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Just across the quaint stone bridge in downtown Half Moon Bay is a culinary treasure. Pasta Moon is a restaurant that manages to balance gracefully between two worlds.

In 1987 Kim Levin, executive chef and owner, inspired by fresh local ingredients, opened a small six-seat restaurant in what is now the front half of the main dining room. Her handmade pasta delighted patrons from all over the Bay Area, and turned her passion into an elegant restaurant that now seats two-hundred guests.

Pasta Moon Interior — With an upscale casual atmosphere, Pasta Moon is suited for everything from large formal parties to simple elegant date nights.

A Half Moon Bay Institution

Pasta Moon has been a community mainstay for over 30 years while continuing to stay innovative and relevant. Serving on-trend, farm-driven dishes, Pasta Moon is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. Levin continues to work with local farmers and ranchers to provide guests with the fresh contemporary twists on Italian classics.

With an upscale casual atmosphere, two beautiful dining rooms, and a hip front bar, Pasta Moon is suited for everything from large formal parties to simple elegant date nights. Whether it is a quick casual happy hour in the bar or a seated birthday dinner in the dining room, Pasta Moon creates an atmosphere of elegance and ease.

Pasta Moon Dishes — Pasta Moon works with local farmers and ranchers to provide guests with the fresh contemporary twists on Italian classics.

Italian-Inspired Food and Drinks

The show stopping 30-layer lasagna is a must try. Each generous portion is loaded with ricotta, parmesan, house made sausage and a rich tomato sauce layered between thin, delicate fresh house made noodles. If you are in the mood for something lighter, Pasta Moon has delicious seasonal salads and starters. The rotating menu of crispy delicious flatbreads, which can be made gluten-free upon request, are a great starter to share with the table or pair with a salad as a meal.

Cocktails are always fresh and on-trend with a seasonal, rotating menu. Try the top-shelf Negroni for an herbaceous pre-dinner cocktail, beer from local Bay Area breweries, or explore the extensive Italian wine list. The knowledgeable bar staff strives to serve up delicious, inventive twists on the classics such as The Atticus Finch, with Four Roses Bourbon, Campari, Benedictine and plum bitters. The weekday happy hour is a great value, Monday through Friday 5:00pm to 7:00pm.

Garden Area — The Creekside Garden has been host to numerous weddings and luncheons.

A Special Place for Your Next Event

In addition to the beautiful dining rooms, private dining is available to accommodate parties and meetings of all sizes. The Creekside Garden has been host to numerous weddings and luncheons as well as hosting the yearly Italian Wine festival, Vinltaly, each autumn. The festival is a smaller version of the vineyard harvest festivals held around Italy each year. This event, held rain or shine, is an incredible opportunity to meet wine makers, taste an incredible variety of Italian wines, and purchase wines at a discounted rate.

Levin approaches this restaurant as an ever-evolving and ever-improving project. She strives to create a menu that is refined and hearty, always on-trend. Pasta Moon has grown into a cornerstone of the city of Half Moon Bay and a must-see for your next visit to the Coastside.

Liz Smith Finders is a chef, who sometimes writes. Originally from the Midwest, she grew up fishing, hunting, foraging and gardening. Growing up on an organic farm her happiest memories include the smell of wet dirt, the snap of a sour apple fresh from the tree, and watching the humble strength of a tiny seed. As a chef, she has been lucky enough to train in some of the best kitchens in the world from Chez Panisse to Noma. Liz, her husband, 2 dogs, and 6 chickens are so grateful to have made a home on the Coastside and are loving every minute.

Liz Smith Finders