The food was exceptional delicious! Meatball salad, veal chop parmigiana , South African lobster dish, grilled octopus ! The atmosphere was good and the music as well! I'd highly recommend this restaurant!
Foodie4Ever
I don't know where to start on this one... based upon prior reviews, our expectations going into Cafe Martorano (CM) were high. First observation, CM is as much a 70s disco as it is a restaurant. And, the music is so loud you cannot even have a conversation, and we were seated outside! Anyway, the meal. Gerardo was our waiter, “G” as he is known. We ordered a couple of cocktails, which were very good! Next came the food order process, which they explain is inviolate. Once you order, there are no changes or substitutions, "the kitchen runs on a clock." We ordered two appetizers and selected a lobster entree and catch of the day as our dinner. After our order was in, G came out to tells us the kitchen was out of both appetizers we ordered. No problem, we ordered different appetizers. Then, all the food was served to our table within 10 minutes of each course. So, we ended up with two appetizers and two entrees sitting on the table at the same time. We tried to send the entrees back, but G insisted that they HAD to be served. Clearly, what happened was G took the additional appetizer orders (because the kitchen was out of what we originally ordered!!!), and G and the kitchen failed to exercise a little common sense and hold up the preparation of the entrees. To no avail, we were the idiots for the screwing up the service schedule. Total arrogance, blamed us for his poor service. Sorry, no pics of entrees, they were terrible as served! We had an early flight the next morning, we couldn't take leftovers home. 75% of the dinner ended up in the trash. No excuse when your tab is $300! It was a complete disaster of a meal... atmosphere, food, service, etc., were all a bust. If I could rate CM a negative 5 stars I would. The meal was a waiter-created disaster, who then acted like a jerk when we complained. No relief on the bill either. Don't waste your time or money at CM, it doesn't live up to the hype. Recommend you avoid Cafe Martorano!
RICKM
Other than being up all night sick I could not believe that one of the service had the nerve to break out a Swiffer mop and was wiping down the vents directly overhead our table while we were eating and then proceeded to do the vents directly above the kitchen while people were having dinner and food was being prepared
AngeloC
Every dish is outstanding. The pasta is always cooked perfectly, aldente. The gravy is off the charts. The quality of the food, from the olive oil to the meats and fish, is A1. Wine list also very good.
michelec
Absolutely unbelievable food & atmosphere not to mention Steve Martorano is an incredible person inside and out and amazing Chef! He takes so much pride in his business and clearly makes a dining experience nothing but the best!
Food was good.. a tad bit loud, hard to have a business dinner conversation , we felt a little rushed. We would return ,as we have dined here several times, we just aren't the type of people that like to be rushed through our dinner.
This was our first time to Cafe Martorano's and it will be a favorite of ours when we return in the winter!! We drove down from Boca Raton on Saturday night and it was well worth it!! The food was exceptional, I'm Sicilian and Steve's meatballs made me cry because they tasted just like my grandmother's!! Our dinners were cooked to perfection, and the desserts were amazing, right down to the Italian coffee. The atmosphere had an amazing vibe, people enjoying the music and socializing, what a blast!! Wish I could have met Steve personally to tell him how much we enjoyed our evening!! Thank you to our server, he was top notch! See you in 2025! Christine & David
MichaelP
Outstanding experience. We live in Rhode Island where outstanding Italian food is at our fingertips. We have low expectations when we visit restaurants in other states. This place is by far one of the best Atmosphere, food, service was amazing. We cant wait to come back and get a late night reservation to enjoy the music too.
Have been here a few times now the food is great, no substitutions but you wont need any everything is made great. The service is quick and they do a great job providing photos of the specials and desserts for your viewing pleasure. The tvs always play great old school movies it is a dark and cool setting inside. All pasta is aldente and delicious. Thank you to the staff who helped us would highly recommend having dinner here make your reservation in advanced Must order all apps at the same time as entrees.
Rafaelc
The food and service were quite exquisite. The food was delicious and it was cooked to perfection. The vibe and the music were extraordinary. Note: this review comes from my 11 year old son, that being said. We as a family agree 100% with his review. Mr Martorano really goes the extra mile to take care of his customers.
Another great meal at Cafe Martorano. Made the reservation more last minute so had a much later than normal reservation but we were craving the food. Bit of a different experience later in the evening. Music is much louder which we didn't mind at all as the music was great. We sat outside but it was a nice atmosphere. Our usual server, who is usually very friendly and on point was a bit off this time. Perhaps it's because it was just later and by that time, I'm sure they are ready to get out of work and go home. The place was packed and everyone was enjoying themselves. Looking forward to getting back again soon .
KaseyW
This is out favorite italian Restaurant in Florida.. Amazing food, cool atmosphere, cool Chef/Owner.. Ambiance is super authentic! Such a great place for special events and to live out your inner guido/guidette.
JackN
This was our first visit here while in Fort Lauderdale and it will be our last. Food was very good, but service lacked. Our waiter NEVER came over to ask how our food was nor do I think he even cared! It was like we were an inconvenience to him. The music was so loud that it was hard to have a conversation without shouting.
Mike
What truly sets this restaurant apart is the impeccable service provided by the friendly and attentive staff. Our server Teddy went above and beyond to ensure that our dining experience was nothing short of exceptional. His knowledge of the menu along with his warm demeanor made us feel like valued guests throughout the meal. The ambiance of the restaurant is elegant yet cozy one of my best birthday experiences will be recommending to all of my friends .
Franky
That staff works hard & works together. The food is amazing! I've seen some people saying it's too expensive, it's not expensive enough! From the Veal chop, mozzarella, grilled octopus, the drinks, everything was great. Can't wait to go back! The best authentic & fresh Italian food in South Florida!
