Mona Lisa

Just off the main drag of overpriced eateries at Faneuil Hall is the small and homy Mona Lisa restaurant, a pizza, sub, and pasta joint with friendly service and delicious, no-frills food. Numerous reproductions of da Vinci's enigmatic lady aren't the only art you'll find here -- framed photographs of the world's wonders, from the pyramids of Egypt to the Matterhorn, also adorn the walls.

The best food choices at the Mona Lisa are usually what's on the specials menu. A recurring dish (and my personal favorite) is pasta with chicken and broccoli in a creamy sauce with parmesan and white wine ($5.50), which comes with garlic bread and is usually served over ziti or tortellini. The fresh marinara sauce, with chunks of tomatoes and onions, is excellent; try it with the cheese ravioli ($5.25). Subs ($4.25 to $5) come in 29 varieties. Among the best are the prosciutto ($5) and the meatball ($4.25). Pizzas ($5 to $11), made with thin and slightly crispy crusts, are available with a variety of standard toppings, including onions, pepperoni, mushrooms, and salami.

Mona Lisa, located at 116 State Street, in Boston, is open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 227-2558.

-- Theresa Regli