You know that feeling when you're driving down Route 73 and every single chain restaurant starts looking exactly the same? It's a sea of beige buildings and predictable menus. But then there’s Marlton Square. Right in the thick of it sits LaScala's Fire Marlton New Jersey, and honestly, it’s one of the few places in the area that manages to feel like a neighborhood hangout despite being in a busy shopping center. It’s loud. It’s busy. Usually, there’s a wait. But once you get a whiff of that wood-fired oven, you kind of get why people are willing to stand around for forty minutes on a Tuesday night.
Rob LaScala didn't just stumble into this. The guy has been a fixture in the Philly and South Jersey food scene for decades, starting with the original LaScala’s at 7th and Chestnut. By the time he brought the "Fire" concept to Marlton, he had the formula down to a science: high-energy atmosphere, massive portions, and a menu that doesn't try to reinvent the wheel but executes the classics with a lot of soul.
The Vibe Check at LaScala's Fire Marlton New Jersey
Walking in, the first thing you notice isn't the decor—though the industrial-chic look with the exposed ductwork and warm lighting is nice—it's the energy. It’s high. If you’re looking for a quiet, romantic spot to whisper sweet nothings over a candle, this probably isn't it. This is where people go to talk loudly, share a dozen appetizers, and drink martinis.
The bar area is the heart of the operation. It’s usually packed with people grabbing a quick bite or waiting for a table in the main dining room. There’s something about the open kitchen and the visible glow of the pizza oven that makes the whole space feel alive. It’s communal. You’ll see families with young kids sitting right next to a group of professionals having happy hour drinks.
South Jersey has plenty of "fine dining" and plenty of "pizza joints," but LaScala’s Fire sits right in that sweet spot in the middle. It’s upscale enough for a birthday dinner but casual enough that you don't feel weird wearing a clean hoodie.
What You’re Actually Eating (and Why the Wood-Fired Oven Matters)
Let’s talk about the "Fire" part of the name. It’s not just a branding gimmick. The wood-burning oven is the centerpiece of the kitchen, and it reaches temperatures that your home oven couldn't dream of. This is crucial for their signature wings.
Most places fry their wings. LaScala’s tosses them in the wood-fired oven. The result is a skin that’s charred and crisp without that heavy, greasy feeling of a deep fryer. They’re served with roasted onions and focaccia, which is basically a requirement for soaking up the juices. If you haven't had the spicy Italian long hot wings, you're missing the point of the menu. They’re genuinely spicy—not "suburban spicy," but actually-make-your-eyes-water spicy.
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The pizza follows the same logic. You get those beautiful "leopard spots" on the crust—those little charred bubbles that indicate a high-heat bake. The dough is chewy, thin, and holds up under the weight of the toppings.
The Ricotta Board Obsession
If you look at any table in the restaurant, there is a 90% chance you’ll see the whipped ricotta board. It’s become a bit of a local legend.
They serve it with honeycomb, sea salt, and toasted crostini. It sounds simple because it is. But the texture of the ricotta is so airy it’s almost like mousse. It’s the kind of appetizer that makes you wonder why you ever bother with plain butter.
The Menu’s Deep Cuts
Beyond the pizzas and the boards, the pasta dishes are surprisingly robust. We aren't talking about tiny "artistic" portions. These are heavy, "take-home-half-for-lunch-tomorrow" portions.
- Rigatoni Vodka: It’s a staple for a reason. The sauce is creamy but has enough acidity from the tomatoes to keep it from being cloying. They add prosciutto for a salty kick that works.
- Chicken San Remo: This is a classic Jersey-Italian dish—chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, and a white wine cream sauce. It’s comfort food on a plate.
- Cheesesteak Egg Rolls: Yeah, it’s a bit of a Philly-area cliché, but they do them right. The wrapper is shatteringly crisp, and the inside isn't just a blob of meat; it’s seasoned well.
One thing people often overlook at LaScala's Fire Marlton New Jersey is the salad selection. Usually, restaurant salads are an afterthought. Here, the "Alicia’s Salad" is actually a meal. It’s got arugula, pear, candied walnuts, and goat cheese. It provides a necessary hit of freshness if you’re also face-planting into a carb-heavy pizza.
