On a Sunday at 12:45 pm, there was no wait for a table of four, and the noise level was moderate, just bordering on loud. Service was excellent, and the owner came by a few times. Generous portions of food and hot fresh bread with a tasty oil accompaniment. I'm a bread gal, so that was my favorite--no apparent limit. π We had the calamari with a slightly spicy marinara sauce and the house aioli for dipping. We shared two side salads. I added some of the ailoi to mine for a richer taste. We ordered the sole on risotto, orechiette with sausage and vegetables, chicken Parmigiano, and the pork chop. Everything was tasty. The chicken Parmigiano came with a thin sauce, but the server delivers it with a hot skillet of cheesy Alfredo sauce they pour on top until you say stop. Yummy. The pork chop came with zucchini and carrots cooked just right; the chop was breaded and topped with pecans and a fig jam--it was very tasty but the chop overdone and tough, so disappointing when everything else was so good. We had the cannoli, blueberry cheesecake, and biscotti cheesecakes. These were all enjoyable. My companions had Chianti and Moscato, which they liked. Despite the chops, we'll definitely return another day.
We waited about an hour for a table last night and it was absolutely worth it. The service was incredible and the food was beyond delicious. Hands down the best Italian food I have ever had. The fish and risotto dish was heavenly. Best tiramisu I have ever had. Everything we ordered was incredible.
Celebrating my 73rd birthday at this Italian restaurant was one of the best dining experiences I've had in quite a while.
The hospitality was topnotch. I got there much earlier than the rest of my party so I offered to wait in my car to avoid tying up a table others could use. The hostesses, Selena & Brenna (sorry if I got her name wrong) graciously invited me to come inside, offered me a seat, a menu, and something to drink. It was late afternoon so the place wasn't full yet but that changed pretty quickly.
When the rest of my party of five arrived, they were warmly welcomed like we had been there many times before (all of us were first-time guests). The owner, Prince, came by and welcomed us, assuring us that we are to be treated like family & if something we ordered didn't live up to our expectations, they will do their best to make it right. Another gentleman came by later during our meal to check on us.
Now, let's talk about the food. For appetizers, we had the calamari, crabcakes, & insalata caprese. Those were gone in no time, a flavorful introduction to luscious meal.
Each of us ordered something different so we could all have a taste of each other's dish. Between us, we had the lamb chops (tender & well-seasoned), the squid ink pasta (uncommon fare but very tasty), the Chicken Piccata, & the Fettucini di Parma (both delicious & quite filling, making our tummies gurgle with joy). I had the Sole Oregenata, a sweet, flaky fish served over asparagus risotto, with scallops added on the side). That was so perfectly done I would order it again next time.
Of course, we had to make room for dessert.
We shared cheesecake Biscoff, blueberry cheesecake, & cannolis. My tiramisu came with a candle and a Happy Birthday song sung in Italian. All were so rich & flavorful, a perfect ending to a perfect meal.
Shout out to our server, who introduced herself as 'Melania as in lasagna". She checked on us frequently, refilled our water many times over, & took care of our every need.
A wonderful time was had by all! Thank you!
I donβt understand how this place has so many excellent reviews. It was fine. My fettuccine was fine but completely without flavor. My mom had the seafood risotto which was undercooked crunchy rice in a dead seafood sauce. It was technically edible. The highlights of the meal were the asparagus appetizer, the bread, and the blueberry cheesecake.
The service was odd. Our waitress hovered over us waiting for us to finish the appetizer, even verbally hurrying us along, so that she could change our silverware to clean silverware. The owner coming around multiple times to proclaim that we were family was odd. He and the waitress completely disappeared once we took our first bite of the mediocre food. Obviously, we still tipped. We just arenβt coming back.
There are some sound deadening panels at the very top of the room, which was appreciated. We did notice an unusual number of American flags for an Italian restaurant.
Italian food is very common, so it is hard to stand out. However, Mare e Monte got it right. Weβve had the Lasagna, Gnocchi, Ravioli and Risotto. Outstanding flavor, consistency and presentation. Food is prepared fresh, and I think the flavor is reflective of this. Italian food looks simple, but itβs in such simplicity that details matter and what makes authentic Italian food so palatable. I can therefore tell that details are not overlooked, and thatβs what makes this restaurantβs food so special. To make the experience even better, the service is also outstanding. Again, no details are spared, making you feel at home, the way Trattorias are in Italy. Good things are there to be enjoyed, Mare e Monte is one of them.
