Mauro Ristorante Pizzeria Gelateria

Mauro is one of the best-known names in Zamárdi: an Italian restaurant, pizzeria and ice-cream parlour right on the free beach, on Kiss Ernő utca. It has been open every summer since 1992, and plenty of people come to Zamárdi fully intending to eat at „the Italian” at least once. On Restaurant Guru it averages 4.9/5 from more than five thousand reviews and ranks first among Zamárdi’s restaurants.

An Italian who stayed by the lake

The restaurant carries the name of Mauro Tenebruso. He came from southern Italy and opened a restaurant in Zamárdi to bring southern Italian food and atmosphere to Lake Balaton. It started with five tables; today more than sixty await guests. The owner is still around: guests write that he or his son comes to the table to ask whether everything is all right.

Theatre and gastronomy

In his own words, Mauro combined his two passions here: theatre and gastronomy. The director and the company stay the same, while the play, the set and the costumes change every season. In practice this means quick, lively, slightly theatrical service from Italian waiters, with no forty-minute waits between courses.

The kitchen

Pizza, pasta, salads, meat dishes, fish and Italian desserts. The speciality is the seawater tank: the lobster and mussels go from there straight to the kitchen. August guests singled out the mussels and the focaccia. There are gluten-free options, and the wine list has Italian and Hungarian bottles. The gelateria counter works separately, so you can drop in just for a sundae.

Space and atmosphere

A big, busy summer restaurant at the edge of the beach, with palms and Italian-style decor. In high season there can be a queue at the entrance in the evening, but guests say it moves quickly despite the crowds. It works well for families and larger groups.

What guests say

Most praise the fresh seafood, the good pizza, the fast service and the holiday, Italian feel. Regulars come back for an evening or two every year. Criticism is mostly about prices: Mauro is pricier than the Zamárdi average, especially the lobster and the seafood platters.

Good to know

A seasonal restaurant, open from spring to early autumn, and only at weekends at the end of the season. There is also a free safe you can use while you swim. The menu and the weekly specials are on their own website.

Who it’s for

If you want an Italian dinner by the lake in Zamárdi and don’t mind spending a bit more. If you’re after a quiet, intimate evening, come out of season or arrive early.

How much does it cost?

Above mid-range: pizza and pasta are still reasonable, while lobster and seafood come at premium prices.