Pasta Luna

I find it hard to believe that a business can be run like this. I should have known walking in on a Saturday night and there were few table sat...empty. We were greeted by a young man who had no business being a host. The server was slow and for whatever reason smiles on the faces of the staff were absent. The food was terrible. Frozen Italian dinners taste better. Coffee was cold, it was just horrible. Save your money and go anywhere else for a quality dining experience. Very sad as it aws at one time a top notch place to dine.... or so I am told. Pros: bathrooms worked but were dirty and smelled...but they worked Cons: everything else more

I find it hard to believe that a business can be run like this. I should have known walking in on a Saturday night and there were few table sat...empty. We were greeted by a young man who had no business being a host. The server was slow and for whatever reason smiles on the faces of the staff were absent. The food was terrible. Frozen Italian dinners taste better. Coffee was cold, it was just horrible. Save your money and go anywhere else for a quality dining experience.\r \r Very sad as it aws at one time a top notch place to dine.... or so I am told. Pros: bathrooms worked but were dirty and smelled...but they worked Cons: everything else more

We had friends visiting this weekend and came to Pasta Luna because of the ratings. Sorry to say that the ambiance was lacking. The service was mediocre and the food was average. They were out of alot of the choices on the menu. Very disappointed!! The desert was good. more

We had friends visiting this weekend and came to Pasta Luna because of the ratings. Sorry to say that the ambiance was lacking. The service was mediocre and the food was average. They were out of alot of the choices on the menu. Very disappointed!! The desert was good. more

I just finsihed eating two minutes ago, and I felt like I had to rush right over to the computer and write a review, thats how bad this place is! After getting out of work late, I decided to swing by Pasta Luna for some carry out. Bad decision, but I had seen reviews raving about the place, so I thought why not. When I picked up the food, I was shocked by my bill (my husband was out of town) for a meal for one. I ordered a side of mozzarella sticks and the gnocchi which came with a side salad. I figured that it cost so much because it was great, authentic Italian food. Not the case. This was THE worst meal I have ever had. Right down to the side salad, which instead of a classic vinaigrette, was served with a half filled plastic container of olive oil. It was so bad, I had to add my own dressing from home to it to even eat it. Next, the mozzarella sticks (i use that term lightly) were absolutely disgusting, not to mention swimming in a pool of grease (and I like greasy food...) I couldn't even eat them. By this point, I was just hoping that the gnocchi was going to be fabulous, to make up for everything else. I had asked before ordering if this pasta was homemade, because if it isn't, its not worth ordering, and there was a hesitation, and then a yes... I assure you those are NOT homemade dumplings. They tasted worst than the prepackaged kind you can by at Kroger for two bucks, I wont even get into the horrible tasting sauce...or maybe I should say the lack of taste, it was like the sauce from 'spaghetti o's'...gross. This was such a disappointment. They should be ashamed to post "#1 Italian Restaurant in Richmond" The only way someone could think that, is if they had never tasted Italian food before...and they were paid to say it! I will never go back there again, don't waste your money...go down the street to Maggiano's, it'll probably cost less! Pros: nothing Cons: everything more

I just finsihed eating two minutes ago, and I felt like I had to rush right over to the computer and write a review, thats how bad this place is! \r \r After getting out of work late, I decided to swing by Pasta Luna for some carry out. Bad decision, but I had seen reviews raving about the place, so I thought why not. When I picked up the food, I was shocked by my bill (my husband was out of town) for a meal for one. I ordered a side of mozzarella sticks and the gnocchi which came with a side salad. I figured that it cost so much because it was great, authentic Italian food. Not the case. \r \r This was THE worst meal I have ever had. Right down to the side salad, which instead of a classic vinaigrette, was served with a half filled plastic container of olive oil. It was so bad, I had to add my own dressing from home to it to even eat it. Next, the mozzarella sticks (i use that term lightly) were absolutely disgusting, not to mention swimming in a pool of grease (and I like greasy food...) I couldn't even eat them. \r \r By this point, I was just hoping that the gnocchi was going to be fabulous, to make up for everything else. I had asked before ordering if this pasta was homemade, because if it isn't, its not worth ordering, and there was a hesitation, and then a yes... I assure you those are NOT homemade dumplings. They tasted worst than the prepackaged kind you can by at Kroger for two bucks, I wont even get into the horrible tasting sauce...or maybe I should say the lack of taste, it was like the sauce from 'spaghetti o's'...gross.\r \r This was such a disappointment. They should be ashamed to post ""#1 Italian Restaurant in Richmond"" The only way someone could think that, is if they had never tasted Italian food before...and they were paid to say it! I will never go back there again, don't waste your money...go down the street to Maggiano's, it'll probably cost less! Pros: nothing Cons: everything more

