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Cafe Luna - San Diego Reviews List
Cafe Luna - San Diego
An Evening at Cafe Luna has best been described as "A Celestial Dining Experience"
Each and every item on our menu, including our savory nightly specials, are hand-crafted to order with you, our guest, in mind. According to owner, Susan Haywood, "Our word-of-mouth reputation brings in new customers but it's the food that keeps them coming back." Café Luna was named "San Diego's Best Kept Secret" from San Diego Home & Garden readers. In addition Café Luna has been awarded 1st place for "Best Italian Food" on the channel 10 A-List. Some of Café Luna's signature dishes are our Tornadoes Gorgonzola, our Fusilli Umbriaco and our highly requested Rosetta - a homemade pasta sheet rolled with ham and Swiss cheese that's sliced and baked with a Parmesan cream sauce. In addition to exceptional food & service, Café Luna also has an extensive wine list. The atmosphere is romantic yet comfortable. We also offer off site catering, ask for our General Manager, Jamie Wimmer.
See more Cafe Luna - San Diego details
Each and every item on our menu, including our savory nightly specials, are hand-crafted to order with you, our guest, in mind. According to owner, Susan Haywood, "Our word-of-mouth reputation brings in new customers but it's the food that keeps them coming back." Café Luna was named "San Diego's Best Kept Secret" from San Diego Home & Garden readers. In addition Café Luna has been awarded 1st place for "Best Italian Food" on the channel 10 A-List. Some of Café Luna's signature dishes are our Tornadoes Gorgonzola, our Fusilli Umbriaco and our highly requested Rosetta - a homemade pasta sheet rolled with ham and Swiss cheese that's sliced and baked with a Parmesan cream sauce. In addition to exceptional food & service, Café Luna also has an extensive wine list. The atmosphere is romantic yet comfortable. We also offer off site catering, ask for our General Manager, Jamie Wimmer.
87 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 87 reviews
5 stars
(46)
4 stars
(33)
3 stars
(5)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(56)
- special occasion(40)
- fit for foodies(33)
- romantic(33)
- notable wine list(11)
- great for lunch(10)
Cafe Luna - San Diego Reviews List
Review 1 for Cafe Luna - San Diego
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Top 5 on my favorites list
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/22/2013
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I have dined at Cafe Luna many times. Large groups or intimate dinners, the service has always been exemplary and the food divine! Probably explains why the tone is so pleasant: long time employees who know their product and can guide diners with confidence. Excellent suggestions, quality food prepared and presented tastefully. Try the poached pear salad or the veal Marsala. Yum!"
Dined on 5/22/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 2 for Cafe Luna - San Diego
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great experience
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Cafe Luna is an outstanding dining experience. The staff is friendly and enthusiastic and the food is second to none. We always enjoy going there for dinner. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, kid-friendly, romantic, special occasion
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Review 3 for Cafe Luna - San Diego
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Cafe Fabulous
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"For 20+ years, we've enjoyed every meal, every salad, every wine, and every server we've encountered at Cafe Luna. It's simply fabulous!"
Dined on 5/21/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 4 for Cafe Luna - San Diego
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
cozy dinner with friends
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We all enjoyed our dinner there as always. Our waiter was very good."
Dined on 5/18/2013
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Review 5 for Cafe Luna - San Diego
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A much improved restaurant, hadn't tried it for awhile. Same excellent service & a slightly tweaked menu & Full Bar. A few more fish choices would be so welcome. Very nice & worth a try."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 6 for Cafe Luna - San Diego
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great neighborhood gem
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Very good food, good and friendly service, lovely ambience. Good choice for a night out with friends sr a romantic dinner for two. Attentive wait staff."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 7 for Cafe Luna - San Diego
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Mother's Day Treat
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Took my wife to this local spot for Mother's Day and the food was great. Good portion sizes, full bar and friendly service.
They exceeded our expectations and that always rates 5 stars.
We'll definitely be back."
They exceeded our expectations and that always rates 5 stars.
