Mario's Restaurant: Authentic Italian Cuisine in Detroit

It had been too many years since my family ate at Mario’s, and we were so pleased to have a lovely dining experience here when we came for my birthday lunch on Friday, February 20, 2026. The atmosphere is elegant and beautiful. We were lucky enough to have the dining room completely to ourselves. We enjoyed the fireplace, and Frank Sinatra singing on the sound system. We all said multiple times how we felt like we had gone back in time to the 1950s. The food was incredible. We ordered a shrimp cocktail appetizer to share, and received complimentary house salads and minestrone soups. It was all very, very tasty. Our most pleasant surprise was that two of us ordered the fettuccine Alfredo, and our waiter cooked it tableside to perfection! It was very rich, creamy, and flavorful. That guy knows what he is doing, and he was very kind and polite while serving us. Thank you Mario’s for helping to make my birthday extra special. We will definitely be back in the near future!

If you’re looking for an authentic old‑school Italian dining experience, this place is an absolute gem. From the moment we sat down, everything felt like a step back into a time when hospitality and flavor were taken seriously. We decided to order every appetizer on the menu, and not a single one disappointed. Each dish came out bursting with flavor so good, in fact, that our table literally fought over the last meatball. And honestly, it was worth fighting for. The shrimp scampi was the biggest and most flavorful I’ve ever had perfectly cooked, buttery, garlicky, and unforgettable. The Caesar salad, made tableside, was another standout. Watching it prepared right in front of us added to the charm, and the taste was exceptional: crisp, fresh, and perfectly dressed. On top of the incredible food, the atmosphere was warm and inviting, the kind of place where you instantly feel at home. The service was just as impressive—attentive, friendly, and genuinely welcoming. Great atmosphere, great service, great food. This restaurant delivers in every way. Highly recommend.

Vintage supper-club vibe, Mario’s reminds you why the classics never go out of style. You won't leave hungry, and you certainly won't leave disappointed. The experience is a seamless flow of homemade comfort: The Start: Warm, crusty bread and a classic antipasto relish tray. The Middle: A choice of their signature homemade soups followed by a crisp, fresh salad. The Main: Hearty, authentic Northern Italian entrees that never disappoint.

I’ve been going to Mario’s for many years, and it has always felt like much more than just a restaurant. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and full of history. It’s the kind of place where traditions matter and guests are truly valued. The management team—Lou, Shawna, and Leeah—are consistently attentive, professional, and genuinely invested in making sure every guest has a great experience. Their presence and leadership are felt throughout the restaurant, and it shows in the way the staff treats people. Vince, in particular, treats you like family, not just a customer, and that personal touch is something you simply can’t replicate. There’s a reason Mario’s has stood the test of time and holds the title of the oldest Italian restaurant in Detroit. Longevity like that doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built on quality, relationships, and a deep commitment to hospitality. Mario’s represents the heart of Detroit dining, and it continues to be a place I’m proud to support and return to time and time again.

This is an old school restaurant with first-class service. I don't know if the all male, tuxedo wearing wait-staff is by design, but the service was amazing. Valet parking is extremely convenient for $10, and the lighting inside the restaurant, with the roaring fireplace on a cold day, makes this an incredibly cozy atmosphere. The separate, classic bar area is a great place to grab an after dinner cocktail. We absolutely love the ambiance of this place and are looking forward to our next visit. We were so moved by this place that we even joined some other folks on the dance floor. The tallented jazz and sax player set the mood, and my wife and I had a wonderful time. A+ and one of my new favorite places. It's been here forever, and sadly, this is only my 1st time visiting... but not my last!

We went on a Wednesday night, no reservations, there was us (2) and 1 other table being served. Roy was our server, he was very polite, attentive, and assured a fantastic experience. We ordered a bottle of a New Zealand sauvignon blanc, a Cesar salad, (excellent salad, and dressing was made and salad was tossed tableside) Seafood pasta, and Lamb Chops. Each entree comes with a bowl of minestrone soup (10/10) & either a potato with some green beans or a small plate of pasta with meat sauce, and the meal includes complimentary bread and an antipasti tray. All the food we received was top notch and we were stuffed. Will definitely return many times to come.

Waiter- fantastic. Very friendly, engaging and attentive. Valet service -fantastic. Food- 7/10 - delicious bread basket, antipasto tray and soup. Meals were supposed to come with pasta course-didn’t receive. Nothing was mentioned when we received green beans and a chunk of potato instead. Chicken piccata had no capers. Lasagna was dry with very little flavor. The attached photos are from the women’s bathroom

I had the best time for my birthday. Service was impeccable... food was Devine and atmosphere was absolutely breathtaking. The best time I've had in a while.