Cafe Martorano

I’ve been coming here for years, and my family years before that. Authentic, intimate, innovative are words that come to my mind when I think about this place. Not only is every dish made fresh and with love, but everyone who eats here is really family. It’s an honor and privilege to be able to enjoy meals, moments, and memories with people so passionate about the industry. Do not hesitate about a reservation. It will become tradition before the drinks hit the table. God Bless.

We had dinner here tonight and it was everything we heard it would be! The food was amazing! Everything! Apps to dessert! The service was second to none!! Tom has been here for 16 years! He and his 2nd chair were incredible! Best service we have ever had! I don’t think they cook with gluten because I ate pasta, bread and dessert - didn’t feel uncomfortable or sluggish after dinner. Felt like eating in Italy.

I’ve been coming here for years and realized I’ve never reviewed this place. Food and service is always good. It’s a loud vibe but very fun. We sometimes arrive early and can get a spot at the bar. The bartenders are always nice. Menu items are as is with no modifications. After 10pm, there is a DJ and it does get loud. It’s a fun time. Cafe Martotano is a Fort Lauderdale staple that’s worth checking out.

One of a kind experience. Bartender Adam is very attentive and respectful. Food is mind blowing. I love their chicken Sicilian , chef’s special Pizza and deserts. Their cocktails are also very good ! The only thing I don’t like is their reservation system. They are always reserved on open table and I went 3 times right at 6pm as walk in and they kind of rush you after 1 hour 30 minutes of dinning as they want more customers. Other than that I love martorano’s and I would go here again and again :)

Had an outstanding meal Saturday night. The service was great, vibe is great, food quality is the best. Go later for fun, lively music. In the last 3 months I’ve eaten top spots in Chicago, NYC, and South Florida and Cafe Martorano is a top experience the US 100%. If you don’t mind paying for quality and want a fun night, it must be on your visit list.

We came on a Friday night shortly after opening and without a reservation. We were told that we could be sat, but we would have to leave before 7:45 because that table was reserved at that time. That was plenty of time for us and so we got our seats which were right next to the kitchen. The first thing I noticed was that they had a lot of staff and they were coming and going from directly behind our table. It was a busy little corner. They brought us garlic bread, and it was pretty good . There was some spicy oil that was delicious to dip in. My partner ordered an old Palmer and I just went with tap water. He received a Roy Rogers and we got Pellegrino in a bottle. He did mention that he had ordered an Arnold Palmer and so they brought him that as well. We were charged for the bottled water as well as both his drinks. Our appetizer was mozzarella sticks, and they were so crispy! It was a little odd to me that the waiter plated them for us on our individual plates. I had never seen done before. Then they brought us a sausage and pasta dish that they told us was on the house and a gift from the owner, and it was absolutely delicious! Our main dishes were brought next. I ordered the grouper which was probably the best fish I’ve ever had in my life. My partner got the short rib dish, and the pasta was definitely al dente. He said that the short rib was cooked to perfection and he ate the whole plate so it must’ve been fantastic. The table service was excellent, and the staff was very friendly, even though they charged us for two drinks we did not order. I would 100% go there again while visiting Fort Lauderdale. Also, make sure you pay for your parking. We did not know it was paid parking and got a $40 ticket.

Best Italian food I've had in south florida. Nothing touches it in my humble opinion. All the servers and helpers are super attentive and they make you feel like a king. Love this place

Me and my friends had an awesome time at Martorano’s. The service was excellent from start to finish — super friendly and attentive without being overbearing. The food was really good too, full of flavor and cooked perfectly. The atmosphere had a great energy and made the whole night even better. We’ll definitely be coming back next time we’re in town. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a fun spot with great food and service!

I've been eating at Martorano for a long time. This time it hit different. The food is always amazing and is so fresh, you can't beat it. For me in the past, the music and movies overtook the experience at times. I loved the party vibe and could jam out to the songs so with all due respect it was always a good time. However this time, the music was down and the movies were muted. I could enjoy the conversation with my family and friends and Steve kept his sample tastings flowing along with it. I ordered a shrimp scampi which is life changing ever. single. time. It doesn't get better than that so make sure you order it. There was also a special of linguini and clams but with it came lobster and crab. 4 other people in my party ordered it as well. My husband ordered the short rib bolognese and it was amazing as well. I don't have many photos unfortunately but we also ordered the pistachio cake and cookies and cream cake. Rosé was delicious and crisp as well. Overall, fantastic experience, fantastic service, fantastic time. Definitely needs a higher rating from people, don't sleep on Cafe Martorano. Side note: at the bottom of the menu there is a special note to customers should they want a rosary. I am not religious but felt this was extremely thoughtful and I asked for two.

