Why dine in a candle-lit setting when you can dine under the moonlight?
This quick-to-rise, Instagrammable cafe is on everyone’s social media right now. So why bother with an introduction? Let’s just say that owners Thilina Wijesiri and Gayathri Kumari, who work as architects by day, came together to create one of the cosiest eateries in Colombo.
Originally, La Luna was home to a judge and later, a temporary shelter for construction workers. Withered and worn down over the years, the location’s new owners have found a way to create beauty in its past by filling it with good music and good vibes.
If you want to see how their concept came about, do check out their Instagram. And if you want to know more about their food… well then, read on!
Appetisers
Focaccia Pane All’aglio – LKR 1,300 (4/5)
Who knew you could look fancy while eating garlic bread? Artisanal bread, with a golden crust and heavy on both garlic and cheese, is a nice way to find out though. The garlic-yness cuts through the creaminess of the cheese. A tough dish to share with others, but it was the best teaser for what was coming up.
Fritto Misto – LKR 3,350 (5/5)
Deep-fried seafood? Say no more. La Luna nails the assignment with their seasoned miso batter that is ultra crispy. With a mix of seafood and veggies (gotta be healthy, y’all), somehow they manage to make every bite an explosion of flavours. The saltiness of the seafood against the earthiness of the vegetables with the fiery tomato and garlic mayonnaise sauce is one for the books.
Sides
Creme Di Broccoli Soup – LKR 1,900 (5/5)
Perfect for a chilly day (even in this unbearable heat), the Creme Di Broccoli is a warm comforting hug. With a cream base, the soup is velvety in texture and rich in flavour. The cream balances the boldness and earthiness of broccoli, onions, and garlic. And the crispy croutons round the dish, adding carbs that help carry the flavour.
Caesar Salad – LKR 2,400 (5/5)
This does seem like a heavy price for a salad, but hey, La Luna’s Caesar salad is so worth it. The Caesar dressing is the hero of this dish, working with the parmesan cheese, carrying the tangy flavour with a bit of a kick. Other than being the perfect base for the hearty flavours, the romaine lettuce and croutons are crunchy and crisp, making every bite a satisfying one. This is definitely the one you have to share.
Mains
Gamberoni – LKR 3,800 (5/5)
Charred grilled tiger prawns with salad and garlic lemon butter is always a good combo. But these guys take it to the next level. The prawns were juicy, and mixed with the fresh salad had us salivating. From their portion size to the presentation, we have no complaints about this. Gamberoni means ‘prawns in Italian, and La Luna definitely did the ‘gamberoni’ justice.
Fettuccine Alfredo Di Pollo e Funghi Pasta – LKR 4,500 (5/5)
Picture a plate of al dente pasta, smothered in creamy parmesan sauce and topped with succulent chicken and earthy button mushrooms. I’m a sucker for some good pasta, so let me tell you, it’s a hearty, rich dish that delivers on every bite.
Penne Arrabbiata Pasta – LKR 1,900 (3/5)
Don’t underestimate the punch of this dish. The al dente penne pasta comes with a fiery sauce and an especially generous serving – it’s extra saucy, to say the least. It was a bit too spicy for us, but for those who can handle the heat, it’s your moment to shine.
Festa Pollo Burger – LKR 2,150 (4/5)
The eyes definitely eat before the stomach with this one. Between homemade burger buns, they’ve sandwiched the most succulent grilled chicken, caramelised onions, and best of all, cheddar and mozzarella. The smokiness of the chicken pairs well with the subtle sweetness of the onion, and the creaminess of the cheese is hard to miss. The baked sweet potato wedges are golden brown, with a crispy outside and velvety inside. The rocket salad is fresh and gives that hint of zestiness that we need after this massive burger. We thought the buns were a bit too dry, but their secret sauce with the right amount of kick made up for it.
