Macaluso's Italian Restaurant
Italian restaurant · Ruston ·

Macaluso's Italian Restaurant

Italian restaurant · Ruston ·

Handmade pastas, seafood, and cocktails in cozy setting

Macaluso's Italian Restaurant by null
Macaluso's Italian Restaurant by null
Macaluso's Italian Restaurant by null
Macaluso's Italian Restaurant by null
Macaluso's Italian Restaurant by null
Macaluso's Italian Restaurant by null
Macaluso's Italian Restaurant by null
Macaluso's Italian Restaurant by null
Macaluso's Italian Restaurant by null
Macaluso's Italian Restaurant by null
Macaluso's Italian Restaurant by null
Macaluso's Italian Restaurant by null
Macaluso's Italian Restaurant by null
Macaluso's Italian Restaurant by null
Macaluso's Italian Restaurant by null
Macaluso's Italian Restaurant by null
Macaluso's Italian Restaurant by null
Macaluso's Italian Restaurant by null
Macaluso's Italian Restaurant by null
Macaluso's Italian Restaurant by null
Macaluso's Italian Restaurant by null
Macaluso's Italian Restaurant by null
Macaluso's Italian Restaurant by null
Macaluso's Italian Restaurant by null
Macaluso's Italian Restaurant by null
Macaluso's Italian Restaurant by null
Macaluso's Italian Restaurant by null
Macaluso's Italian Restaurant by null
Macaluso's Italian Restaurant by null
Macaluso's Italian Restaurant by null
Macaluso's Italian Restaurant by null
Macaluso's Italian Restaurant by null
Macaluso's Italian Restaurant by null
Macaluso's Italian Restaurant by null
Macaluso's Italian Restaurant by null
Macaluso's Italian Restaurant by null
Macaluso's Italian Restaurant by null
Macaluso's Italian Restaurant by null
Macaluso's Italian Restaurant by null
Macaluso's Italian Restaurant by null
Macaluso's Italian Restaurant by null
Macaluso's Italian Restaurant by null
Macaluso's Italian Restaurant by null
Macaluso's Italian Restaurant by null

Information

5101 N Pearl St, Ruston, WA 98407 Get directions

$30–50

See Menu

Information

Static Map

5101 N Pearl St, Ruston, WA 98407 Get directions

+1 253 267 1340
macalusositalianrestaurant.com
@moremacalusos

$30–50 · Menu

Features

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reservations
wifi

Last updated

Dec 12, 2025

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@infatuation
132,566 Postcards · 3,230 Cities

The 13 Best Restaurants In Tacoma - Seattle - The Infatuation

"Out in Ruston, this trattoria is a perfect dinner stop after a day spent hanging out in nearby Point Defiance Park. Maculoso’s is an upscale-ish neighborhood Italian joint, with exposed brick and wine racks all over, that’s good for a date, a girl’s night, or a family dinner. Focus on the handmade pastas: It’s hard to pick a favorite, but we always go straight for the pappardelle with a meat sauce that’s loaded with perfectly tender beef, or the alfredo tagliatelle with chicken, sausage, and mushrooms. Seafood starters like vongole saltate and octopus carpaccio are both musts, and the osso buco and cioppino are lovely entrees, too. Just make sure you save enough space for the limoncello mascarpone cake and an espresso at the end." - meg van huygen

https://www.theinfatuation.com/seattle/guides/best-restaurants-tacoma
Macaluso's Italian Restaurant
@infatuation
132,566 Postcards · 3,230 Cities

Macaluso's Italian Restaurant - Review - Tacoma - Seattle - The Infatuation

"Out in Ruston, this trattoria is a perfect dinner stop after a day spent hanging out in nearby Point Defiance Park. Maculoso’s is an upscale-ish neighborhood Italian joint, with exposed brick and wine racks all over, that’s good for a date, a girl’s night, or a family dinner. Focus on the handmade pastas: It’s hard to pick a favorite, but we always go straight for the pappardelle with a meat sauce that’s loaded with perfectly tender beef, or the alfredo tagliatelle with chicken, sausage, and mushrooms. Seafood starters like vongole saltate and octopus carpaccio are both musts, and the osso buco and cioppino are lovely entrees, too. Just make sure you save enough space for the limoncello mascarpone cake and an espresso at the end." - Meg van Huygen

https://www.theinfatuation.com/seattle/reviews/macalusos-italian
Macaluso's Italian Restaurant
@infatuation
132,566 Postcards · 3,230 Cities