Food was okay. I didn't love the location, however the service was good. Ambiance again was okay. I think I was expecting more but it was nothing special. The mozzarella appetizer was so small and tasted like the mozzarella I can go buy at Publix for $6 but it was $25. Did not taste fresh. I don't like how much food they give. I understand that's what they do here but they just kept bringing out more food. By the time my pasta came I didn't even want it anymore I was so full!! If you come here you definitely don't need an appetizer. They give you bread and other snacks which is what made me so full. Overall I don't think I'd come back, it was extremely overpriced.

The food was delicious, and the service was friendly and attentive. However, a few things dampened the experience. When asked if we preferred still or sparkling water, we said still, but multiple bottles of Acqua Panna were brought over and poured rapidly throughout dinner without clarity that we'd be charged. At the end of dinner there were glasses filled with water left all over the table. It felt excessive and we ended up being charged for four bottles we didn't ask for. We were also shown a list of specials, but two of the items were unavailable when we placed our order, which left us scrambling to choose something else. I understand that sometimes items on the menu are short, but why wouldn't you advise that ahead of time rather than when we decide to place the order? On top of that, we were told to order appetizers and entrees together, and toward the end of the night we were denied another round of drinks at the table because our "time was up," even though we had just finished eating. It also felt overpriced. After $1,000+ bill--including being charged for items we didn't ask for--it didn't feel fair to be pushed out the door right after eating. Overall, the food was great and the server was kind, but the rushed pacing, unclear upsells, and steep pricing took away from what could've been a great 5 star dining experience.

It all started with the veal chop--thick, tender, and seasoned like it had a standing ovation coming. If Michael Corleone ordered this in Little Italy, even he'd crack a smile. Charred on the outside, blushing on the inside--like it just stepped off a first-class flight from Palermo. Then came the Sicilian slice. One bite and suddenly you're in a smoky back room with Robert De Niro saying, "Try the slice, kid--it's a real slice." Crispy crust, molten cheese, and that sauce? Fuggedaboutit. The kind of slice that doesn't just hit--it talks to you. And the carbonara? Pure Roman gold. Creamy without cream, with that rich pecorino bite and silky pancetta that whispers, "This is how it's done." Picture a Goodfellas dinner scene--long table, laughter, red wine flowing--and this dish getting passed around like family secrets. Every dish was a main character. No extras, no fillers. Just bold flavors, old-school charm, and enough soul to make you want to light a cigar and toast to la famiglia.

The vibe here is electric -- a full-on party with DJ music, flashing lights, and owner-chef Steve Martorano at the center of it all. It's loud, it's fun, and it's exactly what life should feel like over dinner. The Philly cheesesteak appetizer? Hands down the best in Florida. The pizza -- only served as an app -- is next level. We split the carbonara, which they serve tableside like a performance (and yes, it's worth every penny). It's not cheap, but the experience is unforgettable. I've been here about 10 times over the years, and it never disappoints. This place is a Fort Lauderdale must

They make an excellent espresso martini here! We only came for drinks & dessert and it was fantastic! I couldn't even finish the dessert! Their menu is on an iPad where the server scrolls through to share photos of the items and we couldn't resist the waffle with ice cream and fresh whipped cream and the chocolate cake. So good!

Omg! The food is awesome. The ambience is just as awesome. Definitely give it a try you won't be disappointed.

This is the best Italian food I've ever eaten. Wow, I've been here 4 times and every time is on point !. The service, food and cocktail drinks are great. Ambiance is awesome, loud good music for a date night out. DJ is a pro. Make reservations because it gets busy. 10/10 !!!!!

Insanely great Philly Italian food served by the most professional servers and staff. We had Chef Steven cook for us and his food was delectable and plentiful! I've been there a half dozen times and can't wait to go back. Totally my favorite restaurant in Florida and I've been here since 1972! A great experience for sure!

