Founded on family traditions so strong you’ll feel the bond right when you walk in. A little tucked away and unassuming but sure to surprise you with the effort and elegance. Get ready to feel like one of their own with conversations from their travels.
La Malga isn’t in the normal Mitte or KuDamm tourist areas so chances are your average hotel front desk clerk has never heard of it! This is where the locals go and it is off the beaten path in the Steglitz area of the city, but worth the trip. As a guys guy, I was drawn to the old world charm of this classic Italian restaurant run by a father and his two sons, Francesco and Adriano. They have created a romantic setting fit for a family meal, special occasion or a date night for two.
I’ll start with the wine, partly because it’s my passion, but also because their selection is unparalleled. We ordered two bottles of Montepulciano at a whopping 17 Euro a bottle! It was amazing like all their wines. The brothers travel to Italy, like Costco Buyers, and meet directly with wine makers to buy everything they serve. The result is an amazing selection at unbeatable prices and labels you have never seen. As my wine swirled they brought over the Caprese Di Bufala, or Buffalo Mozzarella, and it was the best I have ever eaten. Oh, I forgot to mention that while the brothers are in Italy they meet with the farmer who produces their Mozzarella exclusively to their specifications. It is creamy, but firm, and flavorful with freshness you can only get from a farm-to-table restaurant. I was full by the time by Spaghetti Carbonara arrived, but the food was too good to stop. I prefer a little more flavor in my Carbonara and it needed a little more cream for my taste.
Being a Berliner myself, we had a small group of family and friends along and so I indulged in my best friend’s Lasagna Pasticciata, which was amazing. The sauce was so fresh and a vibrant, deep red with amazing spice and the perfect blend of ricotta and meat. As with every family meal in Germany, I enjoyed a shot…for me and my uncle… Ramazzoti, while others indulged in Sambucca and Amaretto! Put La Malga on the top of your list, because aside from the amazing setting and food, I fed 6 people with beer, two bottles of wine, and shots for under $180, and on the way out, the brothers stopped us at the bar to take one more shot for the road! Prost!
Tucked away in a cheery, tree-lined neighborhood you will walk up to this unassuming and charming place wondering what the evening holds. You are first greeted by a cute flower adorned and sun- filled outdoor patio. Ladies and Gents, this is not only the perfect little spot to celebrate something special such as an anniversary or birthday but also a wonderful place simply for a quiet Friday or Saturday evening.
First, let me tell you about how I was and how I imagine everyone is greeted coming here. I noticed quickly the wait staff had smiles on their faces and that the servers genuinely love what they do and will treat you like family…not like the Aunt you don’t care for but that special member you miss. Upon arrival we did not have a reservation (which is highly recommended by the way) but they promptly arranged a table and did so gladly.
While enjoying a few cocktails the early evening began to fade and the glow of candles on dark wood took hold and created a romantic atmosphere. Small pieces of baguette arrived unannounced, sliced with herbed tomatoes and olives. Then along with a bottle of wine we ordered multiple salads providing a way for us to have a bite of it all! We chose the Capreses Di Bufala and the Rucola E Parmigiano. The buffalo mozzarella from Italy on the caprese salad was some of the creamiest I have ever had and the peppery arugula and shaved parmigiana gives you the perfect “snap” in your mouth.
The menu is large but not overly ambitious. It sticks to authentic Italian dishes with a few surprises. With a wide range of pastas, salads, meats, fish, pizza and soups you will not be left disappointed. The wine menu is also hand-selected and the first bottle of Montepulciano was so good that we ordered another with our main course. Everyone in our group chose a different dish ranging from rich and filling like the carbonara and lasagna to lighter, fresh and simple like the penne arriabata, insalata fantasia and pizza parma. Very well fed we finished our meal with shots of amaretto and ramazzoti.
Now, back to why this is a great date night spot! With a group of six we were seated tucked away in a banquette making this feel like an almost semi private table. The atmosphere is homey yet deliciously romantic. Candle light everywhere lends a sweet glow like no other. Many families and groups seem to come here to celebrate important milestones and life events as well as simply the quiet couple enjoying an evening enveloped in each other and amazing food. From the owner, down to the servers and hostess it is family ran and owned which lends a special genuine feeling. They get to know you and you get to know them! Since 1982 they have ran their business making their food, wine and ambience just a little bit better than it has to be.
The only catch to this evening was realizing that the restrooms are downstairs which is why I said the restaurant is not fully handicap accessible. Other than that little snafu you will experience nothing other than a wonderful authentic meal, from friendly people. Easily a memorable evening that I wish to repeat.
