Da Mario

Da Mario Pizzeria
60 Robertson Quay #01-10
The Quayside
Tel: 6235-7623
Closed on Mondays

Here’s a great Italian place that has been under the radar. Based on its appearance, you wouldn’t expect too much from this place (and that’s if you notice it at all) but this hole in the wall rustic Italian place is a discovery.

Kudos to Mario, the chef plugs in his ipod and works in a tight space with his cooks. The handmade pizzas that they make are slight different from what is served in Singapore. Not thick crusted but not exactly paper thin either, it is slightly puffy but thin enough to have a good crisp and topped with cheese, Mario’s homemade sauce and your choice combinations. We went with the Rustica with was Italian sausage and mushrooms and it was good.

And the pastas, homemade goodness and portions that will make sure you are well fed. His creation such as the today’s special of crab cappelini that was delicate and yet powerfully featured the sweetness of the crab.

Pizzas and pastas aside, the proof of the restaurant is really in its salad. The chef’s salad of fresh tomatoes, crisp salad greens, simply sautéed mushrooms and creamy mozzarella and drizzled with balsamic vinegar, so simple so fresh and so good. The calamari that we split was also fabulous, ethereal light batter that coated the squid rings it was a great way to start eating.

There is much to love here the smallness of the place that creates comfort and the personality, the passion and the warmth that all comes through in the food.