Our story, our passion, and our commitment to great Italian food
East Side Mario's journey began in 1980 when our founder, inspired by the vibrant Italian neighborhoods of New York City, decided to bring that same authentic experience to Canada. What started as a single restaurant has grown into a beloved chain with locations across the country.
For over four decades, we've been serving authentic Italian cuisine with a distinctly Canadian touch. Our restaurants combine the warmth and flavor of traditional Italian cooking with the friendly, welcoming atmosphere that Canadians value.
Each East Side Mario's restaurant is designed to transport you to Little Italy, with brick walls, checkered tablecloths, and vintage décor that creates a casual, family-friendly environment perfect for any occasion.
What drives us every day
We believe great food starts with quality ingredients. We source the finest ingredients, from imported Italian tomatoes to locally grown Canadian produce.
We create an environment where families feel welcome and comfortable. Our generous portions and family meal options are designed with sharing in mind.
Our team members are passionate about providing exceptional service and creating memorable dining experiences for every guest.
We're proud to be part of the communities we serve, supporting local initiatives and providing a gathering place for celebrations and everyday meals.
Where tradition meets innovation
Our menu is built on traditional Italian recipes that have been passed down through generations. From our signature pasta sauces simmered for hours to our hand-stretched pizza dough, we honor the time-tested techniques that make Italian cuisine so beloved worldwide.
As a proudly Canadian company, we incorporate local flavors and ingredients into our dishes. This fusion approach has led to unique creations like our Maple Bacon Pizza and our poutine-inspired pasta dishes that celebrate our Canadian identity.
We believe in preparing food fresh to order, allowing our guests to customize their meals to their preferences and dietary needs. From gluten-sensitive options to vegetarian alternatives, we strive to accommodate all our guests.
While we respect tradition, we also embrace innovation. Our culinary team continuously experiments with new flavors and techniques to keep our menu exciting and relevant to today's diners.
The passionate people behind East Side Mario's
Chief Executive Officer
With over 20 years in the restaurant industry, Maria leads our company with passion and vision, ensuring we stay true to our Italian roots while embracing innovation.
Head Chef
Trained in Italy and with experience in top restaurants across Canada, Isabella brings authentic techniques and creative flair to our menu development.
Operations Director
Marco ensures that every East Side Mario's location maintains our high standards of food quality, service, and atmosphere across Canada.
Marketing Director
Sofia leads our marketing efforts, developing campaigns that share our love of Italian cuisine and create meaningful connections with our customers.
Digital Experience Manager
David oversees our digital presence, ensuring that our online ordering system and website provide a seamless, enjoyable experience for our customers.
Key moments in our journey
First East Side Mario's restaurant opens in Toronto, featuring authentic Italian recipes and a New York Little Italy atmosphere.
Expansion begins across Ontario with the opening of 10 new locations, bringing our Italian-Canadian dining experience to more communities.
East Side Mario's celebrates 20 years with the launch of our signature family meal deals, designed to make Italian dining more accessible for families.
National expansion reaches 100 locations across Canada, from British Columbia to Nova Scotia.
Launch of our online ordering system, bringing convenience to our loyal customers.
40th anniversary celebration and complete website redesign with enhanced mobile ordering capabilities.
Introduction of our Canadian-Italian fusion menu items, celebrating the unique blend of cultures that defines our brand.
Hear from the people who keep us cooking
Giving back to the communities we serve
At East Side Mario's, we believe in being active members of the communities where we operate. Our restaurants are more than just places to eat – they're gathering spots for locals and supporters of community initiatives.
Each East Side Mario's location partners with local schools, sports teams, and community organizations, providing sponsorships, fundraising opportunities, and meeting spaces.
We regularly donate to local food banks across Canada, helping to ensure that everyone in our communities has access to nutritious meals.
We're committed to reducing our environmental footprint through sustainable sourcing practices, energy-efficient equipment, and waste reduction programs in all our restaurants.
Interested in becoming part of our team? We're always looking for passionate, customer-focused individuals to join us in creating memorable dining experiences.
Contact Us About Careers