Greedy. Had reservations here last month when we travelled to Florida. Our first time in Fort Lauderdale. Reserved an uber early in the day as Ubers at dinner time were busy due to boat show being in town. Got picked up at 7:30 for our 8:15 reservation. Get dropped off. Say to ourselves oh it's in the casino and find out that Martoranos is no longer at that location in Fort Lauderdale. Immediately call to explain our situation only to be told by the girl that we have a 15 minute grace period and that our table will be surrendered and we will be charged $75 per person. I explained that it would be possible to get there in 15 minutes and that we were 30 minutes away. Girl said there was nothing she could do. Seriously? Do a search in Uber for Martoranos in Fort Lauderdale and that is what comes up. Didn't think I would have to match up address. So our card was charged $150! Thanks Martoranos!!! No sympathy!!

Hands down the best food in Fort Lauderdale. It's expensive but it's excellent. That's why they probably got 3.4 stars because most people can't afford to come here and they haters places is amazing.

I don't know where to start on this one... based upon some prior reviews on other internet sites, our expectations going into Cafe Martorano (CM) were high. We waited for a table long past our reservation time but were excited once seated. First observation, CM is as much a 70s disco as it is a restaurant. Two issues with that... first, the music is so loud you cannot even have a conversation, and we were seated outside! Second, the crowd is generally older, a "Love Boat" crowd trying to hang out at a throwback disco. Anyway, I digress... the meal. Gerardo was our waiter, "G" as he is known. Colby was his assistant. We ordered a couple of cocktails, lychee martini and skinny spicy margarita. Both 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, no exceptions. We ordered the grilled octopus and stacked eggplant appetizers. And selected a lobster entree and catch of the day as our dinner. All good, order in. About 5 minutes later G comes back to report they have no more grilled octopus. OK, we roll with that, we'll have the calamari instead. G returns again another 5 minutes later to report they now have no more stacked eggplant. OK with that too, we ordered the pigs feet (something different). So, all is well right? Wrong, remember that "the kitchen runs on a clock" thing? The calamari arrives, delicious, perhaps some of the best ever. About 1/2 through the calamari, the pigs' feet arrive, and it's a platter (check pic). No one explained the gargantuan serving size of the appetizer going in. (Colby told us later that the pigs' feet appetizer is the cheapest thing on the menu, and the kitchen needs to get rid of it at the end of the night, that's why the portion was so big!). So, we mopped up the calamari, and we were 5 minutes into the pigs' feet when the entrees arrived. We told G we're not ready for those, and suggested he return them to the kitchen, which he did. G is back two minutes later saying, "the kitchen says the entrees HAVE to be served now, they have no heat lamps." We decided our dinner would be cold no matter what, so bring them out. He did. 15 minutes later, we set aside the remaining appetizer, and tried the entrees... cold and disgusting. We sent them back. No use taking them, we had an early flight the next morning. No pics of the entrees included here, they looked and tasted cold and horrible! The problem came down to "the kitchen runs on a clock." All food ordered at one time (no exceptions) and the clock starts running. Apparently, the kitchen and wait staff are not smart enough to realize (or they just don't care, which is perhaps a bigger problem) when an initial set of appetizers is ordered, and are not available because of a shortage the kitchen, and substitute appetizers are ordered, the waiter and/or kitchen need to hold up the rest of the food and adjust the service schedule. I worked in the restaurant business for years; it's not rocket science. It's common sense. CM does not care enough about its customers to try to make it a good experience, it's their "rules," too bad if you don't like it. We explained the problem to G, and all we got back over and over was "We told you up front the kitchen works on a clock." Great reasoning for someone with no capacity to think out of his little box. Instead, he treated us like we're idiots who didn't understand the rules. It was a waiter/kitchen screw up, the appropriate move was to re-make the entrees when we were ready for them. By the way, this all took place at 11:30pm, the place wasn't crowded. And, finally, there was no move to adjust our bill in light of the restaurant's mistakes. A very expensive dinner ($300) that ended up in the trash. We were planning after dinner drinks and dessert, no chance for that. For the first time in 30+ years, I left no tip. That seemed fair. Between the cheesy 70s disco for the 50+ crowd, the music so loud you need earplugs even to sit outside, the condescending and arrogant service staff, a servers/kitchen apparently run by the mindless, CM ranks up there as one of the top 3 worst dinners I have had... ever! Popularity has obviously given rise to arrogance and stupidity. Not only can I NOT recommend CM, my advice is that you avoid CM at all costs. If I could rate CM negative 5 stars, I would. Don't waste your money on that place. Go to Olive Garden, the food and service is much better! If I sound irritated, I am, and it's 5 days later.

