Tuscan Moon Grill on Fifth — Restaurant in Kalona

Fool me twice... This eatery is set on a side street in a tiny unassuming rural community that is known for Amish farms and cute little shops. Considering this restaurant's elevated reputation, it was quite a disappointing experience. The first time we ate there was last summer on the weedy slippery brick outer courtyard where people can eat in nice weather; it was uneven underfoot with tacky little tables and wobbly chairs. The second time was lunch in an interior that resembled a boozy barroom that they squeezed some dining tables into with many people drinking at the tiny bar who appeared to be dressed for working construction jobs. (Where was the pretty dining room with the lovely linen covered tables shown on the website?) The food was unattractively plated and the flavors mundane. The Ceasar salad didn't resemble any Ceaser we had seen before and the let down of a Wedge salad which wasn't an actual wedge but loose lettuce leaves had some kind of greasy salted meat on it, (possibly bacon or ham?). The salmon fettuccine was somehow dry and yet greasy at the same time. My companion had a pasta dish of some kind and I noticed she barely touched it and said it was very bland. One more thing: in order to get inside, as far as we experienced, you have to pass through a dark outer passageway to a rickety wooden porch. And when you leave, you have to struggle with a hard to open door with employees watching you struggle and not offering to open it for you, then make your way down the wooden steps to the dark brick-floored passageway to get back out in the street. I wonder if we should go back one more time... perhaps we just caught the place on a couple of bad days(?). Pros: Good bleu cheese dressing. The wait staff were adequate. Convenient location in the town. Since the brewery restaurant closed down, this is one of only a few choices to eat in Kalona. Cons: Uncomfortable seating. Bland food that was...

Very very good meal, even with the limitations.

My wife and I went here for the first time last night. We loved the atmosphere, staff, service, and food. I had the chicken marsala which I thought was done perfectly. My wife had the salmon which she thought was also perfect.

Our waitress was very pleasant and she seemed to be completely focused on us having a great experience. She took the time to help us decide on an appetizer. The shrimp bruschetta was amazing! In the course of our meal I noticed her and the other servers taking their time with other guests. I also noticed them walking very quickly when they weren't at a table. This is clearly the result of proper coaching by the owners and is much appreciated by their guests.

Tuscan Moon has an excellent wine selection and the owner apparently has a reputation as a bit of an amateur somelIier. I was hoping to have the owner pick a wine for me, but at the last minute my wife suggested a beer. I will be having wine next time!

As far as the limitations there are two.

The first is that they have a very limited menu. Which is understandable given that they are not a huge restaurant chain.

The second limitation is that all of their desserts are good, but not all are exceptional. Specifically the Tiramisu was a good solid Tiramisu, but my wife felt that it was a bit sweet for her taste.

We will definitely be...

What a wonderful place to have a very intimate dining experience. I have had the privilege of having several wonderful meals. The food is not your average menu, rather it is very creative. For example I was delighted to experience the mahi mahi tacos during one recent visit served with a corn and bean and cabage mixture that made the tacos a peasure to taste. The wine list is extensive but organized very well. The owners visit each table to check on you. They both always are able to offer great wine parings. I read other reviews complaining about slow service and the numerous times I have dined there I have been more then completely satisfied by the quality and service. The Tuscan Moon is a dining experience that should be enjoyed, you should enter the dining room with the idea that it is time to slow down, relax, and enjoy the atmosphere. If you are looking for an applebys or lone star steak house then this isn't the place to be. But if you want a high standard of service and quality then please visit. Please do not write negative reviews because you expect a fast food restaurant thank you for...