I loved this restaurant as soon as I walked in, were greeted by a friendly hostess and shown promptly to our table. Our server was knowledgeable about the wines and the menu. The atmosphere was white table cloth but chic.The place was full , but it was running like a well oiled machine. I hade the Portabello,corn cake and creamy succotash dish, it came with your choice of one of their 3 salads. I got the watermelon with fresh greens and feta. Both were home runs. My wife got the seared scallops and they were done to a turn and very tasty. The wine pairings on the menu were spot on. I wish Columbia had a restaurant like this.We will definitely take the short drive back!
Paying for the atmosphere. Food is alright, not really refined. I expected the menu to be seasonal with fresh ingredients, but its mostly frozen/thawed or moderate quality. Description of compotes, riettes and creme fraise sauces do not match what is served. Deserts are frozen-thawed and prepackaged. The real test was the flourless chocolate cake. This should always be made in house, by folding whipped cream into chocolate and milk. They cannot do this. Lumps of fat indicate the chocolate base is too hot, and the ganache chocolat uses the wrong sugar. Malia's MUST get better chefs to match the pricing. Hamburgers and alfredo are not rocket science. A good place to impress friends for the atmosphere, but thats it.
Great ambience, setup and food
Ambience, setup and food
On the recommendation of a friend and Trip Advisor, we made reservations for Malia's the week of the Women's [email protected] Augusta National. It did not disappoint, we arrived early (my error). they could not have been more accomodating, we were offered to sit at the 2 person bar in the font of the restaurant. We ended up having dinner right there. Bartender was awesome and helpful. Our choice became easy when she advised that Soft Shell crabs were the special. Choice was one as an appetizer or 2 as dinner. We chose the dinner. They were excellent and with out a doubt the largest we have ever eaten( and we have them when in season often. A truly great experience with a great selection of bourbon(had Blanton's, my favorite) All this and it was very reasonably priced. Will go back when in Aiken again and would recommend itto anyone visitting Augusta/Aiken area.
Went your New Years Eve Lunch and Valentines day lunch. From being greeted at the front door, service and food. Everything was great. Food was exactly as described on Menu. Server was very knowledge and very friendly. Made us feel as we were the only ones on the restaurant. So when we left I was surprised the restaurant was full. Already making plans for a dinner out. Owner is also a very active with local animal rescue group.
Hands down the best meal I had in Aiken. Incredible scallops meal. The desserts are wonderful as well. Decor is not fancy and simple. I had the pink Paloma cocktail and it was delicious.
Due to traffic/accident delays, our party of 4 was late by 9 minutes for a 6 pm reservation. We called in route. From our entrance, on through our entire meal, and on our exit to a concert at 7:45 pm we were treated with disdain....as if they were doing us a favor, etc. We were out of town visitors... but will never return to Malia's! I would suggest The Wilcox or The Boundary Club. Malia's has an attitude which is contrary to the overall atmosphere of this delightful southern town...beware!!!!!!
Great food and drinks. Nice and cozy. Staff and customers were very friendly. Our waitress was a little snooty but everyone else made up for her.
We had a delightful dinner with business associates last night at Malia’s. Due to Covid, this was our first visit to Aiken and Malia’s in two years. Our meals were delicious. I had the roast duck and my wife had the seafood pasta. Our guests had the pork tenderloin and the braised short ribs and they were pleased. Our server was very good. The space is comfortable and welcoming. They gave a very nice wine list at reasonable price points. We’ve enjoyed Malia’s for years and they are as good as ever maybe even better.