Mona Lisa Italian Foods
Italian restaurant · San Diego ·
Authentic Italian deli, market & restaurant with subs
Authentic Italian deli, market & restaurant with subs
"For a taste of the neighborhood’s roots, I head to this longtime Italian spot that once served the local tuna fishers." - Cu Fleshman Cu Fleshman Cu is a freelance writer and editor with more than five years of experience. She has written for a variety of publications, including Afar, Matador Network, and Editoire. No matter where she is in the world, you can find her hunting for local eats and hiking trails. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"A longtime neighborhood Italian fixture supplying handmade pasta, fresh sausages, and stacked sandwiches—recommended for an old-country taste in the waterfront Italian-rooted neighborhood." - Kelly Bone
"Family-owned and operated by the third generation, Mona Lisa has been on the block since 1973, operating a traditional Italian-American restaurant and deli model. The restaurant serves serviceable comfort food but the deli is the true superstar, offering excellent Italian subs — try the deluxe with mortadella, dry salami, shaved ham, and provolone — as well as essentials like Italian sausage and fresh mozzarella." - Helen I. Hwang, Eater Staff
"Both a counter-service restaurant and a deli, head to this Little Italy standout for soups, salads, pizza, and light lunch combination plates. At the deli, diners can pick up a deluxe sandwich with large blankets of Bologna-style mortadella, porchetta, or tender pork roast seasoned with rosemary and pepper, or go for the Caprese sub with mozzarella, tomato, and basil — plus the option to add prosciutto. Throw in a minestrone soup and bottle of Italian red for the perfect cozy day or night in." - Roxana Becerril
"Skip the adjacent restaurant but don’t miss the deli for Italian groceries and delicious sub sandwiches. The Caprese dresses mozzarella, tomato and basil with olive oil and balsamic; add some slices of spicy soppressata for an extra kick." - Candice Woo