Food was quite good but really disappointed in how rushed we were. We specifically asked them not to fire our main course until we told them to. We had been there for 45 minutes and already had knocked out 2 courses so we were running well ahead of the 2 hours to get out window that we were forewarned about when making and confirming reservations. For $200 for a party of two I would expect that our request regarding food would be granted (or at least for the server to be apologetic when showing up with the food before our request to fire it). It's a bummer I won't be going back because the food was good...
(2)
Jonathan S.
3-types of bruschette and sweetbreads were the appetizers. Wood Grilled Lamb, White Corn Polenta, Zucchini, Tzatziki Sauce for the entree. Butterscotch Budino for dessert. I will happily return to this fine establishment. The food was spectacular and the service was top notch. We had a great experience.
(4)
Beth K.
The food here is so fresh and delicious!
(5)
Rick R.
My fiance has been to Alba in the past, but this was my first visit. We arrived early for our reservation, so we decided to sit at the bar while our table was prepared. We both enjoyed a glass of sparkling wine, with my fiance having the Prosecco and for me, the Lambrusco. Both were refreshing and a good pour for the $8 per glass tab. Front of house and bar staff were extremely nice and and attentive. They always had a smile on their face when looking our direction. As our reservation time neared we were escorted to our table by, I believe, Anna. Also very nice and smiling. Shortly after being seated our waitress stopped by for our drink orders. As we had just had those large glasses of wine we passed on drinks for dinner. We were pretty hungry and knew what we wanted so we ordered right away. First out was the bruschette. We opted for 3 pieces: Wood Grilled Pancetta, Cipollini Onion Butter; Smashed Avocado, Grilled Onions; Romesco Sauce, Pickled Ramps. All three were good. Next out was the Mozzarella Burrata from Caseificio Gioia, Bruschetta, Sea Salt, Sicilian Olive Oil. I cannot express in words how incredible this was. I'll happily admit this was potentially the best plate I've ever had. The flavor of the mozzarella, sea salt and olive oil were a stunning explosion of flavor in my mouth. Truly phenomenal! This is an absolute must have! It's worth a 1 hour drive or more if only for this and a drink! Shortly after clearing the plates our entrees arrived. My fiance had the Roasted Cod and Fresh Shrimp, Olive Whipped Chick Pea Puree, Tomato-Chili Broth. It was good, but not great. It was a bit bland, and the portion size was not reflective of the cost. I chose the Wood Grilled Pennsylvania Trout, Hazelnut Brown Butter, Escarole & Blueberries. The portion size was huge, with two filets, making it well worth the cost. However, I have to say, again, that it was good, not great. The escarole, hazlenut and blueberry bed was very enjoyable. Living with a chef I'm able to enjoy these types of meals at home, so I do have high standards. Those standards, though, are not unreasonable and have been surpassed during many other dining experiences. Lastly, our server, whose name escapes me at the moment, came off as somewhat rude. I'm not sure if it was a bad night for her or she assumed because we are young we don't tip well? Whatever the case, this left a bit of a sour taste in our mouths. She received 20%, but no more. Had she been a bit more friendly and smiled more, that tip would have been better. All in all it was a decent dining experience. We will be back, but may just visit the bar for some drinks and apps. The mussels and burgers looked and smelled great. Here's to hoping.
(3)
Nick M.
Oh man everything we ate here tonight was fantastic. We started with the bruschette (fig & gorgonzola, pancetta, and the pepper puree) HIGHLY recommend. Then we also had buffalo mozz and one of the flatbreads - both exquisite. For secondi piatti we had the wild boar ragu (great, but the lesser of them all) and we had the special boneless rib eye .. it was fantastic. I'll definitely be back - one of the best meals I've had out here. The place was well and warmly decorated with an open window to the wood fire grill (a lot of their better items are cooked this way). And towards the back they had a full bar that wasn't too crowded. Great place.
(5)
Katie B.
Still fantastic & still my favorite Main Line restaurant. They just switched to their Spring menu- try the chicken gauzette! Request Anisa, she's the best!!
(5)
Lydia B.
The house made burrata with grilled bread is best around. The restaurant was almost full on a Tuesday night which proves great food and ambience. My husband had to squab and sausage with hand cut pasta Ragu and it was delicious. I had the delicious salmon with smashed avocado and grilled onions. not only was it low-carb but it was delicious. I did not feel like I was cheating myself. I look forward to going back. I do wish they would add a California Chardonnay to the menu.
(4)
Owen O.
Situated in the heart of Malvern, steps from its small train station, Alba is a true gem. Offering a changing seasonal menu with some permanent crowd favorites, the food at Alba is a real treat. Being that I've only dined at Alba on two occasions (Fall and Summer) I have yet to see the full variety in its selection. However, on those two occasions I did manage to sample quite a bit of their offerings and was not left disappointed. Alba caters to a large audience, with dishes that are exotic to home favorites. The full bar offers a variety of house drinks, and it's own small menu of bar snacks sure to please the casual diners. I must say, the strongly recommended "Citriolo" sure hit the spot on the hot summer day sitting on their pleasant small patio out back. I fully recommend Alba to anyone passing by, or to residents new and old in the area.
(5)
Kim N.
Great ambiance. The wine list is scant and expensive but the food is very good. Service was top notch. We will definitely be back.
(4)
Jacqui I.
Soooo awesome!!! I had the trout... Perfectly prepared... With the beer salad... Lovely blend of flavors... Hubby had the roast pig & grilled octopus appetizer. Service attentive. Tiny bit too loud for me in dining room. A really memorable evening!!!
(4)
Kristen G.
Boat ragu papadelle is very good. You can tell it's homemade. Really hit spot. I'm sitting at bar as I'm here by myself on a work trip
(5)
Michael B.
The absolute best restaurant in chester county. The food is fresh, unique, and perfectly prepared. I had the 14 oz ribeye which was seared to perfection and melted in my mouth. The atmosphere is so relaxing and a great way to spend a couple hours with friends.
(5)
Dan R.
The owner of this establishment is an ass. I had to cancel a reservation due to a family emergency. The lady who took the call initially was nice and understanding. HOWEVER, the owner actually had the nerve to CALL ME BACK and attempt to berate me for canceling. Really?? What a loser. The one time I did eat there, I had the boar ragu and it was watery. OVERRATED.
(1)
Molly R.
Amazing food !!! Ricotta and roasted figs small plate was unreal!!! Excellent service. Lovely ambiance
(5)
Scott K.
The service is excellent. The food is unfortunately boring, overpriced and almost tapas sized. The good thing about the limited portion size is you don't have to consume so much of the boring food. By boring I don't mean the food lacked taste, there was plenty of salt to go around. A $40+ meal for one without any drinks is not that expensive for the area but that money can buy you a much better meal elsewhere.
(2)
Andy C.
I came here cause my family wanted to treat me to a birthday dinner. The food here is phenomenal. The octopus appitizer is amazing and tendor the steak special i had was a perfect mid rare. The service was great over all I recommend eating here. The chef uses local ingredients and I think it's farm to table here. Over all good job to the chefs
(5)
Don H.
Florina was our waitress. I am normally an annoyance to wait staff, or they just ignore my requests. Florina (I called her Joy), really paid attention and with a smile. Everyone loved their food. I was a little worried that I wouldn't find anything on the menu.... But I had the rib eye with potatoes. The language on the menu might scare away a steak lover.... But it was awesome. Have no fear. If you haven't been.... Put it on the schedule. If you aren't familiar with Malvern.... Have a pre-dinner drink one block away at The Flying Pig. Solid.
(5)
Jane S.
I've been a fan since they opened. Lunch this Wednesday was equal to past visits. The dining room is decorated in earth tones, rustic wood shutters block the hot sun. View of the kitchen is nice. Bob Dylan and Motown music seemed a little loud in the empty dining room, but once another table arrived, seemed perfect. I was able to hear enough of their conversation to be warned of the effects of sunchokes, though I had already enjoyed the antipasto of crispy sunchokes. Mom had the leafy green salad, it was beautiful, perfectly dressed with a delicious vinaigrette. Love the watermelon radishes so thinly sliced and the fresh herbs made it special. We both had the gnocchi with morels and spring vegetable ragout. The gnocchi were perfectly fluffy pillows in delicious green sauce that sang of spring with peas, asparagus and morels. Just a side note on pillows, the table's underside has a fluffy batting that always startles me, but I guess it is better than feeling rough wood. We were pleasantly satisfied with little room for dessert, so we shared a dip of gelato. Just the right thing to complete a delicious meal. I did experience quite a bit of belly discomfort after the meal. Recalling the comments from the other table I Googled sunchokes and found they are aptly nicknamed "fartichokes". I ate 3/4, Mom had just 1 and felt fine. Unfortunately sunchokes are not for me, but they were really good.
(4)
Lindsay D.
Most of the evening was great. I mistakenly ordered the rabbit pasta dish. The food itself was delicious. The presentation was not. One small bowl appeared. No under plate...nothing of color...not even a parsley flake...just a small cereal bowl of rabbit pasta in a brodo...delicious but I was left feeling like I hadn't had enough to eat...would have been nice to have a slice of bread..or some thing else...definitely need to work on the presentation here.
(2)
Will M.
Six hungry and tired Californians were in town for some company meetings. At the end of the day, we were getting suggestions on the best dives to find a good Philly cheese steak sandwich. But the boss steps in and says, "I don't want you in some dive, we're going to Alba." And thank God, we all agreed it was one of the best meals we've ever had. We step first into the newly added bar, and the bartender offered samples of Montepulciano D'Abbruzo Doc, a young, medium bodied Italian wine which was great to sip and went well with food. I also sipped a sample of one of their beers on tap, a plum noir IPA. A great start to a great night. This is a relaxing, colorful, rustic, beautiful restaurant - perfect for a special night out. Everyone's blood pressure dropped slightly as if we were entering a country restaurant in northern Italy. Everything was first rate: the food, the service, the bar, the and the ambiance. Five yelp stars. This is definitely one of the most deliciously creative restaurants. They don't just have the usual chicken and beef - they also have quail, rabbit, and various seafood on the night we went. I love that the chefs use as much local farmer's market produce as possible. They use a wide variety of produce, such as fresh corn, grape tomatoes, broccoli raab, brussels sprouts, fingerling potatoes, and on and on. They don't just throw a piece of meat thrown into their visible bright and hot wood fire and quick cooked the veggies. No, the combinations are nothing short of genius. There are nightly specials. But first, the boss orders and shares the four item antipasto. These were an outstanding mix of flavors and textures to whet the appetite. The tuna deviled egg, and the pepperoni with heirloom tomatoes were my favorites. The one thing I hated was having to make a selection with such great choices. Thankfully, the boss ordered a bottle of the red wine we sipped earlier which helped narrow down the choices. So dramatic foodie me asked the very knowledgeable, efficient, and friendly waitress: "If you were to die tomorrow, and tonight was your last meal, which of your entrees would you choose?" After some probing questions, she helped me settle on the local favorite, slow cooked Berkshire pork with Elbrus sprouts and onions served on sweet white corn polenta. Definitely mind blowing and something you would never find in an Outback! By the way, it says something positive when a wait person (like ours) is there for eight years, since the opening of Alba. My co workers were more than happy to share their awesome plates. Two of them ordered that I sampled was the beef rib ravioli in reduction sauce. The pasta was perfect al dente, and the right thickness and delicately seasoned. Three ordered and I tasted the Hanger Steak Tagliata with arugula, parmigiano, and onion. It was perfectly cooked with an awesome taste, texture, and presentation. The boss had grilled quail which smelled and looked great. We oohed and ahhed every bite, and talking was limited because we were busy scarfing up the delicious food. The one item I can't eat is the rabbit. My brother raises chinchillas as pets, and the distinctive smell of the rabbit and my like of Bugs Bunny make it impossible to eat. We thought we were done, but the boss suggested dessert. We were all sated and very happy. Most of us said no to dessert. But my co worker Mary at the last minute said, "Will, let's order the Butterscotch Caramel Budino dessert!" We all shared it, and it was the richest, creamiest, and most perfect custard like dessert ever. We'll be talking about this meal and this night for a long time. I wish we had a restaurant like this in So. CAL. I'd be a regular for sure. Thank you Alba and the boss!
