Go here frequently and this was an off night. It took 20 minutes after being seated to get a drink order. The cocktails were weak and not well made, I even sent mine back which I have never done. There was an overlong delay between first course and entree. Then my orrechiette, a staple in the menu, was not good. It was greasy, very little sausage, and under seasoned. We had 2 hours here pre-theatre, and that should have been enough time. As it was, we felt rushed at the end and couldn't even consider a dessert or a glass of wine to end. I have been going here since it opened, but this was too many things not done well for me to ignore them. If this was my first visit, I would not come back.
Overall, the food was good and our server was great. There was a small snafu with the check, but was quickly rectified. Would go back, but would try other Italian restaurants before going back.
Exceptional
Exceptional service evrry single time we come and some of the best food in the city (brunch and dinner)! We have celebrated many special occasions here and keep coming back because the high quality food is consistently excellent every time we come! I cant recommend Bar Mezanna enough to people!
Wally
We enjoyed our dinner here, but after apps, it took over 30 minutes for us to receive our mains. No one really mentioned it would take quite that long, or even came over to tell us they'd be out soon. They did say there was a big party in the restaurant which is fine, but they were vague as to what that meant and again, never addressed how long mains would take to get to us. Well, as soon as someone in our party said it was taking forever, our server went from being accessible and friendly to completely disappearing and bringing us a single free dessert for the wait, then disappearing again even though we wanted (and eventually did) order more desserts and drinks. It was a nice night, but apparently you aren't allowed to say anything if it's taking forever, so be forewarned.
SabeehH
We enjoyed brunch at Bar Mezzana. The cannoli french toast was amazing. Unfortunately they ran out of the frittata. But that just means it would have been good. 1 thing we were slightly disappointed in was in the options of no meat. The restaurant was great at accommodating removing many dishes that had meat to remove them. Which we loved, but felt like in a way we were paying more for having to remove meat of the dish. Since no replacement was offered. Other than that I would definitely recommend the food. Especially if you're not making any substitutions or change to the dish itself.
MBBoston
Another outstanding evening at Bar Mezzana. This time we chose their “Roman Trattoria” prix fixe experience, which was not only delicious — served with thoughtfulness and friendly enthusiasm — but thoroughly satisfying. (They kindly accommodated a substitution due to a dietary issue.) I think because we had a later reservation on the last night, we were the beneficiaries of open bottles of wine that needed drinking. No complaints! Consistently one of Boston's best.
PrestonD
Server was very sweet but not too attentive. We had a bday note on the res which he confirmed then didn't bring a candle with dessert when the table directly behind us did. That didn't feel super fantastic. The person at the host desk was positively delightful. The food was generally good though the pastas were all a bit overcooked. The skate wing and the octopus were the standouts of the evening.
RallyRog
Great food great ambiance and quality service, when going with friends they are always pleased with this recommendation on arrival, thanks to the staff for the quality service. R. Marchan
wendyw
Bar Mezzana has wonderful food, great cocktails and a very respectable wine list. We go for the food. There were two of us and we both had different fish dishes, which were excellent. I had a terrific beet salad; beware the squash salad is A LOT of squash, which isn't really a salad. There are, however, so many good choices that it's hard to go wrong. We've had the pasta dishes in the past--all excellent. Wait staff is attentive, if sometimes overwhelmed. It's definitely one of the best restaurants in Boston.
Anonymous
Bar Mezzana is one of my favorite restaurants, and right now, they're doing the best branzino I've had in years with really good mussels. It is crazy good! And the staff are the most wonderful people anywhere. Always a hit.
We had a wonderful, knowledgeable and helpful waiter, Alessandro. We noted this was a birthday celebration and were given surprise complimentary Prosecco and a beautiful dessert. Alessandro was the best, we can't wait to go back. The Brinzano and Cacio et Pepe were absolutely delicious!
BrownBagger
Outstanding meal with surprises! Ceviche offerings were sublime. We ordered two and then added another. After the meal my wife said she could have eaten those all night. Each one was a unique blend of a fish with unique toppings. The wine list was deep, deep, deep! Grapes and regions of Italy that I'd never heard of. Our server suggested some great pairings to go with our courses. The wines by the glass were really high caliber so we had fun tasting and comparing. For those of you unfamiliar with the InkBlock district, it's an energetic, young dynamic area worth the effort. We'll be back.
FoodinLA
Our reliable Boston fav. Lobster pasta is best out there. Huge chunks perfectly cooked lobster w amazing stock. Brussels outstanding. Liked salmon and tuna crudos. Couldn't pick a favorite. Loved Branzino and sauce and potatoes. Thanks Lisa for many kind nights serving us.
Janie2N
This is a casual but very good restaurant. The menu is limited and doesn't change, the drinks are outstanding, and it is fun to go there. If one goes at 6 PM or earlier the place might be filled with families with children. By 7 PM they are gone. But in any case don't let it bother you: this is a terrific restaurant!
Jjanoose
We came early and the restaurant was fairly quiet. It was a little chilly and had to keep my coat on but when the restaurant started filling up it got warmer. We had the octopus appetizer and it didn't disappoint. We then ordered our entrees (mine, a filet mignon) and my husband got the lobster & pasta dish. His was amazing with big chunks of lobster and Al Debye pasta. Mine was a little undercooked but the waiter took back a few pieces and they cooked it to perfection. I was disappointed that they sliced the filet in pieces and not served whole and was under seasoned. They also didn't have a good selection of beers either or wine by the glass. All in all it was a but overpriced for my liking.
