Pizza da Mario is a restaurant located at 12 Queens Road in Westbourne, Bournemouth. It specialises in traditional Neapolitan-style pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven, alongside a menu of Italian dishes including pasta and antipasti. This page covers what to expect when visiting Pizza da Mario, its setting in Westbourne, how it compares with other local Italian restaurants, practical details for planning a visit, and who the restaurant suits best.
What Pizza da Mario offers and its dining experience
Pizza da Mario focuses on authentic Italian cuisine, with an emphasis on Neapolitan pizza. The pizzas are made with sourdough bases and cooked quickly in a wood-fired oven, producing a characteristic char and soft centre. The menu also includes classic pasta dishes, salads, and small plates such as bruschetta and cured meats. The restaurant uses quality ingredients, including Italian cheeses and cured meats sourced from specialist suppliers.
The dining space at Pizza da Mario is a modest, casual setting with a warm atmosphere. It suits both small groups and couples, with seating arranged to accommodate tables of two to six. The interior features simple décor with Italian touches, creating a relaxed environment for lunch or dinner. The restaurant is popular at weekends and in the evenings, so booking ahead is advisable.
Pizza da Mario also offers a selection of Italian wines and craft beers to complement the food. Desserts include traditional options such as tiramisu and panna cotta. The menu changes seasonally to incorporate fresh ingredients and new dishes.
Where Pizza da Mario sits in Westbourne and Bournemouth’s food scene
Westbourne is a suburb of Bournemouth located about 2 miles west of the town centre, known for its independent shops, cafés, and restaurants. Queens Road is a central street in Westbourne with a range of eateries and boutiques, making it a popular destination for locals and visitors. Pizza da Mario sits close to other Italian dining options and a variety of international cuisines.
Westbourne’s dining scene is more intimate and village-like compared to Bournemouth’s busier town centre. It attracts residents from the surrounding suburbs and visitors seeking a quieter meal outside the main tourist areas. The area is also near Bournemouth’s beaches, including Alum Chine and Westbourne Beach, which are within a 10-minute drive or a 30-minute walk.
Bournemouth town centre offers a wider selection of restaurants, including larger Italian chains and seafood venues. For those interested in exploring more dining options, the Food & Drink guide provides a comprehensive overview of eateries across Bournemouth and its suburbs.
How Pizza da Mario compares with other Italian restaurants in Bournemouth
Bournemouth has several Italian restaurants ranging from casual pizza takeaways to fine dining. Pizza da Mario is positioned as a casual yet authentic Neapolitan pizzeria with a focus on quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods. It contrasts with larger chain restaurants in the town centre, which often have more extensive menus but less emphasis on wood-fired pizza.
The following table compares Pizza da Mario with a selection of notable Italian restaurants in the Bournemouth area:
| Restaurant | Location | Speciality |
|---|---|---|
| Pizza da Mario | Westbourne | Neapolitan wood-fired pizza |
| Baffi | Canford Cliffs | Sourdough Neapolitan pizza |
| Cristallo | West Cliff Road | Traditional pasta and seafood |
| Zizzi | Richmond Hill | Hand-stretched pizza and vegan options |
| Beccafico | Tuckton Road | Spanish and Sicilian small plates with pizza nights |
Pizza da Mario is particularly noted for its sourdough bases and authentic pizza-making style, which appeals to pizza enthusiasts. It offers a more intimate setting compared to some larger venues, making it suitable for relaxed meals rather than large groups or celebrations.
Getting to Pizza da Mario and practical visit information
Pizza da Mario is situated at 12 Queens Road, Westbourne, with the postcode BH2 6BE. Westbourne lies approximately 2 miles west of Bournemouth town centre and is accessible by car, bus, or on foot from nearby areas.
By car and parking
There is limited on-street parking on Queens Road and surrounding streets, with pay-and-display bays operating during the day. Westbourne has several public car parks within a 5 to 10-minute walk, including the Westbourne Arcade car park on Poole Road. Visitors arriving by car should allow extra time to find parking during busy periods, especially evenings and weekends.
By public transport
Several local bus routes connect Bournemouth town centre with Westbourne. The most frequent services run along Poole Road, a short walk from Queens Road. Buses from Bournemouth railway station to Westbourne take around 10 minutes. Timetables and routes are available from the BCP Council website.
Walking and cycling
For those staying in Bournemouth town centre or near the seafront, Westbourne is reachable on foot in about 30 to 40 minutes via Christchurch Road or Poole Road. Cycling routes also connect the two areas, with cycle lanes along main roads.
Opening hours and booking
Pizza da Mario operates daily, with lunch and evening service. Opening hours vary seasonally, so checking the latest times on the restaurant’s website or by phone is recommended. Booking a table in advance is advised, particularly for weekend evenings.
Costs and menu pricing at Pizza da Mario
Pizza da Mario offers a mid-range pricing structure typical of independent Italian restaurants in the area. Pizzas generally cost between £9 and £15, depending on toppings and size. Pasta dishes range from £8 to £14. Starters and small plates are priced around £5 to £8, while desserts are typically £4 to £6.
A three-course meal including a pizza or pasta, starter, and dessert with a drink can be expected to cost around £25 to £35 per person. The restaurant accepts card payments and offers set menus on certain days, which provide value options.
Who Pizza da Mario is suitable for
Pizza da Mario suits diners looking for authentic Italian pizza in a casual setting away from the busiest parts of Bournemouth. It works well for couples, small groups of friends, and families comfortable with a relaxed dining pace. The restaurant’s focus on quality ingredients and traditional pizza-making appeals to food enthusiasts and those seeking a genuine Neapolitan experience.
The venue is not large, so it may be less suitable for large parties or events. It is also less formal than fine dining Italian restaurants in Bournemouth, making it a good choice for informal meals or weekend dinners. The menu includes vegetarian options and can accommodate some dietary preferences with advance notice.
For those planning a visit, combining a meal at Pizza da Mario with a stroll around Westbourne or time on nearby beaches offers a pleasant day out. To explore more dining options or plan activities nearby, see the Things to Do and Beaches sections of the guide.
