - Rating: 4)
It is a hidden gem with delicious pasta and exceptional service that makes you feel right at home. The warm and inviting atmosphere sets the stage for a comfortable and enjoyable dining experience.We had the the quattro formaggi and alla caprese. Their pasta dishes are a true delight, filled with incredible flavors and top-notch ingredients that evoke the feeling of home-cooked meals.The staff at Café Luce is friendly and attentive, going above and beyond to meet our needs throughout the meal. Their welcoming demeanor adds an extra layer of charm to the overall experience.With its cozy ambiance, Café Luce is the perfect spot to unwind and savor a scrumptious meal.

Review 37 (2024-10-05 - Rating: 5)
I stumbled upon this place randomly. Food was so amazing. The grilled octopus was amazing and I haven’t had pasta this tasty since in Italy (aglio e olio). They even shared the playlist I enjoyed while enjoying a late lunch!

Review 38 (2024-04-14 - Rating: 5)
The burrata salad and alla vodka pasta was amazing. The place is beautiful and service is great!!

Review 39 (2023-05-28 - Rating: 4)
Went during lunch time, caprese pasta was over cooked, cacio e pepe had too much butter, only the penne vodka tasted good. Service was mediocre, but the waitress was kind when we expressed our concerns with the food.

Review 40 (2023-07-15 - Rating: 5)
Simply the best pasta we have had outside of Italy! Highly recommend the Cacio E Pepe, or the chicken parmigiana. Live music after 6pm is a bonus! And their wine selection is decent! We had the reisling which was very good!

Review 41 (2024-08-16 - Rating: 5)
Cafe Luce was a welcomed dinner surprise ! An intimate, casual setting offering delicious pasta dishes, fine wine and attentive service. My chicken and pasta dish was a winner, to repeat again on my next visit. A great value place which I highly recommend.

Review 42 (2023-02-24 - Rating: 5)
Very nice, very homemade Italian restaurant. It looks like you are coming home and your family cooked for you delicious lasagna (best one I ever had by the way)❤️

Review 43 (2024-11-04 - Rating: 5)
I really dont eat pasta a lot, but if I knew of a place like this back home, I would. Had the penne alla vodka and its the best pasta Ive ever had. Ever.

Review 44 (2024-08-11 - Rating: 5)
Beautiful little café on on 53rd street E.Food is outstanding. Very efficient service and friendly.Thanks Bruna!!!🍷🍷

Review 45 (2024-07-08 - Rating: 5)
Delicious and generous food!!! Don’t forget to try the Nutella Tiramisu!

Review 46 (2022-05-30 - Rating: 5)
Absolutely amazing experience. BEST pasta Ive ever eaten in the restaurant. Authentic and unique flavors. Weve tried Limoncello gnocchi and Diavolo spaghetti. Delicious. Great portion size. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!

Review 47 (2021-12-20 - Rating: 5)
This place is amazing!! The atmosphere was super cute and vibey, loved the plants. The service was great, and the food was delicious! I got the linguini allá vodka, I’d definitely recommend, but everything is good. You also get a lot of food for the price. If you are going with a larger party, make a reservation, because it is pretty small inside. Overall def recommend!

Review 48 (2024-12-12 - Rating: 5)
Service was amazing . We had happy hour special red wine and zucchini sticks and bruschetta. Food and service was wonderful!

Review 49 (2023-01-15 - Rating: 5)
Excellent! Fried zucchini which disappeared before I got a picture. Fresh pasta with Gorgonzola sauce was amazing! Excellent very friendly service!

Review 50 (2024-10-05 - Rating: 5)
Quaint, unassuming Italian spot in Midtown East. Wandered in here once and the pasta was phenomenal. The food feels authentically Italian and is delicious. Plus, portions are quite generous.

Review 51 (2024-09-11 - Rating: 5)
Very delicious. Portions are incredible. Outstanding and attentive service. See you soon

Review 52 (2022-09-01 - Rating: 5)
Came here on a whim and had a great experience. The pasta was fantastic and the oreo tiramisu was fantastic. Loved the atmosphere and the service. Both very lovely. Will definitely come here again, next time with a friend!

