Pretty good spot! All the good reviews are accurate. The chopped salad was delish. Everyone enjoyed their meal. Had the pound cake for desert, good stuff. Not a lot of good options in Salina to eat, this is the spot.
(4)
Kelli A.
Arrived at 9:30pm on a Saturday night to pick up our to go order during the middle of one of their worst snow storms. Got the salad and lasagne like all the reviews suggested. The salad was good, not anything out of the ordinary. The lasagne was ok. Not cheesy at all. Tons of sauce. The presentation was slopped in the take out containers but I assume it looks better on the plate if you dine in. The side of meatball was the best thing. It was huge and had a great flavor. I might try again if I could eat at the restaurant.
(3)
Bill B.
A great place to eat. We were traveling from DC to Aspen to spend several months skiing. We had our dogs so were traveling by car. Our second night was in Salina. We were worn out from driving. The desk at the La Quinta said these folks deliver if they can. We ordered the chopped salad and shrimp& scallops entree. The food was great, and the service was superb. They brought it to our door at the hotel. The salad was amazing, and the entree was outstanding. Just really great food in the middle of Kansas.
(5)
Michael W.
I had the pleasure of stopping by while I was in town on a business trip. The food was excellent, but the service really set martinellis apart from other places I frequent. I could tell everyone helps each other out to make sure the customers are well taken care of. Thank you Scott for walking me through the menu and being very helpful. My wife and I will visit again!
(5)
Kelli S.
We walked in on a Sunday night and were immediately seated, the place being about half full. By the time we received our appetizer the place was at full capacity. The service is excellent. The food was pretty good, it was standard italian food. We had the spaghetti with meatballs and lasagna. It was good, average. The cappucino gelato was excellent while the creme brulee was a little on the lacking side.
(4)
Melissa V.
order the bruschetta it will blow your mind! The staff was great! Just your average busy loud Italian restaurant, but this one knows how to cook.
(5)
Chinthu S.
This place is such a great find on I 70. Great service ,great family style food and yummy desserts and coffee.The portions are large (not compromising on quality) and the service attentive and friendly (They totally rocked my veggie pasta dish ) .Definitely a great value for money without compromising your palette:)
(5)
Jenelyn R.
Okay Okay... soooo imagine driving down all the way back to TX from CO and you gotta eat SOMETHING for dinner on New Years EVE. Well, thank goodness for YELP because Martinelli's Little Italy did the whole pasta fix for us on a cold winter day. Not only did they have such a wonderful friendly staff (working on new years eve!) that helped serve our party of 18 ppl last minute, but the food was pretty good. What kind of italian food can possibly come out of Kansas? well this place is pretty awesome because they serve food just as good as bucca di beppo for half the price. Family size bowl = 1lb = 16 bucks... split that between 2 people. You pay $8 each for 1/2 a lb of pasta.. that's huge! Great place for a great night!
(4)
David C.
This is ridiculous, to even review this place on yelp.... I mean, why the hell does it only have 8 reviews? If you live in this town, i don't need to say anything this is definitely the best rest restaurant in town, hands down, i'm sure of it. or at least i'm sure every local knows this place and how awesome it is. If you happened to be driving through 135 and 70 on a road trip somewhere, (don't drive from Texas to Colorado btw, it's stupid) this is a MUST stop on your route. Don't even think twice, you'll be glad you did. We (group of 15 people) sure were really glad we stopped here. also don't let the 2 $ intimidate you, it's CHEEEAAAAP, and especially cheap for this caliber of food. to quote tony the tiger, it's GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRREAT.
(5)
Kristi K.
We stopped here during a cross country trip. If I will ever end up in Kansas again, I will make sure to dine here again. Both service and food was exceptional! The bartender was attentive and friendly. We ate and drank like it was our last meal...
(5)
W B.
Very good food. Nice little romantic spot. Service is excellent, our waitress was very good and on top of everything. Had a shrimp pasta, the shrimp were well flavored and cooked perfectly. The pasta was good and had a nice white sauce. Very large portion. The pre-meal bread was good. The building is a maze if you're trying to meet someone there.
(4)
Dave C.
Great little Italian place some where in Kansas. We stopped on our way to St. Louis and enjoyed our meal. Service was great and prices were reasonable.
(4)
Crystal H.
Stopped thru on our move from LA to PA. Food was delicious, great sauces, & the service was awesome!! Blake took care of us knowing we were on the road, made sure we got in & out, but not forgetting to make sure we were comfortable. Great spot!!
(5)
Jessica W.
My dad took the boyfriend and I here for lunch one day. We live in Cali and my pops lives in Great Bend. Pretty good but not homemade-ish. Probably better than most places in the area, though.
(3)
Timothy L.
We ate here last night after photographing a gymnastics competition in town this past weekend. The food was great and we enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere. I would recommend the chopped salad with their house dressing, it was delicious!
(3)
Sally C.
We travel from Colorado to the east coast multiple times each year and plan our trips to make sure that we stop at Martinelli's coming and going! The service is always outstanding as is the food. If you're looking for a run of the mill Italian restaurant do not stop here. The food is creative, and prepared to perfection! I have eaten in Italian restaurants around the country, this is my favorite!
(5)
Kristen N.
My friends came here last year on the way back from Colorado to Texas, ad wanted to stop by again they loved it so much. When leaving Colorado we ran into terrible traffic and were put off schedule by at least 2 hours. When we called the store, they offered to stay open until we arrived almost an hour after their closing time on New Years Eve. The staff was very helpful and good natured despite having to stay late on a holiday for us, and the food!! My boyfriend ordered the Sicilian shrimp an scallion pasta- it was fantastic! The sauce was very rich and creamy, and the shrimp were juicy and perfect. I ordered the chopped salad, which was also very delicious. The dressing and ingredients are a perfect mix. If we go that way again, I would go out of my way to stop there again during normal business hours.
(5)
Laura M.
We ate here on Saturday night - arrived at 6:30 without a reservation, so we had a little bit of a wait, but it was not unreasonable. I would definitely recommend making a reservation because our waiter said is is usually pretty busy on weekend nights and on any night when there is a show at the theater across the street. We had the stuffed mushroom appetizer which was excellent! The mushrooms stuffed with a sausage mixture and then covered with mozzarella cheese. It came with a little side of marinara for dipping. It was a huge portion - I didn't count them at the time, but I would estimate that it had 10 or more medium sized mushrooms. I had the chicken picatta and my companion had the chicken parmesan. We each ordered the quarter-sized portion (the smallest portion) and that was plenty - especially because the entrees come with a "side" of pasta. The side would have been enough for a meal (and it will be lunch this week!). I really liked how you got to choose the type of pasta and type of sauce for your side. The only disappointment (and the reason for 4 stars instead of 5) was the bread. It was dense and dry. It was a multi-grain bread that seemed out of place in an Italian restaurant. The service was excellent and the prices were very reasonable. We had a bottle of wine along with our two entrees and appetizer and the total was around $55 (before tip). We will definitely go back the next time we are out that way.
(4)
Staci J.
This is one of the Mid-Kansas region's easy "go to" restaurants for a date night, and for good reason. Friendly staff and delicious food, at a good price. You also get the Lady and the Tramp version of a quaint Italian restaurant. A little cliche, but charming nonetheless. My only complaint is that on a busy night they are so interested in turning over the table that I've felt rushed while eating here. Of course, if asked to eat here, of course I would agree to go--for the huge portions of pasta and delicious chopped salad. TRY THE CHOPPED SALAD!
(4)
Joya H.
On a drive out of sheer madness, from Texas to Colorado, I turned to yelp for an escape from fast food and chain restaurants. This one sounded like it had definite possibility. Though it was 9:30 and they close at 10, the host and our server made us feel welcome. The bread was yummy and so was the house Cabernet-savignon (tad spicy). The tomato mozzarella appetizer was good too, ask for the balsamic vinegar to top it off. My husband ordered the rotini carbanara and thought it was well prepared. Food was tasty, service was friendly, and the price was right! A must for anyone hungry in Salina.
(5)
Rolf S.
A gem on the I70 corridor. Located in downtown Salina, Martinelli's has good food and good service. If you don't find something you like on the extensive menu- just design your own thin crust pizza! We ordered the baked mushrooms with Italian sausage and pesto as an appetizer and designed our own pizza. Pesto artichoke shrimp on 1/2 and red sauce with Italian sausage and basil on the other.
(5)
Shaun S.
I am giving this place a 5 because for being in Salina, Ks this place is very good and I doubt there is any place comparable within 100 miles. The wait staff definitively get 5 stars as I have been there twice over a 2 year period and they are just the best. The food comes in extremely large portions so ask the waiter what size they recommend for you based on your appetite. Awesome Meatballs by the way, so add one of those to your meal.
(5)
Robert B.
This place is pretty awful and would probably have to go out of business if it weren't in the we-don't-really-get-Italian Midwest. When I ate here a few months ago, I received runny(!) pesto with linguine, unripe grocery-store tomatoes substituted for romas in a basil-less mozzarella caprese appetizer (the whole thing was also inexplicably bombarded with Good Seasons-style italian salad dressing); my chicken parmesan had a bland breading and slice of mozzarella completely drowned under a flavorless tomato sauce. If the chicken and sauce were baked together it was not for very long, as it appeared that a jar of sauce had been poured over the separately-prepared chicken. You could do better gnoshing on a hunk of fresh mozzarella dunked in a jar of good marinara from the local Dillon's. (Seriously, it would be better than Martinelli's--I have no doubt that everything Martinell's serves comes straight off of the shelves at Dillon's anyway.) The place is a poor value, too; because it is popular and right in downtown, it isn't cheap considering what kind of mediocrity they are serving. If it were not in the downtown of a small Kansas town it would not survive the competition of places that had a clue or gave a damn. One of the things I most miss about living elsewhere is the easily-available decent Italian food...it seems any ol' crap out of a jar will do at most places around here. Diners passing through: Stop at Luciano's in Mulvane (about 100 miles south) instead. Or try both and experience the difference between good and mediocre Italian.
