Traveller, bon viveur, wine lover and computer professional
Traveller, bon viveur, wine lover and computer professional
Member since:11.02.2001
Reviews:26
Members who trust:7
They say Chinese people won't frequent restaurants where the kitchen is hidden away. They'd have no problems with Da Mario Restaurant. An open kitchen runs along the right and up to the window. Chefs in smart whites and caps in large back and white checks josh with waiters at quiet times. But there's not many of those because this Italian restaurant is a popular destination for students, business and conventioneers.
The restaurant serves home made food from inexpensive pizzas and pasta to steaks and classic meat dishes. I eat here every time I visit Leeds and the same waiters seem to be working there for many years. Perhaps that's because this is a family run restaurant since 1976. In idle moments I wonder the relationship between the staff. Surely the man on the door is the young son who, as maitre de, thinks he's in charge, the woman behind the bar is the eldest daughter who really is, and is that the father in chefs whites?
Marble-topped round tables range from just big enough to hold a couple of plates to ones capable of seating ten nurses. Yes, there was a medical conference that week and overheard conversation's ranged from who was sleeping with whom to description of medical procedures that made me wince.
When you are seated the lady from the bar comes over and takes your drink order. I chose the house wine, very drinkable at £8.95 a bottle (£2 a glass). Your order is quickly and efficiently taken and there's a resulting bustle of activity in the kitchen. A passing waiter deposits a basket of hot spongy bread from the pizza oven. I enjoyed Scapollini Schnitzel, served with a fried egg on top and a garnish of anchovies, capers and black olives. For side dishes I had an excellent mixed salad and sauteed potatoes. Dessert menu is short with all the usual suspects featured.
I can thoroughly recommend this welcoming restaurant a short walk from Leeds station on the other side of the shopping precinct. I ate there four times at the end of March 2001. I was remembered on my second visit and by my fourth they knew my likes and greeted me like a friend.
Da Mario Ristorante and Pizzeria 105/107 The Headrow Leeds LS1 5JW
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Apr 19th, 2001
(Apr 7th, 2001)
very helpful by (100%):
