Trattoria Mara
A charming trattoria serving authentic Friulian home cooking with warm hospitality. Experience traditional recipes in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Trattoria Mara
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming trattoria serving authentic Friulian home cooking with warm hospitality. Experience traditional recipes in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
"It felt familiar and welcoming in a very authentic way. Food was great, the place has a very unique charm."
Reservations Essential
Book in advance! This cozy spot is popular with locals and has limited hours; reservations are highly recommended.
Try Mrs. Mara's Grappa
Don't miss the homemade grappa, a special digestive prepared by Mrs. Mara herself for a unique taste of tradition.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Italian (Friulian)
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+39 345 859 8242
Address
Via Vittoria Colonna, 5, 34124 Trieste TS, Italy
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Grandma's Kitchen Vibes
Experience authentic Friulian recipes in a cozy, home-like atmosphere, as if visiting your beloved grandma. Managed by Mrs. Mara, it's a true taste of tradition.
Hearty Friulian Classics
Savor delicious homemade dishes like Gnocchi di Pane with Goulash, Frico con Patate, and Cjarsons. A true taste of traditional Friulian cuisine.
Homemade Desserts
Indulge in delightful homemade desserts such as chocolate lava cake, tiramisu, and apple strudel, perfect for a sweet ending to your meal.
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Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reservations Essential
Book in advance! This cozy spot is popular with locals and has limited hours; reservations are highly recommended.
Try Mrs. Mara's Grappa
Don't miss the homemade grappa, a special digestive prepared by Mrs. Mara herself for a unique taste of tradition.
Share & Savor
Portions are flavorful but can be small. Consider ordering multiple dishes to share and experience a variety of tastes.
Seek Quiet Times
Visit during off-peak hours for a more intimate dining experience, away from the bustling city center.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reservations Essential
Book in advance! This cozy spot is popular with locals and has limited hours; reservations are highly recommended.
Try Mrs. Mara's Grappa
Don't miss the homemade grappa, a special digestive prepared by Mrs. Mara herself for a unique taste of tradition.
Share & Savor
Portions are flavorful but can be small. Consider ordering multiple dishes to share and experience a variety of tastes.
Seek Quiet Times
Visit during off-peak hours for a more intimate dining experience, away from the bustling city center.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Trattoria Mara is celebrated for its authentic Friulian cuisine and exceptionally cozy, home-like atmosphere, often compared to visiting a beloved grandmother's house. Diners rave about traditional dishes like Cjarsons, Gnocchi di Pane with Goulash, and Frico, as well as the delicious homemade desserts. While the food and warm service are consistently praised, some reviews note the small portions and the importance of making reservations due to the restaurant's popularity and limited space.
"Nice local place, with friendly service and good food.
We had discovered the dish ‘gnocchi di pane’ 2 nights ago, in a different restaurant and felt like having it again and searched for a restaurant that had that on the menu and we found that in ‘Mara’.
The goulash, which came with the gnocchi, was better than in the other restaurant, but we liked the gnocchi itself, more the first time 😉
Because we had a big lunch, we shared the dish, with some vegetables on the side. Those were very overcooked.
As dessert we shared a chocolate lava cake, that was very nice.
I missed some music, for some extra atmosphere.
And again, like we experienced in the afternoon too, somewhere else, they had a hole in the ground as a toilet, really oldskool, not really convenient for elderly guests.
Overall a nice place worth going too for the traditional food."
BestByBoris (Supertaster)
"We came on a whim and they fit us in but don't make that mistake, make reservations!
It was delicious. We had the meat and cheese plate, Gnocchi with Ragu, Jota, pan roasted vegetables and the tiramisu. Everything was so good. Highly recommend"
Jeremy Young
"On July 25, I ran into this place after reviewing options through google maps. I went in alone and the welcoming and service from each one of the people hosting the place was the best I have had in years. It felt familiar and welcoming in a very authentic way. Food was great, the place has a very unique charm that I cannot describe, but might have been biased by the people managing the place. On top of that, the same night I made a new friend, and I also saw the most beautiful eyes in another table where she was with her family and I did not dare to interrupt, but still added magic to the night"
Omar Juarez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, reservations are highly recommended. The restaurant is small and very popular with locals, so it's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak times.
Popular dishes include Gnocchi di Pane with Goulash, Frico con Patate, Cjarsons, and the homemade desserts like apple strudel and tiramisu.
Yes, the atmosphere is often described as cozy and welcoming, reminiscent of a grandma's house, making it suitable for a family meal.
The restaurant has limited opening hours, and it's best to check them directly or make a reservation to confirm availability.
While the menu focuses on traditional Friulian dishes which can be meat-heavy, dishes like Frico con Patate and some pasta options might be suitable. It's best to inquire about specific vegetarian options when booking.
Yes, diners highly recommend trying the homemade grappa prepared by Mrs. Mara, which is a unique and delightful experience.
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Best Things to do in Trieste, Italy
Head to Trattoria Nerodiseppia for the best fish delicacies (and some seriously good desserts), or enjoy the homely atmosphere and the traditional Friulian recipes in Trattoria Mara. Order cjalsons (thick ravioli filled with herbs, covered with butter and breadcrumbs), or Friulian frika: hearty cheese and potato hash.
Top 26 Restaurants in Trieste for Food Lovers in 2024 (a local guide)
At Trattoria Mara, you will find many typical Trieste dishes and also something from the rest of the Region. It is one of the most affordable places to eat in Trieste. Potato dumplings with goulash, polenta, pasta, soups, and homemade desserts will teach you a lot about Trieste's history.
27 Best Restaurants In Trieste For Food Lovers
You will find many typical Trieste dishes and something from the rest of the Region there. It is one of the most affordable places to eat in Trieste. Potato dumplings with goulash, polenta, local ravioli, soups like Jota, and homemade desserts will teach you much about Trieste’s history.
Trieste guide - by Anja Bendekovic
This is a place to try the traditional, rustic Friulian cuisine- a mix of Italian and neighboring Slovenian. Don’t miss the frico - a thick pancake made of cheese and potatoes, and the cjalsons - dumplings filled with herbs and covered with butter and grated cheese or breadcrumbs.
25 BEST Trieste Restaurants (Expert Guide 2024)
The menu is small and changes depending on the season and ingredients. Polenta, cjarsons (traditional ravioli) home-cured meats, smoked ricotta and La Gubana (traditional pastry) are some of the menu items. Reservations recommended as it is small.
The Best Trieste Restaurants
It’s such a local favorite that you won’t get in without a reservation in summer!. It offers a menu of local Friulian classics, like frico and gnocchi with goulash. It’s a good choice if you want to try the region’s traditional food.
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