Mario's Restaurant & Pizzeria

- 710 Van Houten Ave, Clifton, NJ 07013

Introduction / Overview

Mario’s Restaurant & Pizzeria is more than just an Italian restaurant; it is a true Passaic County landmark and a treasured piece of New Jersey history. Since its founding by Mario and Emma Barilari on July 4th, 1945, Mario’s has proudly served as Clifton's oldest restaurant and its very first pizzeria. For generations of New Jersey locals, this establishment has been a staple, a place where families gather and cherished memories are made over authentic, traditional Italian dishes served at reasonable prices.

The ambiance at Mario's transports you back in time, offering a classic, cozy, and historic atmosphere. It’s a casual, family-friendly setting that has continually expanded over the years to accommodate its dedicated customer base, including a large space suitable for banquets and private events. The welcoming environment appeals to a wide crowd, from locals and families to groups and tourists looking for a taste of New Jersey’s rich culinary history. Mario’s has cemented its reputation not just as a casual dining spot but as a significant cultural center in Clifton.

The heart of Mario's culinary fame lies in its pizza, particularly the renowned, very thin-crust "Emma Style" pie, named for the founder who preferred her pizza paper-thin, yet still pliant and tender. This unique, award-winning pizza has earned Mario's accolades as "New Jersey's Best Pizza" many times over. Beyond the famous thin-crust options, the menu is a comprehensive celebration of Italian-American comfort food, featuring hearty pastas, classic chicken and veal preparations, and fresh seafood dishes. From a quick bite for solo diners to a full family feast, Mario's commitment to fresh, traditional food remains a cornerstone of its seven-decade-long legacy.

Location and Accessibility

Conveniently located in the heart of Clifton, New Jersey, Mario's Restaurant & Pizzeria sits at 710 Van Houten Ave, Clifton, NJ 07013, USA. This central Passaic County location makes it easily accessible for residents across Northern New Jersey. The restaurant ensures a welcoming visit for all guests by offering dedicated accessibility features.

Parking is straightforward and stress-free for diners, with both a complimentary parking lot and free street parking available. This eliminates the usual hassle of finding a spot and contributes to the relaxed, casual experience. For guests requiring specific accommodations, Mario's is committed to full accessibility, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, designated parking lot spots, and an accessible restroom and seating arrangements. Its location on a main avenue also makes it a simple stop for those traveling through the area or making a visit specifically for its famous thin-crust pizza and historic atmosphere.

Services Offered

Mario's Restaurant & Pizzeria provides a wide array of dining and hospitality services to meet the diverse needs of the New Jersey community:

• Dine-in: Enjoy the historic, cozy, and casual atmosphere with table service for lunch, dinner, or brunch.
• Takeout: Place an order and pick up your Italian favorites to enjoy at home.
• Delivery: Convenient service options, including no-contact delivery, ensure you can enjoy Mario's from anywhere.
• Catering: Full catering services are available, perfect for corporate events, family gatherings, and special occasions.
• Private Dining/Banquet Hall: The restaurant includes a private dining room and is equipped to host large parties, making it a viable banquet hall option for special events.
• Reservations: Mario’s accepts reservations, allowing guests to plan ahead for their dining experience.
• Full Bar Service: A bar is onsite, serving a great selection of beer, wine, cocktails, and hard liquor.
• Dessert Service: A dedicated dessert menu featuring classics like Tiramisu and Cannoli is available for dining and takeout.
• Happy Hour Specials: The bar often features happy hour specials, including half-price appetizers at the bar from 3-6 PM Monday through Friday, a perfect option for a quick bite after work.
• Kids' Menu and Amenities: High chairs are available, and the menu is good for kids, making it a family-friendly destination.
• Mobile Payments: Accepts modern payment methods including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Features / Highlights

Mario's distinguishes itself in the highly competitive New Jersey dining scene through a variety of unique and enduring features:

• Historic Status: Founded in 1945, it holds the distinction of being Clifton's oldest restaurant and first pizzeria, contributing to its historic and character-rich atmosphere.
• Famous "Emma Style" Pizza: This signature pie, named after co-founder Emma Barilari, is celebrated for its incredibly thin, paper-like crust that is cooked to a perfect, crisp yet pliant consistency. It is frequently recognized as one of New Jersey's best pizzas.
• Authentic Italian Menu: The menu offers a deep selection of traditional Italian-American comfort food, including popular dishes like Chicken Parmigiana, Penne Vodka, Meat Lasagna, Rigatoni Bolognese, and a wide variety of Veal and Seafood entrees.
• Extensive Beverage Selection: The full bar features a great beer selection, excellent cocktails, and a great wine list, ensuring a perfect pairing for any meal.
• Fast Service: Despite its popularity and historic setting, the establishment is known for its fast and efficient service.
• Dessert Excellence: Patrons consistently highlight the great dessert options, including house-made Tiramisu and Cannoli.
• Atmosphere and Crowd: The restaurant maintains a casual, cozy, and quiet atmosphere that feels like a step back in time, attracting a loyal crowd of locals and families.
• Specialty Dining: The menu features healthy options, small plates for a quick bite, and a special focus on serving local specialty dishes.
• Versatile Dining Options: Services span from brunch and lunch to late-night food, ensuring Mario’s is available for nearly any craving.

What is Worth Choosing

When New Jersey residents consider where to enjoy authentic Italian food, Mario's Restaurant & Pizzeria offers a compelling combination of history, unique culinary excellence, and a welcoming environment. The most essential item to try is the world-famous Emma Style Thin-Crust Pizza. Many devoted customers hail it as one of the best pizza experiences in the entire state, noting its unique thinness, perfect crisp, and balanced flavor profile. If pizza isn't your only desire, the menu is a treasury of Italian comfort food, with the Chicken Parmigiana and Penne Vodka standing out as highly-rated and most-ordered classics.

For a more substantial Italian dinner, the menu offers numerous highlights, from the rich and hearty Meat Lasagna and Rigatoni Bolognese to the comprehensive veal offerings, such as Veal Parmigiana and Veal Francese. The restaurant also offers fresh seafood options like Flounder Francese and Shrimp Scampi. The commitment to "fresh traditional Italian dishes" is evident in the quality and generous portions.

Beyond the food, choosing Mario’s is about embracing a local institution. The “Historic” and “Cozy” atmosphere offers a break from the modern, hectic pace, allowing for a genuinely relaxed and enjoyable dining experience. Patrons on a budget can take advantage of the generous portion sizes and the attractive Half-Price Appetizers at the bar during happy hour. Furthermore, Mario’s is a smart choice for hosting private events—as a dedicated banquet hall, their party planning team can customize a menu that perfectly captures the taste of Clifton for any birthday bash, family reunion, or corporate gathering. It is an authentic taste of New Jersey's past and present, all in one meal.

Contact Information

Address: 710 Van Houten Ave, Clifton, NJ 07013, USA

Phone: (973) 777-1559

Mobile Phone: +1 973-777-1559

Mario's Restaurant & Pizzeria

710 Van Houten Ave, Clifton, NJ 07013, USA