- Attraction: Luna Di Luna
- Location: 8820 Lyndale Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55420
- Industry: Italian Restaurant
- Website: Facebook Page
Something magical happens the moment you step through Luna Di Luna’s doors – suddenly you’re no longer in suburban Bloomington, but transported to a cozy Italian trattoria where every dish tells a story.
This family-owned restaurant has been quietly serving some of the Twin Cities’ most authentic Italian cuisine from what was once a former fast food building, proving that the most extraordinary culinary experiences often hide behind the most unassuming facades.
Owned and operated by Alex and Sanaa Awada, Luna Di Luna represents Alex’s culinary evolution after running Giuseppe’s for a decade.
The Lebanese-Italian chef brings a unique perspective to traditional Italian cooking, creating dishes without the aid of freezers, microwaves, or deep fryers – just pure, from-scratch cooking that honors both tradition and innovation.
Menu Highlights
The Legendary Bread: Every meal begins with what guests universally describe as extraordinary – warm, crusty artisan bread with a pretzel-like texture served alongside seasoned olive oil that’s so addictive, you’ll find yourself requesting extra bread just to soak up every last drop.
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Bolognese Perfection: The house-made Bolognese features tender pasta enveloped in a rich, meaty sauce that’s been slow-simmered to perfection. Reviewers consistently praise the depth of flavor and the way the sauce clings beautifully to each perfectly cooked noodle.
Shrimp Carbonara: This standout dish combines gulf shrimp with silky carbonara sauce over your choice of pasta. The cream sauce is velvety without being heavy, and the shrimp arrive perfectly cooked and generously portioned.
Le Luna Signature: Featuring chicken breast and gulf shrimp in a creamy Parmesan sauce, this dish represents the restaurant’s ability to balance multiple proteins and flavors into one harmonious creation.
Napolitana Adventure: For those who crave heat, this dish features hot Italian sausage with peppers in a spicy marinara that delivers just the right amount of kick without overwhelming the palate.
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Discover MoreCustomization Magic: Unlike many restaurants, Luna Di Luna welcomes modifications. Want to swap fettuccine for penne? Prefer chicken instead of shrimp? The kitchen happily accommodates changes, making each meal truly personalized.
Atmosphere & Décor
Intimate European Charm: The interior defies all expectations set by the modest exterior. Warm wood paneling, strategically placed foliage, and soft lighting create an atmosphere that feels authentically European rather than artificially themed.
Romantic Ambiance: Soft Italian music plays in the background at just the right volume – loud enough to create atmosphere but quiet enough for intimate conversation. This makes Luna Di Luna particularly popular for date nights and special occasions.
Cozy Scale: With seating for approximately 50 guests, the restaurant maintains an intimate feel where you’re likely to see the owners personally greeting tables and ensuring everyone feels welcomed.
Unexpected Transformation: The juxtaposition between the unassuming exterior and the charming interior creates a delightful surprise that adds to the overall experience. Many guests describe feeling like they’ve discovered a secret.
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Mid-Range Pricing: Entrées typically range from the high teens to low twenties, positioning Luna Di Luna as an affordable luxury. Most guests find the generous portions and quality ingredients justify the prices, especially considering dinner for two with wine often comes in under $100.
No Reservations Policy: Luna Di Luna operates on a walk-in basis only, which can mean short waits during peak times. Calling ahead to check on wait times is recommended, especially for weekend dinners.
Limited but Focused Menu: The dinner menu features approximately 10 entrées, but this constraint ensures each dish receives the attention it deserves. The focused approach means everything is executed exceptionally well rather than offering mediocre versions of countless options.
Wine Selection Excellence: Despite the compact menu, the wine list is surprisingly extensive and well-curated, featuring both affordable house wines and premium bottles that complement the Italian cuisine perfectly.
Parking Convenience: Ample parking is available right outside the restaurant, eliminating one common dining frustration in the area.
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Luna Di Luna
📍 8820 Lyndale Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55420
