Caffe Malvina

A Delightful Experience! written by EatsInChico
Last visited this restaurant on August 07, 2006

We decided to try this restaurant for lunch first, as we have been disappointed by other Chico Italian Restaurants recently. Caffe Malvina is a small dining room in the downtown area. While the ambiance is comfortable and low key, the chairs are not as comfortable as I'd have hoped. This is, however, my biggest complaint.
I ordered the special, Fettuccini Shrimp, and my husband ordered the lasagne with meat sauce. The fettuccini was fresh, cooked to a perfect al dente, the shrimp were perfectly prepared, and the alfredo sauce was light and a wonderful compliment to the shrimp and fettuccini. Overall, a perfect balance of taste and texture. The lasagne was THE BEST we had ever had (including my own!), with the homemade meat sauce being the crowning glory of the dish! Again, the flavors and textures were perfectly balanced and the pasta was just barely al dente.
The lunch salads, included with the meal, were ideally sized with a tasty italian dressing. The bread was fresh, warm, and doughy. Two other minor criticisms: there is no caesar salad on their lunch or dinner menu; and they serve the butter in those annoying metallic wrappers.
We can't wait to go back for dinner! The Caffee Malvina is unpretentious and thoroughly delicious!!

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