The food was exceptional delicious! Meatball salad, veal chop parmigiana , South African lobster dish, grilled octopus ! The atmosphere was good and the music as well! I'd highly recommend this restaurant!
I don't know where to start on this one... based upon prior reviews, our expectations going into Cafe Martorano (CM) were high. First observation, CM is as much a 70s disco as it is a restaurant. And, the music is so loud you cannot even have a conversation, and we were seated outside! Anyway, the meal. Gerardo was our waiter, “G” as he is known. We ordered a couple of cocktails, which were very good! Next came the food order process, which they explain is inviolate. Once you order, there are no changes or substitutions, "the kitchen runs on a clock." We ordered two appetizers and selected a lobster entree and catch of the day as our dinner. After our order was in, G came out to tells us the kitchen was out of both appetizers we ordered. No problem, we ordered different appetizers. Then, all the food was served to our table within 10 minutes of each course. So, we ended up with two appetizers and two entrees sitting on the table at the same time. We tried to send the entrees back, but G insisted that they HAD to be served. Clearly, what happened was G took the additional appetizer orders (because the kitchen was out of what we originally ordered!!!), and G and the kitchen failed to exercise a little common sense and hold up the preparation of the entrees. To no avail, we were the idiots for the screwing up the service schedule. Total arrogance, blamed us for his poor service. Sorry, no pics of entrees, they were terrible as served! We had an early flight the next morning, we couldn't take leftovers home. 75% of the dinner ended up in the trash. No excuse when your tab is $300! It was a complete disaster of a meal... atmosphere, food, service, etc., were all a bust. If I could rate CM a negative 5 stars I would. The meal was a waiter-created disaster, who then acted like a jerk when we complained. No relief on the bill either. Don't waste your time or money at CM, it doesn't live up to the hype. Recommend you avoid Cafe Martorano!
Other than being up all night sick I could not believe that one of the service had the nerve to break out a Swiffer mop and was wiping down the vents directly overhead our table while we were eating and then proceeded to do the vents directly above the kitchen while people were having dinner and food was being prepared
Every dish is outstanding. The pasta is always cooked perfectly, aldente. The gravy is off the charts. The quality of the food, from the olive oil to the meats and fish, is A1. Wine list also very good.
Absolutely unbelievable food & atmosphere not to mention Steve Martorano is an incredible person inside and out and amazing Chef! He takes so much pride in his business and clearly makes a dining experience nothing but the best!
Food was good.. a tad bit loud, hard to have a business dinner conversation , we felt a little rushed. We would return ,as we have dined here several times, we just aren't the type of people that like to be rushed through our dinner.
This was our first time to Cafe Martorano's and it will be a favorite of ours when we return in the winter!! We drove down from Boca Raton on Saturday night and it was well worth it!! The food was exceptional, I'm Sicilian and Steve's meatballs made me cry because they tasted just like my grandmother's!! Our dinners were cooked to perfection, and the desserts were amazing, right down to the Italian coffee. The atmosphere had an amazing vibe, people enjoying the music and socializing, what a blast!! Wish I could have met Steve personally to tell him how much we enjoyed our evening!! Thank you to our server, he was top notch! See you in 2025! Christine & David
Outstanding experience. We live in Rhode Island where outstanding Italian food is at our fingertips. We have low expectations when we visit restaurants in other states. This place is by far one of the best Atmosphere, food, service was amazing. We cant wait to come back and get a late night reservation to enjoy the music too.
Have been here a few times now the food is great, no substitutions but you wont need any everything is made great. The service is quick and they do a great job providing photos of the specials and desserts for your viewing pleasure. The tvs always play great old school movies it is a dark and cool setting inside. All pasta is aldente and delicious. Thank you to the staff who helped us would highly recommend having dinner here make your reservation in advanced Must order all apps at the same time as entrees.
The food and service were quite exquisite. The food was delicious and it was cooked to perfection. The vibe and the music were extraordinary. Note: this review comes from my 11 year old son, that being said. We as a family agree 100% with his review. Mr Martorano really goes the extra mile to take care of his customers.
Restaurantji Recommends
Another great meal at Cafe Martorano. Made the reservation more last minute so had a much later than normal reservation but we were craving the food. Bit of a different experience later in the evening. Music is much louder which we didn't mind at all as the music was great. We sat outside but it was a nice atmosphere. Our usual server, who is usually very friendly and on point was a bit off this time. Perhaps it's because it was just later and by that time, I'm sure they are ready to get out of work and go home. The place was packed and everyone was enjoying themselves. Looking forward to getting back again soon .
This is out favorite italian Restaurant in Florida.. Amazing food, cool atmosphere, cool Chef/Owner.. Ambiance is super authentic! Such a great place for special events and to live out your inner guido/guidette.
This was our first visit here while in Fort Lauderdale and it will be our last. Food was very good, but service lacked. Our waiter NEVER came over to ask how our food was nor do I think he even cared! It was like we were an inconvenience to him. The music was so loud that it was hard to have a conversation without shouting.
What truly sets this restaurant apart is the impeccable service provided by the friendly and attentive staff. Our server Teddy went above and beyond to ensure that our dining experience was nothing short of exceptional. His knowledge of the menu along with his warm demeanor made us feel like valued guests throughout the meal. The ambiance of the restaurant is elegant yet cozy one of my best birthday experiences will be recommending to all of my friends .
That staff works hard & works together. The food is amazing! I've seen some people saying it's too expensive, it's not expensive enough! From the Veal chop, mozzarella, grilled octopus, the drinks, everything was great. Can't wait to go back! The best authentic & fresh Italian food in South Florida!