Review Mario's Ristorante Italiano - Madeira Beach

We arrived about 30 minutes ahead of our friends who were running late. We ordered an expensive bottle of wine while waiting and after 20 minutes was approached by the not friendly waitress who wondered if our friends were coning as they had people waiting…. as if she needed us to leave. I told her we hadn’t been asked if we wanted appetizers and she said….”Oh so you are waiting on us?” She was just plain mean and seemed like she was challenging me. If we weren’t meeting people we would have left. When they arrived, we felt hurried and by the way there were many open tables by that time. It seems the people in the kitchen were working hard and the food was good but not good enough to put up with that attitude. If you want fast food…go to McDonald's don’t spend this kind of money. Our bill was 150 and still left her more than 20% as we felt bad for the other server.

Not sure how this restaurant is still open 🤔? If people that go here and rate it so well they don't know what italian food is, nor do the people that run it. From the front door to the bathroom and kitchen I wish I had taken pictures. As well as the food that came out five minutes later. Total garbage in our opinion for food that came out looking like dog food. Non the less as anticipated if you read this whole review we walked out.

Small place but a great find. Highly recommend. We will go back on our next trip.

We called Mario's for a dine in for 12 people July 18th in the evening. We got there at 9pm. Mario and his crew of wonderful amazing employees stayed open and served us all. My family came from NYC, Virginia, Tampa, N.C. to attend the wedding of my youngest son matt and his beautiful fiancee cristina. !! Everyone at Mario's was beyond awesome to us all. Treated us just like family to them all. It was such a wonderful evening, the food beyond fresh and totally delicious. ! A huge thank you to mario and his wonderful team of employees. ! We will never forget your wonderful kindness and hospitality. May God bless you all. !!

This place is small . We were able to get a table right away. There was a line outside when we were done. Very good food fast and friendly service. Would definitely go back

Calamari Tuscana was on point and the Lasagna was wonderful...great atmosphere Went back a second night Veal Parmigiana was really good the Spinach Ravioli in a marinara was terrific...they are definitely on our list when visiting the beach...oh yes and they have Moretti....

Yes it is true, the food is simply amazing here and abundant! Went with four people and we all had to take doggie bags home! First the appetizer sausage antipasto was amazing. Never had sausage just melt, crumble in my mouth like this The sauce was mellow with hint of garlic and other spices. The sauce and sausage are not spicy. Warning!! Again this appetizer is enough for four to share! The waitress informed me, when asked, that most people come for their veal parmigiano. I was hesitant, due to $22.00 price, but pleasantly surprised because the veal was HUGE!! Yes, covered 3/4 of my plate. Along with the spaghetti, I need to tell you I have two more dinners after eating this tonight! The veal was lightly breaded and very tender. It was the most tender veal I have ever had. The sauce had quite the hint of garlic and the marinara had tomato homemade taste. It was outstanding. One person had chicken picata and the capers, mushrooms and chicken were outstanding. The chicken, again lightly breaded, was also very moist. The white wine sauce was excellent. This place is packed and tonight was no exception. We arrived a little before 6pm, got a seat but right after us there was a 20 minute wait. The place is small with only 9 four person tables and one 3 person table up front. Their is a really cool observation, 4 person, bar type table where you can watch the kitchen work on food. I want to try this next time! They are only open 5pm to 9pm! In peak season lines start forming outside by 4:30pm FYI. Waitstaff attentive to detail and kept water coming. There was only 2 waitstaff this night and they kept hustling but never forgot about you. I will have food for the next two nights as there was plenty of food left. This was a huge bonus! I will definitely come back.

it was ok. very rushed. we ended up with salad soup and entree on the table. we had received a good recommendation from a local. we may consider a return visit

Found the restaurant by accident, my son wanted spaghetti and we were staying at a nearby hotel. <br/><br/>Food was delicious and service was fast and friendly. Genuine Italian cuisine.<br/><br/>Will be eating there again next time I'm in town.

