Mona Lisa Italian Restaurant

Recommends

Richinsd

Joined 3 years ago

Fantastic Italian Food. I lived in the Allied Gardens area for many years before moving to North County. This little restaurant on Waring Road was the only sadness of moving away. The Mona Lisa restaurants are both family owned but the recipes are completely different between the Allied Gardens and Downtown locations. The Mona Lisa on Waring Road specifically, has by far the best pizza in the county. Forget Chicago or New York. When I have guests in from the Midwest, this is the first place everyone asks to go. Everyone unanimously agrees, it's the best pizza anywhere. I know big statement but hey, it's the truth. Their crust recipe is unique. It has a distinctive and pleasing flavor that I've yet to find anywhere else. It makes the pie. Their sauce and toppings are always fresh, high quality and cooked perfectly. Oh and their sandwiches? It's always a tossup between which we'll order, pizza or torpedo. The sandwich begins on a toasted torpedo roll that is always fresh, crispy and again with a wonderful flavor that makes the meal. We may have moved but my wife and I often drive from La Costa to treat ourselves to a great meal. Once you've had their pizza or torpedoes, everything else falls short. Give it a try. For a preview, go to monalisaitalianfoods dot com You won't be disappointed

Doesn't Recommend

Italian 1

Joined 4 years ago

Worst Food , minimal service. We went to Mona Lisa (on the recommendation of an aquaintence) to celebrate my 58th birthday.

We ordered Lasagnia, Eggplant Parmesian and Spaghetti. The eggplant tasted (and appeared) to have been sliced, placed on a plate, covered with mozzarella cheese and then microwaved. It had no Parmesian, was bitter and the sauce on all 3 dishes tasted as though someone had dumped a 25 pound bag of sugar in it.

After receiving the food, the waitress never returned to the table again (there were 3 on duty and fewer customers). We had to ask several times for the check.

If you want real Italian food, go elsewhere or make it yourself. It couldn't be worse than what was served at Mona Lisa. (Canned food would have been better quality).

Recommends

Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Editorial Review. San Diego staple for quality Italian food and family dining.