Well, the menu did say it was about the "experience." The one we had wasn't what we would have liked, for the most part. The ambiance was nice but the result was on the subpar side. The service was very slow even with a mostly empty restaurant. A few mistakes and undereducated about allergies. The portions can't be tiny, prices high and yet lacking substantially in taste. They need to step up the taste game or lower the prices or increase the size. Otherwise, I think they'll end up folding pretty quickly. I was surprised to see the head chef is the same as Cork and Flame in Evans as that restaurant is well managed and the food stands out. I know he's capable of better but we won't be back until there is some obvious signs of improvement. read more

Malia's - New American Near Me - Aiken, South Carolina

The people and food was great I had the Wild boar and it was awesome Visiting from NYC and here for a week I'll be back for the rest of the menu Thank you read more

Malia's - Wild Boar and Deconstructed Apple pie - New American Near Me - Aiken, South Carolina

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I was in town visiting family and we chose Malia's for dinner. We made a reservation for 3 at 6:30pm. We were kindly greeted as we walked in and we loved the new decor. We were then seated in the small side room to the right that has 3 tables. Everything started off ok, then soon declined. We felt like we were forgotten because we were seated away from the center area. Service became worse. Our waitress, Paige, was nice at the start, but we felt as if we were being rushed. We were there on a Wednesday evening and there were plenty of empty tables. We were very easy and only there for 1 & 1/2 hours. We felt like we were bothering her. We asked three times (2 different employees) for wine/water refills, which we waited 15 minutes for. Just as we were getting up to find someone to cancel them, they were brought out in a hurry. The wedge salad is good, very small. A small, adorable, well behaved dog was sitting in a chair at the table next us. Her head rested on the table with her owners. She was let down and went over and vomited between our table and hers. Numerous employees noticed it and walked past/over it several times without getting it up. It continued to sit there as we ate our meals. Then, an employee stepped in it and continue on as if not to see it. We really wanted this to be great and see that the new ownership was going well, but we were terribly disappointed. We unfortunately will not be back. For the price of food and atmosphere, The Willcox is a much better option. I truly do not like writing such a negative review, but hopefully they will improve the issues we in countered tonight. read more

Malia's - Dog vomit that sat for an hour then stepped on. No one ever got it up. - New American Near Me - Aiken, South Carolina

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First time here for a birthday celebration! What a great place to celebrate, it's a small and quaint little place the restaurant was nice and clean. The atmosphere was not quiet because everyone talking amongst themselves. But it was okay. Sophia our waitress was nice and friendly. She was helpful and made suggestions. The food was amazing, it comes out and looks like art , their salads are delicious. Best tasting salad I've ever had. Everything was delicious. I had the 8oz beef filet it was perfect and yummy. We also got the crispy duck, lamb chops and the seafood dish. All the food was absolutely amazing ! I do recommend to all my friends. It's a little pricey but well worth it. We definitely will be back soon! read more

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My mom and her friends loved it there. Mom brought us food back. I was a little leery about the shrimp & grits but, it was DELICIOUS! The grits were very creamy and the shrimp was good. I would order it again. read more

Malia's - Shrimp and grits - New American Near Me - Aiken, South Carolina

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The shrimp and grits were beyond delicious, the best ever! The She-Crab soup was wonderful. Great service as well as relaxing and romantic ambiance. Looking forward to coming back soon! read more

The service was fantastic. The food was good but the menu was very limited. The ambiance was great. Too pricey for lunch. read more

Had 6:00 dinner reservations on a Tuesday night. Chose to dine on patio. Almost no on in restaurant and one couple on patio-yet service was very slow. Wrought iron chairs with no pads are very hard and uncomfortable. No candles, flowers or tablecloths on tables. These problems are easily remedied. They did have the fountain flowing which was nice. Lots of empty bed space along the walls which would be more charming filled with azaleas, camellias-anything blooming and green. The salmon was delicious, as was the Osso Bucco, and the short rib ravioli. The pork scallopini was dry. The prices are high. $38 for salmon. Menu is limited-no vegan or vegetarian options at all. Server was not well aware of keeping waters refilled, and didn't realize for 10 minutes she hadn't brought the fourth diners dinner out yet! The previous wait staff were all so professional. Malia's is not what it was before it was sold. I hope they can make some changes and become a destination restaurant once again. read more

Bland food Priced too high small portions . You may enjoy it its just not valley enough for me read more

