Mario's Gold Coast Ristorante - A Place To Call Home

Mario’s Gold Coast Ristorante
21 W. Goethe, Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 944-0199
Dinner: Monday-Saturday 4:30-10:30; Closed on Sunday


Mario Stefanini grew up in his family restaurant business. He learned a thing or two working as a 13-year old line-cook and pizza maker. So much love went into that time in his life. So, years later, after his advertising career took him many times to Chicago’s 5-star restaurants, an idea grew in Mario’s mind. Why can’t there be a neighborhood-style restaurant that serves excellent quality at reasonable prices in an environment that makes everyone feel at home? 14 years ago Mario set out to give the Gold Coast residents a neighborhood place like the one he envisioned. The Gold Coast area is known for touristy big shot restaurants like Gibson’s, Hugo’s and Tavern on Rush, where steak is king and socialites gather to be seen. At Mario’s you will see everyone who lives in the neighborhood. We walk over from our condos with our spouses, friends and kids. We gather there for special occasions or just because it’s Monday night and we don’t feel like cooking. The 25 table/15 bar stool Italian restaurant always makes us feel right at home.

As Mario says, the neighbors dine here on average 3 to 4 times a month. It is a neighborhood oasis! Mario’s Ristorante and Mario himself are warm, inviting, and offer an authentic Italian restaurant with that “everybody knows your name” feeling. His motto is: “The answer is yes, what’s the question?”

Located on the corner of Dearborn and Goethe on the first floor of a residential high rise building, Mario’s feels like a hideaway. From the minute you walk in, you know you are welcome. The place oozes Italian food heaven. The menu and wine list is full and robust. Being in tune with the neighborhood is also what makes Mario’s so special. Over the years he has changed the menu to fit the desires of his clientele. Here you can have the naughty delicious or the healthy delicious choice. If you’d like some Calamari as a starter, you can get the lightly fried version or the char-grilled. In fact, you can get a combo if you cannot decide! My crowd pleasing favorite meal starter is the Palm-Cuke Salad, loaded with hearts of palm, asparagus, cucumbers, tomatoes, pine nuts and fontinella and dressed with raspberry vinaigrette on a bed of fresh greens. In fact, I don’t think I have ever eaten there and not had that salad! Did I mention the pizza? 10” extra thin and crispy individual pizzas are to die for. With 7 different choices, there is sure to be one you will love.

Mario only cooks with canola oil, olive oil or butter. The Chicken Vesuvio was changed from the traditional style to one made with boneless chicken breasts. It’s so good, you never feel like you gave anything up! Same for the Chicken Parmesan which is grilled instead of breaded and fried. Of course Mario’s would not be truly Italian without an excellent selection of pasta dishes. Mario offers whole wheat pasta primavera along with the traditional pasta dishes like spaghetti and meatballs. Less traditional and absolutely fabulous is his Tortellini Jambalaya which Mario tells me is a neighborhood favorite. The seafood is always fresh and high quality. I often have the grilled salmon, which is done to perfection. Mario also serves the finest quality steaks, chops and veal. One thing I just learned by talking to Mario about this article; he claims to have the best hamburger around! I can’t wait to try that the next time I am there. Here is something truly awesome - half-portions are offered on just about everything! You can therefore save room for desert! I recommend that you treat yourself to the sweet homemade Tiramisu made with a little less liquor than the usual, which I find to be just perfect.

Mario Stefanini cares about his neighborhood. Mario banned smoking in his restaurant a full 2 years before the city of Chicago did. The neighborhood appreciates what Mario has done here. Regulars are Mario’s biggest joy. He so appreciates the loyalty that he has established. He has shared his clients’ most personal celebrations and hardships. He has been known to deliver dinner to a loyal customer’s home when they become sick. He is a member of the family and a member of the community. Mario supports Chicago Police through CAPs, the Gold Coast Neighborhood Association and the North Dearborn Association generously. Mario truly enhances our Gold Coast neighborhood. Yet another reason why I love living in the Gold Coast!