If I can leave 0 stars I definitely would. We never usually write Unilocal reviews but felt like we should to save headaches for future guests. We hosted our rehearsal dinner here. The venue and view were both spectacular, but unfortunately the same cannot be said about the service. DECEITFUL! We made it very clear to our guests regarding no alcohol consumption, yet some how the staff managed to rack a bar tab of well over $ 1000US dollars when we know for a fact we did not consume that amount. The waiters told our guest that drinks were«already paid for.» Why would you have drinks passed when we arrived when we said we were not interested in drinking? The waiters insisted even when we asked them to stop coming around. I specifically asked for an itemized receipt at the end of the evening and you could not provide this? At the MAXIMUM we consumed 10 drinks and then bottled waters. We will never recommend your business to anyone. Food was mediocre and really bland, just go get tacos somewhere and your money will be better spent.
Nancy F.
Rating des Ortes: 5 New York, NY
First I need to thank Miguel and his staff for pointing out that we had a flat on our rental. They went out of their way to take the tire off and have it repaired while we had dinner. The food was fantastic as well as the service. Not sure what the big deal is in previous reviews about the shoes. We saw several guys in nice sandals.
Angela R.
Rating des Ortes: 5 San Diego, CA
Absolutely beautiful location and spectacular service. It can get a little chilly but they offer blankets to anyone that looks chilled. Worth the expense as a special treat.
Stephanie Q.
Rating des Ortes: 4 New York, NY
Sunset de Mona Lisa is listed as one of the top 5 coolest restaurants in the world, according to the New York Times. Imagine eating on a cliff facing the ocean, the view is simply breath-taking. Reservations: Make a reservation on OpenTable. They will require you to put down your credit card information. 2 days before the reservation, you will not be able to see it on OpenTable because they don’t want you to change it. Go Early– enjoy the bar while watching the sunset. There is a bar that has both indoor and outdoor seating. I sat outdoors. The view is breathtaking. Cocktails are about $ 12-$ 14. You can also order food. The restaurant. *Its extremely windy, thank goodness the waiters offered us blankets. We started off with a bottle of wine. Each table also has a little lamp that will be turned on once it gets dark. There was a violinist playing music. Its a very romantic place. There was also a coat rack for you to hang your bag or coat. The service was good but slow. Expect this to be a long dinner. We started off with the calamari. It was not bad, but not mind blowingly good. For my main course, I had the chicken which was ok. For desert– I had the tiramisu. It was ok. Come here for the view. Come here for the experience. Nothing beats looking at the beautiful ocean while enjoying a good meal. The food isn’t Michelin star quality but its decent.
Stina L.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Cupertino, CA
We tried getting a table last minute but they said they had no availability. However, we rented a cab and tried to go anyways. We figured if we didn’t get in, we could check out their lounge. Anyways we got a table and the view, food, and experience was magical. Super reasonable prices for such a lovely place. Highly recommend it.
Liz M.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Alexandria, LA
Very beautiful setting and the food was delicious. Mostly, if not entirely, outdoor seating on a cliff so it is very windy. They did provide blankets on the back of all chairs. I had the lamb ravioli with onion sauce. The sauce was mainly just some caramelized onions so it had a bit of a sweetness and was fabulous. Caution to those with small children, the elderly, drunk uncle, or folks who might not be sure footed; the charm of this restaurant is the many levels, boulders for steps, open steps over koi ponds, seating on the edges, etc. But hands down, one of the best restaurant experience ever.
R M.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Carlsbad, CA
My bf and I came to cabo for the 1st time and heard about this place being in the«top 5 coolest restaurants» ever. So we had to try it. So glad we did. The views are amazing. We went right before sunset so it turned out perfect. The food was delicious. Typical size portions for being a fact restaurant. I can’t remember the names of the dishes but the quality was great. It was our anniversary so the chef made us something sweet for dessert. Definitely tho it’s all about the view! Simply amazing.
Jen R.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Berkeley, CA
Sunset Pointe(the bar) — after reading the mediocre restaurant reviews and talking to a friend who has been there recently, we decided just to check out the bar above the restaurant for drinks and pizza. We ended up splitting a bottle of wine, the 3 course price fixe menu and coffees. The view was spectacular and the cheese board was well worth it. We found a reasonable bottle of wine that we knew and thoroughly enjoyed several hours looking over the water. The service was fabulous and although the pizza and salad were mediocre, we came for the view. It’s a shame the food is not better. The dessert was not worth it… but the views are. Just come for wine and the cheese board and enjoy!
Katy S.
