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oChef » Mona Lisa – San Francisco
Mona Lisa - San Francisco
Photo from Mona Lisa
Mona Lisa at a glance
San Francisco North Beach
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 148 of the guests
#1858 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#110 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Good
6.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
747
Reviews
64.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic Italian
- Friendly Service
- Inviting Ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent Service
- Hygiene Issues
- Poor Value
The restaurant Mona Lisa Restaurant is an Italian restaurant located in the vibrant North Beach neighborhood of San Francisco. When you step inside, you’ll immediately notice the inviting atmosphere, perfect for a romantic evening or a cozy dinner.
This spot is known for its authentic Italian flavors and a dining experience that transports you straight to Italy. Whether you’re looking for a casual meal or an upscale night out, Mona Lisa offers a memorable culinary journey.
Overview: Introducting Mona Lisa
Mona Lisa offers a mixed experience, where the food often receives praise for its fresh ingredients and satisfying flavors, particularly the pasta and pizza. Guests frequently commend the staff for their attentiveness and the owner’s welcoming presence, creating a pleasant dining atmosphere.
However, the experience can be inconsistent. Some patrons have reported significant issues with service delays and unhelpful staff.
Furthermore, concerns about cleanliness, including mentions of roaches, and perceptions of small portions for the price, temper the overall appeal.
Good
6.7
out of 10
747
Reviews
64.3%
Satisfaction
233
negative
34
neutral
480
positive
Mona Lisa registers an overall Restaurant Score of 6.7, placing it in the average category, with Customer Satisfaction at a mixed 64.3%. This reflects a dining experience that has its high points but also notable areas for improvement.
The feedback comes from a substantial 747 customer comments, with 480 positive remarks balancing against 233 negative ones. Diving deeper, the Food (7.3) generally earns good marks for its quality and taste, and the Ambience (7.1) also contributes positively to the dining experience.
However, Service (6.3) appears to be an average aspect, and Value (3.3) stands out as a significant concern, often perceived as poor. This suggests that while the culinary and atmospheric elements are appreciated, the overall cost-to-experience ratio needs attention.
What people like
- Delicious, authentic Italian food
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Inviting, traditional ambiance
What people don't like
- Inconsistent, poor service
- Hygiene concerns (roaches)
- Overpriced, poor value
With a Recommendation Score of 6.9, Mona Lisa presents a mixed proposition. If you prioritize well-prepared Italian dishes and a charming, traditional setting, it could be a pleasant choice.
The welcoming staff often enhance the experience, making for memorable moments. However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service and a price point that many find steep for the overall offering.
If value and flawless execution are paramount, you might find other options more satisfying. Consider it for the food and atmosphere, but manage expectations for everything else.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Mona Lisa
Food (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 91% of the guests
When it comes to the food, guests are generally quite pleased, with a 7.3 score indicating a good culinary experience and a 70.4% customer satisfaction rate. Many rave about the delicious food and authentic Italian food, highlighting the tender meat and quality ingredients that make dishes shine. With 247 positive remarks out of 351 total comments, its clear that many find the meals to be excellent and flavorful.
However, not every bite is perfect. Some diners have noted issues with portions being small or meager, and a few found the food quality to be inconsistent, occasionally describing dishes as salty food or bland. While these 83 negative observations are fewer, they suggest theres still room for improvement in consistency and value.
Food
351
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
83
negative
21
neutral
247
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Italian flavors
- Delicious, quality dishes
- Outstanding pasta, pizza
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Inconsistent food quality
- Bland or salty taste
Often praised
- foodThe mozzarella cheese on the Parma pizza was incredibly fresh and delicious, and the meat sauce on the pasta was flavorful and satisfying. Service was quick, and the food was excellent. Highly recommend!
- pizzaWhile everything seemed to be in place – the flavors were present, the dough was right, and the cheese and toppings were good – it still came across as somewhat tasteless and plain. However, the pizza was fresh, nicely baked, and clearly made with quality ingredients. I'd recommend trying the Diavola and the Margherita, as they were the best among what we ordered.
