WEAR GLOVES OR USE TONGS, SIR!! I understand there are probably worse things that happen in a kitchen/ restaurant; but when you can see the person whose taking your money and everyone's else put his bare hands in the parmesan cheese, tomatoes and other toppings without proper sanitation after just taking and touching money, cards, pens is wild to me...the food is great, definitely 10/10. read more

Such a gem. The Cacio e Pepe hits different here. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's also quite fun to grab from the little window after browsing downtown.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Solid pasta (the meatballs are mouth-wateringly good), good pizza, and more cups than you know what to do with. Everything except the pizza is in a cup. Very easy to order and pick up. Location can be a little difficult to park near, but it's good enough to deal with. Would recommend if you're near the mall and want smaller portions and Italian food. read more

I stumbled across this place while looking for a casual Italian restaurant and was pleasantly surprised. What an ingenious idea, I thought! Pasta in a cup, sign me up! It is a charming outpost serving homemade pasta in a cup through a service window. It is very quaint and has seating outside in case you are looking for a nearby place to feast on your food. I've most menu items at this point and they are all very good. You really can't go wrong. The portions are smaller because it's in a cup so maybe plan on ordered 2. The bolo is very good as in the pasta with meatballs. read more

Good food. The cups were a little small to eat right out of, so I would probably recommend bringing them home and putting them on a larger plate. The pasta was very quick, maybe around 5 minutes. I would definitely give it a try. read more

Every time I find this place again in my periphery I'm amazed as to what they do here. It's a small business, both in the literal and economic sense. Its no chain, and they don't pretend to be. In a world dominated by mass pasta creation in the food business, Luce, time and time again has proven that small batches and dishes reign supreme in quality. Their portions aren't tiny but they aren't titanic either. The pricing isn't great but for the quality of the food, I would pay it every time. I never think of "pasta" as a light meal but if you were to suggest Luce I would agree with you. The namesake fits this business well. The noodles are springy and fresh, the sauces are well balanced, never drowning the pasta or the toppings inside. When your dish is effectively, pasta, sauce, and the occasional meatball, every part of your dish must be brought to the highest level. There is nowhere to hide in simplicity but Luce does these three things well. I highly suggest anyone who loves pasta to give this place a try! The care that goes into each dish here is remarkable. I'm never disappointed and always eager to explore the small but intentional menu that the proprietors of this business have taken the time to make. I'll be back, hungry for more. read more

Luce - Italian Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

Absolutely amazing pasta in a cool little space. Pizza was perfection also. Do not underestimate this small space. read more

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I never leave reviews, but I just had to make an exception for this place. The fettuccini was the best I've ever had, and although at first it seems pricey for how much you get, it's very filling food. Definitely recommend if you're in the area, and it's probably worth a quick detour if you aren't. read more

People aren't kidding about this being a practical hole in the wall, but this tiny local spot was so good I visited two days in a row. The kale Caesar salad was scrumptious, with an added bonus of bread crumbs on top. I also really enjoyed the pesto pasta, which was flavorful and perfectly portioned for one person. Can't wait to go back on my next trip to Charlottesville. read more

Had the bolo and the fettuccine and meatballs...amazing!!! The Torta di Formaggio was delicious! HIGHLY recommend!!

Saved my 200th review for a special place! Pasta is just about my favorite food on the planet, and Luce nails it. They cook your pasta fresh to order (& the fun part is you can peep in the little window and see them do it). Don't miss the opportunity to try their specials, like the short rib stroganoff or the chicken alfredo. You can't go wrong with the 3 classics on the menu though. Oh, and the converted parking lot seating area is very spacious & cute. Can't wait to try the pizza! read more

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I can't recommend Luce enough! They have 3 different pasta dishes to offer which they serve in a to-go cup, and they are some of the most high quality pasta meals I have ordered from anywhere! If the same pasta were served to me at a fancy sit-down restaurant, I wouldn't bat an eye--it would fit in perfectly. My favorite is the Bolognese (called Bolo on their menu) which has pork and carrots and is so hearty and delicious. They also have a Caesar salad that I highly recommend. You place your order at a little window on the downtown mall. They now are also part of The Lot, which offers outdoor picnic tables under a big tent. Great option for COVID-safe dining. Wait time is usually around just 5 minutes. read more