Where To Get A G&T And Give Back In Seattle

"This brick-lined Italian bistro in Ruston recently reopened for indoor dining. Don’t miss the steamer clams with a round of cocktails, or consider one of their hearty pastas or pizzas." - team infatuation

https://www.theinfatuation.com/seattle/guides/sponsored-botanist-tonic-seattle
Macaluso's Italian Restaurant
@postcardnews
20,018 Postcards · 1,278 Cities

Just up the hill from Point Defiance, this independently owned spot leans classic Italian—hand-rolled gnocchi, generous pastas, and a lively bar. Readers crowned it Best Italian in South Sound Magazine, reflecting strong local loyalty.

https://www.southsoundmag.com/bestofthesouthsound/best-of-the-south-sound-2024/article_5b5ea450-01c8-11ef-901e-abbe244a688d.html
Italian Restaurants in Tacoma (2025)
Macaluso's Italian Restaurant

Amanda I.

Google
I WISH I COULD GIVE MORE STARS!!✨ This is one of my favorite places! First, the food (omg) have quite literally never tasted a bad thing leave that kitchen. Please, please, please, get the focaccia WTH is in that? Tastes like magic (trust). Meatballs 🔥, Brussels 🔥, Cesar Salad 🔥, Pollo Marsala 🤤 like for real…. Now vegetarians do not worry they have you super covered. My boyfriend always gets the Eggplant Parm I’ve tried it and I would go vegetarian and only eat that forever 🤩 that would cost me so much money tho 😭. Ok staff, are you kidding me so fun and nice and accommodating. When we slack and forget to make a reservation (90%) of the time we just pop in the bar and take an empty table. It does not always pan out, but truly it usually does 😅. Megan is such a gem she sees my boyfriend and always knows that guy wants the eggplant so she checks to make sure the kitchen has it 💯. Thanks Megan 💕. It’s such a cute cozy space for dinner or whatever the heck you want get some apps get some drinks just vibe. Ok but not kidding get the focaccia (like seriously). 🥖 🫒 🧄

Casey G.

Google
My best friend and I met there for dinner. It was amazing! The warm lighting and the muffled noise from the kitchen was like donning my burgundy velvet jacket… just right. The food was delicious as well as the wine, but what I really want to talk about was the service. Taylor was our server and we were never left wanting, even though he didn’t hover. There was a cute curly haired kid with water and a sweet dark haired guy that grated cheese onto my halibut that was perfectly prepared. It’s a small, charming restaurant with great staff and delicious cuisine. I highly recommend it.

Jose V.

Google
Came here to celebrate our intimate wedding, and from the moment we walked in, it felt like visiting a friend’s home. They brought champagne to the bar while we waited for our table and snacked on arancini and focaccia. We shared several dishes between the four of us—Linguini Pescatore, Penne Arrabbiata, the 22oz Bone-in Ribeye, and the Short Rib special. Finished with Tiramisu and Limoncello Cake. Everything was delicious, and the service (shoutout to Tommy!) was warm and thoughtful. We’ll definitely be back!

Liam R.

Google
Called for a reservation the same day for my 20th wedding anniversary—around 1 p.m. for a 5 p.m. dinner—and they were able to accommodate us! We were seated right away in a cozy, private corner spot. The service was amazing—Anna was our server and she was absolutely fantastic. We started with a bottle of Sangiovese and the prosciutto arugula burrata appetizer. My wife had the Bolognese pasta, and we shared a half order of the squash gnocchi. I had the penne sausage and pancetta pasta—everything was outstanding. We enjoyed a second bottle of the same wine, and to our surprise, the staff brought us complimentary glasses of Prosecco for a toast to our 20 years of marriage. That thoughtful touch really made the night special. I cannot recommend this restaurant enough—for the food quality, service, ambiance, and overall flavor. As an Italian, it truly hits all the notes of a traditional family-style Italian restaurant, with the comforting flavors of your Nonna’s kitchen and the kind of service that’s rare to find these days. I deeply regret not coming here sooner—they’ve been open since 2018, and had I known about the quality of their food and hospitality, I would have been a regular by now. I’ll definitely be back once or twice a month from now on after seeing their true colors tonight. Thank you to the entire staff, service team, kitchen, and ownership for an amazing experience! Thanks for making our 20 year anniversary so memorable Liam and Sarah Riley

Steve M

Google
We were celebrating our 35th anniversary. Tommy our waiter made our evening. Great entertaining service. Oh and the food was spectacular also. They have a really good wine list we enjoyed a bottle of feather. I had the aso oco my wife had a special pasta dish both delicious

Willow S.