(2)
Julie C.
A pleasant surprise on a stop through Kansas. Decent food, good drinks, excellent customer service. Cute restaurant too (and surprisingly large).
(4)
Sue C.
I've seen others say the chopped salad was outstanding - I would echo that. We also order from them for our church, and they are overgenerous with the portions. That would actually be my only complaint - we have to order for fewer people than attend just so we don't have as much left over.
(5)
Amy H.
This place was incredibly busy, even during the week, which was a bit of a turnoff, but we were told it was worth it so hung in there even though we had to try to get a reasonable reservation time three nights in a row. It was terrifically crowded and noisy and our seats weren't very accommodating for two small children. However, food was pretty good. Enjoyed the stuffed mushrooms (tasted like small pizzas) and the Caesar salad. The spaghetti was quite tasty, with a rich sauce. The ravioli was nothing special, sadly -- not homemade. Pizza was so-so. Pesto sauce very delicious. As others said, the portion sizes were outrageous but very affordable. Probably one of the better places I ate in Salina while there for a week.
(3)
Maurenne G.
Food and drink were delicious, service and atmosphere were excellent, reasonable price for a LOT of food and our waiter Colby was awesome and adorable! Highly recommend!
(5)
Woody B.
Warm and inviting atmosphere located in a beautiful small town. If you put the creamy pesto sauce on your forehead your tongue would beat your brains out trying to get to it
(5)
Liz C.
You cannot leave Salina without tasting Martinelli's Little Italy! It's pricing is economical, it's service friendly, and their portions generous... what else can you ask for? Great variety in the menu too! Make sure to make reservations on a Saturday night-- the place is the place to eat on weekends1
(5)
Joe H.
I've been to Salina, KS three times in my life. Each time has involved me eating here. Never by my own decision. The place just seems dumpy to me, but the food is always spot on. This is fine Italian dining in Salina, KS. Each time I get something that tastes good. The menu is laid out for family style dining, where 1/4 portion actually feeds just you. Any normal human could not down a full portion size without feeling the need to kill themselves shortly thereafter. Not much in the way of beer taps, but what Italian restaurant is? Decent bottle selection if they don't run out of something, and the wine list looked serviceable. Free bread with your meal, but you have to order a salad. Depending on your drinking habits, you can get out of here spending under $20 on two people.
(4)
Lisa H.
This was great little cafe. Food was good, great service, not too expensive. Very quaint, but worth it. I would go again!
(4)
lynda g.
Excellent place. My husband and I happened onto this place by recommendation while on our way back East from Ca. What a surprise! Who would have thought there would be a great Italian restaurant in such a small place, but there was. We got the meatball sandwiches and they were to die for. Now anytime we drive back East, we plan our trips around stopping in Salina to visit Martinelli's. Service is great, food is delectable and prices are good too!! Can't wait to stop again this summer. Only wish they'd relocate to my town!! If you need good food in Salina, don't look elsewhere!
(5)
Carl E.
The food is good....flavorful and authentic. The service was also good. My waiter was attentive without overdoing it. I'll be back.
(4)
Frank B.
Passing through Kansas from LA to NYC and staying overnight in Salina. Called in a to-go order of lasagna and a small Caesar salad. Everything was ready when I arrived and they gave me plates and plastic-ware without asking. I like that! The lasagna was very solid. The red sauce was hearty. What I loved about the salad was that they did not dress the salad. So I was able to add just as much dressing as I wanted. They also included two very sizable half baguettes of solid and hearty bread. Notice I'm using solid and hearty to describe the food. This is because some of the other reviewers are complaining about the oddest things (too much garlic in a shrimp dish? really?). The lasagna, in particular, reminds me of what I've had in small, family-run restaurants in Providence and Brooklyn. Solid and hearty. That's the heart of good, basic southern Italian cooking (as opposed to the lighter flavors in the north). And what a delightful surprise to find it in a small Kansas city.
(5)
Greg S.
Chopped Salad, chopped salad. It doesn't get any better than a chopped salad. But the proportions are huge, bring a friend.
(4)
Cindy B.
Absolutely worth detouring off the interstate! Great prices, amazing service! The chicken Parmesan was very good-not overly breaded like most places. The chicken carbonara was also very good. The toasted ravioli's were ok, just the typical frozen kind. The red sauce was very good! Be sure to get a cannoli to go!
(5)
Christy L.
Yum! What a tasty and enjoyable dining experience. Helpful and attentive waitstaff, delicious stuffed mushrooms and chopped salad!
(4)
Fred H.
Good Italian food in Kansas??? Oh yeah, baby! My wife April and I went here while on our honeymoon on a recommendation from my father-in-law. Very nice family style Italian dining with private booths, which I suggest for a romantic dinner for two. Careful when ordering; their portions are big, lest your eyes be bigger than your stomach. Almost as good as any Italian food you would get in New York. Trust me, I spent six years in NY. As a matter of fact, my profile pic was taken during our actual first dinner as man and wife......at Martinelli's. It was wonderful! If you happen to be on the road passing through Kansas, swing through little Salina and visit Martinelli's Little Italy. Think you will find better Italian food anywhere else in the flatlands? Forget about it.
(4)
Will R.
We stopped here on our way home from Denver, thought we would take a break in the drive. Food was very good for the price. Service was excellent, our waiter Billy was very attentive and stayed on top of getting our food. Very good experience.
(4)
Keri F.
Martinelli's just catered our wedding reception, and it was fantastic. Everyone on staff there is easy to work with and helped make our wedding reception stress-free. Having lived in Memphis, Kansas City, and now presently living in Chicago, it's awesome how much food they are able to provide for such a low price. We were able to get an appetizer buffet with an assortment of six appetizers (which included bacon wrapped scallops!) for less than $10 a person. The bartender and server they provided were very helpful and did an excellent job. If you are planning any kind of reception in Salina, Kansas, go to Martinelli's!!!! If you are just looking for somewhere to eat when traveling through Salina, go to Martinelli's!!! I live in Chicago & haven't been able to find an Italian restaurant that has a Chopped Salad or Seasoned Tilapia with Linguini that comes anywhere close to what Tony and his staff serve at Martinelli's. I get those two dishes every time I am in Salina. Oh, and another favorite is the Chicken Avocado Sandwich served at lunch. It's amazing.
(5)
Paul P.
Had the 1/4 spaghetti and a meatball. Plenty of food and very good. This sauce is the closest to the taste of Bob's Pizza that was located in southwest Denver before Bob passed away and his kids ran it to the ground. I ate at the bar and the service was friendly and good even though they were busy.
(5)
Jeff B.
If you like good Italian food, this is your place. If you're so hungry you think you could eat a horse, order the 'small'. Portions are incredible. I can't imagine what a 'large' would be. Great, friendly people and convenient for dinner before or after a show at the Steifel. :)
(5)
Lauren G.
Like some of the other reviewers, my husband and I were driving back to Colorado from the east coast when we happened upon this little eatery. I felt like I would die if I ate one more fast food meal and this place really delivered. My husband had the marsala mushroom pasta and I had the vodka shrimp pasta and both were fantastic. The bread they serve with the dipping oil is not the best but that would be my only tiny complaint. The prices are so reasonable ($10-15 range) and our server was very sweet and helpful. I found myself wishing it was closer to our destination so we could come back when I'm in the mood for some good Italian!!
(5)
Amy B.
Chopped salad is delicious.
(3)
B K.
We were traveling through Salina and stumbled upon this place. It was excellent! The portions were huge and they are open until 10:00 on week nights. The chopped salad was one of the best salads I've ever eaten!!!! I tried everyone's pasta and they were all great. I highly suggest eating here.
(5)
Beth H.
This restaurant was a pleasant surprise in Salina! The atmosphere and presentation at this restaurant are unpretentious, and having read the previous reviewers' notes, my husband and I knew to order 1/4 portions individually. Our salads (one Caesar, one Iceberg) were both huge and fresh! My husband ordered spaghetti with a meatball, which was easily the size of a baseball. My Chicken Pesto linguini with pine nuts was delicious. The portions were generous and the service was prompt (hot bread served while we looked at the menu) and friendly. We would definitely return!
(4)
Pauline L.
We stopped in tonight on our trip back from Colorado to Canada. We ordered a Prosciutto pizza with pink sauce and Chicken Parmesan. Pizza was thin crust cooked to perfection and the Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti and Marsala was awesome! Our waiter was Alex and his service was very fine! We recommend this as an all Italian go to...Portions are huge! Dessert was Spumoni for my hubby and Cappuccino Gelato for me. One dessert would have been enough for both of us! Lots of yummy delicious food! We will get back here again when we are back in your area!
Ordered take out from this restaurant on our way from St. Louis to Denver. We relied on the other positive reviews and were optimistic. We love to support local restaurants while we travel and we had found this place on yelp. I ordered mozzarella sticks. They were cold, not even warm and soft. Clearly they had been frozen, then microwaved, even though the menu suggested they were house made. They were also $7.50, for about 8 lousy, cold, squishy mozzarella sticks. My husband ordered the chopped salad, per a suggestion from another reviewer on yelp. The chopped salad fell far short of expectations. The salad was $8 for a fairly small salad, not at all a portion for a dinner. The ingredients used were mediocre at best and not at all crisp or fresh. The salad contained very little quantity of the ingredients that make it a chopped salad. Minimal amounts of bacon or chicken and what was on the salad was not quality. The bacon was very tough. One chunk of browning avocado was on the salad. The ONE piece of bread we got with our meal was cold, dry, and had no flavor. The restaurant is located in the downtown area which takes you at least 10-15 minutes off of I-70. Not at all worth the 30 minute detour. Overall, it was an awful experience. Maybe they would be better if you eat in house, but with the quality of our food, I imagine not much better than ours. If you are passing through, I'd say this place is not worth the stop.
