I've been going to Mario's for probably 20 years and for standard, economical Italian fare it can't be beat. No reservations taken; in Lexington you go to the sign-in book, put down your name and the # in your party, and wait to be called. Long time customers know the best times to go to get seated right away; be prepared to wait most weekends at dinner time. I've sampled several things on the menu and my go-tos are either chicken parm with meat sauce (you can get everything marinara if you prefer) served with shells (you can choose spaghetti if you prefer) or pizza (best sauce ever) loaded with sausage, extra cheese, onions and black olives. All the portions are plentiful (I always take half home for leftovers) and always tasty. I've had the lasagna, which is huge but lacking in enough sauce for me (I'd order extra sauce if I were to get it again) and the ravioli which I have no complaints about. Bread is served to the table in the form of fresh rolls. I often get a side salad for dinner and did so last night. It's usually fresh and tasty but for some reason at 5pm the salad I served was limp and tasteless. Maybe left over from another day? The service is impeccable. The waitstaff take orders, deliver to tables, keep track of who's waiting to be seated and deliver them to a table when one becomes available. Orders are taken quickly, food is delivered hot. Fun fact: often during the summer students on vacation are working there, which makes for fun small talk. As you can imagine Mario's appeals to everyone; families, couples, singles, so don't expect a quiet, romantic ambiance where you can have a leisurely meal and a private discussion. When full the place is very lively. There is a large metered parking lot (2 hr max) directly behind the restaurant and a larger one behind that if you want to, say, also go to the Lexington Venue (movie theater) or visit the many shops in Lexington Center.
g g
I have been to Mario’s for decades, since I was a kid. The quality and quantity of the food is the best. Especially, in Lexington, especially in 2024. This is by far the best Italian-American food in Metro-Boston.Reminds me of a homemade italian dinner in the best possible way. The chicken parmesan is so tender, and so perfect. If you have a chance, definitely visit this institution.Public Parking is behind the building near the bike path.
Step back in time into this cozy and classic Italian restaurant! It can get busy during lunch and dinner, but the staff is kind and does their best to keep things moving. Very kid friendly, the pizza was great, huge calzones, my family loved it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
christine K.
I liked here. Staff was friendly. Eggplant food was great!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nizhony Daw
Was visiting Massachusetts and wanted some authentic Italian food and found it here. The place has a really homey vibe. Staff was super nice and food came out pretty fast :) I got the ravioli with spaghetti meatballs and meat sauce, it was amazing. Definitely recommend this place if you’re hungry for some good food at a reasonable price.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sylvia Hanna
Marios has always been my favorite place to when when I visit the states and I always make sure to bring my guest there. This was my partners fiest visit and he cannot wait to make the trip back... The place was absolutely packed, but staff were super friendly and attentive in letting us know timing. Turn over was quick. The food is absolutely amazing and quick to come out! We had stuffed mushrooms, which were super flavorful! The pizza has the perfect crust and sauce, with good ratio of toppings. Cannot wait to go back!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Stuffed Mushrooms
Mary-Ellen Rodrigues
Prices are great and the food is fabulous!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lasagna, Baked Ziti, Salad
Angela Rosano
The food was ok. We went for a meatball appetizer. We couldn’t stay long for lunch. The waiter Kathlene was friendly at first. She gave us bread when we asked for it. But when she found out we weren’t going to have an entree she said the extra bread is not for a meatball sandwich and took the bread that she gave to us away!! If a customer asks for bread and you give it to them, don’t take it away! Meaning during these Covid times, you gave that bread to another customer. That is disgusting! When she walked away, she whispered to a coworker making it a hostile enviroment. I will not be coming back after being treated this way.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 1
Ron Scozzafava
If you're looking for a low to mid-level full-service restaurant that caters more to quantity than quality, Mario is the place for you. This restaurant is perfect for teens who have hearty appetites and don't mind sacrificing a bit of taste for a larger portion size.The ambiance at Mario is casual and inviting, with its iconic checkered tablecloths adding a touch of nostalgia to the dining experience. Our kids used to love coming here for the generous portions and laid-back atmosphere.While the food might not be gourmet quality, it's satisfying and filling, making it a good option for families on a budget or teens looking to fill up without breaking the bank. The menu offers a variety of classic dishes that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.Overall, Mario is a decent choice for a no-fuss meal that won't disappoint if you're looking for quantity and a relaxed dining experience. Just don't expect haute cuisine or culinary masterpieces here.
