Home

Download

NO BAD **RECOMMENDATIONS**.

London, England

Red Room

Copenhagen, Denmark

Delphine

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Chez Nina Green Brasserie

The most popular restaurants in Nova Circle right now

TRENDING NOW

Guide to

During Winter

Prague 

in Finland

The Northern Lights

Winter Edition

Paris

Best bars

New York Cities

Explore curated travel guides filled with hidden gems and top recommendations to inspire your next adventure.

TRAVEL GUIDES

Discover standout moments and top picks from our vibrant community of travelers and explorers.

USER HIGHLIGHTS

Meet our most active and inspiring community members sharing unique recommendations and insights.

TOP USERS

On A Budget

5 Star Luxury Travel

You Must Visit

Eco-Friendly Hotels

Avoid Bali belly

How To:

That Are Worth The Trip

Dining Concepts

The World Is Slowing Down

Soft Travel

Stay updated with the latest travel tips, trends, and exciting updates from the Nova Circle community.

NEWS

Explore

Copenhagens Boutique Hotels

Discover

Tokyos best Ramen

Travel philosophy

The Rise of ‘Soft Travel’

Dublin Best Pubs

 Find fresh ideas and experiences to discover, from must-visit spots to unique activities.

MORE INSPIRATION

Connect with trusted partners who share our passion for unforgettable experiences and quality travel.

OUR SELECTED PARTNERS

Nova Circle is your single space for saving and sharing top recommendations around the world while getting inspired by likeminded people.

Nova Circle - No Bad Recommendations

As a valued Nova Circle member you can enjoy our exclusive partner discounts. Simply just sign in to claim the deals.

Partner Discounts

Enjoy exclusive travel partner discounts with Nova Circle.

Nova Circle Benefits - Travel Partner Discounts

Benefits

Raleigh, NC

North America

United States

# Mala Pata Molino + Cocina – Colombian restaurant in Raleigh, NC, vibrant atmosphere, unique menu, community-focused dining

Mala Pata Molino + Cocina is a Colombian restaurant located at 2431 Crabtree Blvd, Ste 102, Raleigh, NC. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and unique culinary offerings, this establishment has quickly become a favored spot for both locals and visitors. The restaurant emphasizes fresh ingredients and traditional recipes, creating a dining experience that resonates with authenticity. Since its inception, Mala Pata has garnered attention for its innovative dishes and has earned a Bib Gourmand distinction from Michelin, highlighting its commitment to providing fine dining at great value. The welcoming community vibe and attentive service have also been frequently praised in reviews, making it a must-visit destination in Raleigh.

## History
### The story of Mala Pata Molino + Cocina
Mala Pata Molino + Cocina was founded with the vision of bringing authentic Colombian flavors to Raleigh, NC. The founders aimed to create a space where traditional recipes could meet contemporary culinary techniques, offering a unique dining experience that celebrates Colombian culture. This vision has been realized through a carefully curated menu that showcases the richness of Colombian cuisine.

### Milestones and growth
- **Opening**: Mala Pata opened its doors to the public, quickly gaining popularity.
- **Bib Gourmand Recognition**: The restaurant received the Bib Gourmand distinction from Michelin, acknowledging its high-quality food at reasonable prices.
- **Community Engagement**: Over time, Mala Pata has become a community hub, hosting various events and gatherings that foster local connections.

### Cultural and local influence
Mala Pata has significantly influenced the local dining scene by introducing authentic Colombian dishes that were previously underrepresented in Raleigh. The restaurant not only serves food but also educates patrons about Colombian culture through culinary storytelling. This cultural exchange has enriched the community, making it a vibrant part of Raleigh's diverse culinary landscape.

### Continuing the tradition
Mala Pata continues to uphold its founding principles by sourcing fresh, local ingredients and maintaining a menu that evolves with the seasons. The restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity ensures that each dish reflects the rich culinary heritage of Colombia, while also adapting to modern tastes and preferences.

## Community
### Community involvement
Mala Pata is deeply involved in the Raleigh community, often participating in local events and supporting nearby businesses. The restaurant fosters a sense of belonging by creating a welcoming environment for all, encouraging patrons to engage with one another and share their experiences. This community focus has helped establish Mala Pata as a beloved local institution.

