Stuck in Middletown on Feb 14? Lamenting the lack of sophisticated dinner date options? Wish you had an elegant, nearby, dare we say romantic spot to take your significant other this Valentine’s Day?

Look no further than Main Street’s Luce, which is within walking or driving (thanks, the Ride!) distance from campus. This place has a reputation as one of the go-to restaurants when the family is in town, but it’s actually a reliable locale for your next date when you’re looking to impress.

Luce serves upscale and contemporary Tuscan-inspired cuisine in a refined setting, and it’s hard to deny this place beats Usdan’s festivities, as tempting as the gourmet Daniel Family Commons Valentine’s dinner special sounds (vegan eggplant caviar, anyone..?).

Highlights include the light and tasty Mediterranean salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, and mushrooms for $15.95.  For the heartier appetites, try the organic baby chicken with roasted red bliss potatoes or the sweet sausage rigatoni (both $16.95). For the veggie-inclined, the side of grilled asparagus ($7.00) is some of the best I’ve ever tasted. Luce also offers an extensive international wine list, as well as cocktails and a bar menu with more inexpensive snack options.

Note: If you’re looking to slyly save some dollas, Luce offers many of its dinner options during lunchtime for a notably cheaper price.

Luce is located at 98 Washington St., and you can make a reservation by calling the restaurant at 860-344-0222.