Martini's Pizza - Kalamazoo

I ordered Martini’s Acorn squash which was a delightful medley of roasted vegetables, and as the name implies, a puréed acorn squash. (Vegan) Their vegetable pizza (vegetarian) was amazing too highly highly recommend.

I just returned to Kalamazoo for spring semester at WMU and my Dad and I decided to try Martini's Pizza, since he was feeling like Italian. Just to be on the safe side I asked the hostess when we walked in if there were any vegan options (she was extremely friendly and helpful, that I appreciate). She first thought I meant vegetarian, which they have plenty of options for, but when she realized I couldn't eat any animal products she decided to check with the cook to double check. The only item they were sure was vegan was a salad ordered without cheese (they said the pasta had egg). So we ended up not dining here (I'm recovering from an eating disorder and am not supposed to eat low calorie meals), but went to Crow's Nest instead which is 2 doors down.

I've now made six or seven visits and can say that the experience is usually rewarding, but the patron should expect to flex as necessary. In short, if you're expecting flawlessly attentive service or a quick dining experience, you'll reach some level of disappointment. I certainly wouldn't walk in with a couple of hungry children and expect to eat within minutes. Visits will require a bit more time and deliberation. Having first attended to catch the live music in the intimate upstairs bar area, I've only eaten in the main dining room on one occasion. Service can be a problem when busy, but hungry patrons can simply grab a table in the bar and send one of the party downstairs to the walk up counter for pizza or focaccia slices. These are available all day and though precooked I find them to reheat nicely. The same goes for the bar someone eventually reached our table and the bartender was happy keep our tab in the meantime. To be specific about the food, a slice of vegetable topped pizza $3 with a glass of the Polka Dot Riesling $4.75 is a real refresher. The Martini's Acorn Squash $11.75 was a revelation in that I usually have to order Indian to enjoy a meatless dish at that level of flavor, texture and quality. The Vegetarian Lasagna $10.95 was very good as well. My companions have ordered and enjoyed the Italian Beef sandwich $7.50 and so loaded it could easily serve two and the Italian Farcitta with artichoke $9.75, also available with sausage filling. To sum up: I began attending once per week for the music, but I will keep returning for the menu long after the band moves on.

Martinis is a great place to really plan on spending an evening. The relatively new bar upstairs is a little nook in k-zoo that I dont think a lot of people realize is a really good place to get to know the atmosphere of Kalamazoo. They have live music on occasion and when they do it is top notch. If you want to have a good time with great service and food and music to remember go to Martinis.

I've been eating at Martini's for years. The food is wonderful. The service is better, since the mercurial owner has stepped back a bit.