Mona Lisa Italian Foods

While RoVino built a reputation on rotisserie chicken and Mimmo's chases portion-heavy plates, Mona Lisa operates on a different logic entirely: this is the spot where you browse shelves of imported pasta and cured meats, then realize you can sit down and eat those same ingredients in sandwich or plate form. The deli counter builds towering Italian sandwiches—bresaola on focaccia, prosciutto piled high—that reviewers mention going back for multiple times. The dining room, dark and old-school in a way that feels intentional rather than dated, serves traditional preparations: lasagna, pasta dishes that skip garnish trends, pizza that doesn't apologize for being straightforward.

The hybrid model means you're eating surrounded by shelves of Sicilian olive oil and jars of Calabrian chili paste, which sounds chaotic but reads more like eating in someone's well-stocked Italian pantry. Portions skew generous—a single sandwich easily splits between two—and prices reflect India Street real estate without tipping into tourist-trap territory. The market side carries European and Mediterranean imports you won't find at the corner grocery: proper mortadella, multiple salamis, the kind of canned tomatoes that make a difference.

Practical notes: The space offers outdoor seating for those who prefer India Street people-watching with their meal. Service runs casual—you're ordering at the counter for sandwiches, sitting down for full plates. Families show up often, which makes sense given the kid-friendly vibe and the fact that picky eaters can always fall back on a simple pasta. If you're planning a picnic at Waterfront Park or assembling a dinner at home, the market operates independently of the restaurant hours. The bresaola sandwich earns consistent mentions; regulars suggest swapping mustard for chipotle mayo if you want a slight kick against the cured meat's delicate flavor.