We came here on a whim and were not disappointed. Ordered the spicy calamari, Caesar salad and the sole risotto. The sole really stood out, and I would highly recommend it. The bread served to the table was also very good. Their wine list is decent, but is aimed at bottle purchases (vs. buying a glass). The service was very good, best weβve had in San Antonio.
Welcome home! If you're looking for an Italian restaurant that delivers bold flavors and impeccable service, this place is a must-visit. From the moment we sat down, everything was exceptional. We started with the Insalata Caprese, made with creamy Burrata that melted in our mouths, and the Carciofi al Tartufoβa brilliant twist on artichoke caprese that was both fresh and indulgent.
For mains, the Lamb Chops were perfectly seared and seasoned, the Lobster Ravioli with Shrimp was rich and luxurious, and the Sole over Asparagus Risotto topped with a butter lemon sauce was a standoutβdelicate, bright, and beautifully balanced.
Portions arenβt oversized, but the flavor more than makes up for it. Every bite felt intentional and crafted with care. Our server Joe was fantasticβhis wine pairing recommendation elevated the entire meal.
This restaurant doesnβt just serve foodβit serves an experience. Canβt wait to go back!
My husband and I have a weekly date night and because he works out of town M-F we try to make our date as special as possible. Tonight was my choice. I googled restaurants in our area and after scanning entirely too many restaurant menus I came across Mare E Monte Italian Restaurant. I immediately stopped my search. Every picture of their menu options looked absolutely delicious. I read the reviews and made my choice. We arrived shortly after 7pm and had a 12 - 15 minute waitβ¦not a big deal at all. From the moment we walked in we were greeted by the hostesses and many of the waitstaff. Not in an irritating way, but a in a genuinely friendly and welcoming way. The Manager greeted us and said βwelcome home.β It was all so nice! We were waited on immediately. Our waitress was very knowledgeable, friendly and attentive. We ordered the meatballs for an appetizer. It was delicious! The Mariana is incredible, meatballs were fresh, tender and so tasty. Served on a bed of sautΓ©ed onions and peppers and topped with goat cheese itβs pure perfection. My husband ordered the lamb chops which were served with mashed potatoes and spinach. They were seasoned to perfection and so, so juicy and tender. The portions are very generous. I ordered the sole topped with breadcrumbs on a bed of creamy asparagus risotto and spinach. The combination melted in my mouth. The subtle sweetness of the sole matched with the savory seasoning and the creaminess of the risotto and spinach was sheer perfection. This is the best seafood dish Iβve had in decades. Iβm a total fan and will definitely return often. I canβt wait to bring my daughters and schedule my next girls night with my friends. This is a family owned and operated business and it shows. They truly make you feel welcomed and provide service that is second to none.
Now I Understand Why They Have a 4.9 Rating!
The salad alone was so fresh and flavorful that I could have easily made it my main course. The fish and risotto were perfectly prepared, with rich flavors that simply melted in your mouth, and my husbandβs lamb chops were cooked to absolute perfection.
The service was exceptional β warm, attentive, and genuinely professional. Every staff member greeted us with kind smiles, checked in often, and even held the door as we left. It was an experience that made us feel truly valued.
We will 100% be returning β an outstanding dining experience from start to finish!
This was quite a surprise. I would describe it as cozy with limited seating but you didnβt feel crowded due to the high ceilings and decor. A bit of a home touch are the cookbooks at the entrance that patrons are free to peruse.
The waitstaff was attentive and answered all of my menu questions, giving good recommendations.
The sole was cooked to perfection and the asparagus risotto I wish I could have more of. So delicious. I was hungry when I sat down but that portion was quite adequate.
I think this is a great date night spot in the medical center area.
Very nice place in a strip mall off Huebner, the entrance is flanked by book cases filled with cookbooks which make for a almost cave like feeling when entering the place, but itβs very nice decorated and lit inside.