(5)
Elizabeth M.
Wonderful food and excellent service. Farm to table, and creative menu. My favorite place. Great for special lunch or dinner.
(5)
Gray S.
Great menu, amazing service, great food, awesome experience. I share this sentiment every time I eat here, I figured it's time to share it !
(5)
Bradford G.
I enjoy coming into Alba later in the evening and having a bite to eat in the bar. They have some nice sitdown tables, the staff is friendly, food is delicious albeit expensive, and they serve fantastic drinks.
(4)
Lazlo K.
Amazing restaurant! Decor, service...all aces. The food- best meal I've had all year. Hands down.
(5)
Natalie Z.
Never disappoints! Epic tagliatelle with ahi tuna and Calabrian peppers! Best burrata!
The food was amazing! I wanted to complement the chefs. Requested a few things for my husbands birthday and they came through. The waiter wasn't as professional as expected at such an expensive place (Didn't know a few items on menu) and he had a slow start but made it up In the end. Great celebratory place.
(4)
Brian H.
A very nice find in up-and-coming Malvern. The 3 bruschetta's we devoured up front were creative and tasty. The sheep's milk ricotta, honey with sea salt was the best of the three we sampled. The sweet peppers, arugula and lardo was good, the lardo is weird if you never had it before...back fat, thin, mild taste, funky texture. The pecorino, zuchini and mint was very good. The rabbit agnollati was a small ravioli-type pasta filled with tender, flavorful rabbit, served in a thin, translucent rabbit broth (brodo) with parm...delightful. The pappardelle with wild boar ragu was a good looking dish of perfect al dente pappardelle pasta, but it needed some spark. A little extra grated cheese did help it out a bit. But dessert won the prize for the evening. A five star pistachio semifreddo was thick, rich with nuts and nut flavor. Oh my freakin dog, it was fabulous! Nicole and her co-server behind the bar, were helpful, pleasant, and professional. They just added to this 4 star evening.
(4)
Molly F.
Amazing! Got the octopus appetizer. Amazing. The bruschetta, the goat cheese and honey and egg salad. Delicious. Spaghetti carbonara. Thank you YELP for helping me find this place!
(5)
Dale M.
This place is one of the best on the Main Line. You often have to head into Center City to get this quality meal and atmosphere. The food is fantastic and the menu changes enough to keep with the flavors of the season. I've had the pork a couple times and would highly recommend. Also, the pasta dishes are of such high quality...the pasta all seems homemade and fresh. The wine list is solid with a great selection of Italian wines...the ambience is good, as well. Really dig the open view into the kitchen and the bustling bar area with a TV to grab a prosecco while waiting. It's usually not easy to snag reservations on the weekend unless you're booking a few days ahead.
Everything about this restaurant rocked. I had no expectations going in...had heard of the restaurant but never been to Malvern or really thought about coming here. I loved every single thing I ate (and drank). We didn't know that you can byo for a corkage fee (not sure what the fee is) but the cocktails were creative and SO delicious. Like, yes I will definitely have five more of these delicious. We had the bruscetta as an appetizer...we picked three but I wish we picked all five...all were great but the sheeps milk ricotta with honey was the favorite. For dinner I had the slow roasted pork which was so good I wanted so bad to eat every last bit but I was too full. You have to get this. Boyfriend got the braziole....(?spelling?) and he loved it...tasted just like the one his grandmother makes at holiday time! Alba had a fun atmosphere...it was not formal, but colorful and comfortable. They have a nice bar area that you can sit and have a drink before or after. You should definitely go here. I only write reviews on places that are amazing or terrible.
(5)
Jeff M.
We ate here for the 6:30 seating on New Years Eve. We usually don't go out on this night as most places are just a sh*t show. Alba was PERFECT! Even though we were the early seating, we never felt rushed. It was a three course pre-fixe meal at an EXTREMELY reasonable $75/pp Each course was timed and executed without flaw. The food is unique, flavorful, well prepared and very well executed. Our server (I feel so bad I have forgotten her name) was not only professional and efficient, but personal as well. She offered tips and suggestions to suit our tastes and knew the details of the menu. It was also nice to see owners Kelly & Sean in seemingly effortless command of their respective Dining Room & Kitchen. VERY WELL DONE!!
Top notch food. Always fresh and unique. I have eaten here many times and never left without having a good meal. Bar menu is very good as well.
(5)
Clay B.
For the price, I've definitely had better. The polenta I ordered tasted more like cornbread mixed with creamed corn. It was more of a corn porridge than anything else. The chocolate tort tasted generic and frozen--right out of the grocery store freezer section. The suckling pig entree was fantastic, though, in terms of portion and preparation. My only issue was the price. It came with 3 medium sized portions of pig but only 3-4 golden potatoes. For $30, I would've expected a few more potatoes or another side to be included. I also had the fig and gorgonzola bruschetta. It was a great flavor combination and I'd recommend it for people who like fig, as it's got a heavy fig flavor (probably due to the whole figs on top). All in all, I would recommend this if you live/work around the paoli/malvern area but its' not exactly worth going to. The prices are just over the edge for the amount of thought put into the meals. You almost have to order 3 courses just to leave on a full stomach but that costs too much. It's a bit of a catch-22 restaurant like that but, if you're sick of the usual fare around the area, give it a try.
(2)
Alison W.
A group of 10 of my friends went on a busy Saturday night and had a delicious and delightful time. Whatever you do be sure to start with the antipasti, which last night had this amazing bruschetta made with goat cheese, applewood bacon, and with a surprise twist, Concord grape! It was unbelievably delicious. Our table had some of the pastas, from the rabbit to the wild boar ragu to the pork belly pasta, the later being the most preferred. I had the raved about suckling pig, which had a great blend is crispy skin and succulent meat. They definitely render the fat so the result is not heavy, although I missed a little of it. Served over bok choi with fingerling potatoes, it was delicious without being overwhelming. We ended dinner sharing a few orders of caramel budinos, a trifle of creamy goodness if ever there was some! With a wine list that has some great selections from the southern Italian region to a delightful, rustic interior and service that was attentive and helpful, Restaurant Alba is a delight! I would definitely recommend it for a party of two, ten or anything in between.
(4)
Matt S.
The restaurant is good and they were very good in changing reservations many times. A great little place to have a nice dinner.
One of the reasons why Alba is so popular is because it is head and shoulders above other Main Line Italian restaurants. Its focus is on northern Italian cuisine. I'm a little late on this review (cringing in the corner, don't yell at me! or should I say Yelp?), we ate here 2 weeks ago and it was great as always. They used to be strictly BYOB but now they have a wine list and still accept your own bottles. We had the antipasto plate, we seem to have it every time, but they change it often, so we're always attracted to it! Everyone's main courses were lovely, done perfectly. The suckling pig was tender and delicious and my veal was also very tender. They change the menu often enough here to keep me coming back, and the meals here are of a consistently high quality. In Philly, would Alba get 5 stars? Hmm. On the Main Line, it gets 6 and a half!
(5)
Stephen D.
Ever since I've been working in the burbs "yeah yeah" I've heard great things about Alba. The people that recommend this place aren't just the typical diners. They're not your typical everyday 9-5 people. The people that are recommending this place are restaurant people. Restaurant people that eat, breathe, and live food. When nothing else matters it's food and dining that people like us care about and Alba is the place to be. With that said there is no reason, absolutely zero reason to drive out of the city if you live there, especially if you live in walking distance of great restaurants "like I do". But this is an exception. I'll start by saying I went on Monday night, and if you work in the industry it's 20% your entire check, including wine. Since I was recognized they did not ask for proof, but I'd bring your MOST RECENT PAYCHECK STUB for proof and ID. Wine list is legit and filled with both Italian and American wines. We choose a nebbiolo which the name slips my mind but it was a great start. For food we had the veal sweetbreads, Rabbit tortellini, and let me stop there by saying those were one if not the best pasta dish I've ever had. Very simple with clean crisp flavors. Outside of my friends gnocchi they were the best, different styles of course. For entrees the suckling pig and venison osso buco were the choices. The venison was great and not gamy at all which I enjoyed and the suckling pig has the crispiest skin I've ever had. So yelpers, if you actually read and take these reviews seriously, there's only a few spots that I'd go back. This is one of them. It's a food driven restaurant, and the food speaks for itself. Better then Osteria, and on par with Il Pittore.
(5)
James J.
We have been to Alba a few times, and the food and service has always been fantastic. Service is attentive but not overwhelming, food is outstanding and accessible, and the ambiance is fantastic. Waiter helped pick out several great, reasonable wines. Highly recommended.
(5)
Laura V.
My new favorite restaurant, great for date night! Food is incredible and they keep it very local fresh. The bar is quaint and set away from the dining area which is nice but if you prefer to dine in the bar area you can. The wine is amazing and the staff is well educated on the selection offered. They should claim their YELP page!!!
(5)
Glen M.
This is clearly one of the best places in the far Main Line. The menu is in the Italian style, but the food has solid American roots, It is clear that the chef loves food. We had Risotto (special), Escarole Salad, Ribeye (special, with potato & cauliflower au gratin), Grilled Magret Duck Breast, Caramelized Brussels Sprouts, and Smashed Fingerling Potatoes. Desert was a shared caramel bodino. Everything was top-notch. Also, the bar has a small but excellent selection of craft draft beers and the wine list is small but worthy.
(5)
Critic Z.
Good atmosphere, good service. The food is pretty but it is one of those kitchens that love the salt shaker. If you love everything to taste like salt, then you'll love Alba. KFN
(3)
David S.
Once again, another excellent meal! This place just never disappoints. We brought another couple who had never been to Alba. I recommended the Pappardelle, Wild Boar Ragu, Parmigiano Reggiano to them. The whole way home all they talked about how much they enjoyed it their meals and when were we all going back. I enjoyed the Wood Grilled Pennsylvania Trout. (delicious) If you live in the area and haven't tried this place, you should. You won't be disappointed.
(4)
Norman F.
We came with high hopes that ultimately weren't fulfilled. We started with appetizers, which were quite good. I tried the antipasto special, which while small, was flavorful and interesting. Next we moved into the main course. My wife has the shrimp risotto and I had their signature pork dish. Neither were very good. She shrimp were way over cooked, which is inexcusable at such an upscale place, and the risotto was basically just rice, not a nice creamy rice that you'd expect. The shrimp dish also reeked of fish odor to the point of being sickening. My port was described as interesting, but was just slow-cooked pork chunks in a rather flavorless sauce. The polenta it came on was good, but there wasn't much of it. The dessert menu didn't appear that interesting, so we skipped dessert. The dishes seem interesting and they offer lots of unusual food, but taste matters more to me than creativity.
(2)
Percy N.
They did a great "slow food dinner" here in June featuring mostly local organically grown produce and some amazing wood fire roasted lamb. Well, Sean and Kelley got their liquor license about 2 months ago, so it is not a pure BYO anymore, though they do allow you to bring your own wine for a nominal $7/corkage.
(4)
kay m.