(1)
Sara C.
We had an overnight stop in Salina, and were looking for a local place to have dinner. This was in a little downtown area across from a theater -- plenty of street parking on a Sunday evening. Our waiter was a young fellow but very professional: reeled off specials and explained the menu portions (family size, half-size for two, quarter-size for one). I ended up sharing a lettuce + tomato salad and ordering a quarter size tilapia and linguine. The tilapia was nicely prepared, and the linguine was not too oily (which often happens with butter based sauces). I also got to try a piece of the St. Louis style pizza, which was cracker crisp. It's a good thing our motel had a small fridge, because we definitely had leftovers. It's an easy drive off the main highway, and definitely worth trying if you're traveling through the area.
(4)
Kansas E.
My first visit here. The waitress was the best ever, hands down. She professionally quoted us the dinner specials with prices. She knew the menu and gave educated and professional opinion when asked. She explained how the food portions worked. The portions are huge. The food was homemade and delicious. We took home two togo boxes. Waitress recommended a delicious dessert. They are made daily. Our was like a lava cake topped off with cappuccino gelato (cannot remember the official name). 3 of us shared that huge dessert. The ambiance was probably my favorite with an excellent music selection which completed the experience. I look forward to my next visit.
(4)
Denise M.
Amazing amazing place. The balance of ambiance and family style atmosphere was just right, and the food is amazing! I would feel comfortable eating here with my family, date night with my husband, to a business meeting. that's how versatile the restaurant is. Our host was Shane, very kind and genuine, service was amazing and fast and portions are plenty, I could not breath I was so full! Can't tell you everything by name what I ate, but I did have the calamari and OMG! No other way to describe it, a must have! I have had calamari caught fresh and cooked and that does even touch this calamari. We also had a chicken apple salad?, this was not a tossed together salad, it was done with skill. I will be back very soon, and if my experience is this good every time then they will have a regular!
(5)
Dezeree H.
We stopped here while visiting Salina and had a great dinner. The waiter was friendly and attentive. The menu had a variety of offerings. We ordered the tomato and mozzarella appetizer. The tomatoes were excellent. For dinner we had the fettuccine alfredo and chicken marsala. The quarter sizes were more than enough for one person and reasonably priced. I would say the fettuccine was average. However, the Marsala and the marinara pasta were very good. The marinara sauce was truly excellent! We would definitely come back here again, because we haven't found a lot of truly good Italian places in Kansas. All and all, we had a good dinner and the price was very reasonable.
We are irresistibly drawn to Martinelli's like moths to the flame every trip across country for the casual yet classic Italian ambiance and excellent food and service. It all begins with the flax-flecked hearty bread dipped in olive oil. We crave the Martnelli's chopped salad, a tangy-sweet mix of crispy prosciutto, tender chicken chunks, bits of blue cheese and avocado. And then there's the heavenly pasta, but we'll save that for next time.
(5)
Molly S.
We stopped on our cross country trip and ordered delivery. Had the lasagna, penne florentine, shrimp with shells and shrimp and scallops that were all delicious! Fast and friendly. Delicious and wonderful!
(5)
Bryant B.
Found this place via Yelp of course because another place was closed. Drove a few miles out of the way to get here and WOW. Best Italian food I've ever had. The place was packed, mainly because the local high school had homecoming or something. Even with the packed house, they managed to get everyone in, seated, and food on the table in an amazing amount of time. The price was very affordable and the portions were large, so we shared a few dishes between the three of us. Whenever I go back to McPherson to visit my family, I will make the trip to Salina to eat at Martinelli's.
(5)
Catherine S.
Customer service is outstanding!! Food is okay. We had a pasta special with shrimp and asparagus that didn't have a lot of flavor. Wished we had ordered the pizza it looked so good. Next time we will try the pizza.
(4)
Sachi N.
We stopped here on our way from Denver to Kansas City, and it was a nice meal for sure. The bread was warm and yummy, and the pastas were delicious as was the chicken. The kicker was our waiter, Vinny, whose hospitality was attentive and warm while not overbearing at all. Nice evening!
(4)
dawn b.
If I were only rating the spaghetti marinara,I'd definitely give Martinelli's 5 solid stars BUT...and that's one BIG BUT... Everything else we've ordered has proved disappointing. We most recently ordered take out of 2 pizzas,hummus,and salad for a grand total of $50+ The pizzas looked like something my children used to make with a tortilla and sliced American cheese (and what appeared to be diced canned tomatoes)and I am not exaggerating! The hummus...I've had better at the gas station in the little cup with pretzel chips...and the salad, "iceberg lettuce," need I say more??? We've had many of the other pastas but the only one worth mentioning is the spaghetti marinara, it is wonderful. I hope I've saved somebody's time and dime with this bitter sweet review. One last thought...the service is very good.
(3)
Seth W.
Chopped salad comes with avocados & chicken! Amazingly delicious. Molten chocolate cake with gelato is stupid good! Chicken avocado sandwich was eeehhh ok. Too dry for my taste. It came with a side pasta salad and it was just "ok" too. I will definitely go back. I would like to try some dinner entrees.
(4)
Phyllis L.
What a fantastic restaurant. We split their 1/4 signature salad which was huge and delicious. And then the chicken carbonara. Yummy. Wish they were in my town. I'd go all the time. The food and service can't be beat.
(5)
John B.
My favorite place to go in Salina. The food is always amazing and the service is second to none. I've tried many different dishes here and all were very well prepared. Love the bruschetta appetizer and the fresh bread they bring when you first sit down.
(5)
Mike D.
Martinelli's was absolutely the best we've experienced! Once we entered the establishment, we were greeted and treated as a valued customer. This was the first time we've stepped foot in town or the business and were treated as if we were "regulars." The staff waited on our every need and were yet invisible throughout the entire experience. Scott walked us through the entire dinner explaining the family and singular servings, plus taking care of our every need. The food was excellent and more than any one person could consume in a regular course. You won't regret it. Having experienced "real Italian" and the like in other towns, we were skeptical in going here, opting out of the usual chain restaurants while traveling. We were totally shocked in the entire experience and overwhelmed in amazement in our dining experience. If you are ever in Salina, Kansas, please go to this restaurant and ask for Scott! You won't be disappointed! We are coming back through in 2 weeks and will be coming again.
(5)
Rebecca H.
Great service and food. We came in from out of town and thought the sausage was so delicious in the spaghetti sauce...maybe homemade? Great waiter!
(4)
Valerie B.
I'm such a fan that my mouth is anticipating the meatballs for an upcoming trip. We stumbled onto this place years ago and now we have to stop there whenever we spend the night in Salina. Really big portions.
(4)
C M.
Been here before. Always good food and generous portions. The chopped salad is great; small is perfect to split. Unless you are really hungry get a quarter order. Attentive service.
(5)
Carl S.
Traveling across Kansas and decided to stop in Salina for a late lunch. Picked this place because it had good reviews. The staff was excellent and our server Dakota, was great. Very attentive without being annoying. Food was excellent, atmosphere was great. Well worth the stop. We will certainly stop back by if we are ever in the area.
(5)
Shannon D.
I must admit. My husband and I were oh so very skeptical about trying Martinelli's. Salina was a stopover on our road trip from Kentucky to Denver, but who would expect great Italian food in Salina, Kansas? Well, I must say that our meal (and overall experience) completely shattered any expectation that we had, and we just wish that we'd been with a larger group to try out the family style menu. The food was incredible - from appetizer (tomatoes with mozzarella) to entrees (spaghetti with one of the biggest meatballs in the history of meatballs and shrimp and shells with vodka sauce) to desserts (cannolis and THE best tiramisu that I've ever had). From start to finish, this was probably the best overall dining experience that we've ever had (even compared to restaurants in larger cities such as NYC and our travels in Europe). The service was impeccable, and if you go, you need to ask to be seated in Scott's section. The entire staff was courteous, professional and unbelievably attentive. If you have one meal to eat in the entire state of Kansas, Martinelli's should be it. We're already planning our return trip home around a stopover in Salina just for another incredible meal.
(5)
Brian B.
Another visit to Salina (for a wedding) enabled us to partake in Martinelli's. Consistency!! Still a great place to eat. I had the lasagne this time. Rich tomato sauce on the noodles. My advice: it is a must is to add a Caesar salad (might be the best I've had).
(5)
Tony Z.
This place is awesome. Here's a few things to consider: 1. The atmosphere is great! 2. The staff is fast and very friendly 3. The prices are super affordable! 4. The bread could be better...
(4)
Kathy S.
We got the chopped salad and split it between the two of us and it was plenty. We also ordered the spaghetti and meatballs. The meatballs are huge so you won't need more than one and if you are not real hungry you could split one between two of you. We had the Spumoni ice cream for dessert and again a very generous portion. The staff were very friendly adding to the relaxing ambience of the restaurant. Highly recommend you visit.
(4)
Allen H.
I 'm always happy when Yelp reviews lead me to a local restaurant that is as good as the recommendations. This restaurant is located on the old main street and is adorable. Based on reviews, I assumed the portions were good sized. So when I ordered a 1/2 chopped salad with my meal, I was surprised my server suggested a 1/4. I was assured that if I wanted more he would take care of me. Boy am I glad I listened! I couldn't finish the salad and have any room left for the meal. Service was amazing and the food was so much better than a chain restaurant could ever be. Thanks Scot for a great small town experience!
(5)
Natasha D.
Tasty food, salad had a great dressing and the asparagus was tender. Super service. Chicken Marsala had a great flavor and texture as well.
