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

Psst! Don’t forget to “like” me on Facebook if you haven’t already! Your support is much appreciated!

SHARING IS CARING

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on linkedin

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?

  • It’s wonderful that you are getting ideas from this paragraph
    as well as from our discussion made at this time.

  • What’s Happening i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It
    positively useful and it has aided me out loads. I’m hoping to give a contribution & help other
    users like its helped me. Good job.

  • I think this is one of the most vital info for me. And i’m glad reading your article.

    But want to remark on few general things, The website style is perfect, the articles is really great :
    D. Good job, cheers

  • Please let me know if you’re looking for a article writer for your weblog.
    You have some really great articles and I think I would be a good
    asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d absolutely love to write some content for
    your blog in exchange for a link back to mine.
    Please send me an email if interested. Cheers!

  • Heya outstanding blog! Does running a blog similar to
    this require a massive amount work? I have virtually no understanding of computer
    programming however I had been hoping to start my own blog in the near future.
    Anyways, should you have any suggestions or tips for
    new blog owners please share. I know this is off topic however I simply wanted to
    ask. Cheers!

  • An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a colleague who has been doing a
    little research on this. And he actually bought me lunch because I stumbled upon it
    for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thanks for the meal!!

    But yeah, thanx for spending the time to discuss this subject here on your internet site.

  • It’s difficult to find educated people about this subject, however, you seem like you know what you’re
    talking about! Thanks

  • Hi i am kavin, its my first occasion to commenting anywhere, when i read this post i thought
    i could also make comment due to this good article.

  • Hmm it appears like your site ate my first comment (it was super long) so I guess I’ll just sum
    it up what I wrote and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying
    your blog. I too am an aspiring blog blogger but
    I’m still new to everything. Do you have any helpful hints for
    rookie blog writers? I’d genuinely appreciate it.

  • Oh my goodness! Amazing article dude! Many thanks, However I am encountering issues with your RSS.
    I don’t know why I can’t subscribe to it. Is there anybody
    getting identical RSS issues? Anyone who knows the solution can you kindly respond?

    Thanx!!

  • I think this is among the so much vital information for me.
    And i’m happy studying your article. However wanna observation on few common things, The website taste is great, the
    articles is really great : D. Just right activity,
    cheers

  • Good post. I learn something totally new and challenging on websites I stumbleupon on a daily
    basis. It will always be useful to read content from other writers and practice something
    from other web sites.

  • I have read so many content regarding the blogger lovers except this article
    is in fact a good post, keep it up.

  • It’s actually a great and useful piece of information. I am glad that you simply shared this useful info with us.
    Please stay us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.

  • Have you ever considered about including a little bit more than just your articles?
    I mean, what you say is important and everything. However imagine if you added some great images or videos to give your posts
    more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with images and clips, this blog could
    definitely be one of the best in its field. Terrific blog!

  • Woah! I’m really enjoying the template/theme of this website.
    It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s challenging to get that “perfect balance” between superb usability and appearance.

    I must say you’ve done a fantastic job with this.
    Additionally, the blog loads extremely fast for me on Chrome.
    Excellent Blog!

  • Wow, awesome blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?
    you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your
    web site is fantastic, as well as the content!

  • Pretty! This was an incredibly wonderful post. Thank you for providing this info.

  • Howdy! Someone in my Facebook group shared this website with us so I came to
    take a look. I’m definitely enjoying the information. I’m
    bookmarking and will be tweeting this to my followers!
    Fantastic blog and outstanding style and design.

  • Thank you for the good writeup. It in fact was a amusement account
    it. Look advanced to far added agreeable from you! However, how can we
    communicate?

  • Its not my first time to visit this website, i am visiting this
    web page dailly and take pleasant data from
    here everyday.

  • It’s remarkable to pay a visit this web page and reading
    the views of all friends on the topic of this piece of writing, while I am also zealous of getting knowledge.

  • I visited many blogs except the audio feature for audio
    songs existing at this website is in fact fabulous.

  • Hi every one, here every person is sharing such knowledge, thus it’s good
    to read this weblog, and I used to pay a quick visit this webpage all the time.

  • Hey there! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any issues with hackers?
    My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing several weeks of hard work due to no
    backup. Do you have any methods to protect against hackers?

  • Woah! I’m really enjoying the template/theme of this website.
    It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s difficult to get that “perfect balance”
    between usability and appearance. I must say you have done a excellent job with this.
    Additionally, the blog loads extremely fast for me on Firefox.
    Superb Blog!

  • Hello, always i used to check weblog posts here in the early hours in the break of day,
    since i enjoy to gain knowledge of more and more.

