Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar

Italian restaurant · Pacific Grove

Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar

Italian restaurant · Pacific Grove

2

Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar, 1188 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

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Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar by null
Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar by Allison Green
Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar by null
Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar by null
Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar by null
Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar by null
Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar by null
Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar by null
Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar by null
Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar by null
Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar by null
Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar by null
Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar by null
Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar by null
Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar by null
Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar by null
Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar by null
Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar by null
Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar by null
Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar by null
Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar by null
Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar by null
Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar by null
Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar by null
Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar by null
Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar by null
Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar by null
Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar by null
Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar by null
Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar by null
Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar by null
Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar by null
Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar by null
Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar by null
Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar by null
Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar by null
Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar by null
Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar by null
Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar by null
Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar by null
Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar by null
Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar by null
Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar by null
Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar by null

Highlights

Fresh pasta, mozzarella, gelato, cocktails, and a great date spot.  

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Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar, 1188 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 Get directions

mezzalunapasteria.com
@mezzalunapasteria

$50–100 · Menu

Reserve

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Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar, 1188 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 Get directions

+1 831 372 5325
mezzalunapasteria.com
@mezzalunapasteria

$50–100 · Menu

Reserve

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Last updated

Oct 24, 2025

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@infatuation

The 23 Best Restaurants In Monterey - Monterey - The Infatuation

"This dinner-only spot makes its own pasta, mozzarella, and gelato, and is one of our top picks for a date night in the area. Be sure to make a reservation if you want to dine indoors or on their heated, pet-friendly patio—the latter is especially ideal if your vision of the perfect date includes bringing your dog along as a third wheel. Standout dishes include the tre mozzarelle (a mix of fior di latte, burrata, and buffalo) and any of their seasonal stuffed pastas, like their corn and ricotta ravioli and the mushroom agnolotti. We also like that you can take home your own sauces and pastas—in fact, the best deal in Monterey might just be their family pack, where $40 gets you four servings of rigatoni bolognese, focaccia with tapenade, and a pint of gelato." - allison green, gabi moskowitz

https://www.theinfatuation.com/monterey/guides/the-best-restaurants-in-monterey
View Postcard for Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar
@infatuation

Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar - Review - Pacific Grove - Monterey - The Infatuation

"This dinner-only spot makes its own pasta, mozzarella, and gelato, and is one of our top picks for a date night in the area. Be sure to make a reservation if you want to dine indoors or on their heated, pet-friendly patio—the latter is especially ideal if your vision of the perfect date includes bringing your dog along as a third wheel. Standout dishes include the tre mozzarelle (a mix of fior di latte, burrata, and buffalo) and any of their seasonal stuffed pastas, like their corn and ricotta ravioli and the mushroom agnolotti. We also like that you can take home your own sauces and pastas—in fact, the best deal in Monterey might just be their family pack, where $40 gets you four servings of rigatoni bolognese, focaccia with tapenade, and a pint of gelato." - Allison Green

https://www.theinfatuation.com/monterey/reviews/mezzaluna-pasteria-and-mozzarella-bar
View Postcard for Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar

James N.

Google
Fresh pasta joint in Pacific Grove. Parking is easy and situated in local dining area. Walnut Old Fashioned was top notch and the duck pate was excellent. Pastas are on the firmer side but with nice chew; sauce work is well executed. Portions are small to medium. As for desserts, gelato is more icey than smooth; flour less chocolate cake was classic.

Krishna Kannan

Google
Food - Solid pasta, bread and burrata looked good. Note that their portion sizes are likely more than what you’re used to at an Italian restaurant. Service - Top notch. We even missed our reservation and they accommodated us in their hangout area. Overall, highly recommend. Please do yourself a favor and get a reservation!

Katarus Moore

Google
What an amazing dining experience! From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed—even on a busy night. The manager greeted me at the door, and although I sat at the bar, I was treated like a VIP thanks to the incredible service from Mr. Dre, the bar master. He promised to “transport me back to Italy,” and honestly, he and the kitchen delivered on that. I started with the Tre Mozzarella and a refreshing Capri Spritz—both were delicious and beautifully presented. The mozzarella trio had just the right balance of flavor and texture. Before I even had to ask, Mr. Dre had my next drink and main course ready like clockwork. That kind of attention to detail is rare. To top it all off, I ended the night with an Espresso Martini hands down the best I’ve had in the city. As a local, I felt genuinely welcomed and appreciated. I’ll definitely be coming back soon. This place is a hidden gem with five star service and flavor to match!!

