My first time in Jenkintown, my son had a Football game in Northeast Philly and after the game he wanted Ravioli. Using Yelp, I found Ristorante Marzano.
Walking in I got the feel of a family run restaurant. The hostess and waitresses happily greeting regular customers by name, even though it was our first time here my family received a very warm welcome. I note that because I've been to small local restaurants that I've felt slightly like and outsider compared to the regular patrons, but not at Marzano we felt comfortable and welcomed.
Our waitress Josephina, was attentive and efficient with her service. Marzano provides complimentary fresh hot bread and butter for your table that was excellent.
We ordered Calamari, Arancini and Antipasto as our appetizers
The Calamari is very lightly breaded and tender, the Antipasto was enjoyable and the rosted peppers are excellent, my favorite was the Arancini which was very close to my Aunt Maria's Arancini (by Italian Family law I can't say it was as good as hers) I could have easily eaten 2 orders of the Arancini myself!
My son, who's craving for Ravioli was the reason for our visit to Marzano, got his Cheese Ravioli with red sauce. He loved them so much that unfortunately he finished them all and poor old Dad didn't get to eat one!(He's grounded!)
A friend of our also order Ravioli with Pink Vodka Cream Sauce (as listed on the menu) she also cleaned her plate and was happy with her meal.
My wife ordered Paccheri Cremosi, again I was angered because she enjoyed her selection so much she didn't leave anything behind for me to finish off!
I order Bolognese Sauce with Linguine cooked Al dente, the menu had it served with Rigatoni which is logical, so that the sauce is captured inside the Rigatoni, but I love to twirl so Linguine for me. To my delight my Linguine was served, as ordered, Al dente!!! Marzano is a real Italian Restaurant but this confirmed they are a proud Italian Restaurant! I always order pasta Al dente but sadly, either the waitress in other restaurants doesn't relay that to the kitchen or the kitchen in other restaurants doesn't comply to my request. Marzano cooked the Pasta perfectly Al dente and the Bolognese was delicious! I finished the pasta and cleaned my bowl with the fresh hot bread. Nothing left for anyone to sample!
Think we are done?! Nope! Dessert time! We got Oreo Cheesecake, Raspberry Cheesecake both excellent!!!! And and order of Creme Brule Cheesecake to go for my Daughter(she loved it!)
When we were done my wife had to roll me to our car! I was full and happy on our drive back to South Jersey!
If Marzano was closer we would definitely be regulars, if we're ever in the area again we'll be back. read more