Quaint dinner spot. It was a nice evening so we opted for the patio, it was very quiet and low key (maybe bc it was a Wednesday), VERY separate from the main dining room. The server was nice, but she knew nothing about the menu or any of the dishes, and she joked about it, but to me, it was not funny because I would like the server to be more informed on what I'm about to order and to be able to answer questions I had. But we ordered blindly. Thankfully, our meal was pretty good. The wild boar was so tender, and the crispy duck had great flavor with the asian bbq sauce. One of the best Caesar salad salads I've had. And the cranberry margaritas were delicious. For the area this is a nice spot. read more

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Have had great experiences in the past. Made a reservation for Thanksgiving back in October. They called the Sunday before Thanksgiving to say they were closing for the holiday leaving me to scramble for an alternative 4 days before Thanksgiving. Last time dining had several items on menu not available and very slow service. Not inclined to try again anytime soon read more

Everything was great. Bison Flank Steak and Wild Boar Osso Bucco were fantastic. Sat at bar. Bartender was attentive and service was good. read more

Malia's - Wild Boar shank - New American Near Me - Aiken, South Carolina

We went two weeks ago for mother's 92 birthday. It took 25 minutes to get drinks. The second drinks were never served. The order was messed up and one entire entree was left off. When the walked the food to the table they had no idea which steak went where meaning the preference for rare or medium wasn't served. The food was ok but for the prices one pays there the service was just awful. The entire experience was well over two hours as we waited for things. My husband refuses to go back there ever again. Very sad as it used to be good. read more

Love the new menu and new vibe! Service is also excellent. My favorite date night spot in Aiken.

Malia's has new ownership and our dinner last night did not disappoint. We started with the Shrimp Vindaloo as an appetizer, which was very tasty - a hint of Asian spice with light fragrant rice. For our main course, I had the Salmon with Bourbon Barrel Ponzo which was excellent - prepared medium. My husband had the 16 oz. Ribeye with Tawny Reduction. It was perfectly done (my husband usually prefers Filets) with minimal fat/waste. The Pommes Dauphinoise potato was absolutely delicious! We loved the original Malia's and was sad to hear it was sold. The new management has made many changes from the decor to the menu. Several friends were not happy with the changes but we still wanted to give it a try and we were not disappointed. The service was excellent and the wait time between courses was perfect. The only disappointment was the service fee for using a credit card. Would definitely recommend. Definitely a fine dining experience. read more

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Food was delicious as always! Love the quaintness of the restaurant .... It is so nice to be able to have dinner with friends and actually be able to hear the conversation. read more

We looked forward to dining at Malia's. It was our first time back in the area since it reopened. As with other reviews our experience was disappointing. We sat for over 10 min before anyone came to our table. It was not full and many empty tables. The food was good but overpriced for the serving size. Brussel sprout appetizer is great. Had the Venison and received 4 small medallions and maybe a spoon of collard greens for $42. It was good and no complaints about quality. The dessert was also good. Need to fix the service and make larger portions or lower the prices. read more

Food is always delicious and the service is top notch! We always dine here when in town. Don't miss out

Goodness excellent as was excellent. Went to celebrate a birthday and was not disappointed. Also the service was great.

Very cool little restaurant. Quite small so I recommend a reservation, but the inside has a very cozy feel due to the size and decor/ design. The food was incredible and a fair portion for the price. Service was fast and efficient. One and only qualm is how close some of the tables are spaced to gather due to the size of the restaurant. It almost feels like dining with strangers when we first sat down, however we quickly settled in and were able to forget about our dining neighbors. read more

One of the best restaurants in aiken. Great food, great staff. I highly recommend.

Disappointing experience. The ambiance was good but the service was less than great. The main course was subpar. I won't be back.

First time to try under new ownership. The service was very good however, there were a number of issues with the food. A few items on the menu wild boat is a new dish added to the menu was excellent the backed feta which is a holdover from the old Malia was also excellent Now the bad. The muscles had such a foul smell. I tasted one and sent them back. I ordered the Caesar salad and while the presentation was beautiful, it was very difficult to eat as the pieces were very large and the plate was small. This is form over function. Crème brûlée didn't even resemble a custard but more of a pudding and I sent it back The raspberry pie, which was a favorite., is now a raspberry tart. I would say a very small pie that is mostly crust, and very few raspberries would never order again. read more

