In 1991, Richard Rosenthal along with partner Brad Karsky opened Max a Mia in Avon, CT. Their vision was a restaurant that would allow diners to enjoy a "casual Italian bistro." That vision was an instant success. In the first year of operation, Max a Mia won "Best New Restaurant" from Connecticut Magazine. It also earned recognition for "top grossing restaurant in it's size" from Restaurant Hospitality. The brick oven, which is visible from the dining room, serves up stone pies "with a thin, wood-smoky-flavor crust and an array of toppings." While all the pasta dishes are outstanding, the daily risotto specials have been described as "luscious." Equally important, desserts such as traditional tiramisu or the unique white chocolate polenta cake complete the meal. Like it's sister restaurants, Max a Mia is focused on providing each guest with a truly enjoyable dining experience.
"Restaurant was in a slump for awhile but it's now even better than when it opened."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot, great for lunch, kid-friendly
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"Everything you expect from a Max restaurant. Especially good for lunch for a broad selection from light to not so light. The eggplant Parmesan is delicious and every salad is good. Wine list is ok but could be better."
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot, great for lunch
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"The mussels were excellent to start with. The max sangria was too strong. The shrimp tasted old and the veal was very tough. We did try dessert. Lemon cheesecake was very good. We also enjoyed the flourless dark chocolate cake. Then the owner of the gas station sat next to us to spy on the landscaping company he hired and complained loudly about the job they were doing. The man came over to get paid and they started arguing. At this point we had enough. We went inside to pay our bill. The waitress was very friendly, but thought veal came from lambs. Service was on the slow side."
Dined on 5/05/2013
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"As always Max-a-Mia is excellent, highlighted by the fantastic staff who provide perfectly timed, professional service that makes you feel like you eat there every day. Everyone enjoyed what they ate and had a great time."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, special occasion
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"Max a Mia is one of our most favorite local restaurants. My husband loves the pasta dishes and I am very glad for the wonderful gluten free menu options. We'll keep coming back--often!"
Dined on 04/21/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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"We had a very nice time, food was wonderful...as always. We were celebrating my daughter's 20th birthday and I had requested a desert for her which was a very nice surprise for her. They sang happy birthday and said the desert was "on the house." Very nice touch to a very nice time."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2010
Special Features: special occasion
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"Went last minute on a Thursday night with 12 in our party. Hostess and servers were so accommodating. Place across the street said they couldn't fit us but they had TONS of empty tables. They SO lost out. We so love you Max in Avon!"
Dined on 04/04/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Our waitress (at table 1 on Friday April 5th at 5:45 was very personable and an outstanding waitress. She had great social skills and made our dining experience the best!"
Dined on 04/05/2013
2013
Special Features: special occasion
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"Max a Mia is our family favorite! We go whenever we are in that part of the state. The food is truly outstanding and the service is excellent. The staff goes above and beyond to make dining pleasurable."
Dined on 02/28/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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"I had a reservation for 8:30, however I was not seated until 9 pm. I was very upset, since I had made a reservation prior to dining at the restaurant. I was amazed how even though I had a reservation I woluld still be waiting half an hour later. Not only that, I was seated right next to the kitchen and all I can feel was the wall vibrating and table. Also, the loud noise the door made when they shut it was so annoying. Not a great experience, very disappointed."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2013
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"The perfect waiter,fabulous food, great service, fair prices."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"Quick, immediate seating by the Hostess and exceptional service by our waiter we enjoyed a great lunch. Service and food were excellent. Would recommend."
Dined on 03/04/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, great for lunch
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"The food is fantastic. The menu is prepared carefully,artfully and with much attention to tasteful ingredients. The food, both taste, interest and presentation were all outstanding. The service, start to finish, was outstanding. We had wine, flavored water, appetizer, main course and dessert. Each dish was wonderful!!"
Dined on 03/01/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"HAVE NOT BEEN THERE IN A LONG TIME. tHE FOOD WAS EXCELLENT, OUR WAITRESS WAS A DOLL.WOULD RECOMMEND THE RESTAURANT TO ANYONE. BOOKING ON LINE WAS SUPER CONVENIENT. NEVER DID THAT BEFORE EITHER."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"We've enjoyed Max for years and my visit on Thursday was no exception. Since we were a party of five, we were seated at the booth that straddles the bar and the dining room, en route to the kitchen. Downside: one of our guests had a view of the kitchen door and part of the dishwasher's station whenever the door swung open. Upside: probably the quietest table in the whole restaurant; we were able to hold our conversation in normal tones, which has not been my experience in the past. Max is great,but the acoustics are not the best. Dinner was great; we shared the Max a Mia cheese, meat and acoutrement platter(aka antipasto), which was wonderful. Each of us ordered a different entree, all were wonderful. Great wine list. Service excellent."
Dined on 02/21/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch
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"The food at all the Max locations is always excellent. The service is superb. For this visit we were seated at the tables in the bar area and the noise was excessive for relaxed conversations. I will be back again."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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"It had been a while since our last visit. Was never a fan of waiting. With open table: no more waiting!
We had a great dinned and enjoyed catching up with Brad again. The menu has been completely changed givingnit annew and fresh look. The food was great and service was excellent. I am sure will be back often!"
Dined on 02/06/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"It was ok. Nothing special lots of waiters and waitresses running around but took forever to get a drink. The pizza was good had a appletini and it tasted like no alcohol and was small. Very loud and was also served the wrong food. It was ok I prolly would not recommend or go back. Very loud and crowded."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2013
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