Monna Lisa — Restaurant in Sector Urbano

Disappointing Experience After Many Years of Loyalty

I rarely write negative reviews, as I generally prefer to address issues directly with the staff. I also want to preface this by saying that I am not someone who is overly sensitive to salt, and as someone working in the hospitality industry myself, I understand that mistakes can happen.

My wife and I have been coming to this restaurant since it first opened, and it has always been a place we enjoyed. We are a Nicaraguan-foreign couple who have lived in Granada for over 20 years. However, for the past two to three years, we had been living abroad and only recently returned. Naturally, we were excited to revisit a place that had been a part of our lives for so long—but unfortunately, our experience was extremely disappointing.

We both ordered pasta—different types—and both dishes were so overly salted that they were barely edible. After just a couple of bites, it became clear that the seasoning was completely off. When the waiter checked in on us, we immediately mentioned that the food was far too salty. He acknowledged our feedback and said he would inform the kitchen, but there was no further follow-up. I finished my dish out of sheer hunger, while my wife left a significant portion on her plate because the saltiness became overwhelming.

When the plates were cleared, I reiterated that the food was really not enjoyable and that we were very disappointed, given our long history with the Restaurant. Again, the response was just a nod and another promise to inform the kitchen, without any further reaction or acknowledgment.

At the end of the meal, two Limoncello shots were brought to the table, as is customary here, but there was no apology, no gesture to make up for the experience—just business as usual. I had a very small sip of the Limoncello, my wife left it untouched as we justed needed Water Now, paid a good tip because we know the waitstaff are not at fault, and left the restaurant.

To make matters worse, we observed through the window that the barman, despite the fact that I had taken a small sip, poured both Limoncello shots back into the bottle. This left us with serious doubts about the hygiene standards in handling drinks.

Sadly, after so many years of being loyal customers, we won’t be returning. If you do choose to dine here, the pizza might be a safer choice—just...

We experienced what could be the best pizza in Nicaragua at this pizzeria recently. We were attended to by Albert, our amicable English speaking waiter! My wife and I ordered the "Italian chorizo picante pizza". The Italian sausage I believe is homemade as I have not been able to find any flavor of Italian sausage in the surrounding areas! As the owner is Patrizia Lugeschi, I don't doubt that the sausage was homemade. To say that the pizza was "deliziosa" would be an understatement! We also savored their garlic bread - excellent! Upon finishing our meal, we were offered homemade "limoncello", compliments of the house! Recommend highly for pizza or Italian food! As we visit Granada quarterly, we will definitely be revisiting this...

WHAT TO EXPECT? Italian restaurant with a dozen 4 seater tables on one of Granada's main foodie streets serving pizzas and pastas.

POSITIVES- Tasty homemade Italian pastas, big portions, strong cocktail, friendly and fast service, lots of choice of pizzas and pastas. Funny mona Lisa sign outside.

NEGATIVES- Lack of air con / good fans making it quite hot during heat of day. Some of the meals more western prices.

PAY / COST / PRICE- Can pay by card. Can pay by cash. 10% tip automatically added.

OUR ORDER- We had a victoria classica, aperol spritz, shrimp pasta in spicy tomato sauce, salmon and pistachio pasta in cream sauce. Pasta was al dente and tasty. Total cost for meal with tip was 1664cordoba...