(4)
Katie B.
Pretty darn good. I don't like that they charge $10 to deliver to you, but this is the second place that I've run into in Kansas that does this, so maybe it's just a Kansas thing, I don't know. Glad we gave it a shot though. I got the spaghetti marinara with a meatball, my husband got the pasta carbonara and we both got Caesar salads. it was all good and the pasta was well made and tasted fresh. The meatball was huge! It was about the size of a my fist. The rest of the portion sizes are really huge as well. We got the quarter size on the recommendation that the half was more for two people to share. I'm glad she told us because my husband and I could have shared the quarter size so I'd hate to see how many left overs we would have had if we both got a half sized portion. I don't know if I'll ever find myself in Salina, KS again, but if I do I'll definitely stop here again and recommend anyone else do the same too.
(4)
Teen Foodie K.
We were driving through and looking for a place for lunch. I have been to a lot of good Italian restaurants but this one was just ok. We ordered what we were accustom to which is raviolis and carbonara and it just wasn't amazing. Lots of high ratings and it was just eh. However the Cobb salad is really really good and make sure you don't get the bottom of the bowl left overs or else it's gonna taste like sugar and dressing. Also about the salad, the dressing is sweet so beware. Overall not bad just expect eh Italian food.
(3)
John M.
While driving across I-70 on a cross-country trip, we decided to spend the night in Salina and have a good dinner. We were determined to NOT settle for a chain restaurant near the highway. Yelp identified Martinelli's as a good option; the restaurant did not disappoint! From the time we called to confirm that they could accommodate us on a busy Saturday night to the greeting we received when we arrived, we knew we were in for a treat. Our waiter Scott was the highlight of the evening given that we appreciate waiters and waitresses who not only are personable and engaging but who also have a command of the menu and who can make informed recommendations and are very attentive during the meal. We were not inclined to order steak but after hearing Scott's recommendations we ordered their chopped salad, rib eye steak and pasta with creamy pesto sauce. It was accompanied by a Ruffino Reserve Chianti Classico and completed with wonderful tiramisu. We recommend Martinelli's without hesitation!
(4)
Michelle K.
Be prepared for amazingly good food and even more excellent service. Went on a Sat afternoon to avoid crowds and got a table right away. Service is great! Penne in marinara with grilled chicken was excellent . Sauce amazing, but hard to go healthy here. No whole wheat pasta and butter is poured on vegetables (note to self: ask for no butter next time). Tortellini was fantastic too. Both portions so large that we took them home and had for lunch the next day. Stay away from the chopped salad as it was mediocre. So much pre-poured dressing that the lettuce was water logged, wilted and tired. We think it was made many hours before it was served because we could not tell what the blobs of croutons were. The "amazing bread loaves", were so stale and dry that we asked for fresh ones . They brought out "softer" bread, which was simply nuked in the microwave and even dryer. It was the worst restaurant bread ever and probably left over from the night before. Bread, butter and salad aside, we'll be back because the flavors of the sauces and pasta and the service are just that good. But not too often due to lack of healthy options.
(4)
Will P.
I did not go to the restaurant to eat I had it delivered. A small fee was charged to deliver and I will say it was well worth it!! The stuffed mushrooms were amazing and if you are a fan of thin crust pizza, they nock it out of the park! I will be back for more if I am ever in the area again!
(5)
Gary Y.
I read the other reviews and decided to give this place a try for myself. I am now sorry I did. The rating would have been one star if it had not been for my server, Drew. He was great. I got the lasagna. Bread came out first. It may have been good warm but the loaf I got was stone cold, dry, and had little flavor. As for the lasagna, I have better frozen. The sauce tasted as if it came from a can. The noodles overcooked and the little beef balls they had in it were tasteless. I could not name a cheese that was on it. I only ate half of it and left most of the bread. By far the worse meal I have had in Salina.
(2)
Manda D.
One of our favorite Salina places! The atmosphere is great, and the food is consistent and good. Salads are fantastic, and you can change things up (Chopped Salad with romaine lettuce rather than the iceberg mix is my personal fave!). Best to call ahead for dinner, because if there is a concert at the Stiefel Theatre across the street the place will be packed.
(4)
Al G.
If you like causal Italian, with good food, good portions, and a very helpful staff this restaurant is highly recommended. At 4 PM (on a Sunday) our tap beer and house wine was half price. A $2.50 wine and $2.00 tap bear hit the spot. The menu was great but we wanted something a little different. We were able to mix the sauce and paste we wanted with no problem or additional cost. Very accommodating. One unique feature was the menu offered 1/4 order (enough for one), half order (enough for two), full order (a family amount). This was a great idea, other restaurants should follow this lead! Staff was very friendly, helpful and accommodating.
(5)
Madison G.
The food was delicious and the service was excellent! Very reasonable too, our family of 6 got the family dinner light that came with your choice of salad and two pastas. We got the chopped salad, shrimp and scallop pasta, and the vodka shrimp pasta and it was all so good! Highly recommend this place!! You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Patterson M.
Not as good as I was hoping. Stopped by on the way through to Denver. Had the chicken marsala with pasta alfredo. The lettuce and tomato salad had a quarter of a tomato on the side so it should have been called just a lettuce salad. Rather bland - Alfredo sauce was lacking seasoning and needed more cheese (which I asked for). Marsala sauce was more like a beef gravy. Interior was a little shabby and worn. Servers looked grungy with dirty with stained shirts. Servers didn't use utensils when handling lemons to place into drinks - used fingers instead which I saw wiping face and touching hair. Bartender was great and very helpful. I wouldn't go out of your way from the hwy to visit.
(3)
Tyler M.
Food was pretty average really. Nice atmosphere but the spinach was chalky and most everything was bland.
(3)
Katelyn S.
My family is allllll about the Family style option. great price, great food, great selection. All around wonderful local favorite!
(5)
John M.
The food was terrific and service attentive. Our only caution is that the servings are HUGE! A "quarter" lettuce and tomato salad was more than enough for two of us, with some left over. A "quarter" penne fettuccine with chicken will give me another meal. A half order of chicken parm was two breasts, with a side of spaghetti. So, great food, but be hungry or be prepared to take food home.
(5)
Sheri C.
Being a native New Yorker and having traveled to Italy several times, I would give the food 2 stars and would venture a guess that the chef isn't Italian. The chopped salad is good, but very creamy. I ordered the Linguini Chicken Pesto that had way too much garlic and pesto. My boyfriend ordered the Sicilian Scallop and Shrimp pasta that was just heavy in sauce. Nothing was subtle or delicate in taste. I would say that the shrimps were well cooked. That being said, this was probably the best restaurant we could find in Salina. The staff was very nice and accommodating!
(3)
Melinda B.
i agree with someone else's reveiw-- best chopped salad i've ever had. it is HUGE and chock full of great stuff, not just a bunch of iceberg lettuce with italian dressing. if you pair the chopped salad with some bread, it's a meal in and of itself. the meatballs are okay. just okay. they're big, but not tender and flavorful enough for my liking. and their marinara sauce is pretty much in the same league as the meatballs. aside from the chopped salad, my favorite is their fettucini alfredo (sometimes w/ chicken and sometimes not). lovely sauce and nice noodles to accompany.
(4)
Tim B.
I really dislike being "that person" but this must be noted. My wife and I stopped here for lunch while passing through Kansas. If you are from the east coast and know anything about good Italian food then you should not waste your time here. My wife and I are avid foodies and have eaten at several Italian eateries across New York and New Jersey and this place is by far the worst. I support local businesses and think they are taking steps in the right direction, but the kitchen needs to seriously work on improving their dishes to make them more authentic instead of bland and watered down. We ordered the shrimp and vodka and Sicilian shrimp and scallops, both of which we're not good at all! Some of the shrimps were rubbery and undercooked. The one positive is that the service was very good and the servers were really friendly.
(1)
Brandt R.
We were on our way back to Denver with a craving for Italian food. We usually just eat crappy fast food being that selections are sparse in this part of Kansas, but not so this time! Have no fear friends, you too can enjoy delicious food by driving 5min off the highway to downtown Salina. Martinelli's is amazing! The service was great and very friendly. Reasonable prices for delicious food. Say no to fast food and instead "treat yourself" to a great meal!
(5)
Alexander T.
I don't think I can possibly express how much this place rocks. For the second year in a row on new years eve my group requests the ridiculous and Martinelli's delivers. We came in after closing time and were treated to one of the best meal's and service I have had in years. Our waiter, James, did not rush the group at all ( even though it was 11 PM on new year's eve!), took great care with every order, and even made sure we knew how amazing the dessert there was. We had the Shrimp and Scallop Pasta, and it blew the socks off my taste buds. I almost cried as everything came out perfectly. For a group of 14 people, the quality of the food and speed of service was spectacular. I am so envious of anyone who gets to dine here frequently. Recommendations: Sicilian Shrimp / Scallop Pasta, Roasted Red Potatoes, Stuffed Mushrooms, Chopped Salad Price: Very Inexpensive, full meals which feed 3-4 comfortably only cost 20 dollars, this place is a steal!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Brad S.
Pretty good spot! All the good reviews are accurate. The chopped salad was delish. Everyone enjoyed their meal. Had the pound cake for desert, good stuff. Not a lot of good options in Salina to eat, this is the spot.
(4)Kelli A.
Arrived at 9:30pm on a Saturday night to pick up our to go order during the middle of one of their worst snow storms. Got the salad and lasagne like all the reviews suggested. The salad was good, not anything out of the ordinary. The lasagne was ok. Not cheesy at all. Tons of sauce. The presentation was slopped in the take out containers but I assume it looks better on the plate if you dine in. The side of meatball was the best thing. It was huge and had a great flavor. I might try again if I could eat at the restaurant.