Luce - Bolo - Italian Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

Went to Luce on Thursday night and there was no line and we were able to get seating at the picnic tables next to the building. A quaint little restaurant operating in a small building with window service, Luce offers 4 pasta options to choose from as well as a daily special, showing their confidence that they'll impress you with the classics. We sampled the daily special (balsamic steakhouse fettuccine) and the pistou. Trying both, I personally liked the pistou the best and thought the sauce was a great emulsion of flavor with the confit tomatoes, shaved zucchini, pesto, and Parmesan. The sauce for the pistou was a bit too liquidy for my personal preference, but overall real tasty. read more

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Seriously SO. GOOD. It can't get better than this. Pasta. From a teensy little walk up window. Tiny chalkboard menu. And BIG. AMAZING. DELICIOUS FLAVOR! If I was a VA native, I'd totally make this my regular spot. I got the special they had today, short rib fettuccini with magic. That's about the best way I can describe it! I couldn't even take a photo of it because I couldn't wait to dive in, so here's one mid-eating. Go check this place out already. You will have no regrets. read more

Luce - Italian Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

We were staying overnight in Charlottesville on our way home back to New Jersey and I found Luce on yelp. We ordered the Cacio, Pistau and the Mushroom Marsala. It was only two of us and I ordered three pastas because I felt the prices were so reasonable that the portion sizes were going to be very small. Wrong! They come in soup to go containers with these awesome drawings on top. It was more than enough food for two people and to the other reviewers that say that they are expensive I don't know where you normally eat but for this quality of food and variety I would've paid double gladly. Also to the people that give this amazing takeout restaurant four stars, I don't know where you normally dine but this place is a 5+5. I walked up to the window and was greeted by an adorable young woman and my only regret is that we did not try their amazing cheesecake which I'm sure is to die for. Next time! read more

Best meatballs ever. The pizza was fantastic. Highlight was dessert... seriously amazing! read more

The whole concept of this business is so cute. Instead of an actual restaurant or sit-in place, it functions more like a permanent food cart. The outdoor decoration is so cute and refreshing to look at since the store walls are painted white and yellow. The food is really really yummy, and I love how they give garlic bread in addition to the pasta. The Bolo and Cacio are both really creamy and cheesy and just like it was described on the menu. Although the bread was almost my favorite out of all the three. The bread was so cheesy and flavorful. Definitely want to go back sometime to try out more of the menu. The staff were all really kind and polite, and asked whether we wanted the garlic bread without having to be prompted by us. They also made sure to give us the food in a timely manner, it was so quick, especially because you just stand on the street while waiting for the food. It is kind of unfortunate they don't have any places to sit because you'll have to go somewhere else after they give you the food, but because there's plenty of outdoor seating in the Downtown mall, it's not a problem! Also the food definitely makes it worth it. read more

Luce - To go boxes and packaging - Italian Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

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PASTA IN A CUP!!! AND HAND- ROLLED?!? This hole in the wall (quite literally) is truly a shining light in the food scene in Cville. Perfect for a hearty, heart warming, full body warming pasta lunch while strolling down the downtown mall as people pass by marveling at your food. Probably the coolest on-the-go type of food ever!! Super filling. super yummy. super great because they only have 3 choices of pasta so indecision doesn't paralyze you happy stomach =happy times (and they have veggie friendly options) 12/10 would recommend read more

Luce - Pictured: the Bolo- pork ragu, papadelle, toasted bread crumbs and parm - Italian Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

I'm so happy I finally got to try this place today. It's a chilly day and I have wanted to try it since it opened but I walked the mall to get it anyway. Absolutely worth it. Tough to decide which to get but I opted for the Cacio this time. Well seasoned, and delicious for sure! It didn't take long for my order to finish up (it was right at noon and only a few people were in front of me) and the cup was hot so it was the perfect thing to carry back to where I was planning to eat in this weather. It was plenty for me to eat for lunch too! There's no where to sit but that's fine for me since I just wanted a quick lunch to go. Looking forward to going back! read more

