Mario’s Cafe

This place is fab. Mario is a gem and his coffee is tops. The shop isn’t all that glamourous (I take my coffee to go on the way to work), but there’s always some interesting characters in there.

For the life of me I cannot work out what all the fuss has always been about Mario’s.
I’ve lived in NW5 since the early 80s and I’ve never quite understood why people rave about it.
Please don’t see other reviews of this place and go out of your way to come and visit Mario’s. Putting it simply, it’s a café that does fry ups. That’s it and there nothing special.
The only notable thing about Mario’s is that Jarvis Cocker wrote one of Pulps biggest hits whilst sat in here in the 90s
It’s a very small hole in the wall kinda café just off the high street. Mario himself is a nice guy and I don’t like to write mean reviews but I have to be honest. It’s a café that does exactly the same thing as every other café you’d find on Kentish Town high St. Saying that, there are some proper dirty greasy spoons that serve some proper dirty looking people those of which I’m not saying are better than Mario’s as they are not.
However, cafes such as Pedros and Town café have a larger and cheaper menu and have bigger portions and places like Arranici bros and Two doors down offer better coffee and lunch options.

Went on monday and had a very good meal with friends. Good service and price

Small, but perfectly formed, this has got be one of the best places in north London for a fry up. Mario has held court to those in the know for over 20 years, including well-​known Camden musicos, who will slink over for a low-​key hangover hideout.

A tiny café with a big heart. Great for a bacon sarni, cappucino and a chat. Mario’s family have been running a café in Kelly street forever.

Mario’s is a Kentish Town institution. Tucked away in a little side street even many locals don’t even know about it.
Serving up good, honest fare for decades, it’s a tiny little place with artwork on the walls and a good wholesome slice of Italo-​English hospitality.
Even if you are a ‘new face in town’ both the owners and the customers will be more than welcoming, with the place stuffed full of fun, families and friendly faces.
If you are in Kentish Town and need a decent bacon sarny, then Mario’s Café is the place to go.