Rivers Casino recently announced that celebrity cook and South Philly native Steve Martorano will be opening an Italian steakhouse at the casino.
Named “Martorano’s Prime,” it will be the restaurant’s second location following its opening at Rivers Pittsburgh in 2021, which was named “Best New Restaurant 2022” by Casino Player Magazine. It will also be Martorano’s first restaurant in his hometown.
“It’s an honor to return home to Philly where it all began and to share my passion for Italian food in the city I love,” Martorano said in a press release. “Like Rocky, I’m an underdog — a hardworking cook, who’s gone from the ‘sandwich guy’ to a restaurant entrepreneur. I can’t wait for everyone to experience our Italian-American steakhouse at Rivers Casino Philly where the macaroni will always be cooked to order.”
Martorano has been involved in the culinary world for the better part of the last 30 years, originally starting out by making and selling sandwiches out of his mother’s basement. He has since put together a successful career in the restaurant industry. Along with presenting cooking demonstrations on shows such as Jimmy Kimmel Live! and Good Morning America, he has served celebrities including Kevin Hart, Jamie Foxx, Shaquille O’Neal, Mario Lopez, Fat Joe and Ludacris.
In addition to Pittsburgh, Martorano operates Cafe Martorano, his original flagship location that’s been in operation for over three decades, in Fort Lauderdale as well as Martorano’s in Atlantic City.
“Martorano’s Prime and Rivers Casino Philadelphia are celebrating a true Philly original,” said Justin Moore, the general manager of Rivers Casino. “I’ve had the pleasure of eating at Steve’s restaurants in other cities, and I’m thrilled to bring that experience home exclusively to Rivers Casino in Philly.”
The menu will feature a blend of Martorano’s signature Italian dishes with various steakhouse staples. Main courses will include linguine and clams, bucatini carbonara, spicy penne vodka, veal chop parmesan and lobster francaise. Desserts, courtesy of Lilly Cakes, include red velvet, triple chocolate, peach champagne and lemon blueberry cake.
Additionally, there will be high-definition big screens for movie viewings and a custom DJ booth at the restaurant.
Design and early construction are both already underway with an opening date to be announced in the near future.