Very disappointed. Ordered a lunch for our office. We were told that the food would feed 12, we got enough to barely feed half that many. Price was $123!!! plus delivery and tips charges. When we called to complain, the owner was very nasty and said he couldn't help it that we had "big eaters". Extremely overpriced for the amount of food received, plus VERY POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE. more

Some co workers and I went to Pasta Luna for lunch today and were amazed at just how bad everything was. 1. The service was terrible, not because the waitress was rude, but because she was the only waitress for a large restaurant half full of people. This is actually poor management, which resulted in poor service. The funny thing was that she actually seemed embarrassed by the food that she served us. You could tell she was afraid to ask us how it was. She also rang up the order wrong and charged us an extra $5, which we didn't notice until we had already had our cards run. At that point we just wanted out of there. 2. The food was so terrible my co worker actually could not eat his salmon burger. I tasted it just to see how bad it was and it tasted like they replaced salmon with anchovies. It was so salty and it seemed like something Andrew Zimmern would be paid to eat. I got a pasta dish that was not unlike canned spaghetti o's. 3. Everything is way overpriced for what it is. I paid $9 for a small bowl of cheap, flavorless, pasta, that would make even chef boyardee turn in his grave. I hate chain restaurants, but I promise you are better off going to the olive garden on a bad day. Places that actually have good italian food in richmond - mama zu's, mama cucina's, edo squids, 8 1/2, etc...not Pasta Luna. You actually could not pay me to eat there again. I wish there was a rating that was less than 1 star, I really do. Pros: It wont be around for another 5 years at this rate Cons: all of the above. more

Some co workers and I went to Pasta Luna for lunch today and were amazed at just how bad everything was. \r 1. The service was terrible, not because the waitress was rude, but because she was the only waitress for a large restaurant half full of people. This is actually poor management, which resulted in poor service. The funny thing was that she actually seemed embarrassed by the food that she served us. You could tell she was afraid to ask us how it was. She also rang up the order wrong and charged us an extra $5, which we didn't notice until we had already had our cards run. At that point we just wanted out of there. \r 2. The food was so terrible my co worker actually could not eat his salmon burger. I tasted it just to see how bad it was and it tasted like they replaced salmon with anchovies. It was so salty and it seemed like something Andrew Zimmern would be paid to eat. I got a pasta dish that was not unlike canned spaghetti o's. \r 3. Everything is way overpriced for what it is. I paid $9 for a small bowl of cheap, flavorless, pasta, that would make even chef boyardee turn in his grave. I hate chain restaurants, but I promise you are better off going to the olive garden on a bad day. \r \r Places that actually have good italian food in richmond - mama zu's, mama cucina's, edo squids, 8 1/2, etc...not Pasta Luna. You actually could not pay me to eat there again. I wish there was a rating that was less than 1 star, I really do. Pros: It wont be around for another 5 years at this rate Cons: all of the above. more

We set up a retirement dinner for almost 60 people so you would have thought we'd get acceptable service. There was no air conditioning (it was 98 degrees outside that day) and there hadn't been air for two days. We didn't know this until we walked in the evening of the dinner. The owner kept telling us someone was on the way...ha...he knew ""his guy"" was out of town for the weekend and apparently hadn't bothered to call anyone else. He didn't offer fans...we had to bring our own. Things happen, but this guy didn't even bother to come out and apologize for the inconvenience. The manager on duty was very nice and did the best he could, as did the rest of the staff. The salads and entrees were fair but not worth the money. The deserts were awful. I think some of them melted and the cheesecake was horrible, grainy and no taste. A glass of house wine was hideously expensive . The floor on the way to and in the restrooms was wet and like a sheet of ice. Things weren't as clean as they should have been...floors, walls, windows, etc. Thankfully most people in our group dealt with the discomfort and inconvenience well and we did receive a small reduction in price (not near enough for what we put up with). The owner of this restaurant is just not ""with it"". He says one thing and does another and doesn't seem to remember either. I thought this may have been a fluke but so many people have told us they have had bad experiences at this restaurant it's obviously a pattern. It was a good place to eat in the past and it's a shame things have changed so drastically. This only reaffirms my feelings that eating out is a gamble and usually not worth the price or trouble. Pros: None. Cons: Not clean, poor value, poor customer service. more

