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We arrived at The Mona Lisa with an ‘open mind’ the décor being checked
table cloths and back street type café and the evidence of no other
diners made us wary of what we were about to receive. We were not able
to park outside the bistro.
We were shown where to sit and provided with a menu – starters, pastas,
fish, meat, vegetarian and pizzas ranging prices from £2.50 - £11.50. A
“Specials Board” was also on show.
The bistro is family run and we were soon introduced to each family
member – including their son who is the chef and advised us that if we
wanted something that was not on the menu he would make it.
The small but charming bistro soon filled with a mix of both business
and family clientele. Children are welcome.
After much deliberation over the menu we decided. My mussels were plump
and very delicious served with a drizzle of white wine and garlic. My
three guests opted for the paiella which was filled with every available
sea food imaginable from sword fish to prawns and thoroughly enjoyable,
the other had the carbonara which was al dente and very filling (even
though it was a starter portion!) and the last dish was a pizza. Even
the pizza came crisp and loaded with my guest dreaming that she was in
Rome.
We were offered table water as well as the usual drinks menu. Their
house wine – Italian red and white at £10.50 for 1litre was exceptional.
For something special they have the Italian ‘Champagne’ Prosecco also at
£10.50.
Unfortunately, the only draw back at the Mona Lisa is the size of the
portions; they are huge and therefore we were unable to taste the
gourmet’s delight of array of puddings on show.
And, of course being Italian we were offered the local Italian shot of
‘Lemoncello’ this was on the house! We obviously did not want to leave
this little piece of Tuscany we had found and were invited to stay as
long as we wanted, unfortunately we did have to leave and return to
work.
The service was exceptionally laid back and very friendly. You can of
course order your choice in advance via telephone if you are in dining
through your lunch hour.
The whole experience at the restaurant reminded us of Italy. The staff
were very welcoming, service fantastic, a must for all foodies. In fact
a few of us returned on an evening, where the lighting was low and an
even more relaxed atmosphere was found with dancing afterwards. We of
course sampled all the delights this time, all being equally as good as
those we had enjoyed during our lunch time visit. We even managed the
puddings which the majority are made in house by their son.
The bistro is open from 11am until late seven days a week. There were no
disabled facilities as yet but a comment from the owner suggested they
were looking into this. The WC’s are adequate
and clean. They operate a no smoking policy and those wanting a smoke
had to stand outside the building.
The lunch for three diners came to £13.25, the drinks 2 x glass of house
wine and one coke £4.90.
As mentioned it is a “little taste of Italy”
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Mona Lisa
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