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Mario's Catalina Restaurant, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Mario's Catalina Restaurant

4.7
4.7
28 Reviews
$30 and under
Cuban

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 1 time today
  • Charming
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Child-friendly
## Escape to a Culinary Oasis at Mario's Catalina Restaurant Step into a world of vibrant flavors and warm hospitality at Mario's Catalina Restaurant, where the essence of Latin cuisine meets the charm of a sophisticated ambiance. Chef Mario Flores, the heart and soul of the restaurant, invites you to savor authentic Cuban and Spanish dishes, each crafted with passion and fresh, high-quality ingredients. Imagine indulging in succulent roasted pork with caramelized plantains, the perfect harmony of sweet and savory. Or perhaps you'll be tempted by the sizzling garlic shrimp, bursting with aromatic flavors. Every bite is a journey through the rich culinary heritage of Latin America, leaving you wanting more. But the experience doesn't stop at the food. Mario's Catalina Restaurant boasts an elegant atmosphere, adorned with white linen tablecloths, colorful paintings, and a collection of unique tchotchkes. The soft lighting and soothing music create a tranquil setting, perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion. Whether you're craving a taste of Cuba or simply seeking a memorable dining experience, Mario's Catalina Restaurant is your haven. Come, let us transport you to a world of culinary delights and warm hospitality.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Cuban, Seafood, Latin / Spanish
  • Hours of Operation
    Daily 11:00–00:00
  • Phone number
    (954) 563-4141
  • Dress code
    Business Casual

What 28 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on all time ratings
  • 4.9Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseModerate

28 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    VIP

    Greater Boston

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 6 July 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Mario’s Cuban cuisine is one of the best we have ever had in South Florida. My family and I have been going to the original location for several years for special occasions. We have not yet been to his new restaurant and can’t wait to try it! The food is always exceptionally delicious and is a true hidden gem of south Florida. I highly recommend checking it out, you will NOT be disappointed. Service is also even better, Mario himself will ensure his guests feel like family and are taken care of.

    1 person found this helpful

  2. MiriamB

    VIP

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 25 June 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 3
    It pains me to leave this restaurant 3 stars instead of 5. My daughter and I were looking forward to dining here but due to the way we were treated by the owner we will not be returning. We made a reservation on open table and changed it to be a little later due to arriving from Miami. We are new to the area and were looking forward to finding a Cuban restaurant in the Fort Lauderdale area. When we first arrived Mario said he was very tired( it was 8;10 pm) I told him if he didn’t want to serve us since we were the only people there and it was slow I understood and we could come back another day. But he said no it would be ok. We ordered the lechon( a bit too dry for me), the amazing croquettes of ham, shrimp cocktail and I had some tasty fish. Before we had finished our entrees Mario took them away but he did give me kid a piece of cake. While she was eating her cake he turned the lights off on us and kept complaining we were taking too long and he was tired. I’ve never been treated so rudely before in my entire life in a restaurant in all my years. We had to stand outside the restaurant in the dark with my little girl while waiting for our Uber. When he saw this he said we could come back in but I politely asked him to stay away from us I did not feel welcome. His employee tried to give me a coupon to use next time but I will never set foot in his establishment again. I have personally run restaurants, cafes and bakeries and I know it can be a long stressful day at work but there is no excuse to treat people new to the area like this.

    Is this helpful?

  3. BressmanJ

    VIP

    San Antonio

    61 reviews

    5.0

    61 reviews

    Dined on 20 June 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great Experience Best Cuban food in town Mario makes you feel right at home. Don’t miss this one

    1 person found this helpful

  4. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 8 June 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This food is amazing! The service is top notch! Mario is a wonderful soul and I always have the best time when I come here.

    1 person found this helpful

  5. BressmanJ

    VIP

    San Antonio

    61 reviews

    5.0

    61 reviews

    Dined on 1 June 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fantastic Cuban food Mario is the best we always enjoy a special evening when we go to Mario’s

    1 person found this helpful

  6. Struzz

    Fort Lauderdale

    41 reviews

    5.0

    41 reviews

    Dined on 29 May 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This was a pleasant surprise. Some of the BEST gourmet Cuban & Latin food in south Florida!!! The owner, alas - Mario, is one of the most passionate restaurant owners I have ever encountered. You will feel like family from the time you enter until you leave. Came with my wife and sister in law who raved about this place at its old location on Federal highway (it is now located just off Davis Blvd) We had the empanadas as an appetizer, then Lechon, plantains and beans/rice but the standout was the snapper topped with shrimp in the most unbelievably flavorful sauce!!! Finished with chocolate cake with butter cream sauce. All of this over the top food was complimented with an awesome one of a kind Sangria This is now our new “GO TO” restaurant. One recommendation = be sure you are hungry when you go!!

    1 person found this helpful

  7. JohnM

    VIP

    Columbus

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on 26 May 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Mario's has excellent food and service. Definitely try the milk cake.

    1 person found this helpful

  8. OpenTable Diner

    Fort Lauderdale

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 22 May 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I had a phenomenal experience at Mario’s. The service was great from the moment I walked in the door, as well as the food was delicious. The owner went out of his way on multiple occasions to make sure that we had everything we needed and the hospitality was truly something to rave about. For my food I got the flank steak with beans, rice, and plantains. The steak was cooked perfectly as well as the plantains had a nice crisp to them. Would recommend to anyone looking for great food and service!

    1 person found this helpful

  9. JanF

    Fort Lauderdale

    64 reviews

    5.0

    64 reviews

    Dined on 19 May 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Mario's food is always delicious and plentiful. The crispy plantain starter with chimichurri is a favorite and the grouper is always perfect. We look forward to the new location this summer.

    1 person found this helpful

  10. Bree

    Fort Lauderdale

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on 15 May 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great service. Food was awesome! We had empanadas with chimmichurro sauce to start, omg, sooo good! The bourbon pulled pork was amazing. Ambiance made us want to stay longer it was so nice. My husband and I had a great time eating some really good food. Mario is a fantastic host.

    1 person found this helpful

FAQs

Mario's Catalina Restaurant is rated 4.7 stars by 28 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 1 time today
Google Map for Mario's Catalina Restaurant

6250 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308

Additional information

  • Area
    Coral Ridge
  • Hours of Operation
    Daily 11:00–00:00
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Cuban, Seafood, Latin / Spanish
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    None
  • Additional
    Gluten-free Options
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