Luce - Cacio - Italian Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

A delight on a cold day! It's about $10 for a 16oz cup and it's perfect for a snack and a light meal or all at once big meal. No where to sit but I was on the go so it was fine. Stayed hot till I got to where I was eating! Will 100% return. read more

Luce - I got the Cacio. - Italian Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

I'm not sure if I get the hype for this place. Perhaps the novelty of the "hole in the wall" idea, and the pasta is fresh - but my pasta was under cooked, stuck together in clumps. Sauce was delicious, but definitely on the skimpy side to make up for the clumped up pasta. I may go back and give it another go to see if it's a one-off. read more

Doesn't get more hole-in-wall-y than this BUT seriously the tastiest pasta ever!! love the "Bolo" but without mint (allergy). Seriously such a fave place to grab a bite to-go! read more

Luce - Menu! - Italian Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

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This place is a true definition of a hole in the wall with amazing flavors! We ordered all 4 of the pasta options and I just had to have the kale Cesar salad...EVERYTHING was amazing! The gentleman was very nice and welcoming, and he even walked us our food when it was done. We sat on the picnic tables that were on the side of the building and enjoyed the nice weather. The kale salad was full of flavor and I wish it had onions to seal the deal! My favorite pasta was the fettuccine and the vodka sauce was perfection! The meatballs were amazing and had I known that they were going to be THAT good..I would've ordered a side of meatballs. My least favorite was the cacio (probably spelling that wrong) but the sauce was a little thin for my liking but it was full of flavor! Overall, if I'm ever in Charlottesville again, Luce is on my list!! read more

Luce - Italian Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

Yum!!!! Love that you can order it at the wine bar. Such good caccio e pepe and the salad was good too!

Wow must say I am in love. Kiss to the chef. Cacio pasta 10 out of 10. Marzipan cheesecake so good also. Highly recommend.

I stopped for a bite while walking around downtown Charlottesville and was amazed by the food. Luce is the definition of a hole-in-the-wall restaurant. It's pretty much a one-room kitchen with a pick-up counter at the front. They are cooked to order, and I loved peeking through the window to watch them make my food! I ordered the pistou, which was spaghetti with shaved zucchini, tomatoes, some sort of pesto sauce, and parmesan. All the ingredients tasted super fresh and meshed very well with the pesto sauce! read more

One of my favorite restaurants! Just tried one of the special pizzas, with fig and arugula and it was so tasty. My go to is the Pistou pasta. There is a little outdoor area to eat next to the walk up window and the service always great. read more

Luce - Fig and arugula pizza - Italian Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

The best kale Caesar in town. We will order pizza else where but stop by to get their salad!!! My favorite of the pastas is the one with zucchini and tomato confet. It is greasy and oily, which I don't like, but everything tastes good. Would recommend the family portions or getting several pints to try for your family, but the family portions are great, whether you have a family, want to have left overs for the next few days, or hosting! read more

Truly delicious, rich, and satisfying pasta! I ordered online and picked up from this little hole in the wall restaurant with ease! Everything was excellent - it's a very well-executed, limited menu. My kids gobbled up the bolo, cacio, and pistou pastas! Hubby and I also appreciated the very well made caesar salad as well. Highly recommend! read more

This is a small spot that offers salads, pizzas, gelatos as well as some other items. It is set up to order by the window via: online or in person. It looks like they have outside tables available for warmer weather. I ordered the standard Margherita Pizza, and I added on the special Chocolate, espresso, gelato for desert. The pizza was a good size for myself for lunch and dinner (I'm a 110lb girl) and I still have gelato left for days to come! The pizza crust has a good stone baked taste and isn't too crispy or thick. The sauce was delicious! I believe it had a strong garlic flavor which I love! It was a tad bit tangy as well. The cheese was great and the mozzarella that was used was delicious and had that good "chew" when it's slightly cold. I think it's like bitting into foamy bubblegum, but in a totally good way! I asked to add mushrooms which weren't available which is fine but: note taken. Overall I'd say 8.5-10 pizza The gelato is pretty good, it has a smooth consistency and isn't too milky. The espresso flavor was a good amount for me but I personally go heavy on all flavors. Overall gelato 9-10 I'll visit again when I can sit outside sans Covid and people watch! read more