Pizza Burrata – LKR 2,800 (4/5)
This is a must-try for anyone who says that veggie pizzas are boring. A simple large pan pizza with lettuce and the highlight of the evening, fresh burrata cheese. The creamy fresh burrata with the sweet heat from the tomato sauce is really something else!
Fair warning: The heaviness of the burrata does make your slices break apart, so expect a few spills and messes, and dig in as fast as possible.
Pizza Arrosto Di Manzo – LKR 3,900 (4/5)
I know. The name went hard on the Italian, but the flavours are ones that we know and love. Roasted beef slices with Margherita sauce and parmesan is a classic combo, and La Luna executes it well. In every bite, we could taste the smokiness of the beef that shone through the fresh crispy lettuce and gooey cheese.
Pizza Carbonara – LKR 3,850 (5/5)
The soft crust with juicy pork bacon and Rocca lettuce, on a Margherita sauce base, complements each other super well. The cherry on top that takes this pizza to the next level is the *drumroll please* half-boiled egg in the centre. The yolk gives a mellow butteriness that ties everything together with a pretty bow on top.
Pizza al Salami – LKR 3,500 (4/5)
Another classic, but with the La Luna twist. For spicy lovers, this pizza comes with chicken salami, chilli and tomato salsa with a Margherita sauce base. The salami itself has a heat to it, which got me in the back of the throat. But the sauce base brings a hint of sweetness that balances against an otherwise spicy pizza.
Desserts
Mango Vanilla Panna Cotta – LKR 1,350 (5/5)
The dish is a fluffy and sweet vanilla custard, topped with fresh mango and lots of fresh strawberries with a dollop of strawberry sauce at the bottom. Both the sweetness of the custard and the tanginess of the fruits complement each other quite well. A small tip though, don’t wait too long before digging in as it may melt with the heat.
Affogato al Caffè – LKR 750 (5/5)
This item is a great way to end your meal with a little sweet treat but also something to keep your system awake. Made with two simple ingredients: two scoops of vanilla ice cream, drowned in espresso, yes, it is everything you think it is. The cool sugary vanilla ice cream mellows out the bitterness of the espresso.
Drinks
Oreo Shake – LKR 990 (4/5)
The perfect ratio of Oreo to milk and ice cream. Not overly sweet or heavy with its cream, or even too chunky with its main ingredient being Oreos. The sweetness of the shake definitely came through the chocolate syrup, but the Oreos somehow made it a bit more subtle.
V60 Specialty Brew – 1,500 (5/5)
I’m sure whoever said “Love is in the air” smelt it in the V60 speciality brew. The strong and amazing aroma that the brew gives you will have you hooked and awake before you try your first sip. For any coffee lover, this drink offers a smooth and mellow experience without compromising its strong flavours – whether hot or cold.
Paradise Punch – LKR 880 (4/5)
If summer were a drink, this would be it. The king coconut water and strawberry slush make it both sweet and tangy. It was a bit too sugary for our taste, but hey, it is refreshing, and exactly what we need during this heat.
Pina Colada – LKR 880 (3/5)
Filled to the brim with fresh pineapple pieces and coconut milk, this drink is the hit of the town for pineapple lovers. A little too sweet for our taste, but still a great drink to try. The presentation of the drink is visually attractive with its bright yellow, so if you plan to take snaps for the Gram, we recommend you order this drink.
Ambience
It’s the little things that make a restaurant great. Whether it be the decor, seating, or lighting, La Luna took it and ran with it! The particular things that caught my attention were, (obviously) their famous moon wall decor, and their stunning flower ceiling lights. Even the long tables outside gave a sense of calm and homeliness to the space. The staff are the chillest and friendliest group of people you may meet, with cool custom La Luna graphic tees.
All in all, I would recommend you add La Luna to your bucket list of places to check out regardless of the reason.
The post La Luna | Restaurant Review appeared first on Pulse.
Source From Pulse.lk
Author: Anagi Kariyawasam
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