(3)Bill B.
A great place to eat. We were traveling from DC to Aspen to spend several months skiing. We had our dogs so were traveling by car. Our second night was in Salina. We were worn out from driving. The desk at the La Quinta said these folks deliver if they can. We ordered the chopped salad and shrimp& scallops entree. The food was great, and the service was superb. They brought it to our door at the hotel. The salad was amazing, and the entree was outstanding. Just really great food in the middle of Kansas.
(5)Michael W.
I had the pleasure of stopping by while I was in town on a business trip. The food was excellent, but the service really set martinellis apart from other places I frequent. I could tell everyone helps each other out to make sure the customers are well taken care of. Thank you Scott for walking me through the menu and being very helpful. My wife and I will visit again!
(5)Kelli S.
We walked in on a Sunday night and were immediately seated, the place being about half full. By the time we received our appetizer the place was at full capacity. The service is excellent. The food was pretty good, it was standard italian food. We had the spaghetti with meatballs and lasagna. It was good, average. The cappucino gelato was excellent while the creme brulee was a little on the lacking side.
(4)Melissa V.
order the bruschetta it will blow your mind! The staff was great! Just your average busy loud Italian restaurant, but this one knows how to cook.
(5)Chinthu S.
This place is such a great find on I 70. Great service ,great family style food and yummy desserts and coffee.The portions are large (not compromising on quality) and the service attentive and friendly (They totally rocked my veggie pasta dish ) .Definitely a great value for money without compromising your palette:)
(5)Jenelyn R.
Okay Okay... soooo imagine driving down all the way back to TX from CO and you gotta eat SOMETHING for dinner on New Years EVE. Well, thank goodness for YELP because Martinelli's Little Italy did the whole pasta fix for us on a cold winter day. Not only did they have such a wonderful friendly staff (working on new years eve!) that helped serve our party of 18 ppl last minute, but the food was pretty good. What kind of italian food can possibly come out of Kansas? well this place is pretty awesome because they serve food just as good as bucca di beppo for half the price. Family size bowl = 1lb = 16 bucks... split that between 2 people. You pay $8 each for 1/2 a lb of pasta.. that's huge! Great place for a great night!
(4)David C.
This is ridiculous, to even review this place on yelp.... I mean, why the hell does it only have 8 reviews? If you live in this town, i don't need to say anything this is definitely the best rest restaurant in town, hands down, i'm sure of it. or at least i'm sure every local knows this place and how awesome it is. If you happened to be driving through 135 and 70 on a road trip somewhere, (don't drive from Texas to Colorado btw, it's stupid) this is a MUST stop on your route. Don't even think twice, you'll be glad you did. We (group of 15 people) sure were really glad we stopped here. also don't let the 2 $ intimidate you, it's CHEEEAAAAP, and especially cheap for this caliber of food. to quote tony the tiger, it's GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRREAT.
(5)Kristi K.
We stopped here during a cross country trip. If I will ever end up in Kansas again, I will make sure to dine here again. Both service and food was exceptional! The bartender was attentive and friendly. We ate and drank like it was our last meal...
(5)W B.
Very good food. Nice little romantic spot. Service is excellent, our waitress was very good and on top of everything. Had a shrimp pasta, the shrimp were well flavored and cooked perfectly. The pasta was good and had a nice white sauce. Very large portion. The pre-meal bread was good. The building is a maze if you're trying to meet someone there.
(4)Dave C.
Great little Italian place some where in Kansas. We stopped on our way to St. Louis and enjoyed our meal. Service was great and prices were reasonable.
(4)Crystal H.
Stopped thru on our move from LA to PA. Food was delicious, great sauces, & the service was awesome!! Blake took care of us knowing we were on the road, made sure we got in & out, but not forgetting to make sure we were comfortable. Great spot!!
(5)Jessica W.
My dad took the boyfriend and I here for lunch one day. We live in Cali and my pops lives in Great Bend. Pretty good but not homemade-ish. Probably better than most places in the area, though.
(3)Timothy L.
We ate here last night after photographing a gymnastics competition in town this past weekend. The food was great and we enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere. I would recommend the chopped salad with their house dressing, it was delicious!
(3)Sally C.
We travel from Colorado to the east coast multiple times each year and plan our trips to make sure that we stop at Martinelli's coming and going! The service is always outstanding as is the food. If you're looking for a run of the mill Italian restaurant do not stop here. The food is creative, and prepared to perfection! I have eaten in Italian restaurants around the country, this is my favorite!
(5)Kristen N.
My friends came here last year on the way back from Colorado to Texas, ad wanted to stop by again they loved it so much. When leaving Colorado we ran into terrible traffic and were put off schedule by at least 2 hours. When we called the store, they offered to stay open until we arrived almost an hour after their closing time on New Years Eve. The staff was very helpful and good natured despite having to stay late on a holiday for us, and the food!! My boyfriend ordered the Sicilian shrimp an scallion pasta- it was fantastic! The sauce was very rich and creamy, and the shrimp were juicy and perfect. I ordered the chopped salad, which was also very delicious. The dressing and ingredients are a perfect mix. If we go that way again, I would go out of my way to stop there again during normal business hours.
(5)Laura M.
We ate here on Saturday night - arrived at 6:30 without a reservation, so we had a little bit of a wait, but it was not unreasonable. I would definitely recommend making a reservation because our waiter said is is usually pretty busy on weekend nights and on any night when there is a show at the theater across the street. We had the stuffed mushroom appetizer which was excellent! The mushrooms stuffed with a sausage mixture and then covered with mozzarella cheese. It came with a little side of marinara for dipping. It was a huge portion - I didn't count them at the time, but I would estimate that it had 10 or more medium sized mushrooms. I had the chicken picatta and my companion had the chicken parmesan. We each ordered the quarter-sized portion (the smallest portion) and that was plenty - especially because the entrees come with a "side" of pasta. The side would have been enough for a meal (and it will be lunch this week!). I really liked how you got to choose the type of pasta and type of sauce for your side. The only disappointment (and the reason for 4 stars instead of 5) was the bread. It was dense and dry. It was a multi-grain bread that seemed out of place in an Italian restaurant. The service was excellent and the prices were very reasonable. We had a bottle of wine along with our two entrees and appetizer and the total was around $55 (before tip). We will definitely go back the next time we are out that way.
(4)Staci J.
This is one of the Mid-Kansas region's easy "go to" restaurants for a date night, and for good reason. Friendly staff and delicious food, at a good price. You also get the Lady and the Tramp version of a quaint Italian restaurant. A little cliche, but charming nonetheless. My only complaint is that on a busy night they are so interested in turning over the table that I've felt rushed while eating here. Of course, if asked to eat here, of course I would agree to go--for the huge portions of pasta and delicious chopped salad. TRY THE CHOPPED SALAD!
(4)Joya H.
On a drive out of sheer madness, from Texas to Colorado, I turned to yelp for an escape from fast food and chain restaurants. This one sounded like it had definite possibility. Though it was 9:30 and they close at 10, the host and our server made us feel welcome. The bread was yummy and so was the house Cabernet-savignon (tad spicy). The tomato mozzarella appetizer was good too, ask for the balsamic vinegar to top it off. My husband ordered the rotini carbanara and thought it was well prepared. Food was tasty, service was friendly, and the price was right! A must for anyone hungry in Salina.
(5)Rolf S.
A gem on the I70 corridor. Located in downtown Salina, Martinelli's has good food and good service. If you don't find something you like on the extensive menu- just design your own thin crust pizza! We ordered the baked mushrooms with Italian sausage and pesto as an appetizer and designed our own pizza. Pesto artichoke shrimp on 1/2 and red sauce with Italian sausage and basil on the other.
(5)Shaun S.
I am giving this place a 5 because for being in Salina, Ks this place is very good and I doubt there is any place comparable within 100 miles. The wait staff definitively get 5 stars as I have been there twice over a 2 year period and they are just the best. The food comes in extremely large portions so ask the waiter what size they recommend for you based on your appetite. Awesome Meatballs by the way, so add one of those to your meal.
(5)Robert B.
This place is pretty awful and would probably have to go out of business if it weren't in the we-don't-really-get-Italian Midwest. When I ate here a few months ago, I received runny(!) pesto with linguine, unripe grocery-store tomatoes substituted for romas in a basil-less mozzarella caprese appetizer (the whole thing was also inexplicably bombarded with Good Seasons-style italian salad dressing); my chicken parmesan had a bland breading and slice of mozzarella completely drowned under a flavorless tomato sauce. If the chicken and sauce were baked together it was not for very long, as it appeared that a jar of sauce had been poured over the separately-prepared chicken. You could do better gnoshing on a hunk of fresh mozzarella dunked in a jar of good marinara from the local Dillon's. (Seriously, it would be better than Martinelli's--I have no doubt that everything Martinell's serves comes straight off of the shelves at Dillon's anyway.) The place is a poor value, too; because it is popular and right in downtown, it isn't cheap considering what kind of mediocrity they are serving. If it were not in the downtown of a small Kansas town it would not survive the competition of places that had a clue or gave a damn. One of the things I most miss about living elsewhere is the easily-available decent Italian food...it seems any ol' crap out of a jar will do at most places around here. Diners passing through: Stop at Luciano's in Mulvane (about 100 miles south) instead. Or try both and experience the difference between good and mediocre Italian.
(2)Julie C.
A pleasant surprise on a stop through Kansas. Decent food, good drinks, excellent customer service. Cute restaurant too (and surprisingly large).
(4)Sue C.
I've seen others say the chopped salad was outstanding - I would echo that. We also order from them for our church, and they are overgenerous with the portions. That would actually be my only complaint - we have to order for fewer people than attend just so we don't have as much left over.
(5)Amy H.
