Mario's Catalina Restaurant

We bought a gift card for the resturant and went out of our way to go there. It was a $50 card and after lunch we were informed that the gift card was for dinner only and not good on the kids meals that were not in the menu but were offered to us verbally and would only honor $25. The place is so over priced, even with the 1/2 of a gift card lunch cost $60 for 2 adults and 2 kids! They didn't even give us a new card for $25 for another visit for dinner...not that I would ever go back. Then on the way out the owner was almost apologetic saying that it wasn't his fault. Really?!?

I passed by the location 100 times and had no idea what was behind those doors. A client of mine gave me a gift certificate. We arrived to a handshake by the owner. We told him it was our 1st time and they rolled out the red carpet.I do not recall ever having such amazing service. It was a true delight. The food was wonderful,the ambiance was so classy. The lighting,tempature,music,the behavior of the servers were a 10! If you want to be treated like royalty then this is your place. Everything was perfect! The owner brought us salads,two drinks and a wonderful dessert on the house. When we were leaving he gave us a $50 certificate to bring back another couple. He is brilliant because it will be at the top of our list. We are so excited to tell everyone we know about Catalina's.

I drive past Mario's on my way to work everyday. I have no idea why I waited so long to go inside! (Perhaps the exterior...it does not do any justice to what happens inside)....Anyway, from start to finish this meal was perfect! Our wonderful server was superb. We never had to ask for anything, but he was never intrusive or overbearing. Glasses were filled, plates cleared; he even stealthly eyeballed my hot tea selection (from the tie on the used bag still hanging in my cup) and swiftly brought a refill. Now, the food...probably the best meal I've ever eaten outside my home! Shrimp cocktail-awesome! Salad-perfectly dressed with chunks of apple and mango! Entre- both my companion and I ordered the difficult-to-prepare-properly Argentian Skirt Steak with Lobster. Out of this world! Succulent, juicy, flavorful lobster with melted butter; and the steak just melted in your mouth with Mario's own chimmichurri sauce. Entees were served with the typical Cuban black beans and rice as well as plaintains. The food was a bit pricey, but well worth every penny! Love this place and will not hesitate to go back or recommend!

I had a rough day and happened to drive by Catalina and stopped, and it was the perfect escape. The atmosphere so nice and welcoming that it just brightens my mood. The waiters very nice, friendly, and happy. The owner very warm and welcoming. He checked on our table often and made sure we were happy with the food and service. The was food great!!! I felt like I was a member of the owner's family by the time I left the restaurant. I can't wait to visit again. This is my new spot, specially after a long work day or a rough day. I can't say enough about the restaurant.

The owner greets you at the door and makes you his family. It really is the best of everything you have ever had. The owner took care of us and made us feel very welcomed. The sea food is amazing, and this is coming from someone who is very picky. Can not recommend this place more!

How does one meal make such an impression? Everything was the best we have ever had. NO EXAGGERATION! The white Sangria will make you want to sit on the patio for hours. You will never want to drink another mojito again!! We haven't even gotten to the food yet. The pork was tender and crispy with lots of fatty juicy flavor. The fish and shrimp tasted fresh and were cooked to perfection. The classic churrasco was the best I've ever had. The flan was something to be absolutely savored and we were sad when it was gone. Absolutely one of the most wonderful dining experiences ever. It makes me sad not to be a local!

The food here, in general, is terrific, as is the ambiance and the service; however, if you haven't tried the pork, you're missing what this place is all about. Even if you don't like pork, this is the place to give it a try. Although we've never experienced this, a few have suggested that some of the dishes are bland. Good Cuban cooks excel in the preparation of pork and this place brings it on! We've had it as an appetizer and entree and it is never, ever disappointing.