Lee

Google
Loved everything from appetizers to dessert! Cocktails were excellent—the watermelon Aperol spritz was especially refreshing. We tried the bucatini all’amatriciana, rigatoni alla buttera, flourless chocolate cake with strawberry gelato, and the affogato—all absolutely delicious!

Ashley Reynolds

Google
Came here for my birthday, and everything was AMAZING. The ambiance is chilled, but very warm and welcoming. The staff was very attentive, sweet, extremely knowledgeable about the menus. The food did NOT disappoint! Everything was fresh, flavorful, and tasted like it was made with love! I highly recommend trying their lamb meatballs with polenta as an appetizer! Can’t wait to come back!

Tom Ullmann

Google
Best kept secret on the peninsula, except it's no secret! Wonderful food and drink. Outstanding standard of service! Top of my list, when we visit.

I A

Google
Great local pasta place. Pasta made onsite - and it shows! (And tastes). Affordable wine-list. Great service. Could be busy - make reservations. We’ve been here a few times, consistently great. Try duck pate.

Tim Chan

Google
We tried this place out because they offer outdoor seating. There are not a lot of outdoor tables. The seating is literally on the sidewalk along the front of the restaurant facing the street parking lot. There is a parking lot next door but can be crowded during busy times. Overall the food was okay. Some dishes we loved and others not so much. The staff was friendly and helpful.
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Corba D.

Yelp
The food and the service at Mezzaluna is great. We split a Caesar Salad and Lamb Meatballs for our appetizer. The salad was tasty, but the meatballs were melt-in-your-mouth delicious! The serve warm bread with a tapenade sauce with the appetizers. I was already full by the end of the antipasti phase of dinner. Our entrees were the chicken lasagna and the crab ravioli. Both were so good! We tasted one another's entree and switched plates about half way through our meal. The wait staff was very friendly and helpful. Even the other customers were friendly and engaging. We felt like long-time customers but this was a one-shot visit to Pacific Grove. Well... maybe not. We'll probably be back to enjoy the beautiful coast around Monterey and Carmel, and if we do, we'll definitely be back to Mezzaluna.
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Mekhala B.

Yelp
Service is great. All of the staff checks in on you and is super informed, not just your waiter. You can tell they're all very collaborative and make a good team. They accommodated me last minute as well and were extremely welcoming. Food was a bit meh. The free foccacia bread was probably the best part. I had the mezzaluna di zucca and it was a bit unseasoned. Pretty small portion for the price too. Not *bad*, just not great. I really didn't like the flourless chocolate cake. I asked for something without coffee flavoring and it was the only option (besides gelato), but it came out tasting like coffee. I mentioned this, but they didn't do anything remedy the situation. I really hate complaining about food and I rarely do, but I didn't like it to the point where I had to be honest when they asked me if I did. It's just awkward when they're like "aw too bad" vs at least asking me why or offering something else. I sucked it up and ate it since I paid for it, but not a super enjoyable experience. Probably wouldn't go back because I can't justify $70 for a meal like that.
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Nicole S.

Yelp
great service! the staff were able to accommodate for indoor seating and they were very kind/interactive. the food is amazing as well, with the option to accommodate for any dietary restrictions (the food I got was the Linguine Con Bolognese Di Melanzane, which was already perfect has it has no meat for me). Ambiance was nice and quiet at first, but then got a bit louder as more guests came to dine in that Sunday night, though by that time, we were already done eating and on our way out. 10/10, would come again!
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Emily S.

Yelp
The food here at mezzaluna was delicious! Iracema was our waiter and she was wonderful. She was so knowledgeable when we asked about the food and gave us great recommendations. Though the Rigatoni buttera and bolognese pasta was prepared and cooked deliciously I highly recommend the octopus as it was the absolute star of the show. It was cooked perfectly and laid on top of a DELICIOUS sauce. I am considering bringing my family up to Monterey one day just so that they can taste this octopus dish. We ended the night with tiramisu which was the dessert in the specials menu. All in all, I highly recommend this restaurant if you are craving some italian food and a nice ambiance.
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hello c.

Yelp
Everything was fabulous, the food, the service, the cocktails and a great glass of wine. My only regret is being too full to try the house made ice cream! Next time, we will be back.
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Koko M.

