Mark T.
Yelp
If there were a sixth star for "exceptional", I would mark that box after my visit to Luna Modern Mexican this evening. There aren't enough superlatives to describe this Picasso of Mexican cuisine.
And to think I was hesitant to patronize it due to my previous experiences with its predecessor, Katrina's. After speaking with its impressively hands-on manager, Sergio, I found that Luna's was not a mere 'rename' but under new ownership by the company that brought Springfield the Casa Bella restaurants. I immediately breathed a sigh of relief.
Luna's is in a Mexican realm of its own: Truly creative cuisine without being inauthentic, funky fusion or gourmet bizarro. Likely, their closest competitors are Primas, Casa Bella & Jose Loco's - not to discredit the solid local Mexican/South American restaurants like Perches, Cesar's, the original Los Michoacanos Garcia's and Senor Julians. Luna's is just in a different sphere likely to appeal to a bit more discriminating or adventurous crowd.
We had reservations (recommended) for a Saturday night at 6 pm and seated promptly upon arrival. The atmosphere was subdued with stone & art accents. The creative table lamps provided plenty of light while maintaining the mood. Our waiter, Uva, was perfect: Extremely affable & efficient but otherwise unobtrusive. I noticed that other waiters were likewise efficient with a full house.
We started with margaritas: Pineapple & Coconut for my sister while the missus & I had the Hibiscus...simply delightful. After a uniquely delicious appetizer of Street Corn in lieu of the tableside-prepared Guacamole, our entrees of 6 Pepper Salmon, Chicken & Spinach Enchiladas, Divorciadas Enchiladas, & the Carne Asada 8 oz ribeye with fries instead standard sides arrived timely. All my tablemates absolutely raved about their respective dishes. Our granddaughter had the Churros with ice cream for dessert but the adults were too sated for anything else. Consensus was that Luna's unique sauces for each dish were incomparably divine in helping make excellent, perfect.
I don't blow smoke or embellish reviews especially when I find an awesome restaurant that speaks for itself, deserving customer attention. Luna's is one of these. I selfishly would hate to make it anymore crowded than it already is, but this restaurant is that special. It would be a crime not to share it with others to experience for themselves.