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.
Good atmosphere with a cool vibe & an impressive entrance. Without a reservation we had a 5-10 minute wait. I only got drinks. The service is a quite slow as we had to wait a while to get our orders in & they overcharged me as I got charged for three drinks & only received two due to having no staff to take my order someone else other than a waitress took it. The drinks themselves were pretty good. The DJ is live & music is decent. Overall an okay place to check out.
Amazing experience here, great staff(shoutout Simon) everyone here was incredible & super friendly! Amazing food & even better drinks. Definitely recommending to everyone who wants a great meal & even better vibe!
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
Lovely staff & vibe is great! We ordered the filet mignon when we went. Unfortunately, the meal was cold. The truffles fries are not truffle fries…they taste like frozen fries put into a fryer. The steak looks & tastes like it was frozen & put on a grill to warm up. It is unfortunate because the overall vibe of the place is good but the food & drinks & the price of it all does not make it worth it…
Feb 20, 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.
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.
Loved the place! Charlie, the darbouka guy, brought a beautiful vibe to the night & really made the experience special. The staff were very friendly & welcoming. We did have to wait a bit for the food, but overall it was a great time!
First time we went had some hiccups. But spoke with the manager & he definitely addressed the situation & took action right away. Our next visit was great & you can tell they care about their clientele. Drinks are great here & decent food. Loved the violinist entertainment as well. The vibe is awesome so definitely will be back
Je suis allée il y une semaine & Charly ma serveuse ma trop bien servi!! La nourriture etait super bonne & le vibe est vraiment original! Parfaite place pour prendre un drink le personnel est vraiment top :)
