The Moat

4.7

232 Reviews

$41 to $100

Italian

Top Tags:

Enjoy an Italian escape at The Moat, an intimate haven in the heart of Melbourne.
Set in the basement of the State Library.
Our new menu reflects the Italian heritage of our two owners, Paul and Rosie, and of our head chef Monica. Together, they have created authentic dishes that are hand-made with seasonal local produce, simplicity and love.
Our family welcomes yours to join us.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 4, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 7 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$41 to $100
Cuisines
Italian, Cocktail Bar, Mediterranean
Hours of operation
Wed–Fri 12:00 pm–10:00 pm Dinner Tue, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(03) 9094 7820
Website
http://www.themoat.com.au/
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Private party facilities
For Private Functions please Contact Rosie via email: info@themoat.com.au

Location
176 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne, AU-VIC 3000
Neighborhood
Melbourne CBD
Cross street
Swanston and Little Lonsdale
Parking details
Parking available at QV Centre
Public transit
Melbourne Central
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

Gnocchi Night
A$40.00 per person
May 17 - Dec 20, 2023
Join us every Wednesday for Gnocchi Night! Enjoy your choice of three pasta dishes, each featuring our handmade gnocchi, served with a side salad and a glass of red or white house wine for just $40 per person. It's the perfect mid-week treat!
Lunch Special
A$30.00 per person
May 11 - Dec 22, 2023
On Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays enjoy our lunch special: a plate of our silky handmade pasta and a glass of wine for just $30.
Chef's feed me menu
A$65.00 per person
Nov 3 - Dec 20, 2023
for parties larger than 8 enjoy a family style feed me menu of the chefs favourite dishes. Let us know if we need to consider any special diets and we will make it happen

What 232 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.8Service
4.8Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

