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.
Très cher. Nous étions souvent interpellés par la serveuse pour nous commandions. Mais lorsqu'il était le temps de payer, personne en vu. Les drinks étaient bon, mais cher. La nourriture hors de prix. Lors du paiement, le pourboire a été ajouté automatiquement à 20% (ce qui n'était pas mon option).
J'ai réservé plusieurs semaine à l'avance & tout était confirmé. Jusqu'au jour même, aucun souci. & puis, à la dernière minute, je reçois un message m'informant que ma réservation est limitée à 1 heure & demi...
Dpnc toute notre journée est tombée à l'eau. Zéro anticipation, zéro respect du client. On ne prévient pas quelqu'un & jour qu'il n'a plus que 60 minutes alors qu'il a planifié sa journée autour de cette réservation...aucune communication professionnelle, juste un désagrément total pour nous, alors que nous avions fait le travail de réserver à l'avance!
Je ne recommande absolument pas. La prochaine fois, je privilégierai un établissement qui communique avant & respecte ses engagements.
yesterday
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So, to start, I never leave bad reviews. Me & my girlfriend are both in the service industry (tourism & restaurants) & understand that on most occasions a bad meal or drink doesn't make or break the restaurant & it's unfair to punish a place based off of one bad night.
However, there are some things with this establishment that are pretty unconscionable given the price & exclusive feel of the bar. Especially considering how viral this place is online, people deserve some sort of warning.
First, I have to say the staff is incredible. The waitress & hostess/doorwomen were very genial & the management of this place is lucky to have staff this professional kind. Also, the atmosphere is really cool. You really feel like you are in a cave somewhere & the music is cool.
Unfortunately, there is a smell of urine that pervades the whole restaurant. It smelt so off no one in my group wanted to eat any food or order any drinks. I don't mind a piss smelling dive bar but not a fancy place like this where you have to wear pants to enter!
Also, drinks here are very expensive for bottom shelf liquor. Seriously, a mai tai in a tiki bar is 20+ dollars that uses captain Morgan spiced rum as the main rum? It's highway robbery to be charging these prices & using spirits this low quality no matter what the drinks taste like. In Quebec you could easily use chairmen's reserve, Havana club, Flor Di Cana, or others. I'm less knowledgeable about tequila but it's the same story with that re using 1800 over other spirits. The whole things rings as a scam.
This review is directed at management to hopefully add some drinks with better spirits if they are looking to charge those prices & call attention to that foul smell & to warn people who saw this place online. Again, just to reiterate the staff are great & the place does have a cool vibe.
Mona Loa was easily the highlight of our Montreal trip! I came here for a girls' night with two of my friends, & it ended up being such a special experience from start to finish.
Our server, Charly, made our evening unforgettable. She was incredibly welcoming & friendly. She also provided amazing food & drink recommendations based on our preferences. Every dish was beautifully presented & full of flavour. The cocktails were creative & absolutely amazing.
The cave- & volcano-inspired interior is stunning & provided for such a unique & immersive experience. We genuinely cannot wait to come back. A must visit in Montreal!
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!
I found this place online through social media as my work involves being active online. I came all the way from toronto & the first place I booked to go to, was Mona Loa. We arrived on time for our reservations, & we're denied very rudely by security for wearing shorts. The website said business casual, but then the reservations on open table said absolutely nothing about a dress code. Regardless I was wearing a 130 dollar plain button up black polo & $230 dollar Cotton summer shorts, with a Dior sidebag. I get that it's no shorts but again we did not know, & it wasnt like it was some cheap outfit. Where's the common sense/discretion?? Just before us, he let a young kid in with BAGGY jeans & Tr hoodie on. If you are going to follow your rules that closely to the point where you are going to turn away proper clientele, you are getting a bad review & This goofy cowboy looking security had the nerve to make such a rude comment after we mentioned the person before us that went in, & security is saying'look at ur selfs' like hun? Dude should take a look in the mirror before making comments like that! Offered zero solutions, just was rude & turned us away. I was just looking to have a good time at a cool looking place fresh into the city & my experience was completely ruined. I spoke to management after the fact on the phone & they apologize & were slightly nicer & offered to book me in the next day at any time, but didnt go back. Why should I go spend my money & probably post the restaurant on my page out of goodwill (12.5k+) followers, when I get treated horribly as a tourist for simply wearing shorts? What a clown show.👎🏻 cool looking spot but not worth such a headache. Very disappointing..
