I took my sister, Bettina, out to lunch here yesterday and instead of sitting in their very cozy dining room, we sat at the quaint bar. Alyssa was our bartender and she was fabulous (friendly & efficient). She made me a yummy Limoncello martini! David, her cousin and one of the owners (it's run by all family members) came out to the bar to do something and we chatted with him. What a lovely gentleman. Bettina started with a cup of their Manhattan clam chowder and I had their muscles appetizer. For our entree, she had their lasagna and I had their cantaloupe, prosciutto & mozzarella salad. All our dishes were scrumptious and plentiful. There were leftovers, which Alyssa packed up for our dinner! We ate it back at Bettina's home, watching a movie. What a fun time I had visiting my sister for an overnight and what an awesome restaurant we stopped at. I highly recommend Macera's Italian Restaurant. It is clean, quaint, reasonably priced, impeccable service, creative cocktails and delicious food. What more could anyone ask for?! :) read more

When we came in we were quickly seated and our server was nice and friendly We were started with bread and butter while looking over the menu. The bread was really nice and soft with a crispy outside. Some of the best bread I've had . The had a seasoned olive oil which paired fantastically with the bread ( we did have to ask for the olive oil as the bread only came with butter). For appetizers I started off with 2 appetizers , the fried calamari, and the sausage with polenta. For the sausage with polenta The sauce is very sweet, a little too sweet for me and nott what I was expecting. I also wished it would've been fried polenta since the polenta itself was pretty plain. The fried calamari was great. The octopus was nice and soft while the outside was still crispy. Perfectly cooked. It also came with banana peppers which I am not used to getting with my calamari. They came warm and not overly sour. I'm normally not too fond of banana peppers but it works so well with the calamari that I would definitely eat that combo again. For the soup side on the main dishes, we were given a choice between the chicken soup or the soup of the day ( which happened to be white bean that day). Bean soup was pretty good, better than the chicken soup imo but the bean soup was a bit too salty on the throat. Most dishes also came with a side of pasta with a basic tomato sauce. Nothing too special about that. Just very very basic. The Chicken francahaie was decent. The flavor was nice, nothing too special about it but it was good. If you like to chit chat though, this dish did get very salty after letting it sit for a while. I got the Giovanni and it was also decent. The fish and sauce didn't stand out to me as a dish. Fish was cooked alright, the sauce was decent but nothing to write home about. Celitano chicken The celitano chicken was a thin piece of chicken topping with all the veggies. When took our first bite we noticed it was a bit overcooked. Everyone at the table tried a piece and we could all agree on that. We told the waitress and she took it right back and had the kitchen make us another one right away, never dropping her jovial demeanor. When we got the new one, it was perfect. The veggies were good, the chicken was nice and tender, not overcooked, and the sauce was great. I think this was my favorite dish that night. My girlfriend got the spinach tortellini which was alright. The cheese a little too funky for me . Not anythign wrong with the dish ,just a me thing. It was however a little heavy on the cheese and made it feel too clingy and thick. I know my review doesn't make them out to be that great but this is definitely place I would go to again. The food was decent, the service was good, and the atmosphere was welcoming. Not to mention that the portion sizes were big enough that I think I was the only person in the group that didn't need a Togo container ( I don't think my girlfriend was even able to finish half her food before feeling stuffed). I would definitely come here again if I'm ever in the mood for a simple get together with friends. read more

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The ambience is cute, outdoors. The service is great! I really wanted to try that blueberry sangria. Maybe next time. Now to the food. Everybody loved their food! All but one in our group of 7 had to go boxes. Me included. First let me tell you we have been going to Macera for many years. We use to bring containers and get gallons of soup and loaves of their bread for great suppers. Now I only have one thing that bothers me there. I love Veal Parmigiana. And they give you enough to eat there then take home and if you have a small appetite( which is what I ordered) but it was Huge! But, didn't come with macaroni ?! So I ordered a side of bow ties. I have ate it at home twice! Now the not so great. There is more breading on the veal than veal. It is pounded so thin and breaded so thick you can only taste the breading. I will always like Maceras, their prices are fair and their food is consistently the same, decent. read more

We ordered two items and one was made wrong the place was empty the person who too the order rung it in wrong. No wonder the place was empty on a Friday night read more

My friend and I had a wonderful lunch time meal, here today! Our waitress was delightful (unfortunately, I cannot remember her name). My friend had a fabulous pizza with artichoke hearts and other vegetables, and I enjoyed the gnocchi with olives, red roasted peppers, olive oil, etc.. photos below! My 4th time here, and I will be back. The lights and decorations are always beautiful and whimsical! read more

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As soon as we walked inside we should have just left because of the decor alone. That should have been our sign. Staff was great. Sadly not the food. read more

