Italian chic has always been in evidence at these most appealing of premises.  La Luna is now under new management and this new venture in an old venue is causing a buzz on the bay and in Pattaya’s culinary circles.  The gastronaut at the helm of this new moon launch is the consummate professional restaurateur, well known character and vivacious Venetian,  Alex Gregoris.  

This distinctive restaurant is truly one of a kind offering a trio of dining options and settings.   Enter La Luna through the dramatic wooden doors and the first dining opportunity presents itself: an elegant air-conditioned dining room adorned with  stunning lithographs of the moon.    The impact of thick snowy white tablecloths, the sparkle of glass, gleam of cutlery and snowy white napery immediately pleases the eye.  At the rear of the restaurant is a door leading to the open cocktail bar area and further to the right an azure pool set in tropical gardens.  It is here that the eucalyptus fueled pizza oven is sited and where you can dine al fresco under the stars.  

Mick and I visited the new La Luna the other evening and loved it; we sat pool-side under the palm trees and enjoyed the evening air and peaceful ambiance. Whilst sipping an enlivening aperitif of white wine and Campari we perused the menu.  It is admirably concise displaying the restaurant’s signature dishes, traditional favourites and the essence of the Italian cucina.   In addition a Chef’s Special selection will soon be added offering creative gourmet recipes bringing into play the seasonal changes and market trends.  Alex showed us the proposed menu and it was a mouth-watering read:  home made half moon shaped ravioli stuffed with foie gras,  Australian lamb shank braised in red wine, beef strips pan fried with porcini mushrooms, rocket leaves and black truffle paste and more. 

By now we had made our decisions and while awaiting the hors d’oeuvres a complimentary amuse bouche of a trio of palate ticklers was served.  Lentil soup charmingly presented in a Chinese teacup, a marinated prawn and a slice of Italian sausage completed the threesome.  My chosen carpaccio of salmon (B.230) then arrived at the table.  It tasted meltingly delicious, uber fresh and succulent anointed with lemon oil and dill, while Mick’s choice of impepata di cozze (Australian black mussels) were briny, tender and yielding, coated in a velvety white wine and garlic emulsion.  Other appetisers include Italian cold cuts, deep fried squid and shrimps accompanied by a tartar dip (B.260), grilled Italian sausages accompanied by roasted capsicums in a balsamic reduction and a selection of soups and of course, the quintessential Italian salad, insalata di mare, combining an assortment of cold tossed seafood in a lemon oil and parsley dressing (B.260).

For our main courses we had chosen pan fried sea bass fillet in a lemon grass sauce and a mixed meat platter (grigliata di carne mista) for a meaty treat for Mick.  He was more than happy with the tenderest of Australian grilled beef, juicy pink lamb, tasty chicken, spicy pork sausages and grilled vegetables.  The velvety lemon grass sauce that accompanied my tranche of sea bass was a masterly crafting of a fusion made in heaven.

With our main courses we enjoyed a very fine Toso Barbera d’asti whose fruity softness perfectly complemented the cuisine. House wine by the glass is B.145 and 50 cl. carafe B.490.   The patriotic wine list includes a signature pick of the best Italian labels to harmonise with the Mediterranean ingredients.   Their gastro pizzas feature, among the many,   the “La Luna Alex special” which is topped with fresh mozzarella, sausages, mushrooms, roasted potatoes and the scent of truffle.  

Steak lovers listen up!  Epicurean fresh (not frozen) Australian grain-fed black Angus beef is served here.  It is grilled on a lava stone and can be ordered in a 200 gr. fillet (B.640), a 300 gr. rib eye or the extravaganza of a 500 gr. “Florentine” style T-bone grilled on the bone and sliced to the plate (B.880). 

We passed on dessert but for the sweet-toothed the famous tiramisu or  Ricotta cheese cake with blue berry sauce and gelato would bring a dulcet conclusion while for the cheese lover the formaggi misti (B.300) would bring a savoury finale to enjoy with another glass of vino.

La Luna pursues an individual style whilst retaining the traditions and values of the Italian kitchen,  This is a charming restaurant offering quality and a profusion of fine ingredients served with style and panache.  We have no doubt that the new La Luna will accomplish its successful emergence into Pattaya’s dining scene and become a well-loved A-list eaterie.

La Luna is situated on Third Road (near the driving range) towards North Pattaya Road.  Open daily from 12 noon to 14.30 and 18.00 till 23.00.  Tel:  (038) 489 329.