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About

Welcome to Mona Lisa Italian Foods, a cornerstone of Italian cuisine located in the heart of San Diego at 2061 India St. Our establishment is a vibrant blend of a classic Italian restaurant, a cozy family restaurant, and a delightful wine store. With a rich heritage in the community, we offer an authentic taste of Italy, right here in California. At Mona Lisa Italian Foods, we serve a wide range of traditional Italian dishes, expertly prepared with the freshest ingredients. From hearty pizzas baked to perfection in our pizza restaurant section to exquisite pasta dishes that transport you straight to Italy, our menu caters to all tastes. Additionally, our on-site deli offers an array of fine Italian meats and cheeses, perfect for a quick bite or to take home for your culinary creations. Our welcoming atmosphere makes it the ideal spot for family gatherings, romantic dinners, or casual meetings with friends. Not to forget, our carefully curated wine store features a selection of top-quality Italian wines that perfectly complement your meal. Guests consistently praise our dedication to quality and service, often noting our exceptional dining experience that goes beyond just a meal. Whether you're a local or just visiting, Mona Lisa Italian Foods invites you to immerse yourself in a genuine Italian dining experience that celebrates the joy of food, family, and friends. Visit us today and discover why we are not just a restaurant, but a destination loved by all who appreciate great Italian food and culture.

Mona Lisa Italian Foods Review Summary

The summary was generated by AI, based on reviews.

Mona Lisa Italian Foods offers a classic deli experience with a wide selection of fresh sandwiches, imported cheeses, and Italian specialties. Customers appreciate the generous portions, authentic flavors, and friendly service. The deli’s market section adds to the experience, allowing visitors to take home their favorite Italian goods. While the place can get busy, most agree it’s worth the wait for quality food and a welcoming atmosphere.

