Luna Grill - Irvine

Is Luna Grill to Persian food as Panda Express is to Chinese? Probably. But let's not misconstrue that as a bad thing. For the record: I like Panda Express. And I like Luna Grill. I've eaten at Luna Grill enough now to see that they are consistent, clean, and a well-managed chain that makes one hell of a chicken kabob.

Yes, it is a bit expensive if you compare it to what Wholesome Choice charges for the same quantity of food. At Luna Grill, a plate with an avalanche of fluffy Persian rice, salad, three pita triangles, a roasted tomato and the meat off of one skewer goes for $10. But in my opinion, their koobideh, (which is just called "ground sirloin kabob" here), with the roasted meat in braids, is much better than Wholesome Choice's.

But oh that chicken! It's bursting with juice and flavor, deeply marinated at the molecular level, and did I mention that it's breast meat? Yes, breast meat, a protein that's more apt to being dry and boring, is so good here you will forgive Luna Grill for taking further liberties with the cuisine.

For example, they have spanakopita, which is actually Greek. Order it anyway. It's a massive thing—enough for a lunch in and of itself—where a flaky Phyllo dough cocoon is pregnant with creamed spinach, the pastry drenched in either butter or the fat coming off the cheese.

Besides, if we're sticklers for geographical accuracy in what our ethnic food restaurants serve, we would first have to reconcile what country Panda Express' cream cheese rangoons come from. Because it's certainly not Myanmar.

Luna Grill
3965 Alton Pkwy
Irvine, CA 92606
(949) 654-5862
lunagrill.com

THIS WEEK ON OC WEEKLY:
Chianina - Long Beach