Luce - Portland

TLDR: Pasta is very bad!!! I’ve been meaning to try Luce for a few years now. I haven’t heard much about it but drive by it frequently. There are no reservations and I know there are often long wait times but when I went I was sat right away because I was willing to sit outside (it was a bit chilly and only about 5pm, early for dinner). It would’ve been a 45 min wait for an indoor table. Service was great and our first few items were absolutely delicious and extremely inexpensive, fried stuffed olives and some other antipastas. The fennel salad was amazing and my partner loved the octopus salad also. We also tried the salumi board and the salt focaccia which was no where near the best focaccia I’ve had but it was only $3 and pretty good. Sadly, both pasta dishes we ordered were TERRIBLE. (pappardelle and tagliatelle)I mean truly and honestly the worst pasta I’ve ever had. I would’ve preferred Olive Garden or boxed pasta and jarred sauce at home. No joke. I read a review that said the sauce didn’t stick to the noodles and was like what does that mean?? They must be a pasta snob. No seriously, the sauce did not stick to the noodles. It was honestly difficult to eat. We ended up eating the bland, chewy noodles first and then using a spoon to eat the watery, unseasoned sauce. I was starving after working all day so I did eat it all and was glad we only ordered half portions, not $30 full portions. While the other food was good, I can’t recommend going here, potentially waiting for over an hour, just to order a few appetizers and sides. Very disappointing and my mind is blown that this place is frequently busy.

Fabulous pasta and steak. Service is impeccable. Restaurant can be a little loud, if that bothers you definitely try to sit outside. Would be happy to go back.

I've only been here twice but I'd come every day if I were able and it wouldn't devastate me financially to do so. So far, the service has always been great and the food is equally good. I've had quite a few things here that I thought I didn't like but ended up absolutely loving (ex: octopus, angel hair pasta). Everything is prepared gorgeously and I love how flexible the menu is with offerings of half items and smaller plates. I think the prices are fair for what you get portion-wise and more than fair in regard to taste. Definitely a great place to share a few plates with others or dine alone. This may well be my new favorite restaurant in town.

The food was delicious! Very authentic and so well prepared.

Incredible food for a date night or when friends are visiting. Ambiance is great!