Ordered Beef and Barley soup to go and brought it home. Turns out, they used what look like pastines and not barley. We ordered specifically to avoid GLUTEN. Very disappointing and potentially dangerous!! read more

Macera's Italian Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Cranston, Rhode Island

Welcoming staff. Cozy atmosphere. Always love their meals. My friends enjoyed our luncheon there as well. Truthfully, hadn't been there in awhile, but it was like going home. Will definitely return more often.​ read more

Best chicken soup around!!! Everything here is good actually!! I love how you don't have to go to a store to buy your Italian bread to have with your soup. They have it right there for you. Everyone who works there is nice too!!! read more

The ambiance in this restaurant is always changing with the seasons and they offer the seasonal changes with their menu specials along side their pretty extensive regular menu. As far as the quality of their dishes, which always in point. The service is just as impressive. This restaurant is always busy so be patient and do enjoy your meal. read more

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I love that you can just walk into Macera's and grab some to go soup. I've always loved their chicken escarole soup, but the most recent time I got it, I was very underwhelmed and honestly kind of disappointed. It was loaded with celery. Like LOADED. The pieces were huge and there was just way way too much of it. I felt like the soup was generally flavorless also. The white clam chowder was okay but not great. I didn't love that it had red potatoes in it with the skin on. The bread was okay but for $5 for a loaf, definitely on the expensive side. I'm sure I'll give Macera's another chance in the future, but I think it's going to be a while. read more

This has got to be the worst experience in 30 years. It's been going down hill for several years. The meals are way more expensive. To get the wrong meal of what I asked for. Got charged more than what they said. This is just some of the things that went wrong. Unfortunately after 30 years, I can't bring myself to go there anymore. read more

We came here last night quite a few years since they moved to this location. The last time we went to Macera's, we didn't think we'd go back, but it's been quite a while, so we tried it again. We were very happy with our menu choices! I had eggplant manicotti - thin eggplant stuffed with prosciutto and mozzarella, with red sauce over the top, and a side of pasta. My husband had chicken Marsala over bow tie pasta. He loved it! The place was packed, but we got right in with only 2 of us. If you make a reservation, your entire party must be present to sit in the dining room. There was plenty of parking. They also sell soup and sauce by the container. Our meals came with soup, chicken escarole was his choice, and I had a salad, which was an upcharge. We decided we'd go back since we totally enjoyed our meal! read more

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As always the food is always delicious & plentiful but I have to say the price increases are a bit much. They no longer have a luncheon menu, but they discount your bill 10% before 3:30. Sandwich prices are reasonable, but maybe a smaller bun could bring down the prices. Unfortunately we won't be going back due to price increases. read more

The management alone needs an overhaul I tried talking to a woman who said she was the manager and she completely downplayed my complaint Right there a huge turn off I personally would never go back read more

Maceras is one of my favorite restaurants in Rhode Island and generally my go to spot for pasta. You're probably wondering why I gave it a 3 star and that's because it was sub par in this particular instance. Spinach Tortellini - unfortunately this is really the main reason I've classified it as "sub par". This pasta wasn't cooked thoroughly. It tasted dry, pasty and rigid. It really needed another 5 minutes or so boiling. The sauce was thin, salted perfectly and not overwhelming. Bowtie Pink Vodka - this was my favorite choice for my meal. The pasta was cooked perfectly. The pink Vodka Sauce was creamy, salt and spices were also well balanced. Pasta Wild Mushroom - I love me some mushrooms - my fave is the oyster mushrooms and I believe this was a portobello (don't quote me on that, look at the pic and confirm it for yourself). This pasta had a balanced amount of salt and pepper, but I thought it could've used some olive oil or another ingredient to help accentuate the flavors. Clam Chowder - this was OK, nothing spectacular or worth mentioning other than I prefer that my chowder be thicker and this variety tasted a little watered down. This restaurant is legit! Please don't be discouraged by my review, it's normally better than what I've experienced today and I'd definitely try it again. Every individual and organization will have an off day. Try this spot if you're in the Cranston area! -ODL Follow my IG: @AOEAT read more

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Had some great food and drink here at Macera's! Each of my group of four got a pasta or chicken dish and we all loved our meals. We also love that it came with soup! Service was top notch all around, everyone from the host to the bussers was awesome. The whole restaurant was decorated for fall, which added a cozy vibe. Would definitely return! read more

Macera's Italian Restaurant - Decor - Italian Near Me - Cranston, Rhode Island

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My boyfriend and I had dinner Saturday night. It was OK. The eggplant palm came out with a slab of cheese on the top not even melted. I didn't like it. The meatballs were OK. The sausage was good. The veil was dry. It was noisy in there you couldn't really have a conversation. We were sitting in an aisle by itself with a lot of traffic bumping a table. It wasn't a very pleasant experience. The waitress wasn't very friendly. She didn't even offer us dessert or anything probably won't go back. There are too many excellent restaurants Italian food in Rhode Island if you like a tacky loud atmosphere this is your go to place. read more

Very pleasant wait staff. Food is fantastic and prices are reasonable. I highly recommend the restaurant.

