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.
ENGLISH WILL FOLLOW
Manger dans ce restaurant a été une expérience assez mauvaise pour moi. Sans la compagnie & le décor, je lui mettrais probablement une étoile. Je le déconseille fortement.
Les plats que j'ai choisis étaient en petites portions (tataki de thon, pétoncles qui pourtant etait un plat principal).
C'était vraiment très cher pour ce que c'était.
Je suis sorti de là en ayant payé 142 $ (avant tips) & en ayant encore faim. J'ai consommé un tataki de thon (5 petits morceaux de thon), un plat de pétoncles (légumes sautés avec 7 petits pétoncles, probablement parmi les plus petits que j'ai mangés), 0,3 L de bière, un cocktail & 5 oz de vin (un vin plutôt ordinaire).
Le pourboire était inclus, environ 20 % au moment du paiement (166$). Pas moyen de le modifier.
Expérience décevante en ce qui concerne la nourriture & le prix.
English:
Eating at this restaurant was quite a disappointing experience for me. If it were not for the company & the decor, I would probably give it one star. I strongly do not recommend it.
The dishes I chose came in very small portions (tuna tataki, scallops).
It was really overpriced for what it was.
I left having paid $142(before tips) & was still hungry. I had a tuna tataki (5 small pieces of tuna), a scallop dish (sautéed vegetables with 7 very small scallops, probably among the smallest I have ever had), 0.3 L of beer, one cocktail, & 5 oz of wine (a pretty cheap wine).
The tip was included, around 20% at payment($166), with no option to modify it.
A disappointing experience overall in terms of both the food & the price.
Mar 21, 2026
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J'y suis allée avec mon mari & nous y avons passé une excellente soirée! L'ambiance était au rendez-vous. Nous ne buvons pas d'alcool donc nous avons commandés des mocktails & ils étaient vraiment à l'écoute par rapport à nos goût, j'ai été agréablement surprise de la complexité des drinks! Super service, je recommande à tous! ☺?
Went to Mona Loa to celebrate a birthday & we had an amazing time! Food was good & drinks were even better. We went on a Saturday night & the DJ was definitely one of the best I've seen in a while. They also had a tambourine player that definitely helped bring everyone together & celebrate. We had other plans to go elsewhere & we ended up staying the whole night since we were having so much fun. The servers were great too, constantly checking up on us ensuring we have the best time possible. Great experience & beautiful restaurant, will definitely be coming back.
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
Mar 1, 2026
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