TL;DR - Substantial drop in food quality and service. I can't imagine myself visiting this location again, and you shouldn't imagine yourself going here either.
Pizza Luce has always been a place I could rely on for great food and service, but my most recent visit was incredibly disappointing. During my visit I got a Breggfast pizza to eat there, and Gluten Free Bruscetta to go; both were entirely disappointing.
Pizza - I got the Breggfast pizza with their Buffa-Luce sauce... well, at least that's what I ordered. What I got was a pizza crust with some ingredients on it, but no sauce. When I mentioned it to the waiter, he told me it was there. I restated that in fact, no, it was not, and showed him the pizza, and he informed me that I was incorrect and it was there, and then just walked away without another word. So apparently as far as this waiter was concerned, I'm blind and have no taste buds.
Gluten Free Bruscetta - Oh, I'm sorry, did I say Bruscetta, I meant the cheapest, most terrible gluten free hamburger buns you can find. Pizza Luce's GF Bruscetta used to be, hands down, the best around. I believe they got the bread from a local bakery and perhaps they aren't around any longer, but if you can't find a good alternative, then just don't have any. If I had to guess, they just use Schar hamburger buns, though that feels like an insult to Shar. These were terrible; they tasted like cardboard and were soggy.
Pizza Luce was always a safe bet when I was in the area, for both Pizza and gluten free items, but this visit was a joke, and an expensive one at that.
We just visited on our vacation to the North Shore. We were blown away by this great pizza restaurant!
We started with the garlic cheese toast. I believe it had cilantro on top which was delicious. There was a hearty serving of marinara included, and it was only $1 to add another marinara.
My daughter ordered the spinach salad - it had a great balance of savory and sweet, and was a good-sized portion.
I ordered the Hulapeño pizza. I don't like pineapple on pizza, so I requested it removed, however when it showed up at the table it was included. I was really hungry from a full day of hiking, and didn't want to wait for another pizza to be made. It was so delicious with the pineapple! The real star, though, was the Hot Honey - I couldn't get enough of it! Who thought that would be great with pizza?? Such a delicious combo!!
I have a vegetarian son, and we were astounded by all of the vegetarian options available! Vegan bacon, sausage, pepperoni, and more. Also there were vegan cheese available and gluten-free options. I felt that the variety was more than any restaurant in the much larger city we're from!
The atmosphere inside was great. Lots of outstanding local art on the walls to enjoy and available for purchase. A really cool avocado table for big groups. And you can watch them toss pizza crust while you're sitting at a table, which is always fun.
The area outside was the only place I felt a little unsafe on our travels, and I skirted the kids away after one Pokemon Go battle.
This restaurant is definitely on my list when we return to Duluth!
Food is always great! I love that they have so many options on the menu to accommodate GF DF and vegan. They also have a separate menu for other allergies and have always been accommodating. The vegan cheeses are so good! A real treat for those that can’t find pizzas easily with no gluten dairy or egg
Food is always great and service is fantastic. We had vegan, vegetarian, gluten free and dairy free people in our group and the waitress knew all of the dishes and ingredients and was able to create plates that worked for everyone.
This Pizza Lucé location is very clean, accommodating and has friendly staff. Bathroom and Dining areas all well kept and presentable. A great dining spot for anyone, especially with being able to make pizzas half & half. (My sister and I spilt a pepperoni and elote pizza, My mother got the Gluten Free Greek Pizza!) There are several vegetarian options as well, We tried the Greek salad, it was phenomenal! I highly recommend coming here!
So here's the thing, it's a great spot, and if you dine in, the food is pretty good. They hand-pour cherry Coke on request and take pride in their beer offerings, too. Twin Cities natives LOVE them their local Pizza Luce.
BUT - and it's a BIG but (sans Sir Mix-a-Lot) - I got nasty food poisoning from their chicken wings last year, and haven't been able to look at chicken wings since. They also have a problem remembering to add extra cheese on their pizza when you order online. Has happened several times when I've ordered delivery as well as pick-up. Both of these issues are specific to the Roseville location.