Google
Me and husband went there for our anniversary dinner just now and it was our first time. We didn't have a reservation, so we knew we were taking a chance. We got there and Jess saw us and she got us seats at the bar right away. She and S the bartender took great care of us. So much fun to chat with and dine with. My husband got the spaghetti 🍝 and meatballs. I got the pesto gnocchi. Soooo...amazing. We also got some Italian bread 🥖 with oil and balsamic vinegar. Soo....delicious 😋 too. We're very grateful for them because they let us come in and treated us like we were VIPs. Made our anniversary dinner absolutely perfect. Thank you, thank you. See you next time. ❤️❤️❤️

Punch L.

Google
Excellent service. The food was so good. From the appetizers to the main course to the dessert, I was very impressed. The tables are a tad too close together in my opinion, and honestly the prices were too high. With only street parking available you may find yourself driving around for a bit trying to find a spot. Dust off your parallel parking skills! For a splurge from time to time, I'd say it was worth it.

Melonie M.

Google
What a wonderful dining experience! All at the table if 5 are Italian but 1 and we were all impressed with the food, atmosphere and the staff. One of the things that really impressed us was how we weren't rushed, we like to eat, drink n linger to visit just like we were raised! The one non- Italian, an official for the Teamsters, is the person who recommended your establishment and we will definitely pass along the recommendation to others. We look forward to bringing guests next time to enjoy your wonderful restaurant!!! Shout out to Max, our waiter. He was wonderful. Very knowledgeable and helpful in explaining the menu. He set the tone and with his help, we had a wonderful dining experience!!! Thank you!
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Anna W.

Yelp
Dining at Macaluso's was an experience--but dining with Chase as our waiter? That was a cinematic masterpiece. From the moment we were seated, Chase approached the table with the poise of a man who's about to offer you either fresh cracked pepper or a million-dollar business deal. He's kind, he's knowledgeable, and honestly? I would trust him to negotiate peace talks between rival pasta factions. Every wine pairing? Perfect. Every menu question? Answered with the calm confidence of someone who probably moonlights as a sommelier-spy. Charm? Off the charts. My family smiled more at Chase than at me, and I can't even be mad about it--he deserves it (Even if we were there to celebrate MY birthday). Bottom line: If you're lucky enough to get Chase as your server, buckle up. You're not just having dinner. You're having a Chase Experience™. And it pairs excellently with the gelato.
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Elizabeth A.

Yelp
This was our second time here. Our first time we ate on the rail in the bar and had delicious food and libations. The servers were wonderful and we met the owner, and she was delightful. This time we had wonderful service, thank you Anna! The Malfade 'beau'lognese was delicious. I had been craving really good Italian seafood and was so disappointed. The Pescatore was gritty and served luke warm and smelled fishy. They remade the dish and the scallops were not fresh and sweet, and were past their freshness and foul. We were greeted by the other owner and was offered a free dessert. That's nice. Still craving delicious Italian seafood we went to Toscano's the following evening and ate alfresco and yes, the mountain was out.

Garrett L.

Yelp
We've been a couple times now, and while the service each time has been great - the wait staff are so friendly & attentive - the food and drinks have been consistently subpar. The pasta was fine but overpriced, and the pizza would've fit in nicely at Pizza Hut. I appreciate the variety of dishes, but we havent had anything yet that justifies returning.
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Gabriele E.

Yelp
Such an amazing little gem we found! It is a wonderful place for a date night. They do not have a kids menu, so if you have a picky young eater, this is not the place for them. Everything was absolutely delicious and the service was amazing! They even gave us a tiny taste of the gelato as we were too full for full size dessert. My only hang up is that the chicken piccata was a tad too salty for me. I love salt in my food but even for me it was a bit too much. Hoping that was just an off night for them and the piccata. We will be coming back sans child!

Sarah R.

Yelp
Called for a reservation the same day for my 20th wedding anniversary--around 1 p.m. for a 5 p.m. dinner--and they were able to accommodate us! We were seated right away in a cozy, private corner spot. The service was amazing--Anna was our server and she was absolutely fantastic. We started with a bottle of Sangiovese and the prosciutto arugula burrata appetizer. My wife had the Bolognese pasta, and we shared a half order of the squash gnocchi. I had the penne sausage and pancetta pasta--everything was outstanding. We enjoyed a second bottle of the same wine, and to our surprise, the staff brought us complimentary glasses of Prosecco for a toast to our 20 years of marriage. That thoughtful touch really made the night special. I cannot recommend this restaurant enough--for the food quality, service, ambiance, and overall flavor. As an Italian, it truly hits all the notes of a traditional family-style Italian restaurant, with the comforting flavors of your Nonna's kitchen and the kind of service that's rare to find these days. I deeply regret not coming here sooner--they've been open since 2018, and had I known about the quality of their food and hospitality, I would have been a regular by now. I'll definitely be back once or twice a month from now on after seeing their true colors tonight. Thank you to the entire staff, service team, kitchen, and ownership for an amazing experience! Thanks for making our 20 year anniversary so memorable Liam and Sarah Riley
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H B.

