Owned and operated by Steve and Sherida Nice, Mona Lisa’s Gelato and Cafe is a Tennessee corporation that prides itself on its fresh, all­-natural menu that features artisan gelato, soups, salads, paninis, burritos, wraps, daily specials and more.

Located at 305 West Oakland Avenue, just behind Mellow Mushroom, it is in a convenient spot that also has outdoor dining available.

The interior is decorated with colorful painted murals and decorations along with various black and white pictures that gives the restaurant an inviting, creative design with a bit of Italian flair.

I was impressed by all of the various options on the menu, especially considering the number of choices that were gluten free or vegetarian to cater to different food needs.

I was finally able to make a decision and decided to go with the vegetarian panini that came with roasted vegetables, antipasto spread and goat cheese.

After the first bite, I knew I was happy with my choice.

The lightly toasted panini bread was filled with a delicious roasted vegetable mix that contained broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, peppers and peas.

The light antipasto spread and goat cheese complemented all of the fresh ingredients very well.

After finishing my panini and the chips and drink that it came with, I wasn’t sure I had room for gelato but it all looked too good to resist.

My choices in gelato included Birthday Cake, Pistachio, French Vanilla, Oreo Madness, Reese’s, Mocha Almond Fudge Brownie, Little Debbie’s Oatmeal Cream Pie, Tiramisu, Mint Chocolate Chip, and many more.

I settled on the Tiramisu, but I also had my eye on the Mocha Almond Fudge Brownie.

The Tiramisu was one of my favorite gelatos that I have had.

It wasn’t overly rich to the point that you regret eating it, but it was still full of sweet flavor that tasted freshly made.

If you’re looking for a sweet treat and a quick bite to eat to go along with it, Mona Lisa’s Gelato and  Cafe is certainly somewhere worth considering.

Their hours of operation are 11 a.m.­-10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. on Fridays, noon to 11 p.m. on Saturdays and noon to 9 p.m. on Sunday.

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