Mario’s Restaurant

Great crispy crust pizza been a consistently good Italian place for decades in Ormond

This place has great food, and have been several times and have not been disappointed. Recommend trying it out, the food has always been good!

My husband and I enjoy this restaurant for takeout fairly often, but went there tonight as an early Valentine’s dinner. It was perfect for us. I had the lasagna and definitely brought half of it home for dinner again tomorrow, and he ordered the chicken Parmesan which he thoroughly enjoyed. The bread was delicious as always and we love the salads. The signature pepperoni and hard-​boiled egg have been on the salads since I was a little girl, and the vinaigrette dressing is tasty, not bland at all. The young man who took our reservation over the phone was perhaps the most pleasant we have encountered in years. The décor is definitely outdated but there’s something about it that we like, a certain nostalgia. Our server was attentive. I never branch out and try new menu items because I love the lasagna so much, and have yet to try the artichoke which is greatly recommended to me by others. If you lower your expectations of this restaurant being a luxury Italian spot, and see the family restaurant for what it is, you hopefully won’t be disappointed. We never are.

First of all I am writing this to be honest and help others and possibly the restaurant make good choices. Not trying to be mean.
Do not go here if you seek authentic Italian food!
when we first sat down we ordered some wine. Which was house wine and $ 6 a glass. So it was like sweet water. However for 6 I wasn’t expecting anything amazing. We were told this was an authentic Italian resturant. So I asked the server of they had Arrabbiata sauce. He had no idea what I was talking about and said we can spice up the sauce for you with pepper if you like! Both my husband and I ordered the gnocchi with red meat sauce. I had a side salad to start. It was all the center stalk part of the lettuce, very little leaf part and very dissapointing. The pasta was over cooked and mushy. I wouldnt be suprise if it was store bought. It had no flavor and the sauce was bland and similar to ragu. Service was average and the prices were low. However I would have paid more for a better meal.
Our friends did seem to like there food however, we will not be back.

I’m still scratching my head on how this restaurant stays open, let alone continue to receive raving reviews. I typically give a place the benefit of the doubt and even a second chance, but after our experience, I’m not sure it will happen anytime soon. Being in the industry myself, I found it very disheartening to dine here. My partner and myself were looking forward to dining here, as the parking lot is consistently packed and the reviews were very impressive. Looking for a genuine Italian spot in the local area is hard to come by. I made reservations just in case, again the place seems to always be busy and has been in business for 60 years! When we arrived, we were told we had to wait, even though we had reservations and were directed to the bar area. One bartender was running around trying to convenience multiple people sent to the bar to wait on an available table. We were sat before even able to order a drink. To begin, the table we were given had to have been by far the worst table in the house. A random 4 top table stuffed in the middle of the Isle between the bar and 2 other large parties. We waited about 5 minutes before a server came to our table, he never introduced himself by name just asked if we wanted bread and took a drink order. Another 5 to 6 minutes go by and he forgot what Wine I had ordered, another 5 minutes I received my wine, but not the waters we ordered along with our drinks. 1 hour after he had taken our order, we received our entrees. I was so disappointed with my dish, I could not eat it. I ordered the scallop and shrimp scampi, literally burnt and flooded in oil! Server never returned until I sat there for 20 minutes with my plate pushed to the side. I had asked him to remove it, I could not eat it. He had to ask what was wrong with it, if he couldn’t visually see the problem, therein lies the issue. he offered a dessert but worried it would take another 20 minutes I refused. They were nice enough to remove it from my bill, granted I never touched it. Never saw a manager. Very disappointing. My partner had chicken Parmesan and lasagna. which thankfully was good enough for him to enjoy. portions were 10 times bigger than my dish which was also questionable. They don’t serve Caesar salad so maybe it’s not traditional Italian, the small side salad was edible but I was confused why they served the salad in a nice antique silver bowl, yet served the dressing on the side in a plastic toss away ramekin? mussels were ok, and bread was the best part of dinner. Waters never refilled. End of the day very disappointed, not classy and not sure how they stay in business. Spoke to a few locals, apparently if you order food to go such as their pizzas and hot subs, that’s where it’s at. apparently fine dining isn’t their expertise. Most likely will never dine at Marios again.

We are from the NY area and we know good Italian food. Mario’s is right on the money! Let’s start with the service. Our waiter Dan was great! He paid attention to whatever we needed and made sure our food came out on time. We had the Veal Parm with spaghetti and the Chicken Marsala. Each dish was fresh, nicely portioned, and the meat was moist and tasty. The sauces were spot on and the portion size would certainly satisfy any appetite. Glad this local business is here! My new favorite!

