We went to trattoria Mario thanks to a recommendation from Jodi's friend, Missy. This place, that is only open for lunch and does not take any reservations, is located near the Mercato Centrale or Central Market, where one can either buy food (inside) or bags and souvenirs, outside.
We arrived twenty minutes before and there were already people waiting outside.
Few minutes later, they opened the door and told us to get seated at specific spots, mentioning that the kitchen would only open at 12pm.
At 12:05pm, the place was full and we heard them telling people that the wait would be thirty minutes.
One particularity of this place is that it is communal seating: that was our first experience in this type of setup and we ended up eating with two regulars who knew the staff so well that one of them helped himself by grabbing some bread next to the small kitchen. They told us that they come on a quasi daily basis, because the food is as good as the one cooked by Grandma.
Few minutes later, they opened the door and told us to get seated at specific spots, mentioning that the kitchen would only open at 12pm.
At 12:05pm, the place was full and we heard them telling people that the wait would be thirty minutes.
One particularity of this place is that it is communal seating: that was our first experience in this type of setup and we ended up eating with two regulars who knew the staff so well that one of them helped himself by grabbing some bread next to the small kitchen. They told us that they come on a quasi daily basis, because the food is as good as the one cooked by Grandma.
But let me restate how communal it is: imagine a table of two we are used to and put four people on it.
We looked at the menu that was fortunately translated in English and had to make our choice quickly. Jodi ordered the ravioli verdi alle zuccine or ravioli with zucchini.
This was a very nice dish, sort of peasant food. The ravioli by themselves were not that great, because the filling made with ricotta was a bit dry, but with the vegetables, it was succulent.
On my side, I ordered the manicotti al ragù.
It was good and hearty, but I would have liked more ragù. Portion wise, it was small and I guess it was on purpose do people would order an appetizer. Concerning the pasta, I am not sure they were freshly made and tend to think they were store bought.
With my meal, I got a carafe of Chianti.
Eating at Trattoria Mario was a very nice experience. The food was delicious and came very quickly to our table and we enjoyed talking to the people sitting with us, although the table was a little small for four people. I definitely recommend this place, but know that, if you go, they only accept cash.
Enjoy (I did)!
Trattoria Mario
Via Rosina, 2
50123 Florence, Italy
50123 Florence, Italy
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