Discover Mario’s Café: A Local Gem in Kentish Town, London

Part of the FT Globetrotter’s guide to London, Mario’s Café stands as a quintessential example of a local establishment that perfectly embodies the essence of community, great food, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Location and Atmosphere

Nestled just off Kentish Town Road, Mario’s Café serves as a cherished retreat for locals seeking comfort food, coffee, or a friendly chat. With a modest setting that features eight small tables, the café offers a homey vibe reminiscent of traditional British “caffs.”

Culinary Offerings

The café excels in offering fulfilling breakfast and lunch options at reasonable prices. Their menu includes breakfast staples such as:

• Full English fry-up
• Scrambled, poached, royal, florentine, and Benedict eggs on toast
• Healthier options like muesli

For lunch, patrons can indulge in classic Italian fare including pasta dishes like bolognese, lasagne, and specialty house-made recipes.

Meet Mario Saggese

The heart and soul of the café is its owner, Mario Saggese, who unifies the role of host, chef, server, and friend. Saggese engages warmly with returning customers, cultivating a familial atmosphere within the café.

With his deep connection to the café’s history—having taken over from his father—Saggese cherishes the relationships he has built with about 35 regular patrons, whom he considers family. “They’ve become part of a second family,” he says.

A Community Hub

Mario’s Café has become a vibrant meeting point for people of all backgrounds. During a recent visit, the café buzzed with activity, filled with families, young couples, and regular patrons enjoying their meals and camaraderie.

Saggese is passionate about maintaining high-quality food standards. “The ingredients have to be fresh,” he insists, emphasizing his commitment to culinary excellence over a typical greasy spoon offering.

The Legacy of Mario’s Café

Originally opened as Tony’s Restaurant by Saggese’s grandfather in 1958, the café has a storied history. It experienced a temporary closing due to financial struggles before being revived by Saggese’s father in 1989. It was then rebranded as Mario’s in homage to the current owner.

Chef’s Recommendations

In addition to the hearty English breakfasts, Saggese also serves signature lunch dishes that showcase his Italian heritage, such as a spicy sausage pasta with creamy tomato sauce and chicken, potato, and bean tray bake—a dish inspired by his family’s culinary roots in Puglia.

Conclusion

As the culinary landscape evolves, Saggese observes a shift in local dining preferences, particularly among younger patrons now seeking authentic community spaces over commercial coffee chains. “People do need places like this a lot more now,” he states, reaffirming the café’s role as a cherished social hub.

To experience this welcoming atmosphere and hearty fare, visit Mario’s Café, located at 6 Kelly Street, London NW1 8PH. Open Wednesday to Saturday from 8 AM to 4 PM.