Yelp
Tight seating . This was our first visit . The bread and calamari were better than the main course. Service was great. The portion of the main course was great , but pretty average taste . The seafood meal was the best out of our order . My chicken meal was over cooked , the sauce lacked flavor .
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Chanthon K.

Yelp
We decided to try the place because we drive passes it every weekend. It's only opened for dinner and I would make reservations since the place is small. The food is a good portion for the price. The bread is delicious. The appetizers are good and we ordered the seafood fettuccine, prosciutto pizza, and Alfredo Macaluso. Everything is good.

Hanna K.

Yelp
Their seafood was so fresh and i was surprised by their portion size. The service and the vibe was great. Their house foccacia bread is honestly a bit salty for my personal taste but it is fresh and delicious. From drink to apps to pasta- i would absolutely come back. For dinner, esp on weekend, you'll definitely need a reservation!
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Jae L.

Yelp
The aglio was pretty good but could get tiresome due to the oil but that may be just a preference thing The gnocchi was really good I really liked how tender the chicken was that I put as an add on. Service was really prompt and checked in a good amount of times to see whether we have enough water The ambiance was nice as well the smallness of the room allowed conversations to lull into like a dull crowd. And the jazz music overhead made it sound really good
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Rosa S.

Yelp
Absolutely the best service I have ever received. The food was so delicious. The starters or appetizers were pretty large sized as we were a party of 3 and had plenty to go around. We all got full of the appetizers. The main course meal was absolutely the best Italian I've had. Don't forget to order a cocktail! Also- the restaurant is kid friendly and has a changing table which is amazing.
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Molly B.

Yelp
Delicious food and cocktails. Really nice servers. My only complaint is that the past few times I've gone the servers have rushed me through my meal. After taking a few bites, they come up and ask me for a box. It's embarrassing! Other than that, I love this spot.

Erin C.

Yelp
Food was wonderful, our server was terrible. As soon as she came to our table, she was cold and distant - you could tell she didn't think we'd be "big ticket" enough to be worth her time. She never checked in to see if we'd like another drink, despite being there a long time, audibly sighed when we said that we'd like to see the dessert menu, and just avoided our table like the plague. Saw plenty of other servers who were pleasant and engaged, so not sure what her problem was. We're always pleasant, and always tip well, so this felt really bad. It was a special occasion that felt awful because we were apparently not worth good service.
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LG W.

Yelp
This is a solid restaurant where the seafood linguine was made with freshest mussels I have ever eaten. The wine was well recommended and we truly enjoyed our experience here, planning to return again when in the area. We found this restaurant using yelp and the reviews were accurate. This is a very small place, so reseve well in advance, only complaint was the server was overly busy. We felt kind of bad for her, although she did a decent job considering.
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Jay D.

Yelp
Overall, our dining experience at Macaluso's was wonderful and made all the better by meeting owner, James Macaluso who was very gracious and attentive. I wholeheartedly recommend Macaluso's and will return. In advance of offering my thoughts allow me to present my bone fides. I was trained at Le Cordon Bleu, London, England, and served at respected restaurants in both Beverly Hills and New York City. Front-of-House Service My partner ordered a Lavender Kiss and I ordered a glass of Pinot Noir. The wine was served relatively promptly but the Lavender Kiss was served sometime later and offered with an apology for an overload at the bar. According to she-who-must-be-obeyed, the Lavender Kiss was tasty and a strong pour. My Pinot was well appreciated by this pilgrim. Would you prefer those drinks be served at same time versus leaving the lady to wait? This patron would. I prefer plates be removed at same time versus leaving one with a bare table, especially when the other patron has but one last bite on their plate. Your view? I prefer main dishes be served at same time and once the preceding course has been eaten and plates cleared. What say you? Kitchen Food and plating are important to me. The shared Prosciutto and Burrata plate served with crostini was delightful and my only comment was the plating. The very flavorful Prosciutto outnumbered the crostini. I immediately chuckled as I thought about the disparity between packaged hot dogs and hot dog buns. My partner ordered the Linguine Pescatore that was both yummy and well plated. I studied menu in advance of our arrival and had it firmly in mind that I would order Osso Buco. Allow me to extend my compliments to chef on a wonderful dish that was, to me only, let down by the plating. There were so many potatoes and vegetables in addition to veal shank that the edge of plate could not be seen. I was informed in advance by friends and relatives who recommended Macaluso's that portions were more than generous. Whilst I appreciate value for money offered at Macaluso's, might backing off portion size just a wee bit create perfect harmony between wonderfully prepared dishes and plating? My partner and I wholeheartedly recommend Macaluso's, will return and offer what to most will appear to be overly niggly comments offered solely in the service of Macaluso's contemplating if any comments might add to their wonderful establishment's offering.

