Mezza Luna

[dewilson58]

Haven't been there in a while, now I remember why.

Our meals: Lobster Ravioli and Shrimp & Scallops.
These are two of their signature dishes, both over $30 each.

Lobster Ravioli: Small portion, smothered in cheese, could not taste the lobster.

S & S: Shrimp was ok, Scallops were tasteless, not fresh pasta.

Music from bar was too loud to have a conversation in dining area.

Left $100 behind.

:ohdear::ohdear:

[Stu from NYC]

Have learned to order more simply at Italian restaurants here, including Meza Luna.

Typically order either calzone or pizza and is ok when eaten hot.

[Altavia]

Have learned to order more simply at Italian restaurants here, including Meza Luna.

Typically order either calzone or pizza and is ok when eaten hot.

Good advise.

[retiredguy123]

Have learned to order more simply at Italian restaurants here, including Meza Luna.

Typically order either calzone or pizza and is ok when eaten hot.
If you think the Lobster Ravioli has too much cheese, don't order the pizza.

[Stu from NYC]

If you think the Lobster Ravioli has too much cheese, don't order the pizza.

Most places here skimp on the sauce for some reason and does not drizzle a bit of olive oil on top.

[retiredguy123]

Most places here skimp on the sauce for some reason and does not drizzle a bit of olive oil on top.
If you go to Mezza Luna, look at the photo of a pizza on their menu. It has sauce and cheese evenly distributed. But, order a pizza, and you will see no sauce until you cut through about a half inch layer of cheese. False advertising.

[Pairadocs]

Haven't been there in a while, now I remember why.

Our meals: Lobster Ravioli and Shrimp & Scallops.
These are two of their signature dishes, both over $30 each.

Lobster Ravioli: Small portion, smothered in cheese, could not taste the lobster.

S & S: Shrimp was ok, Scallops were tasteless, not fresh pasta.

Music from bar was too loud to have a conversation in dining area.

Left $100 behind.

:ohdear::ohdear:

Had the "lobster" ravioli there. It was the frozen restaurant supply kind. Costco's frozen lobster ravioli is MUCH better if you want frozen ravioli, it really is ! Tried M. L. twice, we always try to give a second chance, but all seemed the tasteless, frozen restaurant supply dishes. Pretty much stick to Gio's in Oxford, but, M. Luna has sure been around a long time now, many must love it ! ?

[Stu from NYC]

If you go to Mezza Luna, look at the photo of a pizza on their menu. It has sauce and cheese evenly distributed. But, order a pizza, and you will see no sauce until you cut through about a half inch layer of cheese. False advertising.

Tell server heavy on the sauce. We come from NY where any neighborhood pizza shop who makes it all day long will make a much better pie

[retiredguy123]

Tell server heavy on the sauce. We come from NY where any neighborhood pizza shop who makes it all day long will make a much better pie
My favorite pizza is at Piesanos, where they use a consistent recipe. I don't like to tell a restaurant how to make pizza. Apparently, some restaurants don't have a recipe, and some employees think that the more cheese they add, the happier the customer will be. Wrong!

[golfing eagles]

A little off topic but the best pizza around here is El Maria on Bay St. in Eustis----found it by accident. It's the best pizza I've had outside of the NY Metro area----haven't had anything that good since moving here full time 10 years ago. It's just too bad the distance makes take out impractical.

[Ecuadog]

A little off topic but the best pizza around here is El Maria on Bay St. in Eustis----found it by accident. It's the best pizza I've had outside of the NY Metro area----haven't had anything that good since moving here full time 10 years ago. It's just too bad the distance makes take out impractical.

Thank you... next stop, Eustis.

[Andyb]

How can you have too much cheese on a pizza?

[dewilson58]

How can you have too much cheese on a pizza?

It becomes a slab of cheese, not pizza.

[Rwirish]

Totally disagree, the food at this restaurant is simply outstanding.

