My cheese ravioli with meat sauce this evening was excellent. The pasta was Al dente and the sauce was meaty and delicious. The lemon cake was delicious too. I could taste the zest which is always a plus. read more

My visit was on 6/8/21. I ordered and paid for the regular spaghetti with meat sauce and added broccoli. I received regular marinara without any meat at all, so they absolutely overcharged me and simultaneously underdelivered, but the kitchen did add the broccoli, which was nice. The flavors were serviceable, with some touches of good seasoning, but the sauce was pretty watery and the noodles a bit rubbery. Service at the window was very pleasant, hence the stars. Unfortunately, I also found a hair in my food. I'm sure many people have had the same experience of feeling the food and hair across your tongue and then having to dig through the food in your mouth to locate and slowly pull the hair out. A highly unpleasant experience. The hair was light colored. My own hair is very dark, and no one else was near my food after I picked it up at the window, so I know it wasn't mine and couldn't be anyone else I had encountered on the way home, or in my kitchen. I know Mona Lisa has been a staple in Redlands for many years, but I don't think I can recommend this place in good conscience right now. If you're craving Italian food, this would be easy and faster than most places, but it would also probably be worth it just to make it yourself over coming here. read more

Original Mona Lisa - The light colored hair that I found in my food. - Italian Near Me - Redlands, California

Food was good, bread was delicious, the service was beyond nice and friendly!!!! !!!!

I went through the drive through and I must admit, their meat sauce spaghetti was of the best I've had. It's a smaller drive through but it works well for their space. The lady was kind and honest, and very good with her customer service. The prices were decent and they had some creative items on the menu. Nothing for just one person, but meant to be shared, which was wonderful! read more

Great food, great service, super nice people. Highly recommend this place!!! Drive thru is a plus for pasta!!! read more

Yes, you have to wait longer than fast food. But you're getting fresh Italian food not burgers. I had the meat ravioli with meat sauce and it was really good. My son had the spaghetti with the meat sauce and he liked it. The sauce is really good. I was disappointed with the dinner salad for $3.75. Was a handful of lettuce and one slice of tomato. I ordered a side of fries for my toddler and they were $5. That's crazy. I would eat here again but skip the salad and fries. Their Italian dressing is really good dipped in the bread. So get a side of dressing. read more

See all

Great chicken parm sandwich and the meatballs are probably some of the most flavorful I've ever had. Will definitely be back.

Sauce rebounded for a while, but is back to being watery. Entree salads are high priced with little substance. read more

Original Mona Lisa - Their $8 chicken salad. Mostly white iceberg lettuce and barely a spoonful of chicken. - Italian Near Me - Redlands, California

I havent been here in a while, but was wanting itallian take out. Got the itallian sub. What a dissapointment. Single thin layer of ham 4 slices of salami 1/4 slice of cheese and a pound of lettuce. I shouldnt be surprised when the soda machine is covered and you have to pay for refills. Wont be back for a while read more

Original Mona Lisa - Skimpy sandwich. - Italian Near Me - Redlands, California

Delicious and inexpensive! the chicken parm sandwich is 10/10. The owner is very nice and they have a drive thru which is super convenient. Love this place! read more

I ordered the eggplant parmesan and it was delicious. I called it in and it was ready by the time I got there. The drive-thru made it easy to pick up the food. This small business has reasonable prices and has great customer service. read more

They got us three spaghettis, and we asked for sausages which cost us 2.75 each, which when we got the sausages were burnt. read more

Original Mona Lisa - a piece of meat in a plastic container - Italian Near Me - Redlands, California

