The Italian North End of Boston is like an embarrassment of riches when it comes to Italian restaurants. I could never say 1 is better than the other, you can not go wrong no matter what. AMAZING!
TonyC
Servers were very attentive serving orders quickly and checking in on quality of food just at the right times. We ordered one of the specialities of the house, Tripe. It was very tender and with very good flavor provided by a rich gravy. The night we were there included a singing dual of male and female performers with extraordinary talent. We were impressed that a small neighborhood restaurant would have such an extra amenity. It was a very nice all around experience !
Alycia Pessoa
Such a disappointment. Food was okay but the service was awful. Once our waitress dropped our food off she only came back to bring us the bill. They also had an older gentleman come around and play the accordion. After he was done he just sat there staring at us and then said “don’t you have a few dollars for me?” We were mortified as we don’t carry cash. Others in the restaurant felt uncomfortable and wouldn’t make eye contact with him. Thankfully our ten year old had some and we gave him a couple dollars to leave. Based on the reviews we expected a hometown feel and instead felt like we were being pushed out the door. So many better options within the area. Too bad. Also, they don’t have a kids menu and will not do kid sized portions.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 1
Amy Sonnenday
Teri is the most amazing server! Best lemon drop martinis around! Go see her!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Despite having a reservation, we waited in the cramped foyer for almost 25 minutes. Our table was hastily put together (still wet when we sat down with curling placemats and dripping utensils). When we ordered drinks and asked for bread we were told they were out of bread. Salads came and the requested “lightly dressed” caesar was soaked with dressing. Main courses came out; food was lukewarm and nothing special. Overall, this experience was incredibly disappointing.
elmo
We thought the food was very good. Not enough waitstaff so service was slow. No one working the door to check reservations and seat people. Overall I would absolutely go back because the food is worth the trip
PaulV
Been going there for over 30 years when visiting Boston. Have not been there since the pandemic. Read the recent bad reviews, but decided to try it ourselves. The reviews were correct. The veal that was served was very tough. Nothing like it used to be. The place was almost empty on a Friday night. There used to be a line out the door years ago. Not anymore. Will not be returning.
We walked in early on our reservations and they seated us quickly and gave us a nice seat by the window. All of the food was fresh and delicious. They were out of Peroni but I made due with a delicious martini. Old school Italian restaurant without all the frills and less expensive than the other restaurants in the neighborhood. Great spot. Highly recommend!!
The eggplant parmigiana was excellent. Unfortunately, there were no substitutions so I had to have a pasta side when I really wanted the sautéed spinach. But of course the pasta was cooked perfectly so I ate the whole thing.
Tom Salem
We ate here New Year’s Eve and had delicious and hot meals served most promptly. Our waiter was excellent and provided perfect service. Our group had seafood and chicken dishes and really enjoyed them. We dined in a basement room and it was a bit crowded. In my opinion, prices were at least 10 % too high. Overall we were happy.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Marsala
Tara Lozada
We booked a separate room downstairs for a party of 23 and were guaranteed that room by the woman I spoke with. I called the day of to confirm because I had not heard from anyone- once again was assured they had my reservation. We arrived at our reservation time and they told us there was a leak in the ceiling so we could not eat downstairs in the private room. You can’t tell me that the leak happened just as we walked in. There should have been a courtesy call from the manager, and we would have gone somewhere else. Very disrespectful to not give your customer a heads up. The waiter told me that the manager was there the night we went, but she didn’t even bother to come over and apologize about the mishap. Other than being promised something that wasn’t delivered, the food was terrible. Sauce was acidic and had no flavor. Everyone had to add salt and cheese to their dishes. Barely any vegan/vegetarian options as well. Waitress couldn’t tell us if the dried pasta had egg or not. Will never go back here again- there are many other north end restaurants that are not sub par and worth the money. Extremely disappointed.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Marinara Sauce, Burrata, Shrimp Fra Diavolo
Ivan Jaimes
Me: can we have more bread?Server: we’re out of bread*5 mins later, serves bread to next table like nothing*
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
CathyM
Our waitress Maria was fabulous. She is a true professional with a friendly, funny demeanor. The food was perfect and the atmosphere was very upbeat! Can't wait to return there.