On the other hand, Katie at the Selby location in St Paul is wonderful if you're lucky enough to be in her service. I was there last week with a VERY diverse group of people - there were about 10 of us - and she was great. She was even juggling a late Friday night when the carbonation ran out at the bar, so no carbonated drinks. They also ran out of their summer special pizza (Taco Supreme), and the kitchen dropped one of our orders. Katie was pleasant, kind, generous, on top of it. She handled her business, as we say in NYC, amidst the chaos. Kudos to you, Katie. I hope you -and your corporate boss - see this review, because you're the reason I will continue to recommend Pizza Luce despite clear ops issues.
The vegan meatballs are pretty good, and even have a fire-seared flavor to them that's unexpected in vegan products.
I happen to be an omnivore, and also tried the meat meatballs, which are also quite good - though I don't recommend mixing and matching.
Generally, the pizzas are super yum, but have a thin, crispy crust, fyi. Also important: they have a pretty good gluten-free selection, including the pizzas.
I recommend asking about spiciness if you have sensitivity to burning foods, though. Not everything with "kick" is labeled on the menu.
So, after all of that, I still go. I still recommend them. Just know that there may be a learning curve, so I also recommend you go with locals the first few times if you're a traveler or a transplant.
Cheers
Ordered gluten free food here for the first time recently (as a newly diagnosed celiac). The gluten free pasta was alright, but I wouldn't come back for it. Our server seemed a little like we were an inconvenience just for being there. I almost asked him if he was having a bad day or something, but he was pretty short with any communication and looked at us with blank expressions. The atmosphere on the patio was nice with plants though. Our hostess forgot to bring me a gluten free menu after I asked about it while being seated, but she was apologetic when I went back to the front stand to get one.
I've been here before, several years ago, back when I could still eat gluten. From vague memory, that experience was a bit better.
We had a reservation for six; My parents, my wife, my cousin and his husband. It was sort of a "welcome to Minnesota" dinner, as the two of them just moved here from out of state. We consider Andiamo the best Italian restaurant in the South Metro . My cousin and his husband have Coeliac's. So the universal availability of gluten free options was much appreciated. A good experience overall, as we have come to expect.
This is now our second visit to Victoria's and it was just as fantastic as we remembered. This is one of those rare gluten-free finds where someone who is gluten-free can enjoy delicacies such as fresh dinner rolls and pasta. We were in shock when they delivered gluten-free rolls for us, fresh and hot, and they tasted delicious. Both times we have gotten different gluten-free pastas and I'll honestly say my gluten free lasagna was good the first time, but better the second time. We were even able to get gluten-free cheesecake. This time around service was good however there were large parties in front of us and our food came out at different times. We were a party of four and the last dish came out after the other three of us were done eating. But our server was apologetic and explained what was happening. If you are gluten-free and craving some Italian food I definitely recommend Victoria's.
Great spot to meet up with friends or go out to dinner with family. I'm always so pleased with all the options for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten free.
This is the best gluten free Italian restaurant EVER!!!! NEVER had a bad meal, service or experience here ever!!! All of the servers are amazing as well!!! Huge shout out to Jesse as we've had him a handful of times and he is just a 10+ star server!!!! Kudos to the owners for running such an amazing establishment in every way!!!
Our server was very friendly, just not super attentive. Sat many times waiting for a drink refill. That being said, as a Gluten Free gal, they have MANY options. The tacos were amazing. My friend got the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich and wasn’t impressed as it tasted more like curry sauce.
We were looking for a breakfast place as we drove up to Duluth early and this place came up with a 4.8 star rating. All I can say is that it deserves that rating. Great service and food. I loved that the menu labeled gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan options! The woman serving us was super awesome and between her and other servers they made sure our coffee and water were filled when they got low. It's rare finding places this good, especially on the fly.