See all

I can honestly say that I don't think I've ever heard of a drive thru Italian place before. Then there was Mona Lisa's. Let's clear the air here and state what we pretty much already know: this place is not 100% authentic Italian cuisine, and it doesn't try to represent itself as such. This place has been around since the late 90's/early 2000's but went into a slight depression for a couple years after it received a new owner. Fortunately the original owner came back into the picture several years ago and this place has been back on track. Mona Lisa's offers pasta dishes like spaghetti, mostacciolli, ravioli, tortellini, lasagna, eggplant parmesan, manicotti, etc. as well as several hot and cold subs. The prices here are extremely affordable ($6.25 for spaghetti, garlic bread, and a drink as a dinner combo, for example) and the food is quite tasty. Again, not amazing and truly authentic but quite good nonetheless. The spaghetti, for example, is certainly not of the caliber u would find, say, at a simple buffet and the noodles are not too thick or hard. The sauce is not too overly heavy and has a decent amount of flavor. Service has always been excellent every time I have come here and staff has been efficient and courteous. They do have a drive thru but I have only been through it once. I find the quickest service here is either picking it up to go from inside or simply dining in. In the mood for some quick Italian food? Give Mona Lisa's a try when visiting or passing through Redlands. read more

Original Mona Lisa - Entrance - Italian Near Me - Redlands, California

See all

For me to give an establishment one star they have the distinction of violating one cardinal rule: the customer comes first and service is provided until closing time. It was a Monday evening, I was tired and hungry and didn't want fast food, so I decided to drop in. It was about 8:30, and they are open until 9 pm. When I walked in, instead of a greeting I was told only to go orders were being taken and the lobby was closed. I looked quickly for this policy in writing, but immediately suspected selfish motives on part of the girl who told me this. Admittedly, my first reaction was to first confirm they are open until 9, then a burst of profanity at the demise of service. I wanted to sit and eat, and said I would probably leave then. In an unexpected turn of events the girl agreed to let me sit at the small table by the door and took my order of lasagne (not bad, but not so good that I'll ever return). Anyhow, something akin to apologies were exchanged, but I only apologize for how I phrased my displeasure, not for the reason. I worked over ten-years in the industry: you serve until you close. Period. I will never return here. read more

I never thought that I would give 4 stars to a drive thru but here I am! I ordered the lasagna which is very popular there according to the gentleman who took my order. I waited about 15 minutes in my car which is strange for a drive thru. The gentleman told me that it doesn't usually take that long and that the oven was running slow so to make up for it, he gave me 2 meatballs which was very generous. Now here's the verdict on the food: The lasagna was of good portion and it was only $7. The sauce tasted like they made it instead of it coming from a can. The texture of the pasta was perfect and very surprising that it came from a fast food restaurant. The meatballs were also good sized and were awesome. I like a lot of sauce but it was missing that. Other than the lack of heavy sauce, I was satisfied. read more

Original Mona Lisa - Good sized meatballs - Italian Near Me - Redlands, California

See all

After reading reviews, we were excited to try something new. We love Italian I ordered the manicotti and it was meh. The sauce was blan and cheese wasn't very tasty. My boyfriend ordered the tortellini and he could barely eat half of it. He said it was very dry. For the plus, my son had a kids spaghetti and he enjoyed it. The sizes are big and the price is not too bad. You also get a lot of garlic bread with the order. We probably won't come back because to be honest, I could buy a frozen lasagna and it would be the same. read more

See all

I used to rave about this place. Recently my husband and I ordered spaghetti with marinara and got it home to eat and it STUNK. It smelled so terrible, like burnt plastic or chemicals. I was unsure whether it was the noodles or the sauce, but it was definitely inedible. Will not return here. read more

FOOD IS GOOD!!! the management is a literal joke. LOUD inappropriate lady, on the phone (IN THE DINING ROOM WHILE CUSTOMERS ARE EATING) she's bitching about business- and yelling at the employees.... in front of guests? does this lady know how to be a human???? Go back to New York (or wherever you unfortunately came from) I've witnessed this MULTIPLE times. The business would be better without her giant, rude mouth. I used to go here often, because i love the spaghetti and i'm picky about sauce (their's is good). BUT their business ethic is shit - and has actually made us avoid it... because it's such a hassle. WHEN WILL THEY BE OPEN? nobody knows... it is really a 50/50 chance if they are open.... despite their hours listed. YOU WANT TO CALL IN YOUR TO-GO ORDER? it's a 50/50 chance they answer the phone. YOUR DINING IN AND WANT SOME EXTRA CHEESE? its a 90% chance they are gonna be irritated that you dare ask them to work. its quite unfortunate... this place has so much potential... food is great (for a to-go Italian restaurant) but the management/ business ethics are so bad..... it's almost not worth dealing with them. they will be going out of business very soon if they don't get their shit together. read more

