Delicious lasagna and good service by the staff. Nice environment.
(5)
C O.
I grew up in NYC and was privileged to eat in many family owned Italian restaurants (looks like a table in your grandma's living room). I've read many reviews comparing the owner of Martinis (the visible owner, Rich) to the Pizza nazi on Seinfeld. I have to say, if you go to a real Italian restaurant in NY, and ask for American cheese on your pasta, you will certainly be told "NO". If you 'piss and moan", you will be asked to leave and probably not be welcome in that, and many other restaurants in the neighborhood. If you want it your way, go to BK. There is a reason you are called a "guest" in a restaurant. Running a quality eating establishment using fresh cooked ingredients in house cooked sauces, locally grown veggies, lettuce, etc, and offering real authentic dishes like the eggplant items that Martinis offers is not an easy task..especially in a town that values quantity over quality as it relates to food. Go to Martini's..order something interesting from the menu, and enjoy what you get..you won't be disappointed. If you want it your way, cook it at home(that's what I do!) or god forbid, go to BK!!!
(5)
o m.
When I feel like Italian or pizza made from scratch with best freshest ingredients, this is the place I would go. Aha.. Roasted Egg plant...... Flesh salad and great sandwiches, meat balls! New place is OK, I miss the old place with all the characters. Fair priced food for the volumes and quality. Don't order pre-made slice of pizza! This is still not NYC! As Kalamazoo casual Italian food: 4.8 stars, In NYC may be around 3.8 stars or better.
(5)
Sandra C.
The pizza is awesome, especially the margherita pizza, but the service is often slow. Also, you can't reserve a table or pre-order pizzas for a group. There is no parking lot, just street parking, so parking can be a problem during prime lunch and dinner hours.
(4)
M B.
Best pizza in town hands down. Martini's is more than a pizza joint though. My favorite dishes there include the grilled chicken salad, the eggplant Parmesan, and the vegetarian lasagna. The dessert is also excellent. The service is friendly and competent, but tends to be slow at times. Good atmosphere and outdoor seating.
(4)
Matt C.
If I'm in Kalamazoo, I'm stopping at Martini's for a drink and a meal. When I lived in Kalamazoo, I was there at least weekly. Love this place--relaxed atmosphere, attentive staff and delicious food! If I'm in a rush or want something lighter, a slice or two is the way to go. Lasagna comes with a fresh salad and bread--perfect with a glass of wine. Pork sandwich is another favorite. Usually dig the music being played too.
(5)
Jeremy A.
Hidden spot near Vine. Although best pizza in Kalamazoo as well as a lot of other great food! Remodel even lets you sit down and enjoy it! I try to stick to the pizza (sausage, green pepper, & garlic) and antipasto salad.
(4)
Allison Y.
the lasagna is to die for.
(5)
kb j.
We enjoyed some very filling, good food here on a recent lunchtime visit. We did not try the pizza, but enjoyed a nice salad, some pasta and a meatball sandwich on some very good baguettes.
(4)
Jake V.
Ah Martini's. Nothing like strolling down from a student ghetto house to get get a slice of delicious pizza. Recently renovated, Martini's added the ability to get served at a booth or seat by actual wait staff but the ability to just quickly order food to go is still available. And yes, the awkward mish-mash of style has just expanded with large fish on the walls combined with church benches. The food itself is delicious but somewhat expensive ($8 sandwich?!, $7 salad?!). The real deal are the $2 slices of pizza that come with a variety of toppings. Even though they are reheated and not exactly fresh, they do hit the spot despite being a little bit greasy. Just stay away from the romano cheese unless you love stinky farts. Okay, so why isn't Martini's THE place to go? I mean, it's located right in the heart of the student ghetto. It's easy to get to and has the possibility of being a decent value. The answer is in the attitude of the owner. Even though you would think that college students are the bread and butter of such an establishment, 9 times out of 10 I get a condescending attitude attached to an extremely sarcastic "thank you, sir.", all tied together with a lack of eye contact or sincerity. And I'm not alone. Now, if I'm a bourgeois middle-aged guy on his way back to Portage from my job downtown, I'll get a back rub, foot massage, and a salad while I'm at it. But a college kid? You know, the people who actually visit the place consistently? Dirt. It's that type of attitude that makes their delicious pizza so hard to swallow.
(3)
Jeff L.
Great food. Only drawback is parking...
(5)
Zach S.
Martini's makes the best thin crust pizza I've had in Michigan, hands down. It's strange to see a seating area as I used to frequent the place when it was a hole-in-the-wall carryout joint, but when I walked in I was comforted by the fact that the kitchen hasn't changed a bit from what I remembered. The pizza hasn't changed at all either - still the same sloppy mess of sauce and cheese I remember. The pizza sauce is some of the best I've ever had - it's slightly sweet and has a TON of bright tomato flavor. I could drink it. A word of warning: some might consider the pizza oversauced as it's literally overflowing with it. At any other pizza place I would agree, but at Martini's it's a virtue because the sauce is so good. The crust, also, is excellent. While it's not blasted with heat in a coal oven like the artisan pies at the fancy new pizzerias popping up in cities all over the country, it's about as good as pizza crust gets without going all Neapolitan. It's crispy yet chewy, savory, a little nutty, and has a lot of texture from the healthy dusting of cornmeal on the bottom. The cheese and the toppings aren't particularly noteworthy. They don't take away from the pizza but if I had to suggest a way forward for Martini's it would definitely be to step up their topping game. It would be great to see some huge hunks of in-house Italian sausage or perhaps some nice salami. A lot of reviews complain about the service. I can't say much as I've only been once since they turned it into a full-service restaurant and our service was fine. Historically, the service was indifferent and usually rude. It wasn't charming, but it never deterred me either.
(5)
Jared S.
Best pizza in Kalamazoo, though a little pricey for someone like me who normally just gets takeout. The Calzonis are huge and tasty. I kind of miss when it was just the small (mostly) take-out place, though. They did quite a good job decorating. I just wish I could afford to eat there more often!
(4)
Ms Cara L.
Another life-is-worth-living restaurant in Kzoo, obsessed with perfection. An old boyfriend introduced me to Martini's when it was based in a little house out in Portage. It's even better today, the surroundings are beautiful, from the garden patio to the stained-glass interior. I've had lovely service every time I've dined in. If it's slow, that's what bar service is for. Kudos to Amy for introducing me to Pims and ginger ale. Thank you for a refreshing summer buzz, my dear. For those on the fence, try a take-out pizza to get yourself hooked. But the rest of the menu is worth gushing over too; my god, that pulled pork sandwich...
(5)
John K.
One of if not the best pizza in Kalamazoo. Very good date place. Descent amount of parking too. Don't let the neighborhood fool you. It's in the student ghetto area. But very safe overall. Nice coffee shop and bagel places and breakfast place nearby. And a bookstore too.
(5)
Henry H.
This place used to be a tiny shop with maybe a dozen stools, and I sort of enjoyed being treated a little rudely by the hippie types behind the counter while they made my meatball sub. BUT, I admit, the food doesn't seem to have suffered with the giant expansion. Pizza is good, calzones are great, hot subs are great, stuffed acorn squash is great. Parking is mediocre for a place of this size, but it's pretty much the only knock against it, and definitely not worth rating the place less than 5 stars. If you haven't been there, do it.
(5)
Steven T.
This place is a regular favorite for me. Had pizza tonight but have never had a bad meal here. In the past I've ordered: The meat lasagna The veggie lasagna The salmon The chicken sandwich The chicken dinner All of them deserve 5 stars! Good micro brew selection and a decent wine list.
(5)
Melanie R.
This is one of the best places to eat in kalamazoo. I love the Martinis grilled chicken salad. They change their menu and include seasonal fare. They have a nice variety of beers on tap too. Heavy pour on their wines, love that! It's a loud though so if you're looking for quiet intimate, this is not the place. Highly recommend.
(5)
This S.
Delicious Italian food featuring high-quality fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Lovely eclectic look and relaxed atmosphere. Would recommend for a meal and bottle of wine with family and friends, or for a fun date night. Lots of vegetarian options. Love Martinis!
(5)
Jimmy H.
Hands down some of the best pizza I've ever had. Certainly hits the spot after guzzling a few brews from Bells. Don't be surprised when you can't find the sign out front - there isn't one. This place is purely word of mouth, adding to it's elusive vibe. I've been here many times although most were PY (pre-yelp). I recently moved back and was glad to see that Martini's is still serving up the same quality pies they were 4 years ago when I lived here last. I've only ever had their pizza and stromboli (when the pizza is so good, why try anything else?). Both were amazing and worth trying. I typically get pizza on the focaccia bread. This is an incredibly light pizza due to not being loaded with pounds of cheese. This pizza has red sauce, any toppings you'd like, and dusted with a light sprinkling of parmesan cheese. For those of you concerned about not having cheese - don't be. Give it a shot. A few points worth noting. Martini's is extremely rigid in their menu. Don't try and order a standard pizza and expect to be able to remove this and add that. Homey don't play that. The other nuance is parking. There is extremely limited parking in their lot. We've always been able to find street parking but even that becomes dicey depending on the time and day. Come early, come often. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Al M.
Unequivocally 5 stars! What a find...I knew when I saw a 4.5 Yelp rating with over a hundred reviews that this place was for real. Martini's Pizza is not just another pizza joint. It is a eclectic full service restaurant tucked away in a mostly residential tree-lined section of Westnedge about 5 blocks from downtown K-zoo. It serves up everything from sandwiches to pasta to salads to...pizza of course. Pete A and I were in town on business and were determined to try a wide selection of dishes to sample the offerings. We started with the Italian Combo Sub, a couple sides of linguini with red sauce, a side order of Martini's meatballs, the Italian Sausage Farcitta, and of course two slices of their sausage pizza. Washed it all down with a couple of nice cold IPAs. All I have to say is WOW! Their Italian sausage and their red sauce are addicting...sweet, spicy and flavorful...one of the best I've had in the last year. Our waiter was also great...patiently providing recommendations like you would give to your own family. These are the guys you want to leave the 25% - 30% tip and feel good about it. The ambience is eccentrically cool. I loved the irredecent globes of various shapes over the bar. He stained glass in the windows added color and a vibe you will enjoy. Overall, a Fiver for sure. So glad that Yelp bubbled up such a strong offering. Will definitely be back for another splurge next time in town.
(5)
Rachel L.
What a fabulous restaurant! Dined tonight while in town visiting family. Pizza was amazing - perfect sauce that's not too sweet, crunchy crust, fresh toppings. My dinner companions had sandwiches that looked fabulous on fresh French bread. Service was impeccable. Drinks were nice and strong. Highly recommend!
(5)
Ben M.
Great kzoo joint! Been around forever, pizza is always awesome! My favorite thing to order here is the olive sampler appetizer, you will talk about it for days.
(5)
Alicia S.
If you like gin, try the Greyhound, tart grapefruit juice, dry gin, and a sugared rim make a great combo!
(4)
Thomas B.
5-Star Food at 3-Star Prices Serious food in a relaxed and aesthetically pleasing atmosphere. Martini's Pizza has been around for awhile (it was open before my undergraduate work at Western Michigan) and every time I have the opportunity to pass through Kalamazoo, I make it a pilgrimage to go this restaurant--and you should too. Centrally located, this place has really transformed throughout its history. When Rich, the owner, began this business, the building was very small and included a counter area and stools along the front of the building and basically most of the rest of the building was the cooking area. Since then, Martini's has nearly quadrupled in physical size: a large seating area where the parking lot had once been, a full bar, and an upstairs area have all been added to this establishment in the years I have been frequenting it. But even as a small restaurant (a mostly take-out place at that time), it was clear that Rich had a vision for artistry in the food and in the restaurant environment. I always marveled at the chalkboard, a prominent centerpiece near the entrance, with its wispy theses on life; I admired the musical selections being played; I honored the inclusion of local artists and their works in the design and decor of this restaurant (Check out martinispizza.org/thankf… ). But this ambiance brings us to the most important mission: the food itself. The menu--most of which I have tried--has diversity and authenticity. From cool salads to hot pizzas and calzoni, there are no bad choices. EVERYTHING tastes great. But the foundation of this Martini's greatness is its pizzas and calzoni. From the beginning of my experiences eating here, the pizza slices and the calzoni have been the hook. My first time there, I had a calzoni which featured pepperoni, ham, and banana peppers. Eating and appreciating these calzoni are like peeling back the layers of an onion: the outer layer is the crust--a perfect flavor-filled bread with hints of corn meal and subtle layers of crisp and airiness; the next layers include the sauce, cheese, and toppings. I recall that in addition to falling in love with the crust, I also loved the sauce. It's unlike most sauces I have ever had anywhere. It's subtle and yet flavorful; not overpowering but not bland at all. Furthermore, the pepperoni and ham also stood out to me--I still make it a point to get anything I can with that ham on it or in it. That said, calzoni does require extra time for preparation and cooking but if you find yourself ordering it, then spend some time enjoying the local beers while you wait. The pizza is also outstanding (picture is attached). It's pretty much the same ingredients as the calzoni but in the genre of the pizza. One thing that you can do is order the half-bake if you are ordering out and perhaps have to travel a long distance before serving it. Martini's will prepare the pizza and get it started for you and then box it. Then when you show up, they'll coach you on oven temperature, placement, and time and you can finish the cooking in your own oven. I have had to do this several times by picking it up and taking it to Grand Rapids to my friends and family. Drinks from the bar are always good and the local selection of beers is outstanding. They have a solid selection of spirits: premium vodkas and gins have been what I drink there (martinis of course). Lastly, one of the best things about eating here is that the staff and the owner always greet me and welcome me back. They know their loyal customers and continue to pay homage to them (including me). This is a place that you MUST try if you are in Kalamazoo. More information for this restaurant can be found here: martinispizza.org/index.…
(5)
Phillip K.
