Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Knysna (13) pizza (13) staff (12) friendly (11) Italian (10) atmosphere (9) restaurant (8) service (7) Great (6) pasta (6)
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  • 5/5 P R. 2 years ago on Google
    The food and atmosphere is wonderful. The waiters are full off life and are enjoying what they are doing. It is such a refreshing difference to the rest of Knysna. I would highly recommend it to anyone. It is family friendly with probably the best pizza this side of Italy.
    4 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Duhne L. 2 years ago on Google
    Wonderful service! We called in our order in advance. They waited for us at the door and as soon as they saw us they started taking our food to the table. It was awesome. I had the cheesecake for pudding which was really nice. Tasted authentic. They didn't have any cocktails on the menu though... I think that might be a nice addition but their food is fantastic and really well priced. Proper Italian cuisine.
    3 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 4/5 Vivek R. 2 years ago on Google
    Great food and friendly staff. The thin crust pizzas were fantastic and well topped without being soggy. They had such a vast variety of vegetarian options as well, there was really something for everyone. The aesthetic of the restaurant was a bit confusing which detracted from the atmosphere a little bit. However, it was a lovely spot to have a meal none the less. On a warmer day the garden looked like it would have been the perfect spot to sit.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Veronica N. 1 year ago on Google
    Very happy we decided to eat here. The smells coming from the food around us was so delicious and we were not disappointed when we got our pizza, even split it as we were sharing. The base was thin and crispy (which for gluten-free can be very tricky) and the toppings were amazing. The meals come with garlic, chillies and parmesan. The staff is friendly and the atmosphere was great. Went back the following day for more. And a third time during our 5 day stay in Knysna.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Heidi S. 10 months ago on Google
    I had a wonderful evening at Mario's. Everything was perfect, staff, food and atmosphere. Very friendly waiters! Best pizza ever! Will definitely see me again. Thanks
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Eric f. 2 years ago on Google
    So impressed by the service, on point! The home made bread and pizza bases are so fluffy! Excellent muscles. Very impressed and looking forward to the next meal
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Janine E. 2 years ago on Google
    The best pizza and pasta restaurant in Knysna. The staff is amazing and so accommodating whether you sit down or takeaway.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Deidre G. 1 year ago on Google
    I visited the restaurant twice in three days while on holiday, the most amazing experience! Friendly waiters and welcoming owner to make one feel right at home. Most highly recommended!
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Lee-Ann S. 8 months ago on Google
    Great food and friendly service. Best kingclip I've ever had. So good, we went back the next evening.

  • 5/5 Stevie H. 7 months ago on Google
    Very tasty food, incredibly attentive staff and thoughtful atmosphere. A new favorite and must visit in Knysna especially if you are looking for wheat free pasta and pizza options. Consider booking in advance for dinner.

  • 5/5 Hendre V. 6 months ago on Google
    Caffe Mario will always be my go-to recommendation for a spectacular dinner in Knysna. Italian food, prepared with special care and attention. a feast of flavour. Warm atmosphere, cosy and always friendly staff.

  • 5/5 M B. 4 months ago on Google
    Lovely restaurant, great decor and vibe. We order focaccia and a pasta each. They did forget the focaccia and the food did take a while to arrive, but it was worth the wait. The waitress was very apologetic. We had the Puttanesca and Pasta Aurora, it's the best plate of pasta I've had in my life.

  • 5/5 Cobus D. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolute best pizza for me delivered with exceptional service that makes you feel right at home! It was such a smooth and friendly journey and it caused Caffe Mario to crawl deep into my heart! I live about 2.5 hours from Caffe Mario and that does not stop me from driving through for just their pizza! I have not been to Knysna if I did not stop by Caffe Mario!

  • 5/5 Reynier K. 10 months ago on Google
    Another wonderful experience at Mario's. Loved your pasta dishes. Great atmosphere and a high πŸ™Œ to our host Patrick.....you are a star.

  • 3/5 Ido N. 1 year ago on Google
    It’s more like a 3.5 and 4 adjusted for the location. We got a recommendation on this place by locals and also saw the high reviews and decided to come in without a reservation. The staff were very nice and the owner promised to find us a table, which essentially happened faster than he said. The deco is a bit weird, along with the seating and the fact that the waitrons kept on moving chairs inside and outside and breaking off tables. We just wanted a light meal and found that the wine selection was pretty arrow and disappointing. We ordered a pizza, since the restaurant smelled like it and it was a big part of the menu, but were very disappointed by the crust, which was extremely thin (not in a nice way). They do serve chilly, fresh garlic and Parmesan with every pizza. We also had an Italian salad which was fresh, but nothing special here. Carrot cake for a dessert - lacked icing but it was ok overall. The place was packed with locals and maybe this is the best Italian place around, but I can’t say that.