Amazing! Went with a group, ordered a little of everything to share, and it was fantastic! Great food, great service, great atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food was delicious as always! This is our go to spot.The owner Joe is so nice and always greats you with a smile!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lemon Chicken with Homemade Noodles, Homemade Pasta, Chicken Parm, Tiramisu
The Italian North End of Boston is like an embarrassment of riches when it comes to Italian restaurants. I could never say 1 is better than the other, you can not go wrong no matter what. AMAZING!
Servers were very attentive serving orders quickly and checking in on quality of food just at the right times. We ordered one of the specialities of the house, Tripe. It was very tender and with very good flavor provided by a rich gravy. The night we were there included a singing dual of male and female performers with extraordinary talent. We were impressed that a small neighborhood restaurant would have such an extra amenity. It was a very nice all around experience !
Such a disappointment. Food was okay but the service was awful. Once our waitress dropped our food off she only came back to bring us the bill. They also had an older gentleman come around and play the accordion. After he was done he just sat there staring at us and then said “don’t you have a few dollars for me?” We were mortified as we don’t carry cash. Others in the restaurant felt uncomfortable and wouldn’t make eye contact with him. Thankfully our ten year old had some and we gave him a couple dollars to leave. Based on the reviews we expected a hometown feel and instead felt like we were being pushed out the door. So many better options within the area. Too bad. Also, they don’t have a kids menu and will not do kid sized portions.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 1
Teri is the most amazing server! Best lemon drop martinis around! Go see her!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Despite having a reservation, we waited in the cramped foyer for almost 25 minutes. Our table was hastily put together (still wet when we sat down with curling placemats and dripping utensils). When we ordered drinks and asked for bread we were told they were out of bread. Salads came and the requested “lightly dressed” caesar was soaked with dressing. Main courses came out; food was lukewarm and nothing special. Overall, this experience was incredibly disappointing.
We thought the food was very good. Not enough waitstaff so service was slow. No one working the door to check reservations and seat people. Overall I would absolutely go back because the food is worth the trip
Been going there for over 30 years when visiting Boston. Have not been there since the pandemic. Read the recent bad reviews, but decided to try it ourselves. The reviews were correct. The veal that was served was very tough. Nothing like it used to be. The place was almost empty on a Friday night. There used to be a line out the door years ago. Not anymore. Will not be returning.
We walked in early on our reservations and they seated us quickly and gave us a nice seat by the window. All of the food was fresh and delicious. They were out of Peroni but I made due with a delicious martini. Old school Italian restaurant without all the frills and less expensive than the other restaurants in the neighborhood. Great spot. Highly recommend!!
Restaurantji Recommends
The eggplant parmigiana was excellent. Unfortunately, there were no substitutions so I had to have a pasta side when I really wanted the sautéed spinach. But of course the pasta was cooked perfectly so I ate the whole thing.
We ate here New Year’s Eve and had delicious and hot meals served most promptly. Our waiter was excellent and provided perfect service. Our group had seafood and chicken dishes and really enjoyed them. We dined in a basement room and it was a bit crowded. In my opinion, prices were at least 10 % too high. Overall we were happy.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Marsala
We booked a separate room downstairs for a party of 23 and were guaranteed that room by the woman I spoke with. I called the day of to confirm because I had not heard from anyone- once again was assured they had my reservation. We arrived at our reservation time and they told us there was a leak in the ceiling so we could not eat downstairs in the private room. You can’t tell me that the leak happened just as we walked in. There should have been a courtesy call from the manager, and we would have gone somewhere else. Very disrespectful to not give your customer a heads up. The waiter told me that the manager was there the night we went, but she didn’t even bother to come over and apologize about the mishap. Other than being promised something that wasn’t delivered, the food was terrible. Sauce was acidic and had no flavor. Everyone had to add salt and cheese to their dishes. Barely any vegan/vegetarian options as well. Waitress couldn’t tell us if the dried pasta had egg or not. Will never go back here again- there are many other north end restaurants that are not sub par and worth the money. Extremely disappointed.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Marinara Sauce, Burrata, Shrimp Fra Diavolo
Me: can we have more bread?Server: we’re out of bread*5 mins later, serves bread to next table like nothing*
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
Our waitress Maria was fabulous. She is a true professional with a friendly, funny demeanor. The food was perfect and the atmosphere was very upbeat! Can't wait to return there.