[bowlingal]

Andyb.....exactly

[Sabella]

Tell server heavy on the sauce. We come from NY where any neighborhood pizza shop who makes it all day long will make a much better pie

I rarely eat pizza here. And I love it. The problem is putting pounds of cheese on top of the pizza and good luck finding any sauce. So when I order a pizza here, I emphasize and request -make sure that the top of my pizza does not have 2 pounds of cheese on it please tell whoever is making it to put half cheese on top and half sauce. I’ve been to top restaurants here who do serve pizza and good luck getting the pizza with more sauce on it. I can’t figure out what the problem is.

[bowlingal]

I found Napolinos pizza pretty close to NY pizza. Also, NYPD pizza is great too

[Sabella]

Totally disagree, the food at this restaurant is simply outstanding.

I agree it used to be very good but it’s gone the way a lot of our restaurants here have gone -downhill

[dewilson58]

I agree it used to be very good but it’s gone the way a lot of our restaurants here have gone -downhill

Some spots start out making from scratch & fresh and move to packaged food.

Don't know if Mezza was ever scratch & fresh, but it ain't now.

Food quality evaluation is based on "relativity" and taste buds.
PLUS: It's normal to lose some taste buds and sensitivity to taste as you age..............& we B aging.

:mmmm:

[Veracity]

I have been to Mezza Luna once and it was well over 5 years ago. At that time I didn't care for the food and thought they were overpriced. But because I had read so many great reviews about this restaurant, I thought that they must have had a bad day (it happens even to the best), and had planned to go back and give them a second chance some day. I never got around to it. Guess I won't bother going back to Mezza Luna to spend $100 for dinner, when it sounds like I can get a comparable Stouffer's frozen meal for less than $5.

[BlueStarAirlines]

I've been to Mezza Luna twice and regretted it both times. My biggest issue is how packed all the tables are in there. If a customer or server can't walk between tables without bumping a customer or a table, there needs to be more space.

The food is okay, but someone previously mentioned it taste like it came frozen and just reheated. I wouldn't necessarily have a problem with that if the prices reflected that reality.

[waterflower]

If my memory is correct, the people who purchased the restaurant is not Italian.

[retiredguy123]

I rarely eat pizza here. And I love it. The problem is putting pounds of cheese on top of the pizza and good luck finding any sauce. So when I order a pizza here, I emphasize and request -make sure that the top of my pizza does not have 2 pounds of cheese on it please tell whoever is making it to put half cheese on top and half sauce. I’ve been to top restaurants here who do serve pizza and good luck getting the pizza with more sauce on it. I can’t figure out what the problem is.
I agree, but I don't want to tell a server how to make a pizza. If the restaurant doesn't know how, I won't be a customer. I once showed the Mezza Luna manager the photo of a pizza on their menu and showed him the pizza that I ordered that had at least 3 times as much cheese. His only comment was to tell them to use less cheese the next time.

[G.R.I.T.S.]

🤔 We’ve never had a bad meal at ML. Just started going there in the past 18 months or so, after it weathered two owners about whom we never heard good things. Third time’s the charm.

[midiwiz]

Had the "lobster" ravioli there. It was the frozen restaurant supply kind. Costco's frozen lobster ravioli is MUCH better if you want frozen ravioli, it really is ! Tried M. L. twice, we always try to give a second chance, but all seemed the tasteless, frozen restaurant supply dishes. Pretty much stick to Gio's in Oxford, but, M. Luna has sure been around a long time now, many must love it ! ?

leave it to the taste buds of TV....geez.... the food served is not tasteless frozen restaurant supply dishes. and obviously ANY restaurant serving lobster ravs is going to buy frozen ones. The fact you think the Costco ones are better is amazing. The typical brand used is FAR better than the crap Costco sells.

Far be it that anyone on this thread have any clue what happens in that kitchen. Quite frankly there are dishes coming out of there that are pretty good considering the lackluster quality of restaurants in TV. Is it the absolute best Italian food, no. My kitchen is far better (thanks grandma) but it's not a business either. None of the TV offerings aside form Gios Deli and Mezza are any good.

