‘Come by for one more visit’: Decades-old SF North Beach Italian restaurant closing its doors

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — Mona Lisa Restaurant — an Italian diner that has served as a staple for almost 50 years in San Francisco’s North Beach neighborhood, is “forever” closing its doors, according to its owners. Its last day of operation will be Friday, Oct. 31.

The owners, Filomena and Maurizio Florese, said it was not an easy decision to shutter the business, located at 353 Columbus Ave.

Mona Lisa opened in 1979 and the Floreses joined the establishment in 1997. The restaurant has since become a fixture in North Beach for residents and tourists alike.

“After thousands of celebrations from marriage proposals to anniversaries to birthday parties over the decades, the public is welcome to come by for one last visit to Mona Lisa,” said the Floreses in a news statement.

According to its Facebook page, Mona Lisa “serves a large array of authentic Italian dishes. With over 200 items on our menu, we have something for everyone!”

There is hope for longtime Mona Lisa fans who don’t want to say goodbye to the popular dishes just yet. The owners said they will be taking the beloved recipes right across the street to Mona Lisa’s newer, sister restaurant called Mona Lisa Mare E Monti, located at 414 Columbus Ave.

“All of Mona Lisa’s memorabilia, which includes 120 historic photographs and their beloved 1968 Fiat 500, will also be relocated to the newer eatery,” added the Floreses.

Mona Lisa Restaurant confirmed it is working hard to find work for impacted employees at their other restaurant properties, including the aforementioned Mona Lisa Mare E Monti, The Old Clam House, and Steps of Rome.