- pastameat sauce on the pasta was flavorful and satisfying
- dishesOur server, Mateo, was incredibly attentive and friendly, taking the time to explain the gluten-free options. The dishes were amazing; the Steak with Gorgonzola sauce was melt-in-your-mouth delicious and cooked perfectly to medium-rare. All the pasta, including the gluten-free option, was tasty.
- menuMy experience at Mona Lisa was exceptional. Everything on the menu is the best of flavor, quality, and beyond value. I felt like family from the moment I walked in.
- FoodFood was great as well
- Italian restaurantMy experience at this restaurant was outstanding. I found it to be the best Italian restaurant in the US. The service was incredible, especially from Federico.
- authentic Italian foodGreat place for some authentic Italian food
- mealsour meals were beyond expectations
- tiramisuWe had the most tender meat and a delicious lobster pasta, which was truly exceptional in flavor. For dessert, the tiramisu was magnificent. If your path leads you here, you must visit!
Frequently criticized
- foodI hate I cannot give them zero stars. It doesn't matter how the food tasted, how attentive the service was, or the uniqueness of the venue. What matters is the fact they have ROACHES!
- portionsthe portions were very little
- pastaThe food was way over priced and expensive, with small portions and low quality. I left with a stomach ache because the pasta was too oily and fatty. I could have made a genuinely good bowl of pasta for $1.
- pizzaWe used to love this restaurant, but things have really changed. We received our pizza with a bug in it. Looked like a small cockroach.
- breadhaving it without a side of bread
- food qualitydidn’t see the price being worth the food quality
- pasta carbonarapasta carbonara was really terrible
- steakthe steak I ordered was impossible to eat
- Arnold PalmerI will definitely be back again. The only downside is that they charged $5 for an Arnold Palmer and charged it for each refill!
- Caesar side saladCaesar side salad was an extra $13, and came with too much dressing
If youre craving authentic Italian flavors and generous portions arent your absolute top priority, this spot is definitely worth a try. While most experiences are positive, be mindful that some find the value for money a bit off, so manage your expectations on portion sizes.
Service (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 80% of the guests
Based on 218 customer opinions, the service here often shines, with 130 positive remarks highlighting the friendly service and attentive staff. Many guests praise the welcoming owner and the overall efficiency and friendliness of the team, contributing to a pleasant dining experience. The service scores an average 6.3, indicating a decent effort.
However, there's definitely room for improvement, as seen in 83 negative comments. Some experiences describe rude or unhelpful staff, with instances of slow service and waiters being inattentive or even unprofessional. Customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 59.6%, suggesting that while many are happy, a significant portion encounters issues.
Service
218
Reviews
59%
Satisfaction
83
negative
5
neutral
130
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Welcoming owner
- Efficient service
What people don't like
- Rude, unhelpful staff
- Slow, inattentive service
- Unprofessional behavior
Often praised
- serviceservice and atmosphere. We were greeted with a smile by the owner and were served by his son for dinner.
- staffWe had dinner last night and really enjoyed it. The service was fast and the staff were very attentive. The prices were good for San Francisco.
- ServiceThe mozzarella cheese on the Parma pizza was incredibly fresh and delicious, and the meat sauce on the pasta was flavorful and satisfying. Service was quick, and the food was excellent. Highly recommend!
- ownerAs Neapolitans, we can tell you this is an excellent Italian restaurant, for its food, professionalism, competence, and welcome. The owner is an exceptional person, managing everything with friendliness and professionalism. The location is splendid and the prices are absolutely honest for San Francisco.
- waitersthe waiters are very polite and attentive
- waiterThe various Mona Lisa reproductions watching us eat were a unique touch and looked better than the Louvre ones. Marco was our great waiter. I've been there twice and found it to be consistently good.
