Malavenda Café — Restaurant in Reggio Calabria

I had a great experience first time, but when I returned three more times it got worse, and overall it's just mid.

Last time I had a smoothie and a pasta dish, and it felt like a waste of money. The smoothies are super low effort and unattractive; it's just a regular small glass filled with the liquid. Maybe it would worth 2 euros top. I regret not taking a picture of their ugly smoothie in a glass, would have been great to upload here to shame them, haha. And the pasta meal was more oily and salty than anything else, plus the portion was small for the price, and also just generally for a meal for an adult person. When I got back to my accommodation I ate a whole grain cracker with a glass of soy milk, and it felt better than the meal I got at the restaurant.

Based on my limited experience this place is 'okay' for a coffee and a slice of cake or a bagel sandwich, but probably go somewhere else for a good meal?

I wouldn't recommend it for anything more especially for vegans, as they have a few vegan options, but usually they just leave stuff out (like with the pasta dish) and you find yourself starving for e.g. protein. Also, the first time I got a very nice cappuccino with soy milk but when I asked the second time they didn't have plant milk.

You should also know that their kitchen is closed from like 14 to 19, so you can't order meals, only cake and coffee. And there is 1.5 eur service fee, even if you only order coffee.

One waiter, a young girl, was kind and attentive, but I got the subjective impression that the rest wish you went somewhere else with your English or with your questions. And last time the same waiter returned to me to ask if I'm "ready to order", again in Italian like we never talked before, when I already ordered half an hour ago (when the kitchen wasn't open yet but I decided to wait) - I think this shows really well how much you matter here...

A great find in the central part of the city. Secluded laneway lined with cute little tables. Music and surroundings add to the charm. Great place to sit and grab a gelato or dolci. On this day, they had the option of 3 vegan cakes. Tried 2 which were delicious!!! The service was fast and friendly. The young server practiced her English with us and we were most obliging to accommodate her. Would go back to try their dinner...

Without a doubt the best pub/bar/restaurant in Reggio. If you are looking the three combined for some time with your friends in a well arranged location with chill atmosphere and excellent food and beverage, this is the one. Not raccomanded when it's too crowded, the staff will avoid you and could be a little impolite, like they are making you a favor (but you are paying for that service, you know...