16 Best Restaurants in Malden, MA
This article was written by local contributor Teagan Law & edited by the Travel Lens team.
I have to admit, one of my favorite things about living in Malden, Massachusetts, is the incredibly diverse and delicious food scene.
Whenever friends or family come to visit, I can't wait to take them on a culinary tour of my beloved city.
From cozy mom-and-pop shops to trendy hotspots, Malden has something for everyone.
Whether you're in the mood for some mouthwatering Italian cuisine or you're craving a taste of authentic Ethiopian flavors, you're in for a treat when you dine in this city.
So, grab your appetite and get ready to embark on a journey through some of the best restaurants in Malden, Massachusetts.
Bikeeny Caffe
As a fellow coffee aficionado, I couldn't be more excited when I first discovered Bikeeny Caffe right in my neighborhood.
It is now my go-to place for both my caffeine fix and delightful pastries.
The moment I walked in, I was greeted with great customer service and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
My first order was a cold brew and a couple of bikeenies – almond and cinnamon Nutella.
I was pleasantly surprised by the light and fluffy texture of the pastries, which went perfectly with my coffee.
Pro tip: Order online if you know the exact number of bikeenies you need, as they tend to sell out quickly!
Subsequent visits to Bikeeny Caffe have also introduced me to their mouthwatering WORKS breakfast sandwich, which consists of wholesome ingredients like ham, cheese, and an over-medium egg with a slightly runny yolk (just the way I like it).
Plus, their super friendly service and fantastic coffee quality never fail to impress me.
Asia Gourmet
I've tried almost all the Chinese food spots in the area.
But trust me, nothing comes close to the quality and taste of Asia Gourmet!
Their food is simply amazing, and the prices are quite reasonable.
Here's their website, in case you want to check them out: Asia Gourmet.
I remember waiting outside in the cold for about 10 minutes once, and when I got my order, I found a couple of extra appetizers in my bag!
Another great thing about this spot is the parking.
There's plenty of space available at the T stop just across the street, so you don't have to worry about finding a spot for your car.
I would highly recommend calling and placing your order ahead of time, though, because the wait time can be a little longer if you don't - sometimes even 45 minutes!
But trust me, it's worth every second.
Just to give you an idea of the portions and quality, I once ordered a meal consisting of ravioli, boneless ribs, chicken fingers, pork fried rice, and spicy beef - all for just $20!
The sauce for the pan-fried ravioli was especially delicious.
Ristorante Serena
Ristorante Serena has become my go-to Italian spot in the area.
Their website does a great job of showcasing their delicious offerings, but the real experience is dining in.
This family-run restaurant has a casual ambiance, which is perfect for a relaxing evening with friends or family.
Every time I dine here, I am never disappointed.
The bread they serve at the beginning of the meal is always fresh and warm, and their meals are consistently delicious.
One of my all-time favorites is their mushroom ravioli, and I hear their fresh cod special with angel hair pasta is also a hit.
Ristorante Serena also offers a fantastic wine and cocktail selection, which is always a bonus.
Don't even get me started on the desserts!
Their homemade tiramisu is simply amazing and a must-try.
Giovannis Roast Beef and Pizza
I cannot express enough how much I love Giovannis Roast Beef and Pizza!
Whenever I get a craving for a delicious Italian sub, this is my go-to spot.
They really know how to cater to my specific preferences - toasting the bread and meat, adding the perfect amount of oregano, oil, hots, and so on.
Trust me, their subs are the best I've had in years!
But wait, there's more!
Their chef salad has become a staple in my meal plan.
It's just so fresh and flavorful, making it perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
You can conveniently order from Giovannis and have the food ready for pickup in no time.
One thing that really stands out at Giovannis, besides their amazing food, is their exceptional customer service.
They always greet me with a warm smile and make sure everything is perfect with my order.
Oh, and let me tell you about their drink selection - it's unbeatable!
They offer a wide variety of beverages to choose from, including ice-cold sodas, juices, and even ice cream to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Zuru Zuru Ramen and Donburi
As someone who loves Japanese food, I can confidently say that Zuru Zuru Ramen and Donburi is one of my favorite spots to grab a delicious and comforting bowl of ramen.
The moment I walk in, I am greeted by the warm and inviting ambiance, complete with artful decor and soothing background music.
Not only is the atmosphere perfect for a cozy dinner with friends, but the seating arrangement also ensures that we're not cramped, even in the snug eatery.
What I truly appreciate about Zuru Zuru Ramen is their extensive menu, including vegetarian and vegan options, which cater to all palates.
