Pasta Luna is the first restaurant Nick ever took me out to eat at when we met 7 years ago. Everybody go 'ahhhhhhhhhhh'. We've been back several times since. I have to say that I haven't had the opportunity to frequent every Italian place in Richmond yet, but this is the tops of them all so far, and not just for sentimentality either.
This is in Richmond's West End in a very non-distinctive lot of businesses. You'll likely miss it if you aren't looking for it. Do look for it. It's on the right heading west from downtown on Broad. Their sign has a half moon on it. Look for the red roof on the adobe building.
It's a little dim inside but not dark my any means. It's all about dark woods and Italian decor such as big bottles of seasoned oils and strings of peppers and garlic hanging from the ceiling. The hostesses are all very nice and on the ball. We've never had to wait for a table here, but I bet you would have to on a weekend.
They have an upper deck and a lower terrace, besides the dining area inside.. but being in a shopping center there isn't what I'd call a romantic view so where you sit doesn't really make much difference.. unless it's a nice balmy summer night and you want to watch the moon and stars.
Dining here is casual so you don't have to dress up for it. Most of the clientele show up in business casual, khakis and polos.. but jeans or shorts are just fine and dandy.
The appetizers are plentiful. Almost too plentiful. If you go with your honey there is a good possibility you will be too full from this to eat your main course so be careful. We usually go with the wonderful Ooh, Zi for $8.95. This consists of olives, roasted red peppers, and fresh mozzarella slices topped with sun-dried tomatoes and slices of proscuitto and mortadella. Excellent in every conceivable way.
The main thing here is the pastas. There are about twelve to choose from and all go for $11.95. For some reason I always get the Spaghetti here. Not sure why that is. Not very adventurous of me, is it? I guess that harkens back to the reason we went there the first time: We were both craving some good 'sgetti. And it is good. Damn good. Thems some meatballs to die for. Gotta warn ya again though.. unless you want some in the fridge for the next two days, just order one plate and split it. They do not skimp here at all.
The other main dishes run between $13.95-$14.95. Nick has at various times tried the Veal Scallopini (awesome), Lasagna (again, awesome), and the Eggplant Parmigiana (exceptional). We have never ever left hungry or disappointed.
Deserts are just painful here as well. It's the usual choices of Italian deserts such as Tiramisu.. and it changes so I won't list them. All are made fresh on premises and just 'oooh man I can't eat another bite but I can't not finish this' kinda good.
Kids are very welcome here although I do not recall a separate menu for them. This is a very family oriented place. Vegetarians would be pleased here but not Vegans.
The waitstaff is professional yet friendly and you will never find yourself looking around for your server. They pay attention. You won't see them hovering, but they are just out of sight watching for any hint of need.. then there they are. This staff we usually tip 25-30%. They're just that good.
So, if you're in the mood for a Trattoria with plentiful food for a great price yet professional service.. this is your baby. 5 stars.
8902 W. Broad St.
Richmond, VA 23294
804-301-5939
Mon.-Thu. 11:30AM-3PM, 5-10PM
Fri. 11:30AM-3PM, 5-11PM
Sat. 11:30AM-2PM, 4-11PM
Sun. 4-9PM
Recommended:
Yes
Kid Friendliness: Yes
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Best Suited For: Kids and Families
 Back to Pasta Luna
User Reviews for Pasta Luna
4 stars out of 5 stars
March 29, 2006Turn the music up!
|
| Overall: |
 |
| Food: |
 |
| Ambiance: |
|
| Service: |
|
| Value: |
 |
|
I LOVE the ambiance of Pasta Luna. It's always noisy, crowded (but the old man behind the bar will accommodate you as soon as he possibly can) and the music is always pumping. It might be Ole Blue Eyes, or it might be the latest 50 Cent. I don't think I've ever been to Pasta Luna and haven't heard a dish break. People come here for a tasty, bountiful meal with a lot of friends. You MUST have wine with your meal, and you'll always leave with lunch for the next day. For a more intimate setting, ask to be seated upstairs.
Hide Full Review
I LOVE the ambiance of Pasta Luna. It's always noisy, crowded (but the old man behind the bar will accommodate you as soon as he possibly can) and the music is always pumping. It might be Ole Blue Eyes, or it might be the latest 50 Cent. I ...
Full Review revMin("0");
Visit date: May 2005
Was this review helpful to you? Yes - No Report Abuse |
September 21, 2005Best Northern Italian Restaurant in the area
|
| Overall: |
 |
| Food: |
|
| Ambiance: |
|
| Service: |
|
| Value: |
|
|
The food is delicious and plentyful, served in a northern italian atmosfere. Great service and food. The bar is also well furnished and affordable. Great place for a family dinner or with a group of friends. Also great for a romantic dinner.
Visit date: March 2005
Was this review helpful to you? Yes - No Report Abuse |
September 09, 2005Great Atmosphere, but Expensive.
|
| Overall: |
|
| Food: |
 |
| Ambiance: |
|
| Service: |
|
| Value: |
 |
|
Wonderful service. The food; however, was good but not outstanding. It's a nice atmosphere, and it's a nice place to take a date (if you want to spend some serious moolah).
Was this review helpful to you? Yes - No Report Abuse |
July 27, 2005Not sure why its Richmond's favorite
|
| Overall: |
 |
| Food: |
|
| Ambiance: |
|
| Service: |
|
| Value: |
|
|
Maybe I just dont like Italian much. But I found the food to be just OK and the service we recieved at lunch was just wrong . . . the waitress was complaining about working there, and one of our party was very unhappy with her meal and they were not accomadating.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes - No Report Abuse |
January 28, 2005Great Food!
By John |
| Overall: |
|
| Food: |
|
| Ambiance: |
|
| Service: |
|
| Value: |
|
|
Well presented, lots of it and tastes great.
Visit date: January 2005
Was this review helpful to you? Yes - No Report Abuse |
January 28, 2005Food Critic
|
| Overall: |
|
| Food: |
|
| Ambiance: |
|
| Service: |
|
| Value: |
|
|
Pros: Great Food
Cons: None
Excellent pasta, fresh and inviting. Service is excellent and ambiance is very warm and friendly, romantic!
Visit date: January 2005
Was this review helpful to you? Yes - No Report Abuse |
1 - 7 of 7
1 Review for Pasta Luna:
|
|
One of the best Italian restaurant in Richmond
By Yan G., Network |  Insider | Rank: 12,979
Pasta Luna in West End Richmond is one of the best Italian restaurants in town. It's a very nice place for gatherings. I enjoy sitting outside in summer evenings with friends and lovely Italian food.
Pros: pasta
Cons: don't have many salad options
 First Review | Posted 9/8/05 at 6:58pm |
|
last updated on 1/31/2000
VSR Description
This restaurant has good italian food. The entrees are served family style - one dish will feed 2 or 3 people.
Carol Smith |
10/27/2001 |
|
A pleasant experience with very good food. Great for groups. Friendly service and charm for a restaurant this size. A taste of Europe. We enjoyed and have returned. |
| |
Tori |
8/20/2001 |
|
Excellent service. My prom date and I were in and out of there in no time. It was a great place. Thanks for all the service. Thanks Tony! And thanks to David for taking me there! |
| |
| |
Alison |
3/23/2001 |
|
Excellent food! #1 on my list!!! Highly recommended!! GO! GO! Dine at Pasta Luna. |
|