Absolutely amazing from the atmosphere, to the service and the amazing food. When we walked in, the environment was so upbeat and welcoming, you instantly feel at ease and ready to have a fun night. We had a reservation at the bar, our seats were ready upon arrival and we were given drink menus right away. We were sent over a complimentary macaroni and beans which was delicious. We had the meatball salad, macaroni with lobster in a cognac cream sauce and bucatini with a cream sauce. The food was great and I am extremely picky when it comes to Italian food. Steve is a sweetheart and allowed us to come into the kitchen to take a photo with him. At 10:00 he plays music and it turns into a club like vibe - so much fun I cannot wait to go back!

Steve the owner is a gentleman Food was delicious- eggplant stack was outstanding Service was great Would highly recommended

I cannot say enough AMAZING things about this restaurant!!! We were in town for the holidays and of course, always, want to try something local. Our meal and service were outrageous, The owner sent over two tastes, heck who am I kidding, mini appetizers on the house. Whaaaa - I work in NYC and live in ATL and neither the northeast nor The A does this. Hospitality was more than 100% if that's possible. Every bite was delicious, every dish served impeccably and the staff could not do enough to take care of us. Then Steve started to DJ. I felt like we were in a club, bumping hard to beats from my childhood and college years. To say it was the highlight of our evening even with incredible food is an understatement. We just had the best date night and the best start to our holiday vacay! Gooooo! Like seriously.... Go!

I was sooooo excited for this place and I really really wanted, actually, kept forcing myself to love it but.. Idk this place gave tacky, cringy old diner vibes except with some extra hookers and side pieces. Everything is outdated .time capsule. 90s everything, plates, glasses silverware like where am I? On an opposite spectrum tho, the waiter was showing us specials on an iPad...seriously. iPad wtf??? are we in a retirement home?? The food was basic, the meatball salad was alright, fried lobster was chewy the fish special: grouper was dry and sauce was salty it, the bread was hard and tasteless, veal Marsala was the only thing I thought was pretty good. None of the pasta was home-made. All their specials were served with "risotto" only it wasn't risotto it was rice but whatever.. don't dare ask for substitutions...not happening. Desert menu was as boring as the rest of the menu, triple layer cakes, cannoli, waffles with icecream.. but since I'm here I had to order just to try it out, lackluster was an understatement. Just no flavor. The actual cherry on top was of all the busboys lurking around tables like hounds waiting to clear out the food and get you out asap because they need a turnaround.. this was repeatedly the theme the entire time, waiter kept reminding us that they need the table... nothing like blatant greed with zero effort Pricing (for Ft. Lauderdale) had me thinking it's fine dining but no, nowhere near. Super basic flavors and so so presentation. bottom line: nothing special, ... just one big colossal NOTHING burger. Spend your money elsewhere, somewhere more accommodating and with a bit more effort and maybe some appreciation for customers.

What a fun place. I've never been to a disco dining establishment before but it was definitely fun and the food portions are huge. Everyone leaves with a signature take home bag! Great music too!!

One of my favorite restaurants ever first experience was the one in Las Vegas and my second experience was the one at the Hollywood casino Hard Rock Cafe in Florida and then I just went to the original one the past couple years and the Oakland Park Boulevard area of Fort Lauderdale and that one's probably my favorite place out of all of them even though all the foods always delicious that every place I always get the lobster franchese, eggplant stack , seafood liquine ! Yum It's top notch one of the best meals you're ever have in your life. The ambience the vibe Steve will be DJing while people are cooking. You could dance and eat at your table and get up and have fun. The bar energy is a vibe. Everybody's good luck getting dressed to the nines Looking sharp people from ages from the late 20s to their 60s and everybody's just having a good time good energy, amazing food great service very knowledgeable amazing drinks, pricey, but worth every penny, and you get a lot on your plate.

