Dinner – May 2, 2019 – Luna Trattoria – Mendocino, CA.

If you are craving authentic Italian cuisine in Mendocino Village then look no further, Luna is truly the only game in town. Luna Trattoria used to be in Fort Bragg, but since Mendocino Village is pretty upscale, Owner Massimo took a leap of faith by moving to the Village. The night I was there, there was a line to get in. It is a small dining room, with a nice upstairs for dining as well. There are so many fun little design nuances; you will want to check out every nook and cranny. But the real star here is the food, it is right up there with the best Italian food anywhere.

Enjoy their delicious Northern Italian cuisine from family recipes created in Italy years ago, which are now prepared here in Mendocino. Owner Massimo says “Come to see me in Mendocino, a trip to Italy without a passport.” He says some tourists come in 3 times in one week because the prices are very inexpensive compared to other Mendocino restaurants.

In 2004 Massimo met his wife Marisa Ann Rey, owner of a Bed and Breakfast in Italy. He brought her back to California where she had relatives in Dana Point. Massimo worked at many Italian restaurants including Dolce in Newport Beach. Marisa decided to move to Mendocino with Massimo and start their restaurant, first in Fort Bragg and then in Mendocino. There are no other Italian restaurants in the area, so it was a no-brainer. They opened their Mendocino location in the summer of 2014.

They have fun music piped in, reminiscent of the Italian rat pack, but they also play adult rock, and the Beatles. The bar has 8 seats, which is super cozy, so you can order a full dinner while conversing with the locals.

Here’s What I Tried:

Soup:

Minestrone Fresh Vegetable Soup, I can always tell what all of the food will taste like just from tasting their soup, I am in for a great treat, because the soup was spot on.

Pasta and Fagioli, bean and pasta soup. Another great Italian staple, what your Nonna would make.

Antipasto Misto, a combination of Italian cured meats and Italian cheeses. A nice array of cured meats, and Italian cheeses. The perfect way to start my glorious meal.

Funghi Ripieni, stuffed champignon mushrooms with sautéed mushrooms in olive oil and garlic, pecorino cheese, breadcrumbs and a touch of parsley. I just loved these little darlings, packed with great mushroom flavour, I would order these every time.

Homemade Pasta from Romana:

Gnocchi, authentic potato dumpling served with meat sauce, and with cream-gorgonzola cheese sauce. This is a homemade pasta dish that does not disappoint; they did mine as a combo of two sauces.

Mushroom Ravioli, these are just the perfect ravioli, with amazing mushroom flavour, and home made pasta, what a terrific dish.

Main:

Mare and Terra, a combination of grilled 8 oz. flat iron steak, 3 grilled prawns and linguine pasta in a freshly chopped tomato sauce, with garlic, parsley, and olive oil. They give you 3 shrimp and a flat iron steak over simple pasta, just amazing.

Desserts:

Tiramisù, with layered savoidari cookie “lady finger” dipped in coffee and mascarpone cream cheese, sprinkled with dark cocoa. This Tiramisu is so smooth and creamy, save room, it is worth it.

Panna Cotta con Amaretti, with caramel flan, and an amaretto cookie. This is a super light desert, with nice caramel flavor. I just loved it.

Wines:

Chardonnay, Husch, this is a fruity Chardonnay, not so much oak, you can pair this with the shrimp, it enhances the grilled flavors.

Chardonnay, Navarro, this wine paired well with the Italian cheeses.

Primitivo (Italian Zinfandel) Vigneti Reale, I would try this wine with the mushroom ravioli, it hits all the right notes.

Cabernet Sauvignon, Husch, of course you would want to try this wine with the flat iron steak.

Cabernet Sauvignon, Bliss by Brutacao, another bold Cabernet, pair this with the stuffed mushrooms.

They use the freshest ingredients and are always creating new and delicious entrees, so their specials change nightly. They make handmade pastas and sauces, fresh bread baked daily, and desserts, like Tiramisu that will tantalize your taste buds.

Luna Trattoria does catering and they can cater your next event. Their dining area and upstairs can accommodate small to large parties. Luna is the perfect place to host: Business Meetings, Showers, Birthdays, Rehearsal Dinners, Cocktail Parties, Weddings, and After Game Events.

What can I say, just a little slice of heaven on my wonderful trip to Mendocino. Over the moon Italian Cuisine.

Hours: Tue, Wed, Thurs & Sun: 5 PM – 9 PM
Friday & Saturday: 5 PM – 10 PM
Closed Mondays

Luna Trattoria
955 Ukiah Street
Mendocino, CA 95460
(707) 962-3093
https://www.lunatrattoria.com/

* Note Some Content Was Taken Off Of Their Website.

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