Sat here and stared at those darned rating stars, trying to decide--just how many to give... The other commenters got the ambiance about right - don't go if you're looking for a quiet, romantic meal. Every seat (and there aren't many) was full, and the place was approaching boisterous, with plenty of activity from the kitchen, which is in full view of the seating space. Okay by me - it's kind of a fun, casual vibe, and we were forewarned by fellow Yelpers. So how was the food? Overall, pretty good. Appetizers are a bit odd - unless you want to go with calamari (which is supposedly pretty good), you're at a loss to get an Italian-themed item. The Asian app is just plain odd at a place like this. We chose the fried green beans and sadly, T.G.I.Friday's does a better job (shudder). Salads were fine (the dressings were quite good actually). I can only hope somebody at the Cafe has a critical look at that appetizer menu - it's just plain weird. I don't even want to talk about that weird cream cheese 'bruschetta' thing. Ew. Entrees were the highlight - clearly made just for us. My wife chose the lobster ravioli with the rosa sauce; I think she'd have drank the sauce with a straw had they given her one. The raviolis themselves seemed purchased, not house-made, but tasty. I chose an old standby: veal saltimbocca. It was a little better than okay - great white wine garlic sauce, although the veal was not well breaded (so it was soggy by the time it got to the table), and devoid of the sage that makes the classic proscuitto + sage that creates the 'jump in the mouth' that is the dish's namesake. Service was uneven; our server was attentive, for a while, although our request for extra rolls was near-ignored (think she forgot) until late in the meal, when two blackened briquettes were brought to the table with a dismissive "I left them in too long; hope that's okay". So much for sopping up the aforementioned rosa sauce. So, I'm still looking at those stars. I'll go with four, on the strength of the sauce, and a couple of touches that shows a chef-owner who cares. I'd like to think the missteps are anamolies, and I'm more than happy to give them a second shot - after all, there's far more Eye-talian food in these parts than Italian. Hoping next time goes better, or there's gonna be some falling stars in my update. read more

Unfortunately, my words here can only make my future at this establishment less pleasant. The place is a little small, and I'm scared that word may get out and people will flock from all over and I'll never get a table again. I was recommended by friends, and so far have been there about a dozen times. There is nothing there that I haven't loved. It seems the "big secret" is that they are the only people in York County that actually know how to use garlic. While it is a small place and it is ALWAYS packed, I've never waited more than 5 minutes for a table. The food is priced low for the exquisite quality, and you're never waiting around long for your meal or a drink. I even get coffee to go and that's terrific! I just heard about this website yesterday. Yes, I live under a rock. However, I needed to let people know about this place and give them the good press. read more

Having actually been to italy, this place is great and about as close to authentic Italian as I've had state side. They do have some regular American style dishes as well. But I would recommend ordering off there spirals menu. You won't be disappointed. As stated else where, it's CASH ONLY and BYOB/wine. read more

Italian restaurant for a gluten free gal is almost always a no-no. Not the case at Moonlight Cafe! You can add gf pasta to any dish!! I was over the 'moon' !!!!!! We were greeted at the door by the lovely Rosalyn, who's taken over the place with husband and chef- Marc. Stellar food, great service, adorable ambiance. Cozy and delightful. We will be coming back every time we come home to York! By on and cash only! read more

Moonlight Café - Italian Near Me - Dover, Pennsylvania

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There is simply nothing I can say except Moonlight Cafe is simply the BEST! The restaurant itself is small and sometimes parking is a pain, oh and they only except cash. That one threw me the first time I visited. Had to quickly run down to an ATM to get cash. Other than that it is simply the best Italian food around authentically prepared by a true Italian working his magic in the smallest kitchen I've seen. Everything is prepared in a kitchen which is pretty much viewable from any table and to watch him work is amazing. Go try this place. You won't be disappointed. read more