So how about something better than the typical whine and shine threads. Cause this type of thread isn't worth the time, simple fact the older you get the less taste buds you have to work with. Ergo aside from ridiculous blasting a place (like this thread) restaurant reviews are pretty much useless around here.

[mfodale]

Never had a bad meal at Mezzaluna, we will return, often.

[Cuervo]

Italian food is easy to make, if I want anything other than pizza I stay in my kitchen.
If you want a somewhat of a variation of pizza, try mozzarella en carozza or spedini romano.
Recipes for both are easy to find on the internet, go to YouTube.
I only go to restaurant to socialize and don't go there to eat.

[PaulUnderwood]

Mesa de Norte in Ocala far better.

[Velvet]

Food quality evaluation is based on "relativity" and taste buds.
PLUS: It's normal to lose some taste buds and sensitivity to taste as you age..............& we B aging.

:mmmm:

Yes, and the most eating places around TV seem to be counting on this.

[dewilson58]

............(1) and obviously ANY restaurant serving lobster ravs is going to buy frozen ones. ..............

...................... (2) Ergo aside from ridiculous blasting a place (like this thread) restaurant reviews are pretty much useless around here.

(1) Obviously you haven't been to a nice restaurant.

(2) And yet you participate in the following food / restaurant threads on ToTV:

Mezza
Red Sauce
Napolinos
Good Steak
Pizza
Great Restaurants
Meatballs
Spaghetti Sauce
to name a few.

:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Northwoods]

I’ve been going to Mezza Luna for about a year and have never had a bad meal (neither has anyone I’ve dined with). I usually order the Eggplant parmesan or Chicken Picatta. Always good.

[Pinball wizard]

Have learned to order more simply at Italian restaurants here, including Meza Luna.

Typically order either calzone or pizza and is ok when eaten hot.

You can't get more basic than pasta!

[RedChariot]

Been going to Mezza Luna for years. It’s ok. Always ordered entrees. But I read all the comments about they put so much cheese on the pizza but little sauce. You could never have too much cheese as far as I’m concerned. So tonight DH goes and picks up a veggie pizza. Extra sauce on the side. Too much cheese? There was NO cheese. Looked like they painted the sauce on with a brush. I’ve had a lot of bad pizzas since coming to Florida but this hit an all time low. Who puts carrots on a pizza? Omg it was awful. We have ordered veggie pizzas every where and they always have mozzarella cheese on them. Not at Mezza Luna. Never again.

[retiredguy123]

Been going to Mezza Luna for years. It’s ok. Always ordered entrees. But I read all the comments about they put so much cheese on the pizza but little sauce. You could never have too much cheese as far as I’m concerned. So tonight DH goes and picks up a veggie pizza. Extra sauce on the side. Too much cheese? There was NO cheese. Looked like they painted the sauce on with a brush. I’ve had a lot of bad pizzas since coming to Florida but this hit an all time low. Who puts carrots on a pizza? Omg it was awful. We have ordered veggie pizzas every where and they always have mozzarella cheese on them. Not at Mezza Luna. Never again.
That is why they need a recipe for the pizza. Every employee must follow the exact recipe every time. All ingredients need to be measured, not just thrown onto the pizza randomly. They should also offer an option for extra cheese for people who want more cheese. That should also be measured. So, when you order a pizza, you know what you will get. Allowing the employee to decide how much cheese and sauce to use is a terrible way to sell pizza. And, that is why I will never buy another pizza at Mezza Luna.

[MorTech]

Went there once many years ago...I can get the same flavor from a Walmart cooler at 1/3 the cost :) I lived in Italy so I may be biased.

[RedChariot]

That is why they need a recipe for the pizza. Every employee must follow the exact recipe every time. All ingredients need to be measured, not just thrown onto the pizza randomly. They should also offer an option for extra cheese for people who want more cheese. That should also be measured. So, when you order a pizza, you know what you will get. Allowing the employee to decide how much cheese and sauce to use is a terrible way to sell pizza. And, that is why I will never buy another pizza at Mezza Luna.