This place was incredibly busy, even during the week, which was a bit of a turnoff, but we were told it was worth it so hung in there even though we had to try to get a reasonable reservation time three nights in a row. It was terrifically crowded and noisy and our seats weren't very accommodating for two small children. However, food was pretty good. Enjoyed the stuffed mushrooms (tasted like small pizzas) and the Caesar salad. The spaghetti was quite tasty, with a rich sauce. The ravioli was nothing special, sadly -- not homemade. Pizza was so-so. Pesto sauce very delicious. As others said, the portion sizes were outrageous but very affordable. Probably one of the better places I ate in Salina while there for a week.
(3)Maurenne G.
Food and drink were delicious, service and atmosphere were excellent, reasonable price for a LOT of food and our waiter Colby was awesome and adorable! Highly recommend!
(5)Woody B.
Warm and inviting atmosphere located in a beautiful small town. If you put the creamy pesto sauce on your forehead your tongue would beat your brains out trying to get to it
(5)Liz C.
You cannot leave Salina without tasting Martinelli's Little Italy! It's pricing is economical, it's service friendly, and their portions generous... what else can you ask for? Great variety in the menu too! Make sure to make reservations on a Saturday night-- the place is the place to eat on weekends1
(5)Joe H.
I've been to Salina, KS three times in my life. Each time has involved me eating here. Never by my own decision. The place just seems dumpy to me, but the food is always spot on. This is fine Italian dining in Salina, KS. Each time I get something that tastes good. The menu is laid out for family style dining, where 1/4 portion actually feeds just you. Any normal human could not down a full portion size without feeling the need to kill themselves shortly thereafter. Not much in the way of beer taps, but what Italian restaurant is? Decent bottle selection if they don't run out of something, and the wine list looked serviceable. Free bread with your meal, but you have to order a salad. Depending on your drinking habits, you can get out of here spending under $20 on two people.
(4)Lisa H.
This was great little cafe. Food was good, great service, not too expensive. Very quaint, but worth it. I would go again!
(4)lynda g.
Excellent place. My husband and I happened onto this place by recommendation while on our way back East from Ca. What a surprise! Who would have thought there would be a great Italian restaurant in such a small place, but there was. We got the meatball sandwiches and they were to die for. Now anytime we drive back East, we plan our trips around stopping in Salina to visit Martinelli's. Service is great, food is delectable and prices are good too!! Can't wait to stop again this summer. Only wish they'd relocate to my town!! If you need good food in Salina, don't look elsewhere!
(5)Carl E.
The food is good....flavorful and authentic. The service was also good. My waiter was attentive without overdoing it. I'll be back.
(4)Frank B.
Passing through Kansas from LA to NYC and staying overnight in Salina. Called in a to-go order of lasagna and a small Caesar salad. Everything was ready when I arrived and they gave me plates and plastic-ware without asking. I like that! The lasagna was very solid. The red sauce was hearty. What I loved about the salad was that they did not dress the salad. So I was able to add just as much dressing as I wanted. They also included two very sizable half baguettes of solid and hearty bread. Notice I'm using solid and hearty to describe the food. This is because some of the other reviewers are complaining about the oddest things (too much garlic in a shrimp dish? really?). The lasagna, in particular, reminds me of what I've had in small, family-run restaurants in Providence and Brooklyn. Solid and hearty. That's the heart of good, basic southern Italian cooking (as opposed to the lighter flavors in the north). And what a delightful surprise to find it in a small Kansas city.
(5)Greg S.
Chopped Salad, chopped salad. It doesn't get any better than a chopped salad. But the proportions are huge, bring a friend.
(4)Cindy B.
Absolutely worth detouring off the interstate! Great prices, amazing service! The chicken Parmesan was very good-not overly breaded like most places. The chicken carbonara was also very good. The toasted ravioli's were ok, just the typical frozen kind. The red sauce was very good! Be sure to get a cannoli to go!
(5)Christy L.
Yum! What a tasty and enjoyable dining experience. Helpful and attentive waitstaff, delicious stuffed mushrooms and chopped salad!
(4)Fred H.
Good Italian food in Kansas??? Oh yeah, baby! My wife April and I went here while on our honeymoon on a recommendation from my father-in-law. Very nice family style Italian dining with private booths, which I suggest for a romantic dinner for two. Careful when ordering; their portions are big, lest your eyes be bigger than your stomach. Almost as good as any Italian food you would get in New York. Trust me, I spent six years in NY. As a matter of fact, my profile pic was taken during our actual first dinner as man and wife......at Martinelli's. It was wonderful! If you happen to be on the road passing through Kansas, swing through little Salina and visit Martinelli's Little Italy. Think you will find better Italian food anywhere else in the flatlands? Forget about it.
(4)Will R.
We stopped here on our way home from Denver, thought we would take a break in the drive. Food was very good for the price. Service was excellent, our waiter Billy was very attentive and stayed on top of getting our food. Very good experience.
(4)Keri F.
Martinelli's just catered our wedding reception, and it was fantastic. Everyone on staff there is easy to work with and helped make our wedding reception stress-free. Having lived in Memphis, Kansas City, and now presently living in Chicago, it's awesome how much food they are able to provide for such a low price. We were able to get an appetizer buffet with an assortment of six appetizers (which included bacon wrapped scallops!) for less than $10 a person. The bartender and server they provided were very helpful and did an excellent job. If you are planning any kind of reception in Salina, Kansas, go to Martinelli's!!!! If you are just looking for somewhere to eat when traveling through Salina, go to Martinelli's!!! I live in Chicago & haven't been able to find an Italian restaurant that has a Chopped Salad or Seasoned Tilapia with Linguini that comes anywhere close to what Tony and his staff serve at Martinelli's. I get those two dishes every time I am in Salina. Oh, and another favorite is the Chicken Avocado Sandwich served at lunch. It's amazing.
(5)Paul P.
Had the 1/4 spaghetti and a meatball. Plenty of food and very good. This sauce is the closest to the taste of Bob's Pizza that was located in southwest Denver before Bob passed away and his kids ran it to the ground. I ate at the bar and the service was friendly and good even though they were busy.
(5)Jeff B.
If you like good Italian food, this is your place. If you're so hungry you think you could eat a horse, order the 'small'. Portions are incredible. I can't imagine what a 'large' would be. Great, friendly people and convenient for dinner before or after a show at the Steifel. :)
(5)Lauren G.
Like some of the other reviewers, my husband and I were driving back to Colorado from the east coast when we happened upon this little eatery. I felt like I would die if I ate one more fast food meal and this place really delivered. My husband had the marsala mushroom pasta and I had the vodka shrimp pasta and both were fantastic. The bread they serve with the dipping oil is not the best but that would be my only tiny complaint. The prices are so reasonable ($10-15 range) and our server was very sweet and helpful. I found myself wishing it was closer to our destination so we could come back when I'm in the mood for some good Italian!!
(5)Amy B.
Chopped salad is delicious.
(3)B K.
We were traveling through Salina and stumbled upon this place. It was excellent! The portions were huge and they are open until 10:00 on week nights. The chopped salad was one of the best salads I've ever eaten!!!! I tried everyone's pasta and they were all great. I highly suggest eating here.
(5)Beth H.
This restaurant was a pleasant surprise in Salina! The atmosphere and presentation at this restaurant are unpretentious, and having read the previous reviewers' notes, my husband and I knew to order 1/4 portions individually. Our salads (one Caesar, one Iceberg) were both huge and fresh! My husband ordered spaghetti with a meatball, which was easily the size of a baseball. My Chicken Pesto linguini with pine nuts was delicious. The portions were generous and the service was prompt (hot bread served while we looked at the menu) and friendly. We would definitely return!
(4)Pauline L.
We stopped in tonight on our trip back from Colorado to Canada. We ordered a Prosciutto pizza with pink sauce and Chicken Parmesan. Pizza was thin crust cooked to perfection and the Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti and Marsala was awesome! Our waiter was Alex and his service was very fine! We recommend this as an all Italian go to...Portions are huge! Dessert was Spumoni for my hubby and Cappuccino Gelato for me. One dessert would have been enough for both of us! Lots of yummy delicious food! We will get back here again when we are back in your area!
(5)Michelle H.
After an epic bike ride at Switchgrass Trail, we were hankering for an equally epic lunch. Salina wasn't far away, and we went out of our way to come here based on Yelp reviews. There's a reason some of the reviews mention Scott. He was a fantastic server who knew his way around the menu as well as local events. The service from him was very attentive. My boyfriend and I are mostly vegetarian, and I had the shrimp and pesto sauce pasta sans shrimp. Scott brought out an assortment of veggies to make the pasta extra delicious. The pesto cream sauce is very good. I sopped up all the remnants with the bread. The chopped salad was delicious and was quite fresh. I didn't find it soggy at all. The dressing is slightly sweet, but the savory cheese balanced it out. We finished with creme brulee, which they flambéd. Very lovely touch. We will be coming back next time we are near! Thanks, Scott!
(5)Camilia S.
Ordered take out from this restaurant on our way from St. Louis to Denver. We relied on the other positive reviews and were optimistic. We love to support local restaurants while we travel and we had found this place on yelp. I ordered mozzarella sticks. They were cold, not even warm and soft. Clearly they had been frozen, then microwaved, even though the menu suggested they were house made. They were also $7.50, for about 8 lousy, cold, squishy mozzarella sticks. My husband ordered the chopped salad, per a suggestion from another reviewer on yelp. The chopped salad fell far short of expectations. The salad was $8 for a fairly small salad, not at all a portion for a dinner. The ingredients used were mediocre at best and not at all crisp or fresh. The salad contained very little quantity of the ingredients that make it a chopped salad. Minimal amounts of bacon or chicken and what was on the salad was not quality. The bacon was very tough. One chunk of browning avocado was on the salad. The ONE piece of bread we got with our meal was cold, dry, and had no flavor. The restaurant is located in the downtown area which takes you at least 10-15 minutes off of I-70. Not at all worth the 30 minute detour. Overall, it was an awful experience. Maybe they would be better if you eat in house, but with the quality of our food, I imagine not much better than ours. If you are passing through, I'd say this place is not worth the stop.
