Marios — Restaurant in Melbourne

Visited Mario’s on Brunswick Street on a Sunday around 11am, and sadly, it was a disappointing experience. The café has so much potential: the vibe is charming, and the food is simple but tasty. But the service really let it down.

When we arrived, it wasn’t busy at all. We went inside, asked if we could sit outside, and were told yes. They handed us a couple of menus to take with us. After that, nothing. Not a single staff member acknowledged us. Multiple staff were chatting with what seemed like regulars, while we were completely ignored. No eye contact, no hello, no offer of water or coffee. People around us who clearly knew the staff were getting served quickly and already had their coffees before anyone noticed us.

We tried to make eye contact a few times, but it honestly felt like we were being deliberately avoided. Eventually, the food came. I had the smashed peas breakfast, my partner had the benedict. It was fine, but nothing memorable, and quite overpriced for the small portions.

From what I’ve heard, this place used to be a Fitzroy institution. Maybe it still is for some, but based on this visit, the charm just didn’t carry through. Service was cold and inattentive, and that really soured the experience. With so many great brunch spots in the area, we probably...

My friend recommended this place, saying it had been in business for decades. This gave me quite high hopes!

When we arrived at the place, it was packed, and we had to wait for a table. I thought this is a good sign.The restaurant itself is nice and cosy, quite quaint. Service staff are very professional.

Glancing the carbonara on the menu, I told my friend how it is actually difficult to get a good carbonara - the thin emulsion of egg and pecorino with a smattering of guanciale over al dente pasta - No cream. He convinced me they would know how to do it right.

What came out, let's say, is a possible american version of carbonara. Not my cup of tea. Mushy pasta with a gluggy pale sauce which seemed to contain a jar of cream - I am also not even entirely sure if it was guanciale, but was perhaps speck or bacon. Very far from carbonara. It definitely was not authentic, not my cup of tea but I can see some people may like it who are after a creamy soft pasta.

The scoring does not reflect the service, the atmosphere which I rate both highly, but is purely upon the food which I think is very far from being authentic...

I’ve had plenty of breakfasts at Mario’s, and the warm welcome is matched by those poached eggs and fabulous coffee. Just had dinner there for the first time and OMG it was amazing. Chicken saltimbocca so tender and moist, a jus that was perfectly balanced and crispy AF potatoes. It’s easy to see how these amazing people have been doing this for so long. My gf has been coming here for over thirty years and literally HALF the staff are still here - well balanced by some lovely sparky young uns. I will spend months trying to replicate that dish. Thank you Mario’s crew as always for giving me such an awesome experience. Love seeing staff who have worked all day back it up when the place filled at 4 pm (we had breakfast and dinner there today!). They were just as delightful. The evening shift brought a laid back dignified energy too, and yep, we were served by a fella who has worked there 38years! Music is perfect, and you can see how easily this venue welcomes the musicians I’ve seen hanging out and playing there some evenings. Can’t recommend...