When it comes to Italian cuisine in the heart of Martin, few restaurants have established themselves as strongly as Via Grande. Located in the Martin–Sever district on Jilemnického Street, this pizzeria and restaurant has been part of the local dining scene since 2004. Over the years, it has built a reputation not only for its food but also for the overall dining experience it offers, blending authentic flavors, thoughtful service, and a comfortable atmosphere that feels both welcoming and memorable.
The standout feature of Via Grande is without a doubt its Neapolitan-style pizza. Baked in a stone oven at very high heat, the crusts arrive at your table airy, light, and often beautifully blistered. This style sets the pizzas apart from the heavier, more conventional versions found elsewhere in town. The menu covers a wide range of toppings, from traditional Margherita to more adventurous combinations, ensuring that both purists and experimenters find something they enjoy. A particularly strong point is their willingness to adapt: vegan cheese and gluten-free crusts are available, making the restaurant inclusive for diners with dietary restrictions or preferences. For many in Martin, this is a rare and appreciated feature.
Beyond pizza, Via Grande also offers a well-rounded Italian menu. House-made pastas, creamy risottos, and carefully prepared steaks cooked sous-vide provide variety for those seeking more than pizza. Seasonal salads and lighter options balance the menu, while homemade desserts add a satisfying conclusion to any meal. Daily lunch menus, which include a soup, main dish, and often a small dessert, are popular with local workers, families, and students. The pricing is considered fair, offering good value without sacrificing quality or portion size, which is another reason the restaurant enjoys repeat customers.
The ambience of the restaurant contributes greatly to its appeal. The non-smoking dining room is spacious, modern, and comfortable, suitable for families or larger groups. A smaller café area welcomes smokers, and in the warmer months the terrace provides an inviting outdoor option with fresh air. A noteworthy detail is the dog-friendly policy, especially on the terrace and in the café, which makes the space accessible to pet owners who don’t want to leave their companions behind.
Service at Via Grande generally receives positive reviews. Staff are described as attentive, efficient, and polite, though occasional comments mention language barriers when serving foreign guests. Still, the friendliness and effort to accommodate usually outweigh these small inconveniences. The restaurant also offers delivery and catering services, making it a flexible choice for private events, celebrations, or cozy nights at home.
When it comes to reputation, Via Grande consistently scores well, with an average rating of around 4.2 stars across review platforms. Guests praise the quality of the pizza, especially the gluten-free version, which some say is the best they have tried in the entire region. Criticism is relatively mild and usually relates to small inconsistencies in food preparation during peak hours, which is a common challenge for busy restaurants.
In summary, Via Grande stands as one of Martin’s most reliable dining spots, combining authentic Italian cooking with a welcoming atmosphere and thoughtful service. It succeeds in catering to a wide range of diners — families, couples, vegans, gluten-free guests, and even dog owners. For those in the Turiec region seeking comfort food with a touch of authenticity, Via Grande remains a strong and trustworthy...
Read moreI had pizza, I have no idea what it was, it looked like a pizza, but the taste was completely different. In case you would like to have a good pizza, definitely try another restaurant. In case you need to stay at this one, try to pick something else. Maybe you wouldn’t be disappointed, but...
Read moreDobrý deň, dnes sme s kolegynou navštívili túto reštauráciu, miesto sme mali radi pri pracovných cestách do Martina, už sa však nezastavíme. Kolegyňa si dala menu a ja keďže som vegetariánka, tak som pani čašníčku poprosila o jedlo zo stálej ponuky, vyprážaný syr so zemiakmi a tatárskou omáčkou, keďže bolo jedlo bez polievky a na menickovom listku (pri tomto jedle nebola uvedená cena) brala som to tak, že keďže je bez polievky, určite nebude stáť viac ako menu mojej kolegyne , ktoré stálo rovných 6 eur. Keď prišlo na platenie, tak som platila za obyčajný vyprážaný syr so zemiakmi a tatárskou 9,70. Odporúčam na menu lístok napísať aspoň ceny, aby neboli hostia takí zaskočení...
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