Very disappointing. I expected more of an experience. It felt very overpriced given service and quality and no real vibe. Food was ok but did not stand out. Meatballs were ok. iPad waiters i found odd. No one crumbs the table even thought your dropping linen- step it up. Room was empty but no tables online-- strange. Space design also odd with bar build in the middle. I had high hopes from people recommending; however, coming from NY this did not do it for me. Sorry, will not return.

This is a tough one to select how many stars. We were asked to leave the table for the next guests To be seated under two hours. We sat 15 minutes late from our reservation time due to the hostess wanting the two people out of six to be present. We ordered drinks at the bar as we waited to be seated. Dinner was just over $1000, My plate and utensils were taken away prior to being done with our appetizers in the middle of the table.. I had to get utensils from another table so I could finish. We ordered a second bottle of wine while eating our entree and were told we could have it at the bar because we needed to clear the table. The bar didn't have one seat available. A couple of people at our table wanted dessert so we ordered dessert which was brought out into our 1 hour and 45 minutes at the table which includes the 15 minute late time of sitting and the waiter told us to hurry up while we were eating it. The restaurant was busy as usual, but we were still eating and we all eat rather quickly. I'm glad I didn't have my parents that eat slowly with me. They would have never been able to finish. It wasn't like we were camping out for multiple hours. We were literally ordering and eating. Disappointing to say the least. The 6 people at the table were really turned off by this. I enjoy this restaurants food, and style. I think Steve the owner has created a great place filled with regulars and newcomers. If you go early you will be able to hear your conversation, if you go for a later seating the music is turned up. Think club style. You won't be able to hear your conversations. So depending on who you are going with, you can select a time that is best. They have a full bar, so sitting at the bar is an option. Everyone at the table enjoyed their meal. One person did not like her cucumber martini so that sat full on the table. She did ask for something to cut how strong it was, however that did not work. She wasn't offered a replacement drink. I had the crab dish with pasta. It was a lot of pasta. The spice was great, crab was good.. The fresh mozzarella was good, The seafood entree was plentiful. They have valet and pay parking with an app. The restroom was maintained. So the food is good, however this star is due to being told to hurry up with each course.

This is one of the few places where I would say is a MUST VISIT!! The food is exquisite, the service is extraordinary, the ambience is perfect, and Steve, the owner and head chef, is a master of his craft. Reservations, if you can get them, are an absolute must. Whatever you do, DON'T MISS IT!!! My highest five ***** rating.

Came here for an early Friday night dinner. It was very busy & there were tables both inside and outside. The service was really great. Waiters are very attentive & extremely helpful. My favorite dish was the meatball and salad (1 large meatball and a house salad) Which sounds odd in theory but somehow worked so well. I also tried the Carbonara, Spicy rigatoni Vodka Broccoli rabe And Espresso martini to top it off. I liked the carbonara but the bacon was just a little too thick cut in my opinion. The other dishes were very delicious. I was impressed by the large portions and went home with so many leftovers. Overall, it is pricey but it is a more upscale vibe. Which would be nice for an occasion.

This was, hands down, one of the most appalling dining experiences I've ever had. I went to Cafe Martorano with a group of coworkers expecting a high-end Italian dining experience. Instead, we were met with rude, condescending staff who acted like they were doing us a favor just by taking our order. What's worse, after spending over $1,000 on food and drinks, I was asked to move to the bar halfway through my drink! The audacity! The waiter rushed us out as though we were some kind of inconvenience, completely disregarding the fact that we were paying customers who had already shelled out a significant amount of money. This is not how you treat people who are supporting your business. The arrogance, the lack of respect, and the overall poor service ruined what could have been a nice evening. If you enjoy being rushed, disrespected, and treated like an afterthought, then sure, give this place a try. For everyone else, spend your hard-earned money somewhere that actually values its customers. I'll never be back, and I'll make sure to warn everyone I know to avoid this place like the plague.