Review 53 (2024-04-14 - Rating: 5)
Bruna and Jorge were so friendly and accommodating. The vodka sauce was delicious. 10 out of 5. Ill be back soon.

Review 54 (2024-12-25 - Rating: 5)
This will absolutely be one of my go to spots moving forward!! Bruna, was so fantastic and provided such good service!! 10/10 recommend

Review 55 (2024-01-26 - Rating: 5)
Amazing service. Place is super cute. Food incredible. I got the pollo capricciosa most incredible thing I’ve eaten in a while. Prices awesome too.

Review 56 (2022-10-03 - Rating: 5)
I will definitely eat here again. Food was delicious and they had happy hour so the wine was reasonable and the staff were friendly and personable.

Review 57 (2024-10-26 - Rating: 5)
A small but very personable restaurant. Great food and awesome service. We pick this place on a whim and were pleasantly surprised by the quality.

Review 58 (2024-11-09 - Rating: 5)
Tasty food, a large serving of meal, tasty even Teraristu is not made properly like it should be (Unfortunately it is not Italian authentic recepise). A bit luck of space there, in general we were happy.

Review 59 (2024-07-07 - Rating: 5)
It’s an amazing place, with an amazing staff and even more amazing food! the restaurant itself is cozy and feels comfortable, like home. it is a great environment and it offers a wide range of different Italian dishes, all of which are outstanding in their taste and presentation.

Review 60 (2024-12-17 - Rating: 5)
We had a wonderful time. Food was delicious and the server/bartender (Bruna) was phenomenal. We definitely come back!

Review 61 (2024-12-23 - Rating: 5)
Wonderful food beautiful decor! Loved the limoncello pasta!!!!! Got it gluten free:)

Review 62 (2024-09-14 - Rating: 5)
Delicious food with amazingly large portions.

Review 63 (2024-04-25 - Rating: 5)
Everything tasted amazing! Special applauds to the girl serving the whole restaurant by herself! Thanks for making my grandma bday special 😊

Review 64 (2024-04-06 - Rating: 5)
We came earlier than our reservation so we got to sit by ourselves, which was great. The music is very lounging on the atmosphere is very romantic and fun. It definitely reminds you of an Italy boutique charm. Our waitress Bronilda was so sweet and accommodating. The food is absolutely the star of the show here. You can taste the snap in the fresh pasta we recommend the meatballs, their red sauce is to die for. The chicken cutlet was also phenomenal. It stayed crunchy, even though it was mixed in with the vodka sauce, 10/10.! We would 100% recommend this place. Of course space in the city is limited so the seating is a little close to each other, but you really shouldn’t let that bother you the food is phenomenal.

Review 65 (2024-07-13 - Rating: 5)
Walk in at 630 pm on a Friday night. My wife and I luckily got a table from a friendly hostess.Wine was great. Food was amazing. Great value. Will absolutely come back. Highly recommend.

Review 66 (2024-04-11 - Rating: 5)
I had such an amazing time at Cafe Luce. I stumbled on the restaurant and thought it looked super quaint and welcoming. I sat at the bar and was almost instantly greeted by welcoming guests and hosts of the restaurant. The bartender was very kind and attentive. The pasta was super tasty and flavorful. Overall, great experience and would recommend it to anyone!

Review 67 (2024-10-11 - Rating: 4)
The food is excellent with generous portions, multiple options for pasta / sauce combinations. The ambiance is “lively”, not a quiet date night.

Review 68 (2024-07-13 - Rating: 5)
Love love love. Finally a place that does real pasta European style. Highly recommend it was delicious ! And great service, actually met the owners who were lovely

Review 69 (2024-04-15 - Rating: 5)
The food was phenomenal. It was as authentic Italian as you can get. The pasta is freshly made in house.The service was great, and the ambiance was quiet while the service was on point. If you want a great meal, come to Café Luce. You will not be disappointed!