We'll definitely be back."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, notable wine list, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 8 for Cafe Luna - San Diego
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food quality and service are alway the best. One of our favorite places."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 9 for Cafe Luna - San Diego
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ty
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food was great my date loved the food and the environment."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion
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Review 10 for Cafe Luna - San Diego
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
music was a little loud but
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"music was a little loud but otherwise it was perfect spot for a business lunch, excellent food and service"
Dined on 04/23/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for lunch
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Review 11 for Cafe Luna - San Diego
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Used to be Good, Now Wonderful
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We used to frequent this neighborhood find tucked away in a Carmel Mountain strip mall because we enjoyed the pleasant french twist on traditional Italian dishes. We stopped going, though, as we just moved on to other restaurants. A few months ago we returned and found Cafe Luna had really stepped up its fare. It is still cozy and charming. But after three visits we have found the menu and specials chock full of wonderful dishes that move beyond the original dishes into more culinary selections. We have had one beautifully prepared, delicious dish after another. Recommended without reservation."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 12 for Cafe Luna - San Diego
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Dissapointing experience
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We went to the restaurant for our 30th wedding anniversary. We heard that it was small, but did not expect the tables to be that tiny. The whole evening we felt like 'playing chess' by moving items around to have some room. The waitress was courteous but brought us the the wrong bottle of wine, Chardonnay instead of Chianti. When I told her to bring the Chianti bottle on the top of the wine list I trusted she would bring the $21 I was referring to. When we received the bill I discovered we were actually brought a $34 Chianti, more expensive than each of our orders. Which brings me to my next point. The food is overpriced. It tastes okay, but is by no means authentic (we went to Italy several times)."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2013
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Review 13 for Cafe Luna - San Diego
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Awesome fresh tasting food!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Awesome fresh tasting food! Need to make reservations as this restaurant fills up quickly on the weekends. New wine bar!"
Dined on 04/13/2013
2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 14 for Cafe Luna - San Diego
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Intimate, personable setting,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Intimate, personable setting, subtle lighting, tasteful decor - exceptional food and service. Cafe Luna is a MUST VISIT!"
Dined on 04/02/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 15 for Cafe Luna - San Diego
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food here is unbeatable,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food here is unbeatable, albeit a little pricey. This is our favorite place to go for special occasions."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 16 for Cafe Luna - San Diego
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Great food - Terrible service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food was great. The hostess was terrible. She dressed like she was a 15-year-old, never greeted us. We had a reservation that she never even bothered to ask us about. And our waitress was so rushed that she didn't even bother to find out what we wanted to drink until after appetizers arrived. The worst part was the music. They were blasting everything from the red hot chili peppers to Kanye West. This is an Italian restaurant and as I looked around there wasn't a single person in the room other than the hostess under the age of 40. This kind of service is going to ruin what is a gem of the restaurant in terms of food."
Dined on 03/28/2013
2007
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Review 17 for Cafe Luna - San Diego
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Anniversary approved
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My wife and I spent our third year anniversary dinner at Café Luna. We couldn't have made a better choice, Thanks to our server Ben we had a very enjoyable experience and I would recommend Café Luna anyone. Jeremy and Lindsey"
Dined on 03/27/2013
2013
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 18 for Cafe Luna - San Diego
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
On our annual trip to Southern
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"On our annual trip to Southern California, Cafe Luna is one of the highlights.
Food is excellent as is the service. A true joy to visit."
Food is excellent as is the service. A true joy to visit."
Dined on 03/26/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 19 for Cafe Luna - San Diego
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I have been coming to Cafe
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I have been coming to Cafe Luna since they opened their doors. There food is consistent and it is a very charming place. I took my In-laws there for dinner and their only complaint was the pasta was Al Dente which I found funny because they are Italian. Personally, I like Al Dente pasta. Overall the service was great and my In-laws enjoyed the ambiance."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 20 for Cafe Luna - San Diego
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food was good, service was
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food was good, service was very good, except the waiter seemed stretched a bit thin as the only waiter/bartender in the house. Made online reservations for 8:00 Sunday night. It felt like the place was trying to close the whole time we were eating. We were offered boxes to take our desert before we finished. We were not offered after dinner drinks or coffee. I think a restaurant should give full attention to each table seated until they are clearly finished. Very nice ambiance and venue, just not a very comfortable evening knowing everyone wants you to leave so they can go home."
