El Carro de Mario

In the heart of the Traslasierra Valley, Villa de las Rosas stands out not only for its microclimate and mountain trails but also for hosting one of the most vibrant artisan fairs in the province of Córdoba. In this setting, where the main square transforms into the town’s living room as the sun sets, El Carro de Mario has established itself as a mandatory stop for those seeking authentic, simple, local gastronomy with a strong artisanal touch.

Strategically located in the Villa de las Rosas Square on 25 de Mayo Sur street, this establishment transcends the concept of a simple fast-food stall to offer a menu based on in-house preparation. The house motto, “from Villa de las Rosas with Traslasierra love,” encapsulates a philosophy where time and respect for ingredients are fundamental. Unlike industrial chains, the dough here is kneaded daily by hand, giving its pizza bases and breads a homemade texture and flavor.

The pizza menu is extensive and creative, combining River Plate classics with signature combinations that play with local names. Standout options include the “tomapa-vo,” a bold mix of bondiola (pork shoulder) and pineapple; the “chick,” which incorporates bondiola with cherry tomatoes and fresh arugula; and the namesake “carro.m,” which balances plenty of tomato sauce with cantimpalo sausage, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. For those who prefer to explore multiple flavors or have a lighter meal, the option to order by “thirds” (slices) allows for the perfect flexibility for traditional Argentine social gatherings under the square’s stars.

Sandwiches represent another fundamental pillar of their menu. Bondiola is the undisputed star, presented in various cooking styles: from the traditional steak with Danbo cheese flavored in olive oil and garlic to the sophisticated pulled version slow-cooked in beer and barbecue sauce. Each sandwich is served on homemade bread and accompanied by noissette potatoes, elevating the food truck experience to a higher level of comfort. Special mention goes to the “Lomo Pizza,” an ingenious hybrid that uses pizza crusts as bread to wrap beef, cheddar, ham, and fried egg, becoming a challenge for the heartiest appetites.

The offerings are rounded out by homemade empanadas, among which the hand-cut beef with scallions and egg, and the traditional Arabic style with a generous touch of lemon, stand out. They also offer vegetarian options and a variety of hot dogs with toppings that emulate their pizza flavors, such as the Calabrese-style or Fugazzetta hot dog.

El Carro de Mario is not just a place for food but an integral part of the nightlife dynamic in Villa de las Rosas. Whether enjoying an informal dinner at the tables set up in the square or using their delivery service that reaches nearby spots like Los Pozos and Las Chacras, the establishment keeps the essence of Córdoba’s hospitality alive: hearty food, reasonable prices, and that unmistakable taste of something made by hand.