Wine Bar
Unclaimed profileLuce
Norfolk, VA · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Luce pairs a contemporary Italian menu with a serious beverage program: 15 signature cocktails that range from the saffron-spiked Saffron Spell to the rye-and-cognac Vieux Carre, plus an extensive wine list spanning Italy, France, and California. The bar also pours local drafts and Peroni. It's a place where both the cocktail curious and wine traditionalists can find something to order.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Luce Spritz, a gin-and-Aperol number with cedrata, or the Persephone, a vodka-pomegranate-Prosecco cocktail. Wine drinkers should consider the Gaja 'Sito Moresco' or a glass of Perrier-Jouet Brut.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts who appreciate creative ingredients like saffron and chamomile, wine lovers seeking international variety, and anyone who likes a well-stocked bar with local draft options.
- When should I go?
- Anytime the bar is open; the extensive by-the-glass wine list makes it suitable for a casual after-work stop, while the cocktail menu suits a longer evening.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- A 15-cocktail list that balances creative infusions (saffron, chamomile) with classics like the Vieux Carre, backed by an extensive wine list with regional depth—all in an intimate Italian restaurant setting.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
15 signature cocktails with creative ingredients and a range of spirits. Named drinks like Luce Spritz and Persephone are praised by guests.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive menu with both creative and classic options.
- — Guests mention the bartender's ability to craft cocktails to order.
Standout selections
- — Luce Spritz: Tanqueray 10 gin, Aperol, lemon, simple, cedrata.
- — Saffron Spell: Bombay Sapphire gin, saffron simple, lime, mint, cedrata.
- — Persephone: pomegranate vodka, pomegranate juice, grenadine, prosecco.
Wine
Extensive wine list with sections for white, red, sparkling, and by-the-glass. Includes Italian, French, American, and other international selections with descriptions.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse regional coverage with detailed tasting notes.; By-the-glass options for both white and red.
Standout selections
- — Gaja 'Sito Moresco' – modern twist echoing Barbaresco.
- — Travaglini Gattinara – dried cherries and rose petals.
- — Perrier-Jouet Brut Champagne – balanced and expressive.
Beer
Beer selection includes domestic bottles, imports, and a rotating draft list reserved for local breweries, with Peroni as the exception.
Standout selections
- — Peroni on tap – the noted exception to the local draft lineup.
Spirits
A wide range of spirits is used across the cocktail menu, including gin, bourbon, rum, mezcal, vodka, tequila, rye, and cognac.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse spirit selection supports both classic and creative cocktails.
Standout selections
- — Vieux Carre: Templeton rye, cognac, sweet vermouth, Benedictine, bitters.
- — Silver Sun: Vida mezcal, yellow Chartreuse, agave, maraschino, lime.
How it sits with the food
The Italian menu pairs naturally with the wine list's Italian selections like Luce della Vite and Gaja, while the cocktail program offers aperitivo-style options such as the Luce Spritz.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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