Martolli's Hand Tossed Pizza — Restaurant in Ashland

I was parched from a hike and needed something to drink and came across this place and possibly grab a bite. I walk-in and there is someone in front of me getting help from a worker. I already knew what I wanted and saw the cooler in the corner and decided to quickly grab a can and walk back to stand in line. The worker was terribly rude and instantly snapped at me asking if I already had an order in place and I awkwardly blurted out that I was just going to get a drink real quick and before I can finish my sentence, she said I had to stand in line--"it's our policy". I have eyes, I can read signs. What's with the power-trip? I left the place right after she barked at me. I called and spoke to the manager and he was no help either. Useless. I am not cutting anyone in line--everyone with a functioning brain knows you have to wait your turn before being help. "Oh, well--you HAVE to wait until they are done with the transaction". So, if I had an emergency to use the restroom, I had to wait in line until someone is done with their order? You're telling me that I should just defecate right then and there in line? "Oh, well, um, due to COVID, you have to stay 6 feet apart. . ." Sir, the start of the line and the cooler in the corner is well over 6 feet away and there were two sad souls eating without masks on when I was there. Arguments invalid. Please stay clear of this place. The decor is hideous, it's stuffy inside, and the workers are just a bunch of college drop-outs that are miserable with their pathetic lives that NEED an actual real education. I can see why they are rude and I am not the first person to experience this from this establishment. Pro Tip: Put the cooler behind the registers if you don't want people to help themselves or put a big giant sign on the cooler. They need to retrain their idiot workers here. Please visit...

Nope...they missed it. If you've read my many other pizza reviews you know that crust is king in my view and the crust here was just fair. 😟

The space was typical pizza parlor but not all that nice or appealing to me. They had a theme which was interesting, but space was was just not that appealing.

The staff were mostly youngsters just doing a job which is fine, but I did not get a sense that there was anyone there who truly was super passionate about making the best pizza possible. They were kind and helpful, but I did not see the passion...which is ok for good, but won't get you to amazing...if that is what you are hoping for.

The approach to toppings for a margarita pizza were not my favorites - lots of cut tomatoes on top of a cheese pizza (see photo). There is a better approach in my opinion, but it's just my opinion.

The crust was the biggest lacking element, it needs a lot of work to get it to a higher level. This was a very basic crust you could make at home in an hour with no proofing or fermenting. Excellent crust is difficult and takes a long time, but if your business is pizza, make it the best and take the time.

I'm hoping these folks will up their game and get passionate about having the best pizza in Ashland. Pie and Vine up the street is a better option in my option...

Most Ashland and Medford pizza places just use cheap Sysco bread flour with discount commercial diced or chopped toppings that all look like confetti and taste the same. The only thing you may identify is salt. Yuck !

Refreshingly...Martolli's uses real custom dough and original shape, color and taste toppings. Their Special of a generous slice of pizza, a spring greens, sweet onion and cherry tomato salad with homemade dressing...and drink ...are a good choice for around $10.

If you want a large portion of cheap disappointing pizza...go elsewhere. But at Martoli's for a dollar or two more...you will find yourself having a satisfying, memorable and healthy experience... including an friendly competent staff.

3 or 4 different original pizzas available every day at all times by the slice.

2 locations: Plaza downtown and Market of Choice shopping center.

A good pizza is available from the Rosie's Inferno food truck (!) at the Chevron station in Cave Junction. Chef Kevin lived and was trained in Italy. (11/2020 update - Kevin no longer makes the pizzas) Their largest wood fired veggie pizza is good to freeze for "emergencies". Call ahead as days open are limited and uncertain.

The vibe at Martolis is "college casual". The best Ashland pizza is still...