Mario's Italian Café

Mario's Italian Café serves pizza, pastas, subs and salads made from scratch, following the recipes Mario started when he opened in 1972. Diners often order the lasagna, chicken Alfredo over fettuccine and ravioli, and the BBQ chicken pizza and tiramisu are popular. A $5 glass of Chianti, Chablis or Burgundy is a long-running house offer.

The café serves lunch and dinner, with takeout and delivery available and orders placed online. It is a family restaurant, and every Monday it donates more than 1,000 meals to first responders and neighbors in need. Gift cards are sold, and a rewards program lets customers earn points. This Palm Desert location is on Varner Road.