MARCELO COWDRILL – DA MARIO
Da Mario is one of Sydney’s leading pizzerias, offering authentic wood- red pizza and classic Italian food. Co-owned by Marcelo Cowdrill, Da Mario is famous for their mouth-watering menu with daily specials, laid back atmosphere and excellent customer service.
“We are dedicated to serving authentic Italian dishes and true pizza Napoletana… we pride ourselves on sourcing the highest quality ingredients from producers both locally and abroad” says owner Marcelo Cowdrill.
Marcelo Cowdrill clearly knows a thing or two when it comes to great food.
But who is Marcelo Cowdrill?
I was lucky enough to sit down for 5 Minutes with the man himself over a slice of pizza.
What is your favourite comfort food?
I would have to say pizza, Napoletana style pizza to be exact. I’ve been eating it regularly for almost 20 years and I don’t think I’ll ever get sick of it!
If you were taking some ‘me’ time where would go and what would you do?
I would jump on my motorbike and go for a ride, probably through one of the national parks just outside Sydney.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Intuitive, Particular and Creative.
Travelling and food go hand in hand. Where is your favourite place to travel? And why?
I love travelling in general and don’t really mind where I’m going as long as I’m going somewhere!
But when it comes to food and travel I have to say Italy. There is so much diversity which makes it so interesting. Although, it’s easy to get sucked into the tourist traps which can serve pretty average food so it always pays to do a little research.
Da Mario offers traditional authentic Italian Dish, what is your favourite Dish at Da Mario?
This is a really tough question but again I can’t go past the pizza. One of my favourite pizzas is the ‘Margherita con Bresaola’ which is a tomato and mozzarella base topped with fresh rocket, wagyu beef bresaola and shaved parmesan.
For someone who hasn’t visited Da Mario before. What can they expect for the Da Mario experience?
We pride ourselves on quality and authenticity. And we like to provide it in a friendly and unpretentious environment.
Who is your biggest mentor/inspiration in your life?
My Dad.
Not only have I learnt a lot from him over the years in the restaurant business, I have always admired his vision and ability to read the market.
Most important question, how do you like your coffee?
Believe it or not, I rarely drink coffee! If I do it would be a macchiato.
Getting to know Marcelo makes going to Da Mario even more of a must.
Fun fact: Their enormous three-tonne red pizza oven imported from Naples, pumps out over 600 pizza’s per week! How crazy is that?! That’s a lot of yummy pizza.
The restaurant itself has an industrial feel with exposed brick on the walls, potted ferns hanging from the ceiling and a large deck area which is perfect for enjoying an afternoon beverage.
Da Mario‘s has alittle something for everyone.
Next time you’re in the hood, head down to Da Mario‘s and say Hi to Marcelo.