Some of the finest appetizers and desserts in Chester County. The aroma of a wood fired grill invites you from a block away, and the warm decor welcomes you. The fare at Restaurant Alba reflects the Chef-owner's support of "Local and Sustainable" in an interesting seasonal menu that nods to the Mediterranean. Big bonus: it's BYOB and we can splurge on more exotic plates when the mood strikes :-) Restaurant Alba books up, so it's a good idea to call for reservations. Can be a bit on the noisy side, but there's a nook or two that you might want to request if you have a special occasion or meeting.
(4)
Jason C.
On one of the hottest day in Philadelphia history, I searched yelp for the highest rated restaurant in the Malvern, PA area. Guess what came up? Wawa! Moving right along, a friend of mine on FB pointed out the menu and grapa at Alba's. I gave it a try and was pleasantly surprised. Unfortunately, it was just myself, so I passed on all of the special appetizers/tapas. I could have easily just had nothing but appetizers. Fortunately, I was served a fine amuse bouche! For some reason, I had my mind set on the goat. I was almost remorseful as a I saw other fine pasta dishes being served to my neighbors. Reportedly, the goat was dry rubbed, braised and then finished on the fire. It was really fantastic. The smashed fingerlings were perfect and the peas crunchy and tasty. No need for additional salt or pepper for my meal. My server helped me pick out a glass of italian wine; I usually find them far too dry for my taste. I gorged myself beyond the point of even considering dessert. However, I was intrigued by the grapa selections. They were out of the chamomile infused selection, but it was replaced with a honey infused selection. I chose the cherry infused grapa. It reminded me of a very, very light, herb infused port. Delicious. Probably about an ounce and a half. After a glass of wine, this after dinner treat had me feeling just fine. Alba's get's big points in my book for atmosphere, as well as serving organic, local produce and meats. Higher end food, but as always, you get what you pay for. Last bonus for the night, a short rain had already cooled things off by time I left the restaurant. So much more to explore on the menu the next time I'm in the Malvern, PA area.
(4)
Diem L.
The olive oil used for dipping the bread was so good. It tasted fresh. Our waitress was kind enough to tell us the brand but I've forgotten since... unfortunately. Everything we ate was very good and I would love to come back someday!
(4)
Peter Y.
I went to this place because it was near my apartment and seemed low key. Okay, my expectations weren't too high. But wow, once I walked in, I was a convert. To start with, they were just building the fire in the kitchen for the night - using wood! Then I was told that the chef prepared dinner based on local produce he could find that day. My expectations rose and were met. This place is just great. It is quaint and a good date place. It isn't big and is quiet but the food - man the food. I think I shed a tear when my meal was done. It was so unique and good. I recommend this place to everyone. You will like it.
(5)
Karen M.
What a delilightful find! On a recent visit to see my family in the Philadelphia area I had lunch at Restaurant Alba. I spent the rest of my visit telling all my friends and family that they should go! Great food, great ambiance, just wonderful! Any of the dishes are great but the daily specials are really special. They even have their own fisherman! Go Go Go you wont be disappointed!
(5)
Nancy O.
One word: disappointed. Maybe my expectations were too high. Maybe I am spoiled by the great BYOB restaurants where we can bring our own awesome wines, as opposed to paying $12.00 a glass for an okay one. maybe I liked Alba BTLL. "before the liquor license", Full disclosure: a Saturday night, 8pm reservations, two couples going to dinner at Alba. Loved the bar- cozy, intimate, great neighborhood feel, with twenty and thirty something's enjoying a glass of wine, a cocktail or a beer and eating what looked like awesome burgers. Secret wish: Can we sit with you? Looks like a fun night but no.... Fast forward to the dining room: biggest letdown of the night came when we ordered the flatbread topped with short ribs and other accoutrements. I can't get past the short ribs- actually, I can't even get beyond trying to CHEW the short ribs. They were the driest, most ungodly thing ever. I had to spit them out in my napkin. I haven't actually spit out in my napkin since i was forced to eat liver as a child! Yuk! Our friend who was sharing this app likened it to what a cat experiences with a hair ball! Ugh! When this was mentioned to the server, the response was not as expected. It was basically, " the short ribs are always tender, and we have never had a complaint." OK then. The short ribs may have been tender- a week ago! Never one to complain, I was almost embarrassed to mention it. No regrets though, because they were seriously godawful. The other thing that really, really bothered me was the server repeatedly telling us that there can be no "substitutions, changes, additions" to the menu descriptions. A lot of rules. Whatever happened to the adage that the "customer is always right"?? please please hold the short ribs. :( I would like to give Sean and Kelly the benefit of the doubt. Maybe they weren't aware of how this particular server handled the "problem short ribs". One can only hope, because even the feral cat in the back of the post office who was starving, opted out. He knew he had no need for another "hair ball du jour" . The rest of the food we experienced was good, not great. Hangar steak, trout, bruschetta and flour less chocolate dessert were probably four stars. I may give Alba another chance, but with all the other great spots in the area and the current dent it made in my wallet, it may be awhile!
(3)
Mike S.
Amazing food at a great price; ask for Sean if you want great service.
(5)
John S.
We are so exciting to go there for my wife birthday dinner. First the host is very nice,the server told too fast about special we can't catch up, but he is nice when he took the order. But we disappointed about the food. The pork dish is the way too sweet,(maybe that night the chef put wrong stuff on that).
(3)
Arthur B.
We went to Restaurant Alba for a birthday celebration and had high hopes of having a great experience based on reviews we read. This particular night we found that the service was extremely slow. It took almost an hour and a half to receive our main course from the time we arrived, and the restaurant was not particularly crowded at the time we booked. In addition, the noise level was uncomfortably loud. The Bronzino fish dish was very tasty, but the duck was rather tough and lacked distinctive flavor. Prices are very high for modest portions. We are unlikely to return again for dinner.
(3)
Frank D.
Until recently, I had only really considered the great resteraunts in the Philadelphia area to be in Center City. We'll all that has changed with recent farm to table small intimate resteraunts popping up all over the Philadelphia suburbs. Last night, I had the opportunity to dine at Alba in Malvern. It was nothing short of amazing. Every dish was incredible. From the steak tartare served on a crusty artisan bread with a sunny side up egg served on top, to the wild boar sauce over pasta, the pumpkin ravioli, the grilled octopus served w Favre beans, to the fire grilled heart of romain lettuce, & the porter house steak served with grilled Brussels sprouts & potatoes. Chef Sean Weinberg has created a completely amazing dining experience. We drove an hour to get here, if this resteraunt is not on your radar...you better add, as this is a must go. I only wish I lived closer....so I could go back sooner.
(5)
Katie B.
This was amazing, Look bottom line If you have Money these days to go out, then This place is Great. We sat at the bar and had wine by the glass. I had the Wood Grilled Octopus and with every bite you could taste the smokey flavor. We also know since the bar opened they have only had one bartender and he was busy. They are looking to find help so if you know of someone send them in.
(5)
J T.
I've been coming here for a while. Finally getting around to writing a review. The food is fantastic. Unique items on the menu, good portions, and they taste great. The service is great too. I like sitting in the bar area, it can be a bit cramped but it's a popular spot. It's on the more expensive side, but it's a pretty classy place, and still won't cost you half of what you spend at say, Nectar. I always go for the bruschette, I get all 5 of them, and usually some entree - this is one of those places where everything on the menu looks good and you want to come back and try different things on a regular basis.
(5)
Jeanne M.
I ate at Alba twice in September. I like the food here and the ambience although it can be a bit noisy on a crowded night. My first meal was the flat iron steak which had a nice flavor but was quite chewy. I do have braces making chewing difficult so it could have been more me than the food. For my second meal I ordered the Viking scallops with spinach cream and roasted pepper panzenella and it it was divine. The scallops were moist and sweet and the texture and flavor of the panzenella complimented them so well. My husband has ordered the grilled octopus on both occasions and that is proof that he enjoyed. I would give Alba 5 stars if they had a bigger bar. There is no place to sit if you need to wait for a table.
(4)
Ann Marie D.
Very comfortable atmosphere. Excellent drink menu. My steak special was wonderful. 3 of us split the pasta carbonara for an appetizer and it was delicious! Try the daily dessert tart, very fresh and tasty. Very happy with this pick.
(5)
Lawrence C.
Two couples went here on a Fri night, and they were full for both "seatings". They request dinners to end within 2 hours, yet they did not rush us and we stayed 2 1/2 hours, though diners were waiting to be seated. Menu was extensive and food was delicious. We were seated in front grill room/kitchen, which was slightly smoky and noisy. Dinner for 4 was $190 including corkage of $10-15. I would return.
(4)
Matt N.
Really glad I finally made it there, but won't be back. The food is pretty solid, it reaches beyond what 99% of Main Line menus strive to be and typically executes. Some of the dishes are more pedestrian than the descriptions and almost all of them leave you feeling a bit ripped off. The prices are astronomical on some of the dishes. The bar looked great, decor was solid and service was better than expected. But the food was not quite as good as hoped and followed up with a gigantic bill. I would rather hit Nectar or Panorama, but for those wanting to keep it close to Malvern, it's a great option.
(3)
Rita G.
Visited Alba for the first time, by taking a client there for lunch. The food and service were great. The beet salad was very fresh and the burger was excellent, perfectly cooked and well seasoned. I will be returning, perhaps next time to try dinner.
(4)
John M.
Been to Alba 2-3 times over the years. Excellent cuisine, atmosphere, and service. Only gripe is the value, and it's not bad; just a bit over priced overall.
(4)
Cara B.
This is the place I love to visit when in the mood for a romantic, cozy intimate dinner with my favorite person. The food, always fresh, original and delicious, is the main attraction, of course, but the ambience is also a big plus. No matter what we order, we are always delighted. Service is excellent, too. The staff seems to know exactly when to step over and take our order without being intrusive, and the food is presented with grace and sensitivity. Parking can be a little bit challenging if the weather is bad. And it's sometimes tough to get a reservation--especially on notice of less than a few days. But neither is enough to discourage us. Big thumbs up.
(4)
Brian M.
Probably one of, if not the best, restaurant in the Western Philly burbs. Sola would be another choice. Gr8 atmosphere-cosy but not pretentious. I've liked everything I've had there, as have my many dining companions. Haven't been back in a while, but will definitely go back soon. I'm getting hungry just thinking about Alba. BYOB is a nice plus too. $$$ without bar tab.
(5)
Marcelle P.
We've been to Alba more than a few times & typically enjoyed the food. However, the wait staff left much to be desired. On our last visit, the waitress was surly & beyond slow. When we mentioned to the manager we had been surprised by the slower service, the waitress responded, "That's@(*#&" Professional & gracious? Not so much. We won't be back
(2)
Alex C.
Terrible place. Have to agree with other reviewers that this place only was so "hyped" because it is in Malvern and there aren't any "fine dining" BYOBs in this town. Service was mediocre, the food was ok at best. If this wasn't a BYOB I doubt anyone would visit. The whole place reeks of arrogance from the chef, down to the waitors. I DO NOT recommend anyone making the effort to go here.
(1)
C D.
Love the new bar. Food was great. Only complaint about the new bar was the bartender on Friday night. He pretty much ignored us at the bar, passed off our questions about the wine and in general was unfriendly. We wound up ordering a lot of food and having a great time regardless.
(3)
lee c.
This nice little restaurant on King St. in Malvern has great atmosphere and even better food. It's a higher end establishment than most of the other places on the Malvern K. St. drag, and the Main Line in general. The food was spot on, and the service was good, but was a little slower than leisurely. The tables were tight together so that I nearly got my head elbowed off by the brute chugging his Red Stripe 38. I highly recommend this place as a treat or special date since it's a bit pricey. Also, the antipasto is a must, as it changes regularly and was a great value for the variety and quality it offered.
(4)
Dave J.