Very celiac friendly, the food is very fresh and vibrant. The staff is friendly and helpful. I wish it had a bigger seating area so I could bring everyone I know :)
Lovely little shop. They had a lot more unique teas than what I’ve seen at other places along with interesting coffee specials such as a squash latte for fall. They serve all sorts of gluten free items such as pastries and ice cream.
Excellent Gluten Free pasta available here. I've been here many times and never had a bad reaction. One of my favorite places in the Twin Cities. I particularly like the seafood pasta w lobster.
Wine BarCocktailsItalianDinnerKid FriendlyOutdoor SeatingTake AwayBeerPastaBreakfastLunchBrunchOpen Late
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Kristen Bongard
I love this place! Love coming here to celebrate life events with family and friends! The service is phenomenal, and the food is amazing! I love that they have their own gluten-free menu and even have gluten-free options as specials!! This is one of my favorite restaurants! There's something for everyone here, and you can't go wrong eating at Chianti Grill! ♡
Everything is good here. The hardest part is trying to decide between getting what you got last time or trying something new. Amazing gluten free options, including fries!!! Local ingredients. When my friend says shes craving a burger this is where we go.
What an absolutely amazing experience dining here! I’m a very sensitive celiac, and loved that they were so knowledgeable and dedicated to giving me a safe, delicious meal! Lexi went above and beyond, we loved interacting with her, and she was very aware of the find me gluten free app! The food was positively outstanding! As gluten free folks know, our pizzas are never crisp, always very pale and ‘lumpy’’…not here! I asked Lexi if it was possible to have the garlic cheese sticks be gluten free, she answered yes immediately! Those were crisp, and heavenly as well! She informed the kitchen of the severity of my allergy and we could hear the staff responding very openly discussing protocols. Even though I had stuffed myself to the gills with the best pizza and cheese sticks I’ve been able to have in 14 years of being celiac…you don’t pass up gluten free salted caramel cheesecake! Everything was exquisite, safe and a must have! It’s a safe haven for gluten free peeps, and there’s plenty for gluten people too! Don’t sleep on this divine small lovely eatery!
The gluten free bread was soooo good, I was soooo excited I forgot to take a picture of it!!! So yummy!!! The roasted veggies are totally amazing and the chicken was perfect!!! Our server was beyond Excellent!!! Thank you for making my Birthday dinner Fantastic!!!!!
ItalianOpen Late NightOutdoor SeatingDessertsPastaLunchDinnerBrunchDeliveryTake AwayKid Friendly
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Jennifer Martinson
A nice option for fancy dining or a celebration. I love the white tablecloth dining room for your typical Italian dinner, and there is a more casual dining experience around the bar as well. A highlight is that the menu is very friendly to different dietary needs, including gluten free.
My new favorite restaurant in town! Amazing, fresh and tasty dinner made to perfection. The chef was very understanding of my allergies and made an exception salmon and veggies with amazing gluten free rolls. Also some of the best coffee I’ve had in a while. Really amazing atmosphere and vibe with a great staff. I love this place!
This place is fantastic! Chicken Alfredo is my favorite dish that I have had for special events for over 20 years. I was absolutely dumbfounded when I took the first bite here. This was the best chicken Alfredo I have ever had it honestly made me a bit emotional. The sauce was perfectly balanced and chicken was cooked to perfection. My only regret is not trying this restaurant sooner.
Additionally, my wife has gluten ataxia, which is a autoimmune response to gluten and basically an upgraded form of Celiac's. Valentini's had so many great gluten free options, the gf bread and pasta was great according to wifey. Atmosphere and service were top notch.
If you haven't been here before and want the best Italian food, stop wasting your time and get a reservation!! (Or just head on in, worked for us but I hear it can be very busy )
I was here for lunch during the week. The gluten-free pasta was really good and I was impressed with how much meat was in it. The atmosphere was nice and the staff was friendly. I didn't realize there was an outdoor patio and plan to check that out next time!
