Martinelli’s Little Italy: A Review

Background

Martinell’s Little Italy is a family-owned Italian restaurant based in downtown Salina. It has been a staple of the Salina food scene since it opened in 2001. 

Known for its family style dining and generous portions, the restaurant offers a variety of Italian American dishes, with favorites like the Fettucine Alredo, pizzas, salads, and a variety of desserts. 

It provides dine-in, takeout, and delivery services, as well as catering and banquet space for up to 200 guests. 

Martinelli’s is known for its welcoming atmosphere, excellent service, and reasonable prices.

The Review

As a Salina resident now for four years, I had never been to Martinelli’s. It’s not that I hadn’t heard of it because the Salina locals speak highly of it, I had just not gone out of my way to go there. 

But that changed this past week as I gave Martinelli’s a try for the first time. The first nice thing about Martinelli’s is that they offer reservations through Google. So, during the day a placed a reservation for the night and when I arrived at the restaurant, I was sat right away. 

The Service

As mentioned before, Martinelli’s is known for its comforting and welcoming atmosphere. As a first-time visitor, I could feel that as I walked into the restaurant.

I was sat immediately and given water. I looked over the drink menu while I waited for the server and when the server came in a timely manner, I ordered an alcoholic beverage. 

My server was a nice young lady who had no problem striking up small talk and telling me about the menu. 

My drink came quickly and instead of ordering an appetizer I decided to stick with the free bread. The staff was very attentive and always noticed if you needed more bread or needed a refill. 

The bussers who refilled drinks were also very welcoming and kind, and overall, the service exceeded my expectations. 

The Food

Starting with the complimentary bread, it nothing that blows you away. I would say it’s better than paying for an appetizer but there are places who do free bread better. 

For my main course I ordered the Fettucine Alfredo, Coby’s Pizza, and their Chopped Salad. 

Starting with the best item, the chopped salad. The chopped salad at Martinelli’s I can confidently say is one of the best salads I’ve ever had. 

It comes with lettuce, chicken, tomato, blue cheese, avocado, bacon, green onion, and smothered in their delicious house dressing. I got a quarter portion and that is more than enough for two people. 

The pasta was good, didn’t blow me away. The alfredo sauce tasted good, but the pasta could’ve used a lot more of it. 

The Coby’s pizza is a pizza with alfredo sauce, artichoke hearts, spinach, and garlic. I enjoyed the pizza and the crust at Martinell’s is what I believe makes their pizza unique. It’s served a thin crust cut into squares and makes it unique from other places.

The Conclusion

I spent $50 on three food items and a drink. That is certainly a reasonable price or even cheap compared to the prices of some other places. 

One thing I wished to try was the dessert, but I didn’t because frankly, I was too full. 

If you really love authentic Italian food, Martinelli’s is worth the try and you will most definitely like it. 

For me, I enjoyed my experience at Martinell’s, but I believe there are a few better choices in Salina that would top my short list.

For more Salina food reviews check out Jacob Fallon.