The Happy Hour Scene
If you want to experience the restaurant without the prime-time price tag or the chaotic noise levels, the happy hour is the move. It typically runs Monday through Friday, and it’s one of the better deals in Evesham Township.
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You can grab discounted pizzas and appetizers, which makes it a dangerous place for a "quick" drink after work. The cocktail list is surprisingly inventive, too. They do a lot of variations on the mule and the martini, often using fresh purées and infusions. The "Fire" element even makes its way into the drinks occasionally with spicy rims or charred garnishes.
Practical Realities: Parking and Reservations
Let's be real for a second: parking in Marlton Square can be a nightmare on a Saturday afternoon. Between the shoppers and the diners, the lot gets tight. If you’re heading to LaScala’s, give yourself an extra ten minutes just to find a spot.
Also, use the OpenTable app.
Do not just show up at 7:00 PM on a Friday and expect to be seated immediately. They do take walk-ins, but the wait times can get legendary. The restaurant has a loyal following, and the proximity to the Promenade and other shopping means it’s a constant destination.
How It Compares to Other South Jersey Staples
South Jersey is a competitive arena for Italian food. You’ve got the old-school red-sauce joints in Cherry Hill and the high-end spots in Haddonfield. LaScala’s Fire carves out its space by being more modern and "loud" than the traditional spots.
It feels more like a city restaurant that happened to land in the suburbs. While a place like Giamarese’s or Zeppoli (over in Collingswood) focuses on a very specific, quiet, artisanal experience, LaScala’s is built for the masses. It’s consistent. You know exactly what that vodka sauce is going to taste like every time you order it. For a lot of people, that reliability is more important than culinary experimentation.
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Addressing the "Too Loud" Complaint
You'll see it in the reviews sometimes: "It was too noisy to hear my husband."
That’s a fair critique if you’re looking for intimacy. The acoustics in the Marlton location are definitely "lively." With hard surfaces everywhere and a high-volume sound system, the noise bounces around. If you have someone in your party who is hard of hearing, try to request a booth toward the back or go during the "off" hours between lunch and dinner.
But for most of the crowd, the noise is part of the appeal. It feels like a party. It’s an escape from the quiet hum of suburban life.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you’re planning a trip to LaScala's Fire Marlton New Jersey, keep these specific strategies in mind to get the best experience:
- The "Half-and-Half" Strategy: If you're with a partner, don't both get pasta. One person gets a wood-fired pizza, the other gets a pasta dish. The portions are huge, and the contrast between the crispy crust and the heavy sauce is the way to go.
- The Lunch Secret: They have a great lunch menu that’s significantly cheaper than dinner. You get similar portions but at a "suburban lunch" price point. It’s way better than a fast-food stop.
- Order the Long Hots: Even if you aren't a "heat" person, order one side of the roasted long hots for the table. They add a smoky, bitter, spicy dimension to the bread and cheese that elevates the whole meal.
- Check the Specials: Rob LaScala is known for rotating seasonal items. If there’s a seasonal burrata or a specific seafood pasta on the chalkboard, it’s usually fresher and more interesting than the standard menu.
Ultimately, LaScala’s Fire works because it understands what people in Marlton want: good food, a strong drink, and a place that feels a little more exciting than their own living room. It’s not trying to be a Michelin-starred experience. It’s trying to be the best version of a modern Italian bistro, and most nights, it hits that mark perfectly.
Next time you're stuck in Route 73 traffic, skip the drive-thru. Put your name on the list, grab a seat at the bar, and wait for that whipped ricotta. It makes the suburban grind a whole lot more bearable.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Book Early: Check OpenTable at least 48 hours in advance for weekend slots.
- Download the App: Use the LaScala's Rewards app if you plan on visiting their other locations (like the one in Voorhees or Philadelphia) to rack up points.
- Plan Your Route: If the main lot is full, there is additional parking behind the main strip of stores in Marlton Square that most people forget about. Use the side entrance near the blue awnings.