Mona Lisa, French Quarter
20 people recommendvia r/NewOrleans, r/AskNOLA20 comments cited below
What people say, in short
Mona Lisa is a cozy, unfancy Italian spot in the French Quarter recommended for casual dinners, with one diner suggesting it for romance. One diner singles out the chicken picatta, and another calls it their go-to for home-style Italian. It is described as fun and budget-friendly, with one commenter suggesting arriving before six to avoid a wait.
Address
Mona Lisa, 1212 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116
At a glance
- Price
- Budget
- Signature dishes
- Chicken picatta
- Best for
- Dates, Budget
The evidence
Every point below is paraphrased from a real public comment, ordered by how much the community engaged with it. Caveats and negatives are kept in — follow any link to read the original for yourself.
- Recommendsu/VirusOrganic4456 in r/NewOrleans · Oct 2024ambience
Says it is cozy and charming
- Recommendsu/trashed_past in r/NewOrleans · Jun 2026ambience
Votes Mona Lisa, calling it good, cute and relatively quiet though not fancy.
- Recommendsu/mtnola in r/NewOrleans · Jun 2024
Answers Mona Lisa as favorite Italian restaurant.
- Recommendsu/asteriasays in r/NewOrleans · May 2025
Says they always have their dates at the Mona Lisa location on Royal.
- Recommendsu/Strict_Definition_78 in r/NewOrleans · Jun 2024
Answers Mona Lisa as favorite Italian restaurant.
- Recommendsu/lonesomejohnnie in r/AskNOLA · Jan 2026wait time
Suggested for dinner; arrive before 6 to avoid a wait.
- Recommendsu/kimapoll in r/NewOrleans · Apr 2026
Says Mona Lisa's has their heart forever.
- Recommendsu/killerqueer13 in r/NewOrleans · Oct 2024taste
Particularly enjoys the chicken picatta.
Show all 20 cited comments
- Recommendsu/dressedextrapickles in r/AskNOLA · Sep 2025
Lists it among recommended Quarter eateries.
- Recommendsu/Westboundandhow in r/NewOrleans · Oct 2024
Agrees, praising food and setting
- Recommendsu/QuirkyOwl4756 in r/AskNOLA · Jan 2026
Listed as a suggestion.
- Recommendsu/_ryde_or_dye_ in r/NewOrleans · Jun 2026
Recommends Mona Lisa hands down for romance.
- Recommendsu/Shrek1067 in r/NewOrleans · Jul 2025
Calls it good but not elevated.
- Recommendsu/spitn3yb33rs in r/NewOrleans · Oct 2024
Calls Mona Lisa a perfect restaurant.
- Recommendsu/Holiday_Might_9205 in r/NewOrleans · Jun 2024value
Likes the inexpensive, straightforward Italian-American cooking.
- Recommendsu/Liut_Heavily in r/NewOrleans · Apr 2026value
Finds the restaurant fun and good value.
- Recommendsu/AncientDog_z in r/NewOrleans · Apr 2026
Exclaims yes Mona Lisa in agreement with the parent.
- Recommendsu/neutralground86 in r/NewOrleans · Oct 2024
Suggests it as a cozy restaurant
- Recommendsu/thriftstoremom in r/NewOrleans · Apr 2026
Lists it among French Quarter Italian recommendations.
- Recommendsu/belowsealevel504 in r/AskNOLA · Jan 2026value
Local favorite, good and not too expensive.
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Freshness
Details last checked 10 Nov 2026. Recommendations reflect what people said at the time; confirm current details before you go.