For a cafe located in a strip mall, this restaurant has an unexpectedly cozy and faintly European ambience due to the light fixtures and decor. This created a great, hole in the wall vibe. The price point was very reasonable and affordable when compared to the quality of the food.I ordered the Grilled Berkshire Pork Chop and my dinner companion ordered the Bistro (grilled marinated hanger steak.) Both dishes were good and the vegetable saute was exceptional.For dessert, we ordered the Basil Panna Cotta with Strawberry which was flavorful and fresh. The Apple Crumble is an easy crowd pleaser and was flaky and food.It took a while to get the check or drink refills but this is understandable due to the server shortage. Not pictured, we also enjoyed some excellent decaf latte which can be attributed to the expresso machine at the bar. The I can Explain Everything ( limoncello, cachaça, sweet lemon juice and prosecco) was delicious and dangerously strong.Ill definitely be heading back again!

Wow! What a hidden gem. So glad and excited we found it. Well surely order again. Good food, high quality, very authentic. Not cheap, but very much worth it. Not like so many of the bougie new places in town. Havent been to Malta yet, but so reminded me of all those vacations growing up spent in France, Italy, and Spain... A heartfelt thank you to the owners. This made my day today. PS even our 3 year old loved the pasta, trout and mussels.

Everything you order here is phenomenal. The bees knees is a fabulous drink and the food is amazing. I cant wait to travel back to Austin and visit again!

Awesome spot for a nice, quiet brunch! The atmosphere is very simple and clean with some nice decor, it feels homey. Their Eggs Malta and their Steak and Eggs are really good. The steak was very tender and well marinated. The Eggs Malta were nicely poached over a crispy slice of pancetta on spinach and a toasted biscuit, very good. Their goat cheesecake was fantastic. The crumble crust on the bottom had a nice nuttiness to it, and the cheesecake itself was smooth and creamy with a very slight tart finish. The chocolate drizzle on top added a nice dark contrast. Definitely recommend this place!

Excellent service. Beautiful interior. The gnocchi was exquisite and perfectly creamy. I will say some folks with a big appetite might want to order a side or two to share. My mum and I are light eaters and we were full from the cheese board and each an entree, so if youre super hungry, you might want to order an additional starter or salad dish to share. Coffee was great too! Very affordable, great value. Will be back for sure.

Wed been meaning to try Cafe Malta for a while now, and honestly Im kicking myself because now I know Ive been missing out on some WONDERFUL eats. My boyfriend got the Malta burger, the meat was perfectly seasoned and the fries were nice and hardy. I got the Seared Salmon salad, the salmon was perfectly cooked with a great crust and the goat cheese was light and refreshing. We also got the Something In The Water cocktail, no joke, I think I found my new favorite drink. It was also wonderful to see an establishment continue to take Covid seriously. Dont make the same mistake I made by waiting on this place. Its a 10/10 must try!!!!

Cafe Malta is the bomb. I had a large order for my wifes birthday with special dietary requests and Malta took extraordinary care of us. They caught and replaced an item wed mistakenly ordered for a gluten-free guest and even made sure to provide me a birthday candle on my way out the door. And, of course, the food is absolutely amazing. Thats not easy to do when youre boxing it up. The flourless chocolate cake, by the way, is splendid.Props, too, for their providing pickup only during the pandemic. Theres a lot of pressure to open up the dining room and weve got nothing but respect for their keeping everyone safe. Thank you, Cafe Malta. Well see you again soon.

Food was amazing, customer service is great. Even ordering takeout - the takeout is exceptional. I got the crostinis and they were still warm and held their texture.Make sure to order from their website if possible so they wont have to pay fees for grubhub. Truly, this place is a gem.

Called and placed an order. When we arrived they did not have the item I ordered and offered me an alternative. I do not know if the meal I ordered would have been any better but what I received was not very good at all. I had their brisket ravioli which was dry and without much flavor beyond the pesto it was dosed in. My salad was ten pieces of lettuce with a few extras on top. Overall very disappointing meal.

Great place for breakfast and friendly waitstaff!!