Menu is fairly extensive and they veer towards the heavy side of life. Service was attentive and excellent. Food was good but made for a very heavy lunch.
Sole oreganata was a fairly old fashioned presentation of with a heavily floured filet of sole draped over a risotto drenched with a very rich (as described) lemon sauce. The dish while delicious needed some acid to really brighten it up. The gnocchi was not light but had a nice chew to it with a nice sauce. Again made one wish for a lighter option.
Overall it was pretty tasty and service was most excellent. Letβs see what the next visit brings
None of us had been here before this evening, there were eight of us. We were all greeted with happiness and welcome, just phenomenal to be greeted so well. Staff are impeccable caring and attentive. Calamari allβArrabbiata as our appetizer, which was recommended by our waiter Joe, an amazing mouthful of yumminess. I had the highly recommended Sole Oregenata, it was the best sole & risotto I have had away from the East Coast. This gem is added to the top of my favorite restaurants.
So delicious! Crispy Chicken Piccata and Sole Oregenata for dinner. Both were amazing dishes. Chicken was so tender and the artichokes on it added a flavorful extra bite! The Sole was served with a spinach risotto that really complimented the fish! We will definitely come back! Highly recommend this Italian gem!
Service was great and very attentive!
We had an amazing dinner at Mare e Monte and loved every bite! The Ocean City Crab Cakes were the perfect startβcrispy on the outside, packed with lump crabmeat, and paired with a tangy remoulade that gave them just the right kick.
The Seafood Risotto was creamy and flavorful, loaded with shrimp, scallops, and pieces of delicate sole. You could really taste the care that went into it, and the cherry tomatoes and Parmigiano on top pulled it all together beautifully.
The Vitello Bronx Parmigiana was next-level comfort foodβtender veal with a crispy breading, smothered in a rich vodka sauce and gooey mozzarella. The spicy cherry peppers added a great little heat, and the fettuccine Alfredo it was served on was rich and delicious.
We finished the night with the blueberry cheesecake, and wowβso good! Creamy, not too sweet, and the blueberry topping was super fresh. It was the perfect ending to a fantastic meal.
The service was friendly and attentive, and the whole atmosphere just felt warm and welcoming. Mare e Monte is definitely going on our list of go-to spots in San Antonio. Highly recommend!
We spent my husband's 58th birthday here last night and the food and service was impeccable! The owner, Prince, is a whole vibe! He makes you feel like family and shows so much gratitude for your visit. The food is next level, I mean everything my lips touched was amazing! My husband had the lamb chops, seasoned to perfection! My sister n law and myself ordered the Sole. The light & crispy seasoned fish is on a bed of the best creamiest risotto you will ever taste! My brother had the chicken or veal (forgot the name) with a huge meatball on top that was gone in a blink of an eye. We also had the Calamari all'Arrabbiata, I didn't get a pic but just order it and thank me later. You MUST try this restaurant, even if there is a wait, it is worth it! 10 out of 10, wonderful experience!
Delicious meal! We had the caprese salad to start and I got the seafood risotto and it was absolutely amazing. My partner got the filet of sole and it was just incredible! Dishes were large portions but not too heavy. Great atmosphere and excellent service, with reasonable prices. I was pleasantly surprised by how good this place was!!
I recently dined at Mare E Monte, and I must say, it exceeded all my expectations. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted warmly by the staff, who made me feel immediately welcome. The ambiance of the restaurant is cozy yet modern, striking the perfect balance between casual and upscale.
The menu offers a variety of options, all sounding equally tempting. I decided to go with the Seafood Risotto, and it was absolutely delicious. The flavors were perfectly balanced, and the portion size was generous. Every bite was a delight, and it was clear that fresh, high-quality ingredients were used. My friend had the Lobster Ravioli, and it was equally impressive β flavorful, well-seasoned, and beautifully plated.
What really stood out, though, was the service. The waitstaff was attentive without being overbearing, and they made sure our glasses were always full and that we had everything we needed throughout the meal. The timing between courses was just right, and we never felt rushed.
Overall, I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a memorable dining experience. Canβt wait to return!
