When you walk into Mona Lisa, you will not only be greeted by the restaurant’s elegant décor and nightlife-friendly environment, but you’ll walk in feeling like you just received the red carpet treatment as they open the door to warmly greet you.
Mona Lisa is not just a place that you visit on a whim. It’s a place where you can enjoy a fancy dinner and even decide to spend the night. It’s the type of place that exudes elegance and style.
As you walk in, you’ll quickly realize that those at Mona Lisa wants guests to have a fully immersive and artistic experience. Their goal is that they feel like they are a part of Leonardo ‘s famed masterpiece.
Obviously inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting, with an artificial rock formation resembling the mountains painted in the background. And it shows by the attention to detail from tables and countertops made from an elegant Italian stone from the region where Leonardo drew inspiration to create his work.
Also, don’t forget to look down. Then, you’ll notice shiny golden scratches that wish to represent the little fractures on the masterpiece, one that art lovers are passionate about, even after more than 500 years of its existence.
Right when my husband and I walked in, it was evident that we were in for a great experience. We were provided with a tasting menu, one that those who are not familiar with the restaurant’s food and concept would enjoy the most. And, just like da Vinci’s art, this restaurant is art on its own, and it wants you to know that you are also a part of the masterpiece, a place where you can create and enjoy your own artistic dining experience.
And, not only that, but the tasting menu experience offers the chance to have one of the knowledgeable servers select wines to pair with their meal, dish by dish.
At $89 per person, with $45 additional for the wine pairing, we suggest that visitors that go to the restaurant start with this experience, so they can sample and enjoy all that Mona Lisa has to offer for discerning foodies.
Not only was the menu perfect for enjoying between us, but the portions and food came to us at the right time for us to dig in and share. At Mona Lisa, it is recommended to share dishes as they arrive, that way each guest can try out each other’s dishes.
This realization came to us as soon as we sat down, especially since trying all these dishes gave us the chance to enjoy and explore Mona Lisa and the restaurant’s concept, which is to offer diners perfectly prepped Asian-Mediterranean dishes.
These dishes are part of the restaurant’s fusion concept, as the food showcases diverse flavors that connect in a way where both types of foods are clearly represented.
The restaurant’s culinary vision is thanks to Chef Benjamin Goldman. As you try dish after dish, it is obvious that with a culinary journey that began under the mentorship of renowned chefs and led to leadership roles at acclaimed restaurants likeSeaspice and Komodo.
Some of the dishes that are included in the restaurant’s menu are A5 Grade Wagyu from and yummy dishes such as the Sticky Short Rib and Crispy Lobster. The menu is extensive and there is something that will satisfy every palate and craving.
An offered experience that seems to be a highlight at Mona Lisa is the Caviar Bomba, a unique presentation dish that offers an interactive table-side caviar and tequila ritual. Those who enjoy top-notch spirits will be impressed with the extensive list of offerings, especially when it comes to their selection of Japanese whiskeys.
Mona Lisa also offers a collection of rare Clase Azulbottles, with some retailing close to $30,000. Keep that in mind for a special occasion, or maybe find a way to treat yourself?
As for the restaurant’s signature cocktails, I had the chance to try out their amazing version of a smoked old-fashioned, served artistically tableside inside a smoking box, one that showcases the cocktail and its elegance perfectly. I highly recommend it as one to begin your night with.
After dinner, you can keep the night going until the wee hours of the morning. The restaurant becomes a nightclub, one where dancing, live performances and fun are sure to be one of Mona Lisa’s top priorities once the night starts.
Once we left the venue, my husband and I were impressed with the service, environment, and artsy feel of the Mona Lisa. It’s a place that’s worth every visit.
For more information on Mona Lisa and to make reservations, visit https://www.monalisamiami.com/.