The best toasted sub sandwiches in Redlands. Both cold (turkey, roast beef, etc) and hot (chicken parm, meatball, etc). But of course their specialties are a wide variety of pasta dishes, all taste great, served fast, and very low cost. They even have a drive-thru window. Service is super friendly and professional. read more

Original Mona Lisa - some of the pasta dishes - Italian Near Me - Redlands, California

I should have checked yelp first - in the last four months, there are MANY one star reviews. New owners, I hope you take note of this. I have been going here for years - but no more. I went to the drive through for a turkey sandwich. I asked for a combo, which included a small bag of chips and a medium drink, but I asked to upgrade to a large iced tea. When I got to the window, I was told my total was $10.75! He said you couldn't upgrade to a large drink. So, after staying with the regular combo, it was $8.78 for a 6" turkey, a small bag of Lays regular chips and a medium drink. I waited an incredibly long time at the drive-through window for my order, 8 minutes after he gave me my receipt, to get my food. BUT, the biggest disappointment was that the bread that used to be really good and toasted was just a dry sandwich roll. It included two small pieces of turkey and a small slice of cheese. Sorry new owners, you have lost my business! read more

the price is great we had 7 of us there and was less then 60 dollars for food, drinks and dessert. Big portions, the sauce is kind of bland, had to use salt and pepper to give it some flavor. The staff is super nice and friendly, i wanted to give it a five but the flavor of the food had to knock it down one. read more

Original Mona Lisa - Italian Near Me - Redlands, California

I had the mostaccioli pasta and it came with two slices of garlic bread and a drink for $8.30 total. I should've asked for it baked, but it was more than enough to fill me up for lunch. Nice place to enjoy lunch. Place is clean and service was fast. read more

Original Mona Lisa - Italian Near Me - Redlands, California

I was really disappointed but i didnt realize it was under new management ungil i saw my food and was baffled. I came here because i was craving the baked ziti from back in the day. I ended up working a longer day yesterday and it was so cold and having the baked pasta dish with cheesr and meat sauce would of made my night. I ordered mozzarella sticks which the cheese was cold but the marinara sauce that came with it was super hot. The mozarella sticks were kinda gross. They ran out of the mostaccioli and they said they only had fettuccine or spaghetti with sauce. They added meatballs to my order which I didnt ask for until i saw the receipt why it cost do much. The pasta was disgusting tasted pretty bland, no cheese at all and it tasted like it might have been previously frozen. So gross. I will never be returning again. read more

I've been back here about 4 times since my last experience and I have to say, without a doubt, my experience after has been great. The food is delicious, and the owner/staff has been excellent in their customer service. Considering how rough 2020 has been for local food places, this place has redeemed itself since my previous review. I certainly recommend for people to go here and keep eating local! read more

Great food great customer service I love the food here must come great prices I had the pasta very good and also a drink I would recommend the special very good food and great customer service read more

Original Mona Lisa - Must come try there food best around - Italian Near Me - Redlands, California

See all

Lasagna portion has shrunk with lots of water in tray probably from being frozen and reheated and was given 2 pieces of garlic bread one of them being a small butt end / 10 inch turkey sub skimpy and watery and no longer comes with the original outer crunchy bread and finally was served flat soda that was served out of 2 liter bottle that I was told they squeeze the air out before sealing. She even tried to disprove my claim by bringing out a small plastic cup of soda from the back which she said was the same .of course I suspected it was from a newly open bottle . Sad fall from Grace from was once a nice place to go to for quality Italian food. read more

Great hot food. Nice employees. Sandwiches are super good! The dressing they put on the sandwiches is everything!! This place should be busier! read more

Original Mona Lisa - Italian Near Me - Redlands, California

See all

This place is a hole in the wall to me not that nice of a neighborhood but it was very clean. We had the spaghetti w/meat balls, eggplant Parmesan sandwich, and lentil soup. The sauce was pretty good the eggplant was delicious. The lentil soup though was amazing so delicious!!! All in all I would eat here again. read more

