Upscale Northern Italian spot offering a classy patio-enhanced atmosphere & late-night weekend jazz.
Christina G
I made reservations for 4 to celebrate my friend’s birthday dinner at Mario’s. We were pleasantly surprised! The food was so yummy and exceeded our expectations. Pizza, bolognese, salad, bread, steak – all 5/5. Everyone was friendly and the place was clean. We had an odd experience with our waitress, hence the 4/5. She was nice, but she wasn’t very helpful or attentive. We were tended to more by the other staff. Initially, we ordered 4 gimlets, but only one of us enjoyed it. I felt bad because it was my friend’s birthday and didn’t want her to drink something she didn’t enjoy. I asked our waitress if we can change our drinks and she seemed to have taken it a bit too personally. She even made a point to say “well one of you drank more than half” – which I then let her know yes, SHE enjoyed hers but the rest of us didn’t. It almost felt like we were drinking a Margherita pizza flavored beverage. We replaced it with margaritas, but those weren’t too enjoyable either. Perhaps just stick to the food and not the bar items here. After we were done eating and the table had been cleared by the busboy, our waitress came to ask us if everything was okay. We had to ask her for the dessert menu because it wasn’t offered. Just overall, an odd odd vibe. But hey, good food
… moreK Cristal Bonilla
If you’re looking for an elevated Italian dining experience in Downtown Riverside, Mario’s Place is an absolute must. From the moment you step in, you can tell this is a higher-end, fine dining spot—the ambiance is charming, cozy, and thoughtfully designed, making it perfect for a date night or special occasion.
The food here is exceptional. The ravioli is perfectly crafted and bursting with flavor, while the classic margherita pizza—topped with fresh cheese, marinara, and basil—pairs beautifully with the Boccetto salad for a light yet satisfying combination. The attention to detail in each dish is apparent, and the flavors are authentic and memorable.
Service at Mario’s Place is equally impressive. The waitstaff clearly take pride in their knowledge of the chef’s specialties and are happy to make recommendations, which adds a personal touch to the dining experience. On select nights, you can even enjoy live music, which elevates the atmosphere further and makes the evening feel even more special.
The restaurant does lean toward the pricier side, with four-dollar signs reflecting its fine dining status, but every bite justifies the cost. Despite being popular and often packed, the staff manage to keep the service seamless and attentive.
Whether you’re a longtime lover of Italian cuisine or just seeking a memorable night out, Mario’s Place delivers on both flavor and experience. A true gem in Downtown Riverside!
… moreCindy Hertel
I took my boyfriend here for his birthday. It was just what I hoped. Perfect date night atmosphere and excellent service. Food was delicious although I wish they offered a bit more on the menu. They did have certain special food not on the menu, I guess it changes every day. I had mushroom ravioli since lots of people said it’s yummy. It was really good. My man got some tomato beef pasta dish I forgot the name he liked it too. And we shared a clam pizza(special item) and it was delicious. If you’re looking for a more elevated dinning experience without spending a fortune this is the place to be!
… moreXY
We were very glad to have our Christmas Eve dinner here. All the dishes were delicious, with great layering of flavors and textures. The price was very reasonable for such high-quality food. Highly recommended.
… moreRobin Lakin
I’ve only been there two times, but each occasion the food was great and our waiter Justin was amazing. It’s a little expensive, but it is a solid place to eat and it’s worth it! However, It’s a little dated, they could use a renovation, but they do have really big booth tables which are nice. Also, if they served their calamari with an aïoli sauce, it would be much better! The only real gripe I have is the first night we went there it was my husband’s 49th birthday and I had requested in the reservation that they give us a fun table. The picture attached is the table they tried to seat us at for my husband’s birthday. It was freezing that night, the table was next to a window and right next to the door, that was constantly opening and closing. It was not fun in anyway, it was in the corner. When I asked what happened to the fun table that I requested, they said “that’s the table they chose for me because it’s the best one.” It was a lie, they never read my reservation request, so I asked them to move us to a booth, and they did. Other than that everything was great. I would suggest asking for a booth when you make your reservation because I asked for a fun table and look what they gave me (The host is only 18 years old and has no idea what he’s doing). I refused to take the first table and waited for a booth and it was worth it. As for the food, you can’t really go wrong with the swordfish and mustard sauce, calamari, and if you get a pizza, make sure you ask them to cook it well done because they come out a little bit undercooked. This really is a great restaurant. They just need to freshen up the decor and train the host they have to better serve the customers.
… moreJ G
Amazing family owned restaurant that’s been serving this block in downtown for over 20 years. The place is sophisticated, elegant and is a gem in Riverside. The food was incredible from start to finish, the service was attentive, friendly and very hospitable. The owner chef came out and we talked about the history of the place and what it was and how it became what it was today. He’s an incredible asset to what makes this place so amazing. Katie also did an outstanding job, probably some of the best customer service I’ve seen in the restaurant industry. She deserves a promotion! If you haven’t tried this place and you are looking for a good date night spot, this is the place to check out. The Calamari was cooked to perfection and came with this nice lemon butter sauce that complimented it well. The Leon Salad was earthy from the flavor of the beats, accompanied by the creamy tanginess of the goat cheese with a nice balsamic vinegrette was a perfect balance of flavors. The wood fired pizza and the mushroom risotto were outstanding. I would absolutely recommend this spot.
… moreMonique Gershon
This is most definitely a go to place if you want a delicious meal. 10 out of 10 I highly recommend. I can’t get enough of this place and now I have my cousin addicted. It is a must have. And If they have the swordfish available please do yourself a favor and order it. You’ll be glad you did.
… moreRobert Martinez
From the moment we walked in, Mario’s Place set the tone for an unforgettable evening. We were warmly greeted and promptly seated in a comfortable booth, which immediately made us feel at home. Our server was attentive and friendly, ensuring our beverage orders were perfect right from the start.
The appetizers were nothing short of amazing—beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. When it came to the main course, every dish was a hit! Each of us had something different, and every plate was cooked to perfection, showcasing authentic Italian flavors that exceeded our expectations.
The ambience was elegant yet inviting, creating the perfect backdrop for a relaxed dinner. What truly stood out was the exceptional service. Not only was our server top-notch, but the manager personally came by to greet us and chat for a bit, adding a personal touch that made the experience even more special.
Overall, Mario’s Place delivered on every level—delicious food, outstanding service, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Highly recommended for anyone looking for an authentic Italian dining experience!
… moreJuliette Vara
Our experience at Mario’s was excellent. Quality good food and excellent, happy staff that have been with the restaurant for decades. They treat you like family and care about good service and hospitality. We sat at the bar and had mushroom risotto, lemon calamari salad, raviolis and pizza — all we very good. Holiday music was playing and it’s a festive happy environment. Mario’s made our weekend feel special.
… moreraina kitchens
One of our favorite girls night spots. The mushroom ravioli is a must try. Drinks are perfect and the bartenders are so fun!
… more