Dined on 03/03/2013
2013
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Review 21 for Cafe Luna - San Diego
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Cafe Luna is an outstanding
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Cafe Luna is an outstanding place to eat. The food is among the best in San Diego and the service is personal and friendly."
Dined on 02/28/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 22 for Cafe Luna - San Diego
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A little pricey but you are
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A little pricey but you are getting great food and service."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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Review 23 for Cafe Luna - San Diego
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Celebrated Valentine's Day
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Celebrated Valentine's Day a few days late after all the crowds had died down. We stumbled upon this neighborhood gem about a year ago and this was our 3rd visit, everyone of them an outstanding experience. The service is friendly, offering good information without being too pushy. My lady loves the Lasagne (which I think she has had each time), I had the Veal Chop special, and it was. We began with a beet salad and Elk carpaccio, both very enjoyable. Cafe Luna is one of our new favorite local restaurants and we will return, even more often if they were open on Mondays. We were however able to take advantage of there Tuesday Night Special, 1/2 off on a reasonable selection of wine by the bottle."
Dined on 02/19/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 24 for Cafe Luna - San Diego
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Cafe Luna Rookies
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"It was our first experience there and we were very impressed with the menu, the staff and the food. There was a great variety of food and the staff was helpful and very attentive. The food was AWESOME. We will definitey make regular trips to Cafe luna!"
Dined on 02/17/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 25 for Cafe Luna - San Diego
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Superb! One of the best meals
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Superb! One of the best meals I've had in a long time. And the wine was amazing and not super expensive."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 26 for Cafe Luna - San Diego
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
comfortable and good eats
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The Osso Buco was tasty, for sure, and the veggies were fork tender - yum. The waitress was very helpful - we were challenged to find a wine that suited us and she patiently guided us to the right one."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2011
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Review 27 for Cafe Luna - San Diego
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service professional and friendly.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Service professional and friendly. Food very good but not extraordinary. Given choices in the area this is really a special place. Very cozy and upscale for neighborhood. Will return to be sure."
Dined on 02/10/2013
2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 28 for Cafe Luna - San Diego
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
The food was a disappointment,
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was a disappointment, too salty. We had an another waiter pick up our tab and then proceeded to charge our tab as well as another tables tab, totaling our account appx. $370.00. The Asst. Manager's attitude was trite and uncaring, stating your account should be credited in a few days! No offer of a discount or even free dessert was offered.
3 days later and still no credit to our account.
We will not be going back to Cafe Luna again."
3 days later and still no credit to our account.
We will not be going back to Cafe Luna again."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2013
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Review 29 for Cafe Luna - San Diego
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Long-time patron.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I have been going to Cafe Luna for over 15 years. Love the food, the small, intimate ambiance and friendly staff."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2013
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Review 30 for Cafe Luna - San Diego
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
We go back here every once
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We go back here every once in awhile because it's not a chain and the food is usually pretty decent. But we don't go often because, while food is good, it's really never great. Things will sound really good, then when food arrives it is ok. I think bland is a good word for most of their food. We went here with relatives from out of town, I had the special chicken stuffed w/sun dried tomatoes and something else. Good, but rather bland. Guest had spaghetti and meatballs, sauce was rather dry like it had been cooking way too long. Not saucy. The swordfish was tasty, but it was cooked nicely but risotto rather dull. Maybe they need to use more herbs to add more flavor to their food....will probably go back , but not for quite a while."
Dined on 02/07/2013
2006
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Review 31 for Cafe Luna - San Diego
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
wine tasting winner!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We enjoyed selecting our wine at the bar before dinner with Owen tending bar. We had the opportunity to try a couple of wines that are new to us. So our new favorite is Smith & Hook, which we now know is not available at a local store. Our waitress readily made a substitution suggestion to accompany our entree selection. The salad should be world famous because it is so unique and delicious."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Cafe Luna - San Diego
Based on the average of (56) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
7 out of 7 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate