Mona Lisa Cafe & Restaurant

Chelsea is not exactly famous for cheap food but this place is a true gem. The take away sandwiches are amazing and most certainly won’t give you wallet-​ache when you get the bill. One of the compulsory ingredient for my sandwich is the mozzarella. I love the way it tears off when you bite in and provides cheesy, yet mild taste to the sandwich. I can’t (or actually don’t want to) comment on the neon charade which is definitely not in my taste. One star down because of that.

The Mona Lisa is contested in my office, which is around the corner. I think it’s everything you need and nothing you don’t; my colleague argues it’s nothing she needs and moreover a little creepy. But she can write her own review!
These four stars are for:
— the take-​away ciabatta counter: I’m a fan of any place that boasts a fresh basil plant in its deli counter and offers to toast your bread BEFORE the rest of the ingredients go in. You get a big, tasty sandwich with fresh avocado and springy mozzarella for under £4. The blonde matron of the sandwich bar is a busy lady, so know what you’re doing before you take her time with your order. That being said, she is willing to make your sandwich to order – I like to swap out mayo for olive oil, for instance. For meat-​eaters, the Corleone is the one. For veggies, Cosa Nostra.
— the dine-​in patrons: There is one woman who is worth the trip alone to see. Her fashions are wild, and she knows it. I don’t know anyone else who can combine frequent use of fur (not condoning this) and neon (definitely condoning this) with such steeze.
I had a dine-​in fish of the day three-​course menu one day, and though it was filling, I prefer the ciabatta. You can have the ciabatta in, by the way – in case you want a longer glimpse of neon fur lady.

There’s not a lot to complain about with this place.
It all really been said, legendary, good hot food, nice atmosphere, a real winning formula that’s captured the culinary hearts of many a Londoner and visitor.
One restaurant to try if you are in London.

My regular lunch place — where else can you eat a 3 course meal in Chelsea (albeit the more downmarket part) for £10. The internal décor has been freshened up!
Breakfasts are good and the set lunch menu offers good simple cooking.
A combination of English and mediterannean food. Don’t expect fine dining — choose wisely and you won’t be disappointed!

Just the best place for breakfast if you’ve overdone it the night before, or not gone to bed…
The evening menu is excellent value too. The liver is really good… Great if you’re on a budget.

Popped by last evening for the first time and ordered the t-​bone steak for £10. Came with veggies and potatoes. Very tasty and nicely done. The place was buzzing with posh tennis crowd and older regular clients. Highly recommended but could do with smiling and more cheery waitresses, like at Stockpot further up the road. The interior is dated and could be brighter. A gem in this area. A sort of upmarket greasy spoon.

This is a great ungreasy spoon. Décor and approach are very much greasy spoon and, in the morning, so is the clientele. But then it all changes and one glance at the menu gives the clue. Things like mussels, seafood soup, gazpacho, asparagus etc., all done simply and to a price, but quite well.
It seems to be where the nouveau pauvre of Chelsea go, as opposed to other Chelsea establishments where the nouveaux riches from outside Chelsea go.

The Mona Lisa is located on a housing estate abutting the King’s Road. Despite’s its humble appearance both inside and outside, the Mona Lisa serves up fantastic diner/​café food at unbelievable prices. In particular, their pastas and Italian staples run from £5−10. Best item on the menu is the milanese veal with spaghetti. At £9.50, you can’t beat it. The only downside is the restaurant is very faded and old, and the interior is very dark.

Fantastic greasy spoon, which isn’t greasy but still offers amazing value. The traditional greasy spoon favourites are all there, with good prices for Chelsea, but they have more adventurous dishes as well — the ones I have had have all been very good. A real gem for local residents.

This restaurant is a no fuss, no frills kinda place. Very simple, if not slightly tacky and eastenders-​esque décor, full of regulars who simply know how to enjoy good food. the full english breakfast here is just right and the dinner is almost as good. if you enjoy mingling with your local builders then you will enjoy eating here.