I have been coming to Moonlight Cafe for the last 3 years. Selfishly I never wrote a review before because I didn't want everyone else to know about my secret spot! Now that I'm moving out of the area I figured I would finally share. It was by far my favorite restaurant in the york area. We went to several nice dinners in both Harrisburg and Lancaster, but none of them lived up to the food we had at Moonlight. Moonlight cafe has a great atmosphere. It is not a swanky 5 star restaurant nor is it a trendy gastropub. It is a laid back, local, casual place that fits the area well. There is a small area to wait for a table when you first walk in. The place is small and fills very quickly. If you don't hit it right you could wait a while for a table. We've had best luck either going early or closer to closing time. It is a BYOB, which adds to the local/personal feel. I don't believe there is a corking fee which is also nice. It is cash only so hit the ATM before you go. The main reason for the 5 stars is the food. The best food we had eating out in York. I don't believe we ever got appetizers, but if we did they were average. The entrees are incredible. I am a big fan of the stuffed flounder, as well as anything in the vodka rose sauce. A meatball on the side is always a good addition to any meal. The Menu is large and they are willing to make combinations or adjust your order. All entrees come with a warm roll and a house salad with a great balsamic dressing. Portions are large and we always left full after a bottle of wine, salad, and entree. Desserts are very good I typically get a canoli to go home with as I am usually to full to eat it then. Possibly the best part is that the owner of the restaurant is always there working. Every time we have gone he has personally come and said hello and asked us how our meal was. As the place is dying down you will see him grab a table and possible have the same meal you just ate. I think its a good sign if the owner/chef is eating the same thing you are. read more

Friday night super busy and food still came out at a reasonable time and was super good and hot.

Oh my gawd. This place sits right on 74, is just a few miles from York City, and serves up excellent panini's, italian food, and cappuccinos. The owner/chef is passionate about what he does. Don't miss! read more

I have been coming to this place for years, I actually was very very close with the orginal owners. I remember them renovating the place! This place is fine/causal dining. Suits or jeans are totally acceptable. The cuisine- absolutely authentic, everything/knowledge passed on to the current chef by the previous owner(years of teaching the young man). I am so glad that despite the change of ownership the quality and expertise standards are being maintained, if not, constantly growing. The moonlight cheese steak, fried greenbeans, the tomato sauces, pastas, coffee/espresso drinks- Oh My!!!! Its my go-to spot whenever I'm in town, now living in dc. Keep it up guys!!!!! We love it! read more

Very, very nice surprise on the outskirts of Dover. It's easy to miss and it's tiny, 10 tables. Could be a tough seat around the dinner crunch. Quality food. We had the Cigar Rolls as an appetizer, an inspired creation of feta and provolone inside a rolled-up tortilla. I ordered the Chicken Amaretto, a special, and it was delicious, almost peanut-buttery in taste with plenty of pasta and veggies. I took half of it home, as did my wife with the vegetarian panini. Outstanding portions. Appealing menu, upbeat atmosphere. Definitely worth a stop. read more

Tiny, cute, and serving up yummy food! We had 2 side salads, one French Onion cup, a veggie Panini and a steak Panini. Be aware half the Paninis had to come home because they were sub sized. Definitely....will go back. read more

The Moonlight Panini is our favorite! We go here at least once a month. The service is great snd the food is delicious!

This is probably our favorite restaurant in the area. We moved to the Harrisburg region a few months ago and love hitting up the local joints. We were recommended this place and showed up around 7 p.m. on a Tuesday evening. The place was still quite busy, but we were able to be served quickly. The wait was slightly slow, which was understandable. It was a packed house and we did not have a reservation. The food was SO worth the wait. I had a simple penne vodka (I forget what my fiance had) but we both LOVED the meals. The portion size is generous so we were able to enjoy our leftovers the next day. I was so full I didn't get dessert, but I plan to try some next time. The prices are very affordable as well. read more