Review 70 (2024-04-07 - Rating: 5)
This restaurant is absolutely adorable and perfect for a date night. It is the restaurant version of ‘the girl next door’… The food was delicious, and felt very authentic and home-made! The service was great, and the ambience was lovely. Would definitely recommend for a good Italian spot in mid-town east!

Review 71 (2024-07-05 - Rating: 5)
Cute restaurant with really good pasta.Burrata Salad was so good but the portion was a bit small. If you can count the amount of arugulas in a salad, thats a small portion. But Ill go so far as to say it was one of the fresher burratas Ive had in a restaurant.Penne alla vodka was very delicious.Their black truffle parpadelle(?) pasta dish was amazing as well.

Review 72 (2022-12-17 - Rating: 5)
Just left the resturant and my wife and I loved it. We went with our 8 and 5 year old kids and they loved it. The food was excellent. Service was also great. We can’t wait to go back. Thanks for a great meal.

Review 73 (2023-02-15 - Rating: 4)
Very good pastas in a cozy setting. The entire staff was super friendly and accommodating on a busy night.

Review 74 (2021-09-04 - Rating: 5)
Took myself out to dinner to get out of the house. Went to this hole in the wall Italian place around the corner from me. The caprese was delicious and the pasta sauce house made. I bit into something crunchy in my sauce and they knocked it off my ticket and gave me a free desert. Good food and good folks.

Review 75 (2024-12-02 - Rating: 5)
Such a hidden gem. The food was elite and the service was excellent. The fried burrata was 10/10 we had two orders and the alfredo mushroom the best ive had in a while. New favorite spot in nyc.

Review 76 (2021-11-11 - Rating: 4)
Tiny Italian restaurant packed with good atmosphere and fresh food. Prices are higher than your diner type Italian food, but the quality is superior as well.

Review 77 (2024-11-11 - Rating: 5)
Cozy ambience with delicious Italian food, the perfect combination. The service was wonderful as well, highly recommended!

Review 78 (2024-11-17 - Rating: 5)
My girls and I stumbled across this cute restaurant and I absolutely cannot wait to tell everyone I know about it ! The service and atmosphere alone was so amazing . Big big shoutout to our server Jo!! Super friendly and full of patience , thank you Jo !! Can’t wait to see you again Café Luce ❤️❤️!

Review 79 (2024-08-01 - Rating: 5)
Food was amazing! The limoncella pasta was so good. I recommend the tiramisu as well. Probably the best I’ve had.

Review 80 (2024-12-20 - Rating: 5)
What a find! The pasta is amazing and such a wonderful atmosphere. Portions are bigger than they look in the photos.

Review 81 (2024-08-18 - Rating: 5)
Cozy little Italian restaurant with great food and service.

Review 82 (2024-07-08 - Rating: 4)
Focaccia is not bad. Impressive thinness of the octopus carpaccio. Pasta is plain, so don’t add grilled chicken as sides because it will make it more plain.

Review 83 (2024-10-01 - Rating: 5)
My mom and I went for lunch, it was phenomenal. It was so hard to choose between all the yummy options, but Nawelle helped me pick the limoncello pasta with grilled shrimp! My mom got the truffle burger and loved it as well. The space is small and very cute/comfy, and service was great. I can’t wait to come back to try the other options!

Review 84 (2024-11-23 - Rating: 5)
Phenomenal—the highest quality pasta and most thoughtfully prepared dishes you could find in NY.

Review 85 (2024-04-21 - Rating: 5)
Cafe Luce NYC offers a delightful Italian dining experience with a cozy ambiance and delicious food. During my visit, I was particularly impressed by the excellent service provided by Bruna. Her attentiveness and professionalism enhanced our dining experience, making us feel welcomed and valued. The menu offered a variety of authentic Italian dishes, each prepared with care and bursting with flavor. The cozy atmosphere added to the overall charm of the restaurant, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing meal. I highly recommend Cafe Luce NYC for anyone looking for a taste of Italy in the heart of NYC, and I especially commend Bruna for her exceptional service!

