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oChef » Mona’s – San Diego
Mona's - San Diego
Photo from Mona’s
Mona's at a glance
San Diego Allied Gardens
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 49 of the guests
#558 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#18 Italian Restaurant out of 19 in San Diego
Good
6.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
422
Reviews
60.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- authentic food
- friendly service
- good atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- high prices
- delivery problems
- bland food
The restaurant, Mona’s, is a charming Italian Restaurant nestled in the Allied Gardens neighborhood of San Diego. When you visit Mona’s Italian Restaurant, you’ll find a welcoming and cozy atmosphere perfect for a casual meal or a quiet, romantic evening.
Whether you’re planning a lunch outing or a delightful dinner, this spot offers a comfortable setting where you can relax and enjoy authentic Italian flavors.
Overview: Introducting Mona's
Mona’s offers a dining experience where the food often receives praise for its authenticity and generous portions, suggesting a commitment to traditional flavors. However, some patrons have noted concerns regarding the overall value, particularly with recent adjustments to pricing.
The service at Mona’s is generally well-regarded, with many highlighting the attentive and friendly staff who contribute to a pleasant visit. The restaurant’s atmosphere also tends to create a comfortable and inviting setting for guests.
Good
6.5
out of 10
422
Reviews
60.2%
Satisfaction
145
negative
23
neutral
254
positive
Mona’s achieves a respectable Restaurant Score of 6.5, indicating a generally positive reception, with Customer Satisfaction standing at 60.2%. This suggests a solid, if not outstanding, experience for many.
These insights are drawn from 422 customer opinions, comprising 254 positive and 145 negative remarks. Delving into specifics, the Ambience (7.6) is a clear strong point, creating a welcoming environment.
Service (6.9) also performs well, with staff often making a good impression. While Food (6.7) is appreciated by many, the Value (3.7) score indicates it’s an area where some customers feel there’s room for improvement, often citing price concerns.
What people like
- Authentic, fresh food
- Attentive, friendly service
- Pleasant atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent value
- Delivery service issues
- Bland specific dishes
If you’re seeking a place with a pleasant atmosphere and generally good service, Mona’s could be a suitable choice, especially if you appreciate traditional dishes. The Recommendation Score of 6.8 suggests a majority of diners would recommend it, particularly for its core offerings.
However, be mindful of the pricing, as some find it a bit steep for the overall experience. While the food has its highlights, some specific dishes and delivery service aspects might not consistently meet expectations.
It’s a place worth considering, but perhaps with tempered expectations regarding value.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Mona's
Food (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, there's a lot to talk about! With 176 positive remarks out of 278 total, many customers rave about the delicious food, often highlighting the Incredible Pizza, authentic food, and generous servings. The overall score for food sits at a respectable 6.7, suggesting a generally good culinary experience.
However, the customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 63.3%, with 88 negative comments pointing to areas for improvement. Some diners found dishes to be bland or dry, while others encountered old bread or greasy food. It seems consistency might be a challenge in certain aspects of the menu.
Food
278
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
88
negative
14
neutral
176
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, authentic food
- Incredible pizza
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Bland, dry food
- Greasy, cold dishes
- Poor food quality
Often praised
- foodThe food hasn't changed much in all that time and that's a good thing.
- pizzaAlthough I have been going to Mona Lisa for over 20 years because their pizza is my favorite in San Diego County, I have to be honest and say that the recent 19% cost increase for a large pizza is unbelievable. I used to pay $23.
- crustThe crust is crispy on the outside but pliable
- pizzasone of THE BEST pizzas in town
- portionsThe only people who wouldn't like this food are people who grew up eating knock off brands and cheap food. This place is authentic and serves huge portions. People bitc*ing about the prices are just mad that they can't afford to re buy the best food they've ever had in their lives!
- saladAdditionally, the sauce had separated and was greasy. While my eggplant parm was okay and the salad was good, the overall delivery experience was sloppy, with one of the bags leaking. When I contacted Mona's, the representative apologized but stated they couldn't resolve the issue because we ordered through a third party, which I found questionable.
- antipasto saladWe were seated quickly, but the service was slow and forgetful. While the antipasto salad was delish, the garlic bread was forgotten. The lasagna was soupy and lacked form, with a sauce that tasted very "chef boyardee.
