The Mona Lisa Fondue Restaurant

The best way to describe this place is OK. You walk into the restaurant and the atmosphere would be best described as fancy-​cozy. We were sat upstairs right away, and our waitress came over shortly. We did the four course meal. It started out with a salad, the house made raspberry vinaigrette was very good. Next the cheese came out, it was cold. We sat there for about 10 – 15 minutes and our waitress came back and asked about it, she returned to the kitchen with the cheese and brought us a new one that was warm. Next the entrees came out. I would say this was the most disappointing part of the meal. You grill the pieces of meat, this is not fondue style. You only get about 6 pieces of meat, and as far as I could tell there wasn’t really a way to customize it (for example you get one piece of six different types, you couldn’t request substitutions). The meat was ok, but I wouldn’t say it had any special flavors. The house made sauces that come with the entrée were also ok… nothing special. The fourth course was the chocolate, they allow you to add a liqueur to the chocolate which was cool. The dippers that came with the chocolate were also ok, nothing special. I wouldn’t say it was a bad experience, but when you spend roughly $ 100 per person I expect something outstanding. I would choose the melting pot any day.

Great atmosphere with an original non-​chain feel; and food that’s fun to share. One can’t beat things covered either in cheese or chocolate. Plus, I had a really great cranberry walnut salad that was priced great too.

IThe cheese course and chocolate course were very enjoyable. The main course is grilled on an electric grill at your table. Between our first and main course our waiter became very distracted. I never received the sauces for my main course nor the detailed information I heard other wait staff give. You have to order all 3 courses. This is too bad, as I would stop in for a cheese course and a glass of wine or for a decadent chocolate treat. My rating heavily reflects the service we received especially considering the cost of our meals.
I received feedback from the owner. Thank you! I’m adding a 3^rd star and I’m now willing to give them another try. I think everyone else should give Mona Lisa ’ s a chance to show you how good they can be as well.

Excellent service and food made our special occasion a night to remember. I highly recommend this restaurant for a night out. Intimate seating keeps you from feeling crowded and the servers tend to show up at the perfect time without ever intruding. Highest recommendation possible.

Great place to go eat! Very romantic and cozy! This place helped me discover my favorite wine, Centorri! Definitely would go back.

I actually discovered this restaurant through a Twitter conversation with the owner. Social media is crazy these days.
My husband and I have gone to Melting Pot often in our relationship, and he was looking for something different. I was still craving fondue, so we decided try out Mona Lisa for his birthday.
We did the three courses (salad, cheese, and entrée for two) and a bottle of wine for $ 60 special. We went ahead and opted for the additional chocolate course, which did run us lousy under $ 30.
We both had the house salads with a vinaigrette as the dressing. It was pretty good. We had the New World cheese fondue and the waiter happily obliged only requested more apples. Apples covered in cheese is surprisingly delicious. We have the traditional third course (that was the one that did not cost extra on top of the $ 60) It had steak, shrimp, chicken, salmon and even mushrooms and red bell pepper. A flat heated grill plate was brought to us to cook everything on. Our dining plates had potatoes bread cheese and a few other things. One of the neatest things was the little cheesy skillet that you put your mozzarella in and stick it under the flame to melt. I put it on top of my bread, it was delicious!
We then opted for the regular chocolate fondue, it came with the usual things you would expect: strawberries, bananas, cheesecake bites, marshmallows, poundcake, etc. We were definitely satisfied at the end of the meal and not uncomfortably stuffed.
We will definitely be returning! Especially when I found out that they do in fact have a happy hour (Thursday-​Sunday 4:30pm-6:30pm) that takes 40% off of food. Very rarely do happy hours include food especially at fondue restaurants!
Experience began and ended with a high level of hospitality. We look forward to going again!

Had dinner once again last night. We love the Mona Lisa! It’s where my husband proposed to me, and it’s where we got married in a small intimate group upstairs with a lovely moscoto and chocolate fondue. The service is always great. We have NEVER had a cheese or chocolate pot with a small portion. I have never eaten at the Melting Pot, so I can’t compare the two. I’ll admit that the meat portions are small, but with everything thing else you get, we always end up full!