  • Hey I am so glad I found your blog page, I really found you by error,
    while I was researching on Bing for something
    else, Nonetheless I am here now and would just like to say
    thank you for a marvelous post and a all round interesting blog (I also love the
    theme/design), I don’t have time to look over it all at
    the moment but I have saved it and also added your RSS
    feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a great deal more, Please do keep
    up the fantastic work.

  • It’s hard to find educated people in this particular topic, but
    you seem like you know what you’re talking about!

    Thanks

  • Wow, marvelous blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?
    you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your web site is fantastic, as well as the content!

  • Have you ever thought about publishing an e-book
    or guest authoring on other websites? I have a blog based on the same topics you discuss and would really like to have you share some stories/information.
    I know my viewers would enjoy your work. If you are even remotely
    interested, feel free to shoot me an email.

  • This piece of writing provides clear idea for the new users of blogging, that really how to do blogging and site-building.

  • I absolutely love your blog and find nearly all of your post’s to be
    precisely what I’m looking for. Does one offer guest writers to write content for yourself?
    I wouldn’t mind creating a post or elaborating on some of the subjects you write regarding
    here. Again, awesome website!

  • Aw, this was an exceptionally nice post. Taking the time and actual effort to make a superb article… but what can I
    say… I put things off a whole lot and don’t manage to get anything done.

  • It’s amazing in support of me to have a site, which is helpful
    for my experience. thanks admin

  • Hi there just wanted to give you a quick heads up and let
    you know a few of the images aren’t loading correctly.
    I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different web browsers and both show the same outcome.

  • Hi everybody , can anyone recommend where I can purchase Holistik Wellness?

  • What’s Happening i am new to this, I stumbled upon this Ihave found It absolutely helpful and it has helpedme out loads. I’m hoping to contribute & helpdifferent users like its aided me. Good job.Visit my blog post :: Lithederm

  • Thanks for ?h?ring your thoughts about souvenir pernikahan. RegardsHere is my b?og post; undangan pernikahan simple

  • I value this informative blog. Im searching on search engines for this type of info last but not least got a high quality one. This will assist with what I am considering regarding my research for my personal college task.

  • What’s up friends, fastidious post and pleasant arguments commented here, I amin fact enjoying by these.

  • Your style is unique compared to other people I have read stuff from.Many thanks for posting when you have the opportunity, GuessI’ll just bookmark this blog.

  • Nonetheless, we can look at what some of the expected players offerin other states.

  • Hello! I simply would like to give a huge thumbs up for the great information you may have right here on this post. I will be coming back to your blog for extra soon.

  • My brother recommended I might like this blog. He was totally right.This post actually made my day. You cann’t imaginejust how much time I had spent for this information! Thanks!

  • Tremendous issues here. I am very glad to seeyour article. Thanks so much and I am looking forwardto contact you. Will you please drop me a mail?

  • Wow that was odd. I just wrote an incredibly longcomment but after I clicked submit my commentdidn’t appear. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all thatover again. Anyway, just wanted to say superb blog!

  • I don’t even know the way I finished up here, however I thought this put up was great.I do not recognize who you’re but definitely you’re going to a well-known blogger for those who are not already.Cheers!

  • In the stands, masked fans hugged, high-fivedand took 1 last appear at the final score –Cleveland 24, Pittsburgh 22 – just to make confident.

  • I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of yourblog. It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more enjoyable for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a designer to createyour theme? Great work!

  • Heya this is a great post. I’m going to mail this to my friends. I came on this while browsing on google I’ll be sure to come back. thanks for sharing.

  • An intriguing discussion is definitely worth comment. I do think that you should write more on this subject matter, it may not be a taboo subject but generally people don’t discuss these topics. To the next! Cheers!!

  • A fascinating discussion is definitely worth comment. I think that you ought to write more about this subject matter, it might not be a taboo matter but typically people do not talk about such topics. To the next! Cheers!!

  • Clubhouse davetiye arıyorsanız clubhouse davetiye hakkında bilgi almakiçin hemen tıklayın ve clubhouse davetiye hakkında bilgi alın. Clubhouse davetiye sizler için şu anda sayfamızda yer alıyor.Tıkla ve clubhouse davetiye satın al!

Comments are closed.

Travel More, Spend Less

Sign up now and get a FREE copy of Oneika’s Top Tips for Saving Money on Accommodation!

Browse By Continent

The Americas

Europe

Asia

Africa

Australia

Browse By Continent

The Only Question:

Where to Next?

@ONEIKATRAVELLER
Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube Pinterest Rss

COPYRIGHT 2022 ONEIKA RAYMOND. WEBSITE DESIGN BY PINKNEY CREATIVE