Yelp
This restaurant was an amazing find. We were in the area and decided last minute that we were hungry, walked in and asked if they had any room for us while they were fully booked up. They offered us the couch in front of the bar, and it was such a treat to be able to interact with the team and the fresh air since it was packed that would blow over us when the door was opened was actually welcomed. The food is absolutely phenomenal. I love the creative concoctions that they come up with the portions are perfect. The food is very rich, but somehow also settle at the same time which I know sounds contradictory, but it's true. The cocktails are delightful! Unique packed with flavor and it literally seems like every sip is a new drink like it takes you on a journey as you're drinking it! We have decided that whenever we're in the area, we are going to stop in until we've explored the entire menu For food and a little bit more exploring on the drink options. Definitely wanna make reservations because depending on what's going on in the area you may or may not be able to actually get a table or a seat and yes, they are that good and worth making the schedule work to be taken on this culinary adventure! Thank you to the entire team and for always making our visits so special.
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Ken C.

Yelp
Come check it out This place does pasta right. Reminiscent of North End in Boston. They start things off with a fresh foccicia bread with olive spread. Their actual pasta is incredible - fresh and rustic with the right amount of chew. We tried their bucatini and the linguine vongole. Both tasted so good we pretty much ate everything. The server was super attentive as well. Atmosphere is relaxed and cozy. And this place was popping
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Heley O.

Yelp
Omg this was one of the best Italian meals I've had in a long time. To start, we got the burrata con funghi, and it was phenomenal. The mushrooms were cooked perfectly with garlic with the perfect char, and the burrata brought an incredible creaminess for the perfectly balanced starter. For my entree, I got the rigatoni alla buttura and it was soooo good. The pasta shape was perfect for holding the sauce and the sausage in it was nice without being too overpowering. I lovedddd this pasta dish, and I would travel to come back here! I only wish I had a location near me in NYC so I could have the delicious pasta again.
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Krissy W.

Yelp
We really enjoyed this little gem in Pacific Grove. We were greeted warmly and seated quickly. Their food is amazing - we had the cheese trio appetizer with crostini and then two different pastas - both were excellent and flavorful with specialized homemade pasta. Drinks were good too. Highly recommend a visit. Don't hesitate to try their homemade gelato
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Svetlana P.

Yelp
My gluten-free omnivore friends love coming here. Seafood? You bet. Dangerously rich carbonara? Tempting to a fault. Eat now, and ask for forgiveness later. Goes without saying, there's an excellent selection of wines for a bacanalian night of gastronomical delight, and virgin cocktails, if you so desire.
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Becky L.

Yelp
4.5 STARS Lovely dinner even tho we sat outside, which I preferred as the weather in Pacific Grove has been hotter than usual. Seating outside is a bit noisy but it worked out OK. An idea they offer is a mozzarella bar , never seen this b4! I believe they had 4/5 options, we ordered the Tre Mozzarella plate which was plenty for the 4 of us, this included burrata, mozzarella, picked vegetables, red bell peppers which we traded out for fava beans, olives plus freshly grilled bread. A table pleaser for sure The pasta was all DEEELISHHHH, we each ordered something different from bucatini, linguini, ravioli & and pretty ruffle edge pasta I cannot pronounce all the pasta is homemade plus they offer whole wheat pasta the sauces were all excellent not overly creamy, garlicky or fishy just perfectly executed full of flavor. The cocktails looked FABULOUS although we brought a wonderful bottle of wine .
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Jenny H.

Yelp
Very nice experience! The place runs like a well oiled machine. Food is delicious as are the cocktails.
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Sara P.

Yelp
Our first visit. The food, service, ambiance were wonderful. We had cocktails to start; the lemon Sicily gin and tonic and the figetaboutit. Loved the figetaboutit. Wished I would have tried the amaretto sour. Our server brought delicious focaccia and olive tapenade for the table. For starters we had the Barbabietole al forno from the mozzetella list. It wad a nice salad to start. The beets were quite salty, but a bite with the raspberries, cheese and arugula went together nicely. My husband had the linguine al nero, the squid ink pasta with clams. It had an umami flavor highlighted from the clams. I had the pappardelle con bolognese di maiale. I loved every bite. I should have ordered an extra piece of bread just to get every last bit of sauce. For dessert we shared the tiramisu and espresso martini. A great way to end a lovely dinner. I also appreciated their Blue Zone menu. Healthy plant based options. It sounds like an initiative taken by the town to give healthier options for eating out. Can't wait to visit Pacific Grove and eat here again. Make reservations. It was even busy on a Sunday night.
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Robin L.