WOW, how have I lived down the street from this place for the past 3 years and never have been here yet??? I am in love with all of these indy/ unique restaurants and places here in Kalamazoo. From the outside this place looks like any-ol normal restaurant. But inside! Beautiful dark rich brown and red color walls and caramel wood trim, beautiful chandeliers, and a pretty legit bar too! Im sold on the atmosphere alone. Very VERY knowledgable staff! When I got there I asked our waiter to tell me a bit about the menu and if there were any specials. He told me everything I wanted to hear and more! even down to where their raw ingredients come from. Everything except lemons, limes and avocados are locally sourced, the chef literally goes out everyday and picks up fresh ingredients. (Needless to say the young man got a very generous tip for his help) But the menu as the real star of the show. I came here with a friend and we got an appetizer, pizza and dessert. There was a little bit of a wait on the pizza and app but you can definitely tell it was because the food was made fresh just for you. The appetizer was a baked spaghetti cheese pie. The pie is spaghetti noodles mixed with ficaccio cheese, baked, and pan seared then cut in half and served with some greens and their red sauce. I'm a MAJOR fan of this. Smooth and creamy with a bit of texture from the noodles on the inside, and crunchy and seared on the out. The pizza was on point as well. Sausage, artichoke heart and onions. The crust takes the cake on this one, you can definitely tell that it's a house made crust. Crispy and crunchy, still firm even with all the cheese and sauce on top. And for dessert! Heirloom carrot cheesecake with a butter rum raisin sauce drizzled around it. YUM I could have eaten the whole thing by myself (sadly I was sharing) whoever thought to mix raisins, rum, carrots and cheese cake truly deserves an award. I can't express how great and tasty this was. Sweet, light, different flavors in every bite. Hands down this is somewhere that I will be coming back too. Cheers to you Martini's Pizza for your excellent service and delicious food.
(5)
Joe N Jo J.
Never disappointed with Martinis. Wonderful place to eat and the food is wonderful. Highly recommended
(4)
Melani T.
I am giving them 3 stars until they change back to the old pizza recipe! Me and my boyfriend are major fans of martini's and so when they change their pizza recipe we can tell. If I wanted slope that makes me feel like crap I will order Papa Johns! Why!??? The pizza sauce was wonderful and this time I swear it was from a can! Call me crazy but it just didn't taste like the bits of heaven I used to order! Please go back to the old recipe and this will be change to 5 stars which I want to give but the pizza change is a no go!
(3)
Ben B.
I enjoyed my pizza more than I remember from my one and only prior visit. We ordered a sausage, pepperoni and mushroom beast that was really quite good. The sauce stood out as excellent. The salad wasn't anything special. I'd skip it. Service wasn't great. We had a woman come around and start stealing our silverware way before we were done. She seemed both confused and scared when we said we needed those for the pizza to come. Weird.
(4)
C S.
The food is fantastic but that being said its just pizza. $65 for 2 pizzas is a bit ridiculous. If you don't mind the price it's great food. The only reason that I cannot and will not ever give Martinis a 5 star review is the arrogant prick owner. He's like a fat, little, angry Richard Gere that won't hesitate to throw you out at the drop of a hat. Don't bring friends that have any sort of disability. We were asked to leave because a member of our group was incapable of sitting down due to an injury. The fat little prick came over yelled and pointed in her face before he threw the entire party out of the restaurant. He didn't even give an opportunity to explain her situation, he just screamed over her. Another occasion, I was there for lunch. To our extreme dismay we had the displeasure of having the angry owner as our server. Not only was he rude he refused to answer questions about the menu then refused to fill a drink order for a Bloody Mary. The restaurant was empty and all he said is "you can have beer or wine, I can't be bothered to go hassle with a shaker to mix your drink." I don't know how this place stays open with someone like that at the helm. I would maybe order takeout again but I'll never so much as consider eating there or recommend it to anyone again as a good dine in experience. Great pizza awful ownership!
(2)
Grady D.
Our first time here. The food was awesome. My only complaint was the busser/runner was making laps looking to take stuff from us. It became a distraction.
(4)
Pam R.
Hadn't been here in a while, we forgot how good it was! We just had sandwiches - grilled chicken with fresh grilled potatoes, mushrooms, scallions, red peppers and asiago cheese. Excellent! Hubby had Italian Combo sub - grilled Italian beef and sausage. It was good but could use some veggies - onions or peppers would put it over the top. Craft beers on draft.
(4)
Amy W.
Always good food, great drinks, and nice service. The meatballs are amazing!
(5)
Noelle C.
Great food and great wait staff! On my list of favorites! I have not had one dish that I did not like.
(5)
Hayley G.
Went here for a birthday dinner after a recommendation, and I'm so glad we went! We started our evening with some appetizers: the garlic bread and the antipasto salad. Both appetizers were large enough portions to share among four people. We then, obviously, ordered pizzas! We made up our own pizzas with toppings. The pizza crusts are perfectly done, and the perfect thickness. We had enough pizza leftover to take it home, and it reheats well the next day. (That's an important quality!) The restaurant was clean and the service was nice and efficient. We are looking forward to our next trip and trying something else on the menu!
(5)
Ken H.
This is a great little Italian place in the VIne Neighborhood. Expect to spend some money if you come here. The pizza is great. The sandwiches and pasta dishes I have tried have all been delicious. My typical order is a Mozzarella Salad (a simple salad with slices of home made mozzarella cheese) and a slice of pizza.
(5)
Gabe S.
I've been a huge Martini's fan for quite some time. They're food is very good and the pizza is top-notch. However when we went this past Saturday for my brother's birthday, we were less than pleased with our service. We waited over an hour to get our food and never once saw our waiter between the time he took our order and about 5-10 minutes after the food came out. Half of the table was out of water. We were never given an explanation as to why it took so long or an apology for the extended delay. The place was not overly busy and our waiter had maybe 3 tables. He ignored all of them. I'm sure we will go back at some point, but odds are it will be for take-out. I can't see myself going back to such poor service.
(2)
Rylee T.
Love the pizza and pasta dishes! Great sandwich and salad selection as well. I really enjoy the atmosphere too: beautiful decor and ambience. The service is always great. The menu changes with the seasons which is awesome too! Higley recommend.
(5)
Kristin C.
Amazing meals (both lunch & dinner) have been consumed here. I truly love Martini's and like to go whenever we are in town. The house salad is delightful -- lettuce, tomato, green onion, cukes, red wine vinaigrette and pecorino cheese (simple but delicious). I love the lasagna here - served piping hot. I use the amazing garlic bread to sop up any extra sauce. I have also had some really great pizza here. And on my last visit I tried the meatball sub. It was very good and huge --there was no way I could eat the whole thing for lunch. Not much can make me say this, but Martini's make me wish I lived in Kalamazoo so I could eat there more often. :)
(5)
M H.
Nice little place--been there twice, but I live in Chicago so it's up to my K'zoo friends to order and they always pick pizza with the homemade sausage and one other item, plus wine. The pizza is very good, although I'm kind of spoiled because of all the pizza joints to choose from in Chicago! Would like to try some of their other items, but oh well. Have sat outdoors and inside, and both are pleasant.
(3)
Nathan L.
I have eaten here several times with family and with dates. I have also gotten take out. The food is very good and tasty. It leans towards a slighter higher price but to me is well worth it. They have a decent selection of dishes one of my favorites being the vegetarian lasagna. Their drinks are decent and I love eating and drinking here. Parking can be an issue on busy nights as can a wait. I would definitely suggest this little gem in the heart of the Vine street neighborhood.
(4)
Kari C.
Great pizza, great atmosphere! Their service is excellent and their food is delicious. I always want to try different items but their pizza is too good not to order. This is a regular visit in Kalamazoo.
(5)
Eleanor Y.
Came for brunch at opening and tried their calzone. It looked more like a loaf of bread since they sealed their calzone on the top rather than the side....a little untraditional, but it was still very hearty and filling. Presentation-wise I think they could have slit the calzone to vent the ingredients as they baked it to make it look less "loaf-like".
(3)
Jennifer T.
Came for lunch based on Yelp reviews. Atmosphere was fine, a little barren, mainly a big open room with hard chairs but nice jewel tones. Wait staff really had it together and many different people helped clear our table frequently. For two people and no alcoholic drinks, we spent $62 w tip, so def more for lunch than usual. I'd like to say it was well worth it but things were just alright, nothing bad but no standouts except maybe the pizza slice a la carte-my husband liked the crust. We had the Italian sandwich (actually my mother had this on her own tab), meatball sub, and chicken parfait plus the pizza slice, beet salad, and oil plate for dipping bread. I don't expect to pay for bread and oil at an Italian place but that's what you do here. Also, there is no butter for bread if you don't want the oil. Next time I'm in Kalamazoo, I will probably try Bravo for Italian which had good reviews, too, but was more expensive.
(3)
Christine V.
Great food! "If you have all the time in the world"....because they won't take a call ahead pizza order:-(
Excellent pizza and service. We stopped because "yelp" reviews and it was a winner stop for our eight hour drive. Would do it again in a heartbeat!
(5)
Timothy S.
I wish they had stars for the food and the service. We took our youngest son for his birthday, his brother and wife & their daughter. This past Saturday evening. The food was great! But our waiter, young guy thin, dark hair and beard, left a lot to be desired. Started off great! Got the order for drinks and appetizer and got them to us quickly. But, after he got our food order we did not see him again. And we were not the only table. We had to ask one of the servers to get him so we could make a to go order. He never came back to ask how the food was or if he could get us anything else. NOT GOOD SERVICE BUDDY!!! Tip reflected. 09/27/2014
(4)
Marshall V.
Great service, great coffee, great food. Every staff member took every opportunity to say "Have a nice day" or "thanks for stopping in" and made it a very enjoyable place to eat. The atmosphere was great and felt very homey. The kind of place where you could wear any type of clothing and you wouldn't feel out of place. The pizza was fantastic but that's not the only good food. I also tried a vegetarian dish that was incredible as well. Overall great experience. It was so nice it made me want to right my first review! Definitely stop in.
(5)
Oliver H.
Best pizza in town. Great ingredients. Love this place. Great food outside of pizza as well, had an interesting grapefruit & beat salad. We've also had them cater a few small events with antipasto trays and pizza. Very professional staff.
(5)
Asa D.
For baseball fans out there: did you ever watch Ken Griffey Jr. swing a baseball bat? He had arguably the sweetest swing in all of baseball: mechanically perfect, fluid from beginning to end, and powerful when he made contact. He was poetry in motion. Such is the pizza execution from Martini's. Each pizza is a masterpiece of dough, cheese, sauce, and toppings that has few rivals. When they get it right, it is a home run. Martini's has always been my favorite pizza. I WISH I could give it a 5 star review. If they only did take-out, I certainly would. This place has some of the worst service ever. Granted, it has been about 3 years since I have gone here, so I am hopeful it has improved. Both with kids and without kids, the service has been slow, the staff unfriendly and unhelpful, and the table service marginal at best. They give you 8 ounce water glasses; come on - have you seen the sodium content in your pizza? And good luck getting drinks refilled and plates cleared when you need it - the staff has better things to do than help you. I also think there was little training for servers, hosts/hostesses when the restaurant expanded their dining room. My advice: take a pizza home with you. Try the pepperoni, mushroom, and onion pizza or the spinach, tomato, and feta pizza. Both are grand slams.
(4)
Susanne V.
Love coming here! Grab a bottle of wine because you will be there enjoying your food and conversation for a long time! The service has always been friendly and attentive. The pizzas are great but so are the salads. We usually split a couple of salads and some pizza and the wine! Seven year old loves everything there too--especially the garlic bread for some reason.
(5)
Chloe' S.
Fancy Italian place. The decor, with wooden and high tables, seems halfway between casual and fancy, but the prices will tell you IT'S FANCY. Even just to get spaghetti with red sauce (which I think was homemade) was about $14. But... that spaghetti was great.
(4)
Effie N.
Excellent thin crust pizza! Also enjoyed the Beet salad and soup! Service was outstanding !
(5)
Dave K.
Oh Yeah, Martini's pizza is fantastic. I think this is the best pizza in Kalamazoo.
(4)
Tomas P.
Amazing food! Simple italian cooking with an amazing taste and great elaboration. Everything was perfect! Really happy with this choice! 200% recommended!
(5)
Maria B.
I love this place. They have the best pizza in town. Their butternut squash entree is always a winner and of course the veggie lasagna always make my day better It's great to see a small business do well!
(5)
Eric A.
Excellent neighborhood bar/restaurant with lots of options on food and drinks. I'm never disappointed with Martini's food and they have a good cocktail and draft beer selection for a small neighborhood place. One of the reasons I enjoy living in the Vine neighborhood.
(5)
Dan N.
I had a super long week at work and was driving back late from Chicago to Detroit. I decided that fast food would only depress me more and Yelped! to see what I can get for take-out in K-zoo (perfect halfway point, eh?) I came across Martini's, which wasn't too far off of I-94 and gave it a try. Even though I would not recommend trying to eat a Martini's pizza while driving (I ended up spilling more on myself than anticipated), it was delicious. I ordered a pizza with sausage, olives and green peppers--great crust, great sauce and cooked well. I'd love to try Martini's again when I can sit down, relax, see what I'm eating, and not spill all over myself.