Went for my birthday, we got there early and they seated us anyway in a cozy spot. We had a waitress in training along with her trainer. Both were extremely nice and they knew the ingredients of each dish i asked about. We were offered a complimentary Amuse Bouche which was almost like a thin potato leek soup accompanied by warm bread. Both were very good. For an appetizer we had the Antipasto which was just incredible and really gave us a taste of what the chef had to offer. My favorite item from this was a simple bruschetta with goat cheese and diced honeycrisp apples. So simple yet a wonderful palate-pleaser. Also included was a golden-fried fish with a honey-based sauce, fried risotta ball stuffed with lamb, shrimp over a bean puree, sopressata with pickled veggies. These might not be the exact ingredients but i'm trying to give you an idea. Either way, it was awesome. The only downside was it was $30 for a two-person portion which is expensive but it really was good. For dinner i had duck breast over a risotto with an incredible sauce. The duck was perfect, not fried or crispy, but tender and juicy. The best duck breast i have ever had. If this is on the menu when we go back, i will get it again, without hesitation. My wife had pumpkin ravioli which was excellent. The sauce wasn't thick and gooey and you could taste the homemade pasta. She loved it. I had two Anchor Steam Porters with dinner, thought the beer selection was decent as well. I never eat dessert but we splurged. I had a wonderful huckleberry and apple torte that was piping hot and not too sweet or heavy. MY wife ate my ice cream while she had some chocolate brownie peanut butter thing that she loved but i didnt touch bc that's just too sweet for me. Coffee was actually good too. All said, the waitresses were excellent and very friendly, even bringing out my dessert with a birthday candle. The food was excellent and i can not wait to go back and bring some friends. My only con might be the price of the 2-person antipasto at $30. While i am glad i got it, seems to me $20 would be more on pace.
(5)
Dan G.
My birthday treat... it was busy and the tables tight... seemed busier than maybe they were staffed to be, but once at the table, service was friendly and prompt... wood fired grill, all that was needed to sign me up... had the Antipasto appetizer as a warm up and unexpectedly the Broccoli Rabe was the best of the six choices... had roast lamb for dinner and was good enough to melt in my mouth... excellent presentation... Although the restaurant seemed a bit tight, it was not uncomfortable once seated and we got into the conversation and the ambiance of the venue... Desert was okay... the chocolate cake with Polenta Crust didn't do much for us and the Pistachio Pot de Crme Pistachio was tasty and a little unusual for a desert... good, but nothing that fancy... So... although was crowded, didn't notice much once seated... most food was excellent... the owner is the chef and you can see him cooking through the window to the kitchen, so you can see where the care and presentation comes from... I would like to sit at the bar that overlooks the preparation area next time.
(4)
Allan B.
Chef Sean and Kelly do an awesome job. From their infamous Anipasto to short-rib flatbread to wild game, Sean provides a phenomenal culinary experience. Little tidbit of info, they turn the menu over ever couple months so favorites are sure to pop back-up! Bon Appetit!
(5)
Craig D.
Good Restaurant.
(4)
Monica S.
I agree with other reviewers that this place doesn't meet the hype. Went for birthday dinner with my husband. We decided to try the chef tasting menu which was listed as available Mon-Thurs and was available with wine pairing. It was pricey, but special occasion, etc. We told the waitress that we wanted to try the chef tasting and she replied "Let me see if the chef is doing that tonight." She was gone almost five minutes before returning and saying "I checked with the chef, he said he would be able to do that for you." Huh? Like I was asking for something off-menu? Odd. The food was ok....the highlight was the grilled octopus. The rabbit anglioti was a bit flavorless and a tad dry. Portions were pretty tiny and did not substantiate the cost of the tasting. Everything was just 'ok" except the wine pairings...excellent and a great value compared with the cost of the food. Probably would not return, except maybe to the lovely bar for the excellent wine and maybe try something from the bar menu.
(2)
Frank Z.
Class Act from begining to end. Great food, presentation, offerings, pleasantly warm decor, smart service...all around exactly what dining is all about!
(5)
Vicky S.
new to the area (Wilmington DE from NY), stumbled upon this town on a leisure drive. Saw that they have suckling roast pig on the menu and knew this would really put a big smile on my hubby's face so I immediately made a reservation. Even though they didn't have anything till 8:30p on a Saturday evening, it's well worth the wait. For appetizer I order the bruscheta, fresh home made cheese, simple but it's out of this world. The suckling pig was finger licking good. They do offer BYOB (with a corking fee) even though they have their liquor license by now. Our waiter provided us the first class service and was very knowledgeable with the menu. We'll definitely be back there soon, this place is a gem and I hope it'll never change!
(5)
Wamis S.
Pricey, but well worth it! Excellent food and very warm atmosphere. If you are looking for a romantic spot, this is it.
(5)
Heather F.
We have had many wonderful meals at Alba. We live here in Malvern and have had the oppurtunity to dine at this wonderful "Town Gem" a few times. The owners, Kelly and Sean are such hard working, sweet and wonderful people. They go out of their way to ensure that customers get the abslute best service ever. While the place is small and always packed........ahemm.... thus the excellent food and service, you will need a reservation. The food is exceptional, fresh, local and the menu changes with the seasons so they can serve the freshest locally available ingredients. We have had special occasion dinners here, larger dinners with friends, wine dinners, and this past fall had the thrilling oppurtunity to have a farm dinner at a local farm- which was so elegant and delicious- while viewing the Chester County hills in the background of the gorgeous sunset. The restaurant does not have a large waiting area which is fine because we always plan ahead and make a reservation and have never had to wait longer than 4 or 5 minutes. It is always a pleasure seeing Kelly greet us with a huge smile as we arrive and we get a big smile and a wave from Sean from behind the kitchen counter. If you are looking to tempt your tastebuds with something different and so delicious your head will spin---make a reservation today! Save room for dessert though--because it is the perfect ending to a perfect meal. They are open for lunch too.......check it out.
(5)
J C.
I took my wife here to celebrate on a Saturday night. She was in the mood for pasta, so we ordered three pasta dishes instead of appetizers. All three were delicious, and consumed quickly! We were already stuffed by the time our lamb and salmon arrived, but we tried a few bites of each anyways. Both were delicious and expertly cooked. The only drawbacks are the prices, but the food is great for fine night out.
(4)
Jennifer B.
huge fan, sooo good, contemplating going back to five stars. the servers were so nice. the tapas were so delicious-not kidding the steak tapa-omg you cannot go wrong. they were so understanding when i spilt my whole plate onto the ground. its dark atmosphere, yet you can sit amongst an type of light, to tables in really dark areas near the band, to dim tables, and then light-but can't really see the stage. the pricing is not that bad, i mean we ordered a whole bottle sooo and i think still got out under 60-i hope, being as it may i left my credit card so i did not sign for it-my friend did..regardless-worth it. don't pass the parking lot, they do have a lot so don't trouble yourself with parking. i really don't have any complaints other than the tables are super small but oh well. we went on a jazz night and the guy song his heart out playing jazz, it is what it is. really good wine thou, and outdoor seating-with heat lamps, really cool and different ambiance. theres not usually a wait and you sit yourself sometimes which is really nice. i like it here, defiantly going to go back. its not like a young hopping bar, its more for a group of friends or a boyfriend and girlfriend to go have some appetizers and wine.
(5)
Mario S.
This place is way overrated. Food is mediocre, but excessively priced, resulting in very poor value for the amount of money. Also, if you are looking for authentic Italian dishes, as suggested by the menu, you will not find them here. Very disappointing.
(1)
Trauts N.
The rabbit tortellini were magnificent. Great food.
(5)
Eileen H.
Had dinner Saturday night. The appetizer was quail, I had the suckling pig and hubby had a wild boar pasta. Both were delicious. We also had desert. It was real food, home made with attention to detail. We also order a great bottle of wine for about $30. Would definitely go back. One of the best restaurants on the mainline. Waiter was excellent.
(5)
matthew l.
Traveling out to Malvern from Philly to dine here not something that I would recommend unless you want to travel that far for a perfectly decent though not particularly memorable meal, but the buzz was strong so we went. Service is adequate as is the food which is not overpriced. Perhaps the initial noise for the place came after decades of Malvern having just the General Warren Inn for fine dining in the neighborhood.
(3)
Sara O.
My fiance and I had a wedding to plan in the area all while being based in Boston, MA - so we relied on the help of family to find a great, nearby spot for our rehearsal dinner. Restaurant Alba was really the only choice, and Sean & Kelly did not disappoint. The food was incredible, the wine choices superb, and the service impeccable. Sean even gave us a list of restaurants to visit on our honeymoon in Italy (we did, and they were the real deal - just like Restaurant Alba). We went back for dinner last week while in town for Thanksgiving and again had one of the best meals ever: suckling pig, rack of lamb, trout - all delicious. The rabbit raviolini were also amazing. Each time we visit (and we will always come back when we are in the area) we try something new and surprising and walk away wishing we had an authentic Italian restaurant like this near our home in Boston. We look forward to the wine bar opening soon!
(5)
Andy D.
My wife and I have dined here several times and are always amazed at the quality of the meals and complexity of flavors. Chef Sean has come up with a special Italian-style menu featuring local fare from the neighboring farms. Much of the menu is cooked over the wood-fired grille that just takes the food to the next level. I'm a seafood lover and have had the octopus, trout and salmon and they have all been outstanding - they are cooked on the wood fired grille. My wife has had the wild boar ragu, chicken, and lamb plus several of the apps and sides and always raves about how delicious everything is. The bar has a good selection of cocktails, craft beers and wine as well. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu, there is something for everyone!
(5)
Ron M.
I went to Alba for a business dinner. Good news: someone else paid! Bad news: probably not appropriate to taste everyone's food as is my usual habit, so I can't comment on all the foodstuffs. I had trout. Absolutely delectable. Could only have been better if they'd dropped another one on my plate. I got corn pudding on the side that was good. Colleagues had steak that they said they liked and gobbled up. We started with various bruschetti that were good too. The bodin dessert was amazing although the chocolate cake was a bit dry. It was my second time there and neither disappointed.
(4)
Sheila P.
I came here on Monday because i heard they had live music- which they did at the bar. The guy was singing and playing the guitar - he was actually pretty good. I would come back for a drink and to listen to him sing/play again. However, as far as the food goes, it was just okay. I got the burrata, which everyone is raving about so maybe it was an off day- but based on the day i went, I had better. I also got the boar pasta. it was meaty and had decent flavor, but overall- it was just okay.
(3)
Ann P.
I am in the food business and this place is amazing. Fresh local high quality meal and what I consider reasonable prices. Innovative menu and I have been recommending to my guests in California who travel to Malvern. Service was fantastic!
(5)
Katie V.
This place is a little gem for a really good intimate dinner and a great happy hour. Specifically the short breads were out of this world and the crostini starters were great for some options before digging into dinner. The food is fresh and the kitchen is visible from the main dining room, which is always a plus! Monday's they have very good drink and food deals for happy hour.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual, Intimate, Romantic Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Dan L.
Food was quite good but really disappointed in how rushed we were. We specifically asked them not to fire our main course until we told them to. We had been there for 45 minutes and already had knocked out 2 courses so we were running well ahead of the 2 hours to get out window that we were forewarned about when making and confirming reservations. For $200 for a party of two I would expect that our request regarding food would be granted (or at least for the server to be apologetic when showing up with the food before our request to fire it). It's a bummer I won't be going back because the food was good...
(2)Jonathan S.
3-types of bruschette and sweetbreads were the appetizers. Wood Grilled Lamb, White Corn Polenta, Zucchini, Tzatziki Sauce for the entree. Butterscotch Budino for dessert. I will happily return to this fine establishment. The food was spectacular and the service was top notch. We had a great experience.