- cannolipleasantly surprised with the cannoli
- cheesespare no amount of cheese
- ingredientsSuper delicious and fresh. Made from scratch and true ingredients from real Silcity locals. The only people who wouldn't like this food are people who grew up eating knock off brands and cheap food.
Frequently criticized
- foodI wouldn’t even feed my dogs the food I just got delivered
- sauceThe sauce is too obviously out of a can
- chickenchicken Parmesan was bland, dry, and tasted of reused oil
- garlic breadWe were seated quickly, but the service was slow and forgetful. While the antipasto salad was delish, the garlic bread was forgotten. The lasagna was soupy and lacked form, with a sauce that tasted very "chef boyardee.
- food qualityMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. While everyone I spoke to was very nice, I was ultimately disappointed with the quality of the food. The meat ravioli was bland, and the sauce lacked flavor, possibly from a jar.
- lasagnaWhile the antipasto salad was delish, the garlic bread was forgotten. The lasagna was soupy and lacked form, with a sauce that tasted very "chef boyardee. " Observing other tables, it seemed like everyone else was eating pizza, which might have been a better choice.
- pizzapizza tastes like dough no flavor at all
- soupEverything, the soup, the lasagna, even the "still frozen" tiramisu.
- fettuccine Alfredofettuccine Alfredo with chicken, was very bland
- fillingUnfortunately, it looked like someone closed their eyes and threw them together! The bread was old and there was hardly anything on them. My friend summed it up, saying, "How did you like your stale bread sandwich!
If you're craving classic Italian fare, especially pizza or generous portions, this place could hit the spot. However, be aware that some dishes might lack flavor or consistency, so choose wisely to avoid disappointment.
Service (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 53% of the guests
Alright, lets talk service! With a solid 6.9 score, its leaning towards good, though customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 61.6%. Based on 73 customer remarks, with 45 positive and 21 negative, many folks rave about the friendly owners , servers , and staff .
They often highlight the waitress attentiveness and the genuine care shown, making for a pleasant dining experience. However, not everyone has had a smooth ride. Some experiences point to service that's not always great, especially concerning delivery issues like incorrect orders or long waits.
There are also mentions of customer service being inattentive, with some waitress interactions falling short, leading to forgotten items or slow drink refills.
Service
73
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
21
negative
7
neutral
45
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, caring owners
- Attentive, nice servers
- Exceptional staff
What people don't like
- Slow, inattentive service
- Problematic delivery orders
- Incorrect pickup orders
Often praised
- serviceI had a wonderful lunch experience. The fettuccine was cooked perfectly, and the service was wonderful. We left feeling full and satisfied.
- staffI personally really like the food here and the meat lovers pizza is awesome. Nice atmosphere inside and friendly staff. Maybe the only drawback is that it is a bit pricey.
- ServiceService:4
- waitressOur waitress was exceptional! Friendly, and professional.
- serverthe server was really really nice! very pleasant.
- MariAnneI brought my foreign exchange students from France and China for an American Italian experience. We had a pasta extravaganza, customized by the ever so gracious MariAnne. Thanks a million!
- dine inDine in or or take out
- favorite server JayciThe service has always been great, and it's a relaxing atmosphere. Shout out to our favorite server Jayci for always being so nice!
- guys behind the counterwork so hard to make a quality product
- hostessThe hostess was very nice and helpful
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy last 4 delivery orders were incorrect, and it takes over an hour and a half for delivery, even though I live only 8 minutes away. I used to love this place for years, but the poor service has me ordering from other places recently. I hope they get their act together since this was a 5-star spot.
- deliveryIt's a shame what happened in my experience since this place sold. My last 4 delivery orders were incorrect, and it takes over an hour and a half for delivery, even though I live only 8 minutes away. I used to love this place for years, but the poor service has me ordering from other places recently.
- bagsone of the bags leaked
- cookshigher BETTER cooks
- customer servicethe woman I spoke to said she was sorry but couldn’t do anything about it
- delivery ordersIt's a shame what happened in my experience since this place sold. My last 4 delivery orders were incorrect, and it takes over an hour and a half for delivery, even though I live only 8 minutes away. I used to love this place for years, but the poor service has me ordering from other places recently.
- dressing on the sidenot smart enough to put dressing on the side
- drink refilldidn't get a refill on my drink
- food not brought out all at onceTo make matters worse, I and several people in my party were charged above the menu prices for our food. Additionally, the food was not brought out all at once, but rather one at a time, leaving people hungry and waiting.