(4)
Michael O.
this is a great restaurant choice. been there and tried lots of different items. much more than just pizza. friends and family have consistently been impressed.
(5)
Adam A.
My favorite pizza in Kalamazoo, so far. I made the mistake of ordering a slice of pizza the first time I went here, big mistake. It was dried up and pretty flavor less. When I told a few others my experience they suggested I go back and order an entire pie. The next time I did and I was extremely happy. Went back and ordered pizza a couple of weeks later and had the same great experience. I am giving high stars to the service and Pizza. Besides the piece of pizza I ordered at my first visit, and was extremely underwhelmed, my table also ordered ravioli and the egg plant sandwich. The ravioli was not good (lacked seasoning and the cheese filling was uninspired) and the sandwich, although bigger than my head, could have been better executed.
(4)
Karla K.
Great whole food. Fresh. Original. Tasty. Love trying seasonal menu and yummy martinis. Fun place and always busy. Pizza is great. I am in love with the fennel crackers they make. Interesting menu and always good service. Enjoy!
(5)
Lisa H.
I love this place! Great vibes and wonderful food, the ingredients are farm fresh and locally sourced but they do not throw it in your face. Will definitely go back... Especially for those awesome desserts, blueberry peach shortcake, yummmm
(5)
Nicole V.
Martini's is for the hardcore customers. If you go to Martini's Pizza prepare to wait and wait and wait. Prepare to be ignored and prepared to be treated with disrespect. Before you even open the door get yourself ready to be flung back to high school where the staff is populated only by the coolest kids and you, are a geek. Prepare to be scowled at, scoffed at and laughed at. Prepare. Now if you can handle all this then you can also prepare yourself to enjoy some pretty darn good pizza. The toppings are fresh, the cheese is hot and sauce is zippy. Remember, I tried to warn you!
(3)
Amy M.
I've been enjoying the simplest meal from Martini's for a long time now - a slice of cheese pizza (can't find a better slice of pizza in the zoo...) and a small house salad. However, everything on this menu is delicious! I tend to stay away from the subs as the bread (as delicious as it is) tends to hurt the roof of my mouth. Maybe I just eat it too fast because it tastes sooo good? The lamb orecchiette is divine. Great regional beers on draft. The tiramisu is to DIE for. It is, by far, the best tiramisu in the universe. It is rumored that it takes a few days to make a full pan of it - so definitely don't miss out! The upstairs party room is great. Had a graduation party here and it was lovely. The food was excellent, the room was pretty, and the staff was helpful. Sometimes, however, the service isn't as quick or friendly as I wish it was. Knowing a few of the servers, I tend to be lenient. But if I was an out-of-towny...I may be disappointed with how quickly they clear my plate (even if I'm still eating) but how slowly they bring a check.
(4)
Candice E.
Scenario: Sweltering, 95-degree night. We're starving for a good dinner after a long day, but we gotta let the dog out first. So we take care of that and realize we both left our keys inside and we're locked out. So, we decide to walk to Martini's so the dog can hang on the sidewalk while we eat and drink away the frustration of our oversight. Within fives minutes of arriving, two separate Martinis employees came out with an unsolicited bowl of water for our panting dog. Then a customer inside saw us and asked our server (Dixie=AWESOME), to deliver his leftover roast beef sandwich (literal doggie bag) for him. I knew this place had the best pizza in town. I knew it had perfect ambiance and an impressive beer and wine list. But we're new to Kalamazoo and the people at Martinis treated us like family. We came in feeling hot, hungry and grouchy; and we left feeling so full, happy and grateful for delicious food and remarkably kind people.
(5)
Joe S.
Nothing to not love about this place. Atmosphere is great, service is good and the food is delicious! They've always taken care of me here and it feels like a great little neighborhood place with a good level of class. Absolutely best pizza and food quality in Kalamazoo (and honestly, best I've had in Michigan). Drinks are a little pricey, but are at the same high level of quality as their food.
(5)
James R.
A new fan! We were looking for a more upscale pizza restaurant in the downtown Kalamazoo area and was actually drawn in by the aroma wafting from the restaurant. It's not well marked except for a large mural on the front outside wall. Stain glass windows brightened up the place on the inside contrasting the dull gray skies that day Just google the address then follow your nose. The pizza was awesome! The sauce was thickly laid on with a most excellent mozzarella cheese. The anchovies were wonderful and not over-powering and the choices could keep you undecided for a good while. We found this place by accident but it'll not be an accident when we come back the next time we're in Kalamazoo.
(5)
Alexandra L.
Anti-pasta salad is amaaaazing! I love there crispy pizza too, and as always there drinks are great
(5)
Austin M.
Excellent! The first thing that hits you when you walk in the door is the wonderful smell of Italian herbs and spices. The garlic bread was amazing, the pizza was great, the service was great, and the beers on tap, though few, were interesting and delicious. The atmosphere is unique and we loved it. We commented to each other numerous times that we need a place like this back home. Did I mention the service was great? We showed up late, stayed well past closing, and the staff was friendly and attentive throughout our meal without dropping even a hint that we should speed it up so they could go home. After a 14-hour day of traveling to attend my grandmother's funeral it was really nice to be treated so well. I will be coming back!
(5)
Andrew T.
Dear Martini's, This is not a review, it's a love letter. You are simply my home away from home. Being in your restaurant is like being in my living room. I love me some pizza, and they have always been my favorite. Partially because they do the square cut slices (i LOVE square cut pizza) but more importantly for the taste. It's always fresh ingredients. The crust is always spot on and the flavor never fails. This love letter is slightly a love affair, mainly because I'm torn. I can't decide which I love more the margherita pizza or the house foccacia...which is why I typically get both! That way I don't have to cheat on either of them, but enjoy them together. hehe I have been eating here since they were a little lunch counter, and have been back for drinks at the upstairs bar. Watching them grow and expand has been amazing. I love you Martini's Sincerely, Andrew
(5)
Loren S.
Love the PIZZA! I always get it by the slice. The service is amazing and super friendly. One of my favorites.
(5)
Nathan T.
This is a perfect restaurant with consistently great service and wonderfully tasty food. Best pizza in the Zoo.
(5)
Adam S.
Oh, Martini's...how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. If the place made a fragrance, I would bathe in it. Decor consists of retrofitted pews, stained glass and fixtures from a local church with a funky twist. Very cool. There is a bar upstairs to grab a few drinks while you wait for your seat. Food is the bomb-dot-com. Their antipasto salad is delicious as are the majority of their other appetizers. The pizza is the stuff of legend. In fact, it is rumored that Julius Caesar himself created the original recipe that has been handed down amongst generations. You can't really go wrong with their offerings, although I would highly suggest their margarita pizza when it is on the menu. When our server was forced to go home unexpectedly (wasn't feeling well), the owner himself took over and personally ensured all of our needs were met. I'm sure that is a rarity in establishments of this size and attests to their value for customer service.
(5)
Lauren S.
Great atmosphere, and great food. My favorite part about this place is that you can get pizza by the slice. It's a great place to stop in for a bite before a long night downtown. It's also has a nice patio for those summer nights.
(4)
Ari S.
For me, Martini's is hard to review. Having grown up a few blocks away, I have fond memories of walking down for a slice, sitting at the bar, and watching traffic go by on westnedge. Since the expansion, they have added a full bar, and a large, well decorated albeit noisy dining area. In my opinion, they still have the best slice in town, and their other food items, as well as the salads and bread, are delicious. However, their prices have risen considerably. For me, this means that martini's can only be afforded on special ocassions. Despite my sad sentimental feelings, I will still say that they have awesome food, and the people that work there are super friendly and cool.
(5)
Eric G.
I haven't been here in years until a recent trip through Kalamazoo. They have completely renovated the place and now serve booze. Great beer selection, amazing food and a cool atmosphere. Can't beat it.
(4)
Keely B.
This place didn't have the best pizza I've ever had. Don't get me wrong--it was good. Definitely satisfying. And the salad was pretty basic. The food itself probably only merits 3 stars. The extra star comes from amazingly friendly, thoughtful service. Our server's name was Carrie (still is, I imagine). She chatted with us, made recommendations, steered us away from over-ordering (something that is ALWAYS appreciated). She refilled our Cokes a plethora of times knowing that we had long drives ahead of us. She apologized profusely for every absence and gave us dessert on the house. We had a house salad, a 12-inch 4-topping pizza, two cokes, and bourbon pound cake. Our check was $25. The restaurant itself is sizeable and trendy in a cute-not-annoying way. We sat at a high top table in the bar, which I normally hate (I like to be able to touch the floor when I'm sitting), but between the food, the company, and the ambience, I don't think I gave it a moment's thought. The women's bathroom was still small, but I didn't have to wait here (unlike Food Dance), which is good since the Coke was flowing and my bladder is the size of a thimble.
(4)
Kiarash Z.
When I visit Kalamazoo, I'm always torn between Crow's Nest and Martini's. I absolutely love the salmon salad. You can feel your body powering up from all the protein and vitamins loaded into the creative blend of fish and veggies. The bread basket also is amazing and huge. I could fill up on the appetizer alone.
(4)
Parallax V.
Unexpectedly, I was invited to the neighborhoods best kept secret. The ambiance is great, the look, the feel of the place is easy on the eyes. What is really unexpected is the creative menu. It is obvious that the chef is a lover of food and is bringing great quality, great tasting menus to the everyday people. Without doting over the food, I would invite anyone to just drop in be impressed for yourself... you won't regret it!
(4)
alejandro p.
First off, I must be slightly homesick (and fully procrastinating) to have written so many Michigan reviews today! One of my first jobs was washing dishes and delivering pizza at Martini's the summer before I left for college. This was back in the early '90s, at the Portage location in the old red house--now a parking lot for Kinko's. Anyways, I have nothing but fond memories of that time, and I credit that experience for not just giving me an appreciation of good, handmade pizza but also sparking my own amateur forays into baking. I've been thrilled to see the new location grow from a walk-up to a dining room and live music venue. The upstairs especially is beautiful--just beautiful--and a testament to Rich's attention to detail and craftsmanship. He's turned the space into a work of art, and that would be reason enough to visit if not for the incredible food. Everything --everything!--is fantastic, made fresh to order and with as many locally-sourced and seasonal ingredients as possible, from the stuffed acorn squash to the eggplant Parmesan to the delicious salads. (Having worked in the kitchen I can attest to this firsthand!) But the pizza is, of course, the real attraction! I say skip the slices and splurge for an entire pie. Eat in, so you can savor the crisp, cornmeal dusted crust, the tangy tomato sauce and warm, melted cheese immediately. It's certainly the best pizza I've had in Michigan, and among the best I've ever had anywhere. And if you do drop in, say hi to Rich for me! He & his family are good people, and he's always treated me and mine with nothing but generosity and warmth.
(5)
Sue S.
A welcome new menu here, for the most part. The mussels are good but do NOT need the croutons. Bread for dipping the sauce would be much better. We had the roasted garlic & cauliflower pasta and the lamb ragu pasta. Both good, could have been a little better spiced and hotter (temperature). Orecchiette needed to be more cooked, many stuck together. Glad they are experimenting with new dishes! Will hold off for now on another star.
(3)
Thomas A.
This is the best sandwich you will ever eat in your entire life. EVER. There are few things that I actually miss about Kalamazoo, and Martini's is certainly one of them. Though it was depressing as a student that they didn't take credit (hey, we're broke, and they aren't cheap), maybe they've since remedied this? I mean, it is 2010 and all...
(5)
Jason C.
Best pizza in kzoo. Mediocre service.
(4)
Steven R.
Great pizza...worth going out of your way to get here...
(4)
Yuli B.
One of the very very very very very very very few things I miss about Kalamazoo is Martini's Pizza. Their food and pizza remain on my list of top three favorite pizza places. Yes, I am lactose intolerant but for Martini's I make painful allowances. Even after my move to California 10 years ago, I still make sure to drop into Martini's for a slice whenever I'm in town. It's the only thing that puts a smile on my face in this hellhole (aside from visiting family/friends). Nothing really compares to this place...even in Hell-Ay.
(5)
Steve R.
Amazing pizza, great atmosphere, great beer list. The best in Kalamazoo?
(5)
Meghan M.
Great bar and cocktail selection. Pizza is not as good as Erbelli's, the other local joint in the area. However, this place is always busy every time I go. I recently had the beet salad and a slice of pepperoni pizza and the salad had cabbage on it, which I'm not accustomed to as normally beet salad is marinated beets sliced in rounds and not cut up. Tasted alright, but thought there should have been more beets and less cabbage. Slice of pizza was dry and had been sitting around for awhile. I'm thinking whole pizzas taste better than the slices, simply from a freshness perspective. The downstairs area gets very loud when they get busy, I would recommend asking to be seated upstairs if you want to hear what anyone in your party has to say. Won't cross this place off my list, but not my first choice for pizza in Kalamazoo.
(3)
Mary W.
