By Anne Das
Mona Restaurant, situated in Basco Avenue @ Kepayang near Menara SSM Perak, offers a diverse range of Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Guests can enjoy hand-crafted pizzas, Spanish seafood paella, rotisserie, Australian Wagyu beef, Iberico pork, and a variety of pastas. Additionally, they serve delectable homemade desserts to wrap up the meal on a sweet note.
Adding a touch of whimsy to the ambiance is a painting of the “Fat Mona Lisa” by Fernando Botero. This jovial ambassador isn’t just a piece of art; she offers a mischievous grin and reminds us that life is too short not to indulge in the finer things.
Here are some of their must-try dishes:
Let’s start with the Seafood Paella, priced at RM90 for the original size and RM170 for the larger size. This Spanish classic captures the essence of a coastal market in Spain, with bomba rice cooked to perfection in a concentrated seafood stock, and plump king prawns and mussels on top.
Another must-try dish is the Portobello Mushroom Risotto infused with truffle oil, priced at RM43. This earthy and indulgent dish transports you to food heaven with its creamy risotto and a generous dash of truffle oil.
For a hearty entrée, the Lamb Jose (Lamb Shank) at RM75 is truly a feast on a plate. Slow-cooked to perfection, this dish falls off the bone and is served with warm pita bread.
Mona offers a range of hand-tossed and thin-crust pizzas with a Mediterranean twist. We tried the Carne Pizza, priced at RM49. It’s loaded with pork sausages, Parmesan, and fresh arugula. This hearty pizza calls for sharing.
Another unique option is the Cuban Pork Pizza at RM48. It’s topped with succulent pork and Caribbean-inspired seasoning, giving it a unique, savoury profile.
Mona Restaurant also offers a variety of pasta dishes crafted with homemade sauces. We tried the Mix Seafood Aglio Olio, priced at RM37, which features generous portions of prawns, squid, and mussels tossed in zesty garlic and olive oil.
We also sampled the Smoked Salmon Tartar, priced at RM26. Norwegian salmon is paired with avocado and crispy egg, making it a light, and refreshing starter.
For a sweet ending, Mona Restaurant offers sinful homemade desserts, including the Baileys Tiramisu, which has a delish rich boozy twist. According to Ipoh’s Food Diva, See Foon Koppen, “It’s probably the best Tiramisu I’ve ever had!”.
The restaurant also serves a delectable crème brulée and premium gelato, with Classic Rum & Raisin on the list of options. Yum!
Some promotions for June and July worth mentioning:-
Ø Saturday and Sundays are Beef Days: Enjoy 10% off on Wagyu Beef and Angus Striploin.
Ø Wednesdays are reserved for the Ladies: With every order of a main meal ladies will receive a complimentary virgin mojito filled with minty goodness.
Ø Everyday Set Lunches for busy schedules : Available daily from 12-3pm (excluding public holidays)
MONA Restaurant ensures a comfortable dining experience with ample parking and wheelchair accessibility, catering to all guests’ needs.
For more info on Mona Restaurant’s promos and menu, visit their website and Facebook/Instagram pages. Reservations are encouraged.
Location : Basco Avenue @ Kepayang
Address : 37, Jalan Basco Kepayang 1, Sungai Senam, Ipoh, Perak 31400
Contact : 018 – 770 3268
Operation Hours : Open Daily from 12pm to 10pm daily. ( CLOSED ON TUESDAYS)
NOTE : This restaurant is NON-HALAL.