(4)Beth K.
The food here is so fresh and delicious!
(5)Rick R.
My fiance has been to Alba in the past, but this was my first visit. We arrived early for our reservation, so we decided to sit at the bar while our table was prepared. We both enjoyed a glass of sparkling wine, with my fiance having the Prosecco and for me, the Lambrusco. Both were refreshing and a good pour for the $8 per glass tab. Front of house and bar staff were extremely nice and and attentive. They always had a smile on their face when looking our direction. As our reservation time neared we were escorted to our table by, I believe, Anna. Also very nice and smiling. Shortly after being seated our waitress stopped by for our drink orders. As we had just had those large glasses of wine we passed on drinks for dinner. We were pretty hungry and knew what we wanted so we ordered right away. First out was the bruschette. We opted for 3 pieces: Wood Grilled Pancetta, Cipollini Onion Butter; Smashed Avocado, Grilled Onions; Romesco Sauce, Pickled Ramps. All three were good. Next out was the Mozzarella Burrata from Caseificio Gioia, Bruschetta, Sea Salt, Sicilian Olive Oil. I cannot express in words how incredible this was. I'll happily admit this was potentially the best plate I've ever had. The flavor of the mozzarella, sea salt and olive oil were a stunning explosion of flavor in my mouth. Truly phenomenal! This is an absolute must have! It's worth a 1 hour drive or more if only for this and a drink! Shortly after clearing the plates our entrees arrived. My fiance had the Roasted Cod and Fresh Shrimp, Olive Whipped Chick Pea Puree, Tomato-Chili Broth. It was good, but not great. It was a bit bland, and the portion size was not reflective of the cost. I chose the Wood Grilled Pennsylvania Trout, Hazelnut Brown Butter, Escarole & Blueberries. The portion size was huge, with two filets, making it well worth the cost. However, I have to say, again, that it was good, not great. The escarole, hazlenut and blueberry bed was very enjoyable. Living with a chef I'm able to enjoy these types of meals at home, so I do have high standards. Those standards, though, are not unreasonable and have been surpassed during many other dining experiences. Lastly, our server, whose name escapes me at the moment, came off as somewhat rude. I'm not sure if it was a bad night for her or she assumed because we are young we don't tip well? Whatever the case, this left a bit of a sour taste in our mouths. She received 20%, but no more. Had she been a bit more friendly and smiled more, that tip would have been better. All in all it was a decent dining experience. We will be back, but may just visit the bar for some drinks and apps. The mussels and burgers looked and smelled great. Here's to hoping.
(3)Nick M.
Oh man everything we ate here tonight was fantastic. We started with the bruschette (fig & gorgonzola, pancetta, and the pepper puree) HIGHLY recommend. Then we also had buffalo mozz and one of the flatbreads - both exquisite. For secondi piatti we had the wild boar ragu (great, but the lesser of them all) and we had the special boneless rib eye .. it was fantastic. I'll definitely be back - one of the best meals I've had out here. The place was well and warmly decorated with an open window to the wood fire grill (a lot of their better items are cooked this way). And towards the back they had a full bar that wasn't too crowded. Great place.
(5)Katie B.
Still fantastic & still my favorite Main Line restaurant. They just switched to their Spring menu- try the chicken gauzette! Request Anisa, she's the best!!
(5)Lydia B.
The house made burrata with grilled bread is best around. The restaurant was almost full on a Tuesday night which proves great food and ambience. My husband had to squab and sausage with hand cut pasta Ragu and it was delicious. I had the delicious salmon with smashed avocado and grilled onions. not only was it low-carb but it was delicious. I did not feel like I was cheating myself. I look forward to going back. I do wish they would add a California Chardonnay to the menu.
(4)Owen O.
Situated in the heart of Malvern, steps from its small train station, Alba is a true gem. Offering a changing seasonal menu with some permanent crowd favorites, the food at Alba is a real treat. Being that I've only dined at Alba on two occasions (Fall and Summer) I have yet to see the full variety in its selection. However, on those two occasions I did manage to sample quite a bit of their offerings and was not left disappointed. Alba caters to a large audience, with dishes that are exotic to home favorites. The full bar offers a variety of house drinks, and it's own small menu of bar snacks sure to please the casual diners. I must say, the strongly recommended "Citriolo" sure hit the spot on the hot summer day sitting on their pleasant small patio out back. I fully recommend Alba to anyone passing by, or to residents new and old in the area.
(5)Kim N.
Great ambiance. The wine list is scant and expensive but the food is very good. Service was top notch. We will definitely be back.
(4)Jacqui I.
Soooo awesome!!! I had the trout... Perfectly prepared... With the beer salad... Lovely blend of flavors... Hubby had the roast pig & grilled octopus appetizer. Service attentive. Tiny bit too loud for me in dining room. A really memorable evening!!!
(4)Kristen G.
Boat ragu papadelle is very good. You can tell it's homemade. Really hit spot. I'm sitting at bar as I'm here by myself on a work trip
(5)Michael B.
The absolute best restaurant in chester county. The food is fresh, unique, and perfectly prepared. I had the 14 oz ribeye which was seared to perfection and melted in my mouth. The atmosphere is so relaxing and a great way to spend a couple hours with friends.
(5)Dan R.
The owner of this establishment is an ass. I had to cancel a reservation due to a family emergency. The lady who took the call initially was nice and understanding. HOWEVER, the owner actually had the nerve to CALL ME BACK and attempt to berate me for canceling. Really?? What a loser. The one time I did eat there, I had the boar ragu and it was watery. OVERRATED.
(1)Molly R.
Amazing food !!! Ricotta and roasted figs small plate was unreal!!! Excellent service. Lovely ambiance
(5)Scott K.
The service is excellent. The food is unfortunately boring, overpriced and almost tapas sized. The good thing about the limited portion size is you don't have to consume so much of the boring food. By boring I don't mean the food lacked taste, there was plenty of salt to go around. A $40+ meal for one without any drinks is not that expensive for the area but that money can buy you a much better meal elsewhere.
(2)Andy C.
I came here cause my family wanted to treat me to a birthday dinner. The food here is phenomenal. The octopus appitizer is amazing and tendor the steak special i had was a perfect mid rare. The service was great over all I recommend eating here. The chef uses local ingredients and I think it's farm to table here. Over all good job to the chefs
(5)Don H.
Florina was our waitress. I am normally an annoyance to wait staff, or they just ignore my requests. Florina (I called her Joy), really paid attention and with a smile. Everyone loved their food. I was a little worried that I wouldn't find anything on the menu.... But I had the rib eye with potatoes. The language on the menu might scare away a steak lover.... But it was awesome. Have no fear. If you haven't been.... Put it on the schedule. If you aren't familiar with Malvern.... Have a pre-dinner drink one block away at The Flying Pig. Solid.
(5)Jane S.
I've been a fan since they opened. Lunch this Wednesday was equal to past visits. The dining room is decorated in earth tones, rustic wood shutters block the hot sun. View of the kitchen is nice. Bob Dylan and Motown music seemed a little loud in the empty dining room, but once another table arrived, seemed perfect. I was able to hear enough of their conversation to be warned of the effects of sunchokes, though I had already enjoyed the antipasto of crispy sunchokes. Mom had the leafy green salad, it was beautiful, perfectly dressed with a delicious vinaigrette. Love the watermelon radishes so thinly sliced and the fresh herbs made it special. We both had the gnocchi with morels and spring vegetable ragout. The gnocchi were perfectly fluffy pillows in delicious green sauce that sang of spring with peas, asparagus and morels. Just a side note on pillows, the table's underside has a fluffy batting that always startles me, but I guess it is better than feeling rough wood. We were pleasantly satisfied with little room for dessert, so we shared a dip of gelato. Just the right thing to complete a delicious meal. I did experience quite a bit of belly discomfort after the meal. Recalling the comments from the other table I Googled sunchokes and found they are aptly nicknamed "fartichokes". I ate 3/4, Mom had just 1 and felt fine. Unfortunately sunchokes are not for me, but they were really good.
(4)Lindsay D.
Most of the evening was great. I mistakenly ordered the rabbit pasta dish. The food itself was delicious. The presentation was not. One small bowl appeared. No under plate...nothing of color...not even a parsley flake...just a small cereal bowl of rabbit pasta in a brodo...delicious but I was left feeling like I hadn't had enough to eat...would have been nice to have a slice of bread..or some thing else...definitely need to work on the presentation here.
(2)Will M.
Six hungry and tired Californians were in town for some company meetings. At the end of the day, we were getting suggestions on the best dives to find a good Philly cheese steak sandwich. But the boss steps in and says, "I don't want you in some dive, we're going to Alba." And thank God, we all agreed it was one of the best meals we've ever had. We step first into the newly added bar, and the bartender offered samples of Montepulciano D'Abbruzo Doc, a young, medium bodied Italian wine which was great to sip and went well with food. I also sipped a sample of one of their beers on tap, a plum noir IPA. A great start to a great night. This is a relaxing, colorful, rustic, beautiful restaurant - perfect for a special night out. Everyone's blood pressure dropped slightly as if we were entering a country restaurant in northern Italy. Everything was first rate: the food, the service, the bar, the and the ambiance. Five yelp stars. This is definitely one of the most deliciously creative restaurants. They don't just have the usual chicken and beef - they also have quail, rabbit, and various seafood on the night we went. I love that the chefs use as much local farmer's market produce as possible. They use a wide variety of produce, such as fresh corn, grape tomatoes, broccoli raab, brussels sprouts, fingerling potatoes, and on and on. They don't just throw a piece of meat thrown into their visible bright and hot wood fire and quick cooked the veggies. No, the combinations are nothing short of genius. There are nightly specials. But first, the boss orders and shares the four item antipasto. These were an outstanding mix of flavors and textures to whet the appetite. The tuna deviled egg, and the pepperoni with heirloom tomatoes were my favorites. The one thing I hated was having to make a selection with such great choices. Thankfully, the boss ordered a bottle of the red wine we sipped earlier which helped narrow down the choices. So dramatic foodie me asked the very knowledgeable, efficient, and friendly waitress: "If you were to die tomorrow, and tonight was your last meal, which of your entrees would you choose?" After some probing questions, she helped me settle on the local favorite, slow cooked Berkshire pork with Elbrus sprouts and onions served on sweet white corn polenta. Definitely mind blowing and something you would never find in an Outback! By the way, it says something positive when a wait person (like ours) is there for eight years, since the opening of Alba. My co workers were more than happy to share their awesome plates. Two of them ordered that I sampled was the beef rib ravioli in reduction sauce. The pasta was perfect al dente, and the right thickness and delicately seasoned. Three ordered and I tasted the Hanger Steak Tagliata with arugula, parmigiano, and onion. It was perfectly cooked with an awesome taste, texture, and presentation. The boss had grilled quail which smelled and looked great. We oohed and ahhed every bite, and talking was limited because we were busy scarfing up the delicious food. The one item I can't eat is the rabbit. My brother raises chinchillas as pets, and the distinctive smell of the rabbit and my like of Bugs Bunny make it impossible to eat. We thought we were done, but the boss suggested dessert. We were all sated and very happy. Most of us said no to dessert. But my co worker Mary at the last minute said, "Will, let's order the Butterscotch Caramel Budino dessert!" We all shared it, and it was the richest, creamiest, and most perfect custard like dessert ever. We'll be talking about this meal and this night for a long time. I wish we had a restaurant like this in So. CAL. I'd be a regular for sure. Thank you Alba and the boss!
(5)Elizabeth M.
Wonderful food and excellent service. Farm to table, and creative menu. My favorite place. Great for special lunch or dinner.
(5)Gray S.
Great menu, amazing service, great food, awesome experience. I share this sentiment every time I eat here, I figured it's time to share it !
