Malara’s

Located on 2123 Pierce St, Malara’s Italian Restaurant is cozy and welcoming to its customers. The atmosphere of the restaurant gives a feeling of home, or a place filled with tradition and memories. After opening in 1984, the restaurant has continued to hire staff that seem like family- whether they are related or not. Workers are eager to assist customers entering the restaurant and they are extremely helpful to everyone who enters their facility. 

No music plays, but the sound of conversation and laughter erupts within the small building as it fills up with customers. On a Saturday night, arriving at Malara’s promptly at 5 p.m. is a smart decision because the restaurant fills up quickly. Families and friends gather and every chair in the restaurant is filled by 6 o’clock, which seems like a normal night. 

The exterior of the restaurant has an awning over the entryway painted decoratively green, white and red: the colors of the Italian flag. In addition to the stairs that lead up to the door, there is a ramp outside of the restaurant, making it accessible to everyone. Alike to the exterior, the interior of the restaurant is decorated in the colors of Italy’s flag, with red walls and green detailing. White pillars and framed photos decorate the inside of the restaurant, adding to its homey feeling.  

With a limited menu, one might wonder how the restaurant continues to fill up and why so many customers return. Although the menu has strictly simple items like spaghetti and meatballs or lasagna, the food is prepared well. Their homemade pasta is impressive with its presentation and in its flavor. They serve comfort food which leaves customers feeling full and satisfied, yet still desiring more. The Italian cheesecake is a dessert staple in the menu that one employee claims is “the best thing on the menu.” 

One way to improve the overall experience of the restaurant would be the addition of outdoor seating for times when the weather is nice. Outdoor seating would be ideal for some customers who prefer a quieter environment when eating, as opposed to the current seating options which tend to be quite noisy. The restaurant has expanded, but another suggestion would be for further expansion and more seating for more customers. Although the regular customers are partial to the current menu, adding more items could help bring in more business and people eager to try the new dishes offered. 

I would recommend this restaurant to fans of simple Italian foods and people who enjoy family time. Family or friends looking for somewhere to eat should consider Malara’s. In short, this restaurant provided excellent service, delicious food and a pleasant atmosphere.