Sunset Monalisa Cabo San Lucas Review
Sunset Monalisa in Cabo San Lucas offers a dining experience that is as much about the spectacle and ambiance as it is about the food. My visit on a serene Sunday evening in January was a journey through flavors, sights, and sounds, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Cabo's iconic arch at sunset.
Upon arrival, the stunning view captivates immediately, offering a preview of the restaurant's commitment to creating memorable moments. There was a free valet right in front of the restaurant, which was greatly appreciated in an extremely tight lot at the top of a hill. The atmosphere is undeniably sophisticated, with guests arriving to be greeted by professional photographers—a touch of glamour that sets the tone for the evening. Opting out, given our casual smart attire and the day's adventures, we were seated in a comfortable area to await our table.
The service at Sunset Monalisa, while professional, leaned towards a slower pace than anticipated. An interesting operational choice is withholding the dinner menu until after the drink orders, which adds a layer of anticipation but can feel restrictive. Our waiters were incredibly professional and navigated this unique service structure with grace, ensuring our needs were met throughout the evening.
Our culinary journey was through the 5-course tasting menu, with one vegetarian option to accommodate a no-seafood preference. The dishes ranged from the delightful burrata & figs to the basic yet satisfying casarecce pasta with basil pesto. The vegetarian menu, lacking flexibility, could pose a challenge for eaters with more restrictions such as gluten intolerance, a minor oversight in an otherwise thoughtfully curated experience.
The mushroom dish left me unswayed in my ambivalence towards fungi, while the roasted cauliflower, though a commendable attempt at innovation, felt somewhat uninspired. The lemon pie, a predictable yet pleasing conclusion, maintained a balance of sweetness and tartness that rounded off the meal nicely.
The non-vegetarian selections impressed with seared scallops and a richly decadent raviolo of wagyu beef. However, a mix-up in our order resulted in missing out on a highly anticipated fish dish and receiving an unexpected double serving of beef courses (which was really a triple serving, since two were beef as it was). While the tenderloin served in place of the fish course was well-seasoned and well-cooked, the short rib which was ordered for the fourth course came out a little bit dry and overcooked. This, coupled with the unfortunate discovery of a broken part of a toothpick lodged in one dish, marred an otherwise exquisite dining experience.
The ambiance of Sunset Monalisa is its true highlight, with the ceremonial gong and conch horns marking the sunset, creating a moment of collective awe. The tiered seating, live music, and attentive touches like blankets for the evening chill enhance the dining experience, despite the overly commercialized aspects, such as on-site photography and cigar sales. Coming from a larger city, we were fascinated by the stars, pulling out our phones to try to map the constellations (Jupiter was bright and directly overhead). The waiter told us a telescope is usually posted up at the site for star watching, but we struggled to find it. We suspect that perhaps its space was occupied by the live band.
Booking nuances aside—where a standard table reservation is recommended for its applicability towards the bill—the restaurant's policy quirks and a few service mishaps can detract from the overall experience. Yet, the unparalleled view and attention to the experiential elements make Sunset Monalisa a venue worth visiting, albeit with tempered expectations for its culinary elements. If we were to return, we would most likely order off of the 3 course menu.
In reflection, while the venue offers an unforgettable backdrop and noteworthy efforts to elevate the dining experience, certain operational and service elements could benefit from refinement. Would I recommend Sunset Monalisa? Yes, even if just once, for its scenic views and ambiance, with the caveat to future diners to be prepared for a blend of the impressive and the imperfect.
