JULIET ATE HERE | receipt no. 7 — marios, fitzroy

RECEIPT OBSERVED No. 7:
Mario’s, Fitzroy
(A character study in garlic bread, penne, and loyalty)

Receipt No. 7
Mario’s, Fitzroy
Adventure Friday
Friday 18 July 2025
Total: $108.50
With: Sam

While we were waiting outside Mario’s, I admitted to Sam that I never really wanted to come here. I’d heard the recommendations, especially about the pasta, but for some reason I’d filed it away as “not for me.” I was wrong. Very wrong. And I love being wrong.

We walked in without a booking, hoping for a window seat. The place was full. Groups of two, mostly. It was cold outside, but no one else was waiting, so we were seated quickly.

Our waiter introduced himself without really introducing himself. He just appeared and started chatting. Later, we’d learn his name was David, and that he’s worked at Mario’s for 35 years. That detail alone should’ve told me we were in for something good.

We asked him what to drink. “Cab Sauv,” he said. No hesitation. Just like that. We both ordered it.

We asked him what to eat. “People come here for years and only ever order the penne amatriciana. It’s the bestseller. It’s the one.”

We ordered the penne. And chicken saltimbocca. “Garlic bread?” he offered next, with a glint in his eye. “It’s the best in town.”

Sam and I shared everything. The food was generous, rich, comforting, and genuinely delicious. The garlic bread had visible pieces of real garlic. The penne was a standout, spicy, sweet, sharp. The kind of pasta that makes you look at each other and nod. And the saltimbocca? Crispy, silky, delicious.

It wasn’t just the food though. It was David. His stories, his timing, his ease. He told us the menu above the lasagne hasn’t changed in 40 years. The specials below it change, but that top half? Untouchable.

He showed us an old photo of himself on the wall from 32 years ago. He pointed out the original Marios. One’s still working. One’s retired. Another staff member, Massimo, has been there 49 years. Even our other server had been there a decade.

It’s clear that people stay here. And when the staff stay, the customers do too.

At one point Sam said, “I feel like I’m in Italy.” I agreed.

“Half the price. Same fun. Different ride.” Compared to some of the fancier places we’ve been lately. No theatrics. Just subsance.

It’s not often that dinner leaves you feeling like you’ve just made a friend. But David made us want to come back. Soon.

We finished with chocolate cake à la mode. Chunky. Soft. Cream and ice cream on the side. Solid finish.

We walked away full, happy, and a little bit changed. I didn’t know until I knew. Now I know.

Server: David, 35 years in. Friend by entrée.
Quote of the night: “Have some garlic bread? Best in town.”
Line we’ll remember: “Let’s just go to Mario’s.”
Vibe: loyal, lived-in, family-run.