  • 5/5 Average G. 1 year ago on Google
    This is one of the best spots for really good Italian food,I highly recommend their Pizza's and their ice coffees,best in town. My favourite Pizza place,support these locals because they produce nothing but the best and that includes service's.

  • 4/5 Richard Kopman (RSK L. 1 year ago on Google
    Cafe Mario's is consistently good, with very friendly staff along with a relaxed and informal atmosphere. They have been making great tasting Italian grub for decades now. However, when it is season and half of South Africa decend on the small town of Knysna, be prepared to wait at least an hour for your food. It is just too busy. My advice would be to book a table for after 20h00 (Assuming you are going for dinner), things will have settled down and you won't wait so long for your delicious pizza! Great work Gennaro!

  • 5/5 Michael 1 year ago on Google
    Great vibe, very busy Italian eating house. Presided over by Gennaro, Mike and Lindy and their always cheerful hard-working and long-serving team. One of a kind! Not fine dining but doesn't pretend to be. Huge portions and most customers ask for a doggy box! Highly recommended. No, higher than that! A Knysna institution.

  • 5/5 Jessie W. 1 year ago on Google
    A lovely little CafΓ¨ situated near the Quay’s in Knysna. It is constantly buzzing with happy customers as well as upbeat energetic waiters tending to our every need. The food was seriously yummy and came in generous portions. We got to watch a beautiful sunset while eat a scrumptious meal. It really is worth a visit if you are in Knysna.

  • 5/5 Javier A. 2 years ago on Google
    Great restaurant everything was exceptional, waiters were very friendly and the best Italian food I've had in Knysna. The lumaconi was especially good. Coffee was also 10/10 I'll be back.

  • 5/5 Wade S. 1 year ago on Google
    It was my first time here since they moved and nothing has changed! Still as amazing as before! We had pizzas at our entire table and they were all incredible! The staff was awesome, accommodating, and knowledgeable. Definitely one of the gems of Knysna!

  • 5/5 Laralee A. 1 year ago on Google
    Stumbled across this little place looking for a late afternoon lunch with an outside area. Tucked away off the main road (yet very easy to find) is a very popular little Italian place. The menu has a great selection of meals (including vegetarian and gluten free). The food is top quality.. staff are friendly, efficient and very helpful. I love the atmosphere (indoors and and outdoor). Bathrooms are modern, clean and neat. There is a real β€œlittle Italy vibe” around the place.. go see it, it’s a must if you are in Knysna

  • 5/5 Dian L. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely loved eating there! Amazing service with super accommodating and friendly staff! Had an amazing pizza and pasta! The service was prompt even though the place was packed! Will definitely visit again (each time we come to the garden route) a gem!!

  • 5/5 Shayne P. 2 years ago on Google
    Wow ! Can highly recommend this eatery. Service was great & the staff give off a ' happy ' vibe which is a good sign. The food was OUTSTANDING. Large portions, well presented and everything was delicious. We had steak, veal & pizza and it was all delish. Good ambience, family run restaurant done with care & pride.

  • 5/5 Gisella K. 2 years ago on Google
    For sure the best Italian restaurant in the garden route. The service is on point, Arnold got sure we felt like at home. The kid’s food arrived super fast and already cut and divided. Our food was delicious! The location is nice with a cozy outdoor/indoor seating. What an excellent experience! Thank you


Call +27 44 382 7250 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • βœ“οΈ Free parking lot
    • βœ“οΈ Plenty of parking
    • βœ“οΈ Free of charge street parking
  • Payments
    • βœ“οΈ Debit cards
    • βœ“οΈ Credit cards
    • βœ“οΈ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • βœ“οΈ Beer
    • βœ“οΈ Wine
    • βœ“οΈ Coffee
    • βœ“οΈ Alcohol
    • βœ“οΈ Spirits
    • βœ“οΈ Cocktails
    • βœ“οΈ Quick bite
    • βœ“οΈ Small plates
    • βœ“οΈ Vegan options
    • βœ“οΈ Healthy options
    • βœ“οΈ Vegetarian options
  • Accessibility
    • βœ— Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • βœ“οΈ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • βœ“οΈ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • βœ“οΈ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • βœ“οΈ Lunch
    • βœ“οΈ Brunch
    • βœ“οΈ Dinner
    • βœ“οΈ Dessert
    • βœ“οΈ Seating
    • βœ“οΈ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • βœ“οΈ Dine-in
    • βœ— Delivery
    • βœ“οΈ Takeaway
    • βœ“οΈ Outdoor seating

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