- friendlinessmanaging everything with friendliness and professionalism
- professionalismThe food was delicious (we were very surprised by the mussels and their adaptation for our allergies), but above all, I would like to highlight the excellent service from the waiters and chefs. We could observe the kitchen and its great professionalism and cleanliness at all times. It was a busy night with many people, and they handled it perfectly, demonstrating efficiency, attention, and friendliness throughout.
- wait staffI felt like family from the moment I walked in. The wait staff is friendly and always picks a great wine to go with your meal. Owner Maricio's welcoming handshake and smile made the experience even better.
- wait timelongest wait I've ever had with no reservation was 10 min
Frequently criticized
- serviceWe were charged full price when most of the food hadn't been eaten. Poor service to say the least, but this server really doubled down when he should have been mortified. I've heard they are closing and will be merging with the other Mona Lisa across the street.
- serverBy far, it was the worst dining experience I've had in a while. Our server didn't check with us after we received our appetizer or mains. I couldn't eat my meal because of how salty it was, and when I expressed this to the host, he essentially told me that it wasn't.
- waiterIt was never great, but now it's even worse. We waited a really long time for our food, and the waiter took forever to take our order, making us feel deliberately ignored. Others who came in after us received their food first.
- staffthe staff, especially this one gentleman, is ALWAYS grumpy and rude
- deliverypay attention to the delivery as well
- Apple PayHe didn’t allow
- WaiterWaiter needs practice in serving wine properly, slow down the pouring
- assistanceI received multiple messages from the customer asking about the delay, and I had to explain more than five times that I was still waiting. A bald employee was particularly unhelpful, and despite my repeated attempts to inquire about the order's status, I received no assistance from him or any other staff. The employees' behavior towards Dashers is extremely rude and disrespectful; they refuse to help and speak in an unfriendly manner.
- attentionme tardaron en atender
- attentive serviceexpecting attentive service
If youre looking for a place with potentially warm and efficient service, its worth a visit, as many rave about the friendly staff and owner. However, be prepared for a mixed bag, as some guests have unfortunately encountered rude or inattentive service. It seems like a bit of a gamble, but the highs can be quite good.
Ambience (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 54% of the guests
The vibe here is generally quite positive, with a good score of 7.1 and a good customer satisfaction of 73.6%. Many of the 95 positive remarks praise the atmosphere, decor, and old-school charm, often describing it as a lively atmosphere with unique touches like murals and vintage photos that transport you. However, it's not all sunshine, as 31 negative comments point to some significant issues.
Concerns include roaches and dirty walls, with some guests experiencing tiny table seating or a lack of amenities like a changing table, which can certainly dampen the experience.
Ambience
129
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
31
negative
3
neutral
95
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Unique, lively atmosphere
- Rich, vintage decor
- Old-world charm
What people don't like
- Roach sightings
- Dirty environment
- Poor seating/space
Often praised
- atmosphereWe had an amazing experience at Mona Lisa for our wedding reception. The service was excellent, the atmosphere was very inviting, and there were great menu choices. It's a beyond lovely restaurant ❤️🍝🍷🥖.
- ambiancethe ambiance is rich with history and lots to look at
- decorPlace is nicely decorated in an old Italian way
- restaurantThe service was excellent, the atmosphere was very inviting, and there were great menu choices. It's a beyond lovely restaurant ❤️🍝🍷🥖. We will definitely recommend and be back soon ❤️.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere is excellent
- ambienceThe service and ambience was excellent
- interiorThey also offer a fantastic dedicated vegetarian pasta section with numerous options. The interior is vibrant, and unlike other popular establishments, it's usually quite easy to secure a table, even on weekends. I highly recommend trying their food, especially the Gnocchi, perhaps paired with a glass of red wine.
- kitchenThe food was delicious (we were very surprised by the mussels and their adaptation for our allergies), but above all, I would like to highlight the excellent service from the waiters and chefs. We could observe the kitchen and its great professionalism and cleanliness at all times. It was a busy night with many people, and they handled it perfectly, demonstrating efficiency, attention, and friendliness throughout.