Rating des Ortes: 2 Chicago, IL
Seriously only getting two stars for one of the most amazing views I’ve ever seen in my entire 31 years on this earth! But other than that, this place can go to **** and stay in my past only as a memory. We were in Cabo for only a few short hours as we were on a cruise ship. The restaurant opens at 5; our cruise was leaving @ 7. I had called, emailed, made official reservations, and even told the manager beforehand of our situation. He was understanding and guaranteed everything would go smoothly though our time was very limited for dining. When we walked in, my friend and I had our bathing suits on but each had very nice, very expensive bathing suit covers over our bikinis; they both resembled dresses. The hostess by the outside stand took one look at us and said, sorry, you’re not allowed in to this restaurant dressed like«THAT». She proceeded to explain how the restaurant’s dress code is very strict — no shorts, no flip flops, etc. Whatever, okay, I said. She was very lucky I didn’t get snazzy back(at that moment) and just swallowed my pride. I explained we had dresses in our backpacks and would change. She said, and I quote, «I hope you have makeup too». I laughed and again bit my freaking tongue. We went to the bathroom and got all dolled up, according to her silly requirement. After five minutes of sitting down, I could NOT believe my eyes. She let this couple come in with shorts and flip flops and sat them even closer to the water for a better view(see my pics for more info). When I say that there was fumes coming out of my ears, I am not lying! But I saved the«show» I was going to make until I was done enjoying my meal and done taking the phenomenal pictures I came for. Well, the food is so incredibly mediocre; there’s not much to enjoy here. What was plated and served to me was a pasta and seafood dish I could have easily made at home. My friend got seared tuna and she said it was nothing special either. Overall, do NOT come here expecting to get amazing eats. Their food is most certainly not worth the dollar signs. The service was actually really good, our wine glasses and water glasses were filled often, bread basket restocked at least three times, and the servers made recommendations accordingly. After I casually mentioned the hostess’ attitude, the server and even the manager came up to apologize for her behavior. So fast forward to when we were leaving. We had to pass the hostess stand in order to reach the outside exit. Hahaha, I was not going to stay quiet. Both my friend and I asked her why she was so rude, why she was discriminating against us, and why she was such an overall B*itch to two perfectly nice, pretty, classy customers?! she was so nervous, shaking like a leaf. She denied being discriminatory but note, did not apologize once! I hope this girl got fired because if this was my restaurant, she’d be one step away from working at El Arco, cleaning up sea lion poop. POOF, be gone. I went, I saw, I conquered: never, ever again!
Jen R.
Rating des Ortes: 1 Daly City, CA
Fair warning — this will not be a short review Unilocalers. I do not quite understand how this venue gets such high reviews on Unilocal.I read things such as «best restaurant I have ever been to» to «the food is exceptional» — this was the farthest from the experience we had when we visited last week. I will say that the architecture and location of the bar and restaurant are quite dramatic. Upon entry we were even more excited to try this restaurant. We arrived early to watch the sunset and were taken to a booth in the bar. We ordered our drinks and enjoyed the view and location overall. As the sun went down it became a bit chilly and we saw people around us having locations with lovely fire pits glowing with heat as the sun went down. Apparently ours didn’t work — so we were moved to a new location — still — no big deal. Shortly after our reservation time we were taken up to our seats. We were seated outside, by this time it was very dark and the wind had picked up and it was very chilly. Now mind you, we did ask to be seated outside, but thought maybe when the reservation was made we could have been given a warning that it gets quite cold at night and we should possibly bring layers. We did notice that other tables had blankets on guests(which honestly is quite common in Cabo) so we immediately asked for blankets — to be told there were none left and we had to wait for someone to leave before we could get one. Seriously? You don’t have a blanket for each chair? Ok — as we moved on from this — we looked at the menu. We had been told to order the chef’s 6 course tasting menu and we were very interested in hearing more about it from our waiter. Our waiter did not have much of a personality — and when we asked him about this menu option, he told us that if we were hungry he would not recommend as it takes too long. Ok — interesting. I wonder how the chef feels about you telling guests this? Since we were hungry we opted to order off the menu and order family style to share different items. Amuse comes out — tasty — but not the best description from our waiter — no big deal, but piling on from earlier events… Amuse is cleared from the table, along with our forks OH — people have left –blankets arrived. Ok. — now slightly warmer, arms defrosting. Our first course arrives — but we have no forks at it was cleared with the amuse and never replenished. We try to get SOMEONE’s attention — and by the time we do — the calamari is very cold(remember, we our outside, cold wind) — and the other two were not memorable(mushroom and smoked mozz in a puff pastry and a fresh mozzarella and prosciutto thingee — eh — ok). We are now starting to get worried — this was FAR from the best food we have ever had — and actually — not even what we would consider mediocre. Hopefully the main course will make up. They advertise about their fresh pasta — tell a story about coming from Italy — it has to be decent. UMMNO. Ravioli dough was way too thick, not great. Someone at the table also ordered the filet which is cooked on a rock so they brought everything together and by the time the filet was cooked, the pasta was cold(remember, windy night) Ok — could this get worse? YES They are out of one of the desserts(the cannoli — umm, isn’t this an Italian restaurant?). So we select three others(since we had a 3 course meal) and order 1 coffee. The coffee arrives, without cream. While we wait to flag someone down, the coffee has chilled down to iced coffee. We complain but nothing is really done. Dessert arrives — all we want to do is leave at this point. I would expect way more for what we paid for this restaurant. I have no problem spending lots of money for great food — but this is ridiculous. There are so many other GREAT places to eat in Cabo — I would not waste your time even trying this place.