Review 86 (2024-02-17 - Rating: 5)
This place has been on my list for a while—could not have had a better experience. Great intimate setting great for date night, but would also be perfect for catching up with a few friends, which we saw a lot of. We sat at the booth in the very back, best seat in the house! Food was incredible—the dressing they have for the focaccia was a stand out along with the spinach salad for apps. Mains were delicious as well. We were so full we had to get dessert to go but can confirm that was also insanely good. They also have gluten free options for all the pastas which is huge if you have a gfree person in the group. Will definitely return!

Review 87 (2024-01-24 - Rating: 5)
Truly unbelievable food. I’ve eaten Italian all over NYC and this place is among the best. Service and atmosphere are also great. Good for a date night or just a casual bite. Food came out very quickly. Homemade pasta and meatballs are my favorite. Will be returning often

Review 88 (2024-01-15 - Rating: 5)
After 8 years in nyc, this is one of the absolute best pastas you will find in town. Absolutely fantastic !! Do yourself a favor and go here, you won’t regret it

Review 89 (2024-12-21 - Rating: 5)
Great food, great service, a little small, but enjoyed our time greatly.

Review 90 (2024-11-11 - Rating: 5)
Great restaurant. Amazing food, good atmosphere, nice ambiance without being stuffy.

Review 91 (2024-06-08 - Rating: 5)
Sat with some girlfriends for a couple hours (three!) having great wine and food. The staff were lovely and welcoming and we would definitely come again! Def recommend making reservations.

Review 92 (2024-11-13 - Rating: 5)
It feels just like being in Italy! Great pasta and great service. A winning combination.

Review 93 (2024-05-06 - Rating: 5)
The service was amazing, everyone so nice. And the Pasta was delicious !

Review 94 (2024-11-25 - Rating: 5)
Fantastic, intimate dining experience with delicious, generous portions, and staff who treat you like family.

Review 95 (2024-10-12 - Rating: 4)
Great pasta restaurant! So glad it was recommended to us our first night in NYC

Review 96 (2024-12-07 - Rating: 5)
Excellent service, food and ambience. A special experience. Fun and a neighborhood friendly place

Review 97 (2024-11-01 - Rating: 5)
Delicious food, amazing service, will definitely be back!

Review 98 (2024-01-23 - Rating: 5)
I came here with a friend looking for a good Italian restaurant, and was so pleasantly surprised. I’ve been searching for an Italian restaurant that reminds me of some of the best establishments in the neighborhoods of Rome and this is definitely one of them. The service was impeccable, the food was fantastic, and we had a wonderful evening. I definitely plan to come back here time and time again. I am so glad I discovered this gem in my neighborhood!

Review 99 (2024-03-24 - Rating: 5)
I’ve been coming to this wonderful establishment since they first open. This has grown so much since then. All thanks to the love and care they put into bringing an excellent experience to all their costumers. Great Food, cozy atmosphere. great for intimate conversations, food quality remains excellent. It’s a true midtown east (not so) hidden gem.

Review 100 (2022-05-11 - Rating: 5)
I highly recommend this place !Very cute restaurant. The staff is super welcoming.Food is delicious and the wine selection is perfect.You will definitely have a good time !

Review 101 (2024-03-28 - Rating: 5)
Lovely server and delicious food with gluten free options. Highly recommend this quaint Italian restaurant

Review 102 (2021-12-22 - Rating: 5)
Best no frills pasta in nyc. Amazing, fresh, and authentic Italian pasta flavor with Italian-American portions. The servers were so nice too. Love love

Review 103 (2024-03-31 - Rating: 5)
I visited here with my family from New Orleans. I called up and they got us a table within an hour or so, lady was very nice. The food and wine were spectacular and Restaurant was cozy and beautifully decorated. Thank You for a wonderful experience.

Review 104 (2024-01-23 - Rating: 5)
Delicious food, great atmosphere and very friendly and attentive wait staff. The decor is very cozy and romantic. The music was pleasant and relaxing. You could tell the pasta was fresh from the first bite. Would highly recommend this place for lunch or dinner.

Review 105 (2021-09-25 - Rating: 5)
Just had the best starters and penne a la vodka. Glad I found a cute neighborhood spot since I just moved to the area

Review 106 (2023-04-03 - Rating: 5)
Didn’t know what to expect but was pleasantly surprised. The wine selection is gorgeous, the limoncello with chicken and linguine was amazing and absolutely get the tartufo for desert!