Original Mona Lisa - Italian Near Me - Redlands, California

We went there this evening for the two 10-inch sub sandwiches we have ordered for years. So disappointed. Instead of getting the delicious 10 inch crusty sandwich rolls that have always been used on their sandwiches in the past, we were given two 6-inch grocery store French bread rolls a piece. My sandwiches were so soggy that the bottom of the rolls were reduced to a gooey mess. I had to throw them away. I will never return. read more

I was expecting "fast food" quality food. I was sure surprised to get quality freshly prepared Italian food. Excellent, excellent!!! We'll be going back for sure read more

I went to Mona Lisa's tonight because I was feeling a little nostalgic. I used to go as a kid and my mom went when was in high school, none the less I went tonight. It was by far the best decision. Not only was the food just as yummy as I remember but the staff and service were equally as great. I did drive through and while my order was being done, I had a chat with Denise the owner. She was generous and personable. I waited about 5 minutes for my food and she was kind enough to give me Italian shaved ice since I had to wait, on the house! If you are looking for great food with great service. This is the place for you. read more

If you're looking for awesome tasting authentic Italian good, with generous portions, warm personal service, served with a passion for treating all customers like family (the family you want to see, as much as possible), a clean kitchen and dining room, a consistent extraordinary great experience for every customer, every time, EVERY TIME! . . . Visit Kayla in her amazing restaurant, "the Original Mona Restaurant" in Redlands, CA...on Colton. You'll be so glad you did! Now, I recognize my style of writing this review is awkward and clumsy. You'll find Kayla and the Original Mona Lisa Restaurant are generous and amazing...THEY are the real deal!!! read more

I've heard about this place for a while and never went till today. Man I really should have come sooner. This place is good and has a drive thru! Place is clean and the service is very friendly. The prices are good too. I ordered the pizza fries. Oh such baked goodness!!! French fries topped with meatsauce pepperoni and cheese! Yummy. An order a cheese bread topped off the meal nicely. My wife had the baked lasagne. The sauce was good and tasty. It's not very spicy nor acidic so good on the tummy. We will definitely be going back again. read more

Original Mona Lisa - Baked Pizza fries, Lasagna, and cheese bread. - Italian Near Me - Redlands, California

Coworkers brought me lunch today from there for my birthday I had lasagna I've had better frozen lasagna my eight coworkers all ordered different sandwiches that were disgusting bone dry no oil and vinegar or anything my garlic bread was like leather really really disappointing I will never go back there I only gave it one star because you have to give something or else it won't post.Ruined my birthday lunch read more

How do you charge the same price for 10 inch meatball, fries and drink 6.75 as you do for a 10 inch cheese and veggie. 6.75. No drink. No fry. Just cheese lettuce and bread? Excuse? We just took over 4 months ago. Oh dear owner you could have rectified the price and not lost a customer. read more

Original Mona Lisa - Italian Near Me - Redlands, California

Was in the area and heard about this spot through a friend. Walking in you can tell this Is a small business with a homey welcoming feel and the food was great. The service was fantastic and I was really surprised to see that they had a drive thru too! I tried their Italian sub this time around but will definitely be back next time I'm in the area to try the rest of their food. Especially now that I know I can just go through the drive thru next time. read more

i didn't expect much from a drive thru italian place but i was pleasantly surprised. i got an italian sandwich and it was absolutely delicious. i'll be coming back for sure (: read more