Kate D.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Rolling Meadows, IL
This is long overdue– we dined here back in April of 2015. It was a recommendation to us based upon someone who had been here before and raved of the spectacular views. Well, those were amazing. It doesn’t seem like there is a bad seat in the house. Definitely reserve a table in advance! Or you will miss out. We emailed and made a reservation and couldn’t get in on our first choice day– but did the next night. The food was a bit eclectic for my husband and my taste(and we’re foodies), but it was still fantastic. I remember one of the dishes we tried being extremely rich. At the end of the meal it came with dessert which was nice. I’d say bring a sweater because it was a little chilly the night we went. The neatest part of the evening was when the sun was setting and all of the waiters pick up conch shells and«play» them like instruments as if they were playing to the sun and then they ring a gong. It is actually a really romantic experience. They were under major construction when we went because of the weather that they were rebuilding up from the weather. We would definitely try it out again and see what other dishes we can enjoy.
Doug H.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Reno, NV
Went to watch the sunset and have a glass of champagne. Ended up staying for one of the best meals I have had in a long time, highlighted by a magnificent sunset and bottle of champagne! There is no more beautiful place to have dinner in Cabo. The food is exceptional. The wine list is extensive. The service is outstanding. The view in second to none. I know I’m not the only one who finds it strange that I go to an Italian joint in Mexico. But it’s worth the money and the 10 minute drive. This isn’t a cheap side of the road taco stand, after all. What you should expect is a fantastic experience that you will tell your friends about and remember forever.
Roma P.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Monmouth Junction, NJ
The story: Boyf took me here the first night we arrived in Cabo for dinner. The ambiance: Perfect view — Beautiful! I was swept away by how romantic this restaurant was. We were on the edge right next to the water and it was quiet and serene because we could hear the waves crashing against the shore. You rarely come across these types of restaurants in America Food: The butter! It sounds crazy, but the butter they had with the breads was delicious, unlike any butter we’ve had before! We loved it — extremely flavorful and creamy! As a vegetarian, I rarely find veggie meals at these nicer restaurants. I ordered the pasta, which seemed like it was a small portion, but it was very filling. The cook sent out a few complimentary items to try — assorted breads, cold soup, and a dessert sampler. The dessert sampler was amazing! Boyfriend and I had a great time taking bites into all the samples together. Service: Very kind! I was cold and the two servers moved the portal heater closer towards me. Price — very well priced for the quality of restaurant! Comments: Make a reservation! Boyfriend booked our reservation prior to our arrival via Open Table and they had a hard time locating the reservation so I would call in to make the reservation instead. We made a late reservation, but the bartender was telling us that it gets very busy during sunset which made sense because it’s the perfect view for the sunset. P. s. We didn’t know this until we got there, but it’s listed as one of the top five coolest restaurants in the world by New York Times!
James D.
Rating des Ortes: 5 San Francisco, CA
Chef Palo is amazing. His Porcini oysters with shaved black truffle should be illegal, it’s like crack… so I heard. Live Alaskan Lobster’s under $ 40 is un heard of and they are huge. The table side Bailey’s flambé with a Cuban cigar from Jonathan the cigar guy to top it of and oh yeah… the view of Cabo is killer. Best view in the area. Step 1: Get there early and enjoy the roof top bar. If your lucky you will get Francisco who show you the in’s and out’s of the bar menu Step 2: Request Marcos section, he has the tables with the best views right at the edge of the cliff. He is a master of selling today’s chef specials. Step 3: After ordering from your waiter ask them for a proper wine pairing. They know what they are doing. Step 4: Purchase the professional photos from the camera man. They come out way better… sorry IPhone 6 Step 5: When ordering dessert you must pair it with the Baileys flambé coffee drink made table side. You can thank me later. Step 6: Ask for the cigar guy and Jonathan will show you a fantastic selection of the some of the best Cuban cigars for a fantastic price… trust me, they are real Cuban’s Step 7: Try not to laugh when you get the bill because it is much less than what you may have expected.