Oh, Martini's. How I miss you. I just moved to Seattle about a month ago and have not been able to stop obsessing about Martini's pizza. I was spoiled with Martini's and Seattle pizza just seems bland and depressing in comparison. I always used to order banana peppers, artichoke and green olives as toppings. (I am salivating as I type) I personally think pizza is their best food feature but you really can't go wrong with other options on the menu - heck, even their breadbasket is to die for! Awesome eclectic decor and the owner/staff are great. However, it can be busy at times so if you're not in the mood to go out I would suggest a pick-up order. My family did that about every Friday when I was living at home and we loved it. I have seriously already talked to my Mom about sending me Martini's pizza in the mail over dry ice. Yes...it is just that good.
(5)
JAN k.
Had a very lovely lunch here. Hubby got the sausage and pepper sandwich and I got a mixed salad with chicken, roasted corn and such. Service was very attentive. Price was good for lunch. Wish I could have returned for Pizza. It looked really yummy. I saw they were making fresh dough in the back kitchen. Saw no signage on the place. It is an attractive building . I noticed people were eating inside and just walked in. We got lucky!
(5)
Renee S.
In all fairness, my review is a little inaccurate because I did not eat the food. My friends and I stopped in for a drink on a Tuesday, in the early evening. I am rating this establishment based on my first impression - the first few minutes I walked in the door. The owner was not overly friendly and went on a whole diatribe about how hot it's been in Kalamazoo and how it costs so much money to cool the place. For this reason, we couldn't sit outside and drink our beer - he wasn't opening the outside to us because he didn't want people going in and out the door. Really?! Additionally, our server at the bar was not friendly. She was slow and looked annoyed serving us. All to say, I wasn't overly impressed. As an out of towner, I won't be back next time I'm visiting - even if the reviews of the food are good. Service trumps good food, in my opinion.
(2)
Adrian C.
I have seen this place grow from a neighborhood haunt to a full fledged awesome restaurant. I like the fact that they have kept their old standby's on the menu. Both the chicken salad and pork sandwich are must have's
(5)
Cristine T.
We just had dinner at Martini's for my son's birthday. It was delicious, everything was extremely tasty. The service was very friendly and helpful when I accidentally threw myself on their pavement and hurt myself also.
(5)
H K.
Fun place. Had pepperoni pizza and pork loin very good
(4)
Jim T.
Martinis has been a favorite for my wife and I for a number of years now, and it has gotten even better in the last few years since their remodel. They have great pizza and focaccia, but also amazing sandwiches on baguette, good beer (including lots of local Michigan brews) and friendly staff. We used to stop in for a slice, but now Martinis is a great spot for friends to grab a beer and dinner. They also have a room available to rent upstairs that includes a bar. We had our wedding rehearsal dinner there. Great, great food.
(4)
Justine U.
A friend took me where when I was visiting and I was impressed. It was Halloween weekend so everything is weird then, but the waitstaff was friendly, and not slow like some of the other reviews have said (though we were there for an early dinner so it wasn't too crowded). They weren't fabulous, but as a veteran of the waiting tables I know I have high standards. I thought the decor was funny and my local friend told me it changes, but there was a mixture of sainted glass bright circles with muted watercolor fabric and fish sculptures I'm assuming by a local artist for sale. We got some garlic bread and a pineapple pizza, both were excellent. The bread was fabulous as was the crust of the pizza, the cheese was good real cheese, there isn't much to say about pizza, either its good or its not, and theirs is. Not too greasy, great crust. I'll definitely come back next time I'm in town.
(4)
Jacob T.
Martini's Pizza=My favorite place to eat. I use to work there when I was in college. Typically, working at a restaurant, you get sick of eating there. Not this place. I stop by as often as possible whenever I'm in Kalamazoo. We're talking 3 visits in two days people. My love of this place is so well known, that a pilot friend hand delivered cold slices to the W. Coast for my birthday one year. The owners are great people, with a sometimes frightening obsession for consistency, quality, and just great food. It's the type of place where you're as comfortable slipping in for a quick lunch slice of pizza, as you are going there for a graduation party. Favorite meal there? House roasted pork sandwich, slice of vegetable focaccia, maybe a sausage slice, house salad, local Michigan IPA. You will not leave disappointed. P.S. Don't ask for substitutions as they've got the menu dialed in and take great pride in their product. Barring allergies, asking for one is insulting and may result in an awkward exchange.
(5)
Matt T.
I've been here twice. First time was good, although service was not very outgoing, friendly, or engaging. I had pasta and meatballs and I got what I expected. The second time, I had a margarita pizza. The basil was charred, and there was too much of it. Less is more!! The pizza was decent, but again my waitress must have had her first day that day. She was all over the map, not very attentive, and when she said that she would be right back, 20 minutes would pass. I had to go outside to smoke cigarettes to calm myself while our waitress was bumbling around. Yuppie-scum let their kids bounce around in high-traffic areas, and were more interested in booze than moving their kids out of the way of the staff. Food was alright, but maybe those were just some bad days. I would try it again, but it wasn't very impressive the first 2 times.
(2)
Luke C.
Enjoyed the Ricotta and Olives for an appetizer followed by sausage, mushroom and green pepper pizza on their traditional crust accompanied by a Pinot Grigio from local winery. Dined on the patio with 65 degree weather and a light breeze with wonderful service! Will stop by again in future.
(4)
Melissa N.
I go here when I'm craving some pizza or a sandwich. They have an A+ eggplant parmesan sandwich that I love! They also have good beer and yummy warm hard cider. The waitstaff is super friendly. The restaurant itself is very unique - water is served in pretty blue bottles and mismatched glasses. The wall art is pretty to look at. A classic Kalamazoo place to eat - I always bring visitors here!
(4)
Jason L.
Great pizza, but also try their tasty sandwiches and the beet salad. The owner is kind of a jerk, and they seem to have stopped serving Bell's beers, which in Kalamazoo just makes no sense at all and is nearly a dealbreaker for a lot of folks. But the food is great.
(4)
Michaelia K.
THIS PIZZA IS AMAZING. I've been a fan since before it expanded for a complete dining area. Back when the 'seating area' meant a long bar by the window facing the laundrette across the street (Westnedge). We once went streaking in front of it in high school, but that is neither here nor there! Back to the pizza. Ah yes, the best pizza!! Come here if you like the perfect toppings-to-crust ratio. I recommend a margarita with your fave toppings (sausage, green pepper and mushrooms for me). I've also gotten sandwiches and salads from there, but really, if you're going to go, go for the pizza. It's pretty popular, so be wary of when you go. Weekend nights are pretty loud and noisy, and being seated can be a hassle!
(5)
Say G.
I've eaten so many eggplant parmesan sandwiches and antipasto salads to go in the past 15 years that it is difficult to review martinis objectively. I almost never get the pizza because of my routine, but I find it a little salty when I have had it.. They recently changed their antipasto salad a bit but it is no worse for wear. The beet salad is awesome too. The pork and chicken sandwiches are also good but I can't say they get much playtime. I consider it one of about 3 decent restaurants in Kalamazoo but I almost never eat-in as in my mind it is still a tiny pick-up joint.
(4)
Cullen S.
The pizza is probably the best in town. It is expensive, though. A pie for two people will run you about $18.00. All the food is excellent, and they recently renovated the space to include a nice dining room, outdoor patio, and upstairs section with live entertainment.
(5)
Josh M.
Best pizza in Midwest outside of Chicago. Really liked going here before it expanded. It was fun sitting at the bar looking out on to Westnedge. Their expansion has improved seating and their service seems to be the same as it ever was. Worth the extra couple of bucks in my mind.
(5)
Crystal S.
Delicious and worth the wait! A lot of people have complained about service, but maybe they should look at the way they're treating their server. I have dined at this establishment well over 20 times and have never received bad service. The owner can be a stickler about moving tables (he did not want my group of 12 to move tables, but eventually said we could). He wasn't a big jerk about it, but I also guess we're just laid back group of people.
(5)
Nicholas W.
Pizza was fresh and delicious, food came out quick, staff was polite but I don't feel I got the personal attention required for 5 stars. Staff was busy and brief.
(4)
Jessie K.
Aside from the bustling (loud) atmosphere, Martinis is one of my favorite go to restaurants in Kzoo. Great antipastos, flavorful salads and of course the pizza never disappoints. Grab one of their local beers on tap and enjoy!
(4)
Joe V.
I can't believe I just got here. The ambiance earns it 5 stars on it's own.... the art, fixtures, the service was excellent. A lot of attention was paid to putting this newly expanded place together. It's the closest thing to a neighborhood restaurant / bar to be found in Kazoo. Maybe Oakwood Bistro qualifies, but that has pretensions to something else, I believe. This is trying to be the gathering spot of choice for the artsy intelligentsia in Kalamazoo and it works. The prices are very reasonable, and it has a variety of seating choices. Take out pizza too. I had a Calzone and it was terrific. Not too heavy, very flavorful. I tried to think of a reason to knock a star off, but can't think of one. The Vine neighborhood is ALIVE.
(5)
Peter H.
A local gem. The atmosphere is eclectically grand and the staff is pure example of Midwestern friendliness. Oh and the pizza? Pretty darn good with a great selection of topping for meat and non-meat lovers. Did I mention it's not overprices either? Bonus.
(4)
Stephanie B.
Local business in the Vine neighborhood that has a seasonal menu. The pizza is fresh and the salad is delicious. There are a variety of items to choose from for your toppings, but be aware that they change with the seasons (the owner purchases supply from local vendors, which is awesome!). Very pleasant ambience and lovely interior. This is one of Kalamazoo's best spots.
(4)
Nick C.
This place tries to be something it's not. It tries to give the appearance of an upscale establishment with extravagant toppings. If this place was in a different neighborhood, it might pull this off. Most of the food I have had there is too bland or too flavorful. The calzone was very crusty and the pizza isn't anything to write home about. The prices aren't cheap either, but they don't seem too out of line. My girlfriend enjoys this place, so we do go there often. Her recommendation is a slight of the veggie pizza. I have yet to find a dish that I enjoy.
(2)
Carlos S.
Best pizza around with good attention to salads and nice selection of beers on tap. Owner rich is an acquired taste, but he has has really developed a nice neighborhood restaurant and he likes it his way! Some folks are put off by indifferent wait staff, but I'm there for the great food and always found service passable. It's loud but nice energy!
(4)
Bob W.
Pleasant decor, friendly staff, good food, decent prices, great array of micros on tap, nice outdoor patio...whats not to like. Really good pizza and anti pasta salad. Breads are fresh and homemade. When you go to Martini's it just feels kind of homey...its where I take mom.
(5)
Julie B.
Please Don't Eat Here! Unless you don't mind being rudely treated by owner and staff. I went this past weekend with a party for WMU grads and I am still horrified just thinking about our experience. One of the grads put the party together for her friends and their families. As soon as I walked in the door with my family, the owner was yelling at a waitress about getting everyone's money and that he didn't care if more people came & didn't have somewhere to sit. As we walked upstairs to the private room, the owner was behind us and got right in the face of the woman who organized the party. He pointed his finger at her and yelled at her like she was a 5 year old child! Apparently he was angry that there were 2 more families there than she had originally estimated and angry that people had moved tables/chairs. He told guests they couldn't expect to sit together at such an event! One of the student's fathers saw the owner yelling at this poor girl and told him not to be such an a-hole. The owner cursed at this man and got into it with him just for trying to stick up for the poor girl who had been treated so poorly. The owner completely flew off the handle, temporarily closed the bar, took the food away and told people it was done. He must have come to his senses for a moment because he decided not to kick people out, however he made the girl who had organized everything even more embarrassed by forcing her to tell him in front of everyone what they had discussed over the phone. The rest of the food was cold and the mood was ruined. I feel bad for the graduates who just wanted to have a nice dinner with their friends and families. The owner is COMPLETELY rude, inappropriate and has serious issues. How do you run a business like this treating people so poorly? I don't know what happened to customer service at this restaurant but I will never, ever, ever set foot there and despite the fact people may enjoy the food, I will never recommend to anyone.
(1)
Teri S.
Such a great evening and dinner! The owner gave us the good table which we've never had before due to party size. Food tonite was fabulous! Salad was super fresh, antipasto appy was varied and delicious. The pizza is the best I have ever had. Staff was friendly and working hard. Very professional. You never feel ripped off by tipping well here. They earn it. Love, love, love Martinis!
(5)
Linda N.
Our first visit-- went based on reviews when we came into town to visit our daughter at WMU. Took three hungry college students. We all loved it-- just that simple. Can't wait to go again!
(5)
Christopher J.
Martini's has delicious pizza. It's not the best pizza I've ever had but it's very solid. That said, Martini's has some of the worst service i've ever experienced. Every single time I've been there, no matter what time of day or week, it's been horrendous service. Prepare to feel ignored, forgot about and as if you just are plain not that important. I guess some people just accept this but it's enough for me to take Martini's out of my dining rotation.
(2)
Nicole T.
Best pizza in town!!! I can't even begin to understand how Martini's does not have a solid 5 stars on every review. They are by far the best Italian food in Kalamazoo and Southwest Michigan. The food is consistently excellent and never disappointing. One of my top 5 favorite places to eat in Kalamazoo for over 15 years. A must try if you're visiting the area... you will not be disappointed.
(5)
Bill T.
Food is amazing service is comical, so laugh at it and eat your pizza.
(4)
Matthew H.
Great place for a casual/nice date. Good wines, the selection of beer is short, great pizza and Italian "type" food. I got the salmon and was not that impressed. But the atmosphere was nice.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, 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 : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
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Marino C.
Delicious lasagna and good service by the staff. Nice environment.
(5)C O.