Best authentic Italian food in the area. The usual Italian fare with a Sicilian twist. Anything from chicken parm with a side of pasta and garlic bread, to some of the signature dishes on the menu. The staff is very friendly, patient and attentive to the customers' needs; more than willing to explain every dish on the menu and specials off the menu. A great place to hang out with friends and have a great dinner. Leave room for an espresso coffee or cappuccino and dessert. Bring a bottle of your favorite vino. read more

This was my first time dining here after my Italian mainstay Bel Paese closed. Small & informal, the food is top shelf! The dining room is tiny & separated from the open kitchen by only a granite counter, so you watch as all of the food is prepared. Daily specials are on the board, like many places it's BYOB & all of the dishes looked delicious! I had a creamy & savory Chicken Afumicato that I won't soon forget. The portions are generous, so I enjoyed it again for lunch :) I can't wait to return! read more

I love this restaurant. It definitely need some upgrades, as the plates are Always chipped and I am always disappointed that an Italian restaurant serves grocery store bread... But the entrees always make it worth it! What it lacks in atmosphere it makes up in flavor read more

Moonlight Café - Scallop Diablo - Italian Near Me - Dover, Pennsylvania

A hidden gem !! If you are looking for a healthy meal , or original recipe comfort food this is a must !! From the cozy ambiance to the amazing food this BYOB restaurant is my go too!! read more

Moonlight Café - A hidden gem. If you are in the mood food a healthy meal , or just some original recipe comfort food this place is your go too.. A++++ - Italian Near Me - Dover, Pennsylvania

Moonlight cafe, is just right for us. We moved to the area about a year ago and we just found this place. Perfect family-style Italian. Until now, every Italian place I we went to around here was either pizza shop or lousy. Moonlight cafe, was authentic Italian with a really Italian chef. My husband and I loved the food - good, honest meals. And we loved the price, the espresso, and the friendly staff. I had a red pepper, mushroom, chicken pasta dish it had a great flavor and a good portion size. This place is definitely on our list and when our family comes to visit, its our first choice. read more

Better than most restaurants in PA. Normally I have to go to MD to get decent Italian but this place was worth the wait. Restaurant is small and noisy and when I arrived there were quite a few people waiting for tables. read more

It would have been a 5 but soggy fries are not okay, take a toothpick and poke holes in the box so fries can breath

One of those places that pays attention to details. The presentation is outstanding and quality is awesome. Marco does an amazing job on the food he serves. If you haven't been there yet, your missing one of the best places in York area. Highly recommended read more

Always been a great go to place for good Italian. Ownership changed and it just isn't the same. Food isn't as good and the service is lacking but it is not horrible. read more

So, I like Italian food, but, it is not in my top five favorite types of food. Which brings me to Moonlight Cafe. I have had the BEST food I've EVER had out at a restaurant at Moonlight Cafe. I have passed this place hundreds of times and would not have given it a second glance if a friend wouldn't have suggested it. I love sitting at the two tables by the entrance to the back room and watching the chef at work... I felt like I was in a Food Network show. I don't rate a 5 too often so believe me when I do... it is special. read more

Tucked away btw. two car lots on Rt. 74 sits the counties best Italian cafe. The food is freshly made and incredibly delicious and the service is excellent!! What more can you say? We've never been disappointed and it has become our favorite for Italian food. The steak paninis are the best this side of Philly! Try it and I'd be surprised if you didn't come back. read more

Moonlight Café - The culinary magicians at the Moonlight Cafe on Dover - Italian Near Me - Dover, Pennsylvania

Hidden gem. Great Italian food with gluten free pasta available. BYOB. Tables are close, but it gives a homey friendly atmosphere. Prompt service, will definitely be back. read more

Always a great choice for great food in Dover. Be prepared to wait for a table on Friday and Saturday. Prices vary quite a bit, so there's something for everyone. read more

Food is phenomenal! Staff was courteous and professional. Own was kind and interactive when possible. I have had several meals here. Mostly seafood and desserts but all of it was hand made fresh in front of you. Excellent! read more

Best local homemade Italian spot around. Only a few miles from Olive Garden, if you want real Italian food make the drive.

