Malvagio's Italian Trattoria — Restaurant in Coeur d'Alene

When we moved from NYC to Coeur d'Alene in 2020 many people said, 'Where will you find good pizza?"

That's never really been a problem as there are a few very good places to get pizza in CDA. The biggest issue is determining what you want: Great pizza or great atmosphere--some places may have great pizza, but offer zero ambiance.

Previously, there was one place we frequented often, which when it changed hands, suffered a severe personality crisis from which it never recovered: They couldn't decide whether they wanted to be a good restaurant or a very noisy sports bar. In the end, they did neither particularly well. We no longer go there.

Malvagio's is a relative newcomer: it's only been under its current new ownership for about three months.

The site is away from the bustle of the downtown business district, directly across the street from the Kootenai Fairgrounds. Free parking is definitely not a problem, as it can be during tourist season downtown.

They offer 12 different pies: we opted for traditional choices. Their equivalent of a margherita pizza is the Iris, which consists of a red sauce, fresh tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, a sizable portion of basil, and a balsamic glaze, which is drizzled over the pie. The pie is 12" and round. The edges of the crust are thick, but overall it's a thin-crust pizza that's the perfect size for one. The crust was perfect: a bit charred on the edges, but just right away from the edge.

I ordered mine with pepper sausage, an item I saw listed on the ingredients for another pie.

My wife and I both thought our pies were excellent.

The ambiance is pleasant and welcoming, with dark wooden booths and faux brick on the walls. Music was playing in the background at just the right volume. Our server, Scott, was attentive without being overbearing.

Prices are better than other places in downtown CDA.

I'd highly recommend Malvagio's, which is currently my top place to get...

We went for a family dinner and to try some of their St. Patricks Day eats. The atmosphere was really nice and has been updated to allow lighting to come through the storefront windows (they used to be painted with a European countryside scene that was nice but made it feel like you were in a cave). The wait staff and chef were nice and accommodating of our large family.

The food: The kids all had kids secret sauce spaghetti. They all loved it. When the chef so how quickly they devoured it she sent out a platter of fries on the house. My daughter tried the adult portion of chicken fettuccine. It tasted great and filled her up. Had I ordered it I would have wanted to add a Caesar salad. We don’t order a Caesar salad but after seeing a neighboring tables salad, I def had fomo and have added it to the next time list.

My wife and I ordered from the St. Patricks Day special menu that was advertised on Facebook. I had homemade meatballs on a bed of mashed potatoes. They tasted great and came with a sauce that was tasty when mixed with the mashed potatoes. I added a bowl of leek soup. It was tasty and reminded me of potato soup with bits of crunchy celery added. It was really good. My wife had a special pizza with sauerkraut and sausages. I wasn’t a fan but she loved it.

If you haven’t been in a while, I’d give this place a try. It’s been updated with a new menu and decor. The tables all had linen table clothes and napkins. The dress was a mix of casual (us) and some tables dressed up for a nice dinner. It’s an upscale restaurant sneakily hiding amongst other boring strip center stores. Don’t let the exterior influence your opinion...

Malvagio's is an exceptional brick oven pizza place that deserves every one of its five stars! The highlight for me has to be their homemade meatball on top of spaghetti. The meatball is perfectly seasoned and cooked to juicy perfection, making each bite a delightful experience. But what truly sets it apart is the sauce. Rich, flavorful, and with just the right consistency, it complements the meatball splendidly, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

As for the pizzas, my absolute favorite is the "Papa's" - their version of a meat lovers pizza. It's a carnivore's dream, topped with an assortment of high-quality meats that are both flavorful and perfectly cooked. Each slice is a harmonious blend of smoky, savory flavors that are amplified by the unique taste that only a brick oven can provide.

The ambiance at Malvagio's adds to the overall experience. It's cozy, welcoming, and perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions. The staff's friendliness and efficiency make every visit a pleasure. I can't recommend Malvagio's enough for anyone looking for top-notch, authentic brick oven pizza and delectable Italian classics. This place...