We were just driving through Manitou Springs looking at the town and I saw a sign that said Fondue. They seated us immediately and we had a wonderful experience. We chose the $ 20 a person wine pairing with the meal and each had 3 good sized glasses. You only get about 4 in a regular wine bottle so it was a good deal. We had the Brie Fondue for the cheese course and I had the Wild game for my entrée. It is cooked on a grill, not boiled like in some fondue restaurants. Our server was helpful and knew a lot about the menu and sauces tbat came with our meal. We had a wonderful evening here.

We were here for a group party that including teenagers. The service was outstanding and the food was very good. The waiter and manager were very good about explaining how the system works at a fondue restaurant as I had never been to one. However, I would go back to this one again and recommend that you come here too.

I have waited a long time to try this restaurant, since we live in Oregon, but finally, we made a trip to Colorado so my husband could share this gem of delightful food and ambiance with me.
The building is from the 1870’s and it has a storied past. If you like great historical architecture, you’ll love the place. The staff is very friendly, from the moment you enter and are greeted as if you are a long lost friend, until your last drop of coffee, you’re spoiled.
The food is great. It begins with a lovely salad. We chose the offering of the day, which was wonderful. Then we had cheese fondue, which comes with vegetables and bread to dip. The waitress asks often if you want more items to dip, so you don’t have to worry that you’ll run out before the cheese does.
Then the entrees – mine was the traditional, but I don’t eat seafood, so they were happy to change out for beef and chicken. My husband had the game – he loved it. Unlike some fondue places where you boil the meat, Mona Lisa gives you a grill… you actually grill the items. MmmMmm. Suggested times are provided, so you don’t have to worry.
We had the turtle chocolate fondue… yummy, and finished it off with a lovely cup of coffee.
We ate our on the porch… which is on the second story and has the most lovely view of the shops and mountains. Oh my…
The only suggestion I would have is if you send an email with a special and that special is listed on a board outside, that you don’t charge the regular fee unless you REQUEST the special fee. That was a bit… unsettling. Other than that, it was amazing, and worth the time and money and nearly a flight just to eat there!

Had a great dinner! We did the 4 course meal special and it was well worth it! Started with excellent Ceasar salad then a cheese fondu with the New World cheese combo. Then the vegetable and the classic meats entrees which were cooked on a grill at the table by us. Then the dramatic grand finally of a flaming turtle dark chocolate fondu which was to die for!!!
Very nice ambiance and great service. If you can ask for Jeffrey as your server. He was exceptional!!!

Every time my boyfriend and I are in Manitou we stroll past Mona Lisa and say «Someday we’ll go there» and finally, Friday night was the night!
We reserved online on a whim, showed up and were instantly seated. We were pleasantly surprised by the interior of this restaurant! So many fun rooms, turns and short stairs. It made for a fun and cozy atmosphere.
We ended up going for the $ 40/​person deal. Includes salad, cheese fondue, entrée and chocolate fondue!
Caesars salads were great (you have a few choices though).
Cheese fondue — we went with the Greek Isle one. The kamalata olives were a surprisingly nice touch!
Entrees — you each pick your own. I ordered the vegetarian, he went traditional. A fun assortment on both ends. Our server made sure to identify everything on our plates, explain ideal cooking times and tell us all about the condiments and which paired well with what. I think there were about 8, all phenomenal! That grill gets hot quick and stays hot, definitely unplug it once you’re done or you’ll be sweating.
And of course, dessert. Milk chocolate with baileys and all kinds of goodies for you to dip.
One last thing. After coming to this restaurant, we will neverrr go to Melting Pot again! What sets Mona Lisa apart from the rest? The service!!! Stacy was our server and she was absolutely wonderful. She made sure we had the perfect evening, explained everything to us, made recommendations based on her favorites, timed each dish perfectly, and was friendly and attentive throughout our meal!
I’ve always felt that dining out should be an experience (my boyfriend and I don’t indulge too often). That being said, you can find good food in most places but service, not so much! We will absolutely be back!

