GF noticed the place getting good reviews in the Taipei foodie blogosphere. It's an intimate place tucked into an alley near the Far Eastern area. Decided to go with something simple and got a Pizza Magherita. After a good experience with the dish the last time I convinced the GF to go with the mushroom risotto special. The spinach salad featuring fresh baby spinach in a Japanese-style dressing to better fit the local taste, but in a good way. The pizza is legitate Italian style, thin with a blistered crust. I was expecting fresh basil leaves on the pizza but there was only a sprinkle of dried basil, which took away a bit from the flavor. The pizza slice itself was a bit limp near the tip due to a bit more sauce than standard. So I had to take a big bite right as I picked it up, still points for a good try, though. Went well with the glass of Sangiovese. The mushroom-asparagus risotto was good, rich but still light, although the 'shrooms weren't as fancy as the Eos version.
Desserts were good. A well-done and tasty creme brulee always goes well with the cup of coffee. GF had the signature dessert which was the almond-crunch semifreddo. It was interesting and good in its own way with good almond flavor without being too sweet. But it's a bit less sweet, a bit less creamy, and a bit less cold than what I prefer in a dessert (e.g. a creme brulee). The service had been prompt and courteous all the way 'til the end, when we were waiting for our check. The first sitting were leaving, including a couple of big groups and the second sitting were eager to order. Us in the small two-person table near the door felt a bit neglected. I bet we could've snuck out with one of the big groups and they wouldn't have noticed. Still, the food and service were more than a few notches up from the typical Taipei spaghetti joint and we'll make a note to be back to try some of the other good-looking pastas and mains on the menu.
Luna d'Italia
月之義大利
台北市大安區敦化南路2段265巷3號
02-27339635