My personal favorite is the vegan ramen, paired with their refreshing jasmine tea.
The ramen is cooked to perfection, and the broth is so flavorful that it keeps me coming back for more.
Their "build-your-own" options also make it easy for me to customize my meal according to my preferences.
I've also noticed the small touches, like flowers on the table, that make the dining experience even more enjoyable.
Ebisuya Japanese Noodle House
If you're looking for authentic Japanese food in the area, look no further than Ebisuya Japanese Noodle House.
This small, family-owned and operated eatery is a hidden gem in town, and as a frequent customer, I can't rave enough about their delicious ramen and other dishes.
Before sitting down, make sure to order your food at the kiosk - it makes for a seamless dining experience.
As for the food, the ramen stands out with its perfect broth and a generous portion of toppings.
I've tried both the yuzu shio ramen and spicy miso ramen, and they taste exactly like what you'd find in Japan.
Be warned, though, the spicy miso can be quite hot!
Aside from ramen, the Cha Sui Don is another must-try dish, and it's the best I've had in a long time.
Casa Pizza
One of my favorite go-to spots for a late-night snack in town has got to be Casa Pizza.
I remember the first time I ordered their meatzza, the pizza was hot and ready when I arrived, and my satisfaction only grew when I opened the box.
Casa Pizza doesn't just cater to meat lovers, though.
I once ordered their vegetarian pizza, which turned out to be amazing too.
It had a great variety of toppings and a crispy crust, not to mention it was quite affordable for a 16" pie.
I was honestly surprised to have found them through a simple Google search.
Whenever I don't feel like having a full pizza, I often stop by Casa Pizza just for a quick slice.
They usually have a few options to choose from, like classic cheese or some special options like buffalo chicken.
Speaking of buffalo chicken, their buffalo chicken calzone is wicked good, and I urge every local to try it out.
Another thing that sets Casa Pizza apart from the rest is their chicken tenders.
Instead of using frozen tenders, they fry real pieces of chicken, which makes all the difference.
I highly recommend pairing them with some spicy fries.
Brasil On Ferry
As someone who loves trying out different Brazilian places, I recently had a great experience at Brasil On Ferry.
The place is cozy and gives off a homey vibe, perfect for a casual meal or takeout.
I wouldn't say it's ideal for a candlelight dinner or a fancy dine-in experience, but it's definitely worth a visit for the delicious food.
I ordered steak and onions, which was perfectly seasoned and mouthwatering, and their in-house flan was delightful.
All the food looked fresh and clean, and while it might not be the best I've ever had, I'm sure to go back when I'm in the area.
One of the highlights of my visit was finding one of my favorite childhood drinks there, which I hadn't had in years.
It brought back some great memories, and their brand was amazing.
While they didn't have all the items I was looking for, such as bacon-wrapped chicken and garlic sautéed shrimp, Paulo was very apologetic and managed to make up for it with wonderful customer service.
The atmosphere at Brasil On Ferry is decent, but I'd suggest opting for takeout if that's more your style.
I'm certainly looking forward to stopping in again next time I'm in town and trying more of their scrumptious, authentic Brazilian dishes.
And if you're lucky, you might even catch them during a celebration and score some free cake!
Mystic Station
I absolutely love going to Mystic Station in my neighborhood.
I've been there on several occasions, and each time, I have left feeling full and satisfied.
One of my favorite dishes to indulge in is their pulled pork grilled cheese, which is absolutely mouthwatering.
I also usually order a Caesar salad, as it's always fresh and crisp, and I never leave without having the brownie sundae for dessert.
I have also tried their burgers, and they're just as delicious and well-prepared as everything else on their menu.
Aside from the fantastic food, Mystic Station also offers a great selection of unique cocktails to choose from.
Their customer service is top-notch, and they truly care about their patrons' satisfaction.
Other Restaurants Nearby
Tukure Nepali Cuisine (Everett)
I recently discovered a hidden gem in my neighborhood – Tukure Nepali Cuisine.
This small eatery is tucked away at the back of a convenience store, and it's the perfect spot for some delicious and unusual Nepali dishes.
Most people opt for takeout, as the seating area is quite limited, accommodating only around 1-4 people.
It can get a bit crowded, and you might even find yourself competing with regulars for a table!
The food at Tukure is absolutely worth the visit.
I tried their steamed momos, which were fresh and supple, and my partner quite enjoyed them.
They taste even better with the included sauce.
The fried rice was amazing, with a perfectly balanced mix of seasonings and spices that left me more than satisfied.
