Luna Ristorante — Restaurant in Newmarket

Update: Dec 2024

3/5

First time back since new owners have taken over and sad to say I’m dropping my rating from a 4 to a 3…

Although the food itself was still very good, there were several things throughout the evening that caused me to drop my rating:

1. Upon being seated with my gf and while waiting for our third guest to arrive, we were completely ignored for 12 mins. There was no water brought to our table and no one asked if we wanted a drink while we wait for our guest to arrive

2. Ordered the bruschetta and calamari appetizers - 2pc Bruschetta was brought out first and calamari trailed 15 mins later (I think they actually may have forgotten because we had to ask where the calamari was). So my friend who was just having the calamari had to sit and watch us eat the bruschetta since both appys didn’t come out at the same time

3. There was a hair in the bruschetta. Although the server replaced the bruschetta and took it off the bill (thank you, this is what restaurants should all do) - it was still an unpleasant experience.

4. Our meals took over an hour (from the point of ordering) to come out. I know there was a party taking place in the back room, but this is still an unacceptable period of time to be waiting for your meal

5. Tipping options are as follows: 18%, 20%, 25% - I’m sorry but restaurants that proactively set their moneris machines to start at 18% just leaves a bad taste in my mouth

6. When paying, our server stood directly behind us, which felt intimidating and pressuring to select at least the 18% option. TBH I had wanted to select “other” and type 15% but felt embarrassed given I had a shadow lurking directly behind me, likely watching what I was entering.

7. Lastly, (and not to be rude), but now that Luna is Indian-owned, the authenticity and feel of that small, homey, italian restaurant has completely dissipated.

Original post: Oct 2023

4/5

I've always wanted to try this Italian restaurant since it opened, and I was NOT disappointed! 🍕🍝

I came here with my two girlfriends for dinner on a Wed eve and was surprised by how busy it was for a week night! Despite being busy we were seated right away and had waters brought to us however when we ordered a bottle of wine for the table it took about 20m to come. When we ordered our food as well it unfortunately took well over an hour, which when you're starving, is no joy to wait. When the food did arrive however, we were absolutely delighted by the taste and quality 😋 👌 Everything was cooked to perfection and tasted spectacular.

The owner came to our table several times to check-in and chat and to make sure everything was okay, which was a nice personal touch. She even brought us over some in-house spicy oil for our pizza crust 🍕🌶🔥

The inside of this restaurant isarger than it appears on the outside and the interior has a modern, classy feel despite being in a dingy plaza 😜

If it wasn't for the extremely long wait times for our food and drinks, Luna Ristorante would have received 5/5 stars. With that being said, I'm looking forward to returning and trying other items on the menu, with hopefully...

Exceptional in every way!

After visiting more than a half-dozen times since discovering Luna, this review is long overdue. The truth is, I was hoping to keep it a secret. But judging by the other reviews, it's apparently too late for that.

So what's going on here that makes it so special? I think if I had to sum it up in one word it would be "experience". Not only the wonderful experience guests enjoy while dining here, but the obvious years of experience that owners Melanie and Domenic bring "to the table". Everything, and I mean every little detail, has been carefully planned and thought out. The decor is somehow all-at-once contemporary, tasteful, and classy, yet still comfortable and relaxing. And that extends from elegant tables set with proper crystal glassware, all the way to the cozy retreat of the guest washrooms.

The food is absolutely first rate in every way. Authentic Italian recipes, complemented by some subtle but very innovative modern twists, all prepared using the highest quality and freshest ingredients. The menu is extensive, and always includes specials. In addition, the kitchen is more than happy to accommodate personal preferences and dietary restrictions. I've been gradually working my way through the menu and trust me, you just can't go wrong. You could simply close your eyes and point.

But in my opinion, it's the level of service that Melanie provides that really pushes Luna over the top. Somehow, in spite of the incredible treats arriving from the kitchen, and the fine-dining ambience, Melanie manages to make you feel as though you and the guests at your table have been invited into her home for dinner. Everyone else in the room seems to disappear, and it's as though she's only there to take care of you. The first time I visited, I chose a wine from the wine list. What was it? I'm afraid I couldn't tell you. Why? Because ever since that first visit, Melanie simply asks if I'd like the same wine, and proceeds to show up with it. She knows what food I ordered that last time, and the time before that.

Over the years, I've had the pleasure of enjoying other fine dining experiences. I've also had the pleasure of enjoying many informal dinners with friends and family. But finding a restaurant that somehow combines both those pleasures into one experience? That's pretty rare. Now you know why I was hoping to keep it a secret. Highly...

This Saturday we came out to celebrate my bday and I was looking forward to celebrating it with my friends in a nice place! I saw that reviews for this restaurant were pretty good do we decided to try it out. I called them the day before to let them know how many people are coming and that we are coming with a baby and will need a booster/highchair and when we came in I wasnt even greeted properly and the first thing I heard from our waiter was how many people are coming. Now I want to say yes we were a bit late maybe by 15 min and that was our fault but common a little understanding goes along way! Its Saturday and there is traffic on yonge! Then I was told oh since we were late and everyone expected us at 5:30 that we should bare with them as more people are expected to come to the restaurant. Im sorry I understand places get busy but common you dont say that to a customer. You do your best! I think the waiter came once to ask about food and then forgot about us. No water refills and when my husband asked them to bring out the cake no tea or coffee was offered! Very disappointed and probably would never go to this restaurant again!:( oh forgot to mention that when we got our appetizers the waiter came out to me and asked me how are we paying? Im sorry but Ive ever had a place ask me about this when we barely touched the food! When I said separate checks the waiter almost had a cow saying how I should have told him this ahead of time! I worked at the restaurant myself and never once was this an issue.....This place didnt make me or my friends feel special at all! It seemed as if they were more concerned about taking care of their regulars that come in. Other that that I would like to give a big thank you to a chef as the food was great! :) Customer service needs to be worked on! This is how you...