A firm favourite with locals and tourists alike, Mario's offers quality Italian cuisine in a relaxed, family friendly setting. The extensive menu features a wide selection of pasta and pizza options as well as specialty mains including seafood, chicken and meat dishes. Recently tried and recommended is the Pollo Romantico - chicken breast filled with crabmeat, spinach & ricotta cheese, topped with king prawns and a light pink peppercorn sauce. Prices are reasonable, staff are friendly and accommodating and children are especially welcomed.
One of the Gold Coasts dining institutions. Dont be put off on this place being attached to a shopping centre - the food and service is good - the gnocchi was superb. They do a great coffee too. Service was friendly and professional - also kid friendly with high chairs and special kids menu. Definately one of the Gold Coast's better restaurants.
Haven't been there for a few years, but when we did dine there, I had the best spaghetti marinara I had ever had. The servings were large and I found that an entree size serve was more than ample for a main course.
I've been going to Mario's for 15 years and the food and service have always been excellent. They serve hearty Italian fare and pizza and are right near the beach. Great atmosphere and reasonably priced drinks from their licensed bar.
I can honestly say that I have never had a bad experience or bad meal there. Unless you have a huuuuge appetite I recommend you order the entree size in any of the pastas or risottos as the main size serves are ridiculously large! Prices are reasonable as well and the service is great!
I've heard a lot of positive word of mouth about Mario's. We went there a few weeks ago and I must say I felt it was quite over-rated. I ordered fish, which despite assurances from the wait staff, tasted frozen, not fresh. It was also extremely over-cooked - the texture was more like chicken. Saying that, my friends ordered chicken dishes that they really enjoyed. My husband ordered a pasta dish and thought it was Ok - nothing special. I guess my lesson out of all this - never order fish at an Italian restaurant.
The food was absolutely delicious. We shared a seafood platter among and a large pasta among 3 people and it was absolutely plenty. Massive serving sizes. Food gets 5 stars, 1 star off for the price (tad expensive)