- pickup ordersI called for a pickup order and was told they don't do Caesar salads for pickup. The reason given was that they would get soggy by the time they are picked up.
Overall, if youre dining in, youll likely find the staff friendly and attentive. Just be aware that delivery and pickup experiences can be a bit hit-or-miss, so you might want to manage your expectations there.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this place generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.6 and customer satisfaction at a good 78.6%, many guests rave about the inviting atmosphere, pleasant decor, and the cozy, clean interior. Out of 28 opinions, 22 were positive, highlighting the charm of this family business and its relaxing ambiance, making it feel welcoming even for kids.
However, it's not all perfect. A few of the 5 negative comments mentioned issues like tacky music and one particularly strong opinion noted the place smelled like dirty socks. There were also remarks about the decor looking a little rundown in some areas, suggesting there might be a few spots needing a refresh.
Ambience
28
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
5
negative
1
neutral
22
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Inviting atmosphere
- Cozy and clean
- Pleasant decor
What people don't like
- Tacky music
- Smelled like socks
- Looking rundown
Often praised
- atmosphereNice restaurant with a good atmosphere
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- InteriorThe Interior was beautiful and original.
- bocce trophieseverything is still the same right down to the bocce trophies when you walk in!
- boothwe sat at a nice booth
- cleanlinessEverything was clean: floor, bathroom, utensils
- cozyits very cozy!
- decorPleasant decor
- family businessthis lovely family business
- guestand happy guest
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe place smelled like dirty socks to me.
- decorIt's looking a little rundown
- parkingI would recommend ordering all of the dressing and veggies on the side so that your sandwich won't be soggy by the time you get home. Parking is a mission for this place, but it's worth it.
- restaurantthe restaurant is horrible
- tacky musicthe music was tacky
If youre looking for a generally pleasant and cozy spot with a good atmosphere, this restaurant is likely worth a visit. Just be aware that the music might not be to everyones taste, and there's a slight chance of encountering some less-than-fresh smells or a slightly dated look in certain corners.
Value (3.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 32% of the guests
Despite a challenging overall perception, some guests do find value here. With 11 positive remarks, diners appreciate the affordable prices and the rewards and discount program, noting that signing up for their Frequent Diner Appreciation card can offer good value. Some even feel the serving size and quality match the price.
However, the value proposition struggles significantly, with a score of 3.7 and customer satisfaction at a low 25.6%. Out of 43 total opinions, 31 express concern, frequently mentioning that the restaurant is pricey or has seen cost increases. Many feel charged too much, highlighting issues with menu discrepancies and excessive prices for dishes like pizza and spaghetti.
Value
43
Reviews
25%
Satisfaction
31
negative
1
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Rewards program available
- Good value for money
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Prices are high
- Significant cost increases
- Charged above menu
Often praised
- pricesThis place is authentic and serves huge portions. People bitc*ing about the prices are just mad that they can't afford to re buy the best food they've ever had in their lives! I've been coming here for 20 years and will still come to this place and highly suggest it if you have good taste and know what's worth the price.
- valueMy experience at this restaurant was truly memorable. The food was great, offering good value for money. The service was excellent, and the old school atmosphere added to the overall charm.
- Frequent Diner Appreciation cardsign up (free) for their "Frequent Diner Appreciation" card
- affordableSigh. Affordable
- affordable pricesgreat good at affordable prices
- priceThe restaurant itself is quaint, and the servers are very friendly. Although it's getting quite pricey, it's well worth the extra dollars for the quality product the hard-working guys behind the counter create. It remains our go-to place for a great pizza, and we love it!
- reasonable pricesfor reasonable prices
- rewards and discount programSign up for their rewards and discount program
Frequently criticized
- priceTo make matters worse, the service wasn’t any better. Honestly, this place realistically shouldn’t exist; there’s no way you can’t make food of a higher quality for a quarter of the price on your own at home.
- pricesThe prices are a bit high given the quality of the food
- $18.9518.95 for Rigatoni or close to $20 bucks
- $20 bucks18.95 for Rigatoni or close to $20 bucks
- charged above menu pricesThe music was tacky, and the food was so-so. To make matters worse, I and several people in my party were charged above the menu prices for our food. Additionally, the food was not brought out all at once, but rather one at a time, leaving people hungry and waiting.