### Community notion about the place
The community views Mala Pata as a vibrant addition to Raleigh's dining scene. Many patrons appreciate the restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity, often sharing their positive experiences with friends and family. The warm and inviting atmosphere, coupled with attentive service, has led to a loyal customer base that values the restaurant as a go-to dining destination.

### Events and gatherings
Mala Pata hosts various events and gatherings that celebrate Colombian culture and cuisine. These events often include special menu offerings, live music, and community collaborations, providing patrons with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of Colombia. The restaurant's ability to bring people together through food and shared experiences has solidified its role as a community hub.

## Offerings
### What Mala Pata offers
Mala Pata offers a diverse menu that showcases the flavors of Colombian cuisine, featuring dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant's offerings range from traditional favorites to innovative interpretations, ensuring that there is something for everyone. The emphasis on quality and authenticity is evident in every dish, making dining at Mala Pata a memorable experience.

### Dining and food experience
The dining experience at Mala Pata is characterized by a vibrant atmosphere and attentive service. Patrons can expect a menu filled with flavorful dishes, including handmade tortillas, savory tacos, and unique appetizers. The restaurant's commitment to accommodating dietary preferences, such as vegan options, further enhances the dining experience, allowing guests to enjoy a meal that suits their needs.

### Events and packages
Mala Pata offers various events and dining packages, making it an ideal venue for celebrations and gatherings. Whether it's a casual brunch with friends or a special occasion, the restaurant provides tailored experiences that cater to different group sizes and preferences. These events often highlight seasonal ingredients and special dishes, ensuring that each visit is unique.

### Facilities and features
- **Stylish interior**: Bright and welcoming ambiance.
- **Attentive staff**: Knowledgeable and friendly service.
- **Bar area**: Extensive drink menu with unique cocktails.
- **Reservation system**: Recommended for busy times to ensure seating.

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Reviews of Mala Pata highlight a mix of experiences, showcasing both strengths and areas for improvement. Many patrons praise the quality of food and the vibrant atmosphere, while some express concerns about pricing and portion sizes. Overall, the restaurant has garnered a reputation for its commitment to quality and service.

### Compliments and strengths
Customers frequently compliment the freshness of ingredients, the creativity of the menu, and the attentive service provided by the staff. The handmade tortillas and flavorful dishes are often mentioned as standout features, contributing to a positive dining experience. The restaurant's ability to cater to various dietary preferences also receives praise.

### Contrasts and notable mentions
While many reviews are positive, some patrons have noted inconsistencies in portion sizes and pricing. A few diners have expressed that certain dishes, while flavorful, did not meet their expectations in terms of portion relative to price. This feedback suggests that there may be room for improvement in aligning menu offerings with customer expectations.

### Summary evaluation
Mala Pata Molino + Cocina stands out for its vibrant atmosphere and commitment to authentic Colombian cuisine. While there are areas for improvement, particularly regarding portion sizes and pricing, the overall dining experience is well-received. The restaurant's strengths in quality, service, and community engagement make it a notable addition to Raleigh's culinary landscape.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
Mala Pata is situated in Raleigh, NC, specifically at 2431 Crabtree Blvd, Ste 102. This location is part of the Gateway Plaza, an increasingly popular destination that also features other local favorites like Fiction Kitchen and Escazú Chocolates. The surrounding area is known for its vibrant dining scene and community-oriented atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for food enthusiasts. Visitors to Mala Pata can enjoy not only the delicious Colombian cuisine but also explore the diverse offerings of nearby establishments, enhancing their overall experience in Raleigh.

## FAQs
**What type of cuisine does Mala Pata serve** Colombian cuisine with a focus on traditional and contemporary dishes.
**Is there a bar at Mala Pata** Yes, the restaurant features an extensive drink menu with unique cocktails.
**Do I need a reservation** Reservations are recommended, especially during busy times.
**Are there vegan options available** Yes, Mala Pata offers a variety of vegan dishes on their menu.
**What is the ambiance like at Mala Pata** The restaurant has a bright, stylish, and welcoming atmosphere.

## Visit Mala Pata Today
Mala Pata Molino + Cocina invites you to experience the vibrant flavors of Colombian cuisine in a welcoming environment. With a commitment to quality ingredients and attentive service, this restaurant has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Whether you're looking for a casual brunch or a special dinner, Mala Pata offers a unique dining experience that celebrates community and culture. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy their innovative dishes and warm hospitality—visit Mala Pata today!