City Centre
Best Ambiance
City Centre
Romantic
City Centre
Italian

232 Reviews

AP
AvaP
Orlando
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
service food wine and ambience are all excellent and for a reasonable price too. Easy tram access. Really like this place and would highly recommend.
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DM
DarrenM
Melbourne
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
If you are looking for a great Italian meal at reasonable prices this is the place. The slow roasted lamb shoulder with the heirloom carrots was amazing also ordered the twice cooked chats, yum. The anchovies for entree were fantastic. The service was exceptional and this made the dining experience well worth while. Thank you 😊
The MoatResponded 2 days ago
Darren, thank you so much for dining with us and for your lovely review. We are so happy to hear that you loved your meal and to learn that our team took such great care of you. We hope you'll dine with us again soon!
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TD
TonyD
Melbourne
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We loved it! The foods great, but for us it's the staff, service and unique location that make it such a special place.
The MoatResponded 2 days ago
Tony, thank you so much! We are delighted to hear that you love dining at The Moat. We hope you'll stop by again soon!
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JW
JulieW
Melbourne
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 17, 2023
overall5food4service4ambience4
We've ( a friend and I) have been coming to The Moat for a number of years. Menu options are always numerous and tasty. Also enjoy the set menu, great value. We both appreciate the early lunch 12 noon opening. Would be good to be open all days of the week but appreciate other considerations are in play.
The MoatResponded 2 days ago
Julie, it was a pleasure to serve you again! We truly appreciate your support over the years. We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your lunch and we hope to see you again soon!
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A
Artemis
Victoria
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
A really great dining experience with another couple. Delicious food, great service and we loved the ambience.
The MoatResponded 2 days ago
Thank you for the five star review, Artemis! We're thrilled to learn that you and your group loved dining at The Moat and we hope to see you again soon.
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GP
GailP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Walking into this amazing restaurant transported me back to Italy with the look, feel and smells. Choosing pasta in the menu was an easy choice after seeing the pasta being hand made in the kitchen as we walked by. Definitely a place I will go back to it - it was incredible! The food delicious and service impeccable.
The MoatResponded 2 days ago
Gail, thanks so much for dining with us and for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that you loved your meal at The Moat and we hope you'll come see us again soon!
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CB
CatherineB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lovely little Italian restaurant with warm ambience and friendly service. I had the pumpkin ravioli and panna cotta, which were both delicious. Highly recommend!
The MoatResponded on November 13, 2023
Catherine, many thanks for your lovely review! We are so happy to hear that you loved dining at The Moat and we hope to see you again soon.
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CH
ChristineH
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on October 28, 2023
overall3food4service4ambience4
Enjoyed the food but main dish pasta felt more like entree size.
The MoatResponded on November 3, 2023
Christine, thanks for choosing The Moat and for taking the time to review us. We're so pleased to hear that you enjoyed your meal and will pass the feedback on regarding the size of your pasta. We hope to see you again!
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AT
AlanT
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lovely secluded place. Delicious food. Great service.
The MoatResponded on October 26, 2023
Thanks so much for dining with us, Alan! We're delighted to hear that you loved your meal and to learn that our staff took such good care of you. We hope to see you again soon!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Victoria
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Casual feel with upmarket menu I was immediately impressed with the location set opposite QV below street level. The staff were friendly and warm and actually spent the night looking out for me. I was overwhelmed with the quality of the food and wine. I rate this as a must do experience in Melbourne.
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AK
AnnieK
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Moat is terrific. It’s a warm friendly place for cocktails or dinner. The food is delicious; we had a selection of small plates to share which was perfect. The service is very good with friendly knowledgeable staff. Highly recommend
The MoatResponded on October 12, 2023
Many thanks for the five star review, Annie! We're delighted to hear that you loved dining with us and we hope to see you again soon!
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LB
LuckyBoy
Victoria
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lovely every time. Our happy place. Always first place we book for date night. Service is delightful, atmosphere is calming and the food is impeccable. Thank you for giving us the reset we need from the crazy of daily life.
The MoatResponded on October 12, 2023
Thank you for your lovely review. We're so happy to be your date night spot of choice! We hope to see you again soon.
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VC
VictoriaC
Melbourne
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 5, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
I love it when service staff know their wines so I don't have to make a decision, and when the cheese board has hefty pieces of cheese! Bring on the cheese! It was magnificent. Loved it :-)
The MoatResponded on October 12, 2023
Victoria, we're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your time at The Moat! We hope to see you again soon for some more wine and cheese!
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S
Shaz
Perth
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We are visiting Melbourne from Perth and decided to try The Moat. Reviews were good so fingers crossed. The service when we arrived was excellent and continued all through the meal. We enjoyed the Wednesday gnocchi special with 3 gnocchi choices to choose from , a salad and glass of house wine for $40 per person. It did not disappoint. The best meal we ate in Melbourne.
