Overview
Marios is more than a café—it’s a cultural landmark. Since opening its doors in 1986, this iconic Brunswick Street venue has held firm to a simple but enduring recipe: quality food, strong espresso, and old-school service with a side of style. Run by founders Mario Maccarone and Mario De Pasquale (yes, two Marios), it was one of the first cafés in Melbourne to bring European-style table service to a casual setting—and it’s been winning hearts ever since.
The menu is built around honest, unpretentious food done well. All-day breakfast means you can dig into creamy scrambled eggs, avocado toast, or ricotta hotcakes at any hour, while lunch and dinner offer pasta, schnitzels, burgers, and salads that are generous and comforting. There’s no fluff here—just solid bistro fare that locals have trusted for decades.
Coffee is a serious affair at Marios, with espresso made exactly how you like it. The café’s iconic red La Marzocco machine hums all day, fuelling a steady stream of regulars, artists, academics, and Brunswick Street wanderers.
Inside, it’s all white tablecloths, pressed shirts, framed art, and a buzz of conversation—part European bistro, part Melbourne time capsule. Marios hasn’t chased trends, and that’s exactly why it’s lasted. It’s a place where consistency is king, and every visit feels like returning to something familiar and real.
Last update July 2025
