Mona Loa offers a vibrant fusion of Japanese culinary artistry and tropical Hawaiian flavors, creating a unique dining experience in the heart of the city. Guests can explore a diverse menu featuring expertly crafted sushi rolls, sashimi, and other Japanese specialties, complemented by island-inspired dishes that evoke the spirit of aloha. The atmosphere balances a sophisticated setting with a relaxed island vibe, making it suitable for both intimate gatherings and lively evenings. Signature offerings include fresh, high-quality seafood prepared with precision and presented with artistic flair. Whether indulging in a traditional teriyaki or savoring a poke bowl, Mona Loa provides a memorable escape through its distinct culinary offerings and engaging ambiance.
Mona Loa offers a unique and highly atmospheric experience, frequently described as an immersive, cave-like speakeasy that stands out for its chic decor and vibrant, club-like energy. Many guests praise the expertly crafted cocktails and flavorful, well-presented food, highlighting the sushi and appetizers as excellent choices for a night out. While the atmosphere, music, and attentive staff are often celebrated, some visitors report inconsistencies in service speed, small portion sizes relative to the higher price point, and occasional difficulties with reservation management or noise levels. Despite mixed opinions on value and dining logistics, the establishment remains a popular destination for dates, birthdays, and social gatherings, with many patrons eager to return for the lively vibes.
Very small speakeasy bar in the heart of Montreal. Cocktails were amazing (Mai Tai was the best!) & not too sweet. We had to order a second plate of the Red Tiger sushi because it was so good!
Food is delicious, we sat at the bar & our bartender Simon was awesome, drinks were great as well. It felt like we were on vacation. Wouldn't recommend large group reservations, as the restaurant is tiny & intimate.
Jun 27, 2026
on Google
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
Absolutely amazing experience here! The vibes are insanely cool & the drinks are expertly crafted. Simon was an amazingly attentive bartender & so sweet! Gave me extra olives when I finished my dirty martini without me even asking! Would come here 10/10 times for a girls night or a date!
Expérience catastrophique du début à la fin. L'accueil par l'hôtesse a été très médiocre : elle nous a affirmé qu'aucune table n'était disponible & qu'on devait s'installer au bar, alors que je lui ai spécifié que nous venions pour souper. Une fois à l'intérieur, nous avons constaté qu'il y avait pourtant au moins 5 tables vides. Le service n'a pas rattrapé le coup : après nous avoir servi nos consommations, l'unique serveuse sur place nous a complètement oubliés. Après 45 minutes d'attente, sans même avoir de couverts, nous avons dû appeler la barmaid pour prendre notre commande de nourriture. Pour couronner le tout, les sushis étaient très décevants, le riz était dur & l'ensemble manquait cruellement de fraîcheur. Bref, un endroit à éviter pour manger. La gestion du personnel (de l'accueil au plancher) est totalement à revoir.Les seul point positif est que le décor était beau si vous allez là-bas arrêtez vous seulement aux drinks.
Had such a great experience here, love the interior really feels like you've travelled somewhere else. Great appetizers, good music & an exceptionally knowledgeable bartender Nish, who was incredibly charismatic, courteous, & creative with cocktail recommendations that were tailored to our liking. 10/10 recommend for a cute girls night out, see you again soon!
I made a reservation at Mon? Loa months in advance to celebrate my girlfriend's birthday, & unfortunately the experience did not live up to expectations.
When we arrived, things felt disorganized right away. We were asked to follow another group downstairs, then brought back upstairs & seated there instead of the lower-level area we were hoping for. We were also left standing at the entrance while the other group was seated first.
Our initial table wasn't great, & after politely asking to move-especially since I had been notified our table was ready an hour before-we were relocated to a table right next to the bathroom & kitchen. Not ideal for a special occasion.
Service was inconsistent throughout the night. A nearby table remained dirty for about 30 minutes, & we were missing basic items like silverware. Small details like this made a big difference in the overall experience.
The Mai Tai was excellent, & the bartender clearly knows what they're doing. However, after the first round, the drink sizes noticeably decreased. The menu was also limited, with several items unavailable, including oysters & desserts.
The biggest issue was the food. Portions were small & not filling at all. We spent over $300 & still left hungry, which is hard to justify.
What stood out the most-in a negative way-was how the birthday was handled. While they acknowledged it verbally, the effort felt minimal. My girlfriend received a very simple dessert, while another guest got a more celebratory presentation with a candle, which felt inconsistent & disappointing.
The space itself is beautiful & clearly designed for aesthetics, but the service, food quality, & overall experience didn't match the price point. Unfortunately, I wouldn't return or recommend it for special occasions.