My mom and I have been eating lunch at Malia's, often once a month or more, since they first opened and had the clothing store in the front. It is our favorite restaurant. Not anymore. The menu is limited and boring under the new ownership and what we had was horrible. The green jacket salad was completely tasteless, I'm pretty sure they forgot the dressing. The shrimp and grits were very bland and all I could taste was fish sauce. We got there right when they opened for the day and 2 tables were already seated. When we left an hour later, we were the only ones that had gotten food. The other table was looking very annoyed. After an hour, they still hadn't received their food. Change the name or something because this is a disgrace to the Malias name. read more

We went to Malia's in downtown Aiken this morning for brunch - for our first time! The restaurant looks absolutely incredible from a design, environmental standpoint! Really love the interior! Kudos to the chef that oversaw the re-design! However, the menu needs more breakfast-oriented items, such as an omelet, traditional breakfast plate, just some traditional egg dishes! Our food was very good and we'll be back! BUT, we would much prefer something more breakfast oriented if possible! Thanks! read more

Malia's has some of the best service in Aiken, but the food is now subpar, and I am sorry to say it. I dined there this weekend, and I won't be back. The time before, those sitting with me at the bar complained about the bland buffalo-meat tacos, and the raspberry pie I ordered and had been microwaved and tasted stale, but I thought, well, everyone has an off day, and I will try it one more time. Tonight, the dessert (I ordered a different one) was also stale, and the lobster bisque didn't have a bit of lobster in it, and was served room temperature, and when I complained of such, they took it and microwaved it and brought it back. It's like, I didn't ask for lobster-flavored broth with olive oil. I was not impressed, but didn't complain further to be nice to the bartender ... but I suspect they are making cutbacks on food costs, as well as serving desserts that have been sitting around for too long. It is unfortunate to spend $35 on food and then come home unsatisfied, with a stomach ache, as it didn't agree with me. read more

I always use Malias as my Go to...never disappoint. I love the lunch options..patio..and wine choices

Went tonight. After some reviews, we were expecting to be disappointed, but wanted to give Ita chance. It was WONDERFUL. Apps-bison tacos, lobster bisque, shrimp with naan; steak, salmon, pork chops and seafood and grits. All were just great. The flavors were so yummy. read more

Delicious food and great ambiance. I believe I had a blackberry cobbler there that was delicious with ice cream.

Have you ever spent more than $100 on a meal and walk away feeling hungry after poor service and tiny portions. That is my experience at the newly managed Malias. My chicken cordon bleu was fully half the serving of what I received prior to the new management. The Caesar salad I ordered was not Caesar salad at all with no cheese no anchovy and included a tough and salty bacon. When I returned it for the Caesar salad I was told that "was" the salad. Service was poor, wine was late coming and drinks were not what was ordered. This place used to be a reliable Aiken eatery. No more. I won't be back. read more

Since moving to Aiken, I have heard a lot of people tell me about Malia's. My wife and I often play the "Where do you want to eat,,, I don't care" game. On this day we settled on Malia's for lunch. Inside the restaurant is long and narrow, tables are a little closer together than I like, but not so close to be uncomfortable and certainly nothing to keep me from returning. In fact the total ambiance was quite comfortable. The staff were all very friendly and professional. It was plain to see they are all well coordinated. The food was really good. Well cooked and well presented. I ordered steak skewers on mashed potatoes. They were great. Tender cuts of meat were perfectly seasoned and cooked. The potatoes were smooth and creamy. My wife had salad and wrap and loved it. We both had the tomato soup and it was very very good. The parmesan on top was a perfect touch. Prices are reasonable. Ambiance is pleasant. Food is great. Staff are high quality. Malia's has become the newest pin in the map for me. read more

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A FES up: F(ood): 3 stars Honestly the food didn't blow me away. I thought it was good but I was expecting a tier above. My soup was good (a lemon chicken and rice) but I found the Seafood Parpadelle to have odd flavor profiles. I don't love tomato based with seafood but I tried it- didn't win me over. Highly suggest a light cream base. The presentation pretty but the delicacy of crab with tomato not great. The scallops were the star- a perfect sear! Please take the alfalfa sprouts off as a garnish. My friend loved her Halibut special. E(nvironment): 5 stars Right downtown and it was spacious yet had intimate feeling. The noise level just right for having a conversation with your table. Love the white brick walls and paintings and lighting. Great atmosphere!! S(ervice): 5 stars The hostess very understanding that our table smaller than reservation and quickly made changes. (Not always a friendly response esp in a weekend night in my experience). Austin was an awesome server! Accommodating, friendly, knowledgeable. He checked in just enough to make sure we were happy during our meal and had what we needed without badgering us. His demeanor perfect for this upscale spot. Request him!! read more

