Da Mario's Leeds future uncertain as Italian restaurant remains closed despite lockdown easing

Da Mario's, one of Leeds' longest established restaurant, appears closed despite restaurants now being able to serve customers indoors again.
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The Italian trattoria has been a staple of the Leeds dining scene since the 1970s, along with other big leeds names like Bibis and Flying Pizza.

But the Headrow eatery has seen no activity for months, with the inside totally empty and signage taken down.

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A Tripadvisor review from September 2020 speculated that the restaurant was "permanently closed".

Da Mario's has not reopened despite lockdown easing.Da Mario's has not reopened despite lockdown easing.
Da Mario's has not reopened despite lockdown easing.

The review read: "Went for dinner but the restaurant appears to have closed for good. Loved this place so very disappointed. Telephone line is dead, no response to email. Let's hope they return."

The YEP has tried contacting via email, telephone and Facebook, to no avail.

The telephone line is currently dead and the website simply says the restaurant is "currently closed" with no further information available.

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According the the Da Mario's Facebook page, the restaurant was under new management in 2013.

Da Mario's has been a Leeds dining scene staple since the 1970s.Da Mario's has been a Leeds dining scene staple since the 1970s.
Da Mario's has been a Leeds dining scene staple since the 1970s.

However, accounts were still being filed for the business as of April 2021.

Other reviews on Tripadvisor over the past year have been mixed.

One September 2020 visitor said: "I enjoyed the lovely Italian food. I would recommend anyone to visit. I have nothing negative to say."

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But a diner who had been visiting since the 1980s wrote after a July 2020 visit said their experience was "terrible".

The signage for Da Mario's has been taken down.The signage for Da Mario's has been taken down.
The signage for Da Mario's has been taken down.

They added: "Yes it has a real Italian feel and nice people at heart. The place has history. Food always tastes good.

"But the terrible service, the dirty place (toilet was disgusting), no masks, handing your cutlery without even serviettes around it, cooks all shouting at each other whilst cooking, tables just about touching. I hope it changes."

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