I love Mona Lisa! Delicious drive thru Italian food! I usually call in my order so there is literally no waiting for my food. 90% of the time I order the Lasagna with meat sauce and a salad. (Antipasto, Chef's or Garden salad-they are always fresh and delicious-they make their own Italian dressing too) But I also love many other items on the menu-Spaghetti with meat sauce and Italian Sausage, Eggplant parmigiana-in fact everything I've ever had there is great. I love that all the dinners come with warm wonderful garlic bread too. Sometimes I upgrade to the cheese garlic bread-I love cheese and this is yummy! Very friendly staff too. Update: This is definitely changed under the new owners. Need to take it down to 2-3 stars. They claim to be using the same recipes but the portion size is much smaller and the meat they are using is sub-par. I ordered the lasagna and the piece was small and drowned in sauce. The ratio of sauce to food was so much that it "floated" the lasagna apart. What was left was the various noodles, cheese and meat floating unattached in the sauce. I have recently tried their Fettuccine Alfredo though and it was good. From now on will stick to spaghetti or the Fettuccine Alfredo. FURTHER UPDATE: Went today and got Spaghetti with meat sauce & a garden salad. It was great! I think the owner really listened -the meat in the meat sauce was great again, the garlic bread is back to a bigger serving just like the previous owners gave & the salad was wonderful-lots of cucumbers, carrots, tomatoes & cheese on top! I love their homemade Italian dressing. SO PLEASE SUPPORT THIS RESTAURANT-don't want to lose our drive Thru Italian food! read more

Finding a restaurant that serves tasty fresh food at extremely reasonable prices can be a difficult task, but not if you dine at The Original Mona Lisa Italian Restaurant in Redlands. This small unpretentious restaurant features very good Italian subs, pasta and salads at prices you will find very friendly to your budget. You can either dine in or take advantage of the drive-thru window and order your food in the comfort of your car. All items are made to order so you can count on the food being piping hot and fresh when it arrives. Another important thing to know is that once you order and pay for the food at the front counter, the food comes to you in round aluminum pans, with plastic utensils. At first I wanted real plates and real metal forks. However, considering the low prices and the good quality of the food, I would rather have it served this way and save some money. Now, to the meal! From the sandwich side of the menu came the 10-inch Italian Sub, $5.95, and the special 6-inch Hot Meatball Sub, $4.50. The Italian Sub consisted of a warm crusty Italian roll filled with salami, turkey ham, homemade Italian dressing with oregano, garlic, basil and wine, lettuce, tomatoes, provolone cheese and pickles, while the Hot Meatball Sub featured sliced meatballs, marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. It should be noted that when ordering a sub or pasta dish, you can order the items with marinara or meat sauce. Quick note: check my Yelp profile for extended coverage of this and other great restaurants. Also, let's stay in touch! Add me as a Yelp friend to talk and share tips about the best eats in the Inland Empire! Ok, now back to the food :) Next came the Lasagna, $6.50, and the Baked Mostaccioli, $7.50. The lasagna featured two layers of lasagna pasta layered with a delicious ricotta and mozzarella seasoned mixture and lots of meat sauce. It was then topped with mozzarella cheese and baked until the cheese was nice and bubbly. I really enjoyed the ample portions of the ricotta mozzarella cheese mixture and the entire dish. It may not look all that large but it sure is filling. You also get two pieces of warm toasty garlic bread with all of the pasta dishes and salads. The Baked Mostaccioli consisted of a large portion of pasta with lots of sauce and mozzarella cheese. Simple, yet oh so good! The classic Eggplant Parmesan, $6.95, and Antipasto Salad, $5.50, rounded out my meal. Imagine lightly breaded and fried eggplant topped with your choice of marina or meat sauce, topped with lots of mozzarella cheese and baked until perfect. The eggplant was not bitter like Italian eggplant can sometimes be and was a hit with my family as well as with me. The Antipasto Salad consisted of sliced provolone cheese, salami and turkey ham, served on a bed of lettuce with tomatoes, peppercinis and your choice of dressings. I suggest the homemade Italian dressing! Although not fancy, I enjoy dining at the Original Mona Lisa very much and feel that you and your family will enjoy it, too. Owner Ed Moursi is a friendly man who appreciates his customers and takes pride in his preparation of each item. read more

Drive-thru spaghetti sounds horrendous but life is full of surprises. You've got to love any of the items on their menu. (A friend took me there for lunch and I returned to show it off to my wife for dinner the same day.) Their sauces are rich and tasty, their salad is good, their meatballs and sausages are great, even their sandwiches are good. Take out or eat in.The atmosphere is "fast food" (excepting the quality service) but who needs atmosphere if you are looking for great taste and good value. Good Stuff! read more