After checking in the hotel in Waltham, Massachusetts the front desk provided a list of all, and I mean all the restaurants in the area. In settling for a choice we chose Charcoal Guidos on Moody Street. Fearful that a Friday night would be very busy, we were pleasantly surprised to be given a table right away. Service was prompt, professional and pleasant from the attendant providing water and then Juan who provided great service through the meal. Arancini was tasty, mussels in a tomato broth pleasing, and the gnocchi with a bolognese plentiful and very good. Overall just a very good meal from start to finish. Kudos to Juan for making sure we were happy with our meal without perching at our table the whole time. Recommend this place for anyone seeking excellent Italian food in a pleasant setting.
Claudia croce-tashman
The food was good, as usual. But we were surprised when the check gameand we’re overcharged. When we asked they said that because of inflation the prices were different from the menu. What?? Bad form. If you haven’t had time to change the menu then at least have the courtesy to inform the customer at time of order that the prices are different from the menu. The waiter begrudging offered a discount . It was weird and bad customer service. It’s as if they were hoping we wouldn’t notice. Dishonest.
Renee A.
Disappointed: we had delays at the airport, and looked forward to a nice meal, only to arrive for them to say they closed the kitchen - 1 hour early....
Robert Fitzgerald
Food is amazing. Service is top notch.Make sure to save room for the Nutella Pie.
Ethan S.
Good homemade Italian food. Restaurant is changing ownership soon. Bern told the Nutella pizza is staying on the menu!!
Christine C.
Everything was great aside from the gnocchi. It wasn't terrible it was just very forgettable. Lobster ravioli was really great! I have to 4 stars only because: A) The service was super slow. Our server was new & he was bringing everything out one at a time. We had to ask for water, side plates, napkins, etc. It seemed like a mixture of inexperience & possibly an understaffed kitchen. I am fully aware of the hard hit the restaurant industry is currently taking so I really wouldn't let this stop you from going, just go in with a little extra time to spare & be patient! B) The multiple parking spots that are signed to be for their patrons only but were blocked off by cones. When we asked the staff if we could park there they suggested we shouldn't because "the owners typically park there". There were 4-5 spots all blocked off that would have been amazing to use while we dinned there & if you are familiar with the area you know how annoying parking can be. I just think it's a little insane to have that many spots reserved for the restaurant only but the not allow patrons to actually use.
Mike_OCP
Went for lunch on Saturday. Appetizers and pizza were great. Atmosphere nice. Much more than a pizza place.
Jeremy Krantz
Having recently moved to the neighborhood, and having my stuff still in boxes leaving me unable to cook, my significant other and I sought out a place to have dinner that was nearby. We stumbled upon this place and decided to give it a try since it was so close. Upon walking in, we had to wait behind another group of three individuals which had been standing there, waiting to be greeted. It took a few minutes before they were acknowledged and another couple for us to finally be seated. It was a tad ridiculous considering the fact that they weren't super busy and quite a few tables were open. We shrugged it off hoping that maybe it was because it was Sunday evening and hoped for a good meal.Our waitress brought us menus, and some freshly baked, plain pizza crust cut up in triangles was brought up alongside some olive oil for dipping. It was pretty good and complimentary - a nice touch.Eventually, she returned to take our order. We decided to try their arancini ($10) which were pretty good, not too oily but also a little overpriced. Six came in an order, and there was no dipping sauce for them. Pretty good but I've had better.For an entree I was hesitant between a couple of dishes but eventually settled for their spaghetti carbonara ($12) after having a discussion with our waitress. She wasn't all that helpful though and wasn't able to make any good recommendations when talking to us. The dish itself I thought was a complete disaster. I ate it but didn't enjoy it much, if at all. It wasn't a traditional carbonara and instead of being creamy and rich it had this green sauce that was weird. It didn't taste great either and to top it all off, the portion was on the smaller side. I was definitely very underwhelmed and I'd recommend that everyone stay away from it. The pork belly on top was in strips and should have been cut up and tossed around in there. It also lacked any good flavors and didn't add that amazing smokiness that most people would expect when eating such a dish.My wife's Inside-out chicken Parmigiana ($16) was much better but again nothing too special. They stuffed the chicken with the mozzarella instead of baking it when the cheese on top. Big whoop. The portion however was huge and it even came wit ha side of pasta with pesto.I've come to the conclusion that this place serves up overpriced, lower-than-average food and not-so-great service. Our waitress wasn't great. She was inattentive and didn't seem able to field questions or make any decent recommendations. She didn't even try to get a drink order from us and never checked in on us either. And as far as the menu is concerned, little of it makes sense. All of their appetizers are priced at $10. Are you telling me that a plate of fried calamari should cost the same as BBQ chicken wings? I don't think so. $10 is expensive, they should try and make an effort to price them according to their food costs...As far as the decor goes, if it wasn't for the tables, you'd think the place is a nightclub. It's loud in there and the music even louder. The color of choice is red, and it's a real eyesore. It's everywhere and the bar area is way too dark. You can barely make out the bottles of liquors that are on the shelves; a real shame. All in all, I'm far from impressed and doubt I'd return there.
