An authentic Italian restaurant in Fort Lauderdale known for its classic dishes and a unique ambiance that transitions from a dinner spot to a lively party scene after 9 PM.
Steve Martorano is recognized as the 'Godfather of Italian-American cooking,' known for elevating the craft of cooking and establishing a unique brand of Italian-American restaurants. He is a celebrity cook who has...
Martorano's in Fort Lauderdale is a long-standing Italian restaurant, operating for over 32 years, known for its authentic Italian cuisine and a unique dual ambiance. It offers a business-casual dinner experience before 9 PM, which then transforms into an electric, 70s, 80s, 90s-style party atmosphere with loud music and a club-like vibe. Classic movies often play on big screens, contributing to an old-school, lively, and familiar setting.
Customer perception is mixed but generally positive. Many praise the food as consistently incredible, authentic Italian, and highlight specific dishes like the meatball salad, crispy mozzarella, and linguini and clams. The service is often described as excellent. The atmosphere is a major talking point; while some love the energetic, party vibe that kicks in after 9 PM, others find the music excessively loud, making conversation difficult, and some criticize the food quality and service style during this period, describing it as 'rude NYC style'. Regulars are common, indicating a loyal customer base.
Additional Details
Martorano's has been a Fort Lauderdale staple for over 32 years. It's known for its transformation from a dinner spot to a club-like environment later in the evening. The restaurant has a location in Fort Lauderdale and Pittsburgh.
For a business-casual dinner, it's best to visit before 9 PM. For those seeking a lively, party atmosphere with loud music and a club-like vibe, the ideal time is after 9 PM. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday evenings, closed on Mondays and Sundays.
This place has been a staple for me for years, and somehow it just keeps getting better. The food is consistently incredible—classic Italian done right, but with creative twists that keep things exciting every time you come back. You can tell there’s real passion behind every dish.
And then there’s the atmosphere. After 9 o’clock, the whole place transforms into this electric, 70's 80's 90s-style party vibe that’s honestly hard to find anywhere else. It’s lively, fun, and the kind of energy that makes you want to stay longer than you planned.
Steve Moderano has absolutely outdone himself here. This isn’t just dinner—it’s an experience. The kind where you keep ordering, keep laughing, and already start planning your next visit before the night even ends.
Hands down, one of the best Italian spots in Southeast Florida. The food delivers every time, and the atmosphere is simply unmatched.
It was my birthday in a time and regardless of your sir.Business casual dinner before nine or crazy party after nine p m atmosphere you want for any occasion?
I would recommend this place one hundred percent.If you like italian, you will not be disappointed.Five stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
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.
Music was so loud seriously unreal!!!! I have never been to a nightclub at this decibel level! Much less a restaurant. Yelling at max volume into the guys ear next to you and still cant hear a word. Food was awful, they say its authentic italian. It has nothing to do with italy. The worst calamari of all time, white wine pasta tasted like water, sausage pasta was decent, the marinara ravioli with ribs just stacked ontop was the most barbaric plating of a dish ive ever seen at this level (2 layers of bone in ribs), more like a ruby tuesdays. Zero flavour profile paring. They have no idea how to reduce sauces, season meat, no concept of fine dining. If you like the rude it is what it is and dont complain NYC style serving staff where you pay a premium for them to treat you awful youll love it. The ambiance besides everything mentioned is great and the place looks great at night. People are dressed to the nines.
Cafe Martorano’s is the definition of authentic Italian dining in the heart of Fort Lauderdale. From the moment you walk in, you can feel that this place is a true labor of love—Steve’s heart and soul are in every dish that comes out of the kitchen.
The classic movies playing on the big screen set the perfect old-school vibe, and the atmosphere feels warm, lively, and familiar. Many of the guests are clearly regulars, greeted by name and welcomed like family, which makes the experience feel less like a restaurant and more like being invited to a big Italian family meal.
As for the food—exceptional across the board. The famous meatball salad is a must, the crispy mozzarella is perfection, and Steve’s linguini and clams is unforgettable. Honestly, though, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Every dish is executed with care, flavor, and authenticity.
Cafe Martorano’s isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. A Fort Lauderdale staple that never disappoints and keeps you coming back for more. 🇮🇹🍝🍷
Have been coming here for years, always a good dinner. They give you bread and their pepper and oil so you can dip and I literally dream about it. As for the food? Amazing. I know it turns into a club after hours but it’s not my style anymore so we usually leave before that gets going. Drinks are strong, food is good what more can you ask for?