For the first time there we had a great meal and the service was also great. Nice little place with plenty of ambiance for dining. The insalata caprese was fresh and the dressing was awesome. I had the seafood risotto and in every bite there was some small bits of seafood that was the perfect ratio to the risotto. No complaints there. Slighly higher prices at this restautant but I think the authenticity and originality of the selections outweighs the prices.
Food portions were small for their pricing. There were a few dishes that my family didnβt care for. The meatballs was one of them and I think it was the seafood risotto. Husband was also disappointed that there was only wine and Italian beer selections. The place is nice but small, wait staff was nice. Salmon was good but I left hungry still and I never eat my whole plate anywhere but I did here.
Amazing!!! Best meal I've had in san antonio in a long time. We all know how bad service and overall quality has gotten post covid, even at high end places, this place is an exception. We had the lamb chops- super tender and flavorful and the risotto- good portion great taste, we also had the tiramissu- amazing. Overall wonderful place. This was on a weekday late in the day and service was still top notch. With wine, appetizer, meal and dessert, plus a generous tip we spent $75 per person.
Everyone was so nice and helpful and the food was excellent. The risotto was amazing!
What a lovely find! From looking outside I wouldnβt expect much from the place, but when you get inside itβs like you are in a whole different realm. Try the seafood risotto and the calamari! Best Iβve come across!! π
Found this restaurant by accident, and weβre so glad we did. Our server Joshua was very helpful in explaining the menu and recommendations. We ordered calamari, Caesar salad, Bronx parmigiana, lasagna, and Sole w/risotto. All the food was delicious. I highly recommend this spot.
Excellent meal of sole fish and risotto. Grilled artichoke was perfection! Personal service from the owner. The blueberry cheesecake is a must!
Now I understand why this has so many 5 stars. My husband and I went for our Valentineβs Day date and although we did wait an hour (which is to be expected) the wait was soooo worth it! The staff was suuuuper attentive and we were thanked several times for our patience. The tall man with the glasses (didnβt catch his name) made us feel so very welcomed and was knowledgable about wine selections. Our food was amazing and fresh! I ordered the seafood risotto and my husband ordered the veal. We even bought a bottle of white wine for the table and a bottle of red to take home. We will DEFINITELY be back and had an amazing first experience!
The Sole Oregenata on a bed of Risotto and Lasagne w/ Italian Sausage Bolognese were outstanding. Don't skip the cheesecake dessert. Prince is top of his class of the Philippe Place school of hospitality.
Visiting family from out of state and decided to buy Italian for dinner. We ordered several items to go on a Tuesday night.
When I got back to the house, I realized they had left out one of the items. I called to ask they credit my card, but was so impressed with their generous response! The owner not only apologized but insisted on bringing the order to the house. He brought the lasagne and 4 free orders of cherry cheesecake.
The lasagne, seafood risotto, Caesar and caprese salads were excellent and the tiramisu and cheesecake were delicious. Mare Monte certainly gets our vote for an amazing place to eat Italian cuisine. Thank you Mare Monte! My 97 yo mom and 93 yo aunt loved the food and your dedication to excellence.
1st visit. Such a fabulous place. They still had a giant, beautiful Christmas tree in the center of the dining room room.
The service was exceptional. Guillermo was friendly and attentive offering excellent suggestions. I had the shrimp appetizer with a side of garlic oil and it was more than enough.
Risotto was cooked to perfection. This place goes to top of our must go again list.
I saw this place had a clean 5 star review with 1300 reviews. That's mind blowing by itself, and it came recommended, so I had to try it. I had the seafood risotto, caesar salad, and tiramisu, and the italian beer (the only beer they have, so the owner says, because he wants more people to taste it and see how great it is - he's not wrong!)
The staff were attentive, lovely, and flawless. The owner himself was kind and welcoming and made me, a total stranger, feel like I was invited to his personal kitchen for a home cooked meal.
And the food was fantastic.
This place earns their 5 stars. It is no joke.
