The Showcase Magazine - Salutes


By Erik Slagle


Benny Mavraj, Antonio Berisha and new partner Kastriot Cekaj are no strangers to the restaurant business. They have owned and operated popular dining spots across Somerset County for more than 25 years. The business is in their blood. And now they bring new life, a new look and fresh new flavor to an old favorite, celebrating the rebirth of the Martinsville Tavern at 1979 Washington Valley Road in Martinsville!

“With such deep roots here in Martinsville, I want to give the people only the best,” Benny says. 

“I truly appreciate the support everyone has showed us over the years,” Antonio adds.

It’s easy to see how passionate they are about providing the best experience to their guests – it starts with the food, of course, and it also means you can expect the finest customer service and ambiance when you’re dining at Martinsville Tavern. If it feels like you’re seeing old friends when you step inside, that’s no coincidence – the chefs are longtime associates of Benny, Antonio and Kastriot and that feeling spills over into the dining areas where Antonio personally greets each guest who comes in.

The recipe for success at Martinsville Tavern – along with Peapack’s Café Azzurro, which Benny also owns and calls the “sister” restaurant to the Martinsville location – is deceptively simple: serve the best food from the freshest ingredients in a place with its own personality, and treat your guests like family! And when it comes to the food, guests are in for some exciting selections. The Chef, J.C. Montero, is always looking for new spins to put on classic seafood, meat and pasta fare, including sweet and spicy calamari, seafood bouillabaisse, prime rib and the Tavern Burger. This favorite features white cheddar and caramelized onions, along with a side of crispy fries, and was named a TripAdvisor “Best in Somerset County 2018/2019” selection.

The restaurant offers a full cozy bar with a Happy Hour Monday thru Thursday. Visit Martinsvilletavern.com for more information and special offers.

Martinsville Tavern offers space for your private party, and provides catering for local events of all sizes. You can find them at 1979 Washington Valley Road. They’re open seven days for lunch and dinner and reservations are encouraged. Call (732) 563-1717 to make a reservation, or you can find them on Opentable.com. In no time at all, Antonio, Benny and Kastriot will have you feeling like part of the family, too.