068b31b9-7b47-42b7-a725-a4337c5f9ea2

Mala Pata (Gateway Plaza - Raleigh) Three of us spent $77.93 + tip on an excellent Colombian Sunday brunch at Mala Pata, and it more than lived up to the hype. When the Michelin Southeast reviews came out last week, I learned for the first time about the "Bib Gourmand"category, essentially fine dining at great value. Mala Pata earned that distinction, and since none of us had been before, we decided to give it a try. Two of us are especially passionate about corn tortillas, which made this an easy choice. Location & Arrival: Mala Pata is in Gateway Plaza, an increasingly interesting destination that also houses Fiction Kitchen and Escazú Chocolates, two longtime favorites of ours. Parking was easy, but finding the door was a little tricky: the sign is above Fiction Kitchen, yet Mala Pata's entrance is actually around to the left. Atmosphere & Service: The interior is bright, stylish, and welcoming. We had a 12:30 reservation and were seated promptly by friendly staff. One of us is vegan, and the server handled that gracefully, helping us work out both vegan and non-vegan options for our starters. Many dishes run a bit spicy, but the staff was very accommodating in adjusting to suit our preferences. What We Ordered: Two plates of black beans - one vegan, one with cheese Two Migas Tacos plates - one with chorizo, one without Skirt Steak & Eggs Sunny Water for drinks The Food: The star of the show for me was the handmade blue corn tortillas, a nostalgic favorite from my childhood, paired with perfectly scrambled eggs and bright seasoning. The Migas tacos (three per plate) were filling and flavorful, though the chorizo was a bit too spicy for my taste. The black beans were enjoyable, though one of us found them slightly under-seasoned. The skirt steak was excellent, beautifully browned on the outside and juicy inside, just as it should be. The accompanying sauce was flavorful and balanced. The fried plantains were delicious, though two and a half pieces left us wanting more. Overall: Everything was fresh, vibrant, and thoughtfully prepared--though overall a touch under-salted for our palates. Still, the quality of ingredients and craftsmanship shone through. The staff was impressive: super friendly, professional, and attentive. We'll definitely return.

9381d765-4b3c-4cdb-b276-46ecb54f1884

My wife and I went with some friends last weekend. We did have to wait 15 minutes despite having a reservation. Things happen and they are new but not the best first impression. There was no attempt to smooth it over at all. We were asked to go get a drink at their adjoining bar. (I pay you more money because you didn't have my table ready?) The ambiance was very warm and inviting. The wait staff was attentive and knowledgeable. We got the buñuelos, piña y queso, carnitas tacos, flautas de papas, salsa macha wings, tuna tar tacos, and the tres leches. I would describe all of the dishes as fine. Pretty much every dish except the salsa macha wings lacked any real flavor. The pricing model was probably the worst part though. The shareable dishes were priced between $12 and $16. However, none of them were sharing size. (2 flautas, 2 tacos, etc.) Main dishes are $30-$40 but we didn't get any of those. There's some potential here, but overall they really need to rethink their menu. Either the pricing needs to adjust to align with what you're serving or the menu items need to adjust to align with your pricing.

9c58e195-53f1-492e-a24e-d12c892ab179

The sweet corn calchapas were the perfect mix of sweet and fluffy-bacon was perfectly crunchy and apples added more depth-delicious! I also had the carnitas and grits which were fantastic. Our server was kind and attentive. We also had the patatas bravas and the bruñelos which were almost like pao de queijo-YUM! Loved getting to have brunch in such a comforting and pretty environment with my girlies!

b8bf0fec-c60c-4d2a-891a-e662d4725360

Wow!! We loved everything we had at Mala Pata, the drinks were amazing as well as the food. It was quite busy on a week day night and everyone was talking about how good their dishes tasted! The staff were very knowledgeable and described the dishes as they came out. We will definitely be back!

