Editor’s Note: In 2021, Michael and Nicole Borrell began reviewing Lebanon Valley’s restaurants and eating attractions as the Lebanon Valley Food Critics. Since then, the couple has aimed to offer unbiased reviews of the eating and drinking establishments the Lebanon Valley has to offer. LebTown is pleased to be partnering with LVFC to share these reviews with our readers. Bon appétit!
Welcome to our highly anticipated Lebanon Valley Pasta Wars. Three entrants from the Valley will compete to be declared the winner of Best Italian Food in the Valley.
Our judgement will be based upon several factors including style of quality, presentation, taste, and overall impression.
We conclude this war up in Ebenezer at Martino’s Italian Traditions. Located along State Route 72, this restaurant is casual with self-seating and counter ordering.
Martino’s Italian Traditions
Hours
Mon: Closed
Tue: Closed
Wed: 11 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Thu: 11 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Fri: 11 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sat: 11 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sun: 11 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Our selection for judgement this evening was Gnocchi Sorrento ($17.99) and Shrimp Manicotti ($20.99). The meal comes with a choice of house salad or soup and bread.
The gnocchi came in a meat sauce and mixed cheese. This take on gnocchi Sorrento was a surprising departure from the traditional tomato-forward version. Instead of the expected bright, acidic marinara, the dish featured a rich, sweet, and deeply savory meat sauce that leaned more toward a braised or slow-cooked profile. The sweetness wasn’t overpowering, it had a balanced, almost caramelized flavor.
Our shrimp manicotti came with mixed cheese and ricotta. One thing that stood out with this dish was the smoothness of the cheese in this dish. All the flavors were able to make themselves known, allowing for a well balanced bite. The manicotti noodle itself was firm but easy to bite through. Each bite had plenty of shrimp.
Our house salad tonight had the most robust house dressing. If that is what you like, you will love dressing. And the freshly-made bread comes out toasted.
Did we just have the best Italian in the Valley?
We will now take some time to digest our meals. After which, we will announce our winner in the next few days.
If you have a restaurant you would like us to visit or review, whether a place you like or are nervous to try, please message us on Facebook or email lvfoodcritics@outlook.com and let us know. We thank everyone for the recommendations and the kind words we have received.