Cafe Malta — Restaurant in Austin

The setting was nice and had an easy cafe atmosphere that was enjoyable. Our waiter appeared distracted but saw to our drinks (even making sure I was aware that the drink I had ordered was on the adventurous side, and I appreciated the note). The bar was excellent, and it's rare to find one that knows how to handle the spirits and not just fill your glass with ice.

That's where my praise stops. Our waiter was the only one working the room, and the place was about 3/4 full and we were seated at the front, we clearly weren't his priority. While it's a small establishment, and I'm unsure if this is the norm for a Sunday evening, we weren't impressed with his inability to keep up with his tables, or his clear disinterest in our dining experience. Before handing us our menu's, he asked the table next to us if their meal was alright; which was fine but I think could have waited until after he'd finished seeing us to our seats. It took sometime for our appetizers to appear, and even longer for the main course. My husband ordered the Mahi Mahi and Pancetta Risotto which was cooked well, and had good flavor, but the broccoli was nearly raw and had absolutely no seasoning; as if it was a forgotten element in the dish. I had the Brisket Ravioli with Pecan Pesto and Parmesan, which was nice but lacked any punch. The brisket was dry and the ravioli a bit too al-dente for my preference, but edible.

We were never asked how our food was, never offered to have our drinks refreshed (I would have loved another round from the bar!) and even when our water had run out he continued to look at our table as he passed, and then just kept walking. When we ordered desert he just shrugged his shoulders...I wish he would have informed us that the flourless chocolate cake was also flavorless; that was a poor decision on our part I suppose.

It was our first trip here and was a rare date-night out without our children. The evening was saved by the wonderful company of my husband and a good bartender. Perhaps we just had poor luck in waiters, but I don't think we'll make it a...

One of my favorite places in Austin. It had been at least 4 years before Covid I had last visited this place I didn’t know it had survived. I moved away from Austin after my last relationship with my kids father (who introduced me to this place) and I was in town today. I actually went to a different place and as I sat there with the menu, cafe Malta came to mind but I could not remember the name. And so I googled (of course) as soon as I saw the name and it said “open” I made my way there. As I sat there I became overwhelmed with anxiety I sat in front of the very table my kids father, our son, and I would sit at the memories flooded me and the anxiety grew. After my favorite salad there and a drink I quickly realized I had missed out on how amazing this place actually was all along I remember everything tasting so good but today it tasted AMAZING! I thanked god for the place I am today and how incredibly happy I was, enjoying a diner without my favorite person in the WORLD. My husband was home texting me all kind of dirty playful things before he left me alone to heal one more part of myself. I had avoided a place that held a big part of my story, that I actually enjoyed but bc of the trauma that came with it I put it so far away in the back of my mind I couldn’t remember its name. Thank you to everyone I came across that was so very kind just as I remember! (and I don’t remember a lot of things). I can’t wait to be back, this...

In a city defined by its clichés, Cafe Malta is a thriving one-of-a-kind. I found it purely by coincidence after a disorienting morning, and this first impression was that I had just experienced the best brunch in Austin...a true "hole in the wall". The european inspired menu constantly evolves with the creativity of the chef, offering something completely different, yet equally quality with each dish. Wines are both obscure and well-priced, with varieties from Turkey, Italy, France, Spain, etc. Meanwhile, the staff is a whole palette of dazzling personalities. The atmosphere is that of a cozy trattoria in Italy- the classic long wooden bar(old movie memorabilia framed above), with a handful of intimately small candle-lit tables arranged beneath the farmhouse inspired artwork and large chalkboard of regionally themed specials. I have since returned- nearly twice a month, for the last three years. It is inarguably my favorite spot for a quiet glass of wine (or two) and a bit of studying, or a creme bruleé with nice conversation from the barkeep. Please give this amazing, small restaurant your business, but at the same time, don't tell too many others about it.. ;) The feeling of being off a beaten path here is an invaluable one, especially for a crowded city like...