A nod to the restaurant's origins as a pizzeria. Mario's still serves one of the best thin-crust pizzas in the Bronx. The crust is lacy and crisp with a slight char, topped with a bright, sweet-tart tomato sauce and rounds of high-quality fresh mozzarella. It's a simpler, more delicate version than the heavy 'New York slice' found elsewhere on Arthur Avenue, showcasing the family's Neapolitan roots.
Tips from diners
Order a pizza for the table to share while you wait for your mains. It's the best way to experience the original soul of Mario's.
The restaurant's most iconic appetizer. Slices of bread and fresh mozzarella are skewered, breaded, and fried until golden and melty. It is served with Mario's signature 'alla Romana' sauce—a rich, salty, and savory blend of butter, anchovies, and capers. It is a brilliant example of old-school Bronx luxury, with a flavor profile that is both intensely comforting and refined. Reviewers consistently name it as the must-order starter.
Tips from diners
Even if you don't like anchovies, try this. The sauce is blended so smoothly that it just tastes like savory, salty magic. You'll be using your bread to mop up every drop.
A study in refined simplicity. Large, handmade ravioli are filled with a remarkably light and creamy ricotta mixture, served in Mario's famous house tomato sauce. The sauce is known for its bright, clean tomato flavor, avoiding the heavy sweetness of commercial versions. It is a benchmark for the dish in New York City.
A masterpiece of slow-cooking. The veal shank is braised for hours until the meat is falling off the bone and the marrow is buttery and rich. It's served in a deep, concentrated sauce of aromatic vegetables and white wine, traditionally paired with a silky saffron risotto (Risotto alla Milanese). It represents the height of traditional Italian-American fine dining.
Mario's is one of the oldest family-run restaurants in the Bronx, now in its fifth generation. Originally a pizzeria, it evolved into a full-service restaurant that has hosted everyone from local families to celebrities and politicians. It is famous for its old-school atmosphere—think white tablecloths, jacketed waiters, and a deep sense of neighborhood history—while maintaining high standards for traditional Neapolitan-style comfort food.
The restaurant offers valet parking, which is a massive win on Arthur Avenue where finding a spot can be nearly impossible. Just pull up to the front door.
It's one of the few places left with a 'Sunday Dinner' feel every day of the week. Dress up a little—you'll feel more at home among the white tablecloths and the older neighborhood crowd.
Reservations are recommended, especially for large groups. It's a favorite for multi-generational family celebrations, so weekend nights can get very festive and loud.
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