Yelp
This is absolutely one of the best restaurants on the Monterey Peninsula. The Italian food is top level along with fantastic Service. The vibe in the restaurant relaxing with a touch of elegance.
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Isabelle S.

Yelp
Loved this place. The service was really nice..I wish I sat inside it looked cozy but we had outdoor seating with the heater on. The list of digestivo (loved the flavor profiles given of each!) and the selection of gelato was incredible. We all had great dishes. The ones that stood out for me was insilata do primavera (loved the speck) and the Pappardelle con Bolognese di Maiale... The contrast of the buratta on the warm pasta was incredible. I would love to try their other dishes. So many choices but such little stomach space!
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Alex S.

Yelp
A little hole in the wall that I am so glad we discovered. Absolutely delicious pasta made on site, creative appetizer, and yummy gelato. Service was absolutely spot on.
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Cristina A.

Yelp
We came here for our anniversary. Great customer service from staff and food was delicious! Everything we ordered was good! Five star service and great ambience
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Kiana H.

Yelp
Got there slightly earlier than our reservation on OpenTable and was greeted by the host and seated immediately. Food was great and I am very picky about my Italian food. We ordered the Barada and the prosciutto to start I recommend both. Then for my main entrée, I ordered the carbonara paired with a Pinot Grigio on their wine list, so good! My friends and I had such a good time that we didn't realize we were the last table in the restaurant and they didn't rush us to get out. They made sure everything was good and even gave us a goodbye drink to taste before we left. I will be going back again.
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Beau G.

Yelp
This place has some superb pasta dishes. Absolutely incredible. All of their pastas are handmade from scratch every day and they use Italian imported, non GMO, heirloom wheat flour for all of their noodles. This makes a giant difference in the way your body feels after eating as there is no bloating, gross feeling afterwards as with most noodle based dishes consumed in the U.S. It is a small place with a small parking lot, but there is more parking on each side of the restaurant at either Safeway or Trader Joe's. The ambiance in here is nice and cozy with dim lighting, real tealight candles and flowers at each table, outdoor seating with blankets provided (no heat lamps), high chair bar seating, a few tables, and a couple plush, crushed velvet chair and couch seats. Service is great as well, they come around often to make sure you have everything you desire. Make a reservation in advance on Open Table as this place is small and very popular. Would recommend and come back anytime I am in the Monterey area. What a gem.

Evon C.

Yelp
The restaurant is small n cozy Service five star Captain is awesome n very accommodating The food is the best. So many to chose from one must keep returning to try Their lobster dish is superb The squid ink pasta you cannot get anywhere else Their salads are so delicious
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Courtney L.

Yelp
Everything was wonderful! We were seated right away, and service was fantastic. They bring complimentary focaccia and make sure that the table is cleaned and fresh utensils brought out between every course. We ordered the gnocchi di patate, gnocchi di zucca, and insalate Caesar. The Caesar dressing was great I just wish the salad had been a bit larger. The gnocchi was soft, fresh, and came out steaming hot. The Gorgonzola sauce was so good I practically ate it like soup. Make sure to ask for parmesan on top.
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Faviola F.

Yelp
What a place! We ordered Polpo alla griglia and Burrata con piselli for our appetizers. The octopus was cooked perfectly with the right balance of flavors, and the burrata was light and well-balanced with asparagus. For our main course, we had Linguine con aragosta and Rigatoni alla buttera. The pasta and meats were cooked and seasoned just right! Both great! The craft cocktails were unique and delicious, and the perfect balance of flavors. Thanks to Andres and Christian for their drink and food recommendations, as well as their excellent customer service! They tend to get busy quickly after opening, so it would be best to make a reservation!
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Greg C.