Review 107 (2024-07-02 - Rating: 5)
Had the most beautiful dinner and service

Review 108 (2024-06-17 - Rating: 5)
Great place , it’s what we call Bueno , bonito y barato.Great wines at a fair price and awesome Italian food ; very kind staff. Totally recommend it.

Review 109 (2024-12-19 - Rating: 5)
Luna & Joe were absolutely fabulous. This was my first time here and it was great. The food was delicious (penne vodka is a MUST) and the atmosphere was exactly what I was looking for. It was cozy, not too loud and the service was amazing. Definitely will be coming back here!!! A hidden gem

Review 110 (2024-01-15 - Rating: 5)
My friend and I enjoyed everything. From the truffle fries, to the wine, and the pasta sauce. Fresh and yummy! Great ambiance as well. Felt like Europe.it got packed so consider making reservations. We ate at the bar and it was just as nice.

Review 111 (2024-01-11 - Rating: 5)
I had one of the most fantastic dining experiences in NYC! From the appetizers to the main dish and the wine, everything was absolutely amazing. The service, especially thanks to Heddy, was outstanding. I cant recommend this place enough!

Review 112 (2023-09-04 - Rating: 5)
We had a party of 8. It was a 90 degree day with Seniors in our party. Joe, a family member to the owner himself made sure that the water flowed consistently to make sure we all stayed hydrated! A++++ service. On top of that all the pasta dishes we had were fresh and delicious! Thank you Joe for making our holiday so special

Review 113 (2024-10-16 - Rating: 5)
Cosy place with $10 wine for Happy Hour and wonderful fresh pasta.

Review 114 (2024-08-26 - Rating: 5)
Adorable little restaurant with excellent pasta dishes. You will not be disappointed.

Review 115 (2024-01-02 - Rating: 5)
I love this restaurant!!! such a nice ambiance (reminds me of being back in France/Italy) , Brona was the best (recommended a great wine).I adore any of their fresh pastas, but especially the limoncello and the chicken cappriciossa and the pesto!!

Review 116 (2024-06-15 - Rating: 5)
Delicious burratta salad followed by two fresh pasta - bolognese with penne and limoncello with linguine. Ended with pistachio cake. So delicious, fresh and generous portions.

Review 117 (2024-08-03 - Rating: 5)
A lovely place to dine. The food was fantastic and the service was incredible! Highly recommend!

Review 118 (2024-03-02 - Rating: 5)
The food was very fresh and cooked to perfection. Amazing flavors and textures.

Review 119 (2024-07-07 - Rating: 5)
Outstanding food!The service is excellent.Its now my favorite brunch restaurant in NYC

Review 120 (2023-03-09 - Rating: 5)
This hidden gem is the absolute best! I stumbled upon this place last year and it’s hands down a winner. The food is unbeatable! The pasta dishes are delicious! I love their rigatoni Alla vodka and burrata. I brought my parents here for Father’s Day and they both l loved it. Very reasonably priced too and definitely worth trying!!!

Review 121 (2023-12-13 - Rating: 5)
One of the best restaurants in NYC I’ve ever had. Little and cozy restaurant and outstanding food.

Review 122 (2024-07-06 - Rating: 5)
Such a pleasant and delicious experience! Not rushed at all and the homemade pasta was divine.

Review 123 (2024-04-30 - Rating: 5)
Such a cozy place with super delicious food,decent prices and lovely staff.Our bartender Bruna took care of us in the best possible way.I will definitely come back .

Review 124 (2024-03-07 - Rating: 5)
Perfect for a midweek solo travel dinner. Sat at the bar, got very quick and friendly service. Tricolor salad had fresh greens and good balance of flavors, and penne alla vodka was comforting.

Review 125 (2024-11-12 - Rating: 5)
After some month I came back at this restaurant have tried limoncello fusilli there its was delicious this time I ask them with chicken cutlet, for a crispy sensation. Amazing food I highly recommend pairing with a glass of savignon blanc or pinot noir if you have the chance.

