Mezzaluna & The Drawing Room — Restaurant in Fargo

Though I am not a foodie by any means, I have been all over the world and have had the privilege and luxury of eating at a Michelin Starred restaurant more then once. With that being said I believe the chef and his team here at Mezzaluna have in my humble opinion food comparable with that level of cuisine which is a rare thing to find in this country indeed, never mind downtown Fargo. If you’re looking for fine dining and the elevated experience that comes with it there really is no other restaurant here that is comparable. The head chef’s talent lies in his precise mixture of both classic and new age fair that borrows from staples collected from every corner of America’s varied regional cuisines. The flavors themselves are so delicately influenced by French cooking that even my untrained palette can appreciate them without getting lost. As can often be the case with some of the more recent convoluted flavor profiles awash in today’s fine dining establishments. Showing that simplicity and fresh ingredient’s can still elevate your dishes beyond just what is expected of the run in the mill almost token “fine dining” establishments you find in almost every town across the country or even in the bastions of semi-guided or starred restaurants that have all but excused themselves from cooking altogether. The chefs at Mezzaluna manage to achieve this without turning bacon into foam and service into an almost Cirque Du Soleil esq. flaming truffle aioli extravaganza that in the end exists merely to cover up the flaws of modern innovation for innovations sake cooking. Where sterile bags have replaced the range and nearly everything has been converted to some kind of ill begotten fondant. Their ability to bring together competing textures (shrimp and grits anyone) and an almost playful recognition of the average Americans more basic pallet to the small additions of international savory classics united under an alternative but not over reaching style gives the menu some of its biggest stand outs. In particular the grilled Chicken skewers with a molasses bourbon glaze served with jalapeño cornbread stands equally reminiscent of the barbecue stalwarts of both Bangkok and Houston from which it takes inspiration, and the Japanese wagyu presented in a traditional Denver zabuton cut with pommes fondant ringed in an understated black garlic purée that is somehow the boldest stand out in a dish packed with rustic flavor were my personal favorites on the new menu. There are even some dishes that are an experience unto themselves. The beef Rigotoncini, paired with a simple stout red wine based balsamic sauce and tossed with melted Asiago cheese in particular left not only a completely clean plate but a feeling of true wholesomeness in it experience. It goes without saying that an establishment of this type strives for perfection in everything it does and without each piece working together the machine would break down. From the wait staff who have every item and potential pairing from the menu memorized, to bartenders who remember your preferred libation from your first visit months prior, or the attentive restaurant managers who keep it all running, the front of the house at Mez is no exception. Translating the same level of precision the Chef has brought to his food to the guests experience. Giving this restaurant not just the ingredients needed to make an establishment of a certain guides calibre but also those rarest of spices searched for everywhere by the wealthy and working class alike in Singaporean street food back alleys to uptown manhattan 500 dollar a plate eateries. That which in my opinion is worth much more than some stuffy French travel books “praises”. Two words brought together into a setting and feeling that in any arena you could spend your life searching for and it would not be wasted… Comfort and Soul. I don’t usually write reviews but people who dedicate so much of their lives and time to give strangers something more meaningful then just a plate of food should be recognized and Mezzaluna...

A Gastronomic Journey: Indulge in Elevated Cuisine at Mezzaluna

Located in the heart of downtown Fargo, Mezzaluna offers a sophisticated and unforgettable dining experience that seamlessly combines artful presentation, locally sourced ingredients, and impeccable service. With its refined atmosphere and exquisite menu, Mezzaluna has earned its place as one of Fargo's premier fine dining establishments.

From the moment you step through the doors of Mezzaluna, you are greeted by an elegant and intimate ambiance. The restaurant's sleek and modern decor, adorned with warm lighting and tasteful artwork, sets the stage for a memorable culinary journey. Whether celebrating a special occasion or seeking a romantic dinner for two, Mezzaluna provides an ideal setting.

The menu at Mezzaluna showcases a fusion of classic and contemporary American cuisine, emphasizing seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Each dish is crafted with artistic precision, reflecting the chef's culinary mastery and passion for gastronomy. From appetizers to desserts, the flavors are thoughtfully balanced, and the presentation is a feast for the eyes.

For a tantalizing start, the seared scallops or foie gras are divine choices. The main courses offer a variety of options, including succulent steaks, fresh seafood, and vegetarian delicacies. Standout dishes such as the herb-roasted lamb rack or the pan-seared sea bass demonstrate the kitchen's dedication to quality and flavor innovation.

Complementing the culinary excellence is Mezzaluna's knowledgeable and attentive staff. From guiding diners through the menu to suggesting thoughtfully curated wine pairings, the staff strives to create an exceptional dining experience. Their professionalism and passion for food shine through, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the meal.

To complete the experience, Mezzaluna offers a selection of decadent desserts that are both visually stunning and delicious. Indulge in classics like the crème brûlée or venture into more contemporary options such as the chocolate hazelnut torte. The dessert menu is the perfect ending to a truly remarkable dining experience.

It is worth noting that Mezzaluna's commitment to excellence extends beyond the dining room. The restaurant actively supports local farmers and producers, promoting sustainability and community engagement. This dedication to sourcing high-quality ingredients is evident in each carefully crafted dish, creating a true farm-to-table experience.

In summary, Mezzaluna stands out as a culinary gem in Fargo's restaurant scene. Its combination of refined ambiance, expertly executed dishes, and attentive service creates an exceptional dining experience. Whether seeking a special occasion destination or simply desiring an extraordinary meal, Mezzaluna is an unrivaled choice that will leave a lasting impression on any...

We had dinner here with our two-year old toddler.

The restaurant is very nice with an elegant, but not too overbearing atmosphere. We dressed casual and did not feel out of place, yet still felt like we were somewhere that was more upscale that your average restaurant.

The waitress was quite attentive and was able to inform us what dishes would accommodate our child's food allergies. They didn't have a kid's menu from what I recall so we ordered the Salmon for her.

I had the beef tartare and the wagyu zabuton. My partner had the walleye with the risotto.

The beef tartare came with some gourmet crackers that had cheese on it as well as some crostinis. It was different from most tartares I've had in the past but still very delicious. The tartare I had that night did not include any egg yolk. There was definitely some attention paid to the presentation of the food as it was arranged in an aesthetically pleasing way.

The wagyu zabuton was also arranged quite nicely. the pearl onion and pommes fondant both paired nicely with the black garlic puree and beef fat chimichurri. The amount of meat was a little bit less than I was expecting, but since I had the beef tartare that evening, it was more than enough food. The steak was also cooked medium rare nicely, as I requested. The meat was juicy and tender and could be enjoyed with or without the puree and chimichurri.

Our child thoroughly enjoyed her salmon which is quite good since she can be a picky eater at times.

We were all treated to bread with honey butter prior to our main dishes wish was exquisite. We were also given blood orange sorbet which was unexpected and also a very welcome treat.

They have a good selection of red, white and rose wines. We enjoyed the Riesling they had at the time which was quite sweet and pleasant on the palate.

We are looking forward to dining here in the future and seeing what the other...