About Us

Since 1979, Mona Lisa Restaurant & Bar has been a vibrant part of North Beach - where family, food, and fun come together in true Italian-American style.  What began as a cozy neighborhood favorite has grown into an elevated dining experience, while still holding onto the heart and playfulness that made it iconic from the start.

Owned and operated by the Florese Family, now proudly spanning two generations, Mona Lisa is rooted in Calabrese tradition.  Inspired by treasured recipes passed down from the family matriarchs, our kitchen continues the craft of homemade pasta and sauces, and soulful cooking that brings people together.

But tradition doesn’t mean standing still.  We’ve raised the bar: thoughtfully selected seasonal ingredients, premium cuts of meat, and seafood sourced with care.  The flavors are warm and familiar, yet each plate delivers a refined edge and a bit of modern culinary flair.

That story stretches beyond a single dining room.  Since purchasing Mona Lisa in 1997, the Florese Family has gone on to help steward some of San Francisco’s most storied restaurants - from preserving historic institutions like The Old Clam House to opening Steps of Rome Trattoria across the street.  Across each project, the constants remain the same: family at the center, hospitality first, and Italian cooking that feels both honest and celebratory.

We’re proud to be part of North Beach - a neighborhood that has always celebrated good food, good company, and a good time. Whether you’re here for a relaxed meal or to make a night of it, you’ll find a place that feels true to its roots while always looking forward.

— The Florese Family

Mona Lisa Restaurant & Bar