- charged too much" Observing other tables, it seemed like everyone else was eating pizza, which might have been a better choice. To top it off, the server messed up the ticket and charged too much.
- cost increaseAlthough I have been going to Mona Lisa for over 20 years because their pizza is my favorite in San Diego County, I have to be honest and say that the recent 19% cost increase for a large pizza is unbelievable. I used to pay $23.
- cutting cornersKeep cutting corners and keep trying to save money!!
- dinner for twodinner for two with out any drinks came to 66.00.
- greedThe economy doesn't justify this, and it's not a moderate increase. This is nothing more than greed. Sorry Mona Lisa, you lost my business, and I'll be sharing this information with every friend and customer I have sent your way over the years.
If youre considering this spot, be prepared for potentially higher prices, especially if youre not utilizing their discount programs. While some find it worth it for the quality, many feel the cost doesn't align with the experience, so manage your expectations carefully.
How are the prices at Mona's?
You’re looking at roughly 30 per person – reported by 49 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For an Italian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most folks spend in this $21–$30 sweet spot, though a good number also opt for the slightly cheaper $11–$20 range, showing a nice mix of options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 49 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
For an Italian restaurant, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. It offers good value without breaking the bank, especially given the variety of spending options.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Mona's
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
6
Disappointing Food, Great Service
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. While everyone I spoke to was very nice, I was ultimately disappointed with the quality of the food. The meat ravioli was bland, and the sauce lacked flavor, possibly from a jar.
Even the garlic bread was missing any garlic taste. On a positive note, the salad was a very generous portion, which I appreciated. As a supporter of small businesses, I hope this was just an off night for some of their less successful items.
- salad8
- service9
- food quality2
- meat ravioli2
- sauce2
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Delicious Food, Limited Refills
I loved the food, it was super delicious and well-prepared. We ate the pesto, which is their specialty (mona), and another one without cheese. The only thing is that refills are only offered once.
- food10
- pesto10
- refill3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Italian with Cheerful Service
My experience at this lovely Italian restaurant near downtown San Diego was very pleasant. The decor was nice, and the service was excellent and very cheerful. I enjoyed the delicious food, specifically the homemade pesto pasta.
My companion had the chicken parmesan, and both dishes were tasty and prepared in the old way. The delicious salad that came with our meal, along with the home-baked bread, was also a highlight. It was sad that we were leaving town the next day and couldn't enjoy our very tasty leftovers.
- decor7
- service10
- homemade pesto pasta9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Fabulous Family Business Off the Beaten Path
What a delight to happen upon this lovely family business! The moment you walk in, the aromas of the pasta sauce grab you and make your mouth water. Everything was excellent.
This place is off the beaten path of tourism, but it is fabulous! The staff are very warm and welcoming. The food is excellent.
- pasta sauce9
- food9
- staff9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Delivery
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Best Fettuccine Alfredo Ever!
My experience ordering fettuccine Alfredo on Uber Eats was exceptional. It was the best I have ever had!
- fettuccine Alfredo10
What Mona's offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Casual
- Quiet
FAQs
What parking options are available at Mona's Italian Restaurant?
At Mona’s Italian Restaurant, you’ll find convenient parking solutions. You can utilize the free street parking available, or take advantage of the free parking lot. There is usually plenty of parking, making your visit hassle-free.
Is Mona's Italian Restaurant accessible for guests with mobility needs?
Yes, Mona’s Italian Restaurant is designed with accessibility in mind. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, a dedicated wheelchair accessible parking lot, wheelchair accessible seating, and a wheelchair accessible restroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests.
How does Mona's generally perform?
Mona’s holds a Restaurant Score of 6.5, indicating a generally good experience, supported by Customer Satisfaction at 60.2%. While Ambience (7.6) and Service (6.9) are well-regarded, Food (6.7) is also a strong point, though Value (3.7) is a notable area for improvement.
What do customers appreciate most about Mona's?
Many customers praise Mona’s for its authentic and generously portioned food, particularly the pizza. The staff are often described as friendly and exceptional, contributing to a pleasant dining experience.
Are there any common concerns about Mona's?
Some patrons express concerns regarding the prices, noting recent increases and finding certain dishes expensive. There have also been reports of inconsistent delivery service and occasional issues with specific food items being bland or poorly prepared.