Nor will I.

[Stu from NYC]

You can't get more basic than pasta!

But need a good sauce to go with it and around here tomato sauce is very hit and miss.

[Stu from NYC]

Been going to Mezza Luna for years. It’s ok. Always ordered entrees. But I read all the comments about they put so much cheese on the pizza but little sauce. You could never have too much cheese as far as I’m concerned. So tonight DH goes and picks up a veggie pizza. Extra sauce on the side. Too much cheese? There was NO cheese. Looked like they painted the sauce on with a brush. I’ve had a lot of bad pizzas since coming to Florida but this hit an all time low. Who puts carrots on a pizza? Omg it was awful. We have ordered veggie pizzas every where and they always have mozzarella cheese on them. Not at Mezza Luna. Never again.

Carrots on a pizza what are they thinking? Next thing you know pineapples will land on top.

[Michael 61]

Some spots start out making from scratch & fresh and move to packaged food.

Don't know if Mezza was ever scratch & fresh, but it ain't now.

Food quality evaluation is based on "relativity" and taste buds.
PLUS: It's normal to lose some taste buds and sensitivity to taste as you age..............& we B aging.

:mmmm:

AGREE - It’s hard for me to pay premium $$ for frozen food and prepared sauces from Sysco that I could have easily purchased myself from the grocery store and quickly thrown together at home for a fraction of the cost. So hard to find restaurants that still cook from “scratch”. There are a FEW decent restaurants out there, but my best meals are generally the one’s I prepare my self at home. It’s nice being retired, and having the time to prepare something truly authentic and delicious at home. I recently made homemade ravioli with homemade sauce at home that was probably the best ravioli I’ve ever had. Topped with fresh shavings of parmigiano reggiano - mmmmm!

[thelegges]

It’s been a year since four of us went to Mezza. 3 sent back lasagna. because it was frozen inside. Guess who ever took out the Gordon’s pan forgot it needs extra time, to thaw

Prima in Brownwood is our go to

[ROCKETMAN]

I’ve been to Mezza Luna many times and always had good spaghetti, lasagna, and pizza. Italian food is a high profit item because it’s just some pasta, descent sauce, and a little cheese, which all comes in large quantities from supplier. Great happy hour, 2 for 1 on beer, mixed drinks, and wine, 3-5.

[Stu from NYC]

I’ve been to Mezza Luna many times and always had good spaghetti, lasagna, and pizza. Italian food is a high profit item because it’s just some pasta, descent sauce, and a little cheese, which all comes in large quantities from supplier. Great happy hour, 2 for 1 on beer, mixed drinks, and wine, 3-5.

Wish there was a way to find out restaurants that cook from scratch as opposed to heating up prepared food they buy.

We buy large package of mozzarella sticks from big box stores and am sure that this is what all restaurants use. Hard to justify paying 3x the cost for something easily cooked in our air fryer.

[dewilson58]

Wish there was a way to find out restaurants that cook from scratch as opposed to heating up prepared food they buy.
.

Ask.

:shrug:

[Bill14564]

Wish there was a way to find out restaurants that cook from scratch as opposed to heating up prepared food they buy.

We buy large package of mozzarella sticks from big box stores and am sure that this is what all restaurants use. Hard to justify paying 3x the cost for something easily cooked in our air fryer.

There is something to be said for the ease of ordering from a menu rather than buying, preparing, serving, and cleaning.

[Michael 61]

Wish there was a way to find out restaurants that cook from scratch as opposed to heating up prepared food they buy.



I have started to ask, especially when it comes to the Hollandaise Sauce on my Eggs Benedict - most breakfast places no longer make their own hollandaise from scratch, and buy the pre-packaged stuff from Sysco that they simply heat up and squeeze out of a plastic bag.

[golfing eagles]

Ask.

:shrug:

Are you KIDDING!!!!!!! ASK????????

How many times have I told you to STOP MAKING SENSE!!!!!