Luce Ristorante

On a whim, on what would be a rainy Friday night, we decided to stay close to home and to keep it simple as we already had dinner reservations with friends on Saturday night and we had just finished a LONG work week. Twice a day, everyday, we pass by Luce on the way to work. "Tonight", I said as I was pounding my chest, Tarzan style, "we should check out that Luce- the parking lot is always packed". Hard to notice from the street, but there are many other businesses in the back and in adjacent buildings- at first glance, it appears to be just a restaurant. We made reservations on open table for 8:30 pm on a Friday night- Prime time for an italian restaurant, right? Hmmm. As we walked past the glass, I said to my Spectacular Looking Date, "the place is empty, this cant be good". We might have done better to turn around and head back for the car, but I wanted to see what this place was all about.
Once inside, the hostess was very nice to us and seated us right away. Our table, was in the main dining room along one wall. As you enter the restaurant, you see all the potential this place has. Decor is awesome and makes you feel like you are leaving your world for a little bit and is very tasteful. As you enter the restaurant, the bar is to your left which might be an option if you are dining alone. To the far right, past the main dining area, is another dining area with large tables and would be perfect for groups.
The food was good, not great, but nothing that you would not enjoy. We opted to try many of the appetizers to give us an overall feeling of the quality of the food here. Insulata di pesce, portabella mushroom, stuffed artichoke, and New Zealand mussels- which were the star of the show, followed by the stuffed artichoke. The dishes were presented nicely and had all the trappings of a good dinner.
The problem it seems, here, is not the food, but the service. As nice as the young gentleman was who poured our water, he spilled the flower vase towards us and got us a little wet. Things happen and he felt so bad, we couldn't be upset w him. He offered us a new table which we politely refused- although, even on a Friday night, the restaurant was only forty percent full... and I'm being generous. Our waiter came, who we'll call A. At first while ordering drinks, he seemed pleasant enough. The drinks came and it was time to order. We asked to have our apps brought out in pairs, two sets so that we could each enjoy one together. This must have been confusing, because that is when the attitude started. Not bothering to write anything down, A got upset that he couldnt remember what we wanted- I corrected the salad order and he became further upset. My Date said, "there's no way he's going to remember that". I agreed. Sure enough, on the second pair, out came a pair of crabcakes. They looked good enough, but I had wanted the stuffed artichoke I ordered instead. This further perturbed our waiter and ensured we would never speak to him again. Our bill was dropped off, processed, and collected without as much as a "thank you" or 'Thanks for coming in', or even "good-bye, and don't let the door hit you on the way out".
I thought I would say something- but my date told me it wasnt worth the trouble. There are too many other great spots to eat on Long Island. We all have to deal with difficult people in the world and at work- We don't need that kind of service when we are beginning to enjoy our weekend.
The other help was really very nice and as said earlier, the food was good. Shame to ruin a meal over a nasty waiter.

we went to this restaurant about a week ago. the food was good and the presentation was great. My daughter ordered the special whole fish which was filleted table side. Our waiter was great and quite meticulous about removing pin bones. He was a very careful and diligent waiter. some of his helpers were not at his level but he kept checking up on them. the entrees were pricey but the food was really done well. the decor was inviting and simple. however the hostesses were not very nice. when we got there and said we had no reservation, they looked perturbed. there were many empty tables which remained so for the whole time we were there. the service was a little slow so we were there for at least an hour a half. as we were leaving, the hostesses were chatting with a guest they apparently knew but when they spoke to us, they were cold and disinterested. my smile faded as I left. I would have considered going back but spoiled, over blinged hostesses who don't know how to be polite to guests is a big turnoff and it will be unlikely that I will return.

The salmon was huge, perfectly cooked and seasoned. The vodka sauce was delicious. Even the caesar salad was really good. Can't complain about the service. They have a cute outdoor patio and bar area. But, the entrees seemed a bit overpriced.