A group of us went here for the first time for a post Christmas/New Year's get together. They don't take reservations but we were seated quickly which was great for a Friday night at 6pm. Service was very good but things were a little slow coming out of the kitchen. We ordered the calamari which was excellent, lightly breaded, crisp and tender. Also ordered the artichoke, also very good but that was the one that took quite a while to get to the table. However, the restaurant filled up quickly and was full, so sometimes you need to be patient. I had the seafood risotto, which was delicious, and others had chicken picatta, eggplant parmesan, chicken alfredo, and Caesar's Salad with Shrimp. Everyone enjoyed their selection. One of the highlights of the evening was the Owner. He circled the restaurant visiting with every table and ensuring that everything was okay and that no one needed anything. He was so very personable and upbeat. I'm Italian and very picky when it comes to Italian restaurants so it surprised me when I saw him because I could tell he was not Italian. We chatted with him outside when we were leaving and found that he is Albanian, as are the chefs. Well, close enough, I guess. I was duly impressed with the service, the ambiance, the food, and affordability. I look forward to returning.
It was such a pleasure to be here on New Yearβs Eve, celebrating in such a lively atmosphere. The owner is one of the most personable people weβve met a long timeβ¦ instead of saying βwelcome inβ (like most establishments these days)β¦ He says welcome home. And he truly means it.
The white linen tablecloths are a nice touch, offering a cozy atmosphere and a touch of elegance.
The food was delicious, And each course was just as enjoyable as the last. We started with the Burrata - the fig jam was delightful And the burrata was so creamy.
For our mains we had the sole with asparagus risotto, and the pork chop With fig jam, and pecans. Both were amazing.
The Tiramisu is to die forβ¦ Donβt miss out! And if you like espresso, itβs on point as well.
We came from across town, and look forward to our next visit. Itβs well worth the drive.
Just remember, they donβt take reservations! But any wait you might encounter is well worth it
We had asparagus, seafood risotto, lasagna and everything was excellent. For dessert we had pecan pie with ice cream on top. Enough for 2 people and more. The staff is excellent very attentive. The restaurant is beautifully decorated for Christmas. A really great place, best food in town. We highly recommend it.
Service was exceptional. I asked if my risotto could be made spicy, they accommodated and it was absolutely delicious.
Every aspect of our dining experience at Mare E Monte was excellent. We were in a bit of a rush to catch a concert immediately after dinner and we were sat quickly and our waitress, Felz, was especially accommodating at putting in orders immediately despite our whole group not being there yet.
All four of our group really enjoyed our meals. My wife's sole and risotto was especially delicious with subtle flavors.
This our new favorite Italian restaurant.
We visited on Wed., Oct 23, 2024. The owner, Prince, took time to personally visit our table and speak to us. He was very pleasant and genuinely grateful for our patronage. Zerina, our really pleasant and personable waitress, was well-versed on the menu and was able to offer useful suggestions to assist in our decision making. We ordered the Sole Oreganata with spinach and asparagus risotto. It was heavenly. The bread (and dipping oil) was warm, perfectly soft with a crunchy crust, and so delicious. We easily could have made a meal on the bread and oil alone. We had a side of eggplant parmigiana which didnβt disappoint. I personally couldβve used a little more salt in it, but that was also what made it different: it WASNβT over salted. They offer desserts, which we toyed with trying, but honestly, we were WAY too full to order dessert. Iβm sure itβs amazing if the meals are any indication. We will definitely return to Mare e Monte. Thank you, Prince, for opening in San Antonio.
Food is wonderful. Large portions! Iβll be eating on this For three days! I had the risotto in with shrimp. Perfectly cooked, and the shrimp had a very unique wonderful taste. My husband had the lasagna and it was to die for! The service is magnificent atmosphere is sexy. You will enjoy this place.
The food was delicious. I had the risotto and βchefs kissβ. :) I will definitely be coming back.
The service, the food, everything was amazing! My favorite dish was the Sole Oreganata with the risotto.
The place is beautiful, the ambience is great, the service was amazing, my husband's chicken marsala was delicious, however my risotto was a little al dente and bland tasting.
We will give it am other try soon
5 stars is not enough!
Five of us had lunch there and every dish was authentically prepared Italian, and delicious. Presentation of the food displayed their attention to detail. Fresh bread was never-ending. Service from the entire staff was over the top attentive.
