San Francisco’s North Beach has so many fun Italian restaurants and cafes that it’s hard to choose which ones to go to. We really like Ristorante Mona Lisa, on Columbus Avenue in the heart of North Beach. It’s located at 353 Columbus Avenue at Vallejo St and Grand Avenue. Mona Lisa’s long cozy dining room has the feel of an authentic Italian trattoria. It may not be the work of Michelangelo, but the restaurant’s painted walls and ceiling are a sight to behold.
Mona Lisa offers an extensive menu of authentic, home-made Italian food. Enjoy delicious pastas, seafood risottos, homemade pizzas, anitpasti, veal, steaks, chicken and seafood entrees. Over the years, some of our favorites have included the Seafood Cioppino (filled with prawns, mussels, calamari and clams in a marina sauce), Spaghetti Bolognese, Spaghetti Al Salmone (spaghetti in alfredo sauce with fresh salmon), and Linguini & Clams. We also love their pizzas, especially the Margherita, the Napoletana, the Don Mario (shaved parmesan, arugula and prosciutto,) and the Mona Lisa (fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce, pepperoni, peppers and mushrooms). Come with an appetite because the portions are healthy. During nice weather, we like dining al fresco at tables overlooking Columbus Avenue – it’s got a very European feel to it.
The restaurant is a great place for entertaining family, friends, and out-of-town guests. Enjoy fabulous food, a fun atmosphere, Italian music, and a casual setting. After your meal, if you have the time, take a leisurely walk around North Beach. It’s very cosmopolitan and one of our favorite San Francisco neighborhoods.
Buon Appetito!
