This Gold Coast restaurant is a lot smaller than it looks at first glance, but that's a plus, in my book. The menu is also larger than I expected. It leans heavily towards standard Italian fare, in gigantic serving sizes (but half-orders are available, a nice touch). I had the Heart of Palm & Cucumber salad, and it was delicious. Light, crisp, and flavorful. It also includes pine nuts, which I'm a sucker for, I must admit.
Mario's is proud of their martini menu, and the small bar seemed cozy if not too close to the seating, where boisterous conversation sometime overwhelmed more reasonable table manners. But, speaking of manners, a stern but friendly sign reminds parents that children must behave in order to be welcomed. Bravo for that, Mario! Located at Goethe and Dearborn.