Every neighborhood has that place- That special place where the owners and bartenders know who you are and welcome you with a warm smile even if they do not. That place where you can come as you are and leave satisfied, knowing that you had a good meal and a good time.

For the denizens of Jamaica Plain, Bella Luna is that place. Fortunately, it is large and warm and welcoming enough to encourage and invite people from all neighborhoods with the same warm welcome and great food and entertainment.

The stated mission of Bella Luna (which also houses the popular night spot Milky Way) is to “create community through delicious food & beverages, art & music” and to be “a gathering place where everyone feels comfortable and has fun.” In the process of providing for their guests, BL also provides for the neighborhood by shopping from local purveyors and also by hosting and contributing to a calendar’s worth of fundraisers and community events. Among these are Bella Luna’s regular rotation of Craftaculars, which brings in area brewers and buskers in an effort to rally the community for a common cause, such as The Angel Fund for ALS. While all of these mission-relevant elements are attractive, many people come to Bella Luna (at least, the first time) for the food and/or for a show. No matter when or why they come, however, some things will always be true: The welcome will be warm; the food will be fresh and tasty; and the vibe will be just hip enough.

With its exposed brick and beams and comfy red cushions, the main dining area is on the hot side of warm, but the Ms. Pac-Man/Galaga machine in the lobby, glistening mirror-backed bar and child-designed plates all unite to offer a vibe that combines uptown class, downtown savvy, dive bar kitsch and a bit of home kitchen. This friendly-ly funky feeling continues throughout the menu, with such notable entries as the boldly but appropriately-named “out of this world” bean burger, “world’s best” calamari and “better than your mama’s” meatloaf, as well as “Cool Hand Luke” deviled eggs and a pair of pizzas named for Boston’s most recent leaders – the Marty Walsh with prosciutto, pineapple and red onion and a pepperoni and pepper-topped tribute to the late great Tom Menino. In addition to the “supernova” sandwiches are such “stellar” sides as Brussels sprouts in brown butter, crunchy sweet potato fries, and individual meatballs for those who may not want to offend their “mamas” all that much. Other enticing options include the cornucopia of flavor that is the harvest flatbread (a sharable slab of fire-baked yumminess topped with sweet fig jam, kale, apple slices, pumpkin seeds and other healthy stuff) and a seasonal spinach salad that offers a mouthwatering mound of freshness that it amply accented with warm goat cheese, caramelized red onions, apple and toasted pumpkin seeds. There are also plenty of choices for those who need or choose to live gluten or meat free, including a vegan mushroom linguini and a vegan version of their famed farmer’s market pizza that covers their perfectly-baked crust with spinach, roasted garlic, sun-dried tomatoes and a vegan tomato sauce that is almost as good as Bella’s rustic red.

To wash down and/or accompany all this fabulous fresh fun food, Bella Luna offers a wide array of beverages, including many locally-sourced sips that range from Bully Boy liquors to beers made right next door at the Sam Adams brewery. They also have an international selection of wines by the glass or bottle (including a monthly spotlight special) and a rotating set of taps that bring the best of Boston and beyond to beer and cider lovers, including our gluten-free and designated driver friends. With two cocktail lists – one comprised of such popular “features” as the Cider Empire with its mix of Amaro Montenegro and Downeast cider, the Flawless glass of lemon-infused gin, Limoncello, and plum bitters, topped w/ sparkling cava; or the Tried and True combination of Bulleit bourbon, allspice, fresh ginger syrup and lime juice; the other offering such “signature” servings as Admiral Jack’s favorite Flor de Cana rum, sweetened lime juice, angostura bitters and a mist of Glenlivet and a Cheshire Cat combo of habanero-infused tequila, apricot liqueur, and fresh fruit juices that is sure to leave you smiling (as will any of the other options) there is something for everyone (over 21) who wants to explore new flavors or find a new favorite.

While they are not on the official menu, Bella Luna’s disserts are also out of this world and worthy asking about no matter how little room you think you have. In addition to a vegan and gluten-free chocolate plate that comes with dried fruits and nuts, they also often offer such satisfying finales as a coconut cannoli, an ice cream sandwich that “proudly” features JP Licks ice cream and a Nutella calzone that needs a least two knives and forks to enjoy every last gooey morsel. The 15 minutes it is claimed to take give diners just enough time to sit and relax before heading over to the adjoining Milky Way Lounge entertainment area to catch some of the area’s best local talents and special events like comedy shows, DJ and live band dance nights and more! In keeping with the quality vibe of Bella Luna, the Milky Way is a cozy affair with comfy couches, a solid sound system and fun and funky lighting that intrigue diners to wander in and invite revelers to come by just for the music and laughs. So whether you are looking for a fun and friendly place to grab a delicious and fresh but unpretentious bite, a swirling swanky bar to meet old friends and new or a place to dance and groove the night away without having to drive all night (or pay for parking), Bella Luna and the Milky Way should be in your orbit!

Bella Luna/Milky Way

284 Amory Street

Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

Phone: 617-524-3740

www.milkywayjp.com