Busy little restaurant tucked away in a strip mall setting. Food is exceptional and flavors are wonderful. Shared Rigatoni con Petit de Pollo and Insalata Mona Lisa with Gamberi (aka shrimp). The rigatoni with chicken was rich, so it was good to share. We just used the bread plates to share to avoid the added $4 sharing fee. The Menabrea Ambrata (Italian Amber Beer) on draft was very good, which I recommend. The restaurant is small and may have been understaffed for a Monday, albeit the Monday before Thanksgiving. Hector worked hard but had a lot of tables to manage. The atmosphere was good but a little noisy; Italian background music would be a nice touch, since it is quite authentic. The cost was a little pricey ($40-50 pp) but that's what it takes to dine out. The place was clean and they added a small table for our party of 5 to spread out a little.
Overview
Mona Lisa Cucina is a hidden gem nestled in Huntington Beach, California, that invites both locals and visitors to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine in a warm, inviting atmosphere. Located at 9017 Adams Ave, this charming restaurant combines classic Italian flavors with modern twists, ensuring a memorable dining experience for everyone who walks through its doors.
From the moment you step inside Mona Lisa Cucina, the ambiance sets the tone for a relaxed yet sophisticated meal. The restaurant is known for its inviting, rustic decor, with wooden tables, soft lighting, and vibrant artwork that echoes the spirit of Italy. Whether you’re enjoying a casual dinner with friends or celebrating a special occasion, the environment feels just right for any gathering.
One of the highlights of Mona Lisa Cucina is its extensive menu, which boasts a range of dishes that highlight the best of Italian cuisine. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty pasta dish, a light yet flavorful seafood entree, or a wood-fired pizza topped with fresh ingredients, there’s something for everyone. Signature dishes like the creamy Fettuccine Alfredo and the rich Lasagna Bolognese are standouts, offering a comforting taste of Italy that feels just like home.
But what sets Mona Lisa Cucina apart from other Italian eateries is its attention to detail and dedication to quality. Each dish is crafted with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, ensuring that every bite bursts with flavor. The restaurant prides itself on using authentic Italian recipes, passed down through generations, with a focus on maintaining traditional cooking methods while incorporating contemporary touches. This balance of tradition and innovation creates a unique dining experience that feels both familiar and exciting.
For those who love seafood, Mona Lisa Cucina has an impressive selection. The Linguine alle Vongole, made with fresh clams and a garlic-white wine sauce, is a customer favorite. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more indulgent, try the Saltimbocca alla Romana, a savory dish of veal, prosciutto, and sage, paired perfectly with a side of roasted potatoes or sautéed spinach. And for dessert, the classic Tiramisu is a must-try-light, fluffy, and the perfect end to any meal.
The service at Mona Lisa Cucina is another reason why so many return to this delightful spot. The staff is attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable, offering excellent recommendations and ensuring that each guest feels like part of the family. Whether it’s your first time dining here or you’re a regular, you’ll be greeted with a smile and treated to exceptional hospitality.
The restaurant also offers an impressive wine list, featuring a curated selection of Italian wines that complement the flavors of the menu. Whether you’re a connoisseur or a casual wine drinker, the staff is always happy to help you find the perfect pairing for your meal.
For those looking to enjoy Mona Lisa Cucina from the comfort of their own home, the restaurant also offers takeout and delivery services. This makes it easy to enjoy the same high-quality meals without stepping out of the house. And with its convenient location in Huntington Beach, it’s a popular choice for locals looking for a reliable spot to dine in or take out.
In addition to its delicious menu, Mona Lisa Cucina regularly receives glowing reviews for its consistency, flavor, and overall experience. Customers rave about the authentic taste of the dishes, the warm hospitality, and the cozy yet upscale atmosphere. Whether it’s a romantic dinner for two or a family gathering, this restaurant has earned a reputation for delivering an exceptional dining experience time and time again.
