Mona Lisa Italian Foods

Deli/Market Review: Awesome little Italian grocery stop! Any noodle shape you can imagine is available plus probably more shapes that you’ve never even knew existed. The deli can get crowded (especially with the narrow aisles) but they handle it very well and it didn’t take long to get a sandwich. If you’re ordering more than a couple sandwiches, I’d recommend calling in and ordering ahead of time. They also have pasta salads, cold meats, baguettes, and olives at the deli counter. The Caprese sandwich was awesome and refreshing; highly recommend on a warm day. The shop also has premade meatballs, red sauce, cheese, and anything you need for an Italian cooking night at home. Seriously, EVERYTHING you need. Even a fresh fruit and vegetable section at the front. Soft drinks, beverages, wine, hard alcohol, gelato, spumoni ice cream, and other treats are also available. Really reasonable prices for the bags of pasta ($3-$7). The fancier pastas are a little more expensive (~$9-$18). Also found a gluten free pasta section on the shelves. If you’re visiting San Diego from out of town, grab a bag of pasta to take home as a souvenir from Little Italy!

I took a group of 8 to eat here and we had a very enjoyable meal. The food is authentic Italian, the portions are large, and the presentation unfussy. I like these things and sitting and eating together felt timeless and relaxing. The ravioli, the meat sauce, and the gnocchi were particularly good. And the Italian grocery store was a delight. If you need an imported Italian specialty product, wine, or homemade Italian sausage, this is your place. I appreciate the selection of gluten free pastas as well.