Mona Lisa Italian Restaurant, San Diego

We really like the pizza at Mona Lisa- yeah, the service is ok, and the place a bit run down, but I think the staff is friendly enough, the bathrooms not the greatest- but we really like the pizza. Basically we go for the pizza. Did I mention the pizza?

I have been there twice now. Both times I had very disappointed service. First time I went I thought pizza was a little overpriced. I thought that is because I did not really care for the pizza. But the second time I went the same result. Did not care for the pizza. Mens Restroom was unsatisfactory. The paint on the wall by the table is chipping off. Top everything off the waitress charge incorrectly for my food. I got two results. Both results higher than what is should of been. Fed up I just walk out the door never to come back again. The place is a DUMP!!!

I lived in the Allied Gardens area for many years before moving to North County. This little restaurant on Waring Road was the only sadness of moving away. The Mona Lisa restaurants are both family owned but the recipes are completely different between the Allied Gardens and Downtown locations. The Mona Lisa on Waring Road specifically, has by far the best pizza in the county. Forget Chicago or New York. When I have guests in from the Midwest, this is the first place everyone asks to go. Everyone unanimously agrees, it's the best pizza anywhere. I know big statement but hey, it's the truth. Their crust recipe is unique. It has a distinctive and pleasing flavor that I've yet to find anywhere else. It makes the pie. Their sauce and toppings are always fresh, high quality and cooked perfectly. Oh and their sandwiches? It's always a tossup between which we'll order, pizza or torpedo. The sandwich begins on a toasted torpedo roll that is always fresh, crispy and again with a wonderful flavor that makes the meal. We may have moved but my wife and I often drive from La Costa to treat ourselves to a great meal. Once you've had their pizza or torpedoes, everything else falls short. Give it a try. For a preview, go to monalisaitalianfoods.com You won't be disappointed

THE BEST FOOD IN SAN DIEGO AT A GREAT PRICE.I WOULD RECOMEND THEM TO ANYONE,IF YOU ARE IN THE MOOD FOR ITALIAN THIS IS THE PLACE TO GO EASY AND FAST WITH A GREAT ATMOSPHERE.STOP BY AND FILL UP TONIGHT EDD

Although we have frequented this restaurant in the past with good experiences, tonight was not one of those. We were seated immediately, however we sat there for 10 minutes until we were provided with menus and offered beverages. The glass of wine ordered was undrinkable and the waitress did not offer refills on hot tea or water until the food arrived 53 minutes after our arrival. The meal was a cold sandwich and lasagna, neither of which would require extensive prep. We were able to observe our food on the service counter for 5-10 min before it was served to us. Although the restaurant was crowded on arrival, most of the customers had already been served by the time we had ordered and left shortly thereafter. We were not offered any compensation for the delay in service and the apologies were half-hearted. It appeared that the restaurant had a busy take-out business, however this should not have been at the expense of the seated customers. When the bill arrived it had not been totaled nor had the tax been included. We will give this restaurant another try as the food is generally OK and the thin crust pizza delicious but if we have a similar experince it will likely be our last. Fortunately the guests we invited to come with us were unable to do so.

Great Pizza but, horrible service when eating in. We were there on a night when there was only one other table. The restaurant was uncomfortably warm. When we told them we were hot, the waitress said that we were too close to the kitchen. She didn't offer to adjust the thermostat or move us!! Apparently, they have too much business to worry about making their customers feel welcome or comfortable. Although the pizza is really good, we don't ever eat in the restaurant.

The food has always been outstanding. Now, the newly-remodeled, cozy atmosphere restaurant is especially enjoyable--unless calling for take-out works better for you. It's now a place to relax! Favorite menu items include the white pizza, calamari, meatball sandwich, all the chicken dishes and the lovely assortment of wines.

if you live in allied gardens, or even worse, find yourself on vacation and anywhere near allied gardens....well, heck, come on over to this dive and join the bus-load of octogenerians for a sugar/salt feast on this insipid food.