Pasta by the River-Da Mario Pizzeria

Da Mario actually started as a humble joint which served very homely pasta and pizzas. Last year, when I visited them again, they actually moved to a bigger restaurant with a slightly more posh feel but still retaining the cosiness associated with family pizzeria. I love supporting such places where you can see their business grow over the years due to the hard/heartwork of the team.

I ordered the Spaghetti al Cartucio and Pizza Rustica.


This is made of Italian sausages, cheese and rustica.


The picture says a thousand words isnt it. The piping hot gooey cheese and sausages were a heavenly mix. I can still remember the taste when I sank my teeth into the pizza. The crust was made just the way I like it, it wasnt too thin or thick and there is a freshness to it as I think they made the pizza in house. The portion was just nice for 2 people.


This seafood pasta is cooked with white wine, tomato sauce and garlic and then wrapped in "paper" which sealed in the flavour. It usually takes about 20 minutes to prepare. So be patient. $18.


The spaghetti was infused with the flavour but I found it a wee bit too wet and soft. But the consistent texture of the savoury sauce saved it and the really hearty serving of fresh seafood. I lost count of the prawns that came with it, there were 2 mussels at least, scallop and lots of clams and squids. $22.

The waiters are friendly and many have been there since day 1 which is a testamount to the fact that the boss is nice. This pizzeria is diagonally opposite Gallery Hotel at Robertson Quay. I will recommend it as a place to chill out with your friends or your boyfriend on lazy Sunday. But reserve in advance on friday nights