Shirley P.

Yelp
Service is amazing! Food always on point. The only italian restaurant we frequent. The atmosphere is also nice, can get a little noisy, but very quaint. Love this place!!
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Geo G.

Yelp
The food here is great. The staff is wonderful. You need to be careful with the Sommelier . Review the wine menu and get what you want.
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Emma T.

Yelp
It's no wonder that this place is #1 in Washington for Italian food- it's a must have! From the well-trained staff, to the detailed menu, we will be back! Everything is made from scratch, even the bread! Tip: make SURE you have a reservation. This place is packed, especially on the weekends.

Kristen L.

Yelp
We had first been to Macaluso's a year ago and thought the bolognese was so good that we came back for it for our family birthday again. We were a party of five at 5:00 and we were immediately seated at the largest table in the middle of the room. We had a reservation. Someone brought us water and menus and then it was like we slipped into another dimension and became invisible. Wait staff was walking back and forth past us but no one ever stopped. There was an older gentleman who was going from table to table asking how everything was, but he didn't come to our table. Finally, at 5:25 a manager came out and apologized saying our server had gotten too busy and took our drink orders. Drinks came out and then we were ignored again long enough for all of us to finish our drinks. A woman came then and took our food orders. Food arrived after a long wait and was cold. Ordered dessert, and then dessert and checks were brought out. Finished dessert and waited another 20 minutes for someone to collect the credit cards. We split the bill two ways so nothing crazy. I'm stymied. Everyone in the place seemed to get great service but us. It was busy but the wait staff did not seem overwhelmed. I don't know what happened. I'm hoping this was just a bad night and we will probably try them again. My 81 year old father lived in Italy as a youth and really loves the bolognese here!
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Lindsey B.

Yelp
My friend and I went here midweek and it was crowded! I was glad we made a reservation. We started off with the focaccia bread and marinara, as well as the arancini. Both were very good, and definitely do not skip the marinara with the bread. We shared a Caesar which was also super good, and got the Alfredo for our entree - 10/10! Highly recommend. Our server was very friendly and the spot itself is super cute, and in a fun neighborhood.
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Loredana H.

Yelp
Spectacular food, excellent service, and the ambiance is amazing. Friendly staff. Had the Alfredo and Ravioli. It was awesome.

Michele C.

Yelp
It pains me to write this review. Macaluso's was my favorite Tacoma restaurant. We don't eat out often, so it is a real treat when we do. Tonight was not such an experience; instead, it was very disappointing. My daughter and I were craving the gnocchi - a dish that we typically order at Macaluso's. It came out very quickly, which was odd. As soon as I tasted it, I understood why. The gnocchi had to have been microwaved, instead of gently sauteed. The pasta was stiff, dense and extremely chewy. Even the red sauce on it had the dry consistency of being nuked. The dish was barely edible and I so wish I had sent it back (priced at $30). I've never been served food this bad at Macaluso's. I wonder if they've had turnover in their kitchen. In any case, it will be quite a while before I make another reservation. In this economy, I can't afford to waste valuable money and time at restaurants that do not prepare and serve food with the care that loyal customers expect.

Gina C.

Yelp
Food, table service, and ambiance were very good. We did make reservations and after finishing our dessert a manager came up and told us that he apologized but needed our table for other guests. It was a busy Sunday night and I think more often than not reservations are required. We were at our table for 2 hours. We promptly left. I have never been asked to leave a restaurant based on a time limit. There were 4 of us and we just spent a sizable amount. Sadly this was my first time here and it is doubtful I will ever go back.
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Marilyn H.

