Reviews of Macaluso's & Co. an Italian-American Market (Restaurant)

marysol chamoun

I honestly hate putting bad reviews for any business, but I feel like this restaurant went out of their way several times to get me to do so. From the moment we walked in, as a party of 8, they did made us feel like they were doing us a favor by accommodating us. Yes it was a Friday night, and yes the restaurant is tiny, but there was only a table or two. They wouldn’t seat us till we all arrived.. fair enough. When we sat down, we waited on our menus, but they never came. Our menu was our passive aggressive waiter who gave us a run down of their menu using small plates of their “imported” sample pastas. Several of us asked him to repeat the menu, a fair request for not having physical menus I would think, but he just went through questions hastily and rather quickly. Forget about knowing the price of anything you order. How dare you want to know. How can any restaurant not have prices listed?? The vibe of this restaurant is one of arrogance and entitlement. I know the restaurant hasn’t been at this location very long. Their rent probably priced them out of the beach, but they need a lot more luck and better service to stay afloat in south miami. The clientele in south miami is very different. Did I mention they charged us $14 for a cake fee for a birthday we were celebrating in our group? Needless to say we won’t be frequenting this restaurant.

Michael Garcia

Horrible restaurant and horrible dining experience. They don’t have a menu so they expect you to remember which sauces can and cannot go with the stupid little tray of pastas that they bring. And because they don’t have a written menu don’t expect to know the price of the food your paying for... it is hidden for a reason. When you get the check you will be surprised by how much a meat ball costs. Definitely will not be coming back here. The restaurant owner has a sense of entitlement that he does not deserve. If you want to get a taste for what I am talking about listen to the voicemail.

Andres Etchenique

Spaghetti and Meatballs + Glass of mediocre Merlot = $58 without tip. (No appetizer!!!). Ok, so the meatballs are good (not outstanding as many say). The marinara sauce is the typical "American Italian" stuff - high acidity, over the top on the garlic, a little to much salt, etc. And this brings up a good point: This is American Italian. If you are looking for real Italian food, keep looking because this is NOT it!! (Unless you come from the Midwest and your idea of Italian food is “Buca di Beppo” served by the pound). Without getting into the whole "waistaff service in Miami" problem, suffice to say that among other things the waitsaff has been trained to do some sort of forceful PR campaign for the Chef by putting on a whole dog-and-pony show about reciting the menu to you verbally, whilst adulating the chef for this or that "family cooking tradition" 15 minute discourse. Would have much preferred just a written menu, and let me decide if the chef is good or not. Of course this whole rapport does not include the PRICE of any of the items. Upon that request I am then and only then directed to a chalk board where everything is listed out, (arghhh) and I am quickly left alone to try to understand roughly how much I am going to have to pay at the end of the meal for what I am thinking of ordering. So I finally order the "famous" (or now "infamous") meatballs, I get asked whether I want 2 or 3, and whether I want the ricotta with it or on the side. Of course no one informs me that by ordering the 3rd meatball and the ricotta "on the side" my $26 dollar plate of pasta all of a sudden shoots to $33, fact I only find out when the check comes!!! Way to go Macaluso!! Back to the wine!!! Without consulting the wine list I ask for a glass of wine, which upon the offer of a Chianti or Merlot, I chose the (very average) Merlot thinking I am into no more than $10, and get the nice $15 surprise when the check comes. Ok, I think everyone gets the picture. If you think “Staten island” marinara sauce is Italian food and if you believe “Staten island” marinara sauce requires the kind of culinary sophistication that warrants $33 for a plate of spaghetti and meatballs, then this is the place for you. If you are looking for value/quality there are several other places to go very close to this joint where your money will be much better spent. Including several that have LOWERED THEIR PRICES, and where I guarantee you will not only have a more sophisticated gastronomic experience, but also for less money. Get real Macaluso’s: I HIGHLY DO NOT RECOMMEND YOUR PLACE!!

Jose Sierra

Always Great!

Steve Hook

We were excited to visit Macaluso's after reading a review describing a quaint and homely italian restaurant. Unfortunately our experience could not be further away from that... The restaurant only had 3 tables occupied when we arrived so we were sat promptly. We ordered meatballs and spiced shrimp as appetizers, tuna steak and chicken pasta as entrees accompanied by a bottle of Valpollicella. So that was smooth.... Then the problems started... the head of service Elena came over and explained our wine selection was out of stock and suggested an alternate Valpolicella Ripasso. Unfortunately this turned out to be rather mediocre. We waited a while for our appetizers - no bread or other nibbles were provided in the meantime. There seemed to be some commotion at the serving station - what looked like it could be our meatballs sat for at least 10 minutes at the pass. Then one of the servers took another dish to the wrong table and an argument ensued between the serving staff, Elena and the chef. After waiting a bit longer our server brought our main courses. I explained that we had not yet received our appetizers and I didn't want our main courses until we had eaten our appetizers. Elena came over to inform us that our appetizers are now off the menu. That was enough for me - I told Elena that the service was terrible and I wanted to leave. I outlined that if the appetizers had gone off the menu, the right thing to do would be to apologize, offer and alternative - not bring main courses without explanation. She became extremely aggressive and offered no apology. I explained again the service was terrible, we would pay for the wine we had consumed. At this point Elena threatened to call the cops. In the end we settled by paying for the full bottle and left. On reflection, I think its likely this restaurant is careering in a death spiral. Running out of wine, appetizers, argumentative chef and serving staff, mostly empty tables all feel like symptoms of such a spiral. Unfortunately we never got to judge the food.... I recommend avoiding this restaurant

Hanae Kimura

MEATBALLS MEATBALLS MEATBALLS! It's a little pricey but the portions are large and rich. You must get the meatballs. My other favorite is the vitos salad and the sausage and pepper pasta.

