Mona Lisa

Former museum curator and UPR Art History Major alumni, Lisa Blanco, gave an abandoned local a new life by opening the doors to her new business Mona Lisa on 2015. Her restaurant, although having been opened only 3 years, has a plenty of very loyal customers. The local is decorated in a very alive way it has as a colorful style that combines well with its artistic theme and makes clients remember its walls.   This local inevitably stands out in University Avenue at Río Piedras.

It’s an Italian restaurant with a great menu. Some may think it’s pricey because of its vibe, but it’s affordable. The owner wants to give quality food at a price that students and locals can afford, so they a specials menu with great dishes at low prices ($7-$9). They have an excellent Parmasan Chicken in the specials menu for only $7.85. It’s honestly great, I ate it for lunch two days straight. They also have pear stuffed gorgonzola raviolis which I’m anxious to try. Also, I’m not particularly a fan of their sangria, but the restaurant has a great craft beer selection.

  I love the fact that food tastes very fresh and their flavors are gourmet. I had the opportunity to speak with some of the waiters, sadly the owner wasn’t there, but the employee in charge of their inventory told me that 48% of their products were from the Island. He also pointed out the fact that it’s too expensive for them to buy all local products. This intrigued me the most.