I grew up in NYC and was privileged to eat in many family owned Italian restaurants (looks like a table in your grandma's living room). I've read many reviews comparing the owner of Martinis (the visible owner, Rich) to the Pizza nazi on Seinfeld. I have to say, if you go to a real Italian restaurant in NY, and ask for American cheese on your pasta, you will certainly be told "NO". If you 'piss and moan", you will be asked to leave and probably not be welcome in that, and many other restaurants in the neighborhood. If you want it your way, go to BK. There is a reason you are called a "guest" in a restaurant. Running a quality eating establishment using fresh cooked ingredients in house cooked sauces, locally grown veggies, lettuce, etc, and offering real authentic dishes like the eggplant items that Martinis offers is not an easy task..especially in a town that values quantity over quality as it relates to food. Go to Martini's..order something interesting from the menu, and enjoy what you get..you won't be disappointed. If you want it your way, cook it at home(that's what I do!) or god forbid, go to BK!!!
(5)o m.
When I feel like Italian or pizza made from scratch with best freshest ingredients, this is the place I would go. Aha.. Roasted Egg plant...... Flesh salad and great sandwiches, meat balls! New place is OK, I miss the old place with all the characters. Fair priced food for the volumes and quality. Don't order pre-made slice of pizza! This is still not NYC! As Kalamazoo casual Italian food: 4.8 stars, In NYC may be around 3.8 stars or better.
(5)Sandra C.
The pizza is awesome, especially the margherita pizza, but the service is often slow. Also, you can't reserve a table or pre-order pizzas for a group. There is no parking lot, just street parking, so parking can be a problem during prime lunch and dinner hours.
(4)M B.
Best pizza in town hands down. Martini's is more than a pizza joint though. My favorite dishes there include the grilled chicken salad, the eggplant Parmesan, and the vegetarian lasagna. The dessert is also excellent. The service is friendly and competent, but tends to be slow at times. Good atmosphere and outdoor seating.
(4)Matt C.
If I'm in Kalamazoo, I'm stopping at Martini's for a drink and a meal. When I lived in Kalamazoo, I was there at least weekly. Love this place--relaxed atmosphere, attentive staff and delicious food! If I'm in a rush or want something lighter, a slice or two is the way to go. Lasagna comes with a fresh salad and bread--perfect with a glass of wine. Pork sandwich is another favorite. Usually dig the music being played too.
(5)Jeremy A.
Hidden spot near Vine. Although best pizza in Kalamazoo as well as a lot of other great food! Remodel even lets you sit down and enjoy it! I try to stick to the pizza (sausage, green pepper, & garlic) and antipasto salad.
(4)Allison Y.
the lasagna is to die for.
(5)kb j.
We enjoyed some very filling, good food here on a recent lunchtime visit. We did not try the pizza, but enjoyed a nice salad, some pasta and a meatball sandwich on some very good baguettes.
(4)Jake V.
Ah Martini's. Nothing like strolling down from a student ghetto house to get get a slice of delicious pizza. Recently renovated, Martini's added the ability to get served at a booth or seat by actual wait staff but the ability to just quickly order food to go is still available. And yes, the awkward mish-mash of style has just expanded with large fish on the walls combined with church benches. The food itself is delicious but somewhat expensive ($8 sandwich?!, $7 salad?!). The real deal are the $2 slices of pizza that come with a variety of toppings. Even though they are reheated and not exactly fresh, they do hit the spot despite being a little bit greasy. Just stay away from the romano cheese unless you love stinky farts. Okay, so why isn't Martini's THE place to go? I mean, it's located right in the heart of the student ghetto. It's easy to get to and has the possibility of being a decent value. The answer is in the attitude of the owner. Even though you would think that college students are the bread and butter of such an establishment, 9 times out of 10 I get a condescending attitude attached to an extremely sarcastic "thank you, sir.", all tied together with a lack of eye contact or sincerity. And I'm not alone. Now, if I'm a bourgeois middle-aged guy on his way back to Portage from my job downtown, I'll get a back rub, foot massage, and a salad while I'm at it. But a college kid? You know, the people who actually visit the place consistently? Dirt. It's that type of attitude that makes their delicious pizza so hard to swallow.
(3)Jeff L.
Great food. Only drawback is parking...
(5)Zach S.
Martini's makes the best thin crust pizza I've had in Michigan, hands down. It's strange to see a seating area as I used to frequent the place when it was a hole-in-the-wall carryout joint, but when I walked in I was comforted by the fact that the kitchen hasn't changed a bit from what I remembered. The pizza hasn't changed at all either - still the same sloppy mess of sauce and cheese I remember. The pizza sauce is some of the best I've ever had - it's slightly sweet and has a TON of bright tomato flavor. I could drink it. A word of warning: some might consider the pizza oversauced as it's literally overflowing with it. At any other pizza place I would agree, but at Martini's it's a virtue because the sauce is so good. The crust, also, is excellent. While it's not blasted with heat in a coal oven like the artisan pies at the fancy new pizzerias popping up in cities all over the country, it's about as good as pizza crust gets without going all Neapolitan. It's crispy yet chewy, savory, a little nutty, and has a lot of texture from the healthy dusting of cornmeal on the bottom. The cheese and the toppings aren't particularly noteworthy. They don't take away from the pizza but if I had to suggest a way forward for Martini's it would definitely be to step up their topping game. It would be great to see some huge hunks of in-house Italian sausage or perhaps some nice salami. A lot of reviews complain about the service. I can't say much as I've only been once since they turned it into a full-service restaurant and our service was fine. Historically, the service was indifferent and usually rude. It wasn't charming, but it never deterred me either.
(5)Jared S.
Best pizza in Kalamazoo, though a little pricey for someone like me who normally just gets takeout. The Calzonis are huge and tasty. I kind of miss when it was just the small (mostly) take-out place, though. They did quite a good job decorating. I just wish I could afford to eat there more often!
(4)Ms Cara L.
Another life-is-worth-living restaurant in Kzoo, obsessed with perfection. An old boyfriend introduced me to Martini's when it was based in a little house out in Portage. It's even better today, the surroundings are beautiful, from the garden patio to the stained-glass interior. I've had lovely service every time I've dined in. If it's slow, that's what bar service is for. Kudos to Amy for introducing me to Pims and ginger ale. Thank you for a refreshing summer buzz, my dear. For those on the fence, try a take-out pizza to get yourself hooked. But the rest of the menu is worth gushing over too; my god, that pulled pork sandwich...
(5)John K.
One of if not the best pizza in Kalamazoo. Very good date place. Descent amount of parking too. Don't let the neighborhood fool you. It's in the student ghetto area. But very safe overall. Nice coffee shop and bagel places and breakfast place nearby. And a bookstore too.
(5)Henry H.
This place used to be a tiny shop with maybe a dozen stools, and I sort of enjoyed being treated a little rudely by the hippie types behind the counter while they made my meatball sub. BUT, I admit, the food doesn't seem to have suffered with the giant expansion. Pizza is good, calzones are great, hot subs are great, stuffed acorn squash is great. Parking is mediocre for a place of this size, but it's pretty much the only knock against it, and definitely not worth rating the place less than 5 stars. If you haven't been there, do it.
(5)Steven T.
This place is a regular favorite for me. Had pizza tonight but have never had a bad meal here. In the past I've ordered: The meat lasagna The veggie lasagna The salmon The chicken sandwich The chicken dinner All of them deserve 5 stars! Good micro brew selection and a decent wine list.
(5)Melanie R.
This is one of the best places to eat in kalamazoo. I love the Martinis grilled chicken salad. They change their menu and include seasonal fare. They have a nice variety of beers on tap too. Heavy pour on their wines, love that! It's a loud though so if you're looking for quiet intimate, this is not the place. Highly recommend.
(5)This S.
Delicious Italian food featuring high-quality fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Lovely eclectic look and relaxed atmosphere. Would recommend for a meal and bottle of wine with family and friends, or for a fun date night. Lots of vegetarian options. Love Martinis!
(5)Jimmy H.
Hands down some of the best pizza I've ever had. Certainly hits the spot after guzzling a few brews from Bells. Don't be surprised when you can't find the sign out front - there isn't one. This place is purely word of mouth, adding to it's elusive vibe. I've been here many times although most were PY (pre-yelp). I recently moved back and was glad to see that Martini's is still serving up the same quality pies they were 4 years ago when I lived here last. I've only ever had their pizza and stromboli (when the pizza is so good, why try anything else?). Both were amazing and worth trying. I typically get pizza on the focaccia bread. This is an incredibly light pizza due to not being loaded with pounds of cheese. This pizza has red sauce, any toppings you'd like, and dusted with a light sprinkling of parmesan cheese. For those of you concerned about not having cheese - don't be. Give it a shot. A few points worth noting. Martini's is extremely rigid in their menu. Don't try and order a standard pizza and expect to be able to remove this and add that. Homey don't play that. The other nuance is parking. There is extremely limited parking in their lot. We've always been able to find street parking but even that becomes dicey depending on the time and day. Come early, come often. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Al M.
Unequivocally 5 stars! What a find...I knew when I saw a 4.5 Yelp rating with over a hundred reviews that this place was for real. Martini's Pizza is not just another pizza joint. It is a eclectic full service restaurant tucked away in a mostly residential tree-lined section of Westnedge about 5 blocks from downtown K-zoo. It serves up everything from sandwiches to pasta to salads to...pizza of course. Pete A and I were in town on business and were determined to try a wide selection of dishes to sample the offerings. We started with the Italian Combo Sub, a couple sides of linguini with red sauce, a side order of Martini's meatballs, the Italian Sausage Farcitta, and of course two slices of their sausage pizza. Washed it all down with a couple of nice cold IPAs. All I have to say is WOW! Their Italian sausage and their red sauce are addicting...sweet, spicy and flavorful...one of the best I've had in the last year. Our waiter was also great...patiently providing recommendations like you would give to your own family. These are the guys you want to leave the 25% - 30% tip and feel good about it. The ambience is eccentrically cool. I loved the irredecent globes of various shapes over the bar. He stained glass in the windows added color and a vibe you will enjoy. Overall, a Fiver for sure. So glad that Yelp bubbled up such a strong offering. Will definitely be back for another splurge next time in town.
(5)Rachel L.
What a fabulous restaurant! Dined tonight while in town visiting family. Pizza was amazing - perfect sauce that's not too sweet, crunchy crust, fresh toppings. My dinner companions had sandwiches that looked fabulous on fresh French bread. Service was impeccable. Drinks were nice and strong. Highly recommend!
(5)Ben M.
Great kzoo joint! Been around forever, pizza is always awesome! My favorite thing to order here is the olive sampler appetizer, you will talk about it for days.
(5)Alicia S.
If you like gin, try the Greyhound, tart grapefruit juice, dry gin, and a sugared rim make a great combo!
(4)Thomas B.
5-Star Food at 3-Star Prices Serious food in a relaxed and aesthetically pleasing atmosphere. Martini's Pizza has been around for awhile (it was open before my undergraduate work at Western Michigan) and every time I have the opportunity to pass through Kalamazoo, I make it a pilgrimage to go this restaurant--and you should too. Centrally located, this place has really transformed throughout its history. When Rich, the owner, began this business, the building was very small and included a counter area and stools along the front of the building and basically most of the rest of the building was the cooking area. Since then, Martini's has nearly quadrupled in physical size: a large seating area where the parking lot had once been, a full bar, and an upstairs area have all been added to this establishment in the years I have been frequenting it. But even as a small restaurant (a mostly take-out place at that time), it was clear that Rich had a vision for artistry in the food and in the restaurant environment. I always marveled at the chalkboard, a prominent centerpiece near the entrance, with its wispy theses on life; I admired the musical selections being played; I honored the inclusion of local artists and their works in the design and decor of this restaurant (Check out martinispizza.org/thankf… ). But this ambiance brings us to the most important mission: the food itself. The menu--most of which I have tried--has diversity and authenticity. From cool salads to hot pizzas and calzoni, there are no bad choices. EVERYTHING tastes great. But the foundation of this Martini's greatness is its pizzas and calzoni. From the beginning of my experiences eating here, the pizza slices and the calzoni have been the hook. My first time there, I had a calzoni which featured pepperoni, ham, and banana peppers. Eating and appreciating these calzoni are like peeling back the layers of an onion: the outer layer is the crust--a perfect flavor-filled bread with hints of corn meal and subtle layers of crisp and airiness; the next layers include the sauce, cheese, and toppings. I recall that in addition to falling in love with the crust, I also loved the sauce. It's unlike most sauces I have ever had anywhere. It's subtle and yet flavorful; not overpowering but not bland at all. Furthermore, the pepperoni and ham also stood out to me--I still make it a point to get anything I can with that ham on it or in it. That said, calzoni does require extra time for preparation and cooking but if you find yourself ordering it, then spend some time enjoying the local beers while you wait. The pizza is also outstanding (picture is attached). It's pretty much the same ingredients as the calzoni but in the genre of the pizza. One thing that you can do is order the half-bake if you are ordering out and perhaps have to travel a long distance before serving it. Martini's will prepare the pizza and get it started for you and then box it. Then when you show up, they'll coach you on oven temperature, placement, and time and you can finish the cooking in your own oven. I have had to do this several times by picking it up and taking it to Grand Rapids to my friends and family. Drinks from the bar are always good and the local selection of beers is outstanding. They have a solid selection of spirits: premium vodkas and gins have been what I drink there (martinis of course). Lastly, one of the best things about eating here is that the staff and the owner always greet me and welcome me back. They know their loyal customers and continue to pay homage to them (including me). This is a place that you MUST try if you are in Kalamazoo. More information for this restaurant can be found here: martinispizza.org/index.…
(5)Phillip K.
