The Matador - Laurium

The owner—or someone who appeared to be—had to screw in a light bulb above us just so we could see the menu. We ordered two small special pizzas and chicken marsala for my grandmother and her friend from the very limited menu. However, the cook/owner later informed us that only one person could have the chicken marsala because they were out of chicken. The only options available to replace it were spaghetti or a burger. At this point, we were prepared to be understanding; we get that small towns have their limitations, especially post-COVID. What was truly unacceptable was that we noticed a large glass pitcher had been broken right behind our table, leaving big chunks of glass and numerous small shards on the floor. We had to navigate around our baby while we waited for the food, and I was genuinely amazed that she wasn’t hurt, given the glass scattered throughout the entire area where we walked with her. I picked up the pieces and placed them on the bar, thinking I could inform the owner or the waitress. However, they remained in the kitchen for half an hour. By the time an hour had passed since we placed our order, the building was sweltering, and we decided we wanted to leave. The owner eventually came out when we requested our food to go. When we brought up the issues we had encountered, there was no apology, no expression of concern about the broken glass on the floor—just a wary glance and a vague response. It's baffling how unprepared they seemed to be, especially for a late-night crowd. If you have a limited menu, it would be wise to specify what items are actually available so customers know what to expect without excessive delays. And if someone breaks a large glass pitcher, please turn on the lights and clean it up properly!

I've tried to call over 10 times in the last two weeks to take my fiancé there for dinner, have not had my call answered once yet. Wanted to order take out tonight for our pizza night, same story. Won't be calling again.

Growing up in an Italian family, I have been exposed to Italian food, and the true meaning of sharing a meal. This restaurant brought me home. The Owner makes the best of what is available on the tiny peninsula, giving a unique variety to the area, as well as doing the best to make you feel welcome, and even supporting local artists. Considering the obstacles of available local staffing, ingredients, and supplies, this is by far the best restaurant within this area. I hold high regards to the Owner for holding it all together as long as they have, while juggling the burden of starting up shortly before the pandemic. They are very skilled in their dishes and presentation, and offer fantastic authentic and even unique selection. True art. I have loved every one of them. Thank you for every meal, every smile on mine and my son's when we left, and for keeping your dream alive and sharing it with the community and people who visit. *Those who have left negative reviews must have had a lack of cultural exposure, and/or not care to understand the local and world wide struggles in the recent years.

Very good pizza. Yes, they are still open, for take-out or delivery. Ill be back again next week for our family Friday Night Pizza

AMAZING! I was pleasantly surprised by my meal. I ordered a pizza and a burger, not expecting much, but the pizza was the BEST I've ever had—no exaggeration. It was cooked to perfection, with an excellent sauce and great cheese consistency. But the crust was outstanding, reminiscent of high-quality bread. I usually avoid eating pizza crust, but I couldn't resist this one. Having visited over 80 pizzerias in my life, I can confidently say this is the BEST. The burger was served on delicious Italian square bread wedges—absolutely delicious. Honestly, this is, by far, the best food I've had in the Upper Peninsula. I didn’t expect to feel this way or to write this review, but I had to share my experience. As someone over 50 from a large college town, I feel like I have a good pulse on food! Plus, the owner and their family were really nice.