Cafe Martorano

Cafe Martorano, Fort Lauderdale: Quick Verdict

Cafe Martorano on East Oakland Park Boulevard is one of Fort Lauderdale's most talked-about Italian-American spots, built on a reputation for big portions, louder-than-average energy, and a crowd that returns regularly. If you're visiting for the first time, know going in that this is not a quiet dinner venue — it's a room with personality, and that's the point.

The Space

The room at Cafe Martorano is compact and social by design. Expect close-set tables, a lively bar area, and a space that fills quickly on weekend evenings. First-timers should arrive early — Thursday through Saturday nights get busy, and the atmosphere shifts noticeably after 8 PM when the energy peaks. If you want a more relaxed version of the experience, a weeknight visit gives you the same kitchen without the full-room noise level. There is no sprawling patio or wide open dining floor here; the intimacy is part of the draw, but it does mean the room gets loud.

Drinks at Cafe Martorano

The bar at Cafe Martorano leans toward crowd-pleasing over craft-cocktail ambition. You'll find the kind of drinks program that supports a big Italian-American dinner rather than one that competes for attention on its own terms. Classic cocktails, wine by the glass, and direct options are the order of the day. If your priority is a serious cocktail program with menu depth and technical precision, Apothecary 330 in Fort Lauderdale is the stronger choice. Cafe Martorano's bar works leading as an extension of the dining experience rather than a destination in its own right , order what you like with dinner and don't expect the drinks list to surprise you.

Booking and Timing

Booking at Cafe Martorano is generally accessible , this is not a months-out reservation situation. Check the venue's current policy directly, as hours and booking methods can shift. For a first visit, aim for an early weeknight table to get a feel for the room without the weekend volume. The address at 3343 E Oakland Park Blvd is direct to reach by car, with parking available nearby.

Who Should Book Cafe Martorano

Book here if you want a high-energy Italian-American dinner in a room that has clear character and a loyal local following. Skip it if you're after a quiet date night or a serious cocktail-forward evening. For more options across the city, browse our full Fort Lauderdale restaurants guide, our full Fort Lauderdale bars guide, and our full Fort Lauderdale experiences guide. If you're planning a broader trip, our full Fort Lauderdale hotels guide and our full Fort Lauderdale wineries guide cover the rest of your stay. For cocktail-forward bars worth benchmarking against, see Bar Leather Apron in Honolulu, Jewel of the South in New Orleans, and Julep in Houston , all venues where the drinks program is the headline act, not the supporting cast.