Shockingly good! We just came here today for the first time to have a quick bite at lunch and I received a beautiful plate with an incredibly light pastry turnip tart with a fig concerve on the side that was surprisingly delicious and delectable and would generally pay 50% more for at any other restaurant with this kind of quality!

Fantastic food. Great drinks and wonderful service.

I always have a good time, eat good food from different cultures, and meet new people. I love the Tour de Forks too. a shrimp dish that had surprising flavors, very good, and I always have a Dark and Stormy, or 2..

Ordered PEI Mussels and Trout Amandine to go and it was one of the best meals ever. The mussels were cooked perfectly and the broth was just a tad spicy. The trout was flaky and crisp and mixed well with the polenta and squash. I nominate the chef for sainthood.

Not a fan at all. Didnt realize we were going to be there on a night that the full menu was not served. The goat cheese starter was delicious and the cappuccino is one of the best I have had, but there was a lack of seasoning on a few of the dishes, especially the chicken thigh. French restaurant in a strip mall though...I should have been suspect.

Delicious food, good service

I absolutely adore Cafe Malta. The food is incredible--I feel like Im on vacation with every bite--and their covid safety protocols are good. Weve gotten takeout several times and it traveled well. Beyond that, their staff is just kind. I remember when I ate in the restaurant, while pregnant, the waiter and bartender were so thoughtful in making me a customized mocktail. This place is a gem Im thankful to have in South Austin.

I ordered the cassoulet and it tasted like flour (they didn’t cook it long enough).My fiancé enjoyed the hanger steak but the side of vegetables was very small. All in all not a great experience

It’s a shame my wife and I only discovered this place after quarantine started, but their meals have been consistently excellent even through takeout. The daily specials are inventive and excellently done. It’s exciting that it’s not a strictly “Italian” restaurant, so you can always taste flavors of other parts of the Mediterranean! Strongly recommend this spot.

This place is my preferable site. Of all restaurants I know I love it most. I never miss an opportunity to go to that place. everytime I feel like having a good lunch, this place comes instantly to my mind. best and all kinds of food and a large list of dishes.generous staff members, and agreeable spirit. Also important, the cost is fair. I tell about this spot with great pleasure.

Delicious. Everything we had - we loved. Very cozy little place to hangout with the girl friends.

Food is good but portions, especially at brunch, are offensive. We went for a second breakfast nearby after finishing our meal.

Wow! My husband and I got takeout for our anniversary and it was wonderful! I had the trout and it was crispy and delicious and the polenta had great texture. My husband had the hangar steak and said it was wonderful and cooked perfectly (even after the drive home). We had the flourless chocolate cake for dessert and it was decadent.

Restaurant was too hot. Food was great and service was phenomenal. I don’t enjoy sweating through my glorious meal.

South Austin has always lacked an upscale restaurant and cafe Malta tries to fill that niche. There were 4 in our party and we all are different dishes with mixed results. The food is good but not great. You dont come away thinking next time Ill have that. You want an upscale place to wow you. I am not wowed.

I was pleasantly surprised with Cafe Malta. The interior was tastefully done (I thought it would look like your aunt traveled to Italy and brought back a bunch of kitschy claptrap, but it was actually some cool stuff) and the dishes showed some creativity on the part off the chef. The table at which we sat (back wall under the chalk board menu) was a bit cramped, and I had to slither and slide my way back into my seat. The cheese plate was good, but the amount of bread was inadequate, which meant I had to flag down the waiter for more. Not a huge deal and an easy fix since the waiter was accommodating, but an area for improvement. I felt they could have had a few more wine options under $75-80. Finally (and I feel kinda bad about this) I feel the waiter could improve his hygiene just a bit. He was a great waiter, bit he had a bit of stinky breath. Again, an easy fix. All in all a nice place. I will be back.

Didnt get the dine in experience but the food was good

One of my favorite places in all of Austin. Never ordered anything I didnt love. Great cocktails and I love the Estrella Damm they have on tap.