(1)Sara C.
We had an overnight stop in Salina, and were looking for a local place to have dinner. This was in a little downtown area across from a theater -- plenty of street parking on a Sunday evening. Our waiter was a young fellow but very professional: reeled off specials and explained the menu portions (family size, half-size for two, quarter-size for one). I ended up sharing a lettuce + tomato salad and ordering a quarter size tilapia and linguine. The tilapia was nicely prepared, and the linguine was not too oily (which often happens with butter based sauces). I also got to try a piece of the St. Louis style pizza, which was cracker crisp. It's a good thing our motel had a small fridge, because we definitely had leftovers. It's an easy drive off the main highway, and definitely worth trying if you're traveling through the area.
(4)Kansas E.
My first visit here. The waitress was the best ever, hands down. She professionally quoted us the dinner specials with prices. She knew the menu and gave educated and professional opinion when asked. She explained how the food portions worked. The portions are huge. The food was homemade and delicious. We took home two togo boxes. Waitress recommended a delicious dessert. They are made daily. Our was like a lava cake topped off with cappuccino gelato (cannot remember the official name). 3 of us shared that huge dessert. The ambiance was probably my favorite with an excellent music selection which completed the experience. I look forward to my next visit.
(4)Denise M.
Amazing amazing place. The balance of ambiance and family style atmosphere was just right, and the food is amazing! I would feel comfortable eating here with my family, date night with my husband, to a business meeting. that's how versatile the restaurant is. Our host was Shane, very kind and genuine, service was amazing and fast and portions are plenty, I could not breath I was so full! Can't tell you everything by name what I ate, but I did have the calamari and OMG! No other way to describe it, a must have! I have had calamari caught fresh and cooked and that does even touch this calamari. We also had a chicken apple salad?, this was not a tossed together salad, it was done with skill. I will be back very soon, and if my experience is this good every time then they will have a regular!
(5)Dezeree H.
We stopped here while visiting Salina and had a great dinner. The waiter was friendly and attentive. The menu had a variety of offerings. We ordered the tomato and mozzarella appetizer. The tomatoes were excellent. For dinner we had the fettuccine alfredo and chicken marsala. The quarter sizes were more than enough for one person and reasonably priced. I would say the fettuccine was average. However, the Marsala and the marinara pasta were very good. The marinara sauce was truly excellent! We would definitely come back here again, because we haven't found a lot of truly good Italian places in Kansas. All and all, we had a good dinner and the price was very reasonable.
(4)Julie S.
Do yourself a favor and get off the highway. Take time to roll through this cute town, a slice of Americana like you don't often see anymore. Once you've poked around a bit, check out this delight of a find. I had a Caesar salad, a delicious Peroni and the Vodka Shrimp and Shells. So good! It needed a bit of red pepper flake for me, but that was easily remedied. Trust me when I say the quarter portion is plenty, even if you and your dining partner want to try bites of each other's food! I think we could have split one entrée, especially with the salad. The service was great, the space was nice, and it was such fun to drag main street! Why on earth would you stop at a chain place along the highway when you can add some local flair to your road trip? Isn't that the point of a road trip?
(4)Cynthia M.
We are irresistibly drawn to Martinelli's like moths to the flame every trip across country for the casual yet classic Italian ambiance and excellent food and service. It all begins with the flax-flecked hearty bread dipped in olive oil. We crave the Martnelli's chopped salad, a tangy-sweet mix of crispy prosciutto, tender chicken chunks, bits of blue cheese and avocado. And then there's the heavenly pasta, but we'll save that for next time.
(5)Molly S.
We stopped on our cross country trip and ordered delivery. Had the lasagna, penne florentine, shrimp with shells and shrimp and scallops that were all delicious! Fast and friendly. Delicious and wonderful!
(5)Bryant B.
Found this place via Yelp of course because another place was closed. Drove a few miles out of the way to get here and WOW. Best Italian food I've ever had. The place was packed, mainly because the local high school had homecoming or something. Even with the packed house, they managed to get everyone in, seated, and food on the table in an amazing amount of time. The price was very affordable and the portions were large, so we shared a few dishes between the three of us. Whenever I go back to McPherson to visit my family, I will make the trip to Salina to eat at Martinelli's.
(5)Catherine S.
Customer service is outstanding!! Food is okay. We had a pasta special with shrimp and asparagus that didn't have a lot of flavor. Wished we had ordered the pizza it looked so good. Next time we will try the pizza.
(4)Sachi N.
We stopped here on our way from Denver to Kansas City, and it was a nice meal for sure. The bread was warm and yummy, and the pastas were delicious as was the chicken. The kicker was our waiter, Vinny, whose hospitality was attentive and warm while not overbearing at all. Nice evening!
(4)dawn b.
If I were only rating the spaghetti marinara,I'd definitely give Martinelli's 5 solid stars BUT...and that's one BIG BUT... Everything else we've ordered has proved disappointing. We most recently ordered take out of 2 pizzas,hummus,and salad for a grand total of $50+ The pizzas looked like something my children used to make with a tortilla and sliced American cheese (and what appeared to be diced canned tomatoes)and I am not exaggerating! The hummus...I've had better at the gas station in the little cup with pretzel chips...and the salad, "iceberg lettuce," need I say more??? We've had many of the other pastas but the only one worth mentioning is the spaghetti marinara, it is wonderful. I hope I've saved somebody's time and dime with this bitter sweet review. One last thought...the service is very good.
(3)Seth W.
Chopped salad comes with avocados & chicken! Amazingly delicious. Molten chocolate cake with gelato is stupid good! Chicken avocado sandwich was eeehhh ok. Too dry for my taste. It came with a side pasta salad and it was just "ok" too. I will definitely go back. I would like to try some dinner entrees.
(4)Phyllis L.
What a fantastic restaurant. We split their 1/4 signature salad which was huge and delicious. And then the chicken carbonara. Yummy. Wish they were in my town. I'd go all the time. The food and service can't be beat.
(5)John B.
My favorite place to go in Salina. The food is always amazing and the service is second to none. I've tried many different dishes here and all were very well prepared. Love the bruschetta appetizer and the fresh bread they bring when you first sit down.
(5)Mike D.
Martinelli's was absolutely the best we've experienced! Once we entered the establishment, we were greeted and treated as a valued customer. This was the first time we've stepped foot in town or the business and were treated as if we were "regulars." The staff waited on our every need and were yet invisible throughout the entire experience. Scott walked us through the entire dinner explaining the family and singular servings, plus taking care of our every need. The food was excellent and more than any one person could consume in a regular course. You won't regret it. Having experienced "real Italian" and the like in other towns, we were skeptical in going here, opting out of the usual chain restaurants while traveling. We were totally shocked in the entire experience and overwhelmed in amazement in our dining experience. If you are ever in Salina, Kansas, please go to this restaurant and ask for Scott! You won't be disappointed! We are coming back through in 2 weeks and will be coming again.
(5)Rebecca H.
Great service and food. We came in from out of town and thought the sausage was so delicious in the spaghetti sauce...maybe homemade? Great waiter!
(4)Valerie B.
I'm such a fan that my mouth is anticipating the meatballs for an upcoming trip. We stumbled onto this place years ago and now we have to stop there whenever we spend the night in Salina. Really big portions.
(4)C M.
Been here before. Always good food and generous portions. The chopped salad is great; small is perfect to split. Unless you are really hungry get a quarter order. Attentive service.
(5)Carl S.
Traveling across Kansas and decided to stop in Salina for a late lunch. Picked this place because it had good reviews. The staff was excellent and our server Dakota, was great. Very attentive without being annoying. Food was excellent, atmosphere was great. Well worth the stop. We will certainly stop back by if we are ever in the area.
(5)Shannon D.
I must admit. My husband and I were oh so very skeptical about trying Martinelli's. Salina was a stopover on our road trip from Kentucky to Denver, but who would expect great Italian food in Salina, Kansas? Well, I must say that our meal (and overall experience) completely shattered any expectation that we had, and we just wish that we'd been with a larger group to try out the family style menu. The food was incredible - from appetizer (tomatoes with mozzarella) to entrees (spaghetti with one of the biggest meatballs in the history of meatballs and shrimp and shells with vodka sauce) to desserts (cannolis and THE best tiramisu that I've ever had). From start to finish, this was probably the best overall dining experience that we've ever had (even compared to restaurants in larger cities such as NYC and our travels in Europe). The service was impeccable, and if you go, you need to ask to be seated in Scott's section. The entire staff was courteous, professional and unbelievably attentive. If you have one meal to eat in the entire state of Kansas, Martinelli's should be it. We're already planning our return trip home around a stopover in Salina just for another incredible meal.
(5)Brian B.
Another visit to Salina (for a wedding) enabled us to partake in Martinelli's. Consistency!! Still a great place to eat. I had the lasagne this time. Rich tomato sauce on the noodles. My advice: it is a must is to add a Caesar salad (might be the best I've had).
(5)Tony Z.
This place is awesome. Here's a few things to consider: 1. The atmosphere is great! 2. The staff is fast and very friendly 3. The prices are super affordable! 4. The bread could be better...
(4)Kathy S.
We got the chopped salad and split it between the two of us and it was plenty. We also ordered the spaghetti and meatballs. The meatballs are huge so you won't need more than one and if you are not real hungry you could split one between two of you. We had the Spumoni ice cream for dessert and again a very generous portion. The staff were very friendly adding to the relaxing ambience of the restaurant. Highly recommend you visit.
