About Mona Lisa Cucina
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Went here for dinner on a Sunday evening. We were offered seating outside or at the bar but, as a group of three, we chose to wait (about 20 min) for a regular table. All the staff there were amazingly nice and friendly and seated us as soon as a table became available. The wait staff was very friendly and polite. He quickly brought out some bread and oil. The bread was warm and soft and they refilled the bread basket as soon as it was empty! We ordered a few appetizers and salads. Followed that up with a pasta dish and the Margarita pizza. Lastly got the Tiramisu and Spumoni. Overall, I would say the food was average at best. The pizza crust was not thin, nor was it really thick. It felt more like bread than pizza crust (admittedly they are all bread, but still I like to think there is a distinction!!). The pasta sauce was creamy vodka and personally I thought it was just ok. The highlight was the tiramisu and I definitely think it was among the better tiramisus I’ve had. The Spumoni was not particularly good. In summary, this place isn’t the first Italian spot I would recommend in the area. With that said, it isn’t bad for a quick meal, but nothing special.
I really liked the Italian restaurant in Huntington Beach! Both the Margherita Pizza and the Spaghetti alla Checca were made super fresh and everybody was very friendly, too. I can fondly create new memories and remember Mona Lisa Cucina forever.
Busy little restaurant tucked away in a strip mall setting. Food is exceptional and flavors are wonderful. Shared Rigatoni con Petit de Pollo and Insalata Mona Lisa with Gamberi (aka shrimp). The rigatoni with chicken was rich, so it was good to share. We just used the bread plates to share to avoid the added $4 sharing fee. The Menabrea Ambrata (Italian Amber Beer) on draft was very good, which I recommend. The restaurant is small and may have been understaffed for a Monday, albeit the Monday before Thanksgiving. Hector worked hard but had a lot of tables to manage. The atmosphere was good but a little noisy; Italian background music would be a nice touch, since it is quite authentic. The cost was a little pricey ($40-50 pp) but that's what it takes to dine out. The place was clean and they added a small table for our party of 5 to spread out a little.
My first visit and I am so impressed by Mona Lisa Cucina. Scott was our server and he was beyond excellent. I felt like a was receiving VIP service. He was attentive to our needs and made excellent suggestions that fit our accommodations. Besides the service, the food was superb! Compliments to the chef and the rest of the staff! Drinks were excellent. Bruschetta was an excellent starter! Our main entrees were delicious. Everyone at my table loved what they ordered. I am looking forward to visiting again! Thank you, Scott, for an amazing dining experience!
The food was good, the wine was good...the table seating is a little tight but we sat at the kitchen counter and watched the cooks in action. Good service. Mona Lisa is no wallflower. Pastas are better than the pizzas but still a thumbs up overall.