The Cedar Chest is hands down the BEST place in the Crosslake area! We have always had outstanding service and great food here. I am so appreciative of the variety of gluten-free menu choices!! The wait staff and bar tenders are always so cheerful and friendly. Looking forward to warmer weather so we can dine outside on the beautiful deck.
3708 N Broadway Ave Suite 160, Rochester, MN 55906, USA
Accommodating Gluten-Free
DeliveryDinnerKid FriendlyLunchOutdoor SeatingTake AwayBread ItemsBurgersCiderFriesPastaDairy FreeAmericanPet FriendlyRestaurantOpen Late
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Aaron Copes
Watch out, Rochester, this gem is amazing. Not only do they have one of the best gluten-free options I have seen, but the regular food is amazing as well. 6 stars.
Had a super knowledgeable server who made sure to take extra time to answer all my questions. She even knew about how the specials were made, and if they could be made GF. Ended up getting spaghetti with Italian sausage and it’s the best noodle I’ve had since my diagnosis!
After dinner, make sure to go down to the first floor and check out the market—there’s a new, clearly marked and pretty big gluten free Italian pasta section—they even have gluten free stuffed shells in the freezer!
Great food. My celiac girlfriend did get a reaction from the gluten free food. Assuming that was due to cross contamination and the inability to be completely sure of gluten on their end. Just note this place is not safe for a gluten free diet.
CasualCocktailsTake AwayPastaItalianGF Options Marked on MenuDinnerBreakfastLunchBrunchDeliveryOutdoor SeatingKid FriendlyRestaurant
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Samantha Castillo
My parents came to town and I wanted to take them somewhere upscale and cool. Josefina was just the right place! The pizzas are so good and they do have a gluten free crust option for both the pizza and pasta so big bonus for that too. Great experience overall.
CocktailsItalianDeliveryDinnerKid FriendlyOpen Late NightLunchTake AwayVegetarian OptionsVegan OptionsPastaPizzaRestaurant
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Phoebe VanGelder
A very cute space for very tasty food, We loved everything we tried! They had gluten free pasta that was better than the norm and the sauces were fantastic. Our waiter, Johnny, was an absolute delight! He was very friendly and attentive despite how busy the restaurant was. He really made a good experience a great one!
The service was great and the atmosphere was very nice. The food was decent, but not amazing. I think they are trying really hard to get the farm to table, real food feel, but fall short in a couple of areas. They should use real ketchup, and the cheese on their cheeseburger was like plastic. Also, there weren't very many vegetable options. We asked for the brussel sprouts to be sauteed instead of fried, but they wouldn't do it. That was disappointing. Glad they have some gluten free options. The chicken was excellent- you can tell it's high quality. We will definitely come back, but I hope they try to raise the bar on their other ingredients and not use so much vegetable oils, but instead use butter, lard, or things that really do come from a farm.
Update: we did get a phone call from the owner who said normally they can make vegetables with butter in a pan. Appreciate the follow up.
Quality food in a casual dining experience. This place definitely has the "up north" vibe going on. The building has a cool vibe to it and so does the staff. I enjoyed the pork chop with optional chili sauce. It was excellent. I wish that I knew how to make a thick pork chop this well at home. The browns were obviously freshly made and not mushy but kind of firm and gooey. My husband enjoyed a gluten free (GF) pizza and it was delish.
The food was good, but at a bit higher price than normal. I was impressed that one of the cooks came to the table to explain that their nachos aren't certified gluten-free as there is cross-contamination. Most places wouldn't take the time to discuss that with a customer, they would just go forward with the order, so huge kudos for that! My only complaint would be that our waitress wasn't real attentive to drink refills, etc.
A little bit of everything for everyone and a great labeled and specific Gluten Free Menu! I was able to get the grilled prawns, the GF bread (which for $22 and a few slices felt a little pricey, but the bread was great) and the pasta and could share fries with the table. Our server made sure to make note and when the food came out they made sure to say, gluten free pasta, so it was easy to rest assured my food was GF!
Celiac friendly
Accommodating Gluten-Free
100% Dedicated Gluten-Free