1st & last time :( We're 20+ year locals, middle aged, not high maintenance and with a sizeable disposable income. Was expensive and disappointing on all levels. Saturday night at 7:30, sat at the bar at two reserved seats. Place is ridiculously loud to where you must yell to have a conversation. Decor is a throw back to a 90's South Philly/NY cookie cutter restaurant. Did not feel welcomed but more of an annoyance by the hostess and three bartenders. Bar is totally unorganized with no discernable work stations and ugly. After 15 minutes male bartender had to tell the female bartender to take our orders. She was dressed like a sex worker wearing a black lace bra/tankini top. Drinks was disgusting/syrupy. We told her we were ready to order food but she never came back after delivering our drinks. Food took too long to arrive; meat balls tasteless; pasta dishes were undercooked/doughy (not al dente) & poorly seasoned. None of the three bartenders ever checked back on us. Unless I stopped one of them, there was no interaction of any type. Two cocktails, one app and two pasta entrees was $180.00. We will never return and defiantly no recommend to anyone. All the positive reviews are most likely regulars that know the staff and fit the stereotypical 80's/90's Italian wannable but now in their 60's/70's...

Delicious food Great atmosphere Attentive service Can't wait to go back 10/10 See you soon

Food-excellent, the apps alone are fantastic . If you grew up on the east coast you know about the bread and soft water needed to make great bread. They start you off with bread, oil and hot oil options as part of the Italian ambience. They need to put the bread on the menu as a side dish, it's to kill for ! The food was very close to my mom's ( born in Italy ) only difference is regional cooking and add ons are based on what region you are from in Italy. The menu makes it difficult to choose because it's all so damm good ! We politely watched other tables as food came out and we ended up ordering so much food lol . From start the finish the food is simply outstanding. Service-its like your royalty and our waiter picked up on our Phila vibe understand the Cuz lol, and we had a blast. We had about 5 people waiting on us , no exaggeration, cleaning the table, pouring the wine, and just attentive, In your in south Florida, make sure you make your reservations ahead of your trip or desired dates, this place is popular cuz!

Kobe was fantastic! He was so kind and the staff was overall so quick and great. The food was so good. The "pizza" was crispy on the outside and doughy on the inside. I was shocked with how many clams we got in the pasta. Would come back!

Sitting down to be rushed? Not a good sign. We weren't even done w our food before they were hovering. Meanwhile our server said we want you to have a good experience .. no. I didn't even finish my food or drink and they took it away. So sorry, not something we can ever recommend. We me mentioned grouper stack had ammonia smell, server said I'll have steve smell it. We were close and watched. He didn't brought it back wrapped up saying we don't serve food like that.Then being told we will bring u to the bar and never did. Oh by the way we said no citrus and then we got charged for not having citrus. Most awful experience for $509

Food was traditional American-Italian. Music was LOUD all night - which was fun but didn't allow for much convo. Just something to consider if you are going with someone you want to talk to! Service was very attentive. Will return!

A hidden gem frequented by regulars great for special occasions. Friday nights are poppin! It was so crowded my friends and I could barely walk through to the bar. It is a bit pricy but a good time nonetheless. Since we didn't have a reservation, we went only for drinks. The food looked really delicious though and from people who had just finished eating they also said everything was to perfection. After 10 pm, this place seemingly transforms into a "place to be" where there is throwback 90s music blasting through the speakers and a disco ball lighting the place. It truly felt like an after party. The decor is nice also, and they have 2 big tv screens playing old school movies as well. The owner was really friendly and checked on our group to make sure we were having a good time. A definite must try for date night or just for a good time. I'll definitely be back!

The food here is good. I ordered the chicken special with cognac and gnocchi. It was out of this world. The gnocchi was pillowy and light ricotta stuffing. So good. The chicken was lightly fried and still so juicy. Very very good. The cacio e Pepe was meh. It had a lot of pistachios in it (different) but it was oily and basic. Definitely not worth the price. The menu items are very pricey. But, we knew that going in. With so many Italian restaurants to choose from right here, I'd be drawn back for the chicken dish for sure. But, I will try another pasta next time. Great friendly service. I do agree with the other reviews. It does feel a bit rushed like the staff has a lot of pressure on them to turn tables. But, it didn't bother us as we didn't plan to be there all night anyway. However, if I was to go with my girls knowing we are going to polish off several martinis and bottles of wine, I'd choose a different place who wouldn't turn our table for the next party. Perhaps allow diners to avoid being rushed if they have a minimum spend?

