A little bit of Italy in the heart of Zagreb
Not that Italian cuisine is difficult to find in Zagreb, but what about an all-Italian place? With the change of concept, management and ownership, Luna Rossa, a restaurant in the heart of Zagreb, has become an authentic Italian place. Luna Rossa managers are Michele Inglese and Fabrizio Affuso. Ugo Raffa, the adviser at the Italian Ministry for Italians Abroad helps them as well, while their renowned chefs Luca Alfieri and Vincenzo Chimenti come from Rome and Bari, reports tportal.hr on March 7, 2016.
Luca Alfieri, an Italian Masterchef with a Croatian address, gives a special feeling to this restaurant, which has taken an individual approach to its guests. When the work allows him, he talks to customers and does so in his native Italian language or in his perfect English (Alfieri has worked in San Francisco for years) and recommends food to the guests.
Luna Rossa’s interior takes its visitors directly to Italy, with its plaid tablecloths, photographs of Rome, Venice, Bari, and their famous, well-known landmarks. It boasts rustic Italian details, the elements celebrating Italian specialties such as pasta and olive oil, and the recognizable colors of the Italian flag – red and green.
Besides the fact that the waiters are Italians who speak Croatian with that cute Italian accent, another important feature is Italian music that can be heard in the background, contributing to the overall atmosphere. But, what is most important, Luna Rossa offers amazing cuisine of the southern Italy, using the original recipes.
All true fans of the Italian cuisine can enjoy Luna Rossa, especially its carbonara with pepper, guanciele (cured meat), but without sour cream; pasta tricolore with pesto; various steaks and grilled fish. And, one should not forget to mention the highlight of many Italian menus – tiramisu espresso. Pistachio souffle sounds equally great. On top of it all, Luna Rossa says that they will introduce new specialties once a week.
