Broodje Mario
A legendary Utrecht institution serving warm, Italian-inspired sandwiches with fresh ingredients since 1977. Cash-only and always bustling.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Broodje Mario
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary Utrecht institution serving warm, Italian-inspired sandwiches with fresh ingredients since 1977. Cash-only and always bustling.
"The bread is incredible - so soft and fresh. A must-try!"
Cash is King
Be prepared to pay with cash only, as cards are not accepted here.
Beat the Lunch Rush
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid long queues, especially during the busy office lunch break.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Italian Sandwich Shop
Price
$
Address
Oudegracht 130-132, 3511 AX Utrecht, Netherlands
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Broodje Mario
Indulge in the legendary 'Broodje Mario,' a warm, freshly baked bun generously filled with salami, cheese, and pickled vegetables. A taste of Utrecht since 1977.
Authentic Italian Flavors, Local Charm
Experience genuine Italian tastes with high-quality ingredients at incredibly affordable prices. A beloved local spot for decades.
Warm, Freshly Baked Bread
The bread itself is a star, always warm and soft, making every bite of the sandwich a delight. A perfect base for delicious fillings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Cash is King
Be prepared to pay with cash only, as cards are not accepted here.
Beat the Lunch Rush
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid long queues, especially during the busy office lunch break.
The Original is Key
For the authentic experience, try the signature 'Broodje Mario,' which has remained unchanged since 1977.
Enjoy by the Canal
Grab your sandwich to go and find a spot along the canal for a scenic and relaxed dining experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Cash is King
Be prepared to pay with cash only, as cards are not accepted here.
Beat the Lunch Rush
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid long queues, especially during the busy office lunch break.
The Original is Key
For the authentic experience, try the signature 'Broodje Mario,' which has remained unchanged since 1977.
Enjoy by the Canal
Grab your sandwich to go and find a spot along the canal for a scenic and relaxed dining experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Broodje Mario is a long-standing Utrecht institution, lauded for its warm, fresh bread and generous fillings, offering great value. However, some recent reviews suggest a decline in quality and taste, with a noticeable lack of the original appeal, though it remains a popular, quick, and affordable lunch option for many locals.
"Amazing restaurant, with hearty food that's bang-for-your-buck in carbs. The Dubbele Mario is the best, with extra pepper (if you like spice). Used to sell hot calzones, which were also amazing. Sad that they are gone now.
Bring cash! They do not accept pin."
Francis Cole
"It’s Okay. Nothing More.
The Lionfield guys on TikTok would have a field day being outraged over this sandwich.
This is the Mario sandwich. So many, many, many people have told me it’s the most amazing thing ever. I’d never tried it—I don’t like queuing during my lunch break. And cash? I’m fine with paying taxes 😉.
But I just got back from Austria, where they love cash as much as Mario does. And I was in a good mood. So bring on the Mario!
First off, the queue isn’t bad. They work like mad to fill orders.
The Italiaanse bol was still warm. Good times! But what the hell is an Italiaanse bol anyway? I’ve never seen them in Italy, have you? That said, fresh bread is and will always be delicious.
Mario fills the sandwich with a single slice of nondescript Dutch cheese—because, according to Dutch food law, thou shalt never serve more than one slice of cheese. Then comes some boring Dutch “salami” and a mildly spicy salami that actually deserves the name. The slices are thick, but I’d rather have them thinly sliced and get more of it.
Topped off with a generous helping of pickled raw carrots and radish.
This is, truly, the most Dutch sandwich. Everything is pitched down enough so no one can dislike it. And at €5, Dutch people won’t complain.
There’s nothing really wrong with it, but it’s boring. Utrecht has so much more to offer than this.
As always, everyone gets five stars."
Chiel thuinschuur
"This place was recommended to me by a local. It’s been around since 1977. I ordered the classic “Mario” sandwich. The meat was good, and the bread was absolutely delicious! I’m not a carrot fan and didn’t realize it came loaded with raw shredded carrots. I wouldn’t say the sandwich was life changing, but it’s a popular local spot with delicious bread. FYI, it’s cash only, and the food was affordable."
Josh Rohloff
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The 'Broodje Mario' is the signature and most popular sandwich, filled with cheese, salami, chorizo, shredded vegetables, and chili. It's been a constant since 1977.
