As soon as you step foot into the softly glowing dining room of Ristorante Luce, located in the heart of the historic city center of Perugia, you feel transported to another land. The contemporary fine dining restaurant has no shortage of carefully crafted ambiance, wines, or delectable eats for anyone seeking a night of luxury and sophistication.
But the most magical of it all? The Risotto “Acquerello,” a feast for the senses. The steaming hot rice wears the rich green of a freshly whisked matcha, speckled with just a bit of Parmigiano Stravecchio. As the waiter; who has been carefully filling your wine, replacing the silverware with each new course, and whispering you the history of the strong, acidic olive oil made from local young olives that fills your dish; reaches over your shoulder to set this green beauty before you, you catch the scent of tangerine, lemon, lime, and even a touch of lavender. The citrusy scent is so compelling you’ll want to spend a few minutes just smelling the dish. This gives the freshly cooked rice a little time to cool before you are faced with yet another surprise, since the vibrant color and the citrus scent have led you astray. As the perfectly cooked spoonful of risotto touches your tongue, the true leading player of this dish leaps forward: the taste of the Parmigiano Stravecchio. This regional cow’s milk cheese must age for at least three years before it is sold. It is delightfully strong and dry, but does not overpower the senses so much that you cannot cleanse your palate with a quick sip of one of the fantastically fresh, locally-sourced wines before you. Together with the risotto, the Parmigiano Stravecchio creates a dish that is delightfully cheesy, yet not creamy. From time to time you will catch more of the tangerine scent as you bring your spoon back for more, further mystifying your scenes and enveloping you even deeper into the spectacle that is Ristorante Luce.
Despite the meticulous attention the waitstaff gives each diner, the impressively delicate wine glasses, the well-sourced and fresh ingredients, and, of course, the immaculately tasty food, Ristorante Luce is moderately priced. The tasting menu, which takes diners on a journey through the chef’s idea of a contemporary Umbria, comes in at only 55€. And the risotto I’ve been dreaming about ever since it first came into my sight? Only 16€.
If you’re looking for some of the finest eats, wines, interiors, service, and experiences that Perugia has to offer, Ristorante Luce is the place to be.