Chose to have a Christmas luncheon with some friends at one of my favorite restaurants that has great atmosphere and food. I started off with the I Can Explain Everything (Cachaca, a Brazilian rum, and limoncello, on ice with prosecco). Its a cocktail that reminds me so much of the Brazilian caipirihna.For my entrée, I tried the Bistro Steak, grilled hanger steak with tomato-currant mostarda, potato gorgonzola gratin & garlic-thyme green beans which were substituted I believe with kale. The only complaint is that I should have ordered the dinner portion. It paired very well with the Macedon Pinot Noir 2010 (Tikves, Macedonia).I was well pleased that Karen ordered extra gorgonzola, garlic and thyme sauce with her Gnocchi Gorgonzola so I could sop some of the sauce with the homemade baguette.

Great food and service. always a great time for a date night. The trout is amazing and the chicken is great. Always get the hummus as a starter. we made a reservation and it was busy, though we were seated right away other without reservations were waiting.

3.14 stars - Star breakdown:5 for the quality of food, 5 for the taste & presentation, 5 for the array of selections. 1 for the loudness/acoustics (difficult to have a conversation). 2 for the apparent only 1 server for the entire restaurant at lunch (& 90% of the tables were full): she deserves serious kudos - awesome, polite, professional, and did her best but yes there was a wait. 1 moved up to 3 with temperature. It was HOT when we arrived. Thank goodness they turned on/up the AC (& wonder if it was because we complained, or did others?). 1 for the ladies bathroom: in the small stall, youll nearly hit your knees against the door; in the big stall, I was walked in on TWICE! Yes, I thought I locked the door. Not cool.5+5+5+1+2+3+1/7=3.14

Rare gem in Austin! Wonderful food and staff. Reasonable prices. I miss the Tour de Forks series!

The Corsican was refreshing. The blackened drum special last night was pretty damn good. The taragon butter was very...buttery. Crisp potatoes. Fun variety of mushrooms, no, no fun after effects. The bread pudding with a port shared with my Lady was the perfect finish to a long Friday. Well be back for more soon I bet.

First time trying Cafe Malta and I was very impressed. We tried the gnocchi, crostini, hummus and had brisket ravioli as an entree.I can say without a doubt I have never had anything like that and I think that’s a good thing.Highly recommend it.

Great food, cozy open interior which made me feel comfortable. The menu is unconventional but hits common food themes from several countries. Its obvious they took time with the selections and with the basic decor. It can use more refinement but I loved the place. Definitely going back soon!

Absolutely a hidden gem!!! Delicious food, repeat...delicious food, great wine list, superb service, gluten free choices!!! Reservations & server can be requested ..Stacey is wonderful! Highly recommend and will return often!!! Call to reserve as many have discovered this fabulous restaurant!

I have never rated this place because I love the fact that it is a somewhat hidden gem. I have eaten here at least 50 times over the years and have only had 1 dish I wasnt fond of. EVERYTHING is good. I almost always start with a Lambatella Salad, as it is my favorite menu item. All ingredients are locally sourced and fresh.... from the dressings made from scratch to the signature cocktails, this place is amazing. The menu rotates quarterly based on fresh ingredients, but everything is superb so you will always have an enjoyable experience.

A lovely little place for an excellent meal. Always excellent, personal service. I always feel comfortable here. Even if its picking up during the lockdown.

Oh, SO GOOD!!An unexpected gem in a small strip center.The ambience is good, food is wonderful!For dinner its best to make a reservation.

Great little cafe. Wonderful specials and lovely service

Great restaurant. I was very satisfied with the dishes. They are a bit small (more room for desert, that’s how I look at it) but dishes are extremely well seasoned and flavored. And speaking of desert, their peach cobbler is really good. Well balanced and not too sweet. Matt was a great waiter. I will definitely be coming back :)

Friends took me to Cafe Malta because it was a favorite. It has a simple but elegant decor. Comfortable atmosphere. A good selection of American fare. Food is well prepared and service was good. I recommend it! Parking.

Amazing food! Awesome service. I absolutely love this spot for a killer meal at a casual but upscale feeling type place. Also, I would fight someone to the death for the last piece of goat cheese cheesecake with chocolate panache. For real.

I cant believe i havent stopped by here. The strip mall location might put you off: dont let it. I imagine its a great date spot, but I came in to treat myself and left feeling happy again, which is rare for me.

I tried this place before with a friend and I am hooked since then. I love the fantastic character and yummy food and drinks. Keep up the good work.

