Mona Lisa Awards

Mona Lisa Restaurant Review:

Drive by too quickly and you’ll miss Mona Lisa’s nondescript storefront, although it has been there for decades. The restaurant packs in patrons because of its pizzas, hearty Mediterranean-style salads and bountiful pasta dishes. The kitchen bakes its own pizza crusts and breads, adding substantially to the appeal of the pies and sandwiches. The house Greek feta salad dressing is legendary, as is the Mardi Gras pasta; lasagna leads the pasta pack as well. Order the garlic bread and you'll be given the house signature pizza, thickly layered with mozzarella and olive oil and studded with bits of roasted garlic. Desserts vary, but homemade tiramisu is always available. The limited, moderately priced wine list focuses on reds, with U.S. to global selections. A good number are offered by the glass. And why is it called Mona Lisa? Because the walls are lined with dozens and dozens of depictions of Mona Lisa. Delivery is limited to the French Quarter and Faubourg Marigny.