Not really sure why this place has such high number of reviews. It’s not that great. I came here on my birthday, expecting really good Italian. It has your basic Italian food that I can make at home. When I say, “make at home”, I mean it. I can probably make better hot fresh pasta. This is probably why it’s connected to the store. The store is a lot better than the restaurant. At the restaurant, I got rigatoni with their meat sauce. There wasn’t much meat in it. Felt like a can of tomato paste on top of dry noodles. Ice tea taste like pretty basic Nestle tea. The minestrone soup was pretty good, and the best part of the meal. The garlic bread came at the end of the meal. However, for dessert, the cannoli was a nice surprise and tasted authentic.
Had lunch here with my daughter, instead of ordering from the lunch special, we ordered from the regular menu. The food was great, the portion was big, and the staff was very friendly. Really enjoyed the authentic Italian cooking.
Mona Lisa was recommended by a local. Great Italian food at a good price. Sauce is the best. Right on the India Street, the main drag of Little Italy. Also recommend the meatballs and the ravioli. One of my husband’s favorite places. For us, it is a must when in San Diego.
We started eating here almost 30 years ago, when my husband was at monthly Navy Reserve drills in San Diego. Before returning to AZ, we'd extend our stay using a couple days vacation and always include dinner here. This trip was to get out of the summer heat for a bit and after a day in Balboa Park, we stopped with fingers crossed it hadn't been impacted by Covid. Fortunately, we experienced the same smiling, friendly faces and conversation and savored great food! Bonus: their wine is very reasonably-priced and their 13" meatlovers pizza & side salad were so laden with toppings we took 3 slices to savor at home!
Coming here to the Mona Lisa was absolutely amazing! My two brothers and I had a wonderful experience with our server named Kyle. He was very attentive, kind, and efficient in his service. I hope the owners or manager of this restaurant acknowledges Kyle for his superb service especially because he made us feel so welcomed like we were all friends. As for the food it was a 10/10 for freshness with amazing flavors. They also served free bread. From my brother’s opinion he enjoyed the cocktails Kyle served. We will definitely come back for sure! I hope more people can enjoy this authentic Italian restaurant like we did! :)
Called in here at tea time. Absolutely wonderful from the food to the staff. The food was quick and very tasty. The staff couldn’t do enough for you. I would eat here again. A proper authentic Italian.
Nothing is like Italian food, while in Italy but while in Little Italy, we tried Mona Lisa's, a third generation business. The small parking lot was packed. Most people were I'm and out of the market area. We decided to dine in. We ordered the meat ravioli, spaghetti, a ceaser salad and house salad. The portions were HUGE but the taste was lacking something. Overall we left stuffed and could have split a salad and entree.
Mona Lisa Italian Foods is right in the mi of Little Italy in San Diego. Lovely place with a deli, grocery store, and full seat down restaurant.this place gets 5 stars for authenticity. We ordered sandwiches, salads, and the breadsticks and it was all delicious. The marinara sauce was so good that we went back the next day and purchased a few tubs full.You'll find everything you need to make the perfect Italian dish at the home, or you can simply get a table and have them do it for you. I will visit this lovely place every time I'm in San Diego.
Mona Lisa as it's name suggests is a work of art. 3 generations of excellent family recipes really have made it a must go spot in San Diego. The pizza is excellent, but don't expect to finish one on your own!
Deli is amazing, the restaurant is okay. They have a great lunch deal and delicious pasta sauces. My favorite are the caprese salad and the pastrami sandwich.Their antipasto salad was delicious! The large is huge! One serving is the small size.