(5)Bradford G.
I enjoy coming into Alba later in the evening and having a bite to eat in the bar. They have some nice sitdown tables, the staff is friendly, food is delicious albeit expensive, and they serve fantastic drinks.
(4)Lazlo K.
Amazing restaurant! Decor, service...all aces. The food- best meal I've had all year. Hands down.
(5)Natalie Z.
Never disappoints! Epic tagliatelle with ahi tuna and Calabrian peppers! Best burrata!
(5)Michael F.
Really as good as it gets anywhere in the Western Main Line. Great farm fresh, interesting and creative menu. From the interesting pasta dishes to the fish to the local veal it was all done to perfection. Every appetizer and entrée was prepared with a interesting and unique flair. If you're a fan of farm to fork this is a must try restaurant, well worth the drive from outside the immediate area. Very comfortable, great bar area for pre-dinner cocktails, excellent service. Fantastic experience from every perspective. Try the salted carmel Flan or Homemade Bread pudding for dessert...just the best !
(5)Stacy O.
The food was amazing! I wanted to complement the chefs. Requested a few things for my husbands birthday and they came through. The waiter wasn't as professional as expected at such an expensive place (Didn't know a few items on menu) and he had a slow start but made it up In the end. Great celebratory place.
(4)Brian H.
A very nice find in up-and-coming Malvern. The 3 bruschetta's we devoured up front were creative and tasty. The sheep's milk ricotta, honey with sea salt was the best of the three we sampled. The sweet peppers, arugula and lardo was good, the lardo is weird if you never had it before...back fat, thin, mild taste, funky texture. The pecorino, zuchini and mint was very good. The rabbit agnollati was a small ravioli-type pasta filled with tender, flavorful rabbit, served in a thin, translucent rabbit broth (brodo) with parm...delightful. The pappardelle with wild boar ragu was a good looking dish of perfect al dente pappardelle pasta, but it needed some spark. A little extra grated cheese did help it out a bit. But dessert won the prize for the evening. A five star pistachio semifreddo was thick, rich with nuts and nut flavor. Oh my freakin dog, it was fabulous! Nicole and her co-server behind the bar, were helpful, pleasant, and professional. They just added to this 4 star evening.
(4)Molly F.
Amazing! Got the octopus appetizer. Amazing. The bruschetta, the goat cheese and honey and egg salad. Delicious. Spaghetti carbonara. Thank you YELP for helping me find this place!
(5)Dale M.
This place is one of the best on the Main Line. You often have to head into Center City to get this quality meal and atmosphere. The food is fantastic and the menu changes enough to keep with the flavors of the season. I've had the pork a couple times and would highly recommend. Also, the pasta dishes are of such high quality...the pasta all seems homemade and fresh. The wine list is solid with a great selection of Italian wines...the ambience is good, as well. Really dig the open view into the kitchen and the bustling bar area with a TV to grab a prosecco while waiting. It's usually not easy to snag reservations on the weekend unless you're booking a few days ahead.
(5)Brianna D.
App: bruschetta tried pear/Gorgonzola, short ribs, and chickpeas/garlic/Lardo - chickpea one was the best. Soup: cauliflower purée was flavorful Entree: potato gnocchi - light and creamy Rabbit agnolotti -melt in your mouth Wine: abruzzo red - so smooth Pinot noir - lighter and somewhat sweet
(4)N S.
Everything about this restaurant rocked. I had no expectations going in...had heard of the restaurant but never been to Malvern or really thought about coming here. I loved every single thing I ate (and drank). We didn't know that you can byo for a corkage fee (not sure what the fee is) but the cocktails were creative and SO delicious. Like, yes I will definitely have five more of these delicious. We had the bruscetta as an appetizer...we picked three but I wish we picked all five...all were great but the sheeps milk ricotta with honey was the favorite. For dinner I had the slow roasted pork which was so good I wanted so bad to eat every last bit but I was too full. You have to get this. Boyfriend got the braziole....(?spelling?) and he loved it...tasted just like the one his grandmother makes at holiday time! Alba had a fun atmosphere...it was not formal, but colorful and comfortable. They have a nice bar area that you can sit and have a drink before or after. You should definitely go here. I only write reviews on places that are amazing or terrible.
(5)Jeff M.
We ate here for the 6:30 seating on New Years Eve. We usually don't go out on this night as most places are just a sh*t show. Alba was PERFECT! Even though we were the early seating, we never felt rushed. It was a three course pre-fixe meal at an EXTREMELY reasonable $75/pp Each course was timed and executed without flaw. The food is unique, flavorful, well prepared and very well executed. Our server (I feel so bad I have forgotten her name) was not only professional and efficient, but personal as well. She offered tips and suggestions to suit our tastes and knew the details of the menu. It was also nice to see owners Kelly & Sean in seemingly effortless command of their respective Dining Room & Kitchen. VERY WELL DONE!!
(5)Dr. N.
My wife and I and a friend visited Alba after having not been here in a long time. Needless to say, the food was perfect and probably the best meal we have had in a very long time. The service was excellent. We shared the Bruschetta as an appetizer, which was superb. I highly recommend getting all five selections and sharing them. My entrée included a local grass fed beef rib eye which was cooked to perfection and tasted superb. My wife had the Salmon, which was on the verge of being a tiny bit dry, but was still excellent. Our guest had the scallops. Perfect. Great pre-dinner bar with a good selection of fresh homemade cocktails and a great overall wine selection.
(5)Mark D.
Top notch food. Always fresh and unique. I have eaten here many times and never left without having a good meal. Bar menu is very good as well.
(5)Clay B.
For the price, I've definitely had better. The polenta I ordered tasted more like cornbread mixed with creamed corn. It was more of a corn porridge than anything else. The chocolate tort tasted generic and frozen--right out of the grocery store freezer section. The suckling pig entree was fantastic, though, in terms of portion and preparation. My only issue was the price. It came with 3 medium sized portions of pig but only 3-4 golden potatoes. For $30, I would've expected a few more potatoes or another side to be included. I also had the fig and gorgonzola bruschetta. It was a great flavor combination and I'd recommend it for people who like fig, as it's got a heavy fig flavor (probably due to the whole figs on top). All in all, I would recommend this if you live/work around the paoli/malvern area but its' not exactly worth going to. The prices are just over the edge for the amount of thought put into the meals. You almost have to order 3 courses just to leave on a full stomach but that costs too much. It's a bit of a catch-22 restaurant like that but, if you're sick of the usual fare around the area, give it a try.
(2)Alison W.
A group of 10 of my friends went on a busy Saturday night and had a delicious and delightful time. Whatever you do be sure to start with the antipasti, which last night had this amazing bruschetta made with goat cheese, applewood bacon, and with a surprise twist, Concord grape! It was unbelievably delicious. Our table had some of the pastas, from the rabbit to the wild boar ragu to the pork belly pasta, the later being the most preferred. I had the raved about suckling pig, which had a great blend is crispy skin and succulent meat. They definitely render the fat so the result is not heavy, although I missed a little of it. Served over bok choi with fingerling potatoes, it was delicious without being overwhelming. We ended dinner sharing a few orders of caramel budinos, a trifle of creamy goodness if ever there was some! With a wine list that has some great selections from the southern Italian region to a delightful, rustic interior and service that was attentive and helpful, Restaurant Alba is a delight! I would definitely recommend it for a party of two, ten or anything in between.
(4)Matt S.
The restaurant is good and they were very good in changing reservations many times. A great little place to have a nice dinner.
(4)Al C.
Everything about Alba is top notch from the servers, décor, bar and of course the food. Highly recommended as I've eaten here 5 times in the last 12 months and have always had an excellent experience.
(5)Matt K.
One of the reasons why Alba is so popular is because it is head and shoulders above other Main Line Italian restaurants. Its focus is on northern Italian cuisine. I'm a little late on this review (cringing in the corner, don't yell at me! or should I say Yelp?), we ate here 2 weeks ago and it was great as always. They used to be strictly BYOB but now they have a wine list and still accept your own bottles. We had the antipasto plate, we seem to have it every time, but they change it often, so we're always attracted to it! Everyone's main courses were lovely, done perfectly. The suckling pig was tender and delicious and my veal was also very tender. They change the menu often enough here to keep me coming back, and the meals here are of a consistently high quality. In Philly, would Alba get 5 stars? Hmm. On the Main Line, it gets 6 and a half!
(5)Stephen D.
Ever since I've been working in the burbs "yeah yeah" I've heard great things about Alba. The people that recommend this place aren't just the typical diners. They're not your typical everyday 9-5 people. The people that are recommending this place are restaurant people. Restaurant people that eat, breathe, and live food. When nothing else matters it's food and dining that people like us care about and Alba is the place to be. With that said there is no reason, absolutely zero reason to drive out of the city if you live there, especially if you live in walking distance of great restaurants "like I do". But this is an exception. I'll start by saying I went on Monday night, and if you work in the industry it's 20% your entire check, including wine. Since I was recognized they did not ask for proof, but I'd bring your MOST RECENT PAYCHECK STUB for proof and ID. Wine list is legit and filled with both Italian and American wines. We choose a nebbiolo which the name slips my mind but it was a great start. For food we had the veal sweetbreads, Rabbit tortellini, and let me stop there by saying those were one if not the best pasta dish I've ever had. Very simple with clean crisp flavors. Outside of my friends gnocchi they were the best, different styles of course. For entrees the suckling pig and venison osso buco were the choices. The venison was great and not gamy at all which I enjoyed and the suckling pig has the crispiest skin I've ever had. So yelpers, if you actually read and take these reviews seriously, there's only a few spots that I'd go back. This is one of them. It's a food driven restaurant, and the food speaks for itself. Better then Osteria, and on par with Il Pittore.
(5)James J.
We have been to Alba a few times, and the food and service has always been fantastic. Service is attentive but not overwhelming, food is outstanding and accessible, and the ambiance is fantastic. Waiter helped pick out several great, reasonable wines. Highly recommended.
(5)Laura V.
My new favorite restaurant, great for date night! Food is incredible and they keep it very local fresh. The bar is quaint and set away from the dining area which is nice but if you prefer to dine in the bar area you can. The wine is amazing and the staff is well educated on the selection offered. They should claim their YELP page!!!
(5)Glen M.
This is clearly one of the best places in the far Main Line. The menu is in the Italian style, but the food has solid American roots, It is clear that the chef loves food. We had Risotto (special), Escarole Salad, Ribeye (special, with potato & cauliflower au gratin), Grilled Magret Duck Breast, Caramelized Brussels Sprouts, and Smashed Fingerling Potatoes. Desert was a shared caramel bodino. Everything was top-notch. Also, the bar has a small but excellent selection of craft draft beers and the wine list is small but worthy.
(5)Critic Z.
Good atmosphere, good service. The food is pretty but it is one of those kitchens that love the salt shaker. If you love everything to taste like salt, then you'll love Alba. KFN
(3)David S.
Once again, another excellent meal! This place just never disappoints. We brought another couple who had never been to Alba. I recommended the Pappardelle, Wild Boar Ragu, Parmigiano Reggiano to them. The whole way home all they talked about how much they enjoyed it their meals and when were we all going back. I enjoyed the Wood Grilled Pennsylvania Trout. (delicious) If you live in the area and haven't tried this place, you should. You won't be disappointed.
(4)Norman F.