With its combination of flavorful dishes, excellent service, and a welcoming atmosphere, Mona Lisa Cucina is a standout choice for anyone craving a true taste of Italy in Huntington Beach. Whether you're a long-time resident or just visiting the area, make sure to stop by and experience the culinary delights this charming restaurant has to offer.
Good to know
Service options
âś“ Outdoor seating âś“ Kerbside pickup âś“ No-contact delivery âś“ Delivery âś“ On-site services âś“ Takeaway âś“ Dine-inHighlights
âś“ Great wine listPopular for
âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Solo diningAccessibility
âś“ Wheelchair-accessible car park âś“ Wheelchair-accessible entrance âś“ Wheelchair-accessible seating âś“ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
âś“ Alcohol âś“ Beer âś“ Cocktails âś“ Coffee âś“ Comfort food âś“ Small plates âś“ Spirits âś“ Vegetarian options âś“ WineDining options
âś“ Brunch âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Catering âś“ Dessert âś“ Seating âś“ Table serviceAmenities
âś“ Bar on site âś“ Gender-neutral toilets âś“ Toilet âś“ Wi-Fi âś“ Wi-FiAtmosphere
âś“ Casual âś“ Cosy âś“ TrendyCrowd
âś“ Family friendly âś“ LGBTQ+ friendly âś“ Transgender safe spacePlanning
âś“ Accepts reservations âś“ Usually a waitPayments
âś“ Credit cards âś“ Debit cards âś“ NFC mobile payments âś“ Credit cardsChildren
âś“ Good for kids âś“ High chairs âś“ Kids' menuParking
âś“ Free of charge street parking âś“ Free parking lot âś“ ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
Great night at the Mona Lisa. Don’t let the location confuse you dinner here was an excellent experience. Jake (reception) and Jeremiah (waiter) provided great service. Give them both raises. Jake went above and beyond by taking down our number due to a special circumstance and calling us despite the irregular practice. He also gave us updates of the table before us (i.e. finishing desert, just talking, etc.) to keep us in the loop along the way. I will be returning. Everything sounded good but I chose to share the linguine pescatore and rigatoni con petit de pollo. Both dishes came in very large proportions. I would recommend sharing. We couldn’t finish either. The linguine pescatore was fun but not my favorite. The rigatoni sauce was incredible and I appreciate being able to take my leftovers home of that. I would recommend the rigatoni over the linguine.
The food was good, the wine was good...the table seating is a little tight but we sat at the kitchen counter and watched the cooks in action. Good service. Mona Lisa is no wallflower. Pastas are better than the pizzas but still a thumbs up overall.
My first visit and I am so impressed by Mona Lisa Cucina. Scott was our server and he was beyond excellent. I felt like a was receiving VIP service. He was attentive to our needs and made excellent suggestions that fit our accommodations. Besides the service, the food was superb! Compliments to the chef and the rest of the staff! Drinks were excellent. Bruschetta was an excellent starter! Our main entrees were delicious. Everyone at my table loved what they ordered. I am looking forward to visiting again! Thank you, Scott, for an amazing dining experience!
We did pickup on a late Saturday afternoon. Food was great. Small Mediterranea and Francios salads - very good but needed more dressing. Pesce Sicilia - very tender and well seasoned and Tortellini Spinaci - just the right amount of sauce. The only little issue was during pickup. There seems to be confusion on where and how pickup should be handled by the reception person. Minor issue, easily worked out. Will try again because good Italian takeout is hard to find in Huntington Beach.
We dropped in for a dinner after a work trip from Seattle, and I cannot praise this establishment enough. Welcoming, and provided a great atmosphere for our wrap up to the day. The dishes were fresh, unique in adding a mystery nut to the dish, and accompanied my vegetarian Manager. All around, phenomenal service, elegant and tasteful for a drop in.
We ordered food for pick up, so we didn't have a dine in experience. The food we ordered was great, the portions are perfect, and the staff we met when picking up our food was exceptionally friendly. My Dad loves the Vongole and the amount of clams it has!