Food is A+/Superlative! The marinara sauce, mashed potatoes, and the garlic knots are the best I ever had. Staff provide A+/Superlative service! A special shout out of excellence to the manager, Shay. What a classy, beautiful, festive atmosphere, and the live music, such as Fradiani, Tre Paul, and Valente Brothers are phenomenal.
Overview
La Luna Ristorante in Branford, Connecticut, is a standout gem in the world of Italian dining. Nestled at 168 N Main St, it offers an intimate atmosphere that’s perfect for a romantic dinner, family gathering, or even a solo dining experience. From the moment you step inside, the warm, welcoming ambiance and the authentic Italian aromas that waft through the air make it clear that this is a place where food is taken seriously.
As you browse the menu, you’ll find a variety of classic Italian dishes, each made with the freshest ingredients. The restaurant is known for its delicious pastas, made fresh in-house daily. One dish that should never be missed is the homemade lasagna, a rich and hearty dish that truly embodies the essence of traditional Italian cooking. The layers of perfectly cooked pasta, fresh ricotta, and savory meat sauce come together to create a comforting and flavorful meal.
For those seeking something a bit lighter, the Caprese salad offers a refreshing combination of ripe tomatoes, mozzarella, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar that highlights the quality of the ingredients. Paired with a glass of wine from their carefully curated selection, it’s the perfect way to start your meal.
What sets La Luna Ristorante apart from other Italian restaurants in the area is its commitment to quality and tradition. Each dish is prepared with attention to detail, ensuring that every bite is bursting with authentic flavors. The restaurant sources ingredients from local markets, ensuring that only the best, freshest produce makes it into the kitchen.
The seafood pasta is another must-try for those who love fresh seafood. With shrimp, clams, and mussels served over linguine in a delicate white wine sauce, it’s a dish that showcases the restaurant's ability to balance flavors and textures beautifully. Whether you're a seafood lover or someone who prefers something more classic, the menu offers something for everyone.
The atmosphere inside La Luna Ristorante is as delightful as the food. The cozy, intimate setting, with soft lighting and rustic décor, creates a dining experience that’s both relaxing and elegant. It’s the perfect spot for a special celebration or even a casual weeknight dinner. The friendly, attentive service only adds to the overall experience, making you feel right at home.
It’s not just the food and atmosphere that have made La Luna Ristorante a local favorite-it’s also the reputation the restaurant has built over the years. Many patrons rave about the restaurant’s consistent quality, noting that each visit feels just as special as the last. Whether you're a first-time guest or a loyal regular, the staff makes sure you feel like part of the family.
If you find yourself in Branford, make sure to stop by La Luna Ristorante. With its exceptional food, welcoming atmosphere, and reputation for excellence, it’s a dining experience you won’t soon forget.
Good to know
From the business
âś“ Identifies as veteran-owned âś“ Identifies as women-ownedService options
âś“ Outdoor seating âś“ Kerbside pickup âś“ No-contact delivery âś“ Delivery âś“ Takeaway âś“ Dine-inHighlights
âś“ Fast service âś“ Fireplace âś“ Great cocktails âś“ Great coffee âś“ Great dessert âś“ Great wine list âś“ Live music âś“ Serves local specialty âś“ SportPopular for
âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Solo diningAccessibility
âś“ Wheelchair-accessible car park âś“ Wheelchair-accessible entrance âś“ Wheelchair-accessible seating âś“ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
âś“ Alcohol âś“ Beer âś“ Cocktails âś“ Coffee âś“ Comfort food âś“ Happy-hour drinks âś“ Happy-hour food âś“ Healthy options âś“ Late-night food âś“ Private dining room âś“ Small plates âś“ Spirits âś“ Vegetarian options âś“ WineDining options
âś“ Breakfast âś“ Brunch âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Catering âś“ Dessert âś“ Seating âś“ Table serviceAmenities
âś“ Bar on site âś“ Gender-neutral toilets âś“ Toilet âś“ Wi-Fi âś“ Wi-FiAtmosphere
âś“ Casual âś“ Cosy âś“ Romantic âś“ TrendyCrowd
âś“ Family friendly âś“ Groups âś“ TouristsPlanning
âś“ Brunch reservations recommended âś“ Dinner reservations recommended âś“ Accepts reservationsPayments
âś“ Credit cards âś“ Debit cards âś“ NFC mobile payments âś“ Credit cardsChildren
âś“ Good for kids âś“ High chairs âś“ Kids' menuParking
âś“ Free of charge street parking âś“ Free parking lot âś“ ParkingPets
âś“ Dogs allowed outsidePhotos
Location
Reviews
I'm not sure if I should be blowing this Italian spot up... It's Branford's best kept secret.. Oh well!!!
Everything was good except the French toast was hard. The waiter accidentally charged for 3 people but there was only two of us. I don’t know if I’d go back, I haven’t been to a buffet in years.
My cousin wanted Lamb and crab cakes for her birthday but my sister did reserve the table at her favorite restaurant in time since it was mother's day weekend. My friend, had her husband's 50th party catered by the owner of La Luna and suggests that we eat there. It was excellent and our party of 5 enjoyed everything the food, services and atmosphere plus we made it there in time for mother's day specials! Prices was so great that we all had: soup, salad, 2 entrée, 2 dessert, and martinis! We all left full, satisfied, and with leftover!!! Can't wait to go back and enjoy a night when they have events like live bands and karaoke.
Wonderful atmosphere and amazing food. My wife and I dined in for dinner and enjoyed ourselves immensely. We both ordered seafood dishes and both of them were prepared absolutely perfectly. I ordered the scallop and lobster risotto and the entire dish was absolutely delicious! We finished up our dinner with two servings of tiramisu which were light, fluffy, and absolutely delicious as well. We both agree that we would love to dine here again.
This restaurant has 3 separate areas - a room for private gatherings in the front, a bar and a dining area in the rear. Service was very good with a waiter who knew the menu well and made good recommendations. Salads are served with every entre and very fresh and tasty. The blackened pan seared scallops with lobster risotto was excellent with a generous amount of lobster. The Pollo alla Marsala served with potato and vegetable was also excellent. Food portions were generous. The restaurant has hanging LED blue lights which adds to the atmosphere. The wait time for our meals was reasonable and none of the people in our group of four had any problems with the food or the service.
Went for New Year's day brunch. What a hidden gem. Huge selection of choices and the food was excellent. I was pleasant surprised. A hidden gem.
La Luna in Branford is such a great place, especially on Ladies Night! The vibe is cozy, the Italian cuisine is awesome, chicken parm for me! It’s the best place for an evening out on the town, all for the support of a local Branford restaurant.