Yelp
Quick review of Mezzaluna in Pacific Grove. Getting better all the time. Been a while since we visited- sometimes it just happens for no reason- you forget. What a treat. With Amy and Soerke spending a lot of time with their new venture you'd think something would slip - not so. Mostly same crew, kitchen and servers. Adrian running the day to day onsite management things are like a Swiss watch. Last minute reservations are almost a thing from the past. Book early or you'll be placed at small bar - really a fun experience, however. You feel like you're in the action. Food is tops. All dishes. Can't go wrong with anything. Few of our favorites below. Go, eat, have fun. Prices higher like everything else but not crazy. Using your credit card is 4% charge - this is Very annoying frankly. Maybe if this was a low margin place ? It's not so just suck it up or pay cash. One last thought-- my pasta, the Squid pasta and clams was VERY Al dente. A little dry - no liquid in the dish. A bit surprising. Great flavor, just very chewy. Will order again and see if this was just a "one off"--
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Sal B.

Yelp
What a Great Restaurant Ive Been going for a couple years. On 1/5/24 I went Sat at Bar. Was surprised to See Fredo ( Whaling Station) Now Here I Told Him I Came for The Apple Chicken Lasagna and Butternut Squash. He goes up to My server Which is Ok They were Very Very Busy. I Think Best in Town. I was Attended By Other Servers Too. That you dont see Often in restaurants I Recommend This Great Place.
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Kent L.

Yelp
Came back for round 2! We got the rabbit pasta again and tried their carbonara. As with last time, really good flavors. However, this time around, unfortunately both pastas were a bit over cooked and slightest bit mushy. We tried the octopus appetizer which had a really delicious romesco sauce. Would definitely recommend getting this dish. My only complaint is that the octopus was probably not cooked long enough as it was still a bit tough in the center. They have a huge amaro selection, so I wanted to try one. Our server recommended the Meletti and it was a great digestif! I am torn as to whether I should get it again or try something new next time. We also got the watermelon refresher, which is alcohol-free but super refreshing! I'd get it again! Finally we had their gelato. The honey lavender and hazelnut were really flavor forward, can definitely tell what they are, which is nice. I think one of the staff misheard us, as our third gelato choice was going to be the cherry but we were given the vanilla. I would recommend trying something else; the vanilla was a bit subtle. Our server was awesome. I don't know his name, but he wears glasses. Very patient and had great recommendations. Food came a bit slow though. I would still come back and recommend others to eat this place out! Out the door paying $140 for 2 people.
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Tiger G.

Yelp
The place I was going to go to was closed and I saw the pasteria across the street so I ventured in. The hostess was really sweet and took her time answering my questions. I was getting a to go order that they made super fast. The place was busy so I appreciate them accommodating and being friendly. I had the squash ravioli which were huge and delicious . It came with focaccia bread. I believe they make their pasta from scratch there can't be a hundred percent sure. I would definitely dine in and thought it had a cute atmosphere they even have outdoor tables. Majority of the dishes were pasta or pizza so I recommend you check out the menu first. The vibe was lounge chic.

Pam V.

Yelp
This review is not for the food; it is for the front of the house staff. We made a reservation for dinner a day in advance. When we arrived, we were informed that there were no indoor tables available. The outdoor space here is literally on the sidewalk next to a busy street, and we did not select outdoor seating when we reserved. It was a cold night and we were dining with kids, so this was not a suitable option. When we pointed out an empty table inside the restaurant, we were told that the table was "already reserved." We also had a reservation, but apparently ours did not count. We were told that no indoor tables would be available the rest of the evening (it was only 6p). If there is no indoor seating available, then don't confirm our reservation in advance. Perhaps this restaurant could consider indicating indoor and outdoor selections when reserving instead of treating patrons as though they are - literally - being kicked to the curb. I am sure the food is good, but the service left a bad taste in our mouths.

Kimmy K.

Yelp
I've been to Mezzaluna twice and it's overall good! However, the second time, one of the pasta (rigatoni) was quite over cooked (pasta broke when lifted?) so the consistency may not be there. - rigatoni alla buttera: 4/5. My favorite pasta here but giving a 4/5 as the pasta itself was really over cooked the second time (3/5 vs 5/5 the first time I was here) -mafaldine con coniglio: 4/5. A lighter pasta that really lets the ingredients flavor shine through. If you don't like rabbit, would not recommend though as it's pretty dominant - focaccia: 5/5. Served warm and is extremely fragrant and delicious!
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Johnny D.