The MoatResponded on October 12, 2023
Shaz, we're so happy you chose to dine with us on your trip to Melbourne! We're delighted to hear that our gnocchi night was a highlight of your holiday. We hope to see you again when you're next in town!
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KD
KatD
Hawaii
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Gnocchi Wednesdays at The Moat are to die for, such a good idea
The MoatResponded on October 12, 2023
Kat, we're so happy to hear that you loved our Gnocchi Night! We hope you'll visit us again soon.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Nice and relaxing atmosphere, fantastic food and very friendly stuff.
The MoatResponded on October 6, 2023
Thank you so much for your kind words. We're so glad to hear that you loved dining at The Moat! We hope you'll dine with us again soon!
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JH
JulieH
Melbourne
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on September 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Moat is a hidden gem underneath the State library. Lovely food and good service
The MoatResponded on September 28, 2023
Thank you so much for the five star review, Julie! We are thrilled to hear that you love dining at The Moat and we look forward to seeing you again soon.
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MS
MargueritaS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 20, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Great night after book launch at Readings. Staff very calm and capable when extra people landed at The Moat wanting drinks and meals after 8.00. Great scholarly ambience, quiet enough for conversation; different spaces available. Well done team.
The MoatResponded on September 28, 2023
Marguerita, thank you so much for your lovely review! We are so happy to hear that you loved your time at The Moat and we'll pass your kind words onto our team. We look forward to seeing you again soon.
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VT
VanessaT
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Lovely meal, fantastic service. Waiter was outstanding.
The MoatResponded on October 26, 2023
Thank you so much, Vanessa! We hope to see you again soon.
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SP
StevenP
New South Wales
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great environment really helpful staff and fantastic food.
The MoatResponded on October 26, 2023
Steven, we're thrilled to hear that you loved dining with us! We look forward to seeing you again soon.
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EL
EdithL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Has always walked past the Moat but never had a chance to give it a try. No regrets! Great food, great service!
The MoatResponded on October 26, 2023
Edith, we're so happy you finally stopped in to dine with us! We're delighted to hear that you loved your time at The Moat and we hope you'll dine with us again!
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PT
PninaT
Melbourne
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Highly recommended! Great atmosphere, service and food!
The MoatResponded on October 26, 2023
Thank you so much for the five star review; we'll see you next time!
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CM
ChristineM
Las Vegas
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on August 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
What a hidden little underground treasure. Gorgeous ambience, fabulous service and a great Wednesday night pasta & wine special for $40. Happy Hour cocktails were amazing. Will be back.
The MoatResponded on October 26, 2023
Christine, thanks so much for the five star review! We're so pleased to hear that you loved our Gnocchi Night and we look forward to your next visit!
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JT
JadeT
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Incredible food and awesome service. The fresh pasta was delicious and the staff were knowledgeable, attentive and fun.
The MoatResponded on August 24, 2023
Jade, thank you so much for the five star review. We're delighted to hear that you loved your meal and to hear that our staff took such great care of you. We hope you'll dine with us again soon!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was amazing. The food, staff, wine and atmosphere. We will definitely be back!!
The MoatResponded on August 24, 2023
Thank you so much for choosing The Moat and for your lovely review! We are so happy to hear that you loved dining with us and we look forward to your next visit!
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J
Jessie
Chicago
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent pasta of the day and meals generally. Good wine list. Prompt and attentive service with a smile. Charming and quirky ambiance.
The MoatResponded on August 24, 2023
Jessie, thank you so much for the five star review! We're thrilled to hear that you love dining at The Moat and we hope to see you for some more pasta and wine soon!
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LT
LuisaT
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic service. Delicious cocktails and melt in the mouth pasta.
The MoatResponded on August 24, 2023
Thank you so much for the five star review, Luisa! We are so pleased to hear that you love dining at The Moat. We hope to see you again soon!
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LK
LizK
Victoria
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on August 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Such a quirky little hideaway! My lamb ragu pappardelle was delicious. Everyone one the table enjoyed there meals. Service was excellent and ambiance wonderful. I’ll certainly be back.
The MoatResponded on August 10, 2023
Liz, thank you so much for your lovely review! We are thrilled to learn that you loved your time at The Moat and we look forward to seeing you again soon.
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A
Andy
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great atmosphere, Cozy and energetic. Small but delicious menu. Lovely service.
The MoatResponded on August 10, 2023
Andy, we're so happy to hear that you loved dining with us! We hope to welcome you back to The Moat again soon.
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CC
CassandraC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of the best Italian restaurants I have been to.
