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Mona Lisa Mare e Monti
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Mona Lisa Mare e Monti
7.8
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.
Mona Lisa Mare e Monti
7.7
Seafood-leaning offshoot of a North Beach classic offering pastas and grilled fish in a cozy, brick-lined space. Plates lean comforting and shareable with a focus on frutti di mare.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spaghetti ai Frutti di Mare, Grilled Calamari, Clams in White Wine
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Frutti-di-mare pastas with neighborhood trattoria warmth.
Who should go: Seafood pasta date-night pairs
When to visit: Weeknights after 8 for walk-in shots
What to order: Seafood spaghetti; grilled calamari; clams
Insider tip: Ask for extra bread to chase the shellfish juices.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking can be tricky in North Beach after 6pm; nearby paid lots on Stockton and Columbus usually have spots after dinner rush.
Dress code: Smart casual—button-downs or nice tops fit right in, though jeans are fine if polished.
Noise level: Moderate—lively background chatter but low enough to keep an easy conversation across the table.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–60 minutes without a reservation, especially between 7–8:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins are seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several pasta and appetizer options like caprese, gnocchi, and risotto ai funghi.
Vegan options: Limited—can modify some dishes, but not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free pasta available on request; mention dietary needs when ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the cozy brick-lined dining room, shareable seafood pastas, and warm Italian service make it ideal for a relaxed but romantic night.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights after 8pm or for small parties; weekends usually require advance booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Moderately—older kids and teens who enjoy pasta will be fine, but it’s more of an adult-oriented, date-night atmosphere.
Best For
Better for: A cozier, more intimate setting than larger North Beach seafood spots like Scoma’s, especially for pasta-focused seafood lovers.
Skip if: You want waterfront views or a broader raw bar—try Fog Harbor or Betty Lou’s instead.