Ristorante Da Mario — Restaurant in Heidelberg

This was my second option on the list for pizza, but I didn't regret it at all. A friend brought me here for dinner and a nice conversation, after I asked him for pizza. First of all, we were both probably underdressed for the place. I gasped when I entered. The place is elegant yet still great for a friend's reunion. It has very warm touches even though elegance is rather cold.

I asked, of course, for pizza. A classic basil-mozzarella is my all time favorite everywhere. It's like the carrot cake or cheese cake: I try those everywhere to find the best one in town (wherever that town is). I did that with brownies in Asuncion as well. So, pizza was great. The dough seemed very legit (as in, abiding to Italian recipes) and it had very fresh ingredients. I don't know about the olive oil though. I missed some extra olive oil on top though. Nevertheless, I was very happy with my pizza. I want to point out as well, that the amount of food is also something to consider. I almost didn't finish it and I LOVE FOOD. It could be enough for two people.

Of course I had to try the gnocchi my friend was having and it was Superb! It was one of the seasonal/Chef recommendations. And it was just delicious. I never liked gnocchi as a pasta dish but that one deserved applause. I had tiramisu as dessert. It was ok-ish. I had better. I think the mascarpone they used wasn't that good. But, on the side of coffee, I don't know which one they used to put the lady fingers in it, but it was really good!

Regarding the staff, the lady from our table was really nice. She was highly attentive, chatting a bit (enough to cheer us but not too much to wish her go away) and giving us time to decide (we were catching up after two years of distance and needed some time to talk). I always loved to give tips according to service: regular tips for regular service, great tips for great service. A mirar likely 5-star was thought of only because of the excellent service.

The reason it cost them one star was a fly. A fly inside a restaurant is a bad sign of hygiene. Everything...

Nice traditional restaurant with mediocre food and friendly service.

My husband and I visited on New Year’s day. They were fully booked for dinner but were able to seat us for an early dinner at 17:30.

I ordered the eggplant parmigiana dish and my husband the lasagna. We both got side salads at an extra cost (4,95). I got the alcohol free beer, my husband got the Pils. Our drinks arrived with a basket of very stale bread within a few minutes. I sipped my beer, remarking that it tasted very “real” for an alcohol free beer, my husband agreed. As I drank i started to feel a bit tipsy and sent my drink back. Turns out I was served the regular beer instead of alcohol free!!! Luckily our server quickly remedied it and apologised for the mistake.

Our side salads and mains arrived together. My eggplant dish was absolutely smothered in molten cheese, with a nice tasting tomato sauce. It was tasty but so greasy and rich I could only eat a third of it. The salad was very basic and dressed in what tasted like a store bought bottled dressing. My husband’s lasagna was awful and the tomato sauce tasted like it had gotten absolutely no cooking or flavourings and minimal amount of meat in it.

The restaurant seems like a Heidelberg institution, and frequented by many guests. It’s a nice place. So sad that the food is...

My recent visit to Ristorante Da Mario in Heidelberg was an absolute pleasure, and I can confidently say it's a gem for anyone craving authentic Italian cuisine. From the moment I stepped in, I was thoroughly impressed by both the exceptional service and the outstanding food.

The staff at Da Mario truly goes above and beyond. They were incredibly attentive, welcoming, and knowledgeable about the menu, offering great recommendations without being intrusive. Every request was met with a smile and efficiency, making for a truly relaxed and enjoyable dining experience. It's clear that customer satisfaction is a top priority here.

And the food – simply superb! Each dish I tried was a testament to traditional Italian cooking with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The flavors were perfectly balanced, and everything was prepared to perfection. Whether you're a fan of classic pasta dishes, savory meat courses, or delectable desserts, you're in for a treat.

Ristorante Da Mario has certainly earned its stellar reputation. If you're in Heidelberg and looking for an Italian restaurant that delivers on both impeccable service and truly delicious food, this is the place to go. I'm already looking forward to...