The MoatResponded on August 1, 2023
Cassandra, thank you so much for your kind words. We are thrilled to hear that you loved your meal and we hope you'll visit The Moat again soon!
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KS
KathrynS
Melbourne
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Engaging atmosphere which is clearly very popular for people meeting up. Great smells and visual to the kitchen. A delightful dining location
The MoatResponded on August 1, 2023
Kathryn, thank you for choosing to dine with us! We're delighted to learn that you loved your time at The Moat and we look forward to seeing you again soon.
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JB
JoBa
Melbourne
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We were looking for somewhere with lots of charm to entertain friends from out of town. This place really impressed, from the fairy lights on the way in, to the cozy basement library style of the restaurant, it was delightful. Buzzy and a lively vibe. The service was very friendly and everyone agreed that the food was terrific. Our friends were talking about the slow cooked lamb for days. I loved the ravioli. We will be back.
The MoatResponded on August 1, 2023
Thank you so much for the five star review! We are so pleased to hear that you and your friends loved dining with us. We hope you'll join us for another meal soon!
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SL
SusanL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fabulous atmosphere, a little on the expensive side & noisy but food and service terrific
The MoatResponded on August 1, 2023
Susan, thank you for choosing The Moat! We are happy to hear that you loved spending time in our venue and to hear that our staff took such great care of you. We're so glad to learn you enjoyed your meal and we hope you'll dine with us again!
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S
Shaowna
London
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 15, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience3
Food was delicious, my boyfriend got one of the specials (lamb gnocchi) and the portion was quite small, but still very tasty. We were originally sat at a very bad table but once we requested to move they found another table immediately so we were delighted! Seems to be popular for groups, birthdays and catch-ups as got quite loud as the night went on which we didn’t mind but if you’re looking for something more intimate this may not be the place for you. Service was 10/10 which always makes all the difference!
The MoatResponded on August 1, 2023
Shaowna, thank you so much for choosing The Moat and for taking the time to leave your review. We're so happy to hear that you loved your meal and to hear that our staff were able to accommodate your seating request so promptly! We hope you'll dine with us again someday.
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BH
BrianH
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on July 13, 2023
overall1food1service3ambience3
The food was really bad, struggled eating it and the prices were inflated
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PA
PAULOB
Melbourne
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 12, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience5
Very agreeable ambience, and not noisy. Food servings are not large but good.
The MoatResponded on July 17, 2023
Thanks so much for choosing to dine with us and for your review! We're so happy to hear that you enjoyed your time at The Moat and we hope you'll visit us again.
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MS
MimS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing place! Food, staff, ambience, location are very nice. Definitely worth a visit!
The MoatResponded on July 11, 2023
Many thanks for your lovely review, Mim! We're so happy to hear that you loved your time at The Moat and we hope you'll dine with us again soon!
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FT
FionaT
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
As always, excellent food and outstanding service from the team at this Melbourne treasure
The MoatResponded on July 17, 2023
Fiona, thank you so much for the five star review! We're thrilled to hear that you love dining at The Moat and we look forward to seeing you again soon!
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NM
NathanM
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Staff were very friendly throughout and the food was great
The MoatResponded on August 1, 2023
Thank you so much, Nathan! We're thrilled to hear that you loved your meal and to learn that our staff took such great care of you. We hope you'll stop by again soon!
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JD
JessD
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The whole dining experience was amazing. Great service, super lovely and attentive and the food was delicious and authentic. The location is great and it's such a romantic, relaxed and cosy environment, perfect for a date or a dinner woth friends and family.
The MoatResponded on July 11, 2023
Jess, thank you for your kind words. We are thrilled to hear that you loved dining at The Moat! We hope you'll come and see us again soon.
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
- Contactless payment available
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from The Moat using the Order Online button. The Moat also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (03) 9094 7820.

The Moat is rated 4.7 stars by 232 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 4, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 7 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

176 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne, AU-VIC 3000

Additional information

Cross street
Swanston and Little Lonsdale
Neighborhood
Melbourne CBD
Hours of operation
Wed–Fri 12:00 pm–10:00 pm Dinner Tue, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Price
$41 to $100
Cuisines
Italian, Cocktail Bar, Mediterranean
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Parking available at QV Centre
Public transit
Melbourne Central
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.themoat.com.au/
Phone number
(03) 9094 7820
Private party facilities
For Private Functions please Contact Rosie via email: info@themoat.com.au

The Moat

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Experiences

Gnocchi Night

Lunch Special

Chef's feed me menu

Menu

What 232 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

Does The Moat offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is The Moat restaurant rated?

Is The Moat currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information