We have lived in the area for 3 years and have been told amazing things and we were excited to try it. I ordered 2 dishes for lunch and a French onion soup. I did not order drinks- and I was pretty shocked at the price. Food was decent- not spectacular but for $50 for 2 meals I expected a lot more. I was not unsatisfied but was certainly expecting more for the price. I would think twice before returning especially for the price. read more

Little gem of an Italian restaurant in Dover PA. They have authentic Italian cousine, as well as great Panini sandwiches served with shoe string fries if you like. Always busy, so make reservations. Also call in for take out. And it's BYOB too. read more

Terrible we got take out the chicken parmigiana have no breadcrumbs on it .. it was a plain piece of chicken with cheese on it , the vegetable panini was not cooked and the break wasn't a panini we tried this place driving thru never will we go back . read more

You simply have to experience this gem where exceptional cuisine is complemented by unequivocally matches attention from the chef/owner Marco and his handpicked staff ! read more

Delicious, fresh Italian food. This restaurant has limited seating. It would be great to see them add on or move to a bigger location. It can feel pretty cramped sometimes. You are getting what you pay for. The skill of the chef is exceptional. The staff is always friendly. You're welcome to bring a bottle of your favorite wine to complete your meal. read more

Loved this little gem! It's like an ordinary oyster with a beautiful pearl inside. We went on Thursday evening and wasn't crowded but reservations are a good idea. It's pretty small and is BYOB. The food is amazing. I had the cioppino or seafood over pasta. It was loaded with mussels, clams, shrimp, chunks of fish and scallops. The broth was a lovely red sauce and you could taste the wine wonderful flavors of the sea from all that beautiful seafood. Would have loved to try dessert but the portion was large and I left no room. I will go again and again! read more

Very pleasant first visit. Some say it's tiny, I found it cozy. Some say it's loud, I found it vibrant. Server was efficient and kind, food was sincere without being pretentious. Reasonably priced... I'll definitely return and recommend. My only suggestion , and it's a somewhat minor concern: I'd like to see them get rid of plastic and paper and invest in washable, reusable ramekins and napkins. It probably doesn't cost more after an initial investment, puts less waste in the landfills, and would bring a nice polish to this hidden gem of a restaurant. read more

This place never disappoints! Real Italian, fresh-made in a small kitchen where you dine, so you can see, smell, and anticipate your delicious meal! Just like being in someone's home. Bring some wine and enjoy friends, family, and satisfying food. My brother's fav is the chicken parm. I had a delicious Mediterranean salmon! Ciao Bella! read more

This place is a hidden gem. The dining room is really tiny, but who cares? The fresh pasta and home-made sauces are just excellent and the portions are surprisingly large. I've had the Lemon Pepper Shrimp Fettuccine, Shrimp Scampi, and Zuppa de Pesce. Everything was at least as good as anything I've had for twice the price in Little Italy in Baltimore. Honestly, Moonlight's stuff was probably better. Go there. Tonight. Seriously. read more

Best Italian food I've had in a long time! I've been told by several friends to go here, and it didn't disappoint. The chicken Marsala was outstanding. My husband had the chicken asiago and that was also delicious. The staff was very nice and attentive. We will definitely be back! read more

A small, cozy authentic farm to table Italian restaurant that's been around for aong time. Great food, service and friendly staff.....fantastic pasta. Lunch specials are reasonable and best grilled cheese panini ever. You won't be disappointed. read more

This place. Go there. Looks like a used car lot on the outside but inside it's full of some of the most delicious Italian food I've ever had. Make a reservation because it's tiny, but the food is fantastic and the service is warm and friendly. It's BYOB so pick up a bottle of wine on your way. The kitchen is open and there are only two cooks, but they are masters of their craft and the service is quick. We had the crab dip appetizer, French onion soup, cream of crab soup, veal saltimbocca, chicken affumicato, creme brûlée, lemoncello tiramisu, and cannoli. Best meal I've had in a while. Can't wait to go back. read more