I’ve been eating at Mario’s on Main Road in Green Point (right across from the stadium) for more than a decade now. The cozy family-run restaurant first opened in 1971 as the creation of Mario and Pina Marzagalli, and today is still operated by the immediate family. It has built up a loyal local following over the decades with many repeat clients, even though the food can be hit and miss. Still, this is the kind of place where repeat customers are greeted like family, and immediately shown to regular tables. And even though I am not a regular, I didn’t feel left out on the warm greeting when asking for a table for one. The service was excellent and attentive without being annoying –- they didn’t try to push me out, even though I was a solo dinner on a Friday night.

The menu focuses exclusively on traditional Italian fare, but is varied in its choices, which include 10 different pasta dishes as well as wood-oven pizzas and meat and seafood entrées. The pasta is made fresh in-house and many ingredients, including the Parma ham and salami, are imported from Italy. On this visit I tried the Caprese salad, and found it delicious: the Mozzarella was light and fresh, the basil flavorful and the tomatoes juicy and drizzled with just the right amount of olive oil and balsamic. Slightly more disappointing, however, was the spaghetti Bolognese, which tasted a bit bland from the sauce perspective, although the pasta itself was cooked right and of good texture. Save room for the homemade desserts.

Beyond the food, I like the interior décor at Mario’s, which while smallish, doesn’t feel cramped, with the white linen covered tables well-spaced. It has a cozy ambiance with green accented walls covered in art and graffiti (it is perfectly acceptable to comment on the food and sign your name on the wall). The wall of windows fronting the main road also keeps things bright. And the relaxed informal atmosphere means it works well if you’re traveling with the kids.

You can bring your own wine, but you’ll have to pay a R35 corkage fee – or choose from their list.