Mario's Ristorante Italiano — Restaurant in Madeira Beach

Let me start by saying I have frequently visited Mario's going back at least 10 years. This was a favorite of my late husband and mine when we spent time at out condo here. I had not been here for a year, because either they were closed unexpectedly or on vacation as a note was posted on the door last year at this time. I was highly anticipating to bringing my teenage grandaughters to introduce them to my family's heritage Italian restaurant I always spoke highly of while visiting on Florida this week. Last evening fell short of everything. First, we arrived at about 6:45 ,pm on a Saturday. We were greeted by a man who I had never seen before. We immediately realized something was wrong with their air-conditioning, as it felt very warm and stuffy with one ceiling fan going which did not help at all. We sat down, and the waitress brought us waters and a menu. Then more guests started arriving as she attended to the others. The waitress returned promptly asked if we were ready to order. I was not ready Just yet, and asked if I could order a glass of wine first. She proceeded to promptly bring the wine. In the meantime more guests arrived and it became clear she was the only one waiting on tables. Usually there was another waitress or waiter especially on the weekends. We ended of waiting longer than usual now that more tables had arrived, and she was taking other orders at the same time. In the meantime it was clear to me the person who seated us was still sitting at the bar hosting/ and busing tables as guests left. I was starting to think something has happened to this establishment, ie: sold to a new owner or under new management perhaps?? I overheard the people sitting at the table behind us asking the waitress where her sister was. Was she off?? In the past there used to be a very nice waitress that was always there when we visited. She was connrctef to the owner/family. I can't remember her name. So we finally placed our order. Our salads were brought promptly and more people had come in making the small restaurant even more warm and uncomfortable at best. Our food arrived before I was finished with my salad. We ordered Eggplant parmasan, vegetable linguine and a garlic scampi. May I say both the vegetable linguine and garlic scampi were delicious as my grandaughters said. I was disappointed in my Eggplant not prepared the way I had had it in the past. It used to be 3 separate layers of 3 pieces of sliced Eggplant with melted mozzarella on top. It was in single layers, and I had ordered extra sauce( that was in the dish and not on the side] the eggplant were swimming in sauce, making it eggplant mush after the mozzarella melted. After the waitress served us, she never returned to ask us if the food was okay, and if we needed anything else. I would have liked to have ordered another glass of wine and our waters could have been refilled. It was when we were finished she came and took our plates away and asked if we wanted anything else. At this point I was so happy and asked for the check. I felt rushed at minimum, without adequate service for a meal that cost $90 with the food and one glass of wine. $24 for the measly portion of Eggplant was not acceptable especially without any meat added, and about 3/4 cup angelhair pasta on the plate. We used to get a choice of side of linguine or penne. I don't know what happened, but one waitress to wait on 6+ tables of 4 to 6 tables of people on a weekend, and a "person" owner??sitting at the bar not helping other than seating and bussing tables isn't good business management. What happened Marios?? The only reason I gave it 2 stars was because of most of the food we ordered was excellent in flavor and proportion. Otherwise the whole new experience for my grandaughters was exceedingly disappointing. Not sure if I would return especially...

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...

We called on Saturday evening at 5:45 inquiring about wait time -- no wait, hurray! Arrived at 6:05 and all tables occupied and perhaps one couple waiting ahead of us. Mario's is a small family business,only ten tables for four (established 1999). They also have "bar seating" 4 stools. A couple was sitting there (ordering food) so we took the remaining stools, ordered wine and beer, waited for an open table.

Their "bar" is really just an opening through which you get a great view of their small kitchen. The kitchen staff (3 or 4) was amazing! So friendly yet efficient filling their orders. We were seated in maybe 5 minutes, no time to drink, carried them to the table and placed our orders. We started with a soup, a chicken broth with tortellini, spinach, and celery; a salad with their one dressing (house made balsamic vinaigrette). Both very good. I then ordered the Chicken Parmesan with Linguine and Marinara Sauce -- the cutlet was tender and cooked perfectly, the pasta and gravy just as good. My wife had the Linguine Alio Olio, pasta, tossed with garlic, olive oil, crushed red pepper and parsley. It too was excellent.

Most amazing was watching the staff wait on the customers. We stayed about 90 minutes -- the pace was perfect. Everyone was smiling, customers and staff. For the most part all ten tables were in use. As a table became available a new customer arrived. At no time was there a crowd of people standing around waiting to be seated. This is the way a restaurant should be run -- we look forward...