La Luna: Mexican dishes with a Northwest flair

On first glance, one would have no idea La Luna is a Mexican restaurant. But on first bite, you'll be sold.

The deceptive restaurant looks like a trendy wine bar when you walk in; however a quick glance at the menu (offering mole chicken enchiladas, carne asada, chiles rellenos and fish, chicken or steak tacos) makes you realize that a part of Mexico has landed in Upper Queen Anne.

La Luna opened its doors in mid-April, replacing the short-lived Flow lounge, and is open almost all day — 7:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. With items on the breakfast, lunch, dinner and happy-hour menus ranging from $6-$12, you'll be able to save your pesos for more tequila.

The menu: La Luna serves traditional Mexican dishes with a Northwest flair. You'll find seared scallops with a chipotle-tomato sauce and citrus salsa ($10); a roasted half chicken with sautéed poblano peppers in a portobello-cream sauce ($14); and veggie tacos filled with spicy potatoes, avocado slices and a tomatillo sauce ($9) for the noncarnivores.

What to write home about: The grilled salmon ($16) is the steal of the menu. A perfectly cooked fillet served on green rice, with an orange-juice reduction and avocado pico de gallo on the side. Save room for the caramelized banana Napoleon ($7). Chocolate and peanut butter layer flaky pastry with bananas on top and drizzled with a rum-reduction sauce.

The setting: Tables line the outside of the restaurant, each with a little fire pit on top. The inside is a clash between a sit-down restaurant and a sports bar with large flat-panel TVs lining the walls.

Summing up: Two entrees (Green Steak Enchiladas and Pollo Poblano), one appetizer (seared scallops) and dessert (Napoleon) came out to $41 plus tax and tip.

Jon Fisch: 206-464-8326 or jfisch@seattletimes.com