Went to the Mona Lisa the other night to spend time with my spouse and we were eating our third course I found hair in my food. The waiter laughed and took it away. Didn’t say sorry let me change out your food nothing. I have been going there for years. He even laughed about it with the other ladies that were there that night. I asked to speak with a manager and got nothing. I have never had problems with the Mona Lisa till now. I’m very disgusted and disappointed. I don’t go there and spend a lot of money for that. I don’t know if I’ll be going back and that’s sad to say seeing as its my favorite place. I even posted a good review on your Facebook page

The first time I went here, it was for a long overdue date night. This experience was exquisite. We split the milk chocolate dessert fondue and it was delicious. The waiter brought us unlimited fruit and cake to dip in the fondue. I did not like the recommended wine, so the waiter comped it and brought me one I did like. The atmosphere was quiet, upscale, and romantic.
The second time I went here, it was to celebrate a special event. We were sat in the back and it was quiet until a family with three kids was sat next to us. They were loud, obnoxious, and definitely not well versed in table manners (one of the children passed gas loudly and the entire family got the giggles). They ruined my night. This was not the restaurant’s fault, but I feel that children should not be sat near adults who are obviously out for a quiet night out.

Overall, a great experience. Loved the smaller more intimate dining rooms, soft music playing and a very quaint personal experience. Our waiter did a great job of explaining «how to» for us a first-​timers in a fondue restaurant. He definitely proved that he cared about us having a great experience — even offering to replace a «less than cold» beer served with a more expensive beer at the same price.
My only complaint is that I still feel it’s a bit pricey at full price. Fortunately, we had a nice $ 6 off coupon that made it closer to affordable. Not somewhere I can afford to go often, but for a special evening I will definitely return!
A wonderful evening for our 30^th anniversary!

Overrated.
We loved the dessert fondue, but was very disappointed in the cheese fondue selections (we ordered greek) and the entrée.
Entrée: The cooking grill was very… well…lack luster. Our meat was fine, it was just small pieces.
The atmosphere and waiter were lovely. Plus, they had a nice wine selection.
I would give 2.5 stars if I could.

This was the first fondue experience that my husband and I have had. Service was very nice and helpful to explain all the features and details of fondue, and we got to sit right on Manitou Ave. for the evening. Reservation process online worked well, and we received text message confirmation requests.
Our wild game plate was great, and the vegetable plate entrée made us feel guilt-​free after eating a hot pot of cheese :)
I definitely would recommend this place while in Manitou for a nice, interesting dinner. Also, sign up online for event features and coupons.
Also, say hi to the friendly owner, Katie!

Celebrating our 29^th anniversary we wanted to do something special. Tucked in cozy spaces in a historic building you enjoy a 4 course meal for $ 40 a head. Special adding and wine brought us to $ 127 after tip.
Your meal goes slowly as you savor each bite. I was frequently asked if I needed more items but never really felt it necessary.
My wife had the traditional meats and I had the wild game.
I recommend following their wine pairings.

Had family visiting for the weekend and went here to celebrate a birthday. The restaurant came highly recommended from friends as the perfect spot for special occasions, and they were right! Made a reservation and four of us enjoyed al lovely evening. Our waiter was genuinely friendly and helpful and guided us with ease through the menu. We opted for the four-​course meal and made different choices so everyone could try various cheeses and entrees. All courses arrived promptly and the dessert fondue was dreamy. The base four-​course charge is $ 40 per person. You can also order a la carte if four courses are too much.
All of the food was incredible, and we had fun with the fondue and grilling our meat at the table. Great night. The birthday girl loved it!

Chilly weather will bring you into dip into delights into this quaint little spot in Manitou Springs.
The restaurant was not open when we stopped by so we walked downstairs to the wine cellar where they serve the same items just in a cozier room.
We started off with a glass of their red house blend-​and it was so smooth and a perfect start to our evening.
The waitress was very friendly and helpful when we were trying to make our selections. We ordered two of cheese fondues and there was plenty of yumminess to dip. Vegetables, apples, bread… then came the chocolate fondue. OMG more yumminess and lots of sweet treats to dip into your choice of chocolate. Marshmallows, strawberries, cheesecake… oh my, too delicious-it’s a MUST STOP if you’re in Manitou! I can’t wait to come back.
BTW-I’ve been to the chain restaurant (MPot) and it’s no comparison, this place is MUCH BETTER! M Pot is a waste of money-​and hardly any goodies on the plate.
Don’t miss!