Chef Raphael Lunetta’s New Day to Night Concept

October 16, 2018

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(Gerry Furth-Sides) Its been decades since Chef Raphel Lunetta surfed off the beach near his new dining concept in Santa Monica, LUNETTA All Day and LUNETTA Dining Room & Bar. And during the years in between Chef Lunetta’s culinary career burgeoned, right through the heyday of LA fine dining. But to see the chef in action in a performance kitchen makes the years fade away.

Chef Raphael Lunetta in action at LUNETTA

A lamb chop as a thing of beauty in the hands of Chef Raphael Lunetta

This past year the Southern California native Raphael Lunetta completed his dining complex in Santa Monica that caters to both casual and more formal dining called for these days: Lunetta All Day with a cozy back patio behind it, and counterpart, Lunetta At Night next door, clubby with charcoal colored walls and brown leather banquettes, and the Moon Bar and lounge in the back of it.

The seasonal Coastal California menu made up of small plates, wood-grilled fish, and steaks also feature local ingredients straight from the Santa Monica Farmers Market, where the chef has been a familiar face for decades. There is even a menu section in honor of Seasonal Market Vegetables. Most representative is the burger, which he makes with grass-fed beef, has a slice of heirloom tomato, sharp cheddar, and avocado.

The LUNETTA BURGER (photo courtesy Acuna-Hansen)

The carefully prepared California coastal fare tastes as bright and fresh as it looks. Sharing is encouraged.

Snake River Meatballs ($16) in a bowl of marinara, mascarpone polenta, and grated Reggiano

Heirloom Tomato Salad - Local Food Eater

Heirloom Tomato Salad ($18) with stracciatella, sweet onion, organic olive bread crostini)

Housemade pappardelle pasta special with lamb ($28)

Caramelized Pork Chop · wild rice, cider reduction, pickled apples · $29 GF

Molten chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream

The chef is best known for running JiRaffe, a fine-dining restaurant – a little glass box in the heart of Santa Monica that was all the stir when it opened in 1997, and that closed in 2015 as formal dining began to wane in the city, and home dining with to-go and delivery began a steady rise to popularity.

The restaurant on the LUNETTA “daytime” side

Carefree navy and white plates and napkins sit ready and waiting for either concept at LUNETTA

Handcrafted Cocktails heavily influenced by Chef Raphael Lunetta’s menu, particularly his incorporation of produce from the Farmers Market, is featured in the bar.

Fresh flowers adorn cocktails- Local Food Eater

Fresh flowers adorn cocktails at the Moon Bar at LUNETTA

The Moon Bar with eclectic varietals offered by the glass and by the bottle. Dark and clubby, the room is done up in navy blue with walnut, soapstone and satin brass accents with low tables in front of the green velvet furniture, a fireplace, brass-topped bar, and a skylight.

All-day diner & upscale American Eats, 2420 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405, (310) 581-4201.The Moon Bar at Lunetta hours: Tuesday-Friday from 6:30 pm to 11:00 pm, and Saturday from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm. For lounge information and reservations, please visit www.LunettaSM.com or phone 310.581.9888.