Review 126 (2024-10-24 - Rating: 5)
This place is such a great find! The homemade pasta was amazing.

Review 127 (2024-04-21 - Rating: 5)
Delicious food (you can mix and match your pasta). The desert was phenomenal…nutella tiramisu! The staff is friendly and attentive.

Review 128 (2024-12-05 - Rating: 5)
Incredible restaurant the food is so delicious, i took a Burrata for start and a penne Alfredo for entree everything was so fantastic, i highly recommend cafe luce cant wait to come back!!!!

Review 129 (2024-03-04 - Rating: 5)
Outstanding service, amazing food and perfect atmosphere. If youre looking for authentic Italian, look no further. Amazing hidden gem, if we lived in NYC wed be here 3x a week!

Review 130 (2024-11-18 - Rating: 5)
Fantastic food and portions! Will definitely be returning.

Review 131 (2023-06-29 - Rating: 5)
The food was very Tasty. We enjoyed all 2 courses. The service was extremely nice and helpful. The atmosphere was perfect, I love the decor. I would definitely go again. I had the Caesar and mushroom ravioli - it was lovely!

Review 132 (2023-05-07 - Rating: 5)
Fried burrata was incredible!!!! Also got the Quattro formaggi and spaghetti and meatballs and both were to die for!

Review 133 (2022-12-03 - Rating: 5)
Small restaurant and short menu but the pasta is excellent! If you want a big menu, dont stop here. If you want super fresh, handmade pasta, stop here! Everyone at our table got different pastas and everyone loved their dish. Nice wine list. Quaint space. Definitely recommend for comforting fresh pasta lovers.

Review 134 (2023-01-10 - Rating: 5)
Was visiting one of my favorite bakeries in the area (Eclair) and decided in New York I should eat Italian- found Cafe Luce and noticed the homemade pasta and good reviews and decided to pop in for lunch.I was not disappointed. I had the Caesar Salad, Fried Burrata, and Mushroom Ravioli. All were excellent. I could truly taste the fresh pasta with the ravioli- just the perfect texture. The sauce was very rich as well.Definitely would be back- I want to try their Gorgonzola sauce!Prompt, friendly service as well. (I was the only one eating there.)

Review 135 (2024-02-04 - Rating: 5)
Atmosphere and service is ok but the food was beyond our expectations!! Worth the try!!

Review 136 (2024-01-31 - Rating: 5)
Great vibe! Italian? Turkish? Moroccan? No! Albanian. The food and the service will make you appreciate this crossroads of cultures. Loved it and will definitely come again.

Review 137 (2024-02-16 - Rating: 5)
This is a beautiful restaurant. My friends and I had a very pleasant dining experience here. Special praise is due to the waitress here who has a very sunny smile and treated us with great enthusiasm. We recommend you to come and taste it.

Review 138 (2024-04-04 - Rating: 5)
No complaints! Lovely service, food, and atmosphere. The pasta is perfect and the wine is delicious. The atmosphere is beautiful.

Review 139 (2021-08-30 - Rating: 5)
Michelin star quality at a fraction of the cost. If you love homemade pasta, do yourself a favor and visit this gem of a restaurant. Great food, great service, no pretentiousness! Highly recommended!Update: I live in queens now.. but when I felt like pasta, I drove all the way here to get it.. its that good! Had the lasagna today.. didnt disappoint and I was not the least bit surprised.

Review 140 (2024-03-25 - Rating: 5)
Perfect date spot! Fast, attentive service, and delicious fresh pasta. You can taste the difference and it is worth the price. Highest recommendation!

Review 141 (2023-10-26 - Rating: 5)
The atmosphere is somewhat generic with the fake flowers but the food is exceptional. Had the truffle pasta. Tasted another pasta dish. Desert was excellent as well.

Review 142 (2024-01-06 - Rating: 5)
Really cute hole in the wall. Food was so tasty and waitress was so kind and attentive. Salad was fresh and pasta was even fresher. Loved the bread too!

