La Familia Restaurant in Easton is more than just a name; it’s a promise of homemade food and a welcoming atmosphere, rooted in family tradition and culinary passion. Building on the established reputation of La Familia Taunton, this new Easton location brings the same commitment to quality and family hospitality that has made their other restaurants a beloved dining destination. Owned and operated by cousins Ever, Alex, and Neto Amaya, La Familia extends its family values from the kitchen to the dining room, ensuring every guest feels like part of their extended family. With years of combined culinary expertise, you’ll find family members crafting Italian and Portuguese favorites, creating tempting desserts, and greeting guests with genuine warmth.
The trio, already successful with restaurants in Taunton and Cumberland, Rhode Island, chose Easton as the newest home for La Familia, taking over the space formerly occupied by The Foundry restaurant near Five Corners. Following a September opening after a quick renovation of the 250 Foundry St. location, La Familia Easton has been met with enthusiastic local support. Deb, Ever’s wife, who helps manage the dining room, notes the positive early response and growing weekend reservations. “The initial welcome from customers has been incredibly warm and exciting,” she shared. “We are so thankful for the overwhelming support and well wishes as we begin this new chapter in Easton.”
Ever’s desire to open in Easton stems from a long-held appreciation for the community. For Deb, it’s a homecoming of sorts, as she grew up in neighboring Mansfield. Ever’s journey to becoming a restaurateur is a testament to his dedication and passion for food. At just 15, he bravely emigrated from El Salvador to New York, escaping civil unrest and joining his father in the United States. He soon found his way to the Boston area and began his culinary career as a dishwasher at the Lafayette House in Foxboro. This early job proved pivotal when he met Luciano Canova. When Luciano ventured out to open his own restaurant in Wrentham, he brought Ever along, becoming his mentor and teaching him the art of cooking. Ever spent a decade honing his skills under Luciano’s guidance.
Today, Ever boasts over 25 years of experience in the kitchens of fine dining establishments. In 2011, he and his family took the entrepreneurial leap, opening Papagallo in Attleboro. “My heart is in the kitchen,” Ever admits, reflecting on his lifelong passion. His vision for La Familia was to create a place where people could enjoy authentic, homemade food and instantly feel welcomed and at home. The success of Papagallo paved the way for La Familia Taunton in 2014, a partnership with his brother Alex and cousin Neto. Three years later, they expanded further, opening the Cumberland location, solidifying the La Familia brand across the region.
Alex contributes over 14 years of culinary expertise, including a decade as a head chef, to the La Familia team, according to their website. Neto’s strength lies in his 10 years of hospitality and service within the restaurant industry. His specialty, as highlighted on the website, is managing events and functions, ensuring smooth and memorable experiences for guests. Further reinforcing the family atmosphere, La Familia’s staff includes Ever’s cousins: Chef Yovani Amaya, with 14 years of culinary experience; Sous Chef Edy Amaya, bringing an impressive 28 years to the kitchen; and Pastry Chef Freddy Amaya, also with 28 years of experience crafting delectable desserts. Notably, all three cousins previously worked alongside Ever at Luciano’s, showcasing the deep-rooted connections and shared culinary journey within the La Familia team.
La Familia’s menu is extensive and diverse, offering something for every palate. From the hearty La Familia Burger, piled high with jalapenos, mushrooms, smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, onion rings, and aioli sauce, to classic, freshly made veal and chicken parmesan, and a tempting seafood casserole, the choices are abundant. Ever points out one standout dish that embodies their Portuguese heritage: Portuguese steak. This flavorful dish features a thinly pounded flank steak, seared to perfection in a cast iron pan and then sautéed in olive oil, garlic, lemon butter, white wine, and beer, enhanced with Gonsalves crushed red pepper sauce and Goya Seasoning. It’s traditionally topped with a fried egg and Portuguese red pepper and served over rice. “We pride ourselves on our steaks,” Ever states confidently.
Other popular menu items include the grilled chicken genovese, bathed in a fresh, homemade basil cream sauce, and the comforting fettuccine bolognese, featuring a rich, homemade sauce crafted with beef, veal, and sweet Italian sausage. The eggplant stack appetizer is another favorite, perfect for sharing. Recognizing dietary needs, La Familia also provides gluten-free pasta options, ensuring inclusivity for all diners. Adding to the ever-evolving menu, La Familia features regular specials, often inspired by the changing seasons. Past specials have included butternut squash ravioli, apple cider Sangria, and a decadent stuffed chicken parmesan with a blend of four cheeses. And no meal at La Familia is complete without exploring their dessert offerings. From fried ice cream and churros to bread pudding and specialty cheesecakes in seasonal flavors like key lime and pumpkin, the sweet endings are just as thoughtfully prepared as the main courses.
Looking ahead, Ever has exciting plans for La Familia Easton. Once the ongoing Five Corners Sewer Project is completed, he envisions expanding the restaurant’s seating capacity to accommodate even more guests. He also hopes to add a convenient drive-thru window to streamline pick-up orders for their popular take-out service. And, hinting at further growth, Ever mentioned the eventual possibility of opening yet another La Familia location, extending their family’s culinary reach even further. La Familia Easton is currently open for both lunch and dinner. For more information, including their full menu and reservations, visit their website at www.lafamiliarestaurants.com or call them directly at 508-297-0327. Experience the warmth of La Familia and taste the tradition that began in La Familia Taunton, now in Easton.