No, Broodje Mario is strictly a cash-only establishment. Please ensure you have cash on hand.
While specific hours aren't detailed, it's noted that they can be busy during office lunch hours, suggesting they are open during the day.
Broodje Mario is primarily a takeaway spot, with no dedicated seating. Diners often enjoy their sandwiches along the nearby canal.
Yes, there is a 'Vegetarisch' option listed on the menu, typically containing cheese, tuna (though this is likely an error in the menu description for vegetarian), arugula, tomato, and cucumber. Please verify ingredients.
Some long-time patrons feel the quality and taste have declined, with changes in bread and ingredients compared to the original recipe.
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Restaurants in Utrecht
The eponymous baker Mario Nistro is a city institution, who has been serving a variety of rolls and pizza slices from his cash-only shop window on Oudegracht for over 45 years. If you can't decide, follow the lead of most locals and order his signature "broodje Mario": a must-try warm bun, generously stuffed with cheese, salami, chorizo, shredded veg, and chili.
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My attempt to sample a Utrecht lunch institution in the form of the cheese, salami and vegetable-filled Broodje Mario was thwarted by the outlet of the same name being unexpectedly shut, but a bulging Parma ham, Old Amsterdam cheese, rocket and pesto roll (€5.25) from the nearby Broodje Ben food truck proved a satisfying alternative at a similarlylow cost.
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For a quick lunch or snack, Broodje Ben and Broodje Mario are both local hotspots as well. They are located within a 1-minute walk of each other, but you may find yourself in a (very) long line at Broodje Ben‘s food truck during lunchtime. Both are recommended, however, make sure to try the classic at Broodje Mario if you like Mediterranean food, such as delicious bread topped with cheese, salami, and chorizo.
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Oké, dit is niet echt een restaurant in Utrecht waar je uitgebreid uit eten kunt gaan, toch mag deze hotspot niet ontbreken. Ik woonde tijdens mijn studententijd in Utrecht en haalde wekelijks wel een Broodje Mario na mijn colleges, soms zelfs dagelijks. Het is een waar fenomeen voor de meeste mensen die Utrecht een beetje kennen.
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Broodje Mario is een begrip in Utrecht en de aangewezen plek als je snel, goedkoop én lekker wil lunchen. Er zijn verschillende Italiaanse broodjeszaken in Utrecht en het concept is meerdere malen gekopieerd, maar de winkel aan de Oudegracht is de enige echte. Het menu is vrij summier en de broodjes verrassend simpel.
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Broodje Mario can be found in a little hut on the Janskerkhof square. They have a good variety of bread, and the portions are huge, so you might even have some leftover. There are two huts selling bread on the square, the one on the left is Broodje Mario, whereas the one on the right is called Broodje Carlo.
De beste plekken om Italiaans te eten en drinken in Utrecht
Dit typisch Utrechtse broodje heeft elke Utrechter wel eens gegeten. Een grote Italiaanse bol belegd met salami, kaas, chorizo, rauwkost en pepertjes. Een origineel Broodje Mario koop je op twee plekken: of aan de kraam aan de Oudegracht, of in de winkel aan de Oudegracht naast de bakkerij.
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Broodje Mario is their signature dish, it’s not the only thing they have on offer, but it’s the most popular item. It’s a large, freshly baked bun layered with cheese, salami, chorizo, raw vegetable salad and a green, not too spicy pepper. The recipe has been the same since 1977.
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At this bakery and restaurant, I watched the men in the kitchen make bread. They roll out balls of dough, which then become pizza crusts and bread from sandwiches!. I watched them add salami, choriso, cheese, pickled vegetables, and peppers to make the Mario Sandwich.
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Als je het in Utrecht over Broodje Mario hebt, weten ze precies waar je het over hebt. Deze broodjes zijn in Utrecht een echt begrip. De verse belegde broodjes zijn niet alleen heel erg lekker, maar ook nog betaalbaar!
The best places for lunch in Utrecht
From the famous Broodje Mario sandwich shop to eclectic Asian restaurants, the city has it all. Do not worry if you cannot choose – here are the places we recommend for lunch in Utrecht.
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