The ordinary facade of Mezza Luna, tucked between an apartment complex next to Baum Stadium and the Fayetteville Driver Control Office on South Razorback Road, does little to reveal the offerings of what lies through the front door.
The Italian eatery has a Tuscany-style palette with warm tones of chocolate and red. The restaurant was recently renovated with new flooring and lighting. A lattice patterned covers the back wall, and the dish-washing area was moved toward the back of the building to diminish sound from the kitchen. The bar is now near the entrance, allowing passers-by to stop in for a quick refreshment or to provide comfort for guests waiting to be seated.
For a touch of class, the tables are draped with cloth tablecloths and covered with glass to easily swirl your wine, said owner and chef Juan Barcenas.
Barcenas opened Mezza Luna in March 2008. His experience includes leading the kitchen of Bordinos, River Grille Steakhouse and Picassos Pizza. At Mezza Luna, his menu offers a range of culinary creations from pizza and pasta to lamb Ossobuco and Milano-style New York strip steak.
Barcenas declared he is not trying to reach fine-dining status, although the quality of his dishes suggest otherwise. The wait staff is attentive yet casual, and Barcenas often visits with his tables to ensure that patrons enjoy the experience.
Lunch offerings include sandwiches, such as thin-sliced beef on baguette with Swiss cheese and au jus, served with fries or a small salad for $7.95; entrees such as a 10-ounce chicken breast cooked in a Marsala wine sauce and served with garlic mashed potatoes with grilled asparagus for $9.99; and peso-crusted salmon with capellini pasta, olives, capers and tomatoes in a white wine sauce for $9.99.
An express lunch menu offers items in less than 15 minutes. Those selections include salads such as Caesar and Greek ($4.95- $6.95); pastas such as chicken or shrimp fettuccini alfredo ($8.95- $9.95); and a 10-inch build your own pizza.
Mezza Luna is open for lunch 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Monday-Friday. Dinner hours are 5-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 5-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
An autumn food and wine tasting, including five courses and five wines, will be held Oct. 7 at 6 p.m. Seating is by reservation, and seats are still available.
More information is available by calling (479) 521-5939 or online at mezzalunanwa.com.