Mario's Place
An upscale Northern Italian restaurant in Riverside, known for its classy atmosphere, patio dining, and weekend jazz.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Mario's Place
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An upscale Northern Italian restaurant in Riverside, known for its classy atmosphere, patio dining, and weekend jazz.
Reserve for Weekends
Weekend evenings are popular; making a reservation in advance is highly recommended to secure a table.
Enjoy Patio Dining
On warm evenings, opt for outdoor seating on the charming patio for a delightful dining experience.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Northern Italian
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Live Jazz and Upscale Ambiance
Experience live jazz every Friday and Saturday night, creating a sophisticated and lively atmosphere.
Northern Italian with French Influence
Savor exquisite Northern Italian cuisine with a touch of Southern French inspiration, crafted by Chef Leone Palagi.
Prime Location with a View
Dine with a charming view of the historic Mission Inn, offering a picturesque dining experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reserve for Weekends
Weekend evenings are popular; making a reservation in advance is highly recommended to secure a table.
Enjoy Patio Dining
On warm evenings, opt for outdoor seating on the charming patio for a delightful dining experience.
Pre- or Post-Dinner Drinks
Arrive early to enjoy cocktails at the lively bar, or visit after a show at the Fox Theater.
Consider the Prix Fixe
For an upscale experience, consider the prix fixe menu with expertly selected wine pairings.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reserve for Weekends
Weekend evenings are popular; making a reservation in advance is highly recommended to secure a table.
Enjoy Patio Dining
On warm evenings, opt for outdoor seating on the charming patio for a delightful dining experience.
Pre- or Post-Dinner Drinks
Arrive early to enjoy cocktails at the lively bar, or visit after a show at the Fox Theater.
Consider the Prix Fixe
For an upscale experience, consider the prix fixe menu with expertly selected wine pairings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mario's Place is lauded for its exceptional Northern Italian cuisine, attentive service, and beautiful ambiance, often described as a gem in Riverside. Diners rave about the calamari, pasta dishes, and desserts. While most experiences are overwhelmingly positive, some guests have noted very slow service during busy periods, with one review mentioning an unsatisfactory upcharge for extra sauce.
"We decided to get a reservation for this restaurant last-minute, and I'm glad we did. It was very packed, but we were sat right at our reservation time. We tried several items on the menu, but the lobster bisque, which was a special, was a standout. Overall, the entire experience was great -- from the food, to the service, and the ambiance -- all wonderful."
Amber Flores
"Amazing family owned restaurant that's been serving this block in downtown for over 20 years. The place is sophisticated, elegant and is a gem in Riverside. The food was incredible from start to finish, the service was attentive, friendly and very hospitable. The owner chef came out and we talked about the history of the place and what it was and how it became what it was today. He's an incredible asset to what makes this place so amazing. Katie also did an outstanding job, probably some of the best customer service I've seen in the restaurant industry. She deserves a promotion! If you haven't tried this place and you are looking for a good date night spot, this is the place to check out. The Calamari was cooked to perfection and came with this nice lemon butter sauce that complimented it well. The Leon Salad was earthy from the flavor of the beats, accompanied by the creamy tanginess of the goat cheese with a nice balsamic vinegrette was a perfect balance of flavors. The wood fired pizza and the mushroom risotto were outstanding. I would absolutely recommend this spot."
J G
"On Saturday night, we walked in and were able to get a table without a reservation. Thanks to the host, she is an awesome ❤️🔥 girl. Food was so good, especially their bread and the Caesar salad that I'd highly recommend. In addition, we had calamari fritti, Dungeness Crab, and a margaritas pizza. Located right in front of the Mission Inn."
Meredith Lee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend evenings, as the restaurant can get very busy.
Mario's Place serves upscale Northern Italian cuisine with influences from Southern France.
Yes, live jazz music is featured every Friday and Saturday night, typically starting around 9 or 10 pm.