- vibeMy experience at this restaurant was pleasant. The place is nicely decorated in an old Italian way, creating a very nice vibe. The service was good.
- Italian background musictra la musica di sottofondo italiana
Frequently criticized
- kid-friendlinessNot kid friendly. There is no room to properly place the ighchair
- Parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- atmosphereAtmosphere:2
- changing tableIt did not have a changing table for diaper change.
- cockroachWe didn't seem to have a choice in the matter. As we sat there waiting a cockroach climbed up the wall next to us. Our new pizza arrived but we were grossed out and wanted to leave.
- commerciala bit too commercial nowadays
- dining areadifficult to pass through in the dining area
- environmentdine in a dark environment with lots of shining LED
- establishmentI never had my order taken, and I didn't even receive water. This establishment is far past its prime; don't waste your time here, as there are plenty of better places nearby.
- floorExpect menus with dried, smeared pasta sauce and old noodles stuck in random spots. Expect the floor and table to need a clean, after it's been cleaned. We left and were happy to have had hand sanitizer.
If youre seeking a place with a truly unique, old-world Italian atmosphere and dont mind a bit of kitsch, you might enjoy the lively decor. However, be aware that some serious cleanliness and seating issues have been reported, which could be a dealbreaker for you.
Value (3.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
Lets talk about value, which unfortunately seems to be a major sticking point for many. With a poor score of just 3.3 and customer satisfaction at a low 16.3%, its clear theres significant room for improvement. However, a handful of guests (8 positive remarks) did find some things "worth it, " mentioning "prices" that werent crazy and feeling they got good value for their meal.
Despite these few bright spots, the overwhelming sentiment points to disappointment. Out of 49 total comments, 36 were negative, with many feeling overcharged and that the place was overpriced or a tourist trap. Issues like mandatory gratuity and poor price vs.
Quality balance frequently came up, leaving many feeling it wasn't worth the price.
Value
49
Reviews
16%
Satisfaction
36
negative
5
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Worth the value
What people don't like
- Overpriced dishes
- Mandatory gratuity
- Tourist trap
Often praised
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was great for some authentic Italian food. It feels cozy, the service is good, and the prices are reasonable. They're also open late, which is a big plus.
- PricesPrices are not crazy
- priceprezzo in linea con la cittĂ !
- tipregarding the tip I have no complaints because they did not include it
- valueMy experience at Mona Lisa was exceptional. Everything on the menu is the best of flavor, quality, and beyond value. I felt like family from the moment I walked in.
- worth itTotally worth it
Frequently criticized
- priceThe service was the worst in the city, with staff being rude and a complete lack of management supervision. While the pizza was decent at best, it was way overpriced. I felt it was a tourist trap and would advise others to avoid it.
- billThe next surprise came when we got the bill. We were charged full price when most of the food hadn't been eaten. Poor service to say the least, but this server really doubled down when he should have been mortified.
- $100 wastedI can't fathom how this restaurant is still in business, given our experience. Do not recommend - $100 wasted.
- Caesar side saladThe Caesar side salad was an extra $13
- PriceSeverely overpriced
- basic Spaghetti BologneseA plate of basic Spaghetti Bolognese was about $29
- cash paymenthad to get cash
- credit card paymentonly and first restaurant that does not accept credit card payments
- kids mealsthe kids meals should be less than $15.
- kids refill drinkWe’re charged for a kids refill drink.
If you're highly sensitive to pricing and expect excellent value, this spot might disappoint. While a few found it reasonable, the majority felt it was overpriced and not worth the cost, so proceed with caution.
How are the prices at Mona Lisa?
You’re looking at roughly 47 per person – reported by 148 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For an Italian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average hovers around 47, it’s clear that prices are quite spread out. We see a significant cluster of guests spending in the $21–$30 range, suggesting there are plenty of more budget-friendly options, alongside those who opt for a more premium experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 148 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar places in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an Italian restaurant. It offers a good range of options, catering to different budgets, which is always a plus!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Mona Lisa
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
1
Bug in pizza, poor service
We used to love this restaurant, but things have really changed. We received our pizza with a bug in it. Looked like a small cockroach.
