Mario's Gold Coast Ristorante: User Reviews

Love the neighborhood, but not this restaurant
By Sharon from East Village, May 11, 2009

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I've walked by this restaurant for years, but never stopped in. Finally decided to try it recently when I got a coupon in the mail, and unfortunately that will be my last time. The food was completely boring, and the place is kind of dark and dismal. There are waaaaay better Italian restaurants in the city. Too bad - I had high hopes since it's so close to home.

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Mario's Misses the Mark
By Foodie from Gold Coast, June 18, 2008

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Upon recommendation from a longtime resident of the Gold Coast, a neighbor and I checked out Mario's for the first and last time. Although they really tried with the service, the food was forgettable, and the ambiance bland. We remained hopeful throughout but the Tiramisu was topped with Hershey's syrup and that took the cake. Sorry Mario!

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Good bet if you're in the area
By strass from Uptown, February 19, 2008

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We met some friends here on a Saturday night (they live in the Gold Coast). The atmosphere was warm and cozy, and we received great service. The food was tasty but way overpriced--$20 for shells, shrimp, and broccoli in an olive oil dressing? Not sure I'd make it a point to return, but overall it was a decent experience.

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Good, Casual Neigborhood Ristorante
By jmreyesiii from Schaumburg, IL, January 5, 2008

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My wife and I celebrated our 11th wedding anniversary by having dinner here. We wanted to eat somewhere that was more casual and not a "chain restaurant." Despite other reviews we read ahead of time, we thought the food was tasty - - especially the char-grilled calamari. I tried the chicken vesuvio, which was listed as a specialty item on this website, and the chicken was tender and juicy. My wife had the tortellini jambalaya, and this meal had just the right spiciness to it. On our visit there we did see someone who we assumbed to be Mario, and he did greet several customers. However, he didn't stop by our table (the tables directly adjacent to us, yes) nor some of the tables at one section of the restaurant - -hmm? Regarding price, it was more than what this website listed - - I'd say $13 - $23. Anyway it was still a good place to try, and the wait staff did do a good job checking on us.

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Horrible food, tastes frozen!
By Bombshell from Gold Coast, October 11, 2007

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If you want crappy Italian food buy Stouffers, it's better and less expensive.

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Great food and friendly staff....
By Beyondo from Chicago, IL, September 13, 2006

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Great food and friendly staff. Lots of vegg. options and Mario will stop by to see how things are going. A great neighbourhood joint.

I met a blind date...
By Elaine Robinson from Evanston, Il, July 18, 2006

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I met a blind date at Mario's. The date was a dud but at least I found this hidden gem.
The food was great and the portions were huge. Mario stopped by our table to make sure everything was good.
The service was incredible without being intrusive (which quite frankly would have been welcome.
I can't wait to return with a date I will actually enjoy.

being a long time resident...
By Nancy from Chicago, IL, May 24, 2006

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being a long time resident of the Gold Coast area I have seen many come and go. While Marios is a mainstay and having Mario visit each table is nice, the prices here have made it just an average place to dine. While the food is above average, there are other establishments in the area that have better ambiance for the same price.

Great food-very delicious. The rest....
By Beyondo from Chicago, IL, April 26, 2006

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Great food-very delicious. The rest. is a bit cramped, but it's the Gold Coast. Mario is usually around to say hello-a nice touch in this age of corporate/faceless chain restaurants. A bit pricy, but not at the same level as other places that are not quite as good.

have been there a few...
By MJ from chicago, il, February 19, 2006

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have been there a few times the food tastes like it comes out of a can definatly not too authentic however the service is remarkable, have some very nice ladies who work there. only thing that keeps me going back