Yelp
OMG, This Hidden Gem, could give lessons on Service, Attention to detail, Fast service, Let alone the Superb food, When the facility Opens @ 5, an you have a reservation for 5.30, and they accommodate you, and 30 minutes later this wonderful place is "Packed" with customers. I say "Wow" what a place Raphael, & Enrique, are some of "KEYS" to this little hidden gem of a Restaurant, The Chef did a superb, job. My Bride, had the Lentil soup, Really good, I had the Chicken Lasagna, with a complex sauce, that was outstanding, Raphael recommended, a Negroni [from the Bar] a smokey classy drink to complement, my meal. My Bride, had the Clams, blacksquid ink linguine, in a garlic white wine sauce, absolutely amazing. This was are first time, but will be back. Thank you Thank you Johnny P. Dykzeul P.S. This was for Maria's Birthday Celebration
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Gina V.

Yelp
Mezzaluna always looks so crowded whenever we walk by, so we decided to try it for the first time! The staff was very accommodating; we did not have a reservation but they were able to seat us outside. They have blankets and heaters outside so it wasn't too cold. The food was great and we'd come back again. Drinks (5/5): the amaretto sour was light and sweet; the Negroni was stronger and had a good fruity aftertaste. Starter bread (4/5): not mind blowing but still pretty good. I liked the olive oil sauce that came with it. Octopus (3/5): the orange sauce that came with it was good. I wouldn't order it again because it is kind of pricey for what you get and the octopus meat was hard to chew. Spaghetti carbonara (4/5): very creamy and delicious with a good amount of meat Rigatoni (5/5): I can see why this is the most popular dish. It has a stronger and more memorable taste compared to the spaghetti carbonara. Flourless chocolate cake (2/5): the chocolate cake was too bitter and I think there should've been more ice cream to eat along with the cake. But the presentation was good.
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Jane H.

Yelp
Had a house made pasta craving and this place definitely hit the spot. Interior is cozy and there is exterior seating with blankets. Service was very friendly and attentive. Ordered: Polpo octopus appetizer - 4/5. Spanish style with a single large tentacle. Tender and not rubbery. Sauce, slices of potato, and pea shoot garnish Mafaldine pasta special with salmon chunks, chanterelle, garlic, and asparagus- 5/5. So so delicious. Mafaldine is my favorite pasta and it was perfectly al dente. The white sauce was deliciously garlicky and the chanterelle was golden and complemented the dish well. Spaghetti carbonara- 3/5. Could have been more flavorful. Didn't get much garlic or Parmesan flavor. The pork felt a bit greasy and I could taste the grease in the sauce. Lasagna pollo - 4.5/5. chicken lasagna . flavorful and good! Sauce reminded me of a vodka sauce. Too full for dessert but they have house made gelato pints at the door available to go. I'd come back and order the Mafaldine again. I'd try the zucchini ravioli dish as well in the future. A great option in the Bay Area for pasta.

Marie M.

Yelp
Where do I begin?? Stumbled upon this gem of a restaurant while walking to another restaurant. The food was phenomenal! Service was impeccable! Walked into a full house and was offered a seat in front of the bar which was absolutely perfect. Side notes this is a reservation only restaurant plan accordingly as there may not be seating if you randomly walk in. Sent numerous pics in family chat the entire night so they could share in this delightful experience! Also had an embarrassing episode. I used a credit card I closed but did not remove from my purse. Staff could not have been more tactful in letting me know my card was declined. Appreciated that gesture and it really cemented by opinion that this restaurant is one of the best on the Monterey Peninsula!
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Angela D.

Yelp
Food is AMAZING here! Make sure to have a reservation tho... the restaurant is tiny with limited tables. Tables outside have heaters and blankets available but on a cold evening make sure to secure a reservation inside. Service is fast. So why not 5 stars?? It would have been nice to offer bread with the pasta dishes, was not offered a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for the pasta, and the bill came with a 3% credit card fee when we paid with cash. We will still dine here tho The food is too good!
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Chris T.

Yelp
This place is ALWAYS hopping. We had reservations and we were sat immediately. We ordered two dishes off the Blue Zone menu: puttanesca and linguini funghi. Both were great. They make their pasta with sprouted whole wheat flour. There is so much filling in the squash ravioli you can really taste the squash. The servers have helpers so the service is great. Everything is handmade in house. And definitely order the flourless chocolate cake for dessert.

Mari C.

