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Stepping out in London: Da Mario restaurant

BY ONEIKA RAYMOND



Liebling and I are great fans of Italian food, and thus have been trying to find restaurants in London where we can get a good, home-cooked Italian meal.  Our search took us to Da Mario restaurant a few weekends ago.

We found Da Mario by fluke, after spending the afternoon walking around Notting Hill‘s Portobello Market. Hungry, we walked down to Kensington, past the palace that will house Prince William and Princess Kate in a few months’ time, and found ourselves on Gloucester Road, which is rife with restaurants.

Faced with an abundance of choices, we were stumped.  Where to eat? It was the smell of pizza wafting out from Da Mario’s that drew me to its half open door.  Liebling and I went inside.

 
 Da Mario is a cozy restaurant that serves Neopolitan fare. Cozy in atmosphere, that is.  While the upstairs is snugly fitted with about 10 or so small tables, I discovered that the basement of the restaurant has a spacious seating area, perfect for large groups.

 Once seated, we had the task of deciding what to eat.  Faced with too much choice, we lazily picked two pasta dishes. However, let it be known that Da Mario is famous for its pizzas.  The array of pizza pies was tempting, but as I was craving a good pasta, I literally went with my gut and hoped for the best. I ordered the pappardelle branzino, a broad pasta accompanied by grilled fish, and Liebling ordered the sapore di mare, a seafood spaghetti dish.  We also ordered bruschetta to start.

When the bruschetta arrived, I nearly fell out of my chair. There were two tiny pieces bread adorned with sweet peppers, goat’s cheese, and mixed leaves –  as an order clocks in at 6.50 GBP, I would have expected at least four pieces.  Still, I have to admit that the bruschetta was tasty, which surprised me as I typically despise goat’s cheese.

After a  long wait, our main dishes came.  Again, I was mildly appalled at what I considered to be a small serving. Again, my complaints were abated when I tasted the food.  The portions may be small, but they are delicious.  My pasta was perfectly al dente, and the fish was well grilled, yet still tender.  Liebling, often not easily impressed when it comes to food, loved his seafood pasta dish, though he also agreed that he would have liked a larger portion.

Still a bit hungry, but not wanting dessert, Liebling and I asked for the cheque.

Da Mario is a tad more expensive than some of the places we usually eat at, but is in line with the cost of restaurants in and around London’s West End.  The food is fresh and very good, and  while we waited a long time for the food to come, it was delicious. I would definitely go back again.
What is most important to you when you dine: quality or quantity?
DA MARIO, 15 Gloucester Road
London SW7 4PP
www.damario.co.uk
Tel:  020 7584 9078

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168 Comments

  • Quality WITH quantity. The portions didn't look too small, so I would have been pleasantly full.

    Thanks for the tip. Next time in Ldn……

  • I'm definitely for quality over quantity. After living in Japan for a little more than two years, I'm quite used to the small potion size. Thankfully, out of all of the restaurants I have been to all over this country, I have never been severed bad food. I've eaten extremely good Indian, Chinese, Mexican and of course, Japanese food.

    I personally would have gone with the margarita pizza. I *love* it, but the pasta looks yummy!

  • Quality is most important.

    The best food doesn't have necessarily have to be expensive. How expensive were the home-cooked meals that many of us grew up eating? Those meals were cheap by restaurant standards but they always managed to hit the spot.

    I also find that most of the time when you pay a lot at a restaurant what you are really paying for is the 'ambiance' of the place and not the food.

  • I love small portion sizes personally because I don't have a big appetite and hate wasting food (and they don't really "do" doggie bags here in France…)

    Sorry I've been a bad commenter lately…it's been a bit crazy with work, the dog's therapy sessions, and my in-laws visiting…but I've been catching snippets of what's new via FB and it sounds like you've got a lot of fun trips coming up (Dubai?? so jealous). Enjoy girl and can't wait to see and hear all about Malta!!

  • Definitely quality over quality here.

    That said, your first mistake was not going with what the resto does best: pizza. I find, that when dining at a resto I don't know, I choose what they're best at. In this case, you should have just gone with the pizza. You would have both the quality and quantity.

    I understand, however, why you didn't choose a pizza. The thing with Italian restos too is that dining is sometimes about enjoying all the courses: antipasti, primo, secondo, meat/fish, dulce, coffee.

    Anyway, it all looks good. And btw, goat cheese ROCKS!

  • Quality because that will leave with a good feeling about the meal. Plus, I live in Texas so we always have quantity.

  • Ummmmmm Italian food! It's always worth every penny.

  • @foosrock: I guess I'm just greedy??

    @Diana: Being in Canada and the States this summer made me get reaccustomed to large portions!

    @Jam: That s so true! I would rather pay less and forgo the frills!

    @Crystal: No worries girl! I'm interested to see how everything turns out with the dog whisperer!!

    @Tanya: I'm a fool for not eating their specialty but it's a good excuse to go back! As for chevre, I've never been a fan but warming up to it!

    @Tae: That's true but I feel like leaving hungry ruins my experience!

    @Andi: I agree!

  • I think it is possible to get both quality and quantity in London and I would not have been impressed by those tiny portions, no matter the taste! We went to Scala the other day, next to Tower Bridge, and their portions were very generous.

  • I've been to two amazing italian restaurants – both in Covent Garden area and both family owned but of course i can't remember the street they were on OR the name of the restaurant. sheesh.

  • I want quality AND quantity! Hope you find the perfect Italian restaurant soon, it's always nice to have a great stand-by for when you're not feeling creative and just want a solid meal.

  • @Emm: Is Scala the one by the Tate? I think I've walked past it before? Somehow the name sounds familiar. Will have to ask you for more recs!

    @withinireland: Darn! When you remember please let me know!

    @Emily: Which is very often with me LoL. The search continues!

  • Quality. I don't need large amounts of food (well, my waistline nor thighs need it). But I won't lie if the food is delish, and small portioned I want more. But I like the idea of less because it sooo make you go back for more!

  • So late on this but yep, I like both quality and quantity!
    The decor and ambience is lovely and welcoming so hopefully that made up for the rather pricey meal!
    Tell me, how are you negotiating the tipping (mine)field?:)

  • Love following your blog! I had to comment because you were speaking of Italian food — yum! Wishing you and Leibling many wonderful adventures in the future!

  • @kvowels: I like your way of thinking! I definitely will have to go back, but this time I'm thinking I'll have to eat a pizza!

    @sprite: I'm still lost with regards to tipping. In Canada, tipping 15 to 20% is standard so I've been doing that. However , if the service is poor, I've been finding that I won't tip in London at all! Any recommendations?

    @signorinabella: Thanks for dropping by! I agree that Italian food is comment-worthy.. 🙂 Are you from Italy?

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