Marios Place - Riverside (CA)

5 /5 Monique Gershon: This is most definitely a go to place if you want a delicious meal. 10 out of 10 I highly recommend. I cant 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. Youll be glad you did.

5 /5 J G: Amazing family owned restaurant thats 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. Hes an incredible asset to what makes this place so amazing. Katie also did an outstanding job, probably some of the best customer service Ive seen in the restaurant industry. She deserves a promotion! If you havent 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.

4 /5 Robin 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.

5 /5 XY: 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.

5 /5 K 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!