We are over the moon {pun intended} for one of Jersey City’s amazing Italian restaurants — Luna. Just a few blocks past the heart of Grove Street {279 Grove Street}, Luna features an eclectic menu for everyone’s taste buds. Sister restaurant of Paisano’s in Rutherford, Luna takes classic Italian dishes and fuses them together with some Hudson County zest. Read on to get a peek inside our visit:
Vibe
Luna’s indoor and outdoor tables are cozy and romantic. With seating at the bar, dining rooms, and loft, there’s plenty of room to mangia under the moon, literally {see above}. Luna is already causing lots of buzz, so be sure to make a reservation online using Resy. Though, sipping on a St. Germain N’ Juice at the bar is definitely not the worst way to wait for a table— just sayin’.
Drinks and Food
The drink menu is on-point. There’s no denying the Das Moon, which features fresh blackberry and ginger and can be made with rum or tequila. If you’re in need of a pick-me-up, Café Racer is a must-try. Make sure to taste test the Arnold Palmer, a twist on the classic iced tea lemonade with Corgi Earl Gray Gin. And don’t forget about the extensive wine and beer menu as well.
On to the more {most?} important stuff: CHEESE. The burrata is proof that {the moon} might actually be a gigantic ball of cheese. Complemented with roasted red peppers and fresh prosciutto, this starter is a top contender. The Cajun Calamari with balsamic reduction was equal parts savory as it was sweet. The crunchy outside and tender inside was the perfect juxtaposition of textures.
For the mains, there really is no wrong choice. One entrée was as good as the next. The Cacio e Pepe was authentic and rich, and as per its name, Cacio {cheese} and Pepe {pepper} is a classic Roman dish. Another delectable pasta choice is the Mountain and Sea — fettuccine with porcini, shiitake, and spinach, in a creamy red sauce tossed with shrimp. Side note: all pastas are fatto a mano {handmade} and are V insta-worthy.
If you’re craving a heartier dish, the Churrasco Skirt Steak is a great choice, cooked until pink in the center and topped with a homemade chimichurri sauce. Not to mention, the truffle fries were out of this world. Let’s not forget about the Braised Short Ribs, which boasts tons of flavor, covered in homemade sauce and plated with ricotta gnocchi.
Any trip to Luna would not be complete without dessert. Make sure to try the Chocolate Lava Cake, Affogato, or Pistachio Panna Cotta Cake. You won’t be disappointed.
Final Thoughts
Luna is a must-try in Jersey City with its diverse menu and signature cocktails. The staff is impeccable, knowledgeable, and friendly. The atmosphere is cozy and romantic with a bit of a rustic feel. Price-wise, all entrées are between $18 and $24 with cocktails under $13. At the end of the meal, the check was tucked away inside the pages of the Muscio Family’s Recipe Book from Italy. Che bella! As the saying goes, shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among dinner and cocktails — or something like that.
Ordering During COVID-19
{Photo credit: @lunajerseycity}
During the pandemic Luna has made some adjustments in order to be able to keep serving the community. Luna is now open 12:00PM-9:00PM Monday through Saturday for takeout. Wine is now 1/2 off, growlers, beer, and cocktails are available to-go. Call 201-333-0032 to place an order for takeout. Click here for the menu.
Have you ever dined at Luna? Share your experience with us in the comments below, and don’t forget to tag us in your foodie pics on Instagram @HobokenGirlBlog
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