Review Rating Chart

Google: 4.7/5

Yelp: 4.5/5

Tripadvisor: 4.5/5

Facebook: 4.6/5

Zomato: 4.3/5

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Reviews & Ratings

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4.6
(4362 Reviews)
5
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Duyen
Duyen -Google user
2 months ago
I absolutely love this place, every time we visit San Diego, we make sure to stop by. The meatballs and garlic bread are always on point. the lasagna which was okay this time. The piccata was a nice surprise! Great food, good service, and a...Read More
Dine inDinner$20–30Atmosphere: 4Free parking lot
Brandon Dreher
Brandon Dreher -Google user
2 months ago
Everything about this place is a home run! The distinct italian theme and delicious food really sell the Mona Lisa experience. There menu is pretty expansive and not too pricey. The sandwiches we ordered were a good size and quite filling. You order at the...Read More
Dine inLunch$10–20Atmosphere: 5No waitSomewhat recommendSomewhat difficult to find parking
Ramsey Hammad
Ramsey Hammad -Google user
4 months ago
One of San Diego’s oldest Italian restaurants founded in 1955. Been in operation for 3 generations, so as you can imagine, this Italian restaurant has some great history. The food was absolutely amazing. They have a wonderful selection of pastas and meat and vegetarian options for...Read More
Dine in$30–50Atmosphere: 5Reservations recommendedQuiet, easy to talkHighly recommendVegetarian menu or sectionSomewhat difficult to find parkingPaid street parking
AlphaAmor Justo
AlphaAmor Justo -Google user
4 months ago
The food serving sizes were really generous, two people can share. Each entree comes with a choice of either a salad or a soup. I loved the salad. The taste is authentic Italian. The staff are friendly and helpful.
Atmosphere: 5
Sin V
Sin V -Google user
5 months ago
This place is amazing it's my first time going into a small Italian deli like this..I didn't get to eat in the restaurant but I will definitely be going back to try... I was in the mood for deli meat sandwich and I was told...Read More
$50–100Atmosphere: 5Moderate noiseSuitable for all group sizesIndoor dining area, Outdoor patio / terrace, Booth seating, Counter seating
Raquel F. Reid
Raquel F. Reid -Google user
4 months ago
Love Love Love it here. If healthy eating is a pillar of being happy - this place is great. Wonderful atmosphere, amazing lunch, octopus salad was on point. Love to stay in touch with my loved ones as we visit and eat. @healingground.online
Atmosphere: 5
Melia
Melia -Google user
3 months ago
Deli/Market Review: Awesome little Italian grocery stop! Any noodle shape you can imagine is available plus probably more shapes that you’ve never even knew existed. The deli can get crowded (especially with the narrow aisles) but they handle it very well and it didn’t take...Read More
Take out$10–20Atmosphere: 4Not sureDifficult to find parkingFree parking lot, Paid street parkingThe parking lot is small but there are many pay-to-park parking lots nearby (Ash street, State street, Union street). I recommend parking up the street in the Bankers Hill neighborhood for free and walking down to Little Italy. Getting in and out of Little Italy in a car can be frustrating.
Czar Fonzarelli
Czar Fonzarelli -Google user
5 months ago
This review is for the deli part this has to be one of the best sandwiches I have ever had I got the spicy Italian number 18 the meat is delicious the Italian dressing was amazing and the bread was amazing my wife got the...Read More
$10–20Atmosphere: 5Quiet, easy to talkSuitable for all group sizesNo waitSomewhat difficult to find parkingFree parking lot, Free street parking, Paid street parking
Jon Langbert
Jon Langbert -Google user
7 months ago
All-around excellent family-style Italian restaurant. Good portions served piping hot. Enjoyed the pesto sauce.
Dine inDinner$30–50Atmosphere: 4Somewhat recommendVegetarian menu or sectionWould be nice if they add an alt-meat option for one of the sauces.
Joel Kaufmann
Joel Kaufmann -Google user
2 weeks ago
Mona Lisa Italian Foods is an outstanding spot for authentic Italian sandwiches in Little Italy. Everything is exceptionally fresh, from the bread to the ingredients, and the flavors are perfectly balanced. It’s a truly authentic experience, the kind of place that makes you feel like...Read More
Take outLunch$10–20Atmosphere: 5Moderate noiseHighly recommendClearly labeled vegetarian dishesIt’s a easily accessible
Randy Perry
Randy Perry -Google user
6 months ago
Mona Lisa Italian Restaurant is truly a hidden treasure. Up front, you’ll find the deli and store where you can buy incredible Italian ingredients—everything from homemade sauces and meatballs to coffee and fresh noodles. You can also grab one of the best sandwiches you’ll ever...Read More
Dine inLunch$10–20Atmosphere: 5Minestrone Soup, Sandwich, Soup
T Stoey
T Stoey -Google user
2 months ago
Have been to Mona Lisa's many times and it never disappoints. They do have a restaurant aspect but my favorite part is the deli/market. They have a huge variety of things, predominantly Italian goods and cuisine. It's such a great spot. If you're looking for some...Read More
Atmosphere: 5
Janelle Vasquez
Janelle Vasquez -Google user
4 months ago
You walk in and there are old pictures of the family along the wall. You walk up to the counter and order .. kind of like the cafeteria in school. The girls were kind and helpful. My son got the Alfredo and I got lasagna...Read More
Dine inLunchAtmosphere: 5
Samuel Schneider
Samuel Schneider -Google user
3 months ago
The deli in this place is unbeatable. Some of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had. I got my usual sandwich, spicy Italian add homemade mozzarella. Grab a drink out of the cooler and a canolli for the road! You cannot go wrong here
Take outLunch$10–20Atmosphere: 5
Nikki Francis
Nikki Francis -Google user
2 months ago
I’ve never had a bad meal here. The pizza is authentic, and the lasagna is out of his world. If you’re looking for a quick bite during lunch Monday through Saturday from 11 to 3 try the express lunch line. They have options such as pizza...Read More
Take outLunch$20–30Atmosphere: 5Loud, but you can still talk
Shamadra Carlin
Shamadra Carlin -Google user
2 months ago
I am 49 years old and have been going to Mona Lisa since I was a little child. It was my Uncle's favorite place to take my sister and I to eat! The food is just as good now as it was then and the atmosphere...Read More
Dine inDinner$50–100Atmosphere: 5Indoor dining area, Outdoor patio / terrace, Booth seating
Amber Valencia
Amber Valencia -Google user
2 months ago
Food was really good. Big rave to their desserts, they were not overly sweet and were well balanced. Pizza and pasta were really yummy as well. The price is a little higher, but portions reflect pricing well. I would most definitely come back again. Only...Read More
Dine in$10–20Atmosphere: 4Moderate noiseNo wait
Zaida Miramontes
Zaida Miramontes -Google user
2 months ago
I love the lasagna and salad combo. This is my go-to place when I go to Little Italy. Many places to choose from. This time we tried the double crust pizza. Delicious!! 😋
Atmosphere: 4
Ben Teich
Ben Teich -Google user
7 months ago
Mona Lisa Italian Market is a must-visit for anyone who loves authentic Italian sandwiches and deli selections. The quality of their meats and ingredients is outstanding, making for some of the best sandwiches we’ve had. We absolutely loved the mortadella sandwich—simple, flavorful, and packed with...Read More
Atmosphere: 5
Kevin Clark
Kevin Clark -Google user
2 weeks ago
Family run restaurant. We've been going there for the past 40 years. Great weekday lunchtime specials, very convenient for the working crowd. Try the veal or chicken picata. Strangely, I have never tried the pizza, but I think I have had every other entre on the menu. Tastes like home...Read More
Dine inLunch$10–20Atmosphere: 5Indoor dining area, Bar area, Outdoor patio / terrace, Booth seatingDifficult to find parkingFree parking lot, Free street parking

Features

Service options

check icon Outdoor seating
check icon No-contact delivery
check icon Delivery
check icon Takeout
check icon Dine-in

Highlights

check icon Fast service

Popular for

check icon Lunch
check icon Dinner
check icon Solo dining

Accessibility

check icon Wheelchair accessible entrance
check icon Wheelchair accessible parking lot
check icon Wheelchair accessible restroom
check icon Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings

check icon Alcohol
check icon Beer
check icon Cocktails
check icon Coffee
check icon Comfort food
check icon Hard liquor
check icon Healthy options
check icon Quick bite
check icon Small plates
check icon Wine

Dining options

check icon Lunch
check icon Dinner
check icon Catering
check icon Dessert
check icon Seating

Amenities

check icon Bar onsite
check icon Restroom

Atmosphere

check icon Casual
check icon Cozy
check icon Historic
check icon Trendy

Crowd

check icon Family-friendly
check icon Groups
check icon Tourists

Planning

Accepts reservations

Payments

check icon Credit cards
check icon Debit cards
check icon NFC mobile payments

Children

check icon Good for kids
check icon High chairs
check icon Kids' menu

Parking

check icon Free parking lot
check icon Paid street parking