Glendale eatery marks 22 years of European cuisine

A Legacy of Love and European Flavors

For over two decades, a small but beloved restaurant in the West Valley has been serving up more than just meals—it's been offering a taste of Europe. "A Touch of European Cafe" has become a local favorite, thanks to the dedication and passion of its husband-and-wife owners, Waldemar and Malgorzaga Okula.

The couple has built a unique dining experience that brings together the comfort of traditional European cuisine with the warmth of a family-run business. Waldemar, who handles the cooking, and Malgorzaga, who specializes in baking, have created a menu filled with homemade dishes that reflect their heritage.

"It's really an awesome experience," Waldemar said. "You never know who's going to walk in through the door. People come in and they're satisfied and they leave happy, so it's an awesome experience."

A Taste of Home

Malgorzaga emphasized that their food is made with love, which is evident in every dish. Many customers have shared emotional stories about how the flavors remind them of their own roots in Europe.

"We make it with love," she said. "Many people have roots in Europe, so they come in looking for those flavors. We occasionally have people crying because they remember the tastes, it's emotional."

The couple, originally from Poland, moved to Arizona from New York and quickly fell in love with downtown Glendale. They were drawn to the area’s charm and decided to transform an empty deli into their dream restaurant.

"Trees, little streets and little shops, it just had the feel of Europe," Malgorzaga said. "We had to build the kitchen and paint the walls and do all the things ourselves, and here we go!"

A Family-Run Operation

Running a restaurant together isn’t always easy, especially when both partners are involved in every aspect of the business. But for the Okulas, it’s been a rewarding journey.

"Asking the duo what their favorite dishes are is not an easy question to answer," Waldemar said. "Everything is awesome. They're all my kids, I love them all."

Their menu includes a variety of homemade dishes, from sandwiches and salads to hearty European staples like Goulash, Kielbasa, and their famous Sour Pickle Soup. Each item is crafted with care and attention to detail.

"We do sandwiches and salads," Malgorzaga said. "We call it 'A Touch of European Cafe' so we can do basically everything within Europe."

The Secret Ingredient

What makes their restaurant stand out is the combination of quality ingredients, traditional recipes, and the personal touch of the couple. Their baked goods, in particular, have gained a loyal following.

"A lot of times they try it, come back and they want more," Malgorzaga said. "The two of us can work together. Not a lot of married couples work together in the same place for so many years. The beginning was hard, you have to find your spot, but then later on, you figure it out and spend 24/7 with each other. We still love each other."

The Okulas have shown that with hard work, dedication, and a deep love for their craft, a small business can thrive for over 20 years. Their story is not just about food—it's about family, tradition, and the joy of bringing people together through shared meals.