Buon Appetito! Stop by Mezza Luna in Branchville and enjoy a fine Italian lunch or dinner in an eatery with a casually elegant, charming atmosphere. This restaurant will likely become one of your favorite restaurants when you are in the area.
Plan to have a relaxing meal. Open for about a year, Mezza Luna is owned and operated by Vinnie Vrenezi. His chefs, Nick and Benny, are expert at preparing authentic Italian specialties.
We stopped by early on a Saturday night. The service was excellent and there was a great mix of people that included singles, couples and small groups. Bring the kids. Mezza Luna is totally family friendly, and has a complete children’s menu. The live music on weekend evenings is just right while you enjoy your meal.
We started our dinner with a few appetizers. The cold antipasto has the finest Italian meats and cheeses over a bed of the freshest greens. You’ll like starters like their eggplant rollatini, tender eggplant with a perfectly seasoned cheese filling, topped with Mezza Luna’s savory tomato sauce. You can also start your Italian meal with a serving of Italian favorites like the clams oreganato or fried calamari.
Dinner entrées are served with a delightful house salad and fresh Italian bread. The penne vodka is the best we’ve ever had with al dente pasta and a smooth, creamy vodka sauce. You won’t want to miss the chicken saltimbocca, tender chicken breast topped with imported prosciutto and homemade fresh mozzarella and spinach. While portions are generous, there are some special sides that round out your meal like their sautéed wild mushrooms or sauteed broccoli. You’ll also like the price point. Most of the entrées cost between $15 and $20.
Put the finishing touches on your meal with a cup of cappuccino or an aperitif and a luscious dessert like their almond cake, tiramisu, or cheesecake.
JoAnn Sadowski, the restaurant’s beverage manager, has created a bar menu that includes classic and artisanal cocktails along with a nice selection of beer and wine. Mezza Luna is currently in the process of expanding the bar area to accommodate even more guests while having private dining space available for special events and parties.
We like that Mezza Luna is a welcoming restaurant with dishes to suit every taste. And it’s remarkably convenient to New Jersey points of interest like Stokes State Forest, the area’s lakes, and Delaware River region.
Mezza Luna
103 Route 206
Branchville
973-250-0200
