Luce Ristorante e Enoteca has been in San Antonio since its opening in 2006, and continues to serve some of the most amazing homemade Italian creations. In addition to the food, the restaurant itself is incredibly beautiful and quaint, and people dine here for the ambiance as much as the cuisine.

Drinking Your Way Through a Library

The word “enoteca” means library in Italian, and the restaurant has been designed to house hundreds of bottles of wine upon its shelves, creating a library of vino rather than books. If you consider yourself to be a true appreciator of this beverage made from grapes, you’ll find few better places in the city than Luce Ristorante to have a glass–or order a bottle–and explore the world of wine.

Why Happy Hour Will Make You Happy

The happy hour at Luce is one of the best there is, and Monday through Saturday from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, you can indulge in a variety of $5 martinis, $4 glasses of wine, $3 beers, and half priced appetizers and pizza. Try the Cranberry Jack with Jack Daniel’s whiskey, Chambord sweet & sour, cranberry juice, and sprite accompanied by the fresh mozzarella and wild mushrooms pizza. Or, Try the sautéed baby clams with white wine garlic and fresh herbs (only $4.50 for happy hour!) and pair them with a Grey Goose Martini. You’ll also find fried calami and zucchini, meatballs, ravioli, and more on the happy hour menu.

Great for Couples and Families

While date places and family-friendly places typically aren’t lumped into the same category, Luce Ristorante has managed to create an atmosphere that’s suitable for both. The kids menu with linguini and meatballs, fettuccine Alfredo, cheese ravioli, and chicken tenders will keep the kids happy, while the wine and romantic ambiance–both indoors and out–with keep lovebirds satisfied.

Satisfy Your Cravings

Luce has some of the best Italian desserts in all of San Antonio, and if you’re a person with a craving for sweets, you’ll have to stop in to this restaurant for dessert. The tiramisu is very authentic and pleasing, the vanilla bean creme brûlée is remarkable, and the chocolate lava tort is a chocolate addicts dream come true. If you prefer something a little lighter, there is also gelato and sorbet to choose from, as well as a selection of Italian cheeses.

Luce Makes the Best Gnocchi

Gnocchi is a type of pasta that’s made from a combination of potatoes and wheat flour, and somewhat resembles miniature mashed potato balls that are more solid. Anyway, it’s some of the best pasta there is, and Luce Ristorante makes it just right. Not only do they know how to perfect this pasta, but they serve it with veal, beef, pork, and Italian tomatoes; with a gorgonzola cream sauce; or with fresh mozzarella, basil, and marinara sauce. If you don’t like gnocchi, you’ll be able to satisfy your craving for carbs with one of the many other amazing pasta dishes. There are plenty of meat and seafood dishes, too.

One final note about this restaurant: the patio is dog friendly!