Veronica C.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Lodi, CA
Sunset Da MonaLisa is one of my most favorite places in the world!!! Had such an amazing wedding here on November 22,2015. When my fiancé proposed to me on 12÷13÷14… We sat down and really thought about what we wanted our wedding to be if it were just up to us two. Due to our love of travel and food, it was easy to come up with the idea of a Destination Wedding! We then started thinking about where? The first place we both shouted out was Sunset Da MonaLisa!!! We first went to this place in August 2014. I planned a surprised bday dinner for him during our trip to Cabo. I saw this place on someone’s Instagram post, someone I didn’t know. I thought it looked absolutely amazing and had to check it out while in Cabo. This place instantly took our breath away! And our hearts. So, going back to the proposal, a month later after the engagement… We decided to fly to Cabo and meet with our wedding planner Christina Mattos(see review on Cabo beach weddings Facebook later) and we booked Sunset Da MonaLisa right away. We didn’t even bother looking at any other places in Cabo. When I know what I want, I know and so does my husband! We had a tasting menu scheduled during this visit and we decided to have a fully customized menu for our wedding, hand picked each item on our menu. David is so pleasant and he made our decision to choose this place even easier! There’s not enough words to explain how wonderful the staff is here and especially the manager David! From start to finish I am absolutely satisfied with the service! The food is worth every penny and more, I’ve had almost everything on the menu during our few visits. This place is very special and you just can’t compare to anything else. I want to make this review even longer but I feel that this sums it up! We plan on returning here as a yearly tradition. Hope to see you all again soon! Love always with all of our hearts, Veronica and Steven
Lilly O.
Rating des Ortes: 2 New York, NY
Please be careful with what you order here. My boyfriend had salmon and the sea bass for dinner. He had an awful case of food poisoning that began a few hours later and well into the next day. It is not the first time this restaurant has had reports of foodborne illness, based on past reviews. I’m reporting that it still an issue here. The food poisoning symptoms were so bad we called an emergency doctor to come see him. It is a shame that a restaurant that claims to be of a high caliber doesn’t uphold the same cleanliness and sanitary standards. More than anything I was scared for my boyfriend, whose symptoms went from bad to worse quickly. Be careful with this restaurant. Side note: annoyed by the cigar salesman who came by our table who wouldn’t take our first no as an answer.
N B.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Miami, FL
If only for the view, Mona Lisa deserves 5 stars however the food and the service deserves 5 stars as well. Recommended to me by a colleague, I took a 10 minute taxi from my hotel to the restaurant and I had minimum expectations.(**definitely make a reservation prior**) Upon arrival I was greeted by the hostess, ask for the name under my reservation and escorted to be back of the restaurant and there it was, one of the most spectacular dinner views I’ve ever seen. Recommendations, go just before sunset, it’s a little bit of amazing-ness(if that’s a word) After looking like a complete tourist taking pictures ooo-ing and ahh-ing, I scanned the menu and asked for recommendations. There’s no need for me to describe what I ate, it was all delectable — soup compliments of the chef, burrata with arugula, tagliatelle with black truffles. Add Sunset Mona Lisa to your«must go» list!
Joanna P.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Chicago, IL
I could give this restaurant five stars on the view alone! I will say that making a reservation was a bit of a challenge as well as finding menu options and prices listed online. But after requesting the hotel concierge to make our reservation and deciding that the price wouldn’t be an option, things were smooth sailing from there. Having a reservation during sunset is an absolute must. The view is breathtaking and the staff are practically pro’s at taking photo’s of that perfect sunset moment. The food and atmosphere are quite magical. If in Cabo, this restaurant is truly one that you shouldn’t miss.
Maria V.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Jersey City, NJ
One of the most amazing places! Magical! Location is Perfect! A lil pricey but soooo worth it! Make sure u make a dinner reservation an hr before sunset! It’s about a 10 min drive north of cabo View of sunset with cabo arches in view May even see local surfers before sunset
Allison I.
Rating des Ortes: 4 San Diego, CA
Gonna be honest: the only reason I wanted to eat here was to take advantage of its beautiful dining view. This place is absolutely gorgeous and the view is breathtaking… You forget you’re at a restaurant with all the photo ops. Hahah We were 30 mins late to our reservation but the restaurant was very forgiving. It seems they’re used to people taking forever to walk from the front entrance to their table, reason being: we certainly spent 10 mins(+) upon arriving to take photos before actually following them to our table. Haha. The food itself is alright. Expect to pay around $ 50/person here(yes, dollars). I got the fettuccini with mushrooms and truffle sauce, and it was a little overwhelming(too much truffle). However, waiters were constantly going around offering bread, and it went well with the truffle butter already on the table. It was my birthday dinner and they gave me a dessert plate. It was pretty, but honestly I would have rather enjoyed a crème brûlée or chocolate soufflé. Lol All in all, with the live sax player, the beautiful sunset view and the decent food, I enjoyed my first dinner at Cabo here.