We love the pizzas here. Not to excited by other dishes on the menu. Ambiance needs improvement and has not changed over the 30 years we have been here. We mostly do take outs.
Ronald Manganaro
My place Italian food place awesome ? always come back please u read this. Make this your place to.
Went in for the first time for pizza. Absolutely, horrible! wasn't even as good as school cafeteria pizza. Save your money and walk across the street to the better pizza shop.
David O.
My wife went in to pickup a large takeout order with only her credit card as she knew she would be carrying out a large box. She paid for the order and asked if the extra salad dressing she asked for was included. The server stated that it would be 25 cents extra. She was not going to add this as another transaction and said forget it. Food was mediocre at best. Reheated frozen chicken cutlets, watery sauce and meatballs the dog wouldn't eat. Won't be back.
X “hungrytommy” X
I love Mario’s for the meatball sub. It’s probably the best meatball sub I ever ate and certainly the best one I eat on a regular basis. Get it with meat sauce and provolone cheese.I like it with a Mediterranean salad and a glass of Chianti. The service is casual but friendly. The style is old school with checked tablecloths and dark wood.They don’t take reservations and the wait can get long, but it’s worth it.Parking: City lot behind the restaurant (there is a back entrance) with metered parking.Kid-friendliness: They have a small kids menu, but mine prefers their chicken fingers and chocolate milk.
I've been going to Mario's for probably 20 years and for standard, economical Italian fare it can't be beat. No reservations taken; in Lexington you go to the sign-in book, put down your name and the # in your party, and wait to be called. Long time customers know the best times to go to get seated right away; be prepared to wait most weekends at dinner time. I've sampled several things on the menu and my go-tos are either chicken parm with meat sauce (you can get everything marinara if you prefer) served with shells (you can choose spaghetti if you prefer) or pizza (best sauce ever) loaded with sausage, extra cheese, onions and black olives. All the portions are plentiful (I always take half home for leftovers) and always tasty. I've had the lasagna, which is huge but lacking in enough sauce for me (I'd order extra sauce if I were to get it again) and the ravioli which I have no complaints about. Bread is served to the table in the form of fresh rolls. I often get a side salad for dinner and did so last night. It's usually fresh and tasty but for some reason at 5pm the salad I served was limp and tasteless. Maybe left over from another day? The service is impeccable. The waitstaff take orders, deliver to tables, keep track of who's waiting to be seated and deliver them to a table when one becomes available. Orders are taken quickly, food is delivered hot. Fun fact: often during the summer students on vacation are working there, which makes for fun small talk. As you can imagine Mario's appeals to everyone; families, couples, singles, so don't expect a quiet, romantic ambiance where you can have a leisurely meal and a private discussion. When full the place is very lively. There is a large metered parking lot (2 hr max) directly behind the restaurant and a larger one behind that if you want to, say, also go to the Lexington Venue (movie theater) or visit the many shops in Lexington Center.