Ryan Powers

Large portions. Extensive wine list. Good meatballs... the rest could have been from the ubiquitous airport itallian joint.

Armando Romero

I was planning a business luncheon with area Executives tomorrow at this restaurant, but after reading the reviews I am highly concerned and dissapointed. The common theme is rude management/owner. Will go to Wisk instead, which has amazing food and good servive. No drama! Too bad for Maca-loosers.

Owen O'Neil

The food is very good here. The downside is having to put up with the owner/chef. He is akin to the soup Nazi in terms of how he wants things operating in his kitchen. That means what you see on the menu is what you get. No special orders. If you don't believe me, you can just read the very lengthy "manifesto" printed next to the menu. But at least they now have a printed menu. It used to be the waiter reciting the entire menu to your table, with the hopes that your short term memory was sufficient enough to remember what you wanted. Fortunately they've abandoned that foolish endeavor. So after all that, why 5 stars? Well like the soup Nazi, the food is really good. My family can't get enough of their Macaluso's Salad. Their sauteed sausage with broccoli rabe, is equally amazing. It's definitely worth it, just don't expect any gluten free options.

Anthony Lopez

Best restaurant in Miami Beach!

Ian Long

Great service. Clean and brand new love the place. First the beach but this is amazing must check out best Italian off Sunset drive. Will be back shortly.

Jerome Thomas

Great location, attentive wait staff, & some of the most fabulous quality Italian food in South Florida. This visit surely won't be our last!

carla lefley

Wouldn't let 94 yo women with walker sit at table of choice, bread was tasteless, hero sandwiches were good but overpriced and came with no side, took too long even though only 3 tables full, check is processed at the table using a handheld device where you select tip from a screen menu and they print it there....like your buying from a hot dog vendor or something. Won't last long.

matthew hicks

My favorite place to eat on Miami Beach.

jorge Roll

Lovely Italian Market and Diner. Amazing food, style, and taste. Must try the Meatball Salad they're phenomenal.

Juan Bright

The customer service is constantly speedy, great ambience, nice staff members. I will visit again when I arrive in town.

Dennis Hernandez

Horrible service....the waiter did not write down the order down resulting in multiple orders being incorrect, the manager didn't even come out to explain the errors, they didn't even have the decency deduct an appetiter. The pasta was soggy. Worst $280 dinner I habe ever experienced. Extemely appointed and will never go there again.

Gina Chiappone

Amazing food!

Monica Langdon

Macaluso's & Co is by far the best Italian-american market in South Miami period! After reading the reviews, I needed to write my own. A review by Ashley Z and Nick Molina definitley mirrored each other and I bet it's the same person who does not like owner (Mike) and his establishment. Others complaining about baby strollers, etc. For one, I'm an individual that walks with a cane. The staff assisted and accommodate me without a problem. In addition to me, Macaluso's also accommodated a person in a wheelchair while I was there. Customers have to remember the place is small. The staff were super polite and always bending over backwards. The food is the best I've had in a long time. The food reminds me when I lived in New York for many many years. South Miami has alot of food options but let's face it they do not have a good Italian restaurant period! If you'd lived in South Miami or visited from time to time. You'd know that Macaluso's & Co is the real deal. This place will last along time with the place being small and intimate, consistent with the food and a warm, loving and friendly vibe.

adrian isalgue

Great atmosphere, very nice staff, best meatballs ever!, salad too

Michael Jeary

I'm from Western NY so I like to think I've had amazing real Italian and Macaluso's blows them out of the water. Everything on their menu is amazing. The salad dressing here is the only thing I can compare to my great aunts who would never share her recipe. I don't leave reviews ever but seeing all of the bad reviews on here made me actually write one because this place deserves to be at the top of every "best of Miami" list.

Gregory Calabrese

Delicious Italian American classics.

Amr A

The Attitude is not to be believed by the hostess and the waiter,but the bartender,tops them all ! Very arrogant !We had reservation for 9 PM,and were not seated till 9:45. because we were a party of 3 and the couple of tables(empty mind you) were for 4,said the genius hostess ( Never heard that before in any restaurant).NO written menus to read ,as the waiter claims that they change the menu every 2 weeks ! SO WHAT, very lame reason,poeple need to know the price of the food they are ordering ! Which I think is pricey for this kind of estalishement !The food is OK(but not great) for an Italian american restaurant, but all in all NOT WORTH going back !

