Caffe Luna
A Tuscan-accented Italian restaurant in a charming historic building, known for its cozy ambiance and wine selection.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Caffe Luna
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A Tuscan-accented Italian restaurant in a charming historic building, known for its cozy ambiance and wine selection.
"Experience authentic Italian dishes in an art-filled space with high ceilings and affordable wine."
Book Ahead
Reservations are recommended, especially for special events or large dinners, to ensure a table.
Try Unique Pasta
Explore authentic Italian flavors with unique dishes like the fiocchi or squid ink pasta.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Italian
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Tuscan-Inspired Italian
Experience the charm of Tuscany with authentic dishes like fiocchi pasta and squid ink pasta, crafted with fresh ingredients.
Elegant Ambiance
Dine in a charming historic building with high ceilings, classic decor, and art-filled walls, perfect for date nights.
Celebrated Wedding Venue
Known for impeccable service and incredible food, Caffe Luna has hosted numerous unforgettable wedding ceremonies and receptions.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead
Reservations are recommended, especially for special events or large dinners, to ensure a table.
Try Unique Pasta
Explore authentic Italian flavors with unique dishes like the fiocchi or squid ink pasta.
Avoid Peak Times
Visiting during off-peak hours might help avoid potential crowds or service delays.
Consider Gluten-Free Options
The restaurant offers gluten-free noodle options, making it accommodating for dietary needs.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead
Reservations are recommended, especially for special events or large dinners, to ensure a table.
Try Unique Pasta
Explore authentic Italian flavors with unique dishes like the fiocchi or squid ink pasta.
Avoid Peak Times
Visiting during off-peak hours might help avoid potential crowds or service delays.
Consider Gluten-Free Options
The restaurant offers gluten-free noodle options, making it accommodating for dietary needs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Caffe Luna is a long-standing Italian restaurant praised for its charming ambiance and extensive wine selection. Many highlight it as a superb venue for special events like weddings. However, some diners have noted inconsistencies in food temperature and occasional issues with dish quality and service.
"We had our wedding ceremony and reception at Caffe Luna and it was truly amazing! We had the best experience working with Darcey! She is so organized, helpful and kind. The food and service were so wonderful and everyone loved the food!
Caffe Luna made our wedding such an unforgettable day and it will always hold such special memories for us. A huge thank you to Darcey and the entire staff who made our wedding day SO perfect!!! ❤️"
Amanda Fristoe
"Yumm!! This was really good. We had no idea what to expect as we stumbled upon this place while walking around. But the interior is so pretty. High ceilings and classic decor. The wine by the glass is very affordable. Service is perfect, everyone was knowledgeable and accommodating. They even have a gluten free noodle option if needed. Saving this place and we’ll be back!"
Briana McLean
"Can't say enough about this place. We have been to Italy many times in the pasta here resonated with our experiences over there. Christine took great care of us wonderful help with wine suggestion and pasta selections. Caesar salad was
Rockstar and the calamari to start was out of this world especially for the price point. The two pastas we had were both fantastic, atmosphere wonderful and a nice bottle of Barola to top everything off."
james C.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Caffe Luna is highly regarded as a wedding venue, praised for its beautiful space, outstanding food, and phenomenal service.
Yes, Caffe Luna offers gluten-free noodle options to accommodate dietary needs.
The restaurant features a cozy and charming ambiance with high ceilings, classic decor, and art-filled walls, making it ideal for date nights.
Diners recommend trying unique pasta dishes like fiocchi or squid ink pasta for an authentic taste of Italian flavors.
Parking can be challenging in downtown Raleigh. Street and garage parking are available nearby; allow extra time if you prefer not to pay.
It is recommended to make reservations ahead of time, especially for special events or large dinners, to ensure a table.
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23 of the Best Downtown Raleigh Restaurants in 2023
Since 1996, Caffé Luna has been providing great food, great wine, great service, and a commitment to high-quality ingredients. Caffé Luna began as an 80-seat restaurant, growing to over 200 seats to accommodate all of the guests. The restaurant has survived the ups and downs of the last 20+ years, making it a staple in the Downtown Raleigh food scene.
17 Best Restaurants in Raleigh, NC
Regarding Italian restaurants in Downtown Raleigh, Caffe Luna is a go-to spot. You feel like family in this restaurant, and they set an excellent example for the rest of the dining establishments in Raleigh. Caffe Luna is topping our list because of great food, service, location, attention to detail, and a commitment to your experience.
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Dine on this Tuscan-inspired restaurant’s outdoor patio in the heart of downtown Raleigh. Open for dinner from 5 to 9 p.m., enjoy authentic Italian cuisine like Penne Caprese, Farfalle al Salmone, and Rigatoni con Pollo alla Panna while feeling like you might just be in the Italian countryside. 136 E Hargett St, Raleigh| cafeluna.com
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Caffe Luna’s ambiance, complemented by fabulous paintings and antique decor, creates the most inviting of atmospheres. The menu offers a broad range of pasta, meat, and poultry dishes, as well as an assortment of vegetarian and gluten-free options. Chow down on some bread with olive oil to whet your appetite for what’s to come!
Collectable card set released for Raleigh's historic buildings, restaurants
The trendy downtown Italian restaurant Caffé Luna now sits in the corner of the Montague Building. The building's Neoclassical Revival and emerging Commercial style architecture makes it an ideal spot for a local restaurant. However, long before Caffé Luna, the Raleigh Post Office rented a spot in the century-old structure.
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With floor-to-ceiling windows, the restaurant provides superb dining for every occasion (date nights highly recommended!). Come for lunch or dinner and experience options from antipasti to authentic Italian pastas and everything in between. View this post on Instagram
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Caffe Lunaoffers a culinary journey through Italy, from the simplest of antipasti to the most elaborate of entrees. The restaurant’s warm and inviting atmosphere, adorned with artistic touches, creates a perfect setting for a romantic meal or a spirited gathering.
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Located in a majestic historic building in downtown Raleigh, Caffé Luna is well known for serving Italian cuisine with a Tuscan focus. It is a seriously cute, comfy restaurant with several dining areas. It felt like we were guests for dinner at someone’s house.
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Well known for serving Italian cuisine with a Tuscan flair, Caffe Luna is located in a majestic historic building in Raleigh. It is a cute, homey restaurant with several different dining rooms. You feel like you’re in a house rather than a restaurant.
Highest-rated Italian Restaurants in Raleigh, According to Tripadvisor
- Rating: 4.0 / 5 (301 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)- Type of cuisine: Italian- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 136 E Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601-1440- Read more on Tripadvisor
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Located right across from Moore Square, Caffe Luna is right in the middle of all the action in downtown. Caffe Luna is the perf resto regardless of whether you’re planning date night, family dinner, or a solo night out.
Birthday Dinner in Raleigh | 15 Best Places in 2025
Transport yourself to Tuscany for this birthday dinner in Raleigh. Caffe Luna offers three private dining rooms for up to 100 guests and has a special menu served family-style.
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This longtime Raleigh gem screams tradition, what with dishes created with a Tuscan flair—think ravioli Fiorentina, farfalle al salmone, linguini fra diavolo and more.
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Caffé Luna features one of the most gorgeously appointed interiors of any restaurant downtown. It also features a first-rate Italian culinary experience.
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136 E Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601Phone: 919-832-6090 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Caffé Luna (@caffe.luna)
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