Bella Luna
(650) 322-1846
233 University Ave
Palo Alto,
CA
94301
37.4452
-122.1625
Neighborhood: Downtown North
What People Are Saying About Bella Luna
The Owner
Bella Luna
Owner
Bella Luna first opened its doors in 1999. Since then, it has enjoyed rave reviews for its authentic, appealing and affordable cuisine, warm and astute service, rustic yet elegant decor, and warm ambience, with the experience of dining in Italy. It quickly earned the reputation as one University Avenue's most Bella restaurants for serving delicious, attractively presented Northern Italian cuisine. For you next business lunch, casual dinner with friends or family, or romantic dinner with someone special, you can count on Bella Luna.
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
Serving Cal-Ital favorites in Palo Alto.
The Food
Prices are fair (maybe a bit high at lunch given all the competition), portions are generous, and presentations are appealing. Top honors go to the simple insalata Bella Luna of baby arugula and other pungent greens dressed with a balanced balsamic vinaigrette, the pansotti filled with spinach and ricotta in a buttery sage and tomato sauce, and a rustic fusilli dotted with tomato, capers and black olives.
The Scene
Opened in March, 1999, Matt Demirkol's new outpost of Northern Italian greatest hits has made steady progress. Service was fumbling and tentative at the start and pastas were uneven. The only thing unimpeachable was the decor--lush blues and mustards, the intimate dining room was luminous with delicate stained-glass crescent moons and sparkling front windows thrown open to University Avenue. Since then, the waitstaff has come up to speed and the menu of Cal-Ital favorites is more in hand.
--Laura Reiley
Restaurants and Bars | Home )
User Reviews
Lex
March 17, 2009
Great food and great service! The location is ideal, right on University Ave. They have good pasta can chicken dishes. The portions are large.
read full reviewAnonymous
February 13, 2008
I had an excellent experience at Bella Luna. I had a big party of 10 and our service was very prompt and courtesy. The presentation of food was great, the food was exquisite. Their wine selection quite extensive! The owner was very kind in assisting us in our needs. Food was great though the selection was not as appealing as I would have hoped. Price was moderate. Great atmosphere!
read full reviewAnonymous
February 02, 2008
We go to Bella Luna when we're going to a movie at Aquarius theater and haven't made reservations in advance. We can always get a table (it's busy but not packed on the weekends) and they serve solid Italian fare. Not that kind of food that jumps out at you, but it's solid.I had Osso buco tonight that was totally fine. Nice selection of half-bottles of wine for dinner for two (I reccomend King Estate Pinot Noir from Oregon).
read full reviewThe Details on Bella Luna
Pre-dinner in Paly:
Go for a walk, roam around Downtown Palo Alto, hang out with the kids, catch a flick, or play a round of golf.
Also Try:
These Italian restaurants in Palo Alto:
Message from Bella Luna
- Private Parties, Group Dinners
- Come join us for Lunch today
- Northern Italian Cuisine
Bella Luna first opened its doors in 1999. Since then, it has enjoyed rave reviews for its authentic, appealing and affordable cuisine, warm and astute service, rustic yet elegant decor, and warm ambience, with the experience of dining in Italy. It quickly earned the reputation as one University Avenue's most Bella restaurants for serving delicious, attractively presented Northern Italian cuisine. For you next business lunch, casual dinner with friends or family, or romantic dinner with someone special, you can count on Bella Luna.