Kelsey Escue

Wonderful food and the meatballs are the bomb dot com!

Ebony Spearman

Great dressing

Hanh Porter

I always enjoyed every meal that I ordered and good Italian food in sunset area.

joseph spallina

Didn't love anything about it. The meatballs are nothing special. The pizza was also mediocre at best.

Danielle Smith NP-C

Love love love!

Shaun Wright

The meatballs are amazing!

jose gregorio petrucci rivas

(Translated by Google) Very tasty food good service (Original) Comida muy sabrosa buena atención

Ashley Z

The owner (Michael) and his management treat customers in a vulgar fashion. The rules in this place are dictator-like. The staff is rude and unaccommodating - with a sense of entitlement. I used to go to their restaurant on South Beach and received the same horrific service. I was hoping that over the years, things had changed as they closed that location and moved here to this one. Unfortunately they have not. Their poor customer service did them in on South Beach and it surely will here too. There are just too many good options for customers to be treated this way by someone vying for their patronage. Sorry - hate to leave such a poor review, but it's certainly warranted here.

Soleil Bravo

Very fresh Italian bread

Jerry Schwartz

I like it. I like it... Pricey but for Certain occasion well worth it

Mercy Medina

Great authentic Italian food

Karina Catellani

Best bread of Miami! So so delicious. I highly recommend it.

Jorge Velazquez

Best meatballs, place is just incredible, they just move from miami beach to sunset in south Miami with the same greatness of food and desserts, is the real deal when it comes authenticity and freshness, if ever by the sunset place area is a must try if feeling like authentic Italian food.

Amjad S

They told me that they don't have menu with prices! from my experience I don't recomend.

Heather Brockhoff

Not as good as it used to be. Very shaky service on a slow night.

juan camilo rodriguez

(Translated by Google) good attention (Original) buena atencion

Barbara Arnold

Nice clean and relaxed informal atmosphere; very overpriced and pretentious attitude for some mediocre and disappointing food. Like an Italian deli that cooks the food in advance and just heats it up to plate it. Epicure market did a better job for less money.

Cesar Braga

This is a great family restaurant. It’s not a fancy place and it’s not meant to be. The servers are really nice. It’s a place you can really relax and the food is amazing. The meatballs with fresh burrata on the side are delicious. The salads have the best sauce I’ve ever tasted (they sell on the deli and it is a must have in my home).

Priscilla Escobar

Best meatball I have EVER had!

C Crawford

I had an awesome experience in this restaurant. We loved the extraordinary vibes and the food. The staff were super friendly. I’m glad we ultimately managed to eat here.

Alexis Villa

My favorite Italian food in Miami! The food and service is exquisite.

Ricarxo Ruiz

Is it open for dinner?

Patricia Cornish

I am absolutely thrilled that Michael opened a location in South Miami, since moving to Pinecrest we don’t venture to the beach as much. The new South Miami location did not disappoint! Meatballs and Vito Salad still superb.

Jeannette Rone

My husband and I have been visiting their location on Alton Road in Miami Beach for years, and my husband has been going for years before we got together. So when we learned that they were moving to South Miami we were ecstatic as we have since moved off the beach and this location was much more convenient for us. We are new parents and were excited to get out of the house together for a lunch date. Upon trying to enter the establishment we noticed our stroller couldn't fit through the door. Immediately a server, and what appeared to be a manager who was directly behind him, rushed to us and proceeded to tell us that strollers were not permitted in the restaurant as it's a fire hazard. The young server apologized and was pleasant but the manager said nothing and just stared us down with a scowl on his face.They didn't ask if the stroller collapsed as we would've been more than happy to do, they just immediately ushered us to leave I don't care how good their food is. We've known for years that the owner can be less than pleasant to put it nicely, so this did not surprise us in the least. Luckily there are many great restaurants in the area and we had a very lovely lunch next door at Old Lisbon where they were more than pleasant and happy to accomodate us. If you have a stroller with you or use a wheelchair, save yourself the embarrassment and spend your hard earned money at another establishment.

Pablo M Conde

Strict but good

Nick Molina

Absolutely horrible service. Remember the Soup Natzi from Seinfeld? Well it's the same idea. The owner (Michael) and his management treat customers in a vulgar fashion. The rules in this place are dictator-like. You cannot enter store with a stroller, you cannot ask for modifications to your food (less salt, less sauce, etc), you cannot request a different table than they offer you. The staff is rude and very short - with a sense of entitlement. The food is actually pretty decent albeit pricey. That said, I will never return after being treated the way I was. I used to go to their restaurant on South Beach and received the same horrific service. I was hoping that over the years, things had changed as they closed that location and moved here to this one. Unfortunately they have not. Their poor customer service did them in on South Beach and it surely will here too. There are just too many good options for customers to be treated this way by someone vying for their patronage. Sorry - hate to leave such a poor review, but it's certainly warranted here.

Christine Sanchez

Love this place. The food is so so good!!! My favorites are the Macaluso salad, meatballs with fresh linguine pasta. Yum!!!