Yelp
I have been trying to dine here for the longest time and finally got the chance to. I made a reservation for outdoor seating. It was pretty cold but luckily they had heaters and blankets which was so nice. Our servers were so kind and always checking in on us. Definitely some of the best service I've gotten in the area. complimentary bread: 9/10 It was soft and I loved the olive dip offered as it's unique. mafaldine con coniglio: 9/10 The pasta was well-cooked and very flavorful. They added a good amount of coniglio. Great portion overall! pappardelle con bolognese di maiale: 10/10 My bf loved his pasta and said this place is up there for favorite pasta places he's tried. absolutely loved it and will be back!! food: 9/10 service: 10/10
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May N.

Yelp
I love this restaurant and go there every time I'm visiting the area! All the pastas are handmade and the sauces are incredibly delicious! Ordered the paparadelle with meat ragú which is always a favorite. This time they had a sweet corn ravioli which my teenage daughter loved. For dessert, we had the tiramisu and affogato which you can't go wrong ordering. The affogato was topped with crunchy almond brittle bits which put it over the top! Gelato is all made there; we were hoping to buy a pint of lemon Meyer gelato the next night to take out but restaurant was closed! Service is great! Ambiance is cozy! Reservations a week in advance to get your preferred time are advised!
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Bill S.

Yelp
Its a crime if you visit Pacific Grove and don't have dinner at Mezzaluna Pasteria and Mozzarella Bar. We've probably dined at Mezzaluna at least three or four times that I can recall. The food is incredible and the service is impeccable. Last night was the first night of our anniversary weekend. Our reservation was originally for a table outside, but it was a bit breezy and a tad bit cold(understatement). The hostess greeted us when we arrived and we let her know we wanted to sit inside. We could see that every table was taken, but we were willing to wait. She said she had a table opening up at 7:45 which was no biggie. There was a gentleman that was kind enough to give up a seat at the bar so the Mrs. and I decided to park ourselves there for the evening. The bar isn't very big. Maybe three or four seats. It is, however; a great place to food watch. Our incredible server, unfortunately I don't think she gave us her name, arrived to go over the specials for the evening. While sitting at the bar enjoying my Black Manhattan while looking over the menu, I kept noticing this dish go by with a large piece of bone marrow on it. I asked about the dish and was told it was the Zupa di Vongole from the Antipasti portion of the menu. Which was clam chowder served with bone marrow and country toast. Hell-to-the-yes I'm going to try it. When the food runner dropped it if, he said that chef suggested scraping the bone marrow into the chowder and mixing it up to thicken the soup. So I did that and WOW is all I can say. The richness of the marrow mixed with the creaminess of the chowder was like nothing I've ever tasted before and probably never will. The Mrs. Ordered the Insalata Caesar. For my main dish, I ordered the Malfadine di Carota con Congilio which was wide ribbon carrot pasta with white wine braised rabbit, roasted artichokes, sage, and pine nuts. Our server described the dish as cute and delicious. Lol! Agreed. Very delicious actually. The Mrs. ordered the Spaghetti alla Carbonara which I'm sure many of you are familiar with. It was really good. Every Italian restaurant has their own way of preparing it, but Mezzaluna's is one of the best. We skipped desert being that we were waist deep in cocktails and pasta. I'm looking forward to returning to Mezzaluna next year.
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Don B.

Yelp
Great food. Great cocktails. Great bartender. First time in and everything was excellent from the warm greeting to the heartfelt goodbye. We decided to sit at the bar and watch the kitchen and everything going on like a dinner theater. The bartender Andreas kept us entertained with his many stories and his description of all the cocktails he made. We shared one with bourbon, bitters, and fig jam. It was excellent. We ordered and shared the Octopus appitizer and a glass of Wrath Pinot Noir. The food was delicious and cooked perfectly. We will for sure be back and visit our new friend behind the bar. What a perfect evening and a nice little restaurant.
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Joy L.

Yelp
My husband and I passed bye this restaurant many times before stopping. We would see it at the stop light on the way to Safeway, but never stopped as the location is not walkable and somewhat makes the restaurant an afterthought for us. 100% we wished we had stopped here earlier!!! Friendly staff, amazing drinks and the food is mouthwatering. Yes it notes that mozzarella bar, but the pasta and the drinks are the reason we will come back. Possibly I would even go as far as to come have a cocktail here if I'm not going for dinner. By far the best craft cocktails I have had in Pacific Grove.
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Nicole B.