Review 143 (2024-12-28 - Rating: 5)
Everything was delicious!!!

Review 144 (2023-09-23 - Rating: 5)
I had a great experience last night at Cafe Luce, the service was great, Bruna was super nice, she was spot on in the service and suggested me a good wine to go with my cacio e pepe. The pasta was fresh and homemade and the taste was great. The overall ambiance was nice, really good for a date. I’ll come back

Review 145 (2023-03-15 - Rating: 5)
I ordered the Arrabbiata and it was absolutely amazing. Service was good very quick. The food was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. I went with my family and we had zero complaints, everyone was absolutely satisfied with their meals. It might be a little pricey per person, but you get so a lot high quality food. Definitely worth it.

Review 146 (2024-02-17 - Rating: 5)
Wonderful meal! Penne alla vodka is the best! Cozy atmosphere, good wine and food. Bruna took great care of us! Can’t wait to return.

Review 147 (2024-04-22 - Rating: 5)
Such beautiful ambience! loved eating here

Review 148 (2024-03-05 - Rating: 5)
Excellent & attentive staff. Bread was warm & delicious. I had the carbonara with grilled chicken, which had a nice grill flavor l.

Review 149 (2024-05-26 - Rating: 5)
Wonderful experience with some of the best homemade pasta I’ve ever tried. Would definitely come back!

Review 150 (2024-04-12 - Rating: 5)
The pasta was solid, I loved the grilled shrimp with the pasta but, not mindblowing; but still good. And the vibes and service were great.

Review 151 (2024-12-23 - Rating: 5)
Great service nice atmosphere and such good food!!!

Review 152 (2023-11-12 - Rating: 4)
Nice place for a date spot. The place was a little small and a little tough to move around but once you settle down it is ok. The bolognese pasta was decent. An ok portion for someone who doesnt eat large portions

Review 153 (2024-03-30 - Rating: 5)
My family is from New Orleans and I must say the area is perfect. It’s small but so cute with flowers and a fireplace on the tv. The red pasta sauce is perfect, not too heavy or rich but not too light either. The people are so nice and it’s just the best place if you want Italian food for dinner and very low key.

Review 154 (2023-06-05 - Rating: 5)
I came in one night to see my friend, singer Deanna Kirk, who was singing there in the window with jazz guitarist Mark Capon. Its an intimate, small venue with a a handful and a half of tables and some bar seating.They have a menu focused on pasta. The pasta is fresh and al dente, the portions generous, and the prices reasonable. Ive also had a fantastic spinach salad and had salmon added. But on one visit, I tried the burger. They offer only mozzarella cheese, which isnt my favorite - I was about to ask for them to hold the cheese, but my date noticed that one of the salads had Gorgonzola cheese listed, and she convinced the chef to substitute it. We both thought it was extraordinary, a surprisingly great burger, with hand-cut French fries. I wish theyd add that option.Its strictly a wine bar, so Norm from Cheers wouldnt like the lack of beer. Im not a wine connoisseur, but whatever Ive had so far has tasted very good. But speaking of Cheers, this is very much a neighborhood place that may quickly become your regular spot where everyone knows your name. Especially now with music offered on several nights, with various singers backed by a guitarist, but mainly the delightful Deanna. Everyone is friendly, good service.Highly recommend!

Review 155 (2024-01-17 - Rating: 5)
We go to Cafe Luce every time we are in the city and it never disappoints! The food, the atmosphere and the food is always wonderful! I would highly recommend for a meal of 2 to 10. Please go and enjoy!!

Review 156 (2024-02-22 - Rating: 5)
Had a great time for lunc. Service and food were on top. Really loved the garlic olive oil pasta. I Will come back soon. Thanks again

Review 157 (2024-10-17 - Rating: 5)
The staff is amazing! So helpful, hospitable, & inviting! Food? To die for.

Review 158 (2024-03-13 - Rating: 5)
Wonder dinner amazing food and service all fresh pasta. Highly recommend checking this lovely spot out.

Review 159 (2024-08-10 - Rating: 5)
The food was absolutely AMAZING!! Great service and a wonderful time!!