Yelp
We were seated in the bar in an adorable alcove. Everything about our meal was fabulous. The food was sublime, the atmosphere made us feel like we were at Sunday dinner in an Italian families home. The bartender and servers (Jessica) were super friendly, helpful and spot on with their recommendations and service. This is Tacoma's best Italian restaurant in every way.

Rebekah G.

Yelp
We did not have a good experience with Macaluso's and we never even got to eat there! I called to make a reservation for a Friday a few weeks ago, and it was taken by a lovely hostess. However, when I called a few days later to see about moving the reservation to Saturday, the hostess very curtly stated that she had no record of my name, phone number, or having a reservation. I tried to ask a few follow up questions but she interrupted me every time restating that she had nothing down for my name/number. She ended up interrupting me again to put my reservation down for the Saturday. My fiancé was not happy with the way I was treated, and called to speak to the manager and cancel our reservation a few days later. The manager seemed nice and apologetic on the phone, but when they went to hang up my fiancé heard the manager ask "what the f*** was that about?" in a judgmental tone. I don't think he realized my fiancé could still hear him. We're very disappointed with the service there and certainly will not try to dine here again.
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Lisa C.

Yelp
I hesitate to rate 5 star based on only one visit, but we just happened upon Macaluso's when passing through town and it greatly exceeded our expectations. This is an unpretentious neighborhood trattoria with a superior menu, subtle and delicate flavors, and outstanding presentation. Mr. Crankypants had the special which was a house made sausage and pasta dish, while I enjoyed the prawns with garlic and olive oil. My Pinot Grigio by the glass complemented the dish perfectly. Portions were generous with enough to take home for a light lunch the following day. Prices are really more in the fine dining range-- we passed on the $19 apple pie--but I've certainly spent more for less elsewhere. This would be a great spot to impress a first or second date.
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Randie H.

Yelp
Service was outstanding, we had Kyle Food was excellent, we had chicken Marsala and Spaghetti and meatballs. We been looking for a good Italian restaurant for long time, finally found one!
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Deb L.

Yelp
The caprese was delicious. Had the eggplant Parmesan and traditional lasagna. Both were pretty good, not knock us off our feet, though. Had to sit outside on the sidewalk with the noisy traffic as that was the only bar table left. I was hoping for the ambiance as part of the evening, as it was a last minute birthday celebration, but reservations already full. Waiters were great.
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Noelle M.

Yelp
Great food. Soo disappointed w service tonight. Sat in bar. Our waitress was saturated with her "homies" Had to ask for EVERYTHING. I am a huge tipper and they missed out.
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April N.

Yelp
Craving Italian and have drive pass this place many times, we decided to try. So fresh and flavorful, there's nothing like in Puyallup, so it was worth the drive. The seating is very intimate in this smaller space. Easier to have conversation and hear the host and feel more at home. Both our dishes were delicious. Highly recommend the pasta with the red sauce!!! Forgot the name of it though

Yelizaveta G.

Yelp
Brunch was soo good! Definitely will be coming back. So excited! Ceasar salad is the best with warm prawns and crab egg Benedict with potatoes and fruit was amazing. Atmosphere cozy and relaxing.
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Ally P.

Yelp
Ambiance: Open room with about 16 tables. There is outdoor seating. Cute and casual, but can feel elevated if you want it too. Service: Excellent service. Our male waiter was fantastic. He gave on point wine and food recommendations. Food: I had the chicken piccata- a classic that they do very well. My Mom had the halibut piccata special and my dad had their spicy sausage rigatoni dish which was very spicy but he enjoyed it. Overall a great Italian restaurant in Tacoma - just what Tacoma needs :)

Felipe P.

Yelp
Great food, great service, intimate atmosphere. Easy to fill up on delicious appetizers. Pace yourself or share before the main event!
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Paul M.

Yelp
Was in the mood for Italian food and didn't want to drive to Seattle for our usual spot. Called last minute and got a reservation for two right when they opened at 4pm. Interior is nicely decorated and service was very attentive. Ordered the Arancini for the appetizer and some warm focaccia bread. Both were delicious. I ordered the seafood linguine and wifey got the clam linguine. Both were delicious with homemade pasta cooked perfectly al dente. Great seasonings with rich flavors. Definitely a great local option for Italian food. Not as good as our Seattle spot but MUCH closer!
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Elijah W.

Yelp
In a nice area of town and one of the few Italian options in Tacoma. The service was good and the food was better than average.

Candace G.

Yelp
We had a great experience at Macaluso's in Tacoma. Arrived early and enjoyed cocktails at the bar (delicious!). Were called into the dining area for seating by a gracious hostess who answered all of our questions. Both service & food were excellent. We'll definitely return for another visit.
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Lauren S.