We came with high hopes that ultimately weren't fulfilled. We started with appetizers, which were quite good. I tried the antipasto special, which while small, was flavorful and interesting. Next we moved into the main course. My wife has the shrimp risotto and I had their signature pork dish. Neither were very good. She shrimp were way over cooked, which is inexcusable at such an upscale place, and the risotto was basically just rice, not a nice creamy rice that you'd expect. The shrimp dish also reeked of fish odor to the point of being sickening. My port was described as interesting, but was just slow-cooked pork chunks in a rather flavorless sauce. The polenta it came on was good, but there wasn't much of it. The dessert menu didn't appear that interesting, so we skipped dessert. The dishes seem interesting and they offer lots of unusual food, but taste matters more to me than creativity.
(2)Percy N.
They did a great "slow food dinner" here in June featuring mostly local organically grown produce and some amazing wood fire roasted lamb. Well, Sean and Kelley got their liquor license about 2 months ago, so it is not a pure BYO anymore, though they do allow you to bring your own wine for a nominal $7/corkage.
(4)kay m.
Some of the finest appetizers and desserts in Chester County. The aroma of a wood fired grill invites you from a block away, and the warm decor welcomes you. The fare at Restaurant Alba reflects the Chef-owner's support of "Local and Sustainable" in an interesting seasonal menu that nods to the Mediterranean. Big bonus: it's BYOB and we can splurge on more exotic plates when the mood strikes :-) Restaurant Alba books up, so it's a good idea to call for reservations. Can be a bit on the noisy side, but there's a nook or two that you might want to request if you have a special occasion or meeting.
(4)Jason C.
On one of the hottest day in Philadelphia history, I searched yelp for the highest rated restaurant in the Malvern, PA area. Guess what came up? Wawa! Moving right along, a friend of mine on FB pointed out the menu and grapa at Alba's. I gave it a try and was pleasantly surprised. Unfortunately, it was just myself, so I passed on all of the special appetizers/tapas. I could have easily just had nothing but appetizers. Fortunately, I was served a fine amuse bouche! For some reason, I had my mind set on the goat. I was almost remorseful as a I saw other fine pasta dishes being served to my neighbors. Reportedly, the goat was dry rubbed, braised and then finished on the fire. It was really fantastic. The smashed fingerlings were perfect and the peas crunchy and tasty. No need for additional salt or pepper for my meal. My server helped me pick out a glass of italian wine; I usually find them far too dry for my taste. I gorged myself beyond the point of even considering dessert. However, I was intrigued by the grapa selections. They were out of the chamomile infused selection, but it was replaced with a honey infused selection. I chose the cherry infused grapa. It reminded me of a very, very light, herb infused port. Delicious. Probably about an ounce and a half. After a glass of wine, this after dinner treat had me feeling just fine. Alba's get's big points in my book for atmosphere, as well as serving organic, local produce and meats. Higher end food, but as always, you get what you pay for. Last bonus for the night, a short rain had already cooled things off by time I left the restaurant. So much more to explore on the menu the next time I'm in the Malvern, PA area.
(4)Diem L.
The olive oil used for dipping the bread was so good. It tasted fresh. Our waitress was kind enough to tell us the brand but I've forgotten since... unfortunately. Everything we ate was very good and I would love to come back someday!
(4)Peter Y.
I went to this place because it was near my apartment and seemed low key. Okay, my expectations weren't too high. But wow, once I walked in, I was a convert. To start with, they were just building the fire in the kitchen for the night - using wood! Then I was told that the chef prepared dinner based on local produce he could find that day. My expectations rose and were met. This place is just great. It is quaint and a good date place. It isn't big and is quiet but the food - man the food. I think I shed a tear when my meal was done. It was so unique and good. I recommend this place to everyone. You will like it.
(5)Karen M.
What a delilightful find! On a recent visit to see my family in the Philadelphia area I had lunch at Restaurant Alba. I spent the rest of my visit telling all my friends and family that they should go! Great food, great ambiance, just wonderful! Any of the dishes are great but the daily specials are really special. They even have their own fisherman! Go Go Go you wont be disappointed!
(5)Nancy O.
One word: disappointed. Maybe my expectations were too high. Maybe I am spoiled by the great BYOB restaurants where we can bring our own awesome wines, as opposed to paying $12.00 a glass for an okay one. maybe I liked Alba BTLL. "before the liquor license", Full disclosure: a Saturday night, 8pm reservations, two couples going to dinner at Alba. Loved the bar- cozy, intimate, great neighborhood feel, with twenty and thirty something's enjoying a glass of wine, a cocktail or a beer and eating what looked like awesome burgers. Secret wish: Can we sit with you? Looks like a fun night but no.... Fast forward to the dining room: biggest letdown of the night came when we ordered the flatbread topped with short ribs and other accoutrements. I can't get past the short ribs- actually, I can't even get beyond trying to CHEW the short ribs. They were the driest, most ungodly thing ever. I had to spit them out in my napkin. I haven't actually spit out in my napkin since i was forced to eat liver as a child! Yuk! Our friend who was sharing this app likened it to what a cat experiences with a hair ball! Ugh! When this was mentioned to the server, the response was not as expected. It was basically, " the short ribs are always tender, and we have never had a complaint." OK then. The short ribs may have been tender- a week ago! Never one to complain, I was almost embarrassed to mention it. No regrets though, because they were seriously godawful. The other thing that really, really bothered me was the server repeatedly telling us that there can be no "substitutions, changes, additions" to the menu descriptions. A lot of rules. Whatever happened to the adage that the "customer is always right"?? please please hold the short ribs. :( I would like to give Sean and Kelly the benefit of the doubt. Maybe they weren't aware of how this particular server handled the "problem short ribs". One can only hope, because even the feral cat in the back of the post office who was starving, opted out. He knew he had no need for another "hair ball du jour" . The rest of the food we experienced was good, not great. Hangar steak, trout, bruschetta and flour less chocolate dessert were probably four stars. I may give Alba another chance, but with all the other great spots in the area and the current dent it made in my wallet, it may be awhile!
(3)Mike S.
Amazing food at a great price; ask for Sean if you want great service.
(5)John S.
We are so exciting to go there for my wife birthday dinner. First the host is very nice,the server told too fast about special we can't catch up, but he is nice when he took the order. But we disappointed about the food. The pork dish is the way too sweet,(maybe that night the chef put wrong stuff on that).
(3)Arthur B.
We went to Restaurant Alba for a birthday celebration and had high hopes of having a great experience based on reviews we read. This particular night we found that the service was extremely slow. It took almost an hour and a half to receive our main course from the time we arrived, and the restaurant was not particularly crowded at the time we booked. In addition, the noise level was uncomfortably loud. The Bronzino fish dish was very tasty, but the duck was rather tough and lacked distinctive flavor. Prices are very high for modest portions. We are unlikely to return again for dinner.
(3)Frank D.
Until recently, I had only really considered the great resteraunts in the Philadelphia area to be in Center City. We'll all that has changed with recent farm to table small intimate resteraunts popping up all over the Philadelphia suburbs. Last night, I had the opportunity to dine at Alba in Malvern. It was nothing short of amazing. Every dish was incredible. From the steak tartare served on a crusty artisan bread with a sunny side up egg served on top, to the wild boar sauce over pasta, the pumpkin ravioli, the grilled octopus served w Favre beans, to the fire grilled heart of romain lettuce, & the porter house steak served with grilled Brussels sprouts & potatoes. Chef Sean Weinberg has created a completely amazing dining experience. We drove an hour to get here, if this resteraunt is not on your radar...you better add, as this is a must go. I only wish I lived closer....so I could go back sooner.
(5)Katie B.
This was amazing, Look bottom line If you have Money these days to go out, then This place is Great. We sat at the bar and had wine by the glass. I had the Wood Grilled Octopus and with every bite you could taste the smokey flavor. We also know since the bar opened they have only had one bartender and he was busy. They are looking to find help so if you know of someone send them in.
(5)J T.
I've been coming here for a while. Finally getting around to writing a review. The food is fantastic. Unique items on the menu, good portions, and they taste great. The service is great too. I like sitting in the bar area, it can be a bit cramped but it's a popular spot. It's on the more expensive side, but it's a pretty classy place, and still won't cost you half of what you spend at say, Nectar. I always go for the bruschette, I get all 5 of them, and usually some entree - this is one of those places where everything on the menu looks good and you want to come back and try different things on a regular basis.
(5)Jeanne M.
I ate at Alba twice in September. I like the food here and the ambience although it can be a bit noisy on a crowded night. My first meal was the flat iron steak which had a nice flavor but was quite chewy. I do have braces making chewing difficult so it could have been more me than the food. For my second meal I ordered the Viking scallops with spinach cream and roasted pepper panzenella and it it was divine. The scallops were moist and sweet and the texture and flavor of the panzenella complimented them so well. My husband has ordered the grilled octopus on both occasions and that is proof that he enjoyed. I would give Alba 5 stars if they had a bigger bar. There is no place to sit if you need to wait for a table.
(4)Ann Marie D.
Very comfortable atmosphere. Excellent drink menu. My steak special was wonderful. 3 of us split the pasta carbonara for an appetizer and it was delicious! Try the daily dessert tart, very fresh and tasty. Very happy with this pick.
(5)Lawrence C.
Two couples went here on a Fri night, and they were full for both "seatings". They request dinners to end within 2 hours, yet they did not rush us and we stayed 2 1/2 hours, though diners were waiting to be seated. Menu was extensive and food was delicious. We were seated in front grill room/kitchen, which was slightly smoky and noisy. Dinner for 4 was $190 including corkage of $10-15. I would return.
(4)Matt N.
Really glad I finally made it there, but won't be back. The food is pretty solid, it reaches beyond what 99% of Main Line menus strive to be and typically executes. Some of the dishes are more pedestrian than the descriptions and almost all of them leave you feeling a bit ripped off. The prices are astronomical on some of the dishes. The bar looked great, decor was solid and service was better than expected. But the food was not quite as good as hoped and followed up with a gigantic bill. I would rather hit Nectar or Panorama, but for those wanting to keep it close to Malvern, it's a great option.
(3)Rita G.
Visited Alba for the first time, by taking a client there for lunch. The food and service were great. The beet salad was very fresh and the burger was excellent, perfectly cooked and well seasoned. I will be returning, perhaps next time to try dinner.
(4)John M.
Been to Alba 2-3 times over the years. Excellent cuisine, atmosphere, and service. Only gripe is the value, and it's not bad; just a bit over priced overall.
(4)Cara B.
This is the place I love to visit when in the mood for a romantic, cozy intimate dinner with my favorite person. The food, always fresh, original and delicious, is the main attraction, of course, but the ambience is also a big plus. No matter what we order, we are always delighted. Service is excellent, too. The staff seems to know exactly when to step over and take our order without being intrusive, and the food is presented with grace and sensitivity. Parking can be a little bit challenging if the weather is bad. And it's sometimes tough to get a reservation--especially on notice of less than a few days. But neither is enough to discourage us. Big thumbs up.
(4)Brian M.
Probably one of, if not the best, restaurant in the Western Philly burbs. Sola would be another choice. Gr8 atmosphere-cosy but not pretentious. I've liked everything I've had there, as have my many dining companions. Haven't been back in a while, but will definitely go back soon. I'm getting hungry just thinking about Alba. BYOB is a nice plus too. $$$ without bar tab.
(5)Marcelle P.
We've been to Alba more than a few times & typically enjoyed the food. However, the wait staff left much to be desired. On our last visit, the waitress was surly & beyond slow. When we mentioned to the manager we had been surprised by the slower service, the waitress responded, "That's@(*#&" Professional & gracious? Not so much. We won't be back
(2)Alex C.
Terrible place. Have to agree with other reviewers that this place only was so "hyped" because it is in Malvern and there aren't any "fine dining" BYOBs in this town. Service was mediocre, the food was ok at best. If this wasn't a BYOB I doubt anyone would visit. The whole place reeks of arrogance from the chef, down to the waitors. I DO NOT recommend anyone making the effort to go here.