We set up a retirement dinner for almost 60 people so you would have thought we'd get acceptable service. There was no air conditioning (it was 98 degrees outside that day) and there hadn't been air for two days. We didn't know this until we walked in the evening of the dinner. The owner kept telling us someone was on the way...ha...he knew "his guy" was out of town for the weekend and apparently hadn't bothered to call anyone else. He didn't offer fans...we had to bring our own. Things happen, but this guy didn't even bother to come out and apologize for the inconvenience. The manager on duty was very nice and did the best he could, as did the rest of the staff. The salads and entrees were fair but not worth the money. The deserts were awful. I think some of them melted and the cheesecake was horrible, grainy and no taste. A glass of house wine was hideously expensive . The floor on the way to and in the restrooms was wet and like a sheet of ice. Things weren't as clean as they should have been...floors, walls, windows, etc. Thankfully most people in our group dealt with the discomfort and inconvenience well and we did receive a small reduction in price (not near enough for what we put up with). The owner of this restaurant is just not "with it". He says one thing and does another and doesn't seem to remember either. I thought this may have been a fluke but so many people have told us they have had bad experiences at this restaurant it's obviously a pattern. It was a good place to eat in the past and it's a shame things have changed so drastically. This only reaffirms my feelings that eating out is a gamble and usually not worth the price or trouble. Pros: None. Cons: Not clean, poor value, poor customer service. more

This is a very nice place to dine. I went back in High School for Homecoming. The food was wonderful, but it was very expensive. This is the type of place to go when you want to treat yourself. The pasta is wonderful but it is easier to get seated if you get there early. There may be a line on weekend nights. Homecoming and Prom season make this place even more difficult to get into. Pros: great italian food, nice atmosphere Cons: price, availability, parking more

This is a very nice place to dine. I went back in High School for Homecoming. The food was wonderful, but it was very expensive. This is the type of place to go when you want to treat yourself. The pasta is wonderful but it is easier to get seated if you get there early. There may be a line on weekend nights. Homecoming and Prom season make this place even more difficult to get into. Pros: great italian food, nice atmosphere Cons: price, availability, parking more

Although this location is older, the atmosphere, complete with low lighting and candles on the table and soft music, is great. It has a romantic feel and is good for a date or for the family if you are wanting a quiet atmoshere. The food is plentiful and I have yet to taste anything that I did not like. I recommend the Tilapia or Salmon or Pasta Luna's own Penne Pasta Luna. I have always found the staff to be highly capable and efficient. I would recommend this to anyone for a moderately priced night out. Pros: Great ambiance more

I have eaten at Pasta Luna countless times in the past 10 years with coworkers, on date nights, for special occasions, etc... I recommended it to others many times as one of my top choices. The lasagna is great and other favorites are the Penne Pasta Luna (goodness...mmm), Rigatoni Al Forno, and Rigatoni Ala Vodka. Pasta Luna also used to have a great portion/price ratio. It was served exclusively family style...they'd bring out huge, eye-popping frying pans full of pasta...all for a reasonable price. We'd pass around the dishes until our guts were busting and we'd usually have something to take home. But times have changed since the opening of their southside location and a menu change. The prices are too high (think NYC high) and they've done away with the standard, family-style servings. One waiter at the southside location literally told us they weren't making enough money off of customers serving the family-style portions. My thought was that it had worked for years and I can't help but think that I'm paying the higher price to help expand the business. Anyway, I can't stomach paying $16 for a single serving of pasta (no salad, no side)--not often anyway. I find myself longing for Pasta Luna's "old days." Some anecdotes to close with: I remember taking a good friend there years ago for the first time. We had wanted to eat outside but the patio was closed that day. The owner told us we could go elsewhere but we'd miss out. We stayed and my friend went on to say that the lasagna was better than her mom's...a high praise (it is yummy). The owner literally kissed my friend on her cheek after receiving the compliment. Another time, the owner got ticked when his staff made me wait for a table for quite awhile when I was very pregnant. He told me to come get him next time and to never let that happen again. All that to say that there may be valid complaints about his style, but he has his glory moments. Pros: Tasty Dishes Cons: Cost Too High for Pasta more