I have been to Mario’s for decades, since I was a kid. The quality and quantity of the food is the best. Especially, in Lexington, especially in 2024. This is by far the best Italian-American food in Metro-Boston.Reminds me of a homemade italian dinner in the best possible way. The chicken parmesan is so tender, and so perfect. If you have a chance, definitely visit this institution.Public Parking is behind the building near the bike path.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Garlic Bread, Mediterranean Salad, Garlic Cheese Bread, Salad, Chicken Parmigiana
Step back in time into this cozy and classic Italian restaurant! It can get busy during lunch and dinner, but the staff is kind and does their best to keep things moving. Very kid friendly, the pizza was great, huge calzones, my family loved it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I liked here. Staff was friendly. Eggplant food was great!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Was visiting Massachusetts and wanted some authentic Italian food and found it here. The place has a really homey vibe. Staff was super nice and food came out pretty fast :) I got the ravioli with spaghetti meatballs and meat sauce, it was amazing. Definitely recommend this place if you’re hungry for some good food at a reasonable price.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Marios has always been my favorite place to when when I visit the states and I always make sure to bring my guest there. This was my partners fiest visit and he cannot wait to make the trip back... The place was absolutely packed, but staff were super friendly and attentive in letting us know timing. Turn over was quick. The food is absolutely amazing and quick to come out! We had stuffed mushrooms, which were super flavorful! The pizza has the perfect crust and sauce, with good ratio of toppings. Cannot wait to go back!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Stuffed Mushrooms
Prices are great and the food is fabulous!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lasagna, Baked Ziti, Salad
The food was ok. We went for a meatball appetizer. We couldn’t stay long for lunch. The waiter Kathlene was friendly at first. She gave us bread when we asked for it. But when she found out we weren’t going to have an entree she said the extra bread is not for a meatball sandwich and took the bread that she gave to us away!! If a customer asks for bread and you give it to them, don’t take it away! Meaning during these Covid times, you gave that bread to another customer. That is disgusting! When she walked away, she whispered to a coworker making it a hostile enviroment. I will not be coming back after being treated this way.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 1
If you're looking for a low to mid-level full-service restaurant that caters more to quantity than quality, Mario is the place for you. This restaurant is perfect for teens who have hearty appetites and don't mind sacrificing a bit of taste for a larger portion size.The ambiance at Mario is casual and inviting, with its iconic checkered tablecloths adding a touch of nostalgia to the dining experience. Our kids used to love coming here for the generous portions and laid-back atmosphere.While the food might not be gourmet quality, it's satisfying and filling, making it a good option for families on a budget or teens looking to fill up without breaking the bank. The menu offers a variety of classic dishes that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.Overall, Mario is a decent choice for a no-fuss meal that won't disappoint if you're looking for quantity and a relaxed dining experience. Just don't expect haute cuisine or culinary masterpieces here.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 5
the best especially with
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
We love the pizzas here. Not to excited by other dishes on the menu. Ambiance needs improvement and has not changed over the 30 years we have been here. We mostly do take outs.
My place Italian food place awesome ? always come back please u read this. Make this your place to.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Garlic Bread, Lasagna, Baked Ziti, Meatball
Went in for the first time for pizza. Absolutely, horrible! wasn't even as good as school cafeteria pizza. Save your money and walk across the street to the better pizza shop.
My wife went in to pickup a large takeout order with only her credit card as she knew she would be carrying out a large box. She paid for the order and asked if the extra salad dressing she asked for was included. The server stated that it would be 25 cents extra. She was not going to add this as another transaction and said forget it. Food was mediocre at best. Reheated frozen chicken cutlets, watery sauce and meatballs the dog wouldn't eat. Won't be back.
I love Mario’s for the meatball sub. It’s probably the best meatball sub I ever ate and certainly the best one I eat on a regular basis. Get it with meat sauce and provolone cheese.I like it with a Mediterranean salad and a glass of Chianti. The service is casual but friendly. The style is old school with checked tablecloths and dark wood.They don’t take reservations and the wait can get long, but it’s worth it.Parking: City lot behind the restaurant (there is a back entrance) with metered parking.Kid-friendliness: They have a small kids menu, but mine prefers their chicken fingers and chocolate milk.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Garlic Bread, Mediterranean Salad, Meatball