Royal Palm Beach Serves Up Authentic Pizza, Pasta, and Garlic Rolls That Take You To The Heart Of Italy

Florida might not be the first place that comes to mind for authentic Italian cuisine.

But hidden in Royal Palm Beach is a gem that’s been perfecting the art of Italian cooking for decades.

The Original Mario the Baker, with roots dating back to 1969 in North Miami, has been serving up mouthwatering Neapolitan dishes in Palm Beach County since 2001.

This family-owned establishment has earned a reputation for its incredible garlic rolls, perfectly crafted pizzas, and an authentic Italian menu that’ll satisfy any hunger.

Menu Highlights

Iconic Garlic Rolls: The garlic rolls at Mario’s are simply legendary. Fresh, fluffy, and bursting with flavor, these fragrant delights will haunt your dreams in the best possible way.

The extra garlic option will definitely keep vampires at bay for at least a week.

Pizza Perfection: The pizzas here are what authentic Neapolitan pies should be. Thin foldable crusts with just the right amount of sauce and cheese.

The Mario the Baker Special Pizza is also popular, with its crisp base and distinctly flavorful toppings.

Pasta Pleasures: Beyond pizza, Mario’s pasta dishes showcase generations of Italian cooking expertise.

The lasagna and gnocchi are authentic in preparation and taste, which is a true indicator of a quality Italian kitchen.

Submarine Sandwiches: Even the subs deserve special mention here.

Served on delicious bread rolls, these sandwiches elevate a casual lunch option to something memorable.

Dessert Delights: Save room for dessert! Because Mario’s doesn’t disappoint when it comes to sweet endings.

The cannoli is an absolute must-try, and the tiramisu provides that perfect coffee-infused conclusion to your meal. Both are prepared with the same attention to quality as everything else on the menu.

Atmosphere & Setting

Clean and Comfortable: The restaurant maintains a clean interior that feels welcoming without being cramped. Tables are well-spaced which allows for comfortable conversation without feeling like you’re dining with strangers.

Family-Friendly Vibe: The atmosphere caters perfectly to families just as well as romantic outings or dinners with friends.

Children receive crayons and activity placemats, and there is a kid’s menu as well.

Convenient Location: Situated across from the Regal Cinemas, Mario’s makes for the perfect dinner-and-a-movie night out.

Even with an 8 PM dinner you can easily make it to a 9 PM showing next door.

Traditional Decor: The restaurant embraces a classic Italian-American eatery aesthetic that feels authentic rather than themed. The decor contributes to a comfortable dining experience that lets the food remain the true star of the show.

Other Considerations

Value Pricing: While not the cheapest option around, the delicious food really does stand out on its own.

Specialty large pizzas run around $25 each, but the difference in taste from chain alternatives makes the slight premium completely worthwhile. Their wine list is also reasonably priced compared to most restaurants in the area.

Parking Convenience: The restaurant offers free parking in their lot and you’re sure to find a parking space.

Weekday Specials: Look out for weekday specials and combo deals that can make your dining experience even more affordable without compromising on quality or portion size.

Nostalgic Appeal: For many diners, especially those familiar with the original North Miami location, eating at Mario’s evokes fond memories of days gone by.

The recipes and preparation methods have remained consistent over decades, offering a taste of nostalgia alongside excellent food.

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The Original Mario the Baker
📍 1007 State Rd 7, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411
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