La Mona Rosa — Restaurant in Las Vegas

The food was truly impressive ... when it actually came to our table. 40% of what our group ordered never came to the table AT ALL - and they didn't even realize it was missing. We came for a friend's birthday - who knows the owner, so I feel kind of bad writing this but if I were him, I'd want to know. Our experience was honestly like Gordon Ramsey's nightmare kitchen. I've blocked much of it out but this is what I remember.

In three hours we were only offered one drink order (my lone Paloma was delicious). As mentioned, much of our food never came and the restaurant was only half full all night. Yet we watched two booths turn over and be served twice as our food never came. When we finally complained to the manager (after requesting our food a second time from the waiter with no resolve - well after the birthday girl was done eating her meal without her friends joining in - as least she got her food!), we were offered a round of drinks and shots. Really? Several of the people at our table don't drink - way to read the room, manager - who also copped an attitude after we rightfully complained.

Three different service people said they would have a couple of the main dishes right out - it took another 25 minutes. So yeah, great birthday dinner, eating and toasting as a group. The people next to us took mercy on us and gave us their leftovers (and the enchiladas were divine!).

Sadly, I for one will not be going back here again and definitely don't recommend it even if the atmosphere is pretty cool. I also hear the owner is a good guy but in this case, it's not enough). (Signed: A Vegas local who eats out A LOT and mingles with food critics and bloggers still searching for perfect Mexican food in Vegas.)

PS: The cut and paste pat reply (by "the owner") to this review makes it even more insulting. If this experience was "the best of your ability" then your business...

Food was great, drinks were great, but service was awful. We were there on a Thursday night between Christmas and New Years, earlier in the night (6pm-ish) and there was no excuse for such terrible service. The area was busy with lots of foot traffic, but the near empty restaurant should have been a signal. There were only three other tables in the restaurant, but I counted eight staff members in the front of house. At least one manager-type sat a table next to us working on a laptop and never checked in with tables or engaged with guests. It appeared that the bar staff (four of them behind the bar!) was doing inventory, which was an odd choice for a Thursday night during dinner service, but the worst part was our waitress. She was not attentive at all, would take one guest's drink order and walk away, not asking the other guest if they wanted a drink (even though he didn't have a glass on the table), didn't seem to know the menu well, and had to be asked for everything. I can forgive not knowing the menu perfectly, esp if she's new or it's changed recently but for only having two tables, I would have expected her to be on top of the basics like filling water glasses and checking in with us. We'll try it again, because everything we had was great and it seems the kitchen might be entirely gluten free (she seemed confused so not going to risk it, we'll try to confirm) and the cocktail program has a lot of potential, but really hope to see better service next time.

We had: Oaxacan Old Fashioned and the Pink Monkey cocktails, and Guacamole, Queso Fundido, Chorizo & Pulpo, and...

This is easily some of the best Mexican cuisine I've ever had. The menu is equal parts varied and restrained leading to a wonderful curated experience.

Drinks are made well here with strong pours and we'll balanced cocktails. The selection of Tequila and Mezcal is outstanding, and the non-alcoholic selection in the for of the aguas frescas is also to be noted for those who don't drink.

Appetizers are wonderful and flavourful, from the simple and comforting to the more exotic options you'll be sure to find something here to start your meal.

As for entrées and other full plates there is a great variety of options using quality ingredients and traditional Mexican recipes. Additionally, a notable standout is the wonderful fresh tortillas that come with several plates allowing you to customize your bites and easily share with your friends and family. Lastly, for dessert I highly recommend the Jericalla. The other desserts are terrific as well. But the Jericalla is simply the best dessert I've ever had. It is perfectly balanced in terms of its sweetness and richness, and the toppings on this Mexican style custard and wonderful textures and flavors. Do yourself a favor and try it.

Lastly, I'd like to give thanks to the wonderful staff who took care of me during my meal. From the wonderful bartender to the front and back of the house. It's clear to see that you all deeply care about the customer experience. I look forward to...