I've bought the chicken escarole soup in a to go container and it's an enjoyable lunch to have during the cold winter months.

A friend invited me to lunch and recommended this place. I had driven past many times but had never had the opportunity to check it out before. Upon entering, I was surprised to see a take out window where you can pick up soup, sauce, and meatballs - either hot or cold. What an awesome idea! You can also order anything off their regular menu for take out too, it's best to call ahead so you don't have to wait. The restaurant was decorated so beautifully for Christmas - lots of lights and ornaments hanging from branches and beams - it was very magical. Our server was very friendly as well as the busser who was clearing plates, topping off water, and offering to go containers. The food was delicious and we really enjoyed ourselves. read more

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I walked in at 7:45pm not realizing that they closed at 8pm. I asked if the kitchen was still open because I would have understood if they didn't want to take a new order that late. Every staff member greeted me with a warm smile and let me know that I was more than welcomed to place an order. They wouldn't even let me think of leaving and we joked about my experience at other places. It was so refreshing to see a restaurant prioritize the customer instead of closing time. I then saw someone walk in after me and she received the same amazing energy that I did. And oh yea, the food is always amazing. 10/10 experience. read more

We love their soups. Their Chicken Escarole soup has lots of vegetables, pasta and chicken meat. Well seasoned. The half a gallon is about $11 and during the Pandemic, you have to get their container, but other times, you can bring your own and they will fill it up for you. Tasty ! read more

Macera's Italian Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Cranston, Rhode Island

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Food is worth the visit! We started with the polenta in the meat sauce and the mozzarella triangles. The meat sauce just seemed to be marinara but regardless the apps were really good! Then had a Caesar salad (always ask for balsamic with a Caesar lol) which was also great. YOU HAVE TO GET THE CHICKEN SOUP! Honestly though, probably the best in the state. For my entree I had the chicken francaise with cappellini and their pink vodka sauce. The food was absolutely fantastic the francaise sauce tasted so so good as did the pink vodka sauce. The steak Gorgonzola was also really great. They have a bunch of different sangria flavors. I tried the strawberry and although sweet it was really good. The tables were a little small and if full the restaurant can feel slightly crowded but it's decorated so cute. The service was decent. read more

I absolutely love maceras. Its sooo cute inside alll the time. They decorate for every holiday & season changes. They have a cozy but hip little bar area & then they have the sit in restaurant side. Everything is so clean and neat. Their food is made fresh fresh. Amazing quality. I highly highly recommend this small business. They have the best soups too omgosh. Prices are $$ but worth every penny, you get nice and healthily full ! read more

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Went in for the first time since they moved from Oaklawn Ave. Nice interior. Pretty good bartender. I sat at the bar. Tried a cup of their chicken soup. Very good. Ordered a veal parm. Wish I hadn't. Pasta was overcooked. The veal did not appear to have been pounded out. Rather thick and tough. The red gravy was rather thick and heavy. Like way too much tomato paste. Way too many herbs. Way too thick. Just not good. The best red gravy is a simple matter of cooking down red Italian tomatoes with a pinch of salt and a bit of olive oil. Paste is not necessary. read more

Waitress was fantastic!! Hostess was rude. Felt rushed because they wanted our table for next party. Never got offered dessert because they wanted to turn the table. read more

Dropped in on Macera's Italian Restaurant in their new Cranston, RI location and had a very pleasant dining experience. We were greeted and seated in a nice, corner booth inside their dining room decorated with festive, autumn and thanksgiving garb. The service was nice and quick. Maybe too quick, but they seemed to be accustomed to an older customer base that prefers not to wait. LOL. We were served white, Italian bread and butter; but the butter was hard and right from the freezer and the bread not warm which made spreading nearly impossible. We ordered Chicken Saltimbocca and Chicken Marsala; both with choice of soup (chicken escarlole) and vegetable (squash with brown sugar cinnamon). Both meals came out steaming hot (very impressive) large pieces of white meat chicken and plenty of it. We each grabbed a take-home box to enjoy lunch the next day. We also took home a 1/2 gallon of chicken escarole soup for a rainy day. Overall the food was very good, but nothing overly fancy or special. Service was also very good and the new spot has plenty of parking. Looking forward to next spring and summer to take advantage of their outdoor dining; until then we will be inside. Give Macera's a try and I am sure you too, will look forward to your next visit. read more

