Mona Lisa

Italian · Pizza · New Orleans, LA

4.1 (652 · Yelp ) ·$$ ·Italian · Pizza · · LGBTQ-owned

About

Bar: Beer & wine

You'll find a mix of locals and tourists at Mona Lisa, a cozy Italian spot in the French Quarter that's been LGBTQ-owned since it opened. The vibe is casual and laid-back, with a menu of classic pastas and pizzas that reviewers consistently praise as delicious. Beer and wine only, and dogs are welcome on the patio.

Hours are limited to dinner, Thursday through Monday, so plan accordingly. The lasagna and pizza come highly recommended by regulars, and the prices are reasonable for the Quarter. It's a bit off the main tourist path, near Barracks and Governor Nicholls, in a quieter residential stretch worth exploring.

Mona Lisa sits in the French Quarter, between Barracks and Governor Nicholls streets, in a quieter residential stretch away from the busiest tourist areas.

Features

  • Lasagna and pizza praised by regulars
  • Casual, cozy atmosphere
  • Dog-friendly outdoor seating
  • Limited dinner hours, Thu-Mon
  • Beer and wine only

Cuisine

ItalianPizza

Good for

Cafe

Practical

Mixed Gay/StraightLGBTQ OwnedDog FriendlyBike ParkingGood for KidsTake-OutCredit Cards AcceptedStreet ParkingHas TVBeer & WineDinnerCasualGood for GroupsTable Service
4.1

What people say

Rated from 652 reviews. 24 community ratings. View this venue on Yelp

From the community

This is my top choice for dining in New Orleans! It's a small, family-run spot that doesn't look fancy from the outside. But the food is always tasty, the setting is comfortable, and the staff is welcoming. I would go there daily if I could!

A visitor · Over a year ago

“Good but pricy”

There are lesbians working in the kitchen, but the food quality varies. Sometimes it's great, other times it's lacking. It's like Olive Garden but worse and overpriced. I go because it's nearby and usually quick.

A guest · Over a year ago

“used to go all of the time...”

I used to go there all the time until the rude manager finally got to us. We were waiting outside with a large group that wasn't ours. When we were finally seated, the manager threw menus onto the table. We sat there in shock and left after a few minutes. The food was great, but the service really needs improvement. Save yourself the trouble and go to LA Pizza Kitchen instead.

A recent visitor · Over a year ago

“Bona sera”

Great homemade Italian food in a true down-to-earth French Quarter atmosphere, mainly locals come here.

A local visitor · Over a year ago

“Not traditional New Orleans food BUT Fabulous”

I eat here at least once, usually twice, whenever I visit New Orleans. OK, I admit it's not creole or Cajun, but the Italian food is outstanding. The pastas are excellent (try the lasagna) and the pizza is delicious. The staff is wonderful. It's a bit of a walk depending on where you're staying, but you'll see a beautiful part of the Quarter that seems to have more locals than tourists. I love it, and the prices are reasonable.

A visitor · Over a year ago

Frequently Asked Questions

Do they have vegetarian options? +

Italian cuisine includes pasta dishes that can be vegetarian, but no specific veggie items are confirmed. Contact the restaurant for details.

Is it dog friendly? +

Yes, Mona Lisa is dog friendly according to Yelp.

What type of alcohol is served? +

Beer and wine only, no full bar.

More Restaurants in New Orleans

See all restaurants in New Orleans →