Hole-in- the wall Italian Delight. Wonderful meal! My wife had Mario's Grouper....thick fillet perfectly cooked & topped off w/ a zesty lemon caper sauce w/ pasta. I had the simple but tasty Veal Milanese. Nice portions. Coming back!

Wonderful. Homemade! Will be back!

Much improved. As a local I had been there about half a dozen times before giving up on this place about 2 or 3 years ago. With the prompting of a friend we recently went back. Things have changed. No longer does the food taste like it's sauteed in WD40. The portions are generous, the service is good, the food was delicious. <br/><br/>My only complaint is be the whipped cream on the dessert was not whipped cream but some other whipped substance. It would have been better to have left it off altogether than to have used a whipped topping on a delicious dessert.

This place is amazing. The service was top notch, it was filled with obvious regulars. The staff knew everyone coming in. It was our first time and we were welcomed like family. I recommend a reservation as the dining area is small but nice. As far as the review mentioning a comment that was made while calling for a reservation, what was said must have been taken out of context. You missed out, better go next time! Thanks for the great service! The grouper special was amazing and the canole was to die for.

Wanted to try the place based on its reviews... Called in to make a reservation and some wisecracker in the backround says outloud "we don't want your business, go home." As tourists to the area I just couldn't enjoy a meal there on that premise. What a shame for my family and the owner of the establishment.

This place is so great, sort of found it by accident and very glad we did! My picky 2 year old even ate without complaining. We enjoyed the ravioli, by the cannoli was really the highlight. I never liked cannoli before, but I could eat theirs every day. Can't wait to come back next vacation!

Food is very fresh. They accommodate most requests for change in an entrée if needed. Sauces are rich and full of flavor. Vegetable however tend to be over cooked (I personally like mine firm - I find the firm texture keeps the fresh sensation with food in general). Dont fill up on bread the portions are huge! Very quaint. The place couldn't hold more than 30 at a time. I love non chain places like this!

Great menu and great service. The space is small but has a nice intimacy. We will definitely return.

This place is great and the food is so fresh. Will be back soon. Oh! The staff is great!

Friendly owner and great food. Would definitely go again

Marios is verygood. Went there for dinner this week. Had not been for several years as my wife had not liked it previously. There is no longer a Mario there. Now run by ladies from Canada and they do very well. This is a very small and intimate place buttery good and very friendly. My veal piccatawas marvelous and her chicken Marsala was also great. We will return rot is hidden gem of the coast.

Best Italian Food in Pinellas County. Three meals there, each one was fantastic. The quality of the food and service is fantastic.

Not- so happy anymore. Have recently been to Marios -where I've been going for years. It has been taken over by new folks. PLEASE LADIES: use MORE GARLIC!! The last Zuppa Di Pesce I ordered was SO BLAND -Mario would have had a FIT! the service was terrible,and the food was not up to "Mario Standard"...

Take away bliss. Great northern Italian cuisine. Picatta was amazing! As was the Alfredo sauce for the fettucini. Wonderful (and cute) Quebec ladies who turn out great quality dishes. We did take away but the restaurant seating area was ok. It is in a strip mall, but don't let that dissuade you from this great food. Well recommended!

It's always very cool to find locals good food places. This was a friendly very good place. I enjoyed the clams with linguine and wife had the veal saltimboca which was also excellent.

Adorable fabulous and authentic!! Loved it

The best food around!!! I have been coming here for over 10 years and I have never been less then impressed. Only real homemade italian is served here and is delicious!! Is definitely a place you must go to. You won't be disapointed!!

Ernie Garrity. I stumbled upon this little, hidden jewel in 2005 and have returned on many occasions. I have never been disappointed by the extraordinary quality of the food and the efficient and friendly service. Combine that with a quaint atmosphere, a fantastic wine list and mouth-watering desserts and you have an Italian restaurant that you'll visit time and time again.

Love, love, love Mario's...... Everytime our family is in the beach area we MUST go to Mario's. The food is outstanding! We especially love Mario's homemade soups, salads with gorgonzola cheese and his pastas. Mario's is a tiny place in Madiera Beach in a strip mall, but definitely worth a visit. (And Yes!, there is a Mario cooking in the kitchen!)