(4)Allen H.
I 'm always happy when Yelp reviews lead me to a local restaurant that is as good as the recommendations. This restaurant is located on the old main street and is adorable. Based on reviews, I assumed the portions were good sized. So when I ordered a 1/2 chopped salad with my meal, I was surprised my server suggested a 1/4. I was assured that if I wanted more he would take care of me. Boy am I glad I listened! I couldn't finish the salad and have any room left for the meal. Service was amazing and the food was so much better than a chain restaurant could ever be. Thanks Scot for a great small town experience!
(5)Natasha D.
Tasty food, salad had a great dressing and the asparagus was tender. Super service. Chicken Marsala had a great flavor and texture as well.
(4)Katie B.
Pretty darn good. I don't like that they charge $10 to deliver to you, but this is the second place that I've run into in Kansas that does this, so maybe it's just a Kansas thing, I don't know. Glad we gave it a shot though. I got the spaghetti marinara with a meatball, my husband got the pasta carbonara and we both got Caesar salads. it was all good and the pasta was well made and tasted fresh. The meatball was huge! It was about the size of a my fist. The rest of the portion sizes are really huge as well. We got the quarter size on the recommendation that the half was more for two people to share. I'm glad she told us because my husband and I could have shared the quarter size so I'd hate to see how many left overs we would have had if we both got a half sized portion. I don't know if I'll ever find myself in Salina, KS again, but if I do I'll definitely stop here again and recommend anyone else do the same too.
(4)Teen Foodie K.
We were driving through and looking for a place for lunch. I have been to a lot of good Italian restaurants but this one was just ok. We ordered what we were accustom to which is raviolis and carbonara and it just wasn't amazing. Lots of high ratings and it was just eh. However the Cobb salad is really really good and make sure you don't get the bottom of the bowl left overs or else it's gonna taste like sugar and dressing. Also about the salad, the dressing is sweet so beware. Overall not bad just expect eh Italian food.
(3)John M.
While driving across I-70 on a cross-country trip, we decided to spend the night in Salina and have a good dinner. We were determined to NOT settle for a chain restaurant near the highway. Yelp identified Martinelli's as a good option; the restaurant did not disappoint! From the time we called to confirm that they could accommodate us on a busy Saturday night to the greeting we received when we arrived, we knew we were in for a treat. Our waiter Scott was the highlight of the evening given that we appreciate waiters and waitresses who not only are personable and engaging but who also have a command of the menu and who can make informed recommendations and are very attentive during the meal. We were not inclined to order steak but after hearing Scott's recommendations we ordered their chopped salad, rib eye steak and pasta with creamy pesto sauce. It was accompanied by a Ruffino Reserve Chianti Classico and completed with wonderful tiramisu. We recommend Martinelli's without hesitation!
(4)Michelle K.
Be prepared for amazingly good food and even more excellent service. Went on a Sat afternoon to avoid crowds and got a table right away. Service is great! Penne in marinara with grilled chicken was excellent . Sauce amazing, but hard to go healthy here. No whole wheat pasta and butter is poured on vegetables (note to self: ask for no butter next time). Tortellini was fantastic too. Both portions so large that we took them home and had for lunch the next day. Stay away from the chopped salad as it was mediocre. So much pre-poured dressing that the lettuce was water logged, wilted and tired. We think it was made many hours before it was served because we could not tell what the blobs of croutons were. The "amazing bread loaves", were so stale and dry that we asked for fresh ones . They brought out "softer" bread, which was simply nuked in the microwave and even dryer. It was the worst restaurant bread ever and probably left over from the night before. Bread, butter and salad aside, we'll be back because the flavors of the sauces and pasta and the service are just that good. But not too often due to lack of healthy options.
(4)Will P.
I did not go to the restaurant to eat I had it delivered. A small fee was charged to deliver and I will say it was well worth it!! The stuffed mushrooms were amazing and if you are a fan of thin crust pizza, they nock it out of the park! I will be back for more if I am ever in the area again!
(5)Gary Y.
I read the other reviews and decided to give this place a try for myself. I am now sorry I did. The rating would have been one star if it had not been for my server, Drew. He was great. I got the lasagna. Bread came out first. It may have been good warm but the loaf I got was stone cold, dry, and had little flavor. As for the lasagna, I have better frozen. The sauce tasted as if it came from a can. The noodles overcooked and the little beef balls they had in it were tasteless. I could not name a cheese that was on it. I only ate half of it and left most of the bread. By far the worse meal I have had in Salina.
(2)Manda D.
One of our favorite Salina places! The atmosphere is great, and the food is consistent and good. Salads are fantastic, and you can change things up (Chopped Salad with romaine lettuce rather than the iceberg mix is my personal fave!). Best to call ahead for dinner, because if there is a concert at the Stiefel Theatre across the street the place will be packed.
(4)Al G.
If you like causal Italian, with good food, good portions, and a very helpful staff this restaurant is highly recommended. At 4 PM (on a Sunday) our tap beer and house wine was half price. A $2.50 wine and $2.00 tap bear hit the spot. The menu was great but we wanted something a little different. We were able to mix the sauce and paste we wanted with no problem or additional cost. Very accommodating. One unique feature was the menu offered 1/4 order (enough for one), half order (enough for two), full order (a family amount). This was a great idea, other restaurants should follow this lead! Staff was very friendly, helpful and accommodating.
(5)Madison G.
The food was delicious and the service was excellent! Very reasonable too, our family of 6 got the family dinner light that came with your choice of salad and two pastas. We got the chopped salad, shrimp and scallop pasta, and the vodka shrimp pasta and it was all so good! Highly recommend this place!! You won't be disappointed.
(5)Patterson M.
Not as good as I was hoping. Stopped by on the way through to Denver. Had the chicken marsala with pasta alfredo. The lettuce and tomato salad had a quarter of a tomato on the side so it should have been called just a lettuce salad. Rather bland - Alfredo sauce was lacking seasoning and needed more cheese (which I asked for). Marsala sauce was more like a beef gravy. Interior was a little shabby and worn. Servers looked grungy with dirty with stained shirts. Servers didn't use utensils when handling lemons to place into drinks - used fingers instead which I saw wiping face and touching hair. Bartender was great and very helpful. I wouldn't go out of your way from the hwy to visit.
(3)Tyler M.
Food was pretty average really. Nice atmosphere but the spinach was chalky and most everything was bland.
(3)Katelyn S.
My family is allllll about the Family style option. great price, great food, great selection. All around wonderful local favorite!
(5)John M.
The food was terrific and service attentive. Our only caution is that the servings are HUGE! A "quarter" lettuce and tomato salad was more than enough for two of us, with some left over. A "quarter" penne fettuccine with chicken will give me another meal. A half order of chicken parm was two breasts, with a side of spaghetti. So, great food, but be hungry or be prepared to take food home.
(5)Sheri C.
Being a native New Yorker and having traveled to Italy several times, I would give the food 2 stars and would venture a guess that the chef isn't Italian. The chopped salad is good, but very creamy. I ordered the Linguini Chicken Pesto that had way too much garlic and pesto. My boyfriend ordered the Sicilian Scallop and Shrimp pasta that was just heavy in sauce. Nothing was subtle or delicate in taste. I would say that the shrimps were well cooked. That being said, this was probably the best restaurant we could find in Salina. The staff was very nice and accommodating!
(3)Melinda B.
i agree with someone else's reveiw-- best chopped salad i've ever had. it is HUGE and chock full of great stuff, not just a bunch of iceberg lettuce with italian dressing. if you pair the chopped salad with some bread, it's a meal in and of itself. the meatballs are okay. just okay. they're big, but not tender and flavorful enough for my liking. and their marinara sauce is pretty much in the same league as the meatballs. aside from the chopped salad, my favorite is their fettucini alfredo (sometimes w/ chicken and sometimes not). lovely sauce and nice noodles to accompany.
(4)Tim B.
I really dislike being "that person" but this must be noted. My wife and I stopped here for lunch while passing through Kansas. If you are from the east coast and know anything about good Italian food then you should not waste your time here. My wife and I are avid foodies and have eaten at several Italian eateries across New York and New Jersey and this place is by far the worst. I support local businesses and think they are taking steps in the right direction, but the kitchen needs to seriously work on improving their dishes to make them more authentic instead of bland and watered down. We ordered the shrimp and vodka and Sicilian shrimp and scallops, both of which we're not good at all! Some of the shrimps were rubbery and undercooked. The one positive is that the service was very good and the servers were really friendly.
(1)Brandt R.
We were on our way back to Denver with a craving for Italian food. We usually just eat crappy fast food being that selections are sparse in this part of Kansas, but not so this time! Have no fear friends, you too can enjoy delicious food by driving 5min off the highway to downtown Salina. Martinelli's is amazing! The service was great and very friendly. Reasonable prices for delicious food. Say no to fast food and instead "treat yourself" to a great meal!
(5)Alexander T.
I don't think I can possibly express how much this place rocks. For the second year in a row on new years eve my group requests the ridiculous and Martinelli's delivers. We came in after closing time and were treated to one of the best meal's and service I have had in years. Our waiter, James, did not rush the group at all ( even though it was 11 PM on new year's eve!), took great care with every order, and even made sure we knew how amazing the dessert there was. We had the Shrimp and Scallop Pasta, and it blew the socks off my taste buds. I almost cried as everything came out perfectly. For a group of 14 people, the quality of the food and speed of service was spectacular. I am so envious of anyone who gets to dine here frequently. Recommendations: Sicilian Shrimp / Scallop Pasta, Roasted Red Potatoes, Stuffed Mushrooms, Chopped Salad Price: Very Inexpensive, full meals which feed 3-4 comfortably only cost 20 dollars, this place is a steal!
(5)