Luce - Margherita Pizza - Italian Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

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Luce pasta is just downright delicious. Every type, every time. If they have ravioli on the menu for the night, get there stat. The pizzas and gelatos are also amazing and are always rotating, so there is something new on the menu every night! We loved visiting in the summer/fall when they had ''The Lot'' tent up for socially distanced open air dining. It is always super clear that Luce is committed to maintaining a clean and safe environment during COVID, whether it be for takeout or dining at The Lot, where they used digital menus and had contactless drop off by serving staff. read more

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Hold on the wall. Literally a building with a window. Are on park benches. DELICIOUS pastas. Delicious salad. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. We'll go back asap. read more

When I heard about a walk up window where you could get fresh pasta I was SO excited. And it was worth the hype for sure. My friends and I went last winter, we were gonna all get a carton of pasta and maybe sneak it into a movie haha! There was a bit of a line especially with the 8 of us but they moved quick! The were out of the pesto pasta so we all got bolo or cacio and we loved it. Nothing like hot, fresh pasta with really tasty toppings. I got the bolo (actually got two bc they got confused when making all our orders) and the description did not do it justice for sure. The second serving I got also reheated well when I had it the next day! Unfortunately I can't eat gluten anymore (gf options??) but for literally anyone who can, go here read more

Luce - Bolo - Italian Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

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Go to spot when visitors are in town to compliment walks in downtown mall. Never though pasta in a cup could be so good

This place caught our eye with its fresh murals! Perfect for COVID safe takeout and a really unique place. All three of us got the Bolo (bolognese) and it was really good! Generous portions, piping hot, and freshly assembled as you order. I was expecting junk-food level comfort food, but it actually tasted really gourmet. The pasta tasted scratch-made and it was very garden-y. Super rich flavor and very filling. read more

Our food was ready on time. It was delicious. The pizza was absolutely wonderful. Very impressed!

Luce is a no frills hole-in-the-wall cranking out quality food. The homemade pasta is delicious paired with some truly yummy sauces. I tried the bolo, and the thick pappardelle was excellent with a well seasoned pork ragu sauce. We also tried two of the pizzas (pepperoni and a veggie) which I thought were good, but overshadowed by the pasta. There are some picnic tables in the back if you want to enjoy your food there, but it's obviously not the type of place you want to go if you're looking for a fancy atmosphere. read more

Whoa! What just happened! That was the best Bolognese I've ever had -- from a literal hole-in-the wall with two employees. Where did all this talent come from?? You have got to try the pasta here, it is to die for and I guarantee you we'll see a lot more of Luce's chef in the future. Maybe a full-size pasta restaurant? By the way, this place is fast fast fast -- my food was ordered and ready in the time it took to wrap up a phone call with Mom. The only criticism I have is that the Bolognese was a touch too salty. I might ask the chef to hold back a bit next time. read more

This little place was such a treasure to find. This place is literally when people tell stories, about hole in the wall restaurant being amazing! This place was delicious. They do not have a lot of options but if you want to get really good pasta for pretty cheap then this is the place for you. Definitely check it out. I love downtown Charlottesville. You always manage to find little gems! read more

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Omg love this whole concept! Perfect location for a to go pasta place. You can go walk around the mall area while munchin' on your cup of pasta. I love that they only have 3 options so its not overwhelming. I got the one with cracked pepper and parm. It only took a few minutes before I was presented with a decent sized portion of buttery homemade noodles. It was very simple yet delicious. I would highly recommend if you're looking for something quick to go in the Charlottesville area! read more

Luce - Little tiny kitchen and order window - Italian Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

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