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Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar in NYC
Cafe Luce, ristorante di passione
Cafe Luce is a cozy Italian restaurant and wine bar in Midtown East Manhattan, offering fresh homemade pasta, seasonal salads, antipasti, and house-made desserts.
Join us for weekend brunch, a refreshing Aperitivo Spritz, or a glass from our curated selection of Italian and international wines.
Whether dining in, ordering takeout, or hosting a private event, Cafe Luce delivers an authentic Italian experience in the heart of NYC.
📍 235 E 53rd St, New York, NY (between 2nd & 3rd Ave)
🕒 Open Daily | Lunch & Dinner | Brunch Sat–Sun 10am–4pm
🚗 Delivery via Uber Eats, Grubhub & DoorDash
Reservations, Private Events, Online Orders and more…
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Does Cafe Luce take reservations?Absolutely. You can reserve online through our website or by calling us directly. Walk-ins are also welcome, based on availability.
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Where is Cafe Luce located in Midtown NYC?We’re located at 235 E 53rd Street, between 2nd & 3rd Ave in Midtown East NYC — steps from Lexington Ave and the 6/E/M subway lines.
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Can I bring my own cake to Cafe Luce?Outside cakes are allowed for special celebrations only, with a $5 per person plating fee. Please notify us in advance so we can prepare accordingly.
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Can I bring my own wine to Cafe Luce?We do not allow outside wine or beverages, as we offer a thoughtfully curated wine list designed to complement our menu. Thank you for understanding.
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Is Café Luce family-friendly?Yes! We welcome guests of all ages and offer approachable Italian dishes that kids love too.
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What are your hours of operation?We’re open daily from 11:00 AM to 10:30 PM, with weekend brunch from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays.
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Is Café Luce a cozy Italian dinner spot?Yes, we’re known for our intimate atmosphere, fresh pasta, and curated wines — ideal for dinner dates, business meals, or relaxed evenings.
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Do you offer gift cards?We currently do not offer gift cards, but may offer gift cards in the future. Follow us on instagram for updates!
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Do you have a dress code?We recommend smart casual attire — polished but comfortable
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Do you serve lunch during the week?Yes, we serve lunch daily from 11:00 AM with appetizers, fresh pasta, salads, and a selection of wine and Spritz — perfect for a quick or relaxed Midtown lunch.
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What are your busiest hours?Our peak times are 7–9 PM for dinner and 11:30 AM–2 PM for lunch. We recommend making a reservation during these hours.
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Do you offer outdoor dining?Currently, all seating is indoors. Our dining room is designed to feel relaxed and welcoming year-round.
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What type of dining experience can I expect at Café Luce?Cafe Luce offers a warm, intimate trattoria setting with fresh Italian cuisine — perfect for lunch, dinner, or enjoying a glass of wine or a classic Spritz in Midtown East NYC.
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Is Café Luce good for special occasions?Yes — our cozy atmosphere, beautiful wines, refreshing Spritz cocktails, and attentive service make us a great choice for birthdays, anniversaries, or private events.
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What kind of food does Café Luce serve?We serve fresh homemade pasta, antipasti, appetizers, handcrafted desserts, and a curated wine list — including Spritz cocktails — all inspired by the warmth of traditional Italian trattorias.
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Do you make your pasta fresh daily?Yes, all our pasta is made in-house daily for lunch and dinner.
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What are your most popular dishes?Guests love our Alla Vodka, Bolognese, Limoncello, Burrata, Ceasar Salad, Bruscetta and our house-made Tiramisu.
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Do you have vegetarian or gluten-free options?Yes, we offer vegetarian dishes and select gluten-free options. Just let your server know your preference.
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Do you serve desserts?Of course! Don’t miss our Panna Cotta, Tiramisu, or Chocolate Mousse — all made fresh in-house.
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Can I order wine by the glass?Absolutely. We offer a thoughtful selection of wines by the glass and bottle, carefully paired with our food.
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Does Cafe Luce have a wine bar?Yes! Our Midtown East wine bar features a curated list of reds, whites, Rosè, bubbles, and aperitivi.
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What makes your wine list special?Our curated wine list blends Italian and French selections, featuring boutique producers chosen to perfectly pair with our fresh pasta, antipasti.
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Are any of your wines organic or natural?Yes, we offer a selection of organic and small-production wines — just ask your server for details.
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Do you rotate your wine list?Yes, our curated list evolves seasonally to highlight regional Italian, french producers and pair with new menu items.
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Can I come just for wine or a drink?Absolutely. Guests are welcome to join us just for a drink at our wine bar — no full meal required.
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Do you offer wine flights or tastings?While we don’t offer flights yet, we’re happy to recommend a progression of wines to pair with your meal.
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What is aperitivo at Cafe Luce?Aperitivo is our Italian-style happy hour — enjoy a Spritz or glass of wine with antipasti / Appetizer before dinner.
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Are your staff knowledgeable about wine and pairings?Yes! Our team is trained to help you find the perfect wine to complement your meal — just ask for recommendations.
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How far do you deliver in Manhattan?Delivery range depends on the platform you use (like Uber Eats or DoorDash), but we typically serve Midtown East and nearby neighborhoods within a 1.5-mile radius.
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Do you offer delivery for office catering or group meals?Yes, we can accommodate large delivery orders for offices, meetings, or events with advance notice.
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Can I order takeout directly from your website?Yes — skip the apps and order directly at www.cafelucenyc.com for pickup or delivery in Midtown East.
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Can I order wine or cocktails with my delivery?No, we do not offer wine or cocktails for delivery or takeout, in accordance with New York State law. Alcohol is only served for dine-in guests.
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Can I get Café Luce delivered in Manhattan NYC ?Definitely — we offer fast delivery across Manhattan NYC via trusted partners like Uber Eats, Doordash, Grubhub.
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Do you offer Italian food takeout in NYC?Yes! Order directly from our website or find us on Uber Eats, DoorDash, and other platforms for easy pickup.
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Do you serve weekend brunch?Yes, join us Saturdays & Sundays from 11 AM to 4 PM for brunch with eggs, pancakes, fresh pasta, wine, spritz & more.
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What drinks do you offer during brunch?We serve Spritz, Prosecco, Bellinis, Mimosas, Wine and espresso drinks — perfect with our brunch or Fresh Pasta plates.
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Do you offer a set menu for groups?Yes — our chef can prepare a customized set menu for your party.
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Do you host private dinners or events?Yes, we host small private events and group dinners. Email us for set menus and availability.
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What’s the group size limit for private dining?We can host seated dinners for up to 20 guests or reserve larger sections with advanced coordination.
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What forms of payment do you accept?We accept major credit cards, Apple Pay, and contactless payments. Cash is welcome too.
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Is gratuity included for large parties?A 20% gratuity is automatically added to parties of 6 or more.
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What do guests say about Café Luce?We’re proud to have a 4.7+ star rating for our pasta, warm ambiance, and attentive service. Many guests call us a hidden gem in Midtown East.
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How can I leave a review for Café Luce?You can leave a review on Google, Yelp, or TripAdvisor — we value all feedback and appreciate your support!
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Is Café Luce wheelchair accessible?Due to the building layout, our entrance involves stairs and may not be accessible to all guests. We welcome you to contact us in advance so we can provide guidance or discuss possible accommodations.
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Do you offer high chairs or accommodations for children?Due to our limited space and intimate setting, we do not offer high chairs or specific accommodations for young children. We appreciate your understanding and recommend contacting us in advance if you have any special requests.
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