Our server was unapologetic, said it must have been from the dining area (as if that makes it ok) and quickly walked away to get a new pizza. We didn't seem to have a choice in the matter. As we sat there waiting a cockroach climbed up the wall next to us.
Our new pizza arrived but we were grossed out and wanted to leave. The server then offered free dessert to make up for our unexpected guests. 🪳 When I declined and requested the bill, he said he had already put in the dessert order and walked away.
We were stuck. The next surprise came when we got the bill. We were charged full price when most of the food hadn't been eaten.
Poor service to say the least, but this server really doubled down when he should have been mortified. I've heard they are closing and will be merging with the other Mona Lisa across the street. You have been warned.
- pizza1
- server1
- cockroach1
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Delivery
2
Service Needs Improvement
My experience at the restaurant was impacted by the service. While I understand the staff might be busy, it's important to pay attention to the delivery aspect as well, not just the table. Preparing one item shouldn't take too long.
This oversight makes things difficult for us too, as we are also people trying to earn a living. I did not like the service.
- delivery2
- service1
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
8
A Gem for a Special Occasion
We celebrated our first Valentine's Day dinner at this restaurant. Our experience was certainly memorable, with tableside entertainment of sorts! We were seated between two couples with very different evening outcomes.
One couple was celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary at their usual table, while the other was on a first date. The evening took a dramatic turn when, after the bill arrived, the young woman dropped her portions and simply walked out, leaving her date to figure things out. It was an interesting evening, and we are hoping to return to this wonderful gem of a place again.
- wonderful gem9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
1
Disappointing Meal with a Roach!
My experience at this restaurant was marred by a significant cleanliness issue. After finishing an ok meal, a small red roach crawled across our table. This was incredibly off-putting, and I couldn't leave fast enough, despite the server offering us free dessert 🤮.
- ok meal5
- free dessert6
- small red roach1
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Exceptional Service and Delicious Food
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The waiter truly made us feel taken care of throughout the entire night. Every course served was delicious.
Additionally, there was a great variety of desserts to complement every entree.
- waiter10
- every course10
- variety of desserts9
What Mona Lisa offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Upscale
- Cozy
- Trendy
- Romantic
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere can you expect at Mona Lisa Restaurant in North Beach?
At Mona Lisa Restaurant, you can expect a versatile atmosphere, described as casual, cozy, trendy, romantic, and upscale. This makes it suitable for various occasions, whether you’re seeking an intimate evening or a lively gathering. Enjoy table service for lunch or dinner, with delicious desserts also available.
Does Mona Lisa Restaurant offer diverse menu options and service choices?
Yes, Mona Lisa Restaurant offers diverse menu options and convenient service choices. You’ll find late-night food, small plates, and organic dishes, alongside vegetarian options. The onsite bar serves hard liquor, wine, beer, and cocktails, plus coffee. For service, you can choose outdoor seating, dine-in, takeout, or delivery, making it flexible for your plans.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Mona Lisa?
Mona Lisa has an overall **Restaurant Score** of **6.7** and **Customer Satisfaction** at **64.3%**, indicating a mixed but generally average experience. While **Food** (7.3) and **Ambience** (7.1) are often praised, **Service** (6.3) is average, and **Value** (3.3) is a notable concern.
Are there any common complaints about the service at Mona Lisa?
Yes, some customers have reported issues with inconsistent service, including long wait times, unhelpful staff, and instances of rudeness. These experiences contrast with positive feedback about attentive and friendly staff.
Is Mona Lisa considered good value for money?
Based on customer feedback, Mona Lisa generally receives a poor score for **Value** (3.3). Many patrons feel the prices are high, portions are small, and the overall cost does not align with the quality or experience provided.