I also tried the pork sadeko, which had a satisfying crunch and, when paired with the rice, made for a perfect combination of textures.
Mystique Asian Restaurant & Lounge (Everett)
I recently decided to take my family out for dinner, and we ended up t Mystique Asian Restaurant & Lounge.
We love the burger restaurant upstairs, but tonight we ventured into Japanese cuisine.
We ordered a variety of dishes, including salad, grilled chicken wings, wagyu beef dumplings, soft shell crab maki, tiger prawns, codfish, and assorted sushi.
The atmosphere was beautiful, and the service was more than attentive, making our experience enjoyable.
We tried some of the unique drinks they offer, like the Tiger Lily, which was a refreshing kiwi margarita, and the pineapple turnover shot.
My personal favorites were the tuna rice bites and the chicken wings.
Red 8 (Everret)
I recently decided to treat myself to a night out at Red 8, located within the Encore Boston Harbor casino.
The ambiance was impressive, with a glossy and upscale setting – definitely a great spot for a night out with friends or a special occasion.
I was lucky enough to be part of a group that had reserved a private room, which made the experience even more enjoyable.
As for the food, we ordered a variety of dishes, including Peking duck, lobsters, steamed fish, veggies, crabs, oysters, scallops, clams, and fried rice.
The cocktails were absolutely delicious.
I also loved the warm and welcoming vibe of the place.
Fioritaly Trattoria (Medford)
I have been meaning to try out Fioritaly Trattoria for a long time.
I finally had the opportunity to dine there recently, and I must say, the experience was fantastic!
The Italian food served at this small yet cozy restaurant exceeded my expectations.
I started off my meal with their fresh bread and truffle ricotta, which was incredibly delicious.
For the main course, I decided to try the lamb chops, and they were tender and flavorful, just as I had been told by fellow diners.
The basil tomato gnocchi I tried was not only scrumptious but also generously portioned.
I was so full after just one appetizer and one main course!
To end my meal on a sweet note, I indulged in their tiramisu, which was simply divine.
Semolina Kitchen & Bar (Medford)
I recently had the pleasure of dining at Semolina Kitchen & Bar in Medford, Massachusetts.
The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, with timber-clad walls and a romantic topiary dining area.
The natural light flooding the space really makes it feel open and bright.
I started off with an amazing Caesar salad, which paired beautifully with their incredible tuna salad.
The wood-fired pizzas and fresh pasta are to die for, especially when combined with their white wine sauce.
And don't even get me started on their cheesy bread – simply divine.
To make the experience even more enjoyable, they had episodes of the Great British Bake Off playing in the background, which added a charming touch to the evening.
Just remember to save room for dessert, like the heavenly bread pudding or their fun Jell-O shots.
Neighborhood Kitchen (Medford)
Just last week, I decided to give Neighborhood Kitchen a try after hearing so many good things about it from my friends.
I decided to order the crispy chicken sandwich with plantains, and it did not disappoint.
The chicken was flavorful, crispy, and spicy, just how I like it.
I also tried the salt and peppery shrimp, which was a perfect combination of crunchy shrimp with a kick of pepper.
It was truly a scrumptious meal that left me feeling satisfied.
Next time, I plan on trying their breakfast options, as I've heard great things about their chicken and waffles, especially the honey cornbread waffle with sweet BBQ tenders.
The unique waffle flavors, such as Asian sesame scallion waffle with Korean wings, have also caught my attention, and I can't wait to taste them.
Annie's Pizzeria (Malden)
As a frequent customer, I can easily say that Annie's Pizzeria has become my go-to spot for satisfying my pizza cravings.
Their website provides an easy way to order online and browse their extensive menu.
Although I've tried quite a few of their dishes, my absolute favorite has to be their chicken buffalo calzone.
The small size, priced at $13.99 plus tax, is more than enough to fill me up, and the taste is simply exquisite.
Apart from their calzones, I've also had the chance to indulge in their cheeseburger plates and cinnamon breadsticks.
Both dishes have been consistently delicious, making it hard for me to resist ordering from Annie's at least once a week!
Their delivery service is always quick, ensuring that I get to enjoy my meal while it's still hot and fresh.
Final Thoughts
The diverse range of restaurants offering mouth-watering dishes from all around the world has made it a pleasure to explore Malden's food scene.
From the irresistible pastries at Bikeeny Caffe to the comforting ramen at Zuru Zuru Ramen and Donburi, there's always something new and delicious to discover.
Malden truly has something for every palate and craving, making it an absolute food lover's paradise.
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