Pazzaluna, the beloved Italian restaurant in downtown St. Paul, has reappeared after four years … at least temporarily.
After twenty-two years, Pazzaluna closed in May 2020 just months into the pandemic-driven shutdown. Whether their owner was insightful or looking to move on is unclear. The owner has post-pandemic opened a series of restaurants in the same location, apparently without success as all closed in a relatively quick timeline.
Either inspired or desperate, the owners resurrected Pazzaluna as a pop-up: 6 nights over two weeks, fixed menu, lots of buzz and excitement. Many employees – chefs, bartenders, wait staff – came back to play their part, willing reliving their past. My wife and I were fortunate to snag a reservation, and this evening we went.
And it was great: almost a full house, lots of excitement, great food, and enjoyable atmosphere. The only difference is that the previously (overly-) large space has been split so there were less tables than previously. Our choices:
- Antipasti: Bruschetta, Giant Stuffed Meatball
- Insalata & Zuppa: Minestrone Soup, Caesar Salad
- Entrees: Angel Hair in the Style of Capri, Rigatoni with Chicken
- Dolci: Salted Caramel Budino, Gelato
The unanswered question: is this truly a one-off or are the owners floating a balloon to test the waters about restarting Pazzaluna as a full-time restaurant. Our waitress was coy, claim both that she didn’t know while implying perhaps this is just a pre-opening night. A restart could be very successful, at least in the near-term with the holiday season almost upon us.
