Bella Luna!: "VT Pawtuxet Connection!" Top 5 Page for this destination San Diego Restaurant Tip by lmkluque

Janet, VT's own Pawtuxet first brought this restaurant to my attention. Her son had worked here some years ago. I was never able to stop by to tell him, "Hi from Mom."

Update:

Bella Luna has closed for remodeling. I'll check it out and get back with the info as soon as I can.

However, the other day afforded me the opportunity to have a nice lunch here. My host thought it looked most inviting of the myraid choices along this block of Fifth Avenue in the Gaslamp Quarter.

The prices were about average for the Gaslamp Quarter, but pretty high considering the general tourist budget. So, I'll be more critical about the place which was on the small side. Cozy, you might say. Patio dining was a bit cramped but comfortable enough and more to the point, patio dining in the dead of winter is a luxury, isn't it?

The service was friendly, not intrusive, but still attentive. One aspect to consider while dining al fresco on such a busy street is the noise factor. The patio, as most others on the block, was surrounded by a glass barrier which did a good job of keeping out alot of the racket and fumes from passing cars and delivery trucks.

The dining room had a clean look and simple lines. The walls were jam packed with pictures of moons in various styles. Important to me, they offer a full bar, which is always nice if you like a cocktail before your meal.

The prices at lunch were three to five dollars less than for the same meal at dinner. Working from a budget, I'd say lunch here is the best option for the exprience.

Favorite Dish: We started off with a Beefeater Martini, which seemed to have more vermouth than I favor. Of course, considering that at lunch, it seemed, there was not a regular bartender, I could understand that the waiter wasn't an expert martini maker and our waiter, Guillermo, was so nice I could forgive him.

Bread with olive oil (and baslmic vinegar upon request) was brought to our table first. We ordered the Mozzarella e Pomodoro and a Penne pasta with chicken served in vodka sauce. The flavors were good and the size was decent.

The wine I ordered was not as good as less expensive brands I've had, but it wasn't awful. We shared a dessert and I forgot to take a photo of it until we had licked the bowls clean. We chose the Cream Brule Trio, vanilla, chocolate and berry. Each very good with a nice crusty top.

Address: 748 Fifth Avenue
Comparison: more expensive than average
Directions: Between F Street and G Street, near the Youth Hostel on Fifth Avnenue
Phone: (619) 239-3222
Price: US$31-40
Rating: 5
Theme: Italian
Website: http://http:/www.bellaluna-sandiego.com