Overview

Ambiance: Casual attire
Food: Upscale yet traditional seafood
Not extensive, pricing a bit high, “house” wines were OK.
Service: Our severs were very friendly and attentive. Great dinner recommendations, little wine knowledge.
Pricing: $$$ (Dinner for 2 with appetizer/dessert/wine/gratuity around $150)
Wine List/Corkage: No corkage available. Limited wine list, pricey but a few good finds.
Attire: No specific dress code.
Overall rating: Average- Fresh seafood (albeit some dishes are quite heavy and diluted), good service, perfect place for pre-game oysters and beers, nice dinner for a special meal out.
Location/Contact Info: http://lunadelsea.com/
300 West Pratt Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
Voice: 410-752-8383
Fax: 410-752-8844

Summary: Baltimore’s fine dining scene has no shortage of seafood restaurants. From corporate-owned establishments to local fish houses, there are many to choose from. Picking one, especially for a nice dinner out, can be a daunting task.

Based on location alone, though, Luna del Sea might be one of the first to try. As a great pre-Oriole’s game (or post Raven’s game) meal, or a break from a day at the Convention Center, Luna del Sea is located only a few minutes from three of the prime attractions in the city. Though finding the restaurant is quite easy (on Pratt Street, perhaps the busiest street in Baltimore) finding parking is another story. However, a little research reveals a parking garage adjacent to the restaurant as well as a small lot behind the restaurant that is open on nights when there are no stadium events.

Alas local foodies, no worries. If you’re close by, they’ll send a free shuttle service to bring you to and from the restaurant! If you’re lucky, you’ll get to ride with General Manager Antonio Aybar, who has great stories to tell about the history of the building- one that goes back over 100 years and involves horse stables.

We arrived a few minutes late for our reservation, which wasn’t a problem as it was a slow night. We were told that the previous night was busy, though, so reservations are highly recommended.

The restaurant features a sports bar-esque area that seemed very well stocked and ready to serve the needs of dozens of thirsty Orioles or Raven’s fans. On a nice day, though, you’d likely find these same fans taking advantage of the large outdoor seating area that appears to seat at least 30 diners, not including the adjacent building which could probably hold another 12 or so. Overall this is a prime spot to suck down oyster’s and cold beers on a warm spring or summer’s evening.

We eventually reached our seats next to a giant fish tank (200 gallons of water although not too many fish…perhaps they ran out in the kitchen!). Our seats were comfortable and the table meant for up to four diners had more than enough room for the three in our group. As far as grape juice is concerned, the by the bottle wine list is rather predictable and overpriced (Beringer White Zinfandel for $27!) We did enjoy the “house” wines by the glass ($6-$8) and there were a few nice wines to be found (2004 Puligny Montrachet Maison Cater $95).

Having only eaten at Luna del Sea once before (three years prior to this visit), I asked for appetizer and dinner recommendations. We took advantage of our server’s experience, ordering his favorite appetizers: a jumbo lump crab cake (market price, $13) and chilled seafood platter (shrimp, fresh crab, lobster (market price). The crab cake was one of the best I’ve had in Baltimore (still not Faidley’s, but quite good) and the chilled seafood platter was very fresh and offered very generous portions.

Again with the entree, I conceded to the experience of our server and went with the grand daddy of surf and turf- Filet Mignon with a 1- 1/2 lb fresh Maine Lobster. The plate was simply arranged with the beef on one side and the crustacean on the other, only separated on the shiny platter by a bowl of melted, clarified butter. I thoroughly enjoyed the lobster, which was very sweet and delicate. The filet was cooked perfectly to order (medium rare was seared well on the outside, and red and juicy on the inside), but the cut of beef itself seemed less than premium and it appeared that someone forgot to add salt and pepper before, during or after it’s time on the grill.

My companions’ dishes didn’t suffer from this lack of seasoning though. A Luna del Sea Tail featured well-seasoned shrimp, scallops and crab imperial stuffed in a giant lobster tail and served with string bean (which were good green beans but just weren’t string beans!). The other dish on the table was a grouper Fruit de’ Mar that was broiled and layered with scallops, shrimp and crab all surrounded by fresh mussels. We all agreed the mussels were outstanding while the fish itself needed a bit of a kick. No worries though, the accompanying capers and crème sauce contributed the right amount of spice and moisture to make this dish successful. The overall presentation of each dish was traditional but enticing.

Our dessert featured a bananas foster prepared tableside by our server. The dish was simple, but we all agreed it was excellent (each noting the perfectly caramelized bananas). The slight twist on the dish, using fresh orange and cinnamon, was a nice kick to a classic dessert.

The bill came to around $100 per person (including tip) with our having ordered the more pricey options on the menu. It’d be possible to enjoy a full dinner with drinks for about half that if you really tried hard enough.

Overall the seafood was very fresh and with the exception of the grouper (a touch overcooked) it was all expertly prepared and well spiced. The filet mignon wasn’t much to write home about- but when you’re at a seafood restaurant that knows how to prepare fresh seafood, there’s no reason to order the beef! Luna del Sea offers very fresh seafood at “very fresh seafood served at a prime location” pricing: you get what you pay for.

I’d recommend Luna del Sea to anyone looking to enjoy a special night with some fresh fish and sweet lobster. It’s also a great place for those around Camden yards (or campus): enjoy a gourmet lunch or pre-game snack. Stick with one appetizer for two people, the “house” wines by the glass, and be sure to treat yourself to a bananas foster. The Monday – Friday Happy Hours (4-7 PM) are a hit, featuring half-off “house wines”, $3 beers (domestic) and a variety of appetizer specials. It’s worth trying at least once. They also offer delivery service for orders of $25 or more.

Other info: Luna del Sea can accommodate private luncheons or parties and has a huge private dining area attached to the restaurant.