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Bites Nearby: Mario's Pizzeria and Ristorante

Check out Mario's in Plainview for classic Italian food.

You could stand on a corner and look around until a restaurant sign draws you in. But we've got a better idea. Each week, Patch picks a great restaurant either in town or nearby that is worth checking out. Here's this week's choice:

Mario’s Pizzeria and Ristorante, Plainview Location

Overview: Mario’s is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and its traditional Italian cuisine. They have a friendly staff and the restaurant is clean and attractive. The atmosphere is welcoming, just like a traditional Italian family’s house. The wait staff talks to the customers as if they were family and always offer service promptly, with a smile.

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Decor: There are paintings on the walls of Italian villages that are so realistic and life-like that it’s hard to remember that you are not in Italy. The place is brightly lit and has a good amount of windows letting in natural light. It has a cozy and homey feel. The restaurant seating is separate from the pizza ordering section.  

The Drinks: There is a wine list that is broken down into red and white wines. The wines range from $18 for the Sutter Home White Zinfandel to $32 for the Kendall Jackson Vinter’s Reserve Chardonnay. The red wines range from $18 for the Santa Rita Merlot to $38 for the Ruffino Tan Label Chianti. There is a list of cocktail drinks, which include Mangopolitan and Mario’s Frozen Margarita.

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Appetizers:  There is a wide range of starters for Mario’s. Baked clams oreganata ($9.00 for six) and mozzarella sticks ($7.75 for eight). You can get fresh mozzarella and tomato ($10.25). There is also non-Italian appetizers of chicken tenders with honey mustard, tomato sauce or barbeque sauce ($7.95) and wings with Mario’s homemade buffalo sauce served with celery, carrots and blue cheese ($8.00). There is also fresh bread with butter and garlic knots on the tables at the beginning.

Entrees: The entrees are typical Italian dishes such at chicken verde which is a battered breast of chicken topped with fresh broccoli and melted mozzarella cheese in a white wine and light marinara sauce. It is served with your choice of pasta: penne, spaghetti, linguini, rigatoni, angel hair, fusilli, fettuccini or whole wheat pasta ($17.50). There is also a Flounder fillet which is broiled in a lemon, wine butter sauce, served with feta cheese risotto and a vegetable medley ($17.95). For those who don’t like fish or chicken, there is a T-bone steak served with mashed potatoes and sautéed spinach ($21.00). For vegetarians, there is a whole list of pasta specialties such as penne alla vodka ($13.50), fettuccini alfredo ($12.50) and fusilli all' primavera ($13.95).

Sides: Dishes range from meatballs ($6.25), sautéed broccoli rabe ($6.75), and regular broccoli ($6.75). There are also lists for salads, such as a tossed garden salad ($4.95), and an antipasto salad ($7.25). The salads can also be ordered in a large portion, not just a side. There are things you can add to the salads, such as shredded mozzarella, fresh grilled or fried chicken, and shrimp for an additional cost. They come with a variety of dressings including caesar, balsamic vinaigrette, blue cheese, honey mustard, Italian and Russian. There is also fresh soup made daily ($4.95) and the soup changes every day.

Desserts: A popular dessert for Mario’s Restaurant are the Italian ices which come in chocolate, cherry, rainbow, and vanilla with chocolate chips ($2.50 each). Who wouldn’t want to go to an Italian restaurant and not have an Italian ice? There is also a chocolate mousse ($6.00) and a traditional tiramisu ($6.00). Cannoli’s come in two for a romantic dessert with your love ($5.00).

Service: Wait time for tables was short and the servers are punctual in getting to your table. The wait staff is very friendly and helpful. They are quick to serve and willing to help customers; explaining what the dishes were and how they were made.

Signature Dish: Frutti Di Mare.

Address: 635 Old Country Road, Plainview.

Cost: $$

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