Popular dishes include calamari fritti, various pasta dishes like Bucatini Amatriciana, wood-fired pizza, and their cheesecake.
Yes, the restaurant can accommodate dietary restrictions, including offering gluten-free pasta options.
The restaurant suggests a dressy attire for a romantic and upscale dining experience.
Parking is available in a garage behind the restaurant, with some street parking also an option.
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Eating Out In Riverside, California: The Best Local Restaurants
Across the road from The Mission Inn in the heart of downtown, you’ll find Mario’s Place, the premier location for Italian cuisine in Riverside. In addition to food, this restaurant features live jazz every Friday and Saturday at 10pm. Chef Leone Palagi creates dishes that fuse Northern Italian cuisine with inspiration from Southern France.
Experience - Active Nightlife & Entertainment
Location: 3646 Mission Inn Avenue Riverside, California 92501. A Contemporary Interpretation of Northern Italian Cuisine. Located next to the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, Mario’s offers some of the finest Northern Italian cuisine in all of Southern California.The recipient of a 5-Star from the Southern California Restaurant Writers Association and the Best of Excellence Award from Wine Spectator, those looking for superior cuisine in a compelling atmosphere flock to Mario’s Place.Mario’s Place’s lively bar is a favorite gathering point for friends to meet and enjoy cocktails prior to dining or sharing a nightcap after a performance at the Fox Theater.Live music begins at 9 pm on weekends.
10 Best Restaurants in Riverside CA for Every Taste and Occasion
As the oldest fine-dining restaurant in the city, Mario’s has been a favorite among generations of Riverside residents. The Italian eatery serves all the traditional dishes, including squash ravioli with sage butter, but the local favorite is the grilled prime angus steak with 15-year-old balsamic and horseradish infused oil. For a true upscale experience, opt for the prix fixe menu with wine pairings.
The 5 Best Gluten-Free Restaurants in Downtown Riverside
I made the mistake of not making a reservation - do yourself a favor and make a reservation if you plan to dine on a weekend evening. We were lucky to score a seat outside which wasn't ideal but it wasn't bad at all. It was a warm evening with perfect weather and we had a view of the Mission Inn across the street so it gave us a dining experience like eating at a restaurant in Italy or another country.
10 Best Restaurants in Riverside, CA
This restaurant has been serving up mouth-watering traditional pasta dishes since 1961. Top menu favorites are homemade lasagna and chicken Parmesan, and the portions are generous. Whether you are meeting friends for drinks, a business dinner, or a night out with family, Mario’s is a wonderful spot to gather.
5 Romantic Riverside Restaurants | Riverside, California
Mario’s Place: If you’re looking for the upscale, classy, super-romantic dinner spot in Riverside, Mario’s Place is it. The ambiance is quiet and intimate, with guests required to where something dressy. The menu consists of lamb chops, scallops, mushroom ravioli, and delicious pizza.
Top 18 Best Restaurants in Riverside, CA — Top EAT Places!
Visit this restaurant to eat up the distant chance that you have a ravenous coming outlook on looking at Mission Motel Show. Italian cooking is at Mario’s Place. Appear at this spot for a break and degust perfectly cooked calamari, mushroom risotto, and tortellini.
11 Best Restaurants in Riverside in 2023
3646 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501Phone: 951-684-7755 Visit Website. A post shared by Best Food in Riverside (@bestfoodinriverside). Mario’s Place is the ideal location for a dinner date or group dining experience.
15 Best Restaurants in Riverside, CA for 2025 (Top Eats!)
3646 Mission Inn AveRiverside, CA 92501(951) 684-7755 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. This restaurant just across the Mission Inn Hotel and Spa offers delicious Northern Italian dishes in a classy atmosphere.
Highest-rated Italian Restaurants in Riverside by Diners
- Rating: 4.0/5 (894 reviews)- Price level: $$$- Address: 3646 Mission Inn Ave. Riverside, California - Categories: Italian- Read more on Yelp
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