309a1bf8-c6a1-44e9-b757-e5ef8964c53c

Loved the experience here. Super packed on a Wednesday evening so highly recommend reservations. Their drink menu is extensive. The menu is unique and we ordered a couple of plates to share. Guacamole, fish tacos, wings, and enchiladas. Everything was delicious! The guac and the wings came out first, followed by the tacos and enchiladas. Our only callout was we wish the courses were spaced out a little better. Definitely will return

d341b788-ac74-4c2d-87f7-033cf9222139

Seriously amazing bunch. Stumbled upon this place while I was getting my dog groomed and let. me. tell. you. It was 10/10

7031897f-abd2-433b-baf5-5185a8dd49f4

Went to Mala Pata with some friends on a Saturday night. Let's start with the good-service was excellent, waitstaff was knowledgeable and recommended items and answered all of our questions. Drink menu was great (had one of my favorite beers, the Prairie sherbet sour) and definitely has some interesting items on the main menu. Everything came out hot and fresh. We had the salsa macha wings, buñuelos, carnitas tacos, flautas de papas, tuna tartacos, and piña y queso as well as the tres leches. Everything was good but I wouldn't say anything was mind blowing. I personally found the tuna tartacos to be the best item with the piña y queso in second. For the negatives, we had to go get a drink at the bar next door for 15 minutes despite having a reservation because they were running behind (it happens and I know they are new--just wanted to note) and to rub salt in the wound--they didn't comp the drinks or offer anything for us having to go wait next door. Honestly our main qualm was the price to portion ratio and price based on ingredients. It just seems a little outrageous to charge 14-17 dollars for 4 chicken wings or 3 potato flautas when those are not high cost items--for something like raw tuna, the pricing makes sense but for corn tortillas with potato? Furthermore the portion choices didn't make sense for sharing despite that seemingly being the intention of the menu (3 tacos for one dish, 4 with another). Finally, the tres leches had goat milk which we found unpleasantly game-y (not sure if this is traditional but just our opinion on the dish). Overall I'd say it has a good vibe inside and could be fun for drinks and apps if you're willing to spend a little more but not sure it's for us.

e6a93f66-a1de-4c63-974c-9240643d06dd

So good! We had the flouts, fish tacos and enchiladas I also had the Mai Thai. Will for sure be back.

f70b448d-9ad2-4ec3-a8d4-8f33875e7785

A solid experience. We sampled 4 of the cocktails and each had its strengths. The bunuelos were tasty and a unique item for us. Our entrees had some interesting flavors. The flautas de papas and the rajas enchiladas had distinguishable features but were remarkably similar. Both were crispy - which we were not expecting for enchiladas - and both the fillings were lacking. The masa focus was not so apparent to us but that may be our selections or our ignorance. The staff was attentive but the acoustics were a challenge- even with a half full restaurant. We could hear way too much of the adjacent table's conversation. Our disappointment may be a result of the hyped reviews both here and elsewhere. It was good but nothing particularly exciting.

65cbdb5c-8564-4d5c-83fe-f03e0d5f5666

Very cool and hip new spot in Raleigh. The entire staff was so friendly and helpful. We went and split multiple appetizers. They were all very good. I will definitely return. The Carnitas tacos were great.

Discover Mala Pata Molino + Cocina in Raleigh, NC for vibrant Mexican cuisine in a lively setting. Experience authentic flavors and unforgettable dining—book now.

Mala Pata Molino + Cocina in Raleigh, NC | Authentic Mexican Cuisine

Raleigh

Mala Pata Molino + Cocina

North Carolina

Explore the full menu at Mala Pata Molino + Cocina in Raleigh. Discover signature dishes, drinks & must-try items. Visit us at 2431 Crabtree Blvd, Ste 102.

Mala Pata Molino + Cocina Menu – Food & Drinks in Raleigh

Learn about Mala Pata Molino + Cocina in Raleigh, NC. Experience authentic cuisine, vibrant atmosphere & friendly service. Located at 2431 Crabtree Blvd, Ste 102.

About Mala Pata Molino + Cocina, Raleigh, NC

Opening hours for Mala Pata Molino + Cocina, Raleigh. Find opening hours for Mala Pata Molino + Cocina at 2431 Crabtree Blvd, Ste 102.

Mala Pata Molino + Cocina Menu Overview

Platos Significativos

Bebidas y Maridajes

Opciones Dietéticas

Recomendaciones del Chef

Experimenta el Menú en Mala Pata

East End Bistrot

Gabi's: Powered by Special Abilities

Pine State Coffee