There are places you only want to tell your friends because you dont want it to get too crowded. This is one of those places. The food, like the wait staff, smiles at you. The flavors are thought provoking. The place is unassuming. Its tasty food where you can be yourself. Just dont go when I want to. I want it all for myself.

Hummus amongus

Perfect for lunch... never disappointed then... good food, atmosphere and service. Love bringing new people to it. Dinner for us just okay...

This place really surprised me. Its in a little strip mall off of William Cannon and from the outside, you wouldnt expect much. Inside though, its warm and modern and serves a wide variety of Mediterranean food. They do special events, such as the Tour de Forks, which explores the cuisine of a different Mediterranean city two Tuesdays a month. They have a solid wine selection, which includes a lot of Texas wine, and a great cocktail menu including the (dangerous) Blue Ruin martini. Drinks are strong, food is delicious and service is great. Highly recommend

A must try hole in the wall! Met friends there for brunch. Eggs Malta and steak and eggs were both great. Also has good coffee. Can’t wait to go back to try dinner.

This is quite a surprise. Very well prepared high quality food in a shopping center. I strayed away from my usual haunts to try something new I found on open table. Im really glad I did. The food was excellent. The service was spot on. The atmosphere is relaxed and not too noisy. I made reservations on a Saturday night. I suggest doing so as it was almost full. Try it. You will not be disappointed.

Food was excellent, I got the mussels and a salad. Delivery was quick and the food was still nice and warm. Highly recommend.

Seriously my favorite restaurant in Austin. The flavors are out of this world. The plate sizes are European style and not huge American plates. But the prices are so affordable so order an appetizer first and end with dessert! Wecome here for the food, the great relationships with the staff, and because the menu changes quite often. Love love love this place!

My family met here for my sisters birthday and we were all in agreement that the food was delicious. Our waitress was knowledgeable about the menu and was very friendly, efficient and attentive without being intrusive. The portions were a little small, but we were aware of that because we had read the reviews before going. The service was a little slow, but well worth the wait if youre not in a hurry.

The quality of food doesnt mach the price of dishes. Selection of beer and vine is not wide. However the staff is very friendly. They have access for the wheel chairs users. It is not perfect for romantic dinners. Platters could be a bit bigger to match the price of food that you pay. Enjoy your stay here.

Sat at the bar and the service and food was excellent. Malta is a fantastic place to dine for the price points on all food/beverage on the menu. This restaurant is a friendly neighborhood establishment for those looking for a new date night option. Although the food didnt change my life, I would return and continue trying new dishes.

Unfortunately none of the dishes I tried here were good. Alot of the food looked like it was plated maybe a day or two before and then placed in the microwave. The chef in the kitchen was wasnt wearing gloves and was coughing and wiping his nose with his hand. Not pleasant at all. I will not be returning.

Great date night once again. From consistent food and consistent cocktails, this place is a hidden gem. Great service per usual ( Thanks Karly!) Overall, this place is awesome.

A little hidden jewel. My only issue was deciphering the menu. I was not expecting my lunch to be this tasty or see such a great presentation. Kudos to the chef.I will definitely visit again.

Lucious.

Valentines Day was a fun prix fixe. Then went back for brunch. It was fairly busy but not overcrowded. Ordered drinks. And ordered meal. While having drinks another table sat next to us. They had their meals and were finished before our meal came. Order was not complex. Looked forward after V-Day, but wont go back.

They can accommodate large groups if you call ahead. The food was excellent. Everything was chef prepared - there was nothing that I noticed that was from a can. The service was impeccable and the food was served promptly. They had very reasonably priced happy hour drinks.

I was amazed by the Mediterranean look and feel. There’s a lot of love and passion generally involved. The dishes are rather small but full of flavor. The service is friendly and obedient.Pretty good for a European time out.

Delicious neighborhood spot. Visited for the first time a few weeks ago. Server was knowledgeable and friendly, menu was amazing. We split the drum. Ive never had a sauce like that. They seemed to incorporate lots of local veggies into various things on the menu; Im excited to go back and try the turnip tart (theyd just sold the last one on the night we were there.)

