Luce in the Goldilocks zone

Like the universe, where there are countless stars, the Portland restaurant scene feels similar in that seemingly limitless restaurants exist to explore and discover. Sometimes you get lucky and find a restaurant in the “Goldilocks Zone,” where everything has come together just right; perfect dishes emanate from the kitchen, the service is impeccable, and the ambiance matches it all. The other night, I had such an incredible experience at the local Italian eatery Luce. I can’t remember the last time every single plate that came out of a restaurant kitchen was top-notch. From the marinated carrots and fennel dill salad appetizer to the almond chocolate cake at the finish, Luce delivered big time.

Inside Luce in Portland, Oregon. Featuring both indoor and outdoor seating, you may have to wait a bit for a table at this great eatery…but it’s more than worth it. Image Courtesy: Luce

As noted, we started with marinated carrots, which were pickled, letting the fermentation set up our stomachs correctly for the rest of the meal. Not to be too scientific, but this acidic taste to kick things off was extraordinarily fresh and enjoyable. Coupled with a shaved fennel and dill salad, which we combined onto one plate, this simple beginning was the tinder to a great, roaring fire.

We split these appetizers marrying the fennel and dill salad with the marinated (fermented) carrots. What a great start! Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers

Next came a pasta dish composed of rigatoni, prosciutto, and pea shoots. Layered with a cream sauce, this is hands-down one of the very best pasta dishes I’ve ever had the opportunity to taste. It was everything I could do to not lick the plate at the end. Mind-blowing.

My favorite pasta dish of the year, easily. Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers

Next came the stuffed rainbow trout. Another incredible installation in this perfect meal experience, the stuffed trout was laden with an Italian blend of spices and baked to perfection with a crispy skin so savory as to redefine the word. I can’t recommend this entrée enough.

The stuffed rainbow trout at Luce. So well prepared, so tasty. Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers

Finally, dessert. Picked here was a chocolate almond cake with a bit more chewiness than one might expect from a traditional cake dessert. With a seemingly lower sugar content, this small piece of dessert did the trick and checked the box well for sweetness while not impacting us too hard with a giant sugar rush. Great balance.

The chocolate almond cake at Luce, a nice finish. The only regret was not sampling their extensive wine list! Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers

Most definitely a fantastic meal at Luce. Now firmly in my top five favorite rotation of restaurants in Portland, let this little Italian eatery on East Burnside in Portland brighten up one of your nights. Details below.

Important Details

Here are some key links for Luce, which does not take reservations. Walk-ups can sign up for a table and receive a text or call when their table is ready. There are many spots around Luce to grab a drink while you wait.

Luce’s Website
Luce’s Menu (it changes)
Hours and Location
Address: 2140 E. Burnside
Portland, Oregon 97214 (on the corner of 22nd)
Phone: 503.236.7195
Events and Catering

Enjoy!