Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar sits on a quiet stretch of Pacific Grove, a few blocks removed from the main Monterey flow. Step through the front door and the dining room opens up right away – tables line the center and walls, spaced for easy movement even when the place fills up. Off to one side, a bar anchors the room, mostly serving drinks and mozzarella plates. Regulars tend to favor this spot for a view into the kitchen’s pace.
The menu keeps close to Italian tradition, with nearly everything made in-house. Pasta is rolled and shaped daily in the back, and gluten-free options are always ready. The mozzarella bar sets the tone for starters – plates like Tre Mozzarelle or burrata with spring vegetables land on most tables. Appetizers lean classic: grilled octopus, lamb meatballs with polenta, and duck pate when it’s on rotation. Pasta dishes shift with the season but usually include rigatoni with sausage, spinach ravioli, and the occasional seafood special – linguine with lobster or crab ravioli show up when available. The wine list stays concise, covering the basics, while the bar mixes a handful of craft cocktails and a couple of non-alcoholic drinks, like an elderflower mocktail. Desserts run to the Italian standards – tiramisu, panna cotta, and whatever else is in season.
Lighting stays soft, and the decor keeps things understated – nothing flashy, just enough for a comfortable, drawn-out dinner. Most guests settle in for a few hours, whether for a date or a family meal.
Parking is straightforward – street spaces out front and along the side are usually open. Restrooms sit in the back, easy to spot. The kitchen works around dietary restrictions, especially gluten-free, and both bar and table seating are available depending on preference.
There’s no patio or outdoor seating, and no live music or events – just a direct, focused setup centered on the food. Reservations help, especially for dinner.
Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar