a great neighborhood restaurant. service is impeccable, food delicious, owners, Paula and Paul, are wonderful. Try the Lobster Ravioli. there is a surprise in the sauce.
Dan Priano
I have dined at this restaurant many of times in the past years. However it has been a couple years since I've been here. We did have 6:00pm reservation and we were sat promptly and Francisco our server approach our table with enthusiasm and very welcoming greeting. We were there to relax and just have a leisure dinner. However it appears the restaurant did get very busy and we could tell our level of service and the timing of receiving our drinks and food declined. Our server did apologize a few times to let us know they were short handed which create the slow service, which was disappointed. Overall we will be back and hopefully the restaurant will manage the reservations with the staff they have to serve the customers.Parking: Very convenient parking right across the street
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Eggplant Parmigiana
Britney Miller
My boyfriend and I stumbled across this gem while walking our dog in the neighborhood. We’ve been back at least 4-5 times, we always recommend this place, and talk about it! Mike and Paula are the most amazing host they make you feel like family. The food is phenomenal, we’ve tried several different dishes and loved them all! Desserts are spectacular also! Definitely check it out if you are visiting town or a local!
Wonderful little restaurant, courteous staff, excellent crab cake appetizer, portobello mushroom ravioli was delicious! A birthday celebration that was the perfect ending to a perfect day!
AhaanB
The food is completely worth it. Everything is so delicious. The waiters and owners were so kind to us. If you are around Monterey/Carmel-By-The-Sea this is a must-have restaurant.
Wes K.
The rosemary bread with olive oil and balsamic dip served as a part of your experience, is unique and beyond description. Even if you don't like bread, try it. But one of the hidden features of Mia La Cucina is its careful acoustic design that absorbs sound, eliminating that noisy restaurant wall-of-cacophony often found in even some of the finest restaurants. Michael Scanlon is more than just a skilled chef. He and his wife Paula are accessible to their diners, and the staff has been carefully selected to set a warm and inviting tone. Mia La Cucina is one of our favorite Italian/European restaurants in not just Pacific Grove, but the Monterey Bay area.
Renee F.
One of the best dining experiences I've had in a long time. Why? Because it was obvious from the moment I walked in that everyone cared. I was warmly greeted by the hostess (who may have been an owner?) as I walked in the door, which unfortunately happens too infrequently to me as a senior female dining alone. I was taken to my table where I was immediately brought water and greeted by several employees who passed my table. I watched as departing customers, presumably regulars, hugged their waiters and the hostess. An excellent wine recommendation was given and promptly brought to my table. As I waited for my fish, I was struck by the kindness and helpfulness with which the staff interacted with one another. My dinner came - very fresh and perfectly cooked, and the chef came out to check on how I was enjoying it. Yes, the dining room was updated and pleasant. Yes, the dinner was excellent. Yes, the service was highly capable. But what really set this restaurant apart, in an area with dozens of good options, was its genuine humanity. Both customers and staff seemed happy to be there, to enjoy one another's company, and to give their best. I will be back!
Diane T.
Our first time here. Excellent food, even better service. Honestly just a fantastic, authentic Italian meal. Definitely coming back!
GolfBuddy
This our #1 restaurant in Monterey Carmel. We always go at least twice when we're in the area for a week. Wonderful food, great service, always remember us and very appreciative of us dining with them.
Meadow F.
I had the loveliest birthday dinner here tonight!!! Our server Gabe was attentive and gave us great service. The service all around was fast. The food was spectacular. I enjoyed everything I ate! Was given a complimentary dessert for my birthday which was a nice touch as well. The restaurants vibe was so warm and inviting. Overall, would absolutely come again!!
A wonderful Italian restaurant. The food was outstanding. A great deal of attention to preparation and appearance. The servive was wonderful, prompt and courteous. A great value. I look forward to returning soon.
BenG
Great service and menu selection. We greatly appreciated being moved to a quieter section of the restaurant after a large group of golfers arrived. Service was excellent and considerate. ?
JonG
Paula and Michael were wonderful hosts, as usual. We had friends in town and were treated specially by the courteous and professional staff. The food was fabulous!! Our favorite local restaurant which we love to enjoy with our family and friends!!
mikeb
A must go to destination for amazing Italian cuisine. Very friendly wait staff and the owner/chef always checks on your table to make sure everything is up to your satisfaction. We are from the Bay Area and we make sure to eat here everytime when visiting. Make sure to save some space for the sherry cake dessert, it is a special family recipe which is absolutely delicious!
ReneeF
Have you ever walked into a restaurant and, before any food has been served, known you will love this place? I'm a bit of a foodie, but what matters even more to me is being among good people. So when I walked in as an older woman alone (yes, with a reservation) just before Christmas and was warmly greeted by the hostess, then was genuinely greeted by at least three other employees, I was hopeful. Then I stated noticing more. The departing customers shaking hands or hugging the servers. The servers smiling at and helping one another as they worked. The respect shown to the bussers. Customers were jovial and animated (the noise levels were perfect). These were people among whom I wanted to spend my evening. The food was perfectly prepared; the wine recommendation on point. The chef came out and asked if I was enjoying the food (I've noticed that at many restaurants when this happens, the chef bypasses any solo female diners and focuses on groups. Not here). I left on a high. I've already recommended the place to many (including on social media. I will be back.
a great neighborhood restaurant. service is impeccable, food delicious, owners, Paula and Paul, are wonderful. Try the Lobster Ravioli. there is a surprise in the sauce.
