Mario worked with Marco Pierre White at Six Bells on King’s Road in London and later at a few Four Seasons (The Clift in San Francisco, Biltmore in Santa Barbara) but his most inspiring apprenticeship took place in Tuscany in the village of Porretta Terme at La Volta Ristorante (now closed). The restaurant was owned by Gianni and Roberto Valdiserri and Quintiglio Canarini, friends of Mario’s father, Armandino (Abruzzese). He went there wanting to learn to cook like his father’s mother, Leonetta Merlino Batali.

Mario's Enterprises:
Molto Mario
Pó
Babbo
Lupa
Italian Wine Merchants
Studio del Gusto
Esca
Otto
The Spotted Pig
Casa Mono and Bar Jamon
Del Posto
Mozza

2005 Winner James Beard Foundation All-Clad Cookware Outstanding Chef Award

Books:
Spain ... A Culinary Road Trip (2008)
Mario Tailgates: NASCAR Style (2006)
Molto Italiano (2005)
The Artist's Palate (with Frank Fedele) (2003)
The Babbo Cookbook (2002)
Vino Italiano: The Regional Wines of Italy (contributor) (2002)
Mario Batali Holiday Food : Family Recipes for the Most Festive Time of the Year (2000)
Mario Batali Simple Italian Food: Recipes from My Two Villages (1998)