Ресторан · London · ⭐ 9.7/10 · 28812 reviews · $$ · updated: 2026-06-30 20:42:40
Address: 15 Henrietta St, London WC2E 8QG, United Kingdom
Big Mamma’s boldest, most theatrical trattoria
Ave Mario is the Big Mamma group’s most flamboyant London trattoria, set across three floors in the heart of Covent Garden and inspired by a Florentine palazzo — with a playful 80s twist downstairs.
What to order
The kitchen, led by head chef Gianluigi, serves authentic Italian dishes built on seasonal ingredients from small independent producers. Expect crispy-soft Neapolitan pizzas, generous fresh pasta and indulgent antipasti, with the signature Gran Carbonara mixed in a 4kg pecorino wheel and a 35-day aged beef sirloin grilled with salsa verde among the highlights. Save space for the bold dolci to finish.
The Space
The space is pure theatre: six-metre-high ceilings, a bar decked out with some 3,500 bottles, irresistibly retro styling and eccentric, tongue-in-cheek touches throughout, including cocktails that arrive in outlandish vessels with equally outlandish names. It’s loud, colourful and unmistakably fun.
Who it’s for
This is a place for a lively night out, a birthday or a group celebration where the room and the cocktails are half the fun. With epic portions, it suits anyone after great Italian food and a memorable, theatrical setting in central London. Booking ahead is recommended.
Questions and answers
What kind of food does Ave Mario serve? Authentic Italian — Neapolitan pizzas, fresh pasta, antipasti and bold desserts, with seasonal ingredients from small producers.
What should I order first? The Gran Carbonara from a 4kg pecorino wheel and the 35-day aged beef sirloin with salsa verde.
What makes the interior special? Six-metre ceilings, a bar with around 3,500 bottles and eccentric, retro 80s-inspired design across three floors.
Is it part of Big Mamma? Yes — it’s the group’s boldest London trattoria.
Do I need to book? Yes — it’s one of London’s busiest trattorias, so booking ahead is recommended.
Opening hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 11:45–22:00 |
| Tuesday | 11:45–22:00 |
| Wednesday | 11:45–22:00 |
| Thursday | 11:45–22:30 |
| Friday | 11:45–22:30 |
| Saturday | 11:45–22:30 |
| Sunday | 11:45–21:30 |
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Visitor reviews
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We visited Ave Mario on a Sunday evening in September, and overall it was a really enjoyable experience at a place that's clearly above average. As soon as you walk in, the atmosphere is just 'wow': bold black-and-white…
The service manager here really needs to be fired. I've eaten at several of the big Mamma Group venues, and the service I got here was the worst I've ever had. Honestly, the worst restaurant service I've had in years. We…
Reviews last updated: 2026-06-30 20:42:40
Data is refreshed monthly. Sources: london-trend.uk and editorial picks based on reviews.
A large restaurant with a unique atmosphere and striking interior design that immediately sets it apart. Despite its size, everything runs incredibly efficiently, from the welcoming staff to the flawless service, creatin…
A really wonderful restaurant. The atmosphere and decor are super cool. We dined on the ground floor, next to the bar, which was very nice. But each floor lets you experience a different atmosphere, all wonderful. The fo…
I've just had a fantastic evening here. Fantastic food from start to finish, great service, and the atmosphere in the basement was really fun – almost like a party, since it was so casual. We skipped the starters and wen…
Ave Mario is part of the Big Mamma chain of Italian restaurants, which I'd always wanted to try, and it definitely met my expectations. From the moment you arrive, the restaurant is incredibly impressive, especially duri…
Super restaurant, tasty food.