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I have been a customer of Malia's restaurant from the very beginning when she started at the Rye Patch guest cottage. It has always been my go to for lunch, or anything special. I walked in today, after all these years, only to find that it has a new owner. I'm glad that Malia and Matthew will be able to spend quality time with their families and for themselves. But to say I was disappointed in the menu and food is an understatement. The menu was small, but I chose a grilled chicken salad because it was something I was familiar with. Only to find that there were very little greens on the plate. They were bitter and had thick stems. The salad did not come as it was advertised. Our service was excellent, but I could tell that the wait staff was very frustrated because certain tables were getting their food too late. i'm sure there will be many kinks to work out and hopefully sooner than later. I wish the new owners well, and hopefully things will smooth out soon. You have some big shoes to fill! read more

While this place is good, the menu has not changed in years. Same offerings for lunch and dinner with no variety or anything "daily special" They need Gordon Ramsey to come in and change things up. read more

I have yet to return only because I was taken here by an ex and I don't want the memories. Come to think of it this was absolutely the best thing I've ever placed in my mouth. The seafood pasta was everything from flavor to the velvety creamy sauce it was made of it was wonderful. I can't explain the vibes it gave as we ordered take out for a romantic night in. Candles were lit as we went in to get our food so I can only image how romantic it would have felt if we did eat in. I'll be back soon now that seafood pasta is on my mind... read more

Wonderful find!!! I enjoyed the music, noise level was minimal ( which gave me an opportunity to read) and the atmosphere was excellent. I enjoyed the deviled eggs and found the pickled tomatoes added to the flavor. The spinach salad was wonderful and the addition of sweet watermelon was perfect. I had a glass of Pinot Noir and the sweetness was perfect. I couldn't end the evening without coffee - so I had the coffee ice cream and brownie with roasted walnuts. They also offer a full menu of items. I just ordered from the appetizer menu- portions were perfect! The service was stellar and if I am ever back in Aiken I will return. If you are local to this area- don't miss this wonderful eatery! read more

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We came here for lunch with friends who live in the area. While they had visited several times for dinner, this was the first lunch visit. There were 5 of us in our party and we tried several items. One had the turkey flatbread sandwich, 2 had the burger, 1 had the pork scalopine, and I had the fried fish & grits. Sides on the above dishes included the house salad, homemade potato chips, and the corn beef & cabbage soup. Everything was absolutely delicious! While my hubby couldn't have his burger cooked medium-rare he said it was still delicious medium-well. The brioche buns with the burgers were delicious. The salads were so fresh and the house dressing was very good. Plus they were huge! The pork scalopine was melt in your mouth delicious. And my fish was so moist, and the grits were amazing. They included spinach, grape tomatoes, and Tabasco butter. We also got 2 desserts to share. One was a beignet with maple praline ice cream, and the other was a brownie with coffee ice cream. We all shared and had a few bites and enjoyed them both. We plan on checking it out for dinner when we visit next. If you are looking for a great place in this area, definitely give it a try. And ask for Annabelle as she was a knowledgeable and friendly server. read more

We came here at 8pm for dinner or at least drinks and there were already customers at 3 to 4 tables when we walked in. A woman appeared after 5 to 10 minutes saying that they were closed and couldn't help us. No, "Gee, I'm sorry, but we're closing early" or anything, just we can't help you, leave. Wow, don't bother coming here, folks. It appears they only serve "certain people" during their business hours of operation. If you're closing early than put a sign on the door, don't just out a rude person at the hostess stand to turn certain members of the public away. read more

Reservation for two at one, no wait busy but not full. Steak salad always a favorite, didn't disappoint! Sweet tea with lemon just right along with black-bean chili. Tried a new item egg salad BLT not a fan but always eager to try something new. Service excellent as always. Quiet seating off the main dining room with soft lighting. read more

We had the filet which was perfectly cooked. The sides were terrible. The green beans were tough and tasteless. The herbed potatoes were just plain boiled potatoes. The only flavor was the potato itself. The service was not great. Staff was just ok. Not very attentive. We will definitely return but we pay for a whole meal. Not just the protein. The soup and salad were very good. At Malias everything is usually superb. This trip was not memorable. read more