LAReview
Mona Pasta Bar in Downtown looks like somewhere we’d go when we’re feeling hot. The interior is minimalist like a luxury eyewear store, complete with a white tile counter and mirrors to fix your hair as you sip wine. The crowd is a specific flavor of edgy, too (hang around ilCaffé down the block, and you’ll know the Acne Studios crowd we’re talking about).
Wine and fashion aside, the Italian food here mostly gets the job done, even if Mona isn’t always consistent with its seasoning. A soggy grilled caesar is somehow undersalted, while the casarecce with lamb sausage is salty enough that you'll need a sip of your skin-contact wine between bites. Other dishes like the crispy baby artichokes and the oil-slicked spaghetti alle vongole won’t offend anyone, but you probably won't think about them again, either. That said, Mona is an undeniably nice spot to enjoy a bottle of barbera, especially in DTLA where there aren’t too many wine bars to choose from.