Yelp
I was extremely pleased with my meal at Mezzaluna. After arriving on a Saturday, the staff and manager were extremely accommodating and were able to seat me right away. Service continued to be perfect, and the food was delicious! The bread and tapenade was hot and fresh, the mushroom soup was nice, though a little bland. However, the butternut squash mezzaluna raviolis were exceptional! I am extremely glad to have been able to try this PG gem.

Nicole D.

Yelp
came here for our 4 year anniversary and was blown away! delicious food, cool atmosphere, and out of the way from the sometimes crowded downtown monterey!
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Deana M.

Yelp
We started with a delish bottle of Orma, an Italian Tuscan red blend. Give it a moment to open up! We ordered the meatballs and the tre mozzarella for appetizers. Both were excellent. My husband had the lasagna and I ordered the Rigatoni Buttera. I think my eyes were bigger than my stomach! I took home my rigatoni to enjoy the next day! No room for dessert this time. Service was top notch! I can't wait to go back and try a different pasta dish.
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Christy W.

Yelp
Delicious and great service! The prosciutto di toscano was very flavorful. Our favorite was the ravioli con spinaci - the variety of mushrooms and the sauce emulsion was very unique. The entrees took a while to come out, in true Italian fashion.

Autumn A.

Yelp
Honestly best place to eat on the Monterey peninsula. Brenda is the BEST server. We love sitting in her section. She adds such a special touch to a date night out. We can't wait to be back!
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M S.

Yelp
This place is a great Italian find for the area food wise. I love this place and it's so cute inside and outside since the ambiance gives upscale and classy. The service has always been very great and with filling the waters + attentive. It can be pricey with what you get but worth it since can taste the quality. Will be back (:

Logan H.

Yelp
Any time we are near Monterey, this is our go to place. So good. We love this place and can't wait to go back.
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Dan B.

Yelp
This is a special place. Don't be deceived by the storefront on busy Forest Ave near Safeway. We were transported to a corner of Italy thanks to reservations and a host that escorted us through the bustling dining room to a quieter table in the back. I braced for impact since I have bristled in the past when overpaying for a simple bowl of pasta in other places. But while I would not label Mezzaluna a cheap restaurant it really earns the stars because of the quality of the food and service. We shared a salad special that was alike a Caprese but different. It was Mozzarella with cherry heirloom tomatoes with basil and topped with fresh pea sprout shoots. With some fresh ground pepper and a little salt to taste it was a very nice starter. We enjoyed it with the fresh herb focaccia with olive oil tapenade. We shared two orders of pasta which were both great though very different. The rigatoni alla Burrata was sophisticated and a little spicy but a wonderful earthy flavor that let the smoked pork essence shine without feeling like a meat sauce. The ravioli di granchio (crab ravioli in a butter sauce) was a completely different flavor profile but equally awesome. The crab was pleantiful and the sauce was much more interesting than just butter. There may have been lemon and herbs and white wine in it but regardless it was light and elegant. My only criticism might be that there was more sauce than necessary given that it was butter-based. We finished with the tiramisu and this was the real deal. Possibly the best tiramisu I've ever had. Served with a mint garnish, I suggest sharing it with a close friend who isn't as hungry as you are. And be sure to tear off the mint leaves to enjoy with the dessert. It really elevated this dessert above other places serving something similar. Mezzaluna is a special restaurant that deserves a visit.
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Lisa B.

Yelp
Excellent! Fresh pasta, large portions, homemade bread, delicious burrata. Ate outside in the crisp 60' breeze. Not too bad w/ the blankets and heater. Don't trip on the little metal thing by the front door though! Burrata appetizer was delicious w/ lightly roasted tomatoes and a sprinkling of pesto. They were kind enough to give us a few more pieces of bread, when my daughter asked. Special salmon pasta was delicious w/ fresh chanterelle mushrooms. A little pricey for $39, but delish! 2 of us ordered the gnocchi appetizer for our entree. One was perfect, the other was burnt (hence the one star deduction). About 15 pieces of gnocchi fried in brown butter. I had the butternut squash ravioli. It was perfectly cooked, came on a hot dish and definitely on the sweeter side. Loved it. Prompt, friendly service. Definitely a locals place in a little strip mall.

Paul K.

Yelp
Nice place located in Pacific Grove. A lot of businesses cater to tourists, this place caters to good food. Had the rigatoni and my wife had squid ink pasta. Both were delicious but rigatoni hands down my favorite. Enrique and Rafael were our servers. They were attentive and informative. If you're looking for a great place to dine, this should be top of your list.