Amazing food next to perfect service was excellent! Love the iPad!! Visual pictures are the best!!!! Ambiance was great!!! I highly recommend this one!!! Make a reservation!!! Well worth the wait thank you for a wonderful evening

My friend and I frequent this restaurant once a week the food is always delicious and the service is always on point. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone.

We found this restaurant by mistake and walked in for a quick drink. While waiting for our cocktails, we received a complimentary bite from the chef. The atmosphere, the taste of the sample, and the restaurant's notoriety left us wanting more. So we made reservations for another date/time to fully experience Cafe Martorano, but unfortunately, the full experience was less than stellar. Upon arriving at the restaurant, we were notified that our table had been given to another family because we were 20 minutes late. Although the wait for another table was not more than about 15 minutes, we were told that we did have to finish our meal by a certain time to accommodate another seating. This sense of haste persisted throughout the evening. The staff seemed preoccupied, and regrettably, this impacted the overall mood of the evening. While I understand the challenges restaurants face in managing time, it was disheartening to feel rushed from the moment we sat down. Moreover, the quality of the food left much to be desired, and the dishes fell short of expectations. I ordered the eggplant stack as my entree expecting a light meal, but instead received an overcooked, overly breaded eggplant that was sitting in a pool of olive oil. I understand that every kitchen has an off night, but the fact that I was told "that's how our chef cooks it" instead of asking if I would like something else was incredibly disappointing. All in all, Cafe Martorano was overpriced and underwhelming. Skip the long wait list for a reservation and, instead, visit any of the handful of Italian restaurants near by.

Last time I was down in Fort Lauderdale I gotta tell you this place is the best Florida Italian food isn't the best but I'll tell you you feel like you're in New York when you get there next time I come down there I'll definitely eat it again. Have a great day.

This was our 5th time here and we are not coming back. Aside from our service from the waiter, we are extremely disappointed with our experience. Not only did the portion of the food we ordered come smaller than it previously was, but it was also priced higher. A portion of calamari enough to feed a 5 year old and costs $28 ? Thats ABSURD ! Also, chicken parmagiana to have 8 pieces of gnocchi as a side and cost $42, thats OUTRAGEOUS !!! Prices of everything has gone up, menu has gotten smaller, and portion sizes has gotten smaller as well. VERY DISAPPOINTING experience here ! $200+ bill, and not coming back here anymore !

this was a very different vibe than we expected however it was still delicious and the service was amazing. We definitely would come back.

Incredible! Went with friends for dinner and was pleasantly surprised. Every appetizer was delicious and every entree. Chef even sent us some surprises that were delicious. Love the feeling the restaurant provides and the staff was personable. I will return a thousand times. The food was so great I forgot to take pictures of everything.

I've been here multiple times. And I just want to say I love it all, I want to add. That we had reservation for valentines, And couldn't make it. I spoke with Management, told my situation, and they said. No worries. They made my bad day. Good. Thank you Martoranos. I can't wait to come dine with you guys soon!!! Five stars. All across the board

Such an amazing experience every time! Food is beyond delicious and a great atmosphere!!

The absolute best !!!! Get the Sicilian slice if they have it available. The meatball salad is my go to. I actually get it for my meal it's so large! Make reservations in advance. After about 930pm music gets louder. It's a great place. Thank you Steve and staff!!

Everything was delicious. I would come again. My experience here was amazing. Our server was excellent, and he also surprised my bf by singing happy birthday. Our bill come was $300, but it was well worth it. You also have to make a reservation ahead of time and provide your credit card.

