TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Mario's Bistrot

We have been Mario fans since Sandy Ground and then to Porto Cupecoy which was our favorite and now to the Cliffs

Fortunate to enjoy one of the last nights before restaurant vacation

Bobby who has been with Mario for 20 some years along with a 14 year server provided great service

The restaurant located in the lower floor of the cliffs doesn't have much atmosphere but the food is the star of the show
Maybe lunch time when the ocean is visible would offer a better view than a dark ocean

While there is a nice selection on the menu it seems the specials when recited always change our mind

My wife selected a combo plate of mahi ceviche, a petite but tasty crab cake, shrimp tempura and (LINDA) an incredible duck taco with hoisin sauce
the menu says his duck entree is a house specialty and I may have to try it on our next visit
Our meal was on Saturday night and I can still remember all the dishes as they were very memorable

My appetizer special was super fresh thin sliced wahoo with a complimentary sauce and garnished with two cream cheese sushi rolls

The prices are on the higher size but the portions and quality are in line
My wife's first course could easily be a main course for those with a smaller appetite or a husband that cleans all plates

In the mood for something different from the menu she selected the surf & turf
perfectly cooked strip steak, medium as ordered served with 2 shrimp wrapped around chorizo
unlike many restaurants, Mario does not skimp on anything and I loved the deep rich sauce for the steak

My entree from the specials was porcini tortellini with mushrooms and melted burrata cheese, garnished with a slice of portobello tempura
I needed to request a spoon to clean the bowl of the sauce

Being full I knew we had to share a dessert and think Mario's has the best profiteroles but a banana,pecan chocolate cake was a great way to end the evening

you can almost always thank Mario as you leave as he "relaxes" by the bar after all meals are out of the kitchen

I know Mario's doesn't always gets everyones thumbs up, but I would consider it one of the best on the Dutch side

All looks as good as you said it was.

One of our favorites; however, I'm not fond of the Cliffs location.

Superb choices, all sounds and looks wonderful. Enjoying your reports and photos, thx!👍👍

Maho, I think you would enjoy lunch there. Usually not crowded, the view is great (the best of his locations), and the food is , well Mario’s !…. Thanks for your fantastic posts ….Dave

I'm glad you enjoyed your meals - pictures look fantastic. When I went, I had the duck entree and was disappointed. I know it's supposed to be a specialty, but it just didn't cut it for me. For the prices charged, I won't be returning any time soon. Glad your experience was different.

Wait. Mario's is open for lunch????

Looks great. Thanks for sharing.

Yes, open for lunch….Dave

Actually after Porto Cupecoy area haven't tried him as yet , and yes the Duck was our favorite from way back at Sandy Ground .

Thanks for your pics and restaurant postings. For us Mario's was a favorite and I do recall having enjoyed their duck entree on multiple occasions.

I would suggest taking a moment to walk out by ocean and pool before or after dinner to set the ambience. The food will taste even better.