Luna, one of Spokane, Washington’s premier restaurants, is nestled on the far southern edge of the South Hill neighborhood, tucked away in a mostly residential pocket off Regal Street.

Despite its lower visibility, this hidden gem is not to be missed! With its airy interior flooded with natural light, Luna offers a seasonal menu focused on scratch-made dishes using locally sourced ingredients, much like its regional counterparts.

Fine dining without a stuffy atmosphere and such innovative twists on traditional dishes, such as crab pasta, grass-fed beef burgers and duck served with kumquat marmalade.

For smaller bites, consider options like salmon charcuterie, coconut curry prawns, or oxtail sliders from the appetizer menu.

Indulge in the delectable desserts, including Grand Marnier beignets, cookies and cream layer cake, and house-made gelato, which are delightful treats deserving of a visit in their own right.

Gourmet Delights Rediscovered

Before meeting Amy, I had known about Luna for years, so it surprised me to find out she had never been there. With our mutual love for food, I was sure she’d adore the restaurant.

And indeed, our very first visit together confirmed my intuition; she fell in love with every detail. So, planning her birthday dinner there again was a breeze.

Struggling to contain my excitement, particularly when it came to gift-giving, it proved challenging to keep Amy’s birthday present a secret for long.

Yet, I succeeded in withholding the secret until merely a day before our reservation. Besides, I reasoned that she would have likely deduced it during the drive to the restaurant regardless.

It had been several years since our last visit, and time seemed to have flown by.

Stepping through the doors of Luna, felt like a nostalgic journey, as memories of past culinary delights flooded back.

The ambiance of the restaurant remained unchanged, evoking a sense of familiarity and warmth.

While the menu boasted several new additions, it also retained many beloved favorites from our previous visits.

Wine, Bread, Bliss

As we settled into our seats, we unanimously agreed that a bottle of wine was a fitting indulgence for such a special occasion—after all, birthdays only come around once a year.

Fortunately, Luna boasts an extensive wine selection featuring local, regional, and international varieties.

Opting for a red blend, we were treated to the classic ritual of the waiter skillfully uncorking it at our table.

While my own knowledge of wine is limited, Amy has graciously imparted her expertise over time.

As the waiter handed me the cork, I took a moment to sniff it, nodding in approval at its familiar aroma.

With a gentle swirl, I observed the wine’s legs before finally indulging in a sip. It was an exquisite experience, and the taste of the wine sealed our decision with undeniable satisfaction.

The waiter graciously poured each of us a glass before leaving the bottle within easy reach and returned with a board of housemade Ciabatta bread accompanied by salted butter.

The bread was a testament to artisan craftsmanship, boasting a flawless balance of soft crumb and crisp crust.

Flavorful Journey

As we savored our wine and indulged in slices of freshly baked bread slathered with butter, we perused the menu.

Opting for a light meal, we agreed that sharing a salad and an entree would leave ample space for dessert—a highlight for both of us.

Thankfully, an old favorite, the Luna Salad, was still available, making that choice effortless.

Selecting our main course presented a delightful challenge as we were tempted by at least four different options, some of which were old favorites while others were new discoveries.

In the end, we settled on the Double R Ranch Filet, taking into account Amy’s fondness for this particular cut and its ideal pairing with red wine.

The kitchen kindly split the plate for us before it was brought to our table. As we age, we find that splitting the main entry is an easy way to taste an appetizer and dessert without hurting as we leave the restaurant. Aging isn’t to be trifled with! ha! As it arrived, the tantalizing aroma and exquisite presentation made it almost difficult to disrupt the beautiful work of art.

I waited patiently as Amy captured their appearance on camera, eager to begin our meal. The very first bite confirmed that we had made the perfect menu choice.

The succulent meat rested on a bed of roasted Brussels sprouts, accompanied by the creamiest mashed potatoes I had ever tasted.

I couldn’t discern the exact seasonings or sauces used, but the flavors harmonized beautifully, creating a culinary masterpiece for our palates.

It was the type of meal that demanded to be savored slowly, and that’s exactly what we did, relishing every bite!

Savoring Sweet Moments

Taking our time to savor each bite had an unexpected effect, leaving us more satisfied.

Amy and I both appreciated our decision to share the dish, realizing it was just the right amount.

As we relaxed, sipped our wine, and conversed, our attention turned to dessert.

Amy has a discerning palate for Creme Brulee, so I encouraged her to indulge while I opted for Luna’s new addition, the beignets.

Having finished our wine, we agreed that a chocolate martini would perfectly complement our desserts.

Amy expressed delight with her creme brulee, praising the ideal thickness of the sugar crust and the flawless consistency of the French vanilla custard.

My beignets were accompanied by a lemon custard and blueberry dipping sauce, both perfectly complementing the fried delicacies.

Before long, we found ourselves happily indulging and exchanging bites.

An Evening of Culinary Delight

After thoroughly enjoying our meal, we savored sips of chocolate martini, basking in the warm glow of satisfaction.

Amy’s happiness was clear as she expressed her gratitude for the birthday surprise. Before we left, Amy asked the manager about exploring the rest of the establishment, and the manager kindly offered us a tour of the restaurant.

We ventured through the lounge, banquet hall, and outdoor areas, uncovering the variety of offerings and gaining insights into the restaurant’s future endeavors.

Believing our night had reached a satisfying conclusion, we exited the restaurant and began our journey home. Before we could travel too far, Amy requested a stop at a spot offering a scenic view of Hangman Valley for a photograph.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a pink glow on the lingering rain clouds from earlier, we paused to capture the breathtaking moment. The view, captured at the peak of sunset, and crisp spring air provided the ideal conclusion to our flawless culinary experience.