Yelp
I went to Macaluso's a little while back for my birthday dinner. I've passed the restaurant for years while in the Ruston area, so I'm so glad I finally got to try it! Ambiance here is on point. It's perfect for an intimate date night, girl's night, or if you're out with family. We started with the arancini balls which were delicious. Cooked perfectly with just the right amount of cheese, and the marinara sauce paired with it was great. For my entree I got the Carbonara with prawns added. Hands down the best Carbonara I've tried - the perfect amount of creamy sauce, noodles cooked perfectly, and the prawns were a yummy addition. Our waiter was attentive all night and even brought complimentary dessert after hearing it was my birthday. Nice touch! I'll definitely return to try more of the menu!
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Elizabeth A.

Yelp
Laura, (owner) is so lovely and has assembled a wonderful crew. We were shopping the Pearl District for small business Saturday and asked the locals where to go and two different shops owners suggested Macaluso's! That was a wonderful recommendation. We ate at the rail in the bar. Jami and S were great servers. Both the restaurant and bar were packed. Please make a reservation. The service and food are ***** FIVE STARS!

Rhonda C.

Yelp
Was really wanting to Love this restaurant. When I made the reservation they asked me if I was celebrating anything and I was (Anniversary), well they did nothing special for us which was a disappointment. The server was great!!! The appetizers were delicious. The focaccia bread was a little salty. The pasta dishes were a disappointment. The carbonara was very Smokey and had too much pancetta in it. The Alfredo Macaluso was not creamy like Alfredo sauce and it had too much garlic and the chicken was dry. I did return my dish and got the Gnocchi which was good however the sauce a little spicy. Got the tiramisu for dessert which was a little dry needed more creamy goodness. The Ambiance was great as well.

John B.

Yelp
I took my wife out to dinner here last night for her birthday. This was my second visit to this restaurant. My first was on Father's Day with my daughter, and it was brunch on a Sunday. This first time the food was good and the service was exceptional. So thought I would good place to have my wife birthday dinner. Macaluso did not disappoint. My wife had the OSSO Bucco, which was seasoned perfectly and the meat was very tender. I had the Alfredo Macaluso. This was the most delicious pasta dish I have ever had. Besides the food being over the top with both taste and portions, the services were excellent. Our waiter was willing to answer our questions; he checked on us regularly, and he never rushed us with ordering or our meal. Our waiter separated our leftovers into individual boxes, labeled them with the restaurant's name, and labeled each box with the contents. If you're searching for a small, quaint restaurant with excellent food and exceptional service. This is where you should explore. We will be going back soon.
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Andrew F.

Yelp
My girlfriend and I were incredibly lucky to walk into this beautiful restaurant in Ruston and be seated quickly as walk-ins, thanks to the amazing hostess. Hands down, service was the highlight of the night--not just the hostess, but everyone who waited on us was incredibly friendly, funny, or polite. The restaurant had a lot of great character. The food and drinks, on the other hand, were underwhelming. Let's start with the drinks: if you've seen my reviews, you know I always try every Old Fashioned I possibly can. Those who share the same love know that Old Fashioneds are supposed to come with a beautiful block of ice that helps keep the cocktail in form. Instead, it came with chips of ice that melted within a couple of minutes, diluting my drink. My gorgeous girlfriend ordered the passion fruit margarita, which she thoroughly enjoyed. I wish I had taken a picture of the Brussels sprouts and focaccia bread. Both were the stars of the food items we ordered. The bread was fresh, and the Brussels sprouts were perfectly crisp, although the Gorgonzola slightly overwhelmed the dish. The pasta was a little bland but tasted fresh, and the pizza was incredibly salty with a non-existent undercarriage. For the price point, you want a little more consistency from the kitchen. This isn't a one-and-done for me; I'm coming back because I know this establishment has a higher ceiling than what hit my table.
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Anna G.

Yelp
The food was decently priced for the portions. The cocktails definitely gave you your moneys worth! The food had good flavor, but everyone in the party got sick after dinner. I'm not sure what caused us to all get sick. It might have been something bad or it may have just been too rich for our systems. I did not know we needed a reservation since we are not local to Tacoma so I was thankful there was space in the bar. The restaurant and bar are very small (family owned) so make a reservation or make sure you arrive when they open so you can eat in the bar!

Remus T.

Yelp
Fantastic food, good vibes. Brought my wife here on a date. Would definitely recommend!
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Kalina S.

