Ala Maria’s — Restaurant in Washington

April 2024 2 seniors. Carry-out on a Sunday evening. We're very particular. We don't patronize chain restaurants. We look for places like Ala Maria's, home cooking, independently owned. Maria is in the kitchen, cooking. Literally. It was almost closing time on Sunday evening and the place was empty because Maria had been doing carry-out all day. She greeted us and told us what was still available. Most of her menu was sold out. My husband had spaghetti and meatballs and I ordered the veggie lasagna. Her tomato sauce is perfect. Not too thick, spiced just right. It "coated" the pasta perfectly. The meatballs were good if a little bland for our taste as we like garlic and lots of it. I loved the lasagna, lots of texture, and taste other than just the taste of pasta. The accompanying white Italian bread, and basic salad were fine but nothing special. No deserts as they were sold-out....

After looking to try this restaurant for some time, I finally had the opportunity.

The atmosphere is modest and seating limited. I'd been concerned about not getting there early enough to get a table on the occasions of being in the area. Arriving at 5:30 on a Saturday, had no issue getting a table. Driving past, one may not be sure, from the outside, that they are open. Just try the door, it's worth it.

When it comes to Italian food I've a high bar which the meal met. Pasta fazool, lasagna, gnocchi and meatballs were all fantastic and authentic, in-house made. Provided a great value for cost.

Looking forward...

Horrible place. You pull in and see a hole in the wall and think, I'm sure the food will make up for it....No!!

It took over an hour to get get our food, and we were the only people in there. Our beer was warm, they served processed salad dressing.

And our main courses were clearly just caned, processed food.

If you don't believe me, go ahead and check it out. Let me know how it goes.

Horrible service even when it was just us two. Worst food I've ever had. You'll see if you're brave enough.

Don't say I didn't...