Review 160 (2023-10-05 - Rating: 5)
Delicious bolognese, warm focaccia bread and great service!

Review 161 (2024-02-06 - Rating: 5)
This is my favorite place to eat pasta. Delicious fresh pasta, wonderful warm ambiance, delightful service every visit. I will be back!!

Review 162 (2023-06-07 - Rating: 5)
Food was great, good wines, cute atmosphere, and attentive service :)

Review 163 (2024-02-23 - Rating: 5)
This is such a great place. I love the ambience. The food is made fresh. The staff is friendly and eager to help. I would definitely go again!

Review 164 (2023-02-28 - Rating: 4)
Having come now about 4 times at increments of a couple months, I would say the quality of the food and service has dropped slightly since they expanded into the next door dining area. I still think its one of the better choices for pasta at a reasonable price point $20-30/pasta, and I love burrata (the fried burrata was not really worth the price, though). That being said, our server didnt seem particularly enthused to offer an alternative when one of our party complained about the cacio e pepe being too salty (and it really was...). Even with the three lasagnas, they were baked to different degrees of doneness, with one having a much crunchier bottom sheet than the others, so the consistency is somewhat lacking. Regardless, theyre usually timely and gracious. One other pet peeve of mine is how they serve parmesan and crushed red pepper in those shakers that you find at pizza hut. Im not sure why they decided to do away with freshly grated parmesan but it gives the impression that theyre cutting costs and possibly not even using parmigiano reggiano, which would be a real shame considering the effort they say goes into their fresh pasta and other ingredients. The sauces are still good in general (bolognese, alla vodka, pesto, etc.) but seem to lack the depth of flavor that they had on my first two visits. Maybe the magic just wore off, but I certainly havent been as impressed in more recent visits.Ive come in groups of 2, 3, 4, and 6 now, and I have to say that its not necessarily the best place for a larger (noisier) group even if you have a reservation. The atmosphere is generally intimate and we felt a little sorry for the patrons who were clearly on dates. The back of the restaurant closer to the restroom gets cold, and the entrance has the issue of being close to the door. The smaller room and the larger room have different lighting and ambiences as well, so it would be nice to be offered the choice between the two, even when making reservation. Despite all the criticism, I think this place is still a great option for a reasonably priced Italian dinner in a comfortable environment, especially in Midtown East.

Review 165 (2024-03-25 - Rating: 5)
Found this place after a cursory google and am so glad we stopped by! It was so hard to choose which of the many delicious pastas to get l, so we shared all three entrees! The gorgonzola sauce was rich with flavor, the four cheese sauce was a classic choice and my lasagna was meaty and delicious. The experience was elevated by the excellent customer service and relaxing environment.

Review 166 (2023-09-25 - Rating: 5)
Great Italian restaurant. Amazing food and a great atmosphere, Our waitress Bruna was brilliant. Very attentive and made us laugh. Well be back for sure!👏👏

Review 167 (2024-07-10 - Rating: 5)
We loved the food and the service and ambiance was so chill and perfect!

Review 168 (2023-08-22 - Rating: 5)
Very good homemade pasta in a nice and cozy environment.You can pick any of the sauces to go with any type of pasta. There is a very broad selection of both so there is definitely something for everyone.

Review 169 (2024-09-10 - Rating: 5)
Amazing atmosphere! Great service! Bruno was so kind and helpful!

Review 170 (2024-12-18 - Rating: 5)
Perfect spot, perfect food, coffee drinks excellent, desserts excellent. I will definitely come back!

Review 171 (2024-04-26 - Rating: 5)
Great service, wonderful atmosphere, and food made to perfection! Simply one of the best restaurants Ive been to.

Review 172 (2024-12-01 - Rating: 5)
Excellent! A very good selection of wines, including by the glass, and the pasta are delicious - refined and tasty. Cosy restaurant and very friendly service. Merci!

Review 173 (2024-04-10 - Rating: 5)
One of the best italian restaurants Ive been to in NYC, great Italian food, excellent service and hospitality, and the whole atmosphere is very cool and friendly its a great spot to have a great time and have great food.