Not my first time at Martorano's Lauderdale, and definitely won't be my last! Most importantly, every time I have left Martorano's, I have left full (full is an understatement) and happy. The bottom line is, when you go to a place that has pop like this, you're going to pay. It is for sure expensive, but it's good Italian food in Florida. In any Italian neighborhood in New York, a dozen places like this exists at a normal price range, a dime a dozen as some would say. But in Lauderdale, Delray, Boca, not so much, so when you do go occasionally, bring your wallet! It's worth it. Let me start with the atmosphere, you never know what you're gonna get. You also don't know where you are... fine dining Italian restaurant, night club? It's loud, but Kinda cool. The best part of this night was the movie Casino was playing on every tv in the place.... A real nice touch in my opinion. I've seen mixed reviews about quality and portions, I'm definitely confused by them because every time, including this last visit, the portions have been huge and clearly made with the best quality foods. And one of my favorite things about this place is the hot oil on the table. Soak it in! To start we had the meatball and salad, it's a great dish to start the night. The meatball is delish and the salad is somehow refreshing. We also started with the cheesesteak. I swear by this.... To date.... The best cheesesteak I've had. If Steves got one thing figured out, it's the cheesesteak, which he should I guess since he's from Philly, but it's absolutely delicious. These two appetizers will fill you up! So be careful, save room for dinner. For entrees, we ordered off the special menu. We had the veal chop parm which came with gnocchi. Very good. Wasn't a big fan of the gnocchi, a side of pasta would have been nice, but the veal is what's important and it was truly delicious. We also ordered a linguini with shrimp and clam and crab dish. Salty, but delicious. And big portions! We couldn't finish, so we took it to go. Had it the next night, heated up perfectly! We didn't go for desert, but I needed a nice espresso to wash everything down, really was a nice cap on the night. Finally, the bottom of the check. "It ain't sauce, it's gravy!" This ain't thanksgiving. Gravy is what you tell 2 year olds sauce is so they eat it. It's always sauce unless it's Sunday and has meat in it! Keep up the good work!

Cafe Martorano is my favorite Italian restaurant in South Florida. Growing up in a large Italian family, this place makes me feel right at home. This is southern Italian inspired, Italian-American cooking at its finest. I was surprised to see so many negative reviews, but after reading them, you'll understand why. The atmosphere here is fun and energetic. If you want to whisper sweet nothings to one another while listening to the ocean - this may not be for you. The food btw, is spectacular, including the pastas, which are some of the best I've ever tasted. What sets this place apart however is chef/owner Steve Martorano, who not only crafts authentic Italian-American dishes out of the kitchen, but also curates a nostalgic soundtrack of 80s, 90s and early 2000s music that will make you want to jump out of your seat. Show me another celebrity chef who can do that. Better yet, show me another who shows up every night and actually cooks in their restaurant. Adding to the ambiance, classic movies like The Godfather, Goodfellas, and A Bronx Tale play on the wall, creating a perfect culinary and cultural experience. We started with the baked clams and calamari which were perfectly seasoned and not dry or overloaded with breading. The eggplant stack was another highlight, featuring crispy layers of fried eggplant, fresh mozzarella, aged balsamic and fresh basil. Every ingredient tasted incredibly fresh, with the mozzarella made in-house and the calamari prepared to order--none of those frozen rings you find at other places. Each dish was made to perfection, showcasing their dedication to quality. The linguine and clams was flavorful, but without all the butter and cheese most places will load it up with. The red sauce is truly as good as my mother's, and it hurts me to say that. The cavatelli with short rib ragu tasted like my grandmother's kitchen on a plate. Rich short rib, bursting with tomato and fresh basil. Perfection. Traditional favorites like veal chop marsala and chicken parmigiano are fantastic, but don't sleep on the steak. Prime NY strip, cooked perfectly and served with peppers and shaved, sharp provolone. It's as good as you will find at any steakhouse. I can't say enough about this place. Highly, highly recommended!

Went here last week while in town on business and was impressed by the food and the service. Their fresh mozzarella appetizer is amazing and their chicken parm was delicious as well. The interior has a pretty big bar in the center that takes up a lot of space and the decor is dark. Definitely not a traditional Italian restaurant feel. I'm not sure what the owner is going for with the decor, but the food definitely brings people in.

Best Italian food and pasta and pizza in Miami. My best friend and I go here all the time when we can afford the trip, which is pretty often. Sky is my roommate.

I thought the food was gross. They definitely didn't take their time with it. Their service was slow. It was really loud. They forgot my drink 30 minutes in. Overall it was loud and crazy slow service

This is the place to be in Frt. Lauderdale. Steve is working it BIGTIME. The Food is EPIC........Must Checkout. YO CUZ !!

I've been coming here for so long and keep coming back because of how incredible the food is. Definitely get the meatball salad and eggplant stack to start because those are two of the best appetizers they have. I got the vodka rigatoni with sausage as a main and it was so good. The service is always great here. The ambiance is also fun but I will say it is very noisy and can be hectic so be prepared for loud music and a dark vibe.