I haven't tried everything on the menu yet but everything so far is good. Penned vodka bomb!! Rabe with mozzarella bomb, least favorite the chicken parm maybe because it was too thick a little on the salty side but then again I'm not a big meat lover. One of my new fave spots for a quick bite read more

I love Macera's chicken escarole soup. I bring their gallon container and fill it up. If we don't finish it, I freeze it in 1 cup ice cube trays. Perfect portions. If I lived closer, I'd buy it every week. read more

Amazing place for takeout, my kids love the escarole soup when they're sick. I'm a big fan of their chicken Parm. Owners are super nice and usually always make sure to say hello. Great place! read more

Good food, great service (bar) & fun atmosphere. In RI for business & brought a colleague who loved everything from the bread/oil to the wine. Love this place! read more

Had been meaning to try Macera's for some time as it took over a site that in our 11 years here has turned over a number of times and it's not only stuck but always seems packed! It's clear why it's always packed. The chicken escarole soup was very very good. I had the Jesse's Special which was terrific! Kiddo had the pepperoni pizza which ... was the real surprise. So so good. Wife's and my pasta was cooked well and my hot & dirty martini was fantastic. Great service too. read more

Can never go wrong with their chicken soup!! Service is always quick and friendly and never have to wait in line long.

Before heading home I figured i should eat before the trip home. Macera's was recommended and Yelp concurred. When you walk in you can't help but notice that this restaurant is dated. Really dated, and quite frankly a little tacky. But you know the saying, " you can't judge a book by its cover. And it's about the food right? I'm seated without s wait and notice that at 12:30 PM on a Wednesday this restaurant is packed. Nearly every table taken and mostly with seniors. So I perused the menu and notice it's all comfort style Italian food. I order a bow tie pasta dish with sausage and cannelloni beans. After I order I start thinking " this is probably going to be pasta with 90% beans and 10% sausage. Well the meal comes out and it's perfectly balanced. BTW, the menu states that if you want "el dente" it's a $1.00 up charge. Really? Maybe it's a Rhode Island thing. Anyway seemed like my pasta was el dente with no up charge. So as I said the restaurant needs an update, I mean it has a sky painted ceiling with pin hole lights as Stars. The inside walls have vinyl siding and faux brick wainscoting. Floors, vinyl tile. You get what I mean. But the food, fabulous. I would go back anytime I'm in Cranston. BTW, they have take out for their soups and sauces, I mean gravy and meat balls. Supposed to be their claim to fame. I can't comment on that aspect of the restaurant, but I still recommend it. read more

Macera's Italian Restaurant - Ceiling in the dining room - - maybe a little tacky. - Italian Near Me - Cranston, Rhode Island

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How is this chicken escarole soup? It barely has any pasta or chicken, it's basically a vegetable soup. This is not what I wanted to have when I'm stuck home sick with the flu. read more

Macera's Italian Restaurant - How is this chicken escarole soup? Barely any pasta or chicken ....it's all vegetables not what I wanted while sick at home with the flu - Italian Near Me - Cranston, Rhode Island

Don't get beef barley soup to go. Should be called carrot celery soup. Got a quart to go and was very disappointed. Aside from the fact we couldn't find a speck of beef in it, the broth was more tomato than beef stock. Yuck! Sorry David, a phone call would not have solved the fact I brought home the soup and served it with grilled ham and cheese sandwiches. Your customers need to know that this particular soup was not good. I would not have gone back to get more of it or any other soup. I would not take my money back as we DID eat half of it. Maybe you could rethink your beef barley recipe... add beef and put less tomato sauce in it? So how would a phone call have solved the problem? read more

Me and my wife just left there and needless to say our experience wasn't what we were a custom to there, we have eaten there numerous times and always praised the food, but tonight was bad unfortunately, I ordered seafood primavera with scollops, and my wife had cheese wedges, and a pizza. I got it with shrimp and her cheese pizza was a flat bread with cheese on it, mind you no sauce, my shrimp were bad, so sent it back, the waitress took it back and said the person cooking agrees with you. We've had plenty of great dishes from this location and would still recommend them. read more

I cannot say enough about this restaurant I wish I could give it 10 stars. It was cozy and intimate. Warm atmosphere. We ordered the pistachio martinis, best martini I have ever had. It just kept getting better and better, appetizer was superb, dinner I ordered the chicken parm, it was so tender amd delicious. Service was on point. It was our first time but definitely not our last. The whole experience was amazing. Highly recommend. read more

Macera's Italian Restaurant - Pistachio martinis.best I've ever had - Italian Near Me - Cranston, Rhode Island

Did you change your chicken escarole soup recipe? Always had one of the very best. I buy gallons to go. I bought it yesterday and it tasted completely different and not as good. Hope it was just a bad batch and you did not change recipe. read more