After the experience the fifteen people in my party had there I doubt any will ever go back. I don’t know who was in the kitchen, but they served ravioli and chicken parm that was tougher than shoe leather. very expensive for food that at best was well below average, presentation of the dishes was awful too, not what you would expect considering some dishes we ordered were as high as $ 38.95!

If you are looking for old world (i.e. Goodfella’s) Italian charm with a major dose of 1950’s nostalgia, then look no further than this hidden gem on ramshackle Ridgewood Ave./US1 in Ormond Beach. On a rainy Saturday afternoon, right after seeing the movie Trainwreck, we had a hankering for good Italian (caused by the ravioli scene no doubt). Pulling in to the completely packed parking lot at 4 pm, we had to ask people getting in their car what was going on. A big party in the back room, but plenty of room up front. We sat in the three-​sided, secluded, wood-​latticed and red vinyl booths. Metal chandeliers and wall sconces gave just the right lighting and the male, middle aged server dressed in black had just the amount of deference to make the scene complete. Glasses of chianti and Lambrusco (if you’re gonna do it, then do it all the way) whet our appetite for the huge load of homemade garlic bread to follow. We are in our 30’s/40’s, but the Early Bird menu fit our budget and appetite. The Vodka sauce was perfect and although hubby’s Shrimp Scampi was a smaller portion (as advertised) the shrimp were large and well-​cooked. We will def be back for a romantic evening in style (well, a style).

Had dinner with a large group, who ordered a variety of entrees. I had the eggplant parmigiana with angel hair– the early dinner size. The portion size was just right, and the eggplant was excellent. The pasta was a bit overcooked for my liking (I prefer al dente), and the marinara sauce was just okay. My husband’s chicken parmigiana was good. My son all but licked his plate of shrimp scampi clean, and my daughter and other son enjoyed their baked ziti and spaghetti. All who had the meatballs said they were good.
For dessert, I ordered a cannoli, which was strangely adorned with sweetened whipped cream and green and red sugar sprinkles (a salute to the Italian flag, I guess). The other person in our party who ordered a cannoli said it was too sweet. I thought the cannoli itself was good, but wished they had left off the garnish. My parents enjoyed their espresso, and I had a nice cup of coffee.
I would be remiss in not mentioning the service, which was beyond impeccable.

Awesome. Was visiting my dad and he took me there last night. Unbelievably good stuffed artichoke, great mussels in white wine sauce. We had the chicken Marsala and it was so authentic and tasty. Really good meatballs too. Good service as well. Highly recommend!

We went here on the recommendation of a local. We were not disappointed! As a matter of fact, we ate here twice in one week! Coming from NJ and being of Italian decent, I’m always leery of Italian food outside of NY/​NJ.
We sat at the bar on our first visit. The bartenders were friendly, fast and fun. I had the stuffed artichoke for an appetizer and a bowl of tripe for dinner. The artichoke was the size of a soft ball! Perfectly cooked and tender with a savory bread crumb stuffing. Very much like the way my mother prepares hers (Neopolitan style). We were told by the manager that the chef/​owner hand picks the artichokes at the market himself. The quality was evident. The tripe was clean, tender and flavorful, cooked in a tasty red sauce. I wiped my plate clean with the wonderfully crusty Italian bread they had put out. The second night I had scungilli over spaghetti. The scungilli was perfectly cooked and tender. I ordered it in the hot sauce which was a little mild for my taste but nothing some extra crushed red pepper didn’t fix. The house salad was fresh and crisp with a nice sweet and zesty Italian house dressing.
The others had Veal Marsala, Mario’s Combo, Linguini with Fresh Cherrystone Clams, Roasted Sausage and Peppers, and Shrimp Scampi. Everyone finished their plates, no complaints and no leftovers even though the portions are fairly large. We will definitely eat here again.

My father has been raving about this place so we decided to take my niece and her b/​f for dinner while they are in town (there were four of us total). We did have drinks and appetizers but I was a little surprised that our bill topped out around $ 200 (with tax & tip $ 220). What really bothered me is that both myself and my nieces boyfriend left hungry — we both had the ravioli, small portions if you get the ravioli. Though, both my father’s and niece’s portions were over the top huge. Strange…
Both my father and other reviewers rave about the garlic bread served with dinner. (we got two loaves, one garlic and one plain) Myself, I don’t get it — tasted like the garlic bread was nothing more than garlic salt sprinkled on bread. The bread itself was freshly baked in the restaurant and good. But the ‘garlic’ bread is nothing special…
The one other comment /​recommendation — the place is in DIRE NEED of remodeling! We were seated in the back where the ceiling tiles are about ready to fall down from age (or possibly a leaking roof). Just not worthy of a $ 50 /​per person meal. If you do go sit in the bar area as it looked nicer than the side we sat in.
To summarize, if you are in the over 60 crowd you might like this place. If you are under 50 then be prepared to be let down. I was going to give it 3 stars as I found this place to be completely average. However, Unilocal considers 3 stars «A-​ok» and this was not A-​ok so it only gets 2 stars from me.

