makmak EATERY — Restaurant in Cranston

With wing month 2025 starting, I was happy to see the name of somewhere close that I had never been to before. Makmak sits right on that part of oaklawn Ave that I don't go down very often, so I had never even noticed the restaurant before.

Upon entering I was greeted by would you like a woman who informed me that she and her husband own the restaurant, and he was the chef who would be cooking our food in the kitchen. She excitedly told me about the hard work they do hand making almost everything on the menu from scratch, and that which they cannot make themselves they bring in from local sources.

Upon sitting down we were quickly greeted by an attentive and kind server who gave us a quick rundown on the menu, the specials, and seasonal drinks. She noticed our coupons for wing month and have us a run down on the restaurant's offerings.

My partner and I settled for an order of buffalo, and an order of sweet and spicy chili wings. Always wanted to try at least something else on the menu, I also ordered a bowl of their tomato bisque while he grabbed a drink.

We both agreed that the wings were cooked beautifully. Juicy, tender, and crispy on the outside, they were delicious. While we both felt they could have used a touch more in the flavor department there were no complaints. The buffalo wings had a distinctly Buffalo flavor, but lacked a touch of spice and a little salt, and the sweet & spicy we're exactly that, sweet with a touch of spice in the back. Though we felt a touch more depth in the flavor profile (maybe a little soy or gochujang). That being said, would 100% happily eat both of those orders of wings again.

As crazy as it is to say, the house made ranch and bleu cheese sauces were both outstanding. The blue cheese had that distinctive earthy flavor of any blue cheese dressing but it was so mellow that even i, who don't like blue cheese, actually loved it with the buffalo wings. And the bright Dill heavy flavor of the ranch can literally go on anything I eat for the rest of my life. It was that good.

The last thing I want to talk about is the tomato bisque. I genuinely think it might have been the best tomato bisque I've ever had. The balance between the acidic tomatoes, the richness of the creme fraiche, and the perfect amount of salt left me genuinely stunned. I could not stop talking about it at the table.

The only real problem I encountered was the unfortunate fact that I'll be too poor to go there very often. Well everything on the menu was priced reasonably for what it was, this does feel like a slightly higher end place. Entrees are between $25 and $35 a piece, appetizers range from $12-20, and desserts were in the $10 range. That being said the burgers and sandwiches were a little more affordable and in the $15-18 range which seems to have become the norm.

With money as tight as it is now, makmak is 100% worth a visit on a night that you're treating yourself to a little extra. I know my passenger and I will be going back again on our next special occasion. If you want a new place for date night, or just a delicious meal, stop in and try it...

So I used to visit this location when it was “Culinary Affair” and would go while my son was at his soccer practices. I was devastated when they closed after loving and craving their pink vodka sauce and chili dishes…and the fact they were only 5 minutes away from home.

When a new restaurant opened - I was defiant (lol). However, I gave in, because ummm I still wanted a fav restaurant 5 minutes from home I can treat myself to. I first visited on Monday, November 21,2024. Pleasantly surprised with their decor updates and very clean and homey style. I ordered the Caesar Salad and the Tortellinis (added grilled chicken, which was perfectly cooked). The Caesar salad dressing is DELICIOUS (comes with white anchovies, not many places include this, and it’s my fav on Caesar salad). They also include a lemon wedge, although not a big deal for some, for me it is because coincidentally I always request lemon wedges with my Caesar salad, just adds that extra flavorful touch- one less step in my order process, that’s a win. I then ordered the tortellini, and my expectation for the pink sauce to be phenomenal was sure to set this place for failure - IT DID NOT. Holy cow was it perfection. They include fried bits of prosciutto which adds a nice salty taste to it. I’ve also had requests for bacon (almost similar) to my pasta and pink sauce at other locations. Seriously, get out of my head MakMak!!

Long story short - I was craving that Caesar and pink vodka (I’m on a diet 🥴) so I went again yesterday (Wednesday), naturally. Crystal introduced herself as one of the owners, funny and very likable person, who is very proud of the restaurant and her husband’s cooking (cannot blame her!). I ordered the same AND actually went in for a desert. I am not a big sweet tooth person so I ordered the mini carrot cake (I mean it’s carrot cake, come on) - it was perfect as well, the cream cheese frosting had to be homemade, not too sweet and a hint of lemon and some candied walnuts (I believe) added a perfect balance and texture to the perfect not-too-sweet carrot cake.

I have found my next new favorite local spot! Welcome to the...

Nestled in our quaint cranston town, MakMak Eatery serves up a brunch experience that’s nothing short of spectacular! 🍽️ My wife and I visited for brunch and were blown away by the service, ambiance, and most importantly, the food.

The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by the warm, modern decor that strikes the perfect balance between chic and cozy. Black-paneled ceilings, exposed brick walls, and elegant lighting set the stage for a delightful meal. 🕯️ The owner herself was present, making rounds to greet every patron with genuine warmth – a personal touch that truly enhances the dining experience.

Now, let’s talk about the food. We started with drinks: my wife sipped on their zesty Lemon Ginger Tea, while I indulged in a robust cold brew coffee and a touch of champagne. 🥂

For our main courses, my wife chose the Classic Breakfast, featuring perfectly cooked eggs, crispy homefries, hearty toast, and the star of the plate – dry-aged bacon that was an absolute flavor bomb. 🥓🍳 As for me, the Morning Burger was a revelation. An 8oz prime beef patty topped with sharp cheddar, luscious bacon jam, a perfectly fried egg, fresh gem lettuce, tomato, and the signature MakMak sauce all nestled in a sesame bun. The homefries were crispy, golden delights that complemented the burger wonderfully. 🍔🍟

We couldn’t resist sharing the Caramelized Banana Pancakes. These fluffy stacks, generously sprinkled with walnuts, slathered with whipped butter, and drizzled with 100% maple syrup, were pure indulgence. 🍌🥞 Every bite was a symphony of flavors – sweet, nutty, and utterly satisfying.

MakMak Eatery isn’t just about the food; it’s about the entire experience. The plating is artistic, and the attention to detail is evident. From the impeccable service to the delightful ambiance, every aspect of our visit was amazing. 🌟

I’m already planning my next visit to explore more of their mouthwatering menu. If you’re looking for an exquisite brunch spot, MakMak Eatery is the place to be. Highly...