Reviews describe Mona Loa as a visually striking cavernous speakeasy with dim lighting, warm tones, and a unique decor that makes the space feel intimate yet elevated. The vibe is repeatedly praised as cozy and immersive, a great setting for dates or a night out with friends, and the cocktails are often highlighted for being creative and well balanced, with a standout Habibi cocktail frequently praised. Food receives mixed notes, with some dishes like seafood and sushi praised for freshness and flavor, while others arrive cold or fall short of expectations for the price. Service is generally friendly and attentive but inconsistent at times, and during busy periods some guests report slower pacing or seating and menu hiccups. The location and atmosphere are consistently cited as a major draw, including the sense of discovery and the overall aesthetic, sometimes described as a hidden gem on Crescent with a basement bar and lively music. Reservations are advised as the place fills up, and a few reviews caution about noise levels and the value for money. Overall Mona Loa is seen as a must visit for ambiance and drinks, with the experience varying by visit depending on service and kitchen execution.
This establishment took a reservation for a table for two at a high top seating, when we arrived the hostess told us we could not sit as at this time ( the time of our reservation) they only let large reservations sit at tables. She then offered us to stay standing while spots at the bar clear up. We ended up leaving as we were disappointed in the service.
Mar 27, 2026
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Amazing vibes on this lowkey spot on crescent, red room aura. Good place to bring a date. Simon an amazing bartender with great experience was whipping it up behind the bar, ask about him
Ambiance is nice but drinks are nothing special (bartenders should taste their drinks b4 serving them) every drink was way too acidic. Food was nothing special. Karrage chicken was good but sushi rolls were mid.
My girlfriend & I visited from New Jersey, USA while staying in Montreal for Valentine's weekend. We went on 2/13 & were seated right away at their lovely bar. From the ambience, to the customer service to the very tasty cocktails & chicken appetizer- we had a wonderful experience. The bar staff & manager gave us a great experience & showed us their new bar in the basement. What a great place! We will definitely return & recommend to our friends.
Feb 16, 2026
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The bar tenders were attentive, easy to talk to & have fun over all. The vibe was fun & great & the oysters were delicious & tasted fresh. Definitely recommend trying at least once.
Mon amie & moi avons choisis Mona Loa pour notre girls night jeudi dernier & nous avons adoré ! L'ambiance, le service ainsi que la nourriture étaient excellents ! Un merci particulier à notre bartender/ serveur de la soirée Nishant. Je vous recommande l'endroit qui est idéal pour une date ou une soirée entre amis ⭐?⭐?⭐?⭐?⭐?
Jan 10, 2026
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First time here, seated at the bar. The food was excellent - the karaage chicken was outstanding & the maki were very flavorful. Cocktails were great, & the bartender provided good service.
The downside: at 9 p.m. (with an 8 p.m. reservation), we were asked to leave to accommodate another booking. I understand the concept of table turnover, but for a Friday night dinner, one hour feels too short. It would be better to clearly inform guests upfront about the seating time.
I also didn't appreciate the repeated offers of free shooters to smooth over the situation - that's not why I go out. I prefer to enjoy my evening at my own pace.
$150 per person in one hour… dessert & the last cocktail were enjoyed elsewhere.
Nourriture excellente, mais rien d'exceptionnel. De plus attentes d'une heure à l'extérieur, ambiance de bar & table pour 2 personnes vraiment mal localisé.
Mona Loa is easily one of Montreal's best newer bars & honestly, the definition of a vibe. From the moment you walk in, the ambience hits you-warm lighting, stylish décor, & a laid-back energy that still feels elevated. It's the kind of spot that feels intentionally designed but never pretentious.
The food & drinks are on point, too. Cocktails are crafted with real care, balanced & flavourful without trying too hard. The food menu surprised me in the best way-fresh, well-seasoned, & way better than what you'd expect from a typical bar. You can tell they actually put in the effort.
Whether you're pulling up for a casual night out or looking for a place that feels a bit more curated, Mona Loa delivers. Great vibe, great ambience, great food & drinks. Definitely worth adding to your Montreal rotation.
Dec 8, 2025
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Was walking by & decided to go in for a quick drink with a friend & ended up staying until closing. We became best friends with Megan the bartender, she is an angel. Such a beautiful place, highly recommend!
Doesn't respect reservations. Gave our table away for a group & sat us at a tiny cramped seat at the bar (we had to climb over our chairs just to get in). Music was blasting to loud to talk & there wasn't enough space to face each other. We left. Tacky & awful service. DO NOT MAKE A DINNER RESERVATION you will regret it.
You won't get a table!!!
We had reservations for 3 at 9pm on a Saturday. First they made us wait in a table outside. Then we waited at the bar for 1h when we eventually figured we were not going to get a table because of the lack of organisation. The vibe, music & food is okay here. The service I wouldn't say as much. The owner was kind enough to offer us something to drink. It was shots & we didn't feel like drinking shots so we asked for'cocktails' instead, which were the shots with pineapple juice. I found that to be very cheap considering the prices on the menu. Overall me & my friends were disappointed with our experience here.
