Michigan - East Side Mario's is a Cozy Italian Restaurant That's Never Over-crowded

I've been to East Side Mario's in Livonia about 6 times in my life, most recently for New Years Eve and Father's Day within the past year. The restaurant has a lot to offer so I'm surprised at the lack of people that are there everytime I go.

Do I need a reservation?
Well you can make reservations, and even though I did last time, there was hardly anyone there when I arrived. So it's a nice thought but probably not a necessity. If you are worried, just call ahead! While I was there, none of the tables around me filled up which was surprising, especially on New Years Eve AND Father's day. I thought there'd be SOMEONE there. Father's Day was not as empty as New Years Eve, but still it was not at all packed. The majority of the people went straight to the bar section.

The Food
BREAD - They serve awesome bread and butter for everyone. It's just great, I can't really explain why. I think it just had a unique spice. We can never get enough of it.

MINESTRONE - I've gotten minestrone soup and it was really good as well. It had a different and surprisingly good taste. I want the recipe.

CHEESE TORTELLINI - I got this and it was very good, however I didn't think there was enough sauce on it. I like my pasta saucy! When I took it home it was still good, but since there wasn't a lot of sauce it didn't reheat real well.

GRILLED ATLANTIC SALMON - On my last visit, I got the Salmon and it was very good. It was served with some pasta and I believe had some veggies as well so it made a great meal.

COMBO PLATE - My husband got a combo plate that came with a slice of lasagna, a slice of chicken, and some of the same tortellini I had. He enjoyed all of it, and managed to save some to take home b/c it was a lot of food!

FATHER'S DAY SPECIAL - On Father's day, they had a discount on Prime Rib (or some kind of steak, I don't eat meat so I didn't pay that much attention!) Regardless, they loved the steak and all the sides that came with it.