The Iannaccone Family welcomes you to Ristorante Luce, formerly named Raffaello’s Ristorante of Hamden, CT. We invite you to dine with us in our beautifully renovated dining room or join us for cocktails or dinner in our new elegant cocktail lounge. During the summer months our patio is also open for dining or cocktails.
As recipients of the Wine Spectators Best of Award of Excellence for several consecutive years, our wine program is a very important part of the restaurant. Our wine list includes over 1,000 selections which span five decades.
Big portions of Italian fare & an extensive wine list in a formal dining area & cocktail lounge.
Marie Bartels
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.
… moreleslie “Let’s talk in the kitchen” Rodriguez
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.
… moreJack Thomas
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.
… moreDenise Dzierlatka
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.
… moreFood of CT
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.
… moreMick Dunn
Ristorante Luce is an excellent high end Italian restaurant in Hamden with an out-of-this-world wine selection. The interior is authentic and elegant in design and decor. This is a very classy place to wine and dine. The food menu has all the Italian staples, as well as creative options and specials. I had the Salentina and she enjoyed the Blackened Striped Bass, both of which were amazingly delicious. Our server was most excellently courteous and attentive. We really loved it here and are looking forward to returning. Highly recommended.
… morePaul D
Absolutely great food from pasta to dessert. Great service and wonderful wait staff. We had Maria for our private party and she was terrific.
… moreShin Hae Lee
I went here on Wednesday night with my mother, aunt, and little cousin! It was my first time eating here, but I had to come try this restaurant out because my aunt and cousin loved it so much that they recommended it! Our waiter was so friendly and helpful and accommodating, he was wonderful! Thank you for a great dining experience! We were seated outside, but it wasn’t too cold that night and they also had heaters as well. As soon as we had our food, we were warmed up pretty soon and I loved my pesto pasta, which I absolutely recommend! Each plate were portioned perfectly, and dessert was just divine! We got the tiramisu and lava cake, which were amazing and delicious. All in all, a great experience and I recommend that everyone should come here at least once!! Wonderful staff and delicious food! Thank you!
… moreIcon Gate Entertainment
Just about a perfect lunch! Service was excruciatingly slow to start. Once orders were taken everything flowed smoothly. $22 Prix Fixe lunch could be one of the best available!! Meatballs were bakef perfectly. The pomodoro sauce with ricotta pairs very well with the meatballs. Mussels are definitely a heaping bowl size you get a lot. Lemon garlic broth brings out the mussels taste really well along with bits of smoked speck tasting like bacon. Salad course is served second and is a great pallette cleanser in between. It’s not a typical American iceberg salad, you get nice baby greens. Gnocchi is a large serving size with just the right amount of sauce and ricotta. Gnocchi are bite sized but taste great. Risotto Pescatore is another good sized serving with pieces of shrimp, scallops, calamari, and clams. This tasted great as well. Would 100% go back again for lunch.
… moreRenee Puente
Have tried most of the apps/small plates here and never have been disappointed! One of my favorite places to gather with a small group after work and just discovered the outside seating that is perfect, also! The place is spacious, feels clean and safe, and the waitors have even made special requests happen. Try the seafood crepes, pizzeta with prosciutto and arugula, or ahi tuna salad w. goat cheese! All the drinks they mix up are tasty as well! Coconut Spritzer and blueberry mojito are delicious! See you soon, Luce!
… more