Hands down, this is the best dining experience Ive had in at least the last year. The environment here is very nice, very relaxed, once you get inside (the outside is a strip mall). The menu is ever changing with the seasons and available fresh ingredients, and everything my girlfriend had was delicious.My girlfriend has celiacs and was pleased to see that over 2/3 of the menu could accommodate gluten free options (including a gluten free pasta option). The serving sizes were smaller than your typical American restaurant, which means the were perfect sized portions, and very filling if you do get an appetizer, main course, desert.Cant wait to come back.

First time eating here, such a cute place! Cozy atmosphere, delicious food, yummy drink from the bar, service was great ... wow, loved it!! I’ll for sure go back 👍😊

Very nice place. Nice and clean, very organized with great service. The house cocktail menu has a lot of good options on it.

Great menu, great service. Food is flavorful, but not overdone. Recommend happy hour--some terrific starters. Be warned, though, when they say chili they mean hot!

Awesome date night spot! My husband and I dropped in on a recommendation from friends while visiting from out of town and were still talking about it days later. The atmosphere is intimate and romantic enough to dress up but very welcoming. Its everything you want in a nicer restaurant but at a great price and sans the snobbery. I really cant say enough good things about this place. Our waiter was super friendly, offering recommendations based on our described tastes and his recs were spot on! We started with the Gnochi dumplings with a glass of red wine which paired very well together. For the entree I opted for the brisket ravioli. All the flavors were present in just the right amount to enjoy but not be overpowered. My husband had the Bistro dish and the steak was a perfect medium rare. We were the last table in the restaurant but were never rushed. We sent other friends there the very next day and have already made plans to return the next time were in town.

This is a hidden treasure. We are from Seattle and are foodies, this cafe in a strip mall will rival any restaurant I’ve been to in my community. Food was first class, wait staff was excellent. We highly recommend you seek out Cafe Malta.

Cafe Malta is one our favorite date night destinations. Reservations are almost a necessity unless you dont mind waiting on a Friday or Saturday night. The bar is great for an after work happy hour during the week. Desserts are excellent as well.

Great menu and great service. Try the Tour of the Forks menus offered twice a month. Delicious!

Great happy hour, friendly service, tasty bites!

Probably my favorite restaurant in Austin. The food is just delicious and the daily specials are phenomenal. Lunch is surprisingly easy on the wallet for how good the food is. For dinner, its a perfect date spot. This place is incredible, you have to try it!

Only visited once. Great text menu but the food didnt live up to it. Mussels were overcooked and mushy. The salad had less than half a small Fredericksburg peach on four slices of an unripe Heirloom tomato.Service started out decent but degraded quickly.After an hour of waiting for the main course and no server or dinner in sight, the wife and I got up, paid the FULL bill (as they asked us to), and left.Manager just made excuses. She was actually chewing food right there in the restaurant.My suggestion-- hire a real (not a mouth-full-of-food amateur) restaurant manager, communicate to your customers if youre having kitchen problems and offer a free drink or appetizer or something while they have to wait to show you actually value their patronage.And dont let them walk out the door without trying to make it right. Asking us to pay the full amount showed little understanding of how to build a business with repeat customers.Wont go back.Have to say, very disappointed in the owners response to another review here. Poor service is obviously never their fault. Sure doesnt seem theyre much interested in keeping customers...

Fantastic beef pho and red curry. Generous portions. Lots of gluten free options. Will definitely return!

Wonderful gem in South Austin. Food is always excellent. Best mussels around! And the specials are always a great addition to the menu!

I was surprised with the appetizers, gnocchi and mussels. The salad and soup were amazing. None of the entrees had eggplant and most were cream based. The brisket ravioli had a good parsley pesto which wasnt overpowered by cream.I loved each trip but for Mediterranean I want entrees with light sauces and subtle flavors.

Love it here! Menu changes pretty frequently and dishes are always fresh and creative. Upscale feel without the price. You really forget you’re in a strip mall.

Phenomenal food at a fair price. Very grateful for Cafe Malta in my neighborhood

5 stars because my lady and I had a great experience there a couple months ago. We had mussels and a steak entree we shared. Excellent! Id also like to give 5 more stars for the owners response to Level 7 Mark. 🤣🤣🤣

Soooo delicious. We get the muscles every time, and then change it up. The service is as good as the food. We have had both a great meal and a great experience every time.