Update: Went for dinner today and again, attentive service and delicious food. My spouse had the Sole Oregenato with spinich/asparagus risotto. π
This has to be the most amazing experience i've had in a while. The food is delicately prepared with every detail sorted out. The flavor is amazing! I had the Sole with risotto and the lemon sauce! 10/10. Service is impeccable from the host to the servers! A true reflection of the owner who is not hidden behind the scenes. He goes to every table, asking how everything is going in the most attentive and courteous manner. Wi definitely come back to this hidden gem!
This was some of the best food I've had! I recently took a trip to Italy and I cam confidently say this restaurant is legit! I had the picatta. The chicken was juicy and flavorful and the lemon sauce was light. My dad had the sole. I'm very picky about fish dishes but it was amazing! The fish was light and flaky. The risotto was better than what I had in Italy! My niece got the penne vodka. It was a little too spicy for her (she's 9) but I loved it. We asked for a side of Marinara sauce to take away from the heat and it was perfect. Also, the Marinara sauce was just like one I had in Rome. It was simple yet flavorful and fresh tasting. I just enjoyed dipping my bread in it. We also had dessert. My niece loved the white chocolate strawberry tiramisu. I loved the chocolate cake! It was seriously the best chocolate cake I've had. It wasn't overly sweet. The owner came by and talked to us and asked how everything was. He was so passionate about his food. It was so inspiring to see an owner take so much pride in his art and actually take the time to talk to his customers. It truly reminded me of being back in Italy. π₯°
The service was very friendly and charming! My friend and I met up there for lunch. We both ordered the Sole, which was the most delicious piece of fish I've ever had in a restaurant! The sauce was rich and light at the same time. It was accompanied by a delicious risotto with spinach and asparagus. As the restaurant filled up, it got a little noisy. But it was nice to see it doing good business!
Place is amazing!!! Prince the manager was very welcoming!! Even ask, if I didn't see something on the menu I liked, he would make an off menu of my choice. Now that's Customer service.. Risotto pack punch of flavor with truffle!! Delicious!! But the lamb chops, omg they were seared hard and cook to perfection.. well seasoned!!
Best dining experience in SA Iβve had in I donβt know how long. Sole with risotto was excellent, as was the calamari arrabiata! Very flavorful. Owner is sweet, has a beautiful story to tell and LOVES Military City, USA.
Absolutely phenomenal in every way! From the warm and hospitable service to the inviting and pleasant environment, I found myself relaxed from the time I sat down. The staff were attentive to my every need. And the food - wow! The fish was perfect, the lemon butter sauce scrumptious, and spinach asparagus risotto phenomenal! Come enjoy this new restaurant before it becomes impossible to get a table! Once word spreads I predict waiting lines will be the norm! May just be the best restaurant in San Antonio!
Small place in a restaurant strip. Owner named Prince was very nice and introduced himself when we were sat. Came off a bit strong, checked our table four times and each time chatted for maybe ten seconds. Nice guy but unnecessary while we're eating. Waiter was good with taking care of us, forgot his name, sorry. Food was delicious, I had the sole in a lemon butter sauce and spinach/asparagus risotto. Fish was Cooked great, tasted better. Loved the sauce, I asked for a small saucer of sauce to go, it was so good. Price was a bit higher than I was expecting in comparison to other Italian restaurants I've visited, my fish was $22 and added some home fries for $8 more. I wouldn't call it too expensive though, maybe a couple dollars more than I'd pay for a comparable dish elsewhere. All in all, food was worth it if you want to bring a date or family here and aren't picky about prices. My final price was $70 for two people, my mother had a steak which definitely seemed overpriced. Also, be warned, there's a 3.5% credit card fee which is just ridiculous. Seeing these kinds of charges always leaves a bad taste, regardless of the price. I'd rather put that towards my waiter's tip. That charge took away from making this a solid 5 star for me.
Food and service were awesome I ate the meatballs which were tender and cooked perfectly with its tomato sauce and mushroom risotto which rice was also cooked perfect. Owners are great...outstanding visit will be back..
Everyone was exceptional & helpful. The twist on flavors is amazing. Risotto entree was amazing! Truffle flavor was not light & I prefer that. Appetizers can be a meal so go light on them if you want your entree more. Owner was amazing & his passion was shining which reflected in the food as well. Thank you for a unique meal and customer service! Oh Strawberry tiramisu is a must try with fresh strawberries for filling π