(1)C D.
Love the new bar. Food was great. Only complaint about the new bar was the bartender on Friday night. He pretty much ignored us at the bar, passed off our questions about the wine and in general was unfriendly. We wound up ordering a lot of food and having a great time regardless.
(3)lee c.
This nice little restaurant on King St. in Malvern has great atmosphere and even better food. It's a higher end establishment than most of the other places on the Malvern K. St. drag, and the Main Line in general. The food was spot on, and the service was good, but was a little slower than leisurely. The tables were tight together so that I nearly got my head elbowed off by the brute chugging his Red Stripe 38. I highly recommend this place as a treat or special date since it's a bit pricey. Also, the antipasto is a must, as it changes regularly and was a great value for the variety and quality it offered.
(4)Dave J.
Went for my birthday, we got there early and they seated us anyway in a cozy spot. We had a waitress in training along with her trainer. Both were extremely nice and they knew the ingredients of each dish i asked about. We were offered a complimentary Amuse Bouche which was almost like a thin potato leek soup accompanied by warm bread. Both were very good. For an appetizer we had the Antipasto which was just incredible and really gave us a taste of what the chef had to offer. My favorite item from this was a simple bruschetta with goat cheese and diced honeycrisp apples. So simple yet a wonderful palate-pleaser. Also included was a golden-fried fish with a honey-based sauce, fried risotta ball stuffed with lamb, shrimp over a bean puree, sopressata with pickled veggies. These might not be the exact ingredients but i'm trying to give you an idea. Either way, it was awesome. The only downside was it was $30 for a two-person portion which is expensive but it really was good. For dinner i had duck breast over a risotto with an incredible sauce. The duck was perfect, not fried or crispy, but tender and juicy. The best duck breast i have ever had. If this is on the menu when we go back, i will get it again, without hesitation. My wife had pumpkin ravioli which was excellent. The sauce wasn't thick and gooey and you could taste the homemade pasta. She loved it. I had two Anchor Steam Porters with dinner, thought the beer selection was decent as well. I never eat dessert but we splurged. I had a wonderful huckleberry and apple torte that was piping hot and not too sweet or heavy. MY wife ate my ice cream while she had some chocolate brownie peanut butter thing that she loved but i didnt touch bc that's just too sweet for me. Coffee was actually good too. All said, the waitresses were excellent and very friendly, even bringing out my dessert with a birthday candle. The food was excellent and i can not wait to go back and bring some friends. My only con might be the price of the 2-person antipasto at $30. While i am glad i got it, seems to me $20 would be more on pace.
(5)Dan G.
My birthday treat... it was busy and the tables tight... seemed busier than maybe they were staffed to be, but once at the table, service was friendly and prompt... wood fired grill, all that was needed to sign me up... had the Antipasto appetizer as a warm up and unexpectedly the Broccoli Rabe was the best of the six choices... had roast lamb for dinner and was good enough to melt in my mouth... excellent presentation... Although the restaurant seemed a bit tight, it was not uncomfortable once seated and we got into the conversation and the ambiance of the venue... Desert was okay... the chocolate cake with Polenta Crust didn't do much for us and the Pistachio Pot de Crme Pistachio was tasty and a little unusual for a desert... good, but nothing that fancy... So... although was crowded, didn't notice much once seated... most food was excellent... the owner is the chef and you can see him cooking through the window to the kitchen, so you can see where the care and presentation comes from... I would like to sit at the bar that overlooks the preparation area next time.
(4)Allan B.
Chef Sean and Kelly do an awesome job. From their infamous Anipasto to short-rib flatbread to wild game, Sean provides a phenomenal culinary experience. Little tidbit of info, they turn the menu over ever couple months so favorites are sure to pop back-up! Bon Appetit!
(5)Craig D.
Good Restaurant.
(4)Monica S.
I agree with other reviewers that this place doesn't meet the hype. Went for birthday dinner with my husband. We decided to try the chef tasting menu which was listed as available Mon-Thurs and was available with wine pairing. It was pricey, but special occasion, etc. We told the waitress that we wanted to try the chef tasting and she replied "Let me see if the chef is doing that tonight." She was gone almost five minutes before returning and saying "I checked with the chef, he said he would be able to do that for you." Huh? Like I was asking for something off-menu? Odd. The food was ok....the highlight was the grilled octopus. The rabbit anglioti was a bit flavorless and a tad dry. Portions were pretty tiny and did not substantiate the cost of the tasting. Everything was just 'ok" except the wine pairings...excellent and a great value compared with the cost of the food. Probably would not return, except maybe to the lovely bar for the excellent wine and maybe try something from the bar menu.
(2)Frank Z.
Class Act from begining to end. Great food, presentation, offerings, pleasantly warm decor, smart service...all around exactly what dining is all about!
(5)Vicky S.
new to the area (Wilmington DE from NY), stumbled upon this town on a leisure drive. Saw that they have suckling roast pig on the menu and knew this would really put a big smile on my hubby's face so I immediately made a reservation. Even though they didn't have anything till 8:30p on a Saturday evening, it's well worth the wait. For appetizer I order the bruscheta, fresh home made cheese, simple but it's out of this world. The suckling pig was finger licking good. They do offer BYOB (with a corking fee) even though they have their liquor license by now. Our waiter provided us the first class service and was very knowledgeable with the menu. We'll definitely be back there soon, this place is a gem and I hope it'll never change!
(5)Wamis S.
Pricey, but well worth it! Excellent food and very warm atmosphere. If you are looking for a romantic spot, this is it.
(5)Heather F.
We have had many wonderful meals at Alba. We live here in Malvern and have had the oppurtunity to dine at this wonderful "Town Gem" a few times. The owners, Kelly and Sean are such hard working, sweet and wonderful people. They go out of their way to ensure that customers get the abslute best service ever. While the place is small and always packed........ahemm.... thus the excellent food and service, you will need a reservation. The food is exceptional, fresh, local and the menu changes with the seasons so they can serve the freshest locally available ingredients. We have had special occasion dinners here, larger dinners with friends, wine dinners, and this past fall had the thrilling oppurtunity to have a farm dinner at a local farm- which was so elegant and delicious- while viewing the Chester County hills in the background of the gorgeous sunset. The restaurant does not have a large waiting area which is fine because we always plan ahead and make a reservation and have never had to wait longer than 4 or 5 minutes. It is always a pleasure seeing Kelly greet us with a huge smile as we arrive and we get a big smile and a wave from Sean from behind the kitchen counter. If you are looking to tempt your tastebuds with something different and so delicious your head will spin---make a reservation today! Save room for dessert though--because it is the perfect ending to a perfect meal. They are open for lunch too.......check it out.
(5)J C.
I took my wife here to celebrate on a Saturday night. She was in the mood for pasta, so we ordered three pasta dishes instead of appetizers. All three were delicious, and consumed quickly! We were already stuffed by the time our lamb and salmon arrived, but we tried a few bites of each anyways. Both were delicious and expertly cooked. The only drawbacks are the prices, but the food is great for fine night out.
(4)Jennifer B.
huge fan, sooo good, contemplating going back to five stars. the servers were so nice. the tapas were so delicious-not kidding the steak tapa-omg you cannot go wrong. they were so understanding when i spilt my whole plate onto the ground. its dark atmosphere, yet you can sit amongst an type of light, to tables in really dark areas near the band, to dim tables, and then light-but can't really see the stage. the pricing is not that bad, i mean we ordered a whole bottle sooo and i think still got out under 60-i hope, being as it may i left my credit card so i did not sign for it-my friend did..regardless-worth it. don't pass the parking lot, they do have a lot so don't trouble yourself with parking. i really don't have any complaints other than the tables are super small but oh well. we went on a jazz night and the guy song his heart out playing jazz, it is what it is. really good wine thou, and outdoor seating-with heat lamps, really cool and different ambiance. theres not usually a wait and you sit yourself sometimes which is really nice. i like it here, defiantly going to go back. its not like a young hopping bar, its more for a group of friends or a boyfriend and girlfriend to go have some appetizers and wine.
(5)Mario S.
This place is way overrated. Food is mediocre, but excessively priced, resulting in very poor value for the amount of money. Also, if you are looking for authentic Italian dishes, as suggested by the menu, you will not find them here. Very disappointing.
(1)Trauts N.
The rabbit tortellini were magnificent. Great food.
(5)Eileen H.
Had dinner Saturday night. The appetizer was quail, I had the suckling pig and hubby had a wild boar pasta. Both were delicious. We also had desert. It was real food, home made with attention to detail. We also order a great bottle of wine for about $30. Would definitely go back. One of the best restaurants on the mainline. Waiter was excellent.
(5)matthew l.
Traveling out to Malvern from Philly to dine here not something that I would recommend unless you want to travel that far for a perfectly decent though not particularly memorable meal, but the buzz was strong so we went. Service is adequate as is the food which is not overpriced. Perhaps the initial noise for the place came after decades of Malvern having just the General Warren Inn for fine dining in the neighborhood.
(3)Sara O.
My fiance and I had a wedding to plan in the area all while being based in Boston, MA - so we relied on the help of family to find a great, nearby spot for our rehearsal dinner. Restaurant Alba was really the only choice, and Sean & Kelly did not disappoint. The food was incredible, the wine choices superb, and the service impeccable. Sean even gave us a list of restaurants to visit on our honeymoon in Italy (we did, and they were the real deal - just like Restaurant Alba). We went back for dinner last week while in town for Thanksgiving and again had one of the best meals ever: suckling pig, rack of lamb, trout - all delicious. The rabbit raviolini were also amazing. Each time we visit (and we will always come back when we are in the area) we try something new and surprising and walk away wishing we had an authentic Italian restaurant like this near our home in Boston. We look forward to the wine bar opening soon!
(5)Andy D.
My wife and I have dined here several times and are always amazed at the quality of the meals and complexity of flavors. Chef Sean has come up with a special Italian-style menu featuring local fare from the neighboring farms. Much of the menu is cooked over the wood-fired grille that just takes the food to the next level. I'm a seafood lover and have had the octopus, trout and salmon and they have all been outstanding - they are cooked on the wood fired grille. My wife has had the wild boar ragu, chicken, and lamb plus several of the apps and sides and always raves about how delicious everything is. The bar has a good selection of cocktails, craft beers and wine as well. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu, there is something for everyone!
(5)Ron M.
I went to Alba for a business dinner. Good news: someone else paid! Bad news: probably not appropriate to taste everyone's food as is my usual habit, so I can't comment on all the foodstuffs. I had trout. Absolutely delectable. Could only have been better if they'd dropped another one on my plate. I got corn pudding on the side that was good. Colleagues had steak that they said they liked and gobbled up. We started with various bruschetti that were good too. The bodin dessert was amazing although the chocolate cake was a bit dry. It was my second time there and neither disappointed.
(4)Sheila P.
I came here on Monday because i heard they had live music- which they did at the bar. The guy was singing and playing the guitar - he was actually pretty good. I would come back for a drink and to listen to him sing/play again. However, as far as the food goes, it was just okay. I got the burrata, which everyone is raving about so maybe it was an off day- but based on the day i went, I had better. I also got the boar pasta. it was meaty and had decent flavor, but overall- it was just okay.
(3)Ann P.
I am in the food business and this place is amazing. Fresh local high quality meal and what I consider reasonable prices. Innovative menu and I have been recommending to my guests in California who travel to Malvern. Service was fantastic!
(5)Katie V.
This place is a little gem for a really good intimate dinner and a great happy hour. Specifically the short breads were out of this world and the crostini starters were great for some options before digging into dinner. The food is fresh and the kitchen is visible from the main dining room, which is always a plus! Monday's they have very good drink and food deals for happy hour.
(4)