We go to Daytona Beach every year on vacation and we go to Mario’s every time. The garlic bread is fantastic and the food is excellent. You get lots of food and we always have enough left over for another full meal.

I had to give these guys the best! Romantic, oh so relaxed, amazing food and wine and the service is consistently fabulous. The menu is hands down authentic Italian cuisine you want to keep going back for. I haven’t tried everything yet but I’m working on it.
If your looking to impress someone you love guys, this is the place to take her.

We use Mario’s take-​out. Always consistent, accurate and friendly. Give them a try — it’s with it. Did I mention that they have really good food! KB

Food was delicious. Cook had a bad day though. We ordered the chicken and shrimp franchise over risotto. It came out minus the risotto. When asking for it the waitress returned with butter rice. Not risotto. Spoke to manager and she stated that’s how (we) get it??? Do they have it delivered to them or do they make it themselves? Minor slip up on their part but food was good.
Return again a year later to give it another try. I have to say this place is disappointing at best. The last meal was mediocre and this one was disappointing. I ordered the basic Italian dish. One they should not be able to mess up. WRONG. Chicken Parmesan and lasagna with vegetables. Well the chicken Parmesan was like breaded shoe leather and the lasagna had no seasoning or taste whatsoever. Also it was supposed to come with vegetables and I received none. Again like last time. What the heck.
I’m sorry but my Italian aunt loves to come to this place when we visit. I think she should have her Italian card revoked.
In my game as a food consumer. It’s two strikes and your out in my book. Mario your struck out. Take a seat on the bench.

The shrimp scampi was so so. The flavor was good, but the shrimp had been cooked too long and were dry. The place was pretty pricy for what it was.
My mother loved the veal Parmesan. This is her dish of choice, and she said it was excellent.
The staff were friendly and attentive.

I usually order the catering sized meals to go for my small parties. There is always a ton of leftovers. The baked ziti is always a huge success.
I also will order a pint of the sauce and a few pieces of meatballs or sausage with bread. It all freezes well and you can make your own spaghetti or sandwich anytime!
The take out has a separate side entrance.

2013
They have the best Italian bread I’ve ever had the pleasure to eat, baked onsite fresh daily. The crustiness exceeds any other bread, ever. Major crisp with every nuanced chew. Entrees are served with a side salad that’s sort of like antipasto with an olive, half hardboiled egg and slice of delicious pepperoni, delightfully presented on a chilled metal plate reminiscent of old school Italian restaurants. I had the lasagna and it was divine. The tomato sauce is delicious, sweet and not acidic. The side of 2 meatballs that come with the entrée are YUM. My friend had the eggplant parmesan and said hers was the best she’d had. It was so enormous that we took half home and shared it for lunch the next day. I wish they had this place where I live!
Revisited 4 times so far in January 2014. I could eat there EVERY night! That eggplant parmesan is fabulous. Extremely thin slices of eggplant and they make it to order, so in my case it was no problem to have way less cheese on top than usual, as I’m lactose intolerant. This vacation we discovered their roasted red pepper and fresh mozzarella appetizer. It’s a must with every meal now. My husband had the grouper in tomato sauce tonight and loved it. I had a few bites and it was great. The portions of everything are huge.
These guys have been in business since 1956 and it has been in the same family ever since. The servers keep their jobs for years and years. The chef has been there 33 years. Our server, Jennifer, is wonderful and said it’s like family there. These details speak volumes about the place.
I promise you’ll like it.

Being an Ormond Beach native, I’ve been coming here for years. My parents used to take me all the time when I was younger and I still go to this day when I’m back in town. I love their meat sauce. It’s great that you can order a container of it to bring home. Great for when you want to make a quick pasta meal at home. The restaurant itself is a bit outdated and the majority of its patrons are 50 years old and older.
I recently went here for Valentine’s Day. Other than being the youngest in the restaurant by at least 40 years, it was wonderful. The bottles of wine are very cheap compared to what you would pay in other restaurants. The salad was good, but not my favorite. I wish they would offer a caesar salad here.
I decided to go with the lasagna and meatball for my dinner. It was absolutely delicious. For dessert I had the tiramisu which was equally as delicious but a little frozen. Our server was great and very attentive. Overall I had a wonderful experience.