Go here frequently and this was an off night. It took 20 minutes after being seated to get a drink order. The cocktails were weak and not well made, I even sent mine back which I have never done. There was an overlong delay between first course and entree. Then my orrechiette, a staple in the menu, was not good. It was greasy, very little sausage, and under seasoned. We had 2 hours here pre-theatre, and that should have been enough time. As it was, we felt rushed at the end and couldn't even consider a dessert or a glass of wine to end. I have been going here since it opened, but this was too many things not done well for me to ignore them. If this was my first visit, I would not come back.
Overall, the food was good and our server was great. There was a small snafu with the check, but was quickly rectified. Would go back, but would try other Italian restaurants before going back.
Exceptional service evrry single time we come and some of the best food in the city (brunch and dinner)! We have celebrated many special occasions here and keep coming back because the high quality food is consistently excellent every time we come! I cant recommend Bar Mezanna enough to people!
We enjoyed our dinner here, but after apps, it took over 30 minutes for us to receive our mains. No one really mentioned it would take quite that long, or even came over to tell us they'd be out soon. They did say there was a big party in the restaurant which is fine, but they were vague as to what that meant and again, never addressed how long mains would take to get to us. Well, as soon as someone in our party said it was taking forever, our server went from being accessible and friendly to completely disappearing and bringing us a single free dessert for the wait, then disappearing again even though we wanted (and eventually did) order more desserts and drinks. It was a nice night, but apparently you aren't allowed to say anything if it's taking forever, so be forewarned.
We enjoyed brunch at Bar Mezzana. The cannoli french toast was amazing. Unfortunately they ran out of the frittata. But that just means it would have been good. 1 thing we were slightly disappointed in was in the options of no meat. The restaurant was great at accommodating removing many dishes that had meat to remove them. Which we loved, but felt like in a way we were paying more for having to remove meat of the dish. Since no replacement was offered. Other than that I would definitely recommend the food. Especially if you're not making any substitutions or change to the dish itself.
Another outstanding evening at Bar Mezzana. This time we chose their “Roman Trattoria” prix fixe experience, which was not only delicious — served with thoughtfulness and friendly enthusiasm — but thoroughly satisfying. (They kindly accommodated a substitution due to a dietary issue.) I think because we had a later reservation on the last night, we were the beneficiaries of open bottles of wine that needed drinking. No complaints! Consistently one of Boston's best.
Server was very sweet but not too attentive. We had a bday note on the res which he confirmed then didn't bring a candle with dessert when the table directly behind us did. That didn't feel super fantastic. The person at the host desk was positively delightful. The food was generally good though the pastas were all a bit overcooked. The skate wing and the octopus were the standouts of the evening.
Great food great ambiance and quality service, when going with friends they are always pleased with this recommendation on arrival, thanks to the staff for the quality service. R. Marchan
Bar Mezzana has wonderful food, great cocktails and a very respectable wine list. We go for the food. There were two of us and we both had different fish dishes, which were excellent. I had a terrific beet salad; beware the squash salad is A LOT of squash, which isn't really a salad. There are, however, so many good choices that it's hard to go wrong. We've had the pasta dishes in the past--all excellent. Wait staff is attentive, if sometimes overwhelmed. It's definitely one of the best restaurants in Boston.
Bar Mezzana is one of my favorite restaurants, and right now, they're doing the best branzino I've had in years with really good mussels. It is crazy good! And the staff are the most wonderful people anywhere. Always a hit.
Restaurantji Recommends
We had a wonderful, knowledgeable and helpful waiter, Alessandro. We noted this was a birthday celebration and were given surprise complimentary Prosecco and a beautiful dessert. Alessandro was the best, we can't wait to go back. The Brinzano and Cacio et Pepe were absolutely delicious!
Outstanding meal with surprises! Ceviche offerings were sublime. We ordered two and then added another. After the meal my wife said she could have eaten those all night. Each one was a unique blend of a fish with unique toppings. The wine list was deep, deep, deep! Grapes and regions of Italy that I'd never heard of. Our server suggested some great pairings to go with our courses. The wines by the glass were really high caliber so we had fun tasting and comparing. For those of you unfamiliar with the InkBlock district, it's an energetic, young dynamic area worth the effort. We'll be back.
Our reliable Boston fav. Lobster pasta is best out there. Huge chunks perfectly cooked lobster w amazing stock. Brussels outstanding. Liked salmon and tuna crudos. Couldn't pick a favorite. Loved Branzino and sauce and potatoes. Thanks Lisa for many kind nights serving us.
This is a casual but very good restaurant. The menu is limited and doesn't change, the drinks are outstanding, and it is fun to go there. If one goes at 6 PM or earlier the place might be filled with families with children. By 7 PM they are gone. But in any case don't let it bother you: this is a terrific restaurant!
We came early and the restaurant was fairly quiet. It was a little chilly and had to keep my coat on but when the restaurant started filling up it got warmer. We had the octopus appetizer and it didn't disappoint. We then ordered our entrees (mine, a filet mignon) and my husband got the lobster & pasta dish. His was amazing with big chunks of lobster and Al Debye pasta. Mine was a little undercooked but the waiter took back a few pieces and they cooked it to perfection. I was disappointed that they sliced the filet in pieces and not served whole and was under seasoned. They also didn't have a good selection of beers either or wine by the glass. All in all it was a but overpriced for my liking.