WOW, how have I lived down the street from this place for the past 3 years and never have been here yet??? I am in love with all of these indy/ unique restaurants and places here in Kalamazoo. From the outside this place looks like any-ol normal restaurant. But inside! Beautiful dark rich brown and red color walls and caramel wood trim, beautiful chandeliers, and a pretty legit bar too! Im sold on the atmosphere alone. Very VERY knowledgable staff! When I got there I asked our waiter to tell me a bit about the menu and if there were any specials. He told me everything I wanted to hear and more! even down to where their raw ingredients come from. Everything except lemons, limes and avocados are locally sourced, the chef literally goes out everyday and picks up fresh ingredients. (Needless to say the young man got a very generous tip for his help) But the menu as the real star of the show. I came here with a friend and we got an appetizer, pizza and dessert. There was a little bit of a wait on the pizza and app but you can definitely tell it was because the food was made fresh just for you. The appetizer was a baked spaghetti cheese pie. The pie is spaghetti noodles mixed with ficaccio cheese, baked, and pan seared then cut in half and served with some greens and their red sauce. I'm a MAJOR fan of this. Smooth and creamy with a bit of texture from the noodles on the inside, and crunchy and seared on the out. The pizza was on point as well. Sausage, artichoke heart and onions. The crust takes the cake on this one, you can definitely tell that it's a house made crust. Crispy and crunchy, still firm even with all the cheese and sauce on top. And for dessert! Heirloom carrot cheesecake with a butter rum raisin sauce drizzled around it. YUM I could have eaten the whole thing by myself (sadly I was sharing) whoever thought to mix raisins, rum, carrots and cheese cake truly deserves an award. I can't express how great and tasty this was. Sweet, light, different flavors in every bite. Hands down this is somewhere that I will be coming back too. Cheers to you Martini's Pizza for your excellent service and delicious food.
(5)Joe N Jo J.
Never disappointed with Martinis. Wonderful place to eat and the food is wonderful. Highly recommended
(4)Melani T.
I am giving them 3 stars until they change back to the old pizza recipe! Me and my boyfriend are major fans of martini's and so when they change their pizza recipe we can tell. If I wanted slope that makes me feel like crap I will order Papa Johns! Why!??? The pizza sauce was wonderful and this time I swear it was from a can! Call me crazy but it just didn't taste like the bits of heaven I used to order! Please go back to the old recipe and this will be change to 5 stars which I want to give but the pizza change is a no go!
(3)Ben B.
I enjoyed my pizza more than I remember from my one and only prior visit. We ordered a sausage, pepperoni and mushroom beast that was really quite good. The sauce stood out as excellent. The salad wasn't anything special. I'd skip it. Service wasn't great. We had a woman come around and start stealing our silverware way before we were done. She seemed both confused and scared when we said we needed those for the pizza to come. Weird.
(4)C S.
The food is fantastic but that being said its just pizza. $65 for 2 pizzas is a bit ridiculous. If you don't mind the price it's great food. The only reason that I cannot and will not ever give Martinis a 5 star review is the arrogant prick owner. He's like a fat, little, angry Richard Gere that won't hesitate to throw you out at the drop of a hat. Don't bring friends that have any sort of disability. We were asked to leave because a member of our group was incapable of sitting down due to an injury. The fat little prick came over yelled and pointed in her face before he threw the entire party out of the restaurant. He didn't even give an opportunity to explain her situation, he just screamed over her. Another occasion, I was there for lunch. To our extreme dismay we had the displeasure of having the angry owner as our server. Not only was he rude he refused to answer questions about the menu then refused to fill a drink order for a Bloody Mary. The restaurant was empty and all he said is "you can have beer or wine, I can't be bothered to go hassle with a shaker to mix your drink." I don't know how this place stays open with someone like that at the helm. I would maybe order takeout again but I'll never so much as consider eating there or recommend it to anyone again as a good dine in experience. Great pizza awful ownership!
(2)Grady D.
Our first time here. The food was awesome. My only complaint was the busser/runner was making laps looking to take stuff from us. It became a distraction.
(4)Pam R.
Hadn't been here in a while, we forgot how good it was! We just had sandwiches - grilled chicken with fresh grilled potatoes, mushrooms, scallions, red peppers and asiago cheese. Excellent! Hubby had Italian Combo sub - grilled Italian beef and sausage. It was good but could use some veggies - onions or peppers would put it over the top. Craft beers on draft.
(4)Amy W.
Always good food, great drinks, and nice service. The meatballs are amazing!
(5)Noelle C.
Great food and great wait staff! On my list of favorites! I have not had one dish that I did not like.
(5)Hayley G.
Went here for a birthday dinner after a recommendation, and I'm so glad we went! We started our evening with some appetizers: the garlic bread and the antipasto salad. Both appetizers were large enough portions to share among four people. We then, obviously, ordered pizzas! We made up our own pizzas with toppings. The pizza crusts are perfectly done, and the perfect thickness. We had enough pizza leftover to take it home, and it reheats well the next day. (That's an important quality!) The restaurant was clean and the service was nice and efficient. We are looking forward to our next trip and trying something else on the menu!
(5)Ken H.
This is a great little Italian place in the VIne Neighborhood. Expect to spend some money if you come here. The pizza is great. The sandwiches and pasta dishes I have tried have all been delicious. My typical order is a Mozzarella Salad (a simple salad with slices of home made mozzarella cheese) and a slice of pizza.
(5)Gabe S.
I've been a huge Martini's fan for quite some time. They're food is very good and the pizza is top-notch. However when we went this past Saturday for my brother's birthday, we were less than pleased with our service. We waited over an hour to get our food and never once saw our waiter between the time he took our order and about 5-10 minutes after the food came out. Half of the table was out of water. We were never given an explanation as to why it took so long or an apology for the extended delay. The place was not overly busy and our waiter had maybe 3 tables. He ignored all of them. I'm sure we will go back at some point, but odds are it will be for take-out. I can't see myself going back to such poor service.
(2)Rylee T.
Love the pizza and pasta dishes! Great sandwich and salad selection as well. I really enjoy the atmosphere too: beautiful decor and ambience. The service is always great. The menu changes with the seasons which is awesome too! Higley recommend.
(5)Kristin C.
Amazing meals (both lunch & dinner) have been consumed here. I truly love Martini's and like to go whenever we are in town. The house salad is delightful -- lettuce, tomato, green onion, cukes, red wine vinaigrette and pecorino cheese (simple but delicious). I love the lasagna here - served piping hot. I use the amazing garlic bread to sop up any extra sauce. I have also had some really great pizza here. And on my last visit I tried the meatball sub. It was very good and huge --there was no way I could eat the whole thing for lunch. Not much can make me say this, but Martini's make me wish I lived in Kalamazoo so I could eat there more often. :)
(5)M H.
Nice little place--been there twice, but I live in Chicago so it's up to my K'zoo friends to order and they always pick pizza with the homemade sausage and one other item, plus wine. The pizza is very good, although I'm kind of spoiled because of all the pizza joints to choose from in Chicago! Would like to try some of their other items, but oh well. Have sat outdoors and inside, and both are pleasant.
(3)Nathan L.
I have eaten here several times with family and with dates. I have also gotten take out. The food is very good and tasty. It leans towards a slighter higher price but to me is well worth it. They have a decent selection of dishes one of my favorites being the vegetarian lasagna. Their drinks are decent and I love eating and drinking here. Parking can be an issue on busy nights as can a wait. I would definitely suggest this little gem in the heart of the Vine street neighborhood.
(4)Kari C.
Great pizza, great atmosphere! Their service is excellent and their food is delicious. I always want to try different items but their pizza is too good not to order. This is a regular visit in Kalamazoo.
(5)Eleanor Y.
Came for brunch at opening and tried their calzone. It looked more like a loaf of bread since they sealed their calzone on the top rather than the side....a little untraditional, but it was still very hearty and filling. Presentation-wise I think they could have slit the calzone to vent the ingredients as they baked it to make it look less "loaf-like".
(3)Jennifer T.
Came for lunch based on Yelp reviews. Atmosphere was fine, a little barren, mainly a big open room with hard chairs but nice jewel tones. Wait staff really had it together and many different people helped clear our table frequently. For two people and no alcoholic drinks, we spent $62 w tip, so def more for lunch than usual. I'd like to say it was well worth it but things were just alright, nothing bad but no standouts except maybe the pizza slice a la carte-my husband liked the crust. We had the Italian sandwich (actually my mother had this on her own tab), meatball sub, and chicken parfait plus the pizza slice, beet salad, and oil plate for dipping bread. I don't expect to pay for bread and oil at an Italian place but that's what you do here. Also, there is no butter for bread if you don't want the oil. Next time I'm in Kalamazoo, I will probably try Bravo for Italian which had good reviews, too, but was more expensive.
(3)Christine V.
Great food! "If you have all the time in the world"....because they won't take a call ahead pizza order:-(
(3)Erin L.
My favorite Kalamazoo restaurant. Most people come for pizza, but my fiancé and I love to share the eggplant parmesan entrée, a small vegetarian-style antipasto salad and some minestrone - all made fresh in house. Our FAVORITE menu item is their vegetarian antipasto platter. It comes with an assortment of beats, spicy pickled Italian vegetables, cheese and fennel crackers. They have new draught beers regularly, a great wine list (and a great pour for the price), and terrific desserts. This really is the best vegetarian restaurant in kzoo.
(5)Lori C.
Excellent pizza and service. We stopped because "yelp" reviews and it was a winner stop for our eight hour drive. Would do it again in a heartbeat!
(5)Timothy S.
I wish they had stars for the food and the service. We took our youngest son for his birthday, his brother and wife & their daughter. This past Saturday evening. The food was great! But our waiter, young guy thin, dark hair and beard, left a lot to be desired. Started off great! Got the order for drinks and appetizer and got them to us quickly. But, after he got our food order we did not see him again. And we were not the only table. We had to ask one of the servers to get him so we could make a to go order. He never came back to ask how the food was or if he could get us anything else. NOT GOOD SERVICE BUDDY!!! Tip reflected. 09/27/2014
(4)Marshall V.
Great service, great coffee, great food. Every staff member took every opportunity to say "Have a nice day" or "thanks for stopping in" and made it a very enjoyable place to eat. The atmosphere was great and felt very homey. The kind of place where you could wear any type of clothing and you wouldn't feel out of place. The pizza was fantastic but that's not the only good food. I also tried a vegetarian dish that was incredible as well. Overall great experience. It was so nice it made me want to right my first review! Definitely stop in.
(5)Oliver H.
Best pizza in town. Great ingredients. Love this place. Great food outside of pizza as well, had an interesting grapefruit & beat salad. We've also had them cater a few small events with antipasto trays and pizza. Very professional staff.
(5)Asa D.
For baseball fans out there: did you ever watch Ken Griffey Jr. swing a baseball bat? He had arguably the sweetest swing in all of baseball: mechanically perfect, fluid from beginning to end, and powerful when he made contact. He was poetry in motion. Such is the pizza execution from Martini's. Each pizza is a masterpiece of dough, cheese, sauce, and toppings that has few rivals. When they get it right, it is a home run. Martini's has always been my favorite pizza. I WISH I could give it a 5 star review. If they only did take-out, I certainly would. This place has some of the worst service ever. Granted, it has been about 3 years since I have gone here, so I am hopeful it has improved. Both with kids and without kids, the service has been slow, the staff unfriendly and unhelpful, and the table service marginal at best. They give you 8 ounce water glasses; come on - have you seen the sodium content in your pizza? And good luck getting drinks refilled and plates cleared when you need it - the staff has better things to do than help you. I also think there was little training for servers, hosts/hostesses when the restaurant expanded their dining room. My advice: take a pizza home with you. Try the pepperoni, mushroom, and onion pizza or the spinach, tomato, and feta pizza. Both are grand slams.
(4)Susanne V.
Love coming here! Grab a bottle of wine because you will be there enjoying your food and conversation for a long time! The service has always been friendly and attentive. The pizzas are great but so are the salads. We usually split a couple of salads and some pizza and the wine! Seven year old loves everything there too--especially the garlic bread for some reason.
(5)Chloe' S.
Fancy Italian place. The decor, with wooden and high tables, seems halfway between casual and fancy, but the prices will tell you IT'S FANCY. Even just to get spaghetti with red sauce (which I think was homemade) was about $14. But... that spaghetti was great.
(4)Effie N.
Excellent thin crust pizza! Also enjoyed the Beet salad and soup! Service was outstanding !
(5)Dave K.
Oh Yeah, Martini's pizza is fantastic. I think this is the best pizza in Kalamazoo.
(4)Tomas P.
Amazing food! Simple italian cooking with an amazing taste and great elaboration. Everything was perfect! Really happy with this choice! 200% recommended!
(5)Maria B.
I love this place. They have the best pizza in town. Their butternut squash entree is always a winner and of course the veggie lasagna always make my day better It's great to see a small business do well!
(5)Eric A.
Excellent neighborhood bar/restaurant with lots of options on food and drinks. I'm never disappointed with Martini's food and they have a good cocktail and draft beer selection for a small neighborhood place. One of the reasons I enjoy living in the Vine neighborhood.
(5)Dan N.