I have dined at this restaurant many of times in the past years. However it has been a couple years since I've been here. We did have 6:00pm reservation and we were sat promptly and Francisco our server approach our table with enthusiasm and very welcoming greeting. We were there to relax and just have a leisure dinner. However it appears the restaurant did get very busy and we could tell our level of service and the timing of receiving our drinks and food declined. Our server did apologize a few times to let us know they were short handed which create the slow service, which was disappointed. Overall we will be back and hopefully the restaurant will manage the reservations with the staff they have to serve the customers.Parking: Very convenient parking right across the street
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Eggplant Parmigiana
My boyfriend and I stumbled across this gem while walking our dog in the neighborhood. We’ve been back at least 4-5 times, we always recommend this place, and talk about it! Mike and Paula are the most amazing host they make you feel like family. The food is phenomenal, we’ve tried several different dishes and loved them all! Desserts are spectacular also! Definitely check it out if you are visiting town or a local!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Nightly Soup, Cannoli, Seasonal Salad Special, Burrata Caprese Appetizer
Wonderful little restaurant, courteous staff, excellent crab cake appetizer, portobello mushroom ravioli was delicious! A birthday celebration that was the perfect ending to a perfect day!
The food is completely worth it. Everything is so delicious. The waiters and owners were so kind to us. If you are around Monterey/Carmel-By-The-Sea this is a must-have restaurant.
The rosemary bread with olive oil and balsamic dip served as a part of your experience, is unique and beyond description. Even if you don't like bread, try it. But one of the hidden features of Mia La Cucina is its careful acoustic design that absorbs sound, eliminating that noisy restaurant wall-of-cacophony often found in even some of the finest restaurants. Michael Scanlon is more than just a skilled chef. He and his wife Paula are accessible to their diners, and the staff has been carefully selected to set a warm and inviting tone. Mia La Cucina is one of our favorite Italian/European restaurants in not just Pacific Grove, but the Monterey Bay area.
One of the best dining experiences I've had in a long time. Why? Because it was obvious from the moment I walked in that everyone cared. I was warmly greeted by the hostess (who may have been an owner?) as I walked in the door, which unfortunately happens too infrequently to me as a senior female dining alone. I was taken to my table where I was immediately brought water and greeted by several employees who passed my table. I watched as departing customers, presumably regulars, hugged their waiters and the hostess. An excellent wine recommendation was given and promptly brought to my table. As I waited for my fish, I was struck by the kindness and helpfulness with which the staff interacted with one another. My dinner came - very fresh and perfectly cooked, and the chef came out to check on how I was enjoying it. Yes, the dining room was updated and pleasant. Yes, the dinner was excellent. Yes, the service was highly capable. But what really set this restaurant apart, in an area with dozens of good options, was its genuine humanity. Both customers and staff seemed happy to be there, to enjoy one another's company, and to give their best. I will be back!
Our first time here. Excellent food, even better service. Honestly just a fantastic, authentic Italian meal. Definitely coming back!
This our #1 restaurant in Monterey Carmel. We always go at least twice when we're in the area for a week. Wonderful food, great service, always remember us and very appreciative of us dining with them.
I had the loveliest birthday dinner here tonight!!! Our server Gabe was attentive and gave us great service. The service all around was fast. The food was spectacular. I enjoyed everything I ate! Was given a complimentary dessert for my birthday which was a nice touch as well. The restaurants vibe was so warm and inviting. Overall, would absolutely come again!!
Restaurantji Recommends
A wonderful Italian restaurant. The food was outstanding. A great deal of attention to preparation and appearance. The servive was wonderful, prompt and courteous. A great value. I look forward to returning soon.
Great service and menu selection. We greatly appreciated being moved to a quieter section of the restaurant after a large group of golfers arrived. Service was excellent and considerate. ?
Paula and Michael were wonderful hosts, as usual. We had friends in town and were treated specially by the courteous and professional staff. The food was fabulous!! Our favorite local restaurant which we love to enjoy with our family and friends!!
A must go to destination for amazing Italian cuisine. Very friendly wait staff and the owner/chef always checks on your table to make sure everything is up to your satisfaction. We are from the Bay Area and we make sure to eat here everytime when visiting. Make sure to save some space for the sherry cake dessert, it is a special family recipe which is absolutely delicious!
Have you ever walked into a restaurant and, before any food has been served, known you will love this place? I'm a bit of a foodie, but what matters even more to me is being among good people. So when I walked in as an older woman alone (yes, with a reservation) just before Christmas and was warmly greeted by the hostess, then was genuinely greeted by at least three other employees, I was hopeful. Then I stated noticing more. The departing customers shaking hands or hugging the servers. The servers smiling at and helping one another as they worked. The respect shown to the bussers. Customers were jovial and animated (the noise levels were perfect). These were people among whom I wanted to spend my evening. The food was perfectly prepared; the wine recommendation on point. The chef came out and asked if I was enjoying the food (I've noticed that at many restaurants when this happens, the chef bypasses any solo female diners and focuses on groups. Not here). I left on a high. I've already recommended the place to many (including on social media. I will be back.