Yelp
The service here is incredible! Our server Evan was very charming and accommodating. The restaurant has a cozy / romantic vibe and the food was pretty good and reasonably priced. If I were being extremely nit picky I'd suggest less spice in the crab pasta special (the heat made it difficult to taste the other flavors except artichoke), and adding some carrots, cream, or other flavor to the bolognese (it was a little dry / boring). It's a small restaurant so definitely get a reservation.
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Gage G.

Yelp
Wow wow wow ! My wife and I came here on a Tuesday for date night and we were not disappointed! Every staff member we interacted with went above and beyond to make our evening special. From grating Parmesan to refilling drinks and even packaging up food to go - so amazing! I had the focaccia bread and the Big Max pizza and my wife had the Casa Salad and Vegan/Dairy Free lasagna. I almost ordered the pizza AND a pasta dish because I couldn't make up my mind. We will for sure be back so that I can try other menu items! Also, not pictured are our cocktails. I had The Don (Manhattan) and she had The Sofia Loren (gin).
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Girliegirl H.

Yelp
Weird entrance where you are surrounded by dirty black curtains separating you from the tables and no lobby or area to wait. NO bread service. Waited 30 minutes for one side Caesar salad and (under fried) calamari then our mains came out a minute later? Server took the mains away so we could enjoy the apps first but when my carbonara was delivered later it was cold. Pasta overwhelmed by too much salty pancetta. Too expensive....$16 for a 2" square of tiramisu for dessert. Hard wood chairs and dirty fork....Underwhelming service. 1.5 hours later we finally got to leave . First and last time going there.
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Cassandra S.

Yelp
My partner said the lasagna was the best he has ever had. My very pesto tagliatelle with a bit of chicken was pretty good. Have to agree with Girliegirl H. that the tiny entrance area walled off with black curtains and absolutely no place to wait, or even for another party to come in out of the rain, is awkward. Admittedly, the restaurant is quite small, one room (seating a bit crowded) and I imagine that given the building and location any expansion is out of the question. The prices were firmly on the high side, but my man still wants to return for the lasagna. I would go back and just order gelato, which is not plentiful in Tacoma. Oh the lovely gelato shops I left behind in Eugene!

Karren Z.

Yelp
Delicious food, great service! Highly recommend for a special occasion or a romantic dinner date!
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Marney H.

Yelp
Wow! I say again, Wow! Spectacular food and even more spectacular service! From the moment you enter and meet the hostess, you know you are going to experience something special! We were a group of 6 women who started a "Fancy Dinner Night" group where we pick a new (to us) restaurant, dress up, and go out for a ladies' night. This was our first month of the new tradition, and the bar has been set high for future events! I came across Macaluso's on Yelp and read all the great reviews, so we decided to give it a try! It did not disappoint! They have an incredible sommelier, James, who helped guide us to the perfect wine for our dinner. He shared with us his expert knowledge and truly has a talent. It was an absolute pleasure to talk with James throughout the evening as he stopped by from time to time to check in and even graced us with a sample of a splendid wine from a Lake Chelan Vinyard. Our server, Jack, was exceptional as well! You can tell he has a passion for food and loves what he does. He was excellent at providing us with useful information to guide us through the menu of delicious options! Everyone was incredibly pleased with their choice! Jack was personable and knowledgeable, which made the dining experience even better! I highly recommend coming here for your future dining experience! Definitely call ahead and make reservations! I'm so glad we did! Here are just a couple of pictures I took. I had the chicken Marsala, which was amazing! Two of my friends got the Costata Di Malle (pork chop), and I finished off the meal with a Limocello flute. All the food was delicious!
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Wennie H.

Yelp
We stopped in to grab dinner and sat at the bar which is a few steps away from the actual restaurant. The restaurant was packed and we didn't have a reservation. Partner ordered the shrimp pasta and added clams, I opted for the caprese and meatballs. The pasta was fine, nothing special to be honest. The shrimp felt like or was frozen, the clams were good. The caprese was probably my favorite dish, it was fresh and had a good amount of balsamic and pesto drizzle. The meatballs were very fennel forward and had a good bite to them. Service is super friendly, she checked in on us often, asked clarifying questions, etc. Would say ambiance is okay since we dined outside, we heard the noise of the street, I think had we dined inside it would have been fine since no one was eating in the bar. Unfortunately, there was flies flying around inside which was why we opted to sit outside. The prices were a bit steep, which is understandable for the type of restaurant but not sure it was justifiable given the quality. Service was 5/5.