I had a super long week at work and was driving back late from Chicago to Detroit. I decided that fast food would only depress me more and Yelped! to see what I can get for take-out in K-zoo (perfect halfway point, eh?) I came across Martini's, which wasn't too far off of I-94 and gave it a try. Even though I would not recommend trying to eat a Martini's pizza while driving (I ended up spilling more on myself than anticipated), it was delicious. I ordered a pizza with sausage, olives and green peppers--great crust, great sauce and cooked well. I'd love to try Martini's again when I can sit down, relax, see what I'm eating, and not spill all over myself.
(4)Michael O.
this is a great restaurant choice. been there and tried lots of different items. much more than just pizza. friends and family have consistently been impressed.
(5)Adam A.
My favorite pizza in Kalamazoo, so far. I made the mistake of ordering a slice of pizza the first time I went here, big mistake. It was dried up and pretty flavor less. When I told a few others my experience they suggested I go back and order an entire pie. The next time I did and I was extremely happy. Went back and ordered pizza a couple of weeks later and had the same great experience. I am giving high stars to the service and Pizza. Besides the piece of pizza I ordered at my first visit, and was extremely underwhelmed, my table also ordered ravioli and the egg plant sandwich. The ravioli was not good (lacked seasoning and the cheese filling was uninspired) and the sandwich, although bigger than my head, could have been better executed.
(4)Karla K.
Great whole food. Fresh. Original. Tasty. Love trying seasonal menu and yummy martinis. Fun place and always busy. Pizza is great. I am in love with the fennel crackers they make. Interesting menu and always good service. Enjoy!
(5)Lisa H.
I love this place! Great vibes and wonderful food, the ingredients are farm fresh and locally sourced but they do not throw it in your face. Will definitely go back... Especially for those awesome desserts, blueberry peach shortcake, yummmm
(5)Nicole V.
Martini's is for the hardcore customers. If you go to Martini's Pizza prepare to wait and wait and wait. Prepare to be ignored and prepared to be treated with disrespect. Before you even open the door get yourself ready to be flung back to high school where the staff is populated only by the coolest kids and you, are a geek. Prepare to be scowled at, scoffed at and laughed at. Prepare. Now if you can handle all this then you can also prepare yourself to enjoy some pretty darn good pizza. The toppings are fresh, the cheese is hot and sauce is zippy. Remember, I tried to warn you!
(3)Amy M.
I've been enjoying the simplest meal from Martini's for a long time now - a slice of cheese pizza (can't find a better slice of pizza in the zoo...) and a small house salad. However, everything on this menu is delicious! I tend to stay away from the subs as the bread (as delicious as it is) tends to hurt the roof of my mouth. Maybe I just eat it too fast because it tastes sooo good? The lamb orecchiette is divine. Great regional beers on draft. The tiramisu is to DIE for. It is, by far, the best tiramisu in the universe. It is rumored that it takes a few days to make a full pan of it - so definitely don't miss out! The upstairs party room is great. Had a graduation party here and it was lovely. The food was excellent, the room was pretty, and the staff was helpful. Sometimes, however, the service isn't as quick or friendly as I wish it was. Knowing a few of the servers, I tend to be lenient. But if I was an out-of-towny...I may be disappointed with how quickly they clear my plate (even if I'm still eating) but how slowly they bring a check.
(4)Candice E.
Scenario: Sweltering, 95-degree night. We're starving for a good dinner after a long day, but we gotta let the dog out first. So we take care of that and realize we both left our keys inside and we're locked out. So, we decide to walk to Martini's so the dog can hang on the sidewalk while we eat and drink away the frustration of our oversight. Within fives minutes of arriving, two separate Martinis employees came out with an unsolicited bowl of water for our panting dog. Then a customer inside saw us and asked our server (Dixie=AWESOME), to deliver his leftover roast beef sandwich (literal doggie bag) for him. I knew this place had the best pizza in town. I knew it had perfect ambiance and an impressive beer and wine list. But we're new to Kalamazoo and the people at Martinis treated us like family. We came in feeling hot, hungry and grouchy; and we left feeling so full, happy and grateful for delicious food and remarkably kind people.
(5)Joe S.
Nothing to not love about this place. Atmosphere is great, service is good and the food is delicious! They've always taken care of me here and it feels like a great little neighborhood place with a good level of class. Absolutely best pizza and food quality in Kalamazoo (and honestly, best I've had in Michigan). Drinks are a little pricey, but are at the same high level of quality as their food.
(5)James R.
A new fan! We were looking for a more upscale pizza restaurant in the downtown Kalamazoo area and was actually drawn in by the aroma wafting from the restaurant. It's not well marked except for a large mural on the front outside wall. Stain glass windows brightened up the place on the inside contrasting the dull gray skies that day Just google the address then follow your nose. The pizza was awesome! The sauce was thickly laid on with a most excellent mozzarella cheese. The anchovies were wonderful and not over-powering and the choices could keep you undecided for a good while. We found this place by accident but it'll not be an accident when we come back the next time we're in Kalamazoo.
(5)Alexandra L.
Anti-pasta salad is amaaaazing! I love there crispy pizza too, and as always there drinks are great
(5)Austin M.
Excellent! The first thing that hits you when you walk in the door is the wonderful smell of Italian herbs and spices. The garlic bread was amazing, the pizza was great, the service was great, and the beers on tap, though few, were interesting and delicious. The atmosphere is unique and we loved it. We commented to each other numerous times that we need a place like this back home. Did I mention the service was great? We showed up late, stayed well past closing, and the staff was friendly and attentive throughout our meal without dropping even a hint that we should speed it up so they could go home. After a 14-hour day of traveling to attend my grandmother's funeral it was really nice to be treated so well. I will be coming back!
(5)Andrew T.
Dear Martini's, This is not a review, it's a love letter. You are simply my home away from home. Being in your restaurant is like being in my living room. I love me some pizza, and they have always been my favorite. Partially because they do the square cut slices (i LOVE square cut pizza) but more importantly for the taste. It's always fresh ingredients. The crust is always spot on and the flavor never fails. This love letter is slightly a love affair, mainly because I'm torn. I can't decide which I love more the margherita pizza or the house foccacia...which is why I typically get both! That way I don't have to cheat on either of them, but enjoy them together. hehe I have been eating here since they were a little lunch counter, and have been back for drinks at the upstairs bar. Watching them grow and expand has been amazing. I love you Martini's Sincerely, Andrew
(5)Loren S.
Love the PIZZA! I always get it by the slice. The service is amazing and super friendly. One of my favorites.
(5)Nathan T.
This is a perfect restaurant with consistently great service and wonderfully tasty food. Best pizza in the Zoo.
(5)Adam S.
Oh, Martini's...how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. If the place made a fragrance, I would bathe in it. Decor consists of retrofitted pews, stained glass and fixtures from a local church with a funky twist. Very cool. There is a bar upstairs to grab a few drinks while you wait for your seat. Food is the bomb-dot-com. Their antipasto salad is delicious as are the majority of their other appetizers. The pizza is the stuff of legend. In fact, it is rumored that Julius Caesar himself created the original recipe that has been handed down amongst generations. You can't really go wrong with their offerings, although I would highly suggest their margarita pizza when it is on the menu. When our server was forced to go home unexpectedly (wasn't feeling well), the owner himself took over and personally ensured all of our needs were met. I'm sure that is a rarity in establishments of this size and attests to their value for customer service.
(5)Lauren S.
Great atmosphere, and great food. My favorite part about this place is that you can get pizza by the slice. It's a great place to stop in for a bite before a long night downtown. It's also has a nice patio for those summer nights.
(4)Ari S.
For me, Martini's is hard to review. Having grown up a few blocks away, I have fond memories of walking down for a slice, sitting at the bar, and watching traffic go by on westnedge. Since the expansion, they have added a full bar, and a large, well decorated albeit noisy dining area. In my opinion, they still have the best slice in town, and their other food items, as well as the salads and bread, are delicious. However, their prices have risen considerably. For me, this means that martini's can only be afforded on special ocassions. Despite my sad sentimental feelings, I will still say that they have awesome food, and the people that work there are super friendly and cool.
(5)Eric G.
I haven't been here in years until a recent trip through Kalamazoo. They have completely renovated the place and now serve booze. Great beer selection, amazing food and a cool atmosphere. Can't beat it.
(4)Keely B.
This place didn't have the best pizza I've ever had. Don't get me wrong--it was good. Definitely satisfying. And the salad was pretty basic. The food itself probably only merits 3 stars. The extra star comes from amazingly friendly, thoughtful service. Our server's name was Carrie (still is, I imagine). She chatted with us, made recommendations, steered us away from over-ordering (something that is ALWAYS appreciated). She refilled our Cokes a plethora of times knowing that we had long drives ahead of us. She apologized profusely for every absence and gave us dessert on the house. We had a house salad, a 12-inch 4-topping pizza, two cokes, and bourbon pound cake. Our check was $25. The restaurant itself is sizeable and trendy in a cute-not-annoying way. We sat at a high top table in the bar, which I normally hate (I like to be able to touch the floor when I'm sitting), but between the food, the company, and the ambience, I don't think I gave it a moment's thought. The women's bathroom was still small, but I didn't have to wait here (unlike Food Dance), which is good since the Coke was flowing and my bladder is the size of a thimble.
(4)Kiarash Z.
When I visit Kalamazoo, I'm always torn between Crow's Nest and Martini's. I absolutely love the salmon salad. You can feel your body powering up from all the protein and vitamins loaded into the creative blend of fish and veggies. The bread basket also is amazing and huge. I could fill up on the appetizer alone.
(4)Parallax V.
Unexpectedly, I was invited to the neighborhoods best kept secret. The ambiance is great, the look, the feel of the place is easy on the eyes. What is really unexpected is the creative menu. It is obvious that the chef is a lover of food and is bringing great quality, great tasting menus to the everyday people. Without doting over the food, I would invite anyone to just drop in be impressed for yourself... you won't regret it!
(4)alejandro p.
First off, I must be slightly homesick (and fully procrastinating) to have written so many Michigan reviews today! One of my first jobs was washing dishes and delivering pizza at Martini's the summer before I left for college. This was back in the early '90s, at the Portage location in the old red house--now a parking lot for Kinko's. Anyways, I have nothing but fond memories of that time, and I credit that experience for not just giving me an appreciation of good, handmade pizza but also sparking my own amateur forays into baking. I've been thrilled to see the new location grow from a walk-up to a dining room and live music venue. The upstairs especially is beautiful--just beautiful--and a testament to Rich's attention to detail and craftsmanship. He's turned the space into a work of art, and that would be reason enough to visit if not for the incredible food. Everything --everything!--is fantastic, made fresh to order and with as many locally-sourced and seasonal ingredients as possible, from the stuffed acorn squash to the eggplant Parmesan to the delicious salads. (Having worked in the kitchen I can attest to this firsthand!) But the pizza is, of course, the real attraction! I say skip the slices and splurge for an entire pie. Eat in, so you can savor the crisp, cornmeal dusted crust, the tangy tomato sauce and warm, melted cheese immediately. It's certainly the best pizza I've had in Michigan, and among the best I've ever had anywhere. And if you do drop in, say hi to Rich for me! He & his family are good people, and he's always treated me and mine with nothing but generosity and warmth.
(5)Sue S.
A welcome new menu here, for the most part. The mussels are good but do NOT need the croutons. Bread for dipping the sauce would be much better. We had the roasted garlic & cauliflower pasta and the lamb ragu pasta. Both good, could have been a little better spiced and hotter (temperature). Orecchiette needed to be more cooked, many stuck together. Glad they are experimenting with new dishes! Will hold off for now on another star.
(3)Thomas A.
This is the best sandwich you will ever eat in your entire life. EVER. There are few things that I actually miss about Kalamazoo, and Martini's is certainly one of them. Though it was depressing as a student that they didn't take credit (hey, we're broke, and they aren't cheap), maybe they've since remedied this? I mean, it is 2010 and all...
(5)Jason C.
Best pizza in kzoo. Mediocre service.
(4)Steven R.
Great pizza...worth going out of your way to get here...
(4)Yuli B.
One of the very very very very very very very few things I miss about Kalamazoo is Martini's Pizza. Their food and pizza remain on my list of top three favorite pizza places. Yes, I am lactose intolerant but for Martini's I make painful allowances. Even after my move to California 10 years ago, I still make sure to drop into Martini's for a slice whenever I'm in town. It's the only thing that puts a smile on my face in this hellhole (aside from visiting family/friends). Nothing really compares to this place...even in Hell-Ay.
(5)Steve R.
Amazing pizza, great atmosphere, great beer list. The best in Kalamazoo?
(5)Meghan M.
Great bar and cocktail selection. Pizza is not as good as Erbelli's, the other local joint in the area. However, this place is always busy every time I go. I recently had the beet salad and a slice of pepperoni pizza and the salad had cabbage on it, which I'm not accustomed to as normally beet salad is marinated beets sliced in rounds and not cut up. Tasted alright, but thought there should have been more beets and less cabbage. Slice of pizza was dry and had been sitting around for awhile. I'm thinking whole pizzas taste better than the slices, simply from a freshness perspective. The downstairs area gets very loud when they get busy, I would recommend asking to be seated upstairs if you want to hear what anyone in your party has to say. Won't cross this place off my list, but not my first choice for pizza in Kalamazoo.
(3)Mary W.