Went on 7/15/07 with 2 clients of ours and their elderly parents. Our server was the worst I have ever had in my lifetime; food was forgotten, no plates or silverware were giving for first course, wine glasses we empty for over 20 minutes or more. We even turned them on their side on the table with hopes the waiter would notice, he didn't untill we said something. The food was good but you tend to lose your appetite with such poor service. When the check was presented we split it into two and was givin the proper receipts, Our part was 60.00 and the other four was 115.00 the total bill was 174.99 for all six people. We called them the next day after reviewing our bank statement only to discover that we were charged for the entire amount. Spoke to the assistant manager who assured us we would get a refund after the reviewed their paperwork, so we patiently whated a couple of more days with no call back. We called several times after that with no results untill we got in touch with the book keeper the explain the whole event again. She called back asking for info from us because they could not find any receipt records. Several more days go buy with no communication from Pasta Lunas. After 45 days had gone buy since our visit, I lost my patience and took all the receipts (including the copy I hade to retreive for my client, which I didn't want to have to ask for) and credit card reference numbers to the restaurant to get a refund from the book keeper, she said she would have to get with the owner, as she was not authourized to do and could get fired for doing so. I told her I would not leave untill I get a refund on the amount I was overcharged ($114.99). Finally she called the owner to speak with me for another location. Thats when I learned why all of his staff was intimedated by him, I felt like I was talking to Tony Soporano. He said he would arrest me if I didin't leave immediatly, with no refund. I left all the paper work that they should of had. more

Went on 7/15/07 with 2 clients of ours and their elderly parents. Our server was the worst I have ever had in my lifetime; food was forgotten, no plates or silverware were giving for first course, wine glasses we empty for over 20 minutes or more. We even turned them on their side on the table with hopes the waiter would notice, he didn't untill we said something. The food was good but you tend to lose your appetite with such poor service. \r When the check was presented we split it into two and was givin the proper receipts, Our part was 60.00 and the other four was 115.00 the total bill was 174.99 for all six people. We called them the next day after reviewing our bank statement only to discover that we were charged for the entire amount. Spoke to the assistant manager who assured us we would get a refund after the reviewed their paperwork, so we patiently whated a couple of more days with no call back. We called several times after that with no results\r untill we got in touch with the book keeper the explain the whole event again. She called back asking for info from us because they could not find any receipt records. Several more days go buy with no communication from Pasta Lunas. After 45 days had gone buy since our visit, I lost my patience and took all the receipts (including the copy I hade to retreive for my client, which I didn't want to have to ask for)\r and credit card reference numbers to the restaurant to get a refund from the book keeper, she said she would have to get with the owner, as she was not authourized to do and could get fired for doing so. I told her I would not leave untill I get a refund on the amount I was overcharged ($114.99). Finally she called the owner to speak with me for another location. Thats when I learned why all of his staff was intimedated by him, I felt like I was talking to Tony Soporano. He said he would arrest me if I didin't leave immediatly,\r with no refund. I left all the paper work that they should of had. more

I will never go back to Pasta Luna due to the owners attitude and the horrible service. We made reservations at the West End location and still waited over 90 minutes to be seated. We then waited another 60 minutes before everyone had water and our order was finally taken. A friend talked to the owner and he said we should expect to wait so long for great food. I still to this day cannot beleive his attitude towards customers and it appears severel here have had the same experience. The people at the table next to us were so frustrated they asked for their food to go and then walked out without paying the bill. The food is average at best and overpriced, especially for dinner. more

I was very disappointed with the amount of the portion comparable to the priced paid. I expected at least a side of pasta with my order but received none. I had a ordered takeout and the food was not only cold but also tasted bland. One can get a better tasting meal for the amount charged elsewhere. more

The food is delicious and plentyful, served in a northern italian atmosfere. Great service and food. The bar is also well furnished and affordable. Great place for a family dinner or with a group of friends. Also great for a romantic dinner. more