Marios

I don't know what the hype is for Mario's. While pictures and TikTok videos hyped this place to be a cozy and family-esque place for Italian food, my experience was met with disappointment.

Maybe the pizza would have been a hit but I didn't get that. The pasta main was a let down. My company and I had the Penne Boscaiola and Fettuccine Carbonara - it wasn't bursting with flavour and just tasted subpar to other restaurants we have been to. We also got The Veal Boscaiola and it was overly soggy; too much sauce.

Overall, a lot of the dishes while presented well, just didn't carry over to the tastebuds. There was also a chicken dish that we also got but it was extremely flavourless. It took me a couple of bites to taste anything but boiled chicken.

Whether or not we just had a bad first experience, I wouldn't go back to this place, unfortunately.

The staff is incredible. Very professional and friendly. Dinner was really good, great price and value with decent portions.

Service was extremely attentive. They still have hand written dockets for each table which I thought was cute and authentic. I’ll definitely be back to try the other dishes.

I give this place a 1 star for my meal
Only. I ordered French toast, how can you possibly get this wrong, but yes it was wrong indeed. Bread hardly had any egg soaked through it, therefore dry as anything, hardly any maple syrup and a sad small fingernail size strawberry. For the cost 16.50 I was ripped off. Do better cook!

I was really happy with the food and service. I had what I was told was one of the most popular choices, and I want to go back for more because it was one of the best meals I have had.
Good wine selection. The service was well rounded and attentative. Highly recommend.

The old waiter was horrible and miserable. The other waitresses were really nice. The pasta Amatriciana was disgusting. Drowned in oil, the overcooked pasta was almost swimming on the plate. The sauce was so salty as well. The tiramisu was not tiramisu at all the layer of lady’s fingers was so so thin and the dessert was 90% cream.

We had brunch and found the meals came out a bit small in size, and lacking in flavour? The staff are very friendly, the service was very fast. Very clean place.

Since 1986 when Argentina won the Football World Cup for the 2nd time. And now I visit Mario’s from Argentina and has just won our 3rd Football World Cup.
A coincidence or a natural union between Italians and argentinians.
The food is excellent. Many size of portions are for a Triceratops, others not so much. Take a look after ordering. Very warm attention and home made taste.
Congratulations Mario’s.

The food and service is always great at Marios. It's our go to Italian whenever we are in Melbourne for breakfast, dinner or a cheeky coffee and cake.

Such a lovely cafe, Mario will take care of you and the food, service and vibes are well worth the price

It was a last minut decision to go in as it was late and we had been turned away by 2 other places. What a great decision to try them, the staff seated us straight away the food was absolutely delicious and service was great would highly recommend trying them.

A cute little Italian restaurant in the heart of Fitzroy. You will need to wait for a while to get a table, so prepare to wait for around 20-30 minutes.

Once a table is available, you will be taken by a very friendly staff who will help with the orders.

We ordered Garlic bread ($ 4.50), and Salmon Nicoise salad ($ 23.50) for starters, and Spaghetti Bolognese ($ 24.50), and Lasagne ($ 25.50).

Very quick service and delicious food. Will definitely come back again to try the other items on the menu.

Always a delight. Accommodating, friendly helpful staff and absolutely delicious food. A definite favourite.

If I could give zero stars I would. Didn’t stay to eat. As soon as we sat the elderly gentleman working as a waiter wanted to take our order. When we asked for a few minutes he indignantly said he’d back in 45 minutes. I enquired about the chicken livers because I like them but if they’re a few days old they’re not as appetising. When I asked if they’re fresh he got offended and retorted with a snarky, smartarse response. Needless to say, being embarrassed, we left without ordering. My advice is to know what you want beforehand and order your food quickly. Good luck! We won’t be burdening them with our presence ever again.

Always great, breakfast lunch or dinner. Super efficient service, been going since it opened more than 30 yrs ago.
Never disappointed.
An iconic Fitzroy cafe!

If your happy with sub standard food then this is the place for you.
If you want traditional Italian food this is not the place to go.
I was told this is Australian food not Italian.
When it's served to an Italian trained chef you should expect to be told how to do it correctly.
Please avoid this restaurant if you want Italian.

An absolute Fitzroy classic. Delicious food coupled with friendly and attentive staff. There is a reason this Brunswick street eatery has lasted the test of time. Highly recommend.

Great food with even fantastic service. Old school vibe with everything you could want from an Italian restaurant.

Had the best spring time lunch at Mario’s last weekend. The ladies are so accomodating… love those pasta aldiente!

Great lasagna I've ever eaten! Food is delicious and the staff are top tier Can't wait to go back soon