Oh, Martini's. How I miss you. I just moved to Seattle about a month ago and have not been able to stop obsessing about Martini's pizza. I was spoiled with Martini's and Seattle pizza just seems bland and depressing in comparison. I always used to order banana peppers, artichoke and green olives as toppings. (I am salivating as I type) I personally think pizza is their best food feature but you really can't go wrong with other options on the menu - heck, even their breadbasket is to die for! Awesome eclectic decor and the owner/staff are great. However, it can be busy at times so if you're not in the mood to go out I would suggest a pick-up order. My family did that about every Friday when I was living at home and we loved it. I have seriously already talked to my Mom about sending me Martini's pizza in the mail over dry ice. Yes...it is just that good.
(5)JAN k.
Had a very lovely lunch here. Hubby got the sausage and pepper sandwich and I got a mixed salad with chicken, roasted corn and such. Service was very attentive. Price was good for lunch. Wish I could have returned for Pizza. It looked really yummy. I saw they were making fresh dough in the back kitchen. Saw no signage on the place. It is an attractive building . I noticed people were eating inside and just walked in. We got lucky!
(5)Renee S.
In all fairness, my review is a little inaccurate because I did not eat the food. My friends and I stopped in for a drink on a Tuesday, in the early evening. I am rating this establishment based on my first impression - the first few minutes I walked in the door. The owner was not overly friendly and went on a whole diatribe about how hot it's been in Kalamazoo and how it costs so much money to cool the place. For this reason, we couldn't sit outside and drink our beer - he wasn't opening the outside to us because he didn't want people going in and out the door. Really?! Additionally, our server at the bar was not friendly. She was slow and looked annoyed serving us. All to say, I wasn't overly impressed. As an out of towner, I won't be back next time I'm visiting - even if the reviews of the food are good. Service trumps good food, in my opinion.
(2)Adrian C.
I have seen this place grow from a neighborhood haunt to a full fledged awesome restaurant. I like the fact that they have kept their old standby's on the menu. Both the chicken salad and pork sandwich are must have's
(5)Cristine T.
We just had dinner at Martini's for my son's birthday. It was delicious, everything was extremely tasty. The service was very friendly and helpful when I accidentally threw myself on their pavement and hurt myself also.
(5)H K.
Fun place. Had pepperoni pizza and pork loin very good
(4)Jim T.
Martinis has been a favorite for my wife and I for a number of years now, and it has gotten even better in the last few years since their remodel. They have great pizza and focaccia, but also amazing sandwiches on baguette, good beer (including lots of local Michigan brews) and friendly staff. We used to stop in for a slice, but now Martinis is a great spot for friends to grab a beer and dinner. They also have a room available to rent upstairs that includes a bar. We had our wedding rehearsal dinner there. Great, great food.
(4)Justine U.
A friend took me where when I was visiting and I was impressed. It was Halloween weekend so everything is weird then, but the waitstaff was friendly, and not slow like some of the other reviews have said (though we were there for an early dinner so it wasn't too crowded). They weren't fabulous, but as a veteran of the waiting tables I know I have high standards. I thought the decor was funny and my local friend told me it changes, but there was a mixture of sainted glass bright circles with muted watercolor fabric and fish sculptures I'm assuming by a local artist for sale. We got some garlic bread and a pineapple pizza, both were excellent. The bread was fabulous as was the crust of the pizza, the cheese was good real cheese, there isn't much to say about pizza, either its good or its not, and theirs is. Not too greasy, great crust. I'll definitely come back next time I'm in town.
(4)Jacob T.
Martini's Pizza=My favorite place to eat. I use to work there when I was in college. Typically, working at a restaurant, you get sick of eating there. Not this place. I stop by as often as possible whenever I'm in Kalamazoo. We're talking 3 visits in two days people. My love of this place is so well known, that a pilot friend hand delivered cold slices to the W. Coast for my birthday one year. The owners are great people, with a sometimes frightening obsession for consistency, quality, and just great food. It's the type of place where you're as comfortable slipping in for a quick lunch slice of pizza, as you are going there for a graduation party. Favorite meal there? House roasted pork sandwich, slice of vegetable focaccia, maybe a sausage slice, house salad, local Michigan IPA. You will not leave disappointed. P.S. Don't ask for substitutions as they've got the menu dialed in and take great pride in their product. Barring allergies, asking for one is insulting and may result in an awkward exchange.
(5)Matt T.
I've been here twice. First time was good, although service was not very outgoing, friendly, or engaging. I had pasta and meatballs and I got what I expected. The second time, I had a margarita pizza. The basil was charred, and there was too much of it. Less is more!! The pizza was decent, but again my waitress must have had her first day that day. She was all over the map, not very attentive, and when she said that she would be right back, 20 minutes would pass. I had to go outside to smoke cigarettes to calm myself while our waitress was bumbling around. Yuppie-scum let their kids bounce around in high-traffic areas, and were more interested in booze than moving their kids out of the way of the staff. Food was alright, but maybe those were just some bad days. I would try it again, but it wasn't very impressive the first 2 times.
(2)Luke C.
Enjoyed the Ricotta and Olives for an appetizer followed by sausage, mushroom and green pepper pizza on their traditional crust accompanied by a Pinot Grigio from local winery. Dined on the patio with 65 degree weather and a light breeze with wonderful service! Will stop by again in future.
(4)Melissa N.
I go here when I'm craving some pizza or a sandwich. They have an A+ eggplant parmesan sandwich that I love! They also have good beer and yummy warm hard cider. The waitstaff is super friendly. The restaurant itself is very unique - water is served in pretty blue bottles and mismatched glasses. The wall art is pretty to look at. A classic Kalamazoo place to eat - I always bring visitors here!
(4)Jason L.
Great pizza, but also try their tasty sandwiches and the beet salad. The owner is kind of a jerk, and they seem to have stopped serving Bell's beers, which in Kalamazoo just makes no sense at all and is nearly a dealbreaker for a lot of folks. But the food is great.
(4)Michaelia K.
THIS PIZZA IS AMAZING. I've been a fan since before it expanded for a complete dining area. Back when the 'seating area' meant a long bar by the window facing the laundrette across the street (Westnedge). We once went streaking in front of it in high school, but that is neither here nor there! Back to the pizza. Ah yes, the best pizza!! Come here if you like the perfect toppings-to-crust ratio. I recommend a margarita with your fave toppings (sausage, green pepper and mushrooms for me). I've also gotten sandwiches and salads from there, but really, if you're going to go, go for the pizza. It's pretty popular, so be wary of when you go. Weekend nights are pretty loud and noisy, and being seated can be a hassle!
(5)Say G.
I've eaten so many eggplant parmesan sandwiches and antipasto salads to go in the past 15 years that it is difficult to review martinis objectively. I almost never get the pizza because of my routine, but I find it a little salty when I have had it.. They recently changed their antipasto salad a bit but it is no worse for wear. The beet salad is awesome too. The pork and chicken sandwiches are also good but I can't say they get much playtime. I consider it one of about 3 decent restaurants in Kalamazoo but I almost never eat-in as in my mind it is still a tiny pick-up joint.
(4)Cullen S.
The pizza is probably the best in town. It is expensive, though. A pie for two people will run you about $18.00. All the food is excellent, and they recently renovated the space to include a nice dining room, outdoor patio, and upstairs section with live entertainment.
(5)Josh M.
Best pizza in Midwest outside of Chicago. Really liked going here before it expanded. It was fun sitting at the bar looking out on to Westnedge. Their expansion has improved seating and their service seems to be the same as it ever was. Worth the extra couple of bucks in my mind.
(5)Crystal S.
Delicious and worth the wait! A lot of people have complained about service, but maybe they should look at the way they're treating their server. I have dined at this establishment well over 20 times and have never received bad service. The owner can be a stickler about moving tables (he did not want my group of 12 to move tables, but eventually said we could). He wasn't a big jerk about it, but I also guess we're just laid back group of people.
(5)Nicholas W.
Pizza was fresh and delicious, food came out quick, staff was polite but I don't feel I got the personal attention required for 5 stars. Staff was busy and brief.
(4)Jessie K.
Aside from the bustling (loud) atmosphere, Martinis is one of my favorite go to restaurants in Kzoo. Great antipastos, flavorful salads and of course the pizza never disappoints. Grab one of their local beers on tap and enjoy!
(4)Joe V.
I can't believe I just got here. The ambiance earns it 5 stars on it's own.... the art, fixtures, the service was excellent. A lot of attention was paid to putting this newly expanded place together. It's the closest thing to a neighborhood restaurant / bar to be found in Kazoo. Maybe Oakwood Bistro qualifies, but that has pretensions to something else, I believe. This is trying to be the gathering spot of choice for the artsy intelligentsia in Kalamazoo and it works. The prices are very reasonable, and it has a variety of seating choices. Take out pizza too. I had a Calzone and it was terrific. Not too heavy, very flavorful. I tried to think of a reason to knock a star off, but can't think of one. The Vine neighborhood is ALIVE.
(5)Peter H.
A local gem. The atmosphere is eclectically grand and the staff is pure example of Midwestern friendliness. Oh and the pizza? Pretty darn good with a great selection of topping for meat and non-meat lovers. Did I mention it's not overprices either? Bonus.
(4)Stephanie B.
Local business in the Vine neighborhood that has a seasonal menu. The pizza is fresh and the salad is delicious. There are a variety of items to choose from for your toppings, but be aware that they change with the seasons (the owner purchases supply from local vendors, which is awesome!). Very pleasant ambience and lovely interior. This is one of Kalamazoo's best spots.
(4)Nick C.
This place tries to be something it's not. It tries to give the appearance of an upscale establishment with extravagant toppings. If this place was in a different neighborhood, it might pull this off. Most of the food I have had there is too bland or too flavorful. The calzone was very crusty and the pizza isn't anything to write home about. The prices aren't cheap either, but they don't seem too out of line. My girlfriend enjoys this place, so we do go there often. Her recommendation is a slight of the veggie pizza. I have yet to find a dish that I enjoy.
(2)Carlos S.
Best pizza around with good attention to salads and nice selection of beers on tap. Owner rich is an acquired taste, but he has has really developed a nice neighborhood restaurant and he likes it his way! Some folks are put off by indifferent wait staff, but I'm there for the great food and always found service passable. It's loud but nice energy!
(4)Bob W.
Pleasant decor, friendly staff, good food, decent prices, great array of micros on tap, nice outdoor patio...whats not to like. Really good pizza and anti pasta salad. Breads are fresh and homemade. When you go to Martini's it just feels kind of homey...its where I take mom.
(5)Julie B.
Please Don't Eat Here! Unless you don't mind being rudely treated by owner and staff. I went this past weekend with a party for WMU grads and I am still horrified just thinking about our experience. One of the grads put the party together for her friends and their families. As soon as I walked in the door with my family, the owner was yelling at a waitress about getting everyone's money and that he didn't care if more people came & didn't have somewhere to sit. As we walked upstairs to the private room, the owner was behind us and got right in the face of the woman who organized the party. He pointed his finger at her and yelled at her like she was a 5 year old child! Apparently he was angry that there were 2 more families there than she had originally estimated and angry that people had moved tables/chairs. He told guests they couldn't expect to sit together at such an event! One of the student's fathers saw the owner yelling at this poor girl and told him not to be such an a-hole. The owner cursed at this man and got into it with him just for trying to stick up for the poor girl who had been treated so poorly. The owner completely flew off the handle, temporarily closed the bar, took the food away and told people it was done. He must have come to his senses for a moment because he decided not to kick people out, however he made the girl who had organized everything even more embarrassed by forcing her to tell him in front of everyone what they had discussed over the phone. The rest of the food was cold and the mood was ruined. I feel bad for the graduates who just wanted to have a nice dinner with their friends and families. The owner is COMPLETELY rude, inappropriate and has serious issues. How do you run a business like this treating people so poorly? I don't know what happened to customer service at this restaurant but I will never, ever, ever set foot there and despite the fact people may enjoy the food, I will never recommend to anyone.
(1)Teri S.
Such a great evening and dinner! The owner gave us the good table which we've never had before due to party size. Food tonite was fabulous! Salad was super fresh, antipasto appy was varied and delicious. The pizza is the best I have ever had. Staff was friendly and working hard. Very professional. You never feel ripped off by tipping well here. They earn it. Love, love, love Martinis!
(5)Linda N.
Our first visit-- went based on reviews when we came into town to visit our daughter at WMU. Took three hungry college students. We all loved it-- just that simple. Can't wait to go again!
(5)Christopher J.
Martini's has delicious pizza. It's not the best pizza I've ever had but it's very solid. That said, Martini's has some of the worst service i've ever experienced. Every single time I've been there, no matter what time of day or week, it's been horrendous service. Prepare to feel ignored, forgot about and as if you just are plain not that important. I guess some people just accept this but it's enough for me to take Martini's out of my dining rotation.
(2)Nicole T.
Best pizza in town!!! I can't even begin to understand how Martini's does not have a solid 5 stars on every review. They are by far the best Italian food in Kalamazoo and Southwest Michigan. The food is consistently excellent and never disappointing. One of my top 5 favorite places to eat in Kalamazoo for over 15 years. A must try if you're visiting the area... you will not be disappointed.
(5)Bill T.
Food is amazing service is comical, so laugh at it and eat your pizza.
(4)Matthew H.
Great place for a casual/nice date. Good wines, the selection of beer is short, great pizza and Italian "type" food. I got the salmon and was not that impressed. But the atmosphere was nice.
(4)