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ZipPicks Awards

Best Steakhouse in North Beach Best Seafood in North Beach

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Mona Lisa Mare e Monti 7.8
North Beach
Seafood-forward Italian spot with a steak-and-pasta bent and lively, art-filled energy. A newer chapter from the Mona Lisa family, right on Columbus.
Must-Try Dishes: Ribeye 'Mare e Monti' with prawns, Filet Mignon, Tagliatelle Mare e Monti
Scores:
Value: 6 Service: 7.5 Consistency: 7.3 Food Quality: 7.8 Atmosphere: 8.2 Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Italian surf-and-turf sensibility with steaks on a lively strip.
Who should go: Pasta lovers who want a steak option
When to visit: Golden hour for a relaxed start
What to order: Ribeye with prawns, filet mignon, tagliatelle
Insider tip: Ask about nightly steak-and-seafood specials.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Columbus Avenue can be tight after 6pm; nearby paid lots on Vallejo and Green streets are the most reliable options.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine with a nice shirt or blouse, though many diners lean dressy for evening outings.
Noise level: Moderate — lively buzz from conversation and music, but still manageable for table talk.
Weekend wait: Expect a 30–45 minute wait without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; walk-ins welcome.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pastas and appetizers like caprese and eggplant parmigiana fit vegetarian preferences.
Vegan options: Limited — a few pasta dishes can be modified upon request; best to confirm with the server.
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free pasta available on request; cross-contact possible in shared kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — its warm, art-filled atmosphere and surf-and-turf menu balance romance with familiarity, making it a solid North Beach date choice.
Can I get a table without a reservation? You can, especially early evening or weekday lunch, but reservations are recommended for weekend dinners.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably — families are welcome, and staff accommodate children; however, the energy is more adult-oriented in the evenings.
Best For
Better for: More seafood-leaning than typical steakhouses nearby, with a friendlier, family-owned charm that blends surf-and-turf Italian warmth.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet, white-tablecloth steakhouse or purely American-style cuts — this spot favors lively energy and Italian flavors.

Hours

Monday11am - 11pm
Tuesday11am - 11pm
Wednesday11am - 11pm
Thursday11am - 11pm
Friday11am - 12am
Saturday11am - 12am
Sunday11am - 12am