We often choose to start out our date night at cafe Malta. Its its a great place for dinner, but we always go for drinks and appetizers. We highly recommend the dark and stormy and the I can explain everything. The atmosphere is laid back and the service is excellent.

Great ambience, tasty food, portion size were perfect. The wine list is fun.

Searched online for romantic setting and fine dining,, got neither. Their website is out dated and the online menu is not what we found when we got there. First off the noise level in the restaurant was one that reminded me of a rowdy bar nothing romantic about it. What I saw on their online menu and what I went there for was no longer available. The waitperson acknowledged the issue and said they had many complaints about this. So? why have they not done something about it? Many of the mussels were not open so I of course passed on those. Did not want to take a chance on getting sick on my birthday from food poisoning. Wifes entree was cold and the skin on my fish (the special of the day) was not crisp, it was soggy. The meal lacked flavor except for the side which was still burning my mouth for more than 10 minutes after eating. the 2 stars are only because the service was adequate. Im sure it would have been better if waitstaff was not over burdened with given too many tables. It is unfortunate my wife and I eat out 2-3 nights a week and this is one place I will not be returning to.

Says that r pet friendly but not. Gotta sit outside and no bowls or food for pets. Food is average for prices.

High quality food, drink and service! Brunch/ lunch is the best deal in town! Steak and eggs for 9$ Awesome Bloody Marys. Seasonal menus and dishes from all around the Mediterranean.

Lovely small bistro with bar. House made pasta and bread, cooked perfectly. I appreciated the reasonable sized portions. I look forward to visiting again.

Youd never know about this place, as its in a strip mall behind a Taco Bell. The staff was friendly and greeted us as we came in. They were more than happy to answer any questions we had and even made recommendations. All the food we had was very good. The menu changes seasonally and they have daily specials. I dont usually note the coffee a restaurant serves but their cappuccinos were very good.

The food was tasty but not as good as it had been in the past and portions were small. My wife ordered leg of lamb and it was a bit chewy. Im used to having it be fall off the bone tender. My steak was great tasting but it was the size of a small appetizer. The rest of our table was mostly underwhelmed with their food.

Great place to get a really good meal. The service is wonderful as well

Not impressed. I love Mediterranean food but did not see many Mediterranean items actually on the menu. I went for lunch and while I found the prices very reasonable, I was disappointed with the food I ordered and even more dissatisfied with the service. The waitress was not attentive, seemed disinterested and was not very proactive. The hummus was mediocre and the canneloni pasta dish was underwhelming, not to mention I had the send the first one back because it was cold in the middle and I waited close to twenty minutes to get it back despite that there was only one table left in the restaurant. I would give it another try to see if I was more impressed by other menu items.

Great little place with very well prepared food. The service wasnt what Id expect for a restaurant of this calibre, but it could have just been an off day. I definitely recommend this place for a date night in S Austin.

This. Place. Rocks. Seriously some of the best food Ive had around town. Each dish is unique to the season and very fresh. They use local produce, too. Menu changes a few times a year based on seasonal ingredients. Awesome specials, great brunch, and an even better dinner. Dont let the strip-mall put you off. Theres some fine dining tucked away next to that nail place.

Excellent Mediterranean cuisine, but portions are too small. Im not a big guy, but I could have easily had two plates of the steak and eggs. Still...$12 is very reasonable.

Delicious food. Great happy hour specials. Lovely wine selection. Plenty of vegetarian options as well as meat options.

This place is absolutely one of my favorites. It has a good interior. Atmosphere is similar to a place in Columbus I loved.

Fantastic Food, not processed, beautiful clean surroundings ..portions are perfect..absolutely love Cafe Malta

This is a top notch Mediterranean dining experience. The food is amazing, the servers knowledgeable and the alcohol selection is inspired. Twice a month on Tuesdays they have a special event where the chefs pick a specific cuisine from a random country and make an authentic 4 course meal.

Nice hummus and good drinks. I will have to come back and try more dishes to find my favorite. Love the atmosphere and excellent service.