Matthew Costa
This might have been the worst service I've ever had.We came with three people and ordered three entrees (one pasta, two pizza). The pasta came about 30 minutes after ordering which is absolutely acceptable. The first pizza came about 90 minutes after ordering, where we talked to multiple servers to call that to attention. We then had to flag down for the second pizza which came over two hours after ordering. We then asked for boxes which took 45 minutes to obtain with the check. We spent over 3 hours for a couple of pizzas.We watched as five different tables were seated, served, and left before we got our check. We at least got 1 free glass of wine but this was absolutely horrible. The food was fantastic but we won't be back for in person service.
rocio tacuri
The service was good. I received my order on time; the flavor was great, but the pizza crust was so thin and soggy that it couldn't hold the toppings. It basically fell apart when I tried to lift my slice, so I ended using a fork to pick some of the pizza that was not stuck with the cardboard box. ?
The restaurant atmosphere is warm and inviting. The staff is, by far, one of the best group of people in the industry and the food is exceptional!
Luca Zottola
Great food good atmosphere amazing place
Dean O
The quality of the pizza and the ambiance of Charcoal Guido's, tucked away on the southern end of Moody Street in downtown Waltham, made for a nice Saturday lunch. However, I knocked off a point because the glasses and tableware weren't very clean, and our order of Wormtown IPA drafts arrived with massive heads (we asked for and got refills).
Christopher Bonis
Visited Guido's tonight and ordered the fall sangria carafe advertised on the specials board over the bar for $26. The bill came and the sangria was priced at $33. I asked about the price difference and the manager came out and said the specials board was wrong, erased the $26 price, and refused to change the bill. No words.
Darren Rania
Great food, the pizza was light crispy and delicious.
After checking in the hotel in Waltham, Massachusetts the front desk provided a list of all, and I mean all the restaurants in the area. In settling for a choice we chose Charcoal Guidos on Moody Street. Fearful that a Friday night would be very busy, we were pleasantly surprised to be given a table right away. Service was prompt, professional and pleasant from the attendant providing water and then Juan who provided great service through the meal. Arancini was tasty, mussels in a tomato broth pleasing, and the gnocchi with a bolognese plentiful and very good. Overall just a very good meal from start to finish. Kudos to Juan for making sure we were happy with our meal without perching at our table the whole time. Recommend this place for anyone seeking excellent Italian food in a pleasant setting.
The food was good, as usual. But we were surprised when the check gameand we’re overcharged. When we asked they said that because of inflation the prices were different from the menu. What?? Bad form. If you haven’t had time to change the menu then at least have the courtesy to inform the customer at time of order that the prices are different from the menu. The waiter begrudging offered a discount . It was weird and bad customer service. It’s as if they were hoping we wouldn’t notice. Dishonest.
Disappointed: we had delays at the airport, and looked forward to a nice meal, only to arrive for them to say they closed the kitchen - 1 hour early....
Food is amazing. Service is top notch.Make sure to save room for the Nutella Pie.
Good homemade Italian food. Restaurant is changing ownership soon. Bern told the Nutella pizza is staying on the menu!!
Everything was great aside from the gnocchi. It wasn't terrible it was just very forgettable. Lobster ravioli was really great! I have to 4 stars only because: A) The service was super slow. Our server was new & he was bringing everything out one at a time. We had to ask for water, side plates, napkins, etc. It seemed like a mixture of inexperience & possibly an understaffed kitchen. I am fully aware of the hard hit the restaurant industry is currently taking so I really wouldn't let this stop you from going, just go in with a little extra time to spare & be patient! B) The multiple parking spots that are signed to be for their patrons only but were blocked off by cones. When we asked the staff if we could park there they suggested we shouldn't because "the owners typically park there". There were 4-5 spots all blocked off that would have been amazing to use while we dinned there & if you are familiar with the area you know how annoying parking can be. I just think it's a little insane to have that many spots reserved for the restaurant only but the not allow patrons to actually use.
Went for lunch on Saturday. Appetizers and pizza were great. Atmosphere nice. Much more than a pizza place.
Having recently moved to the neighborhood, and having my stuff still in boxes leaving me unable to cook, my significant other and I sought out a place to have dinner that was nearby. We stumbled upon this place and decided to give it a try since it was so close. Upon walking in, we had to wait behind another group of three individuals which had been standing there, waiting to be greeted. It took a few minutes before they were acknowledged and another couple for us to finally be seated. It was a tad ridiculous considering the fact that they weren't super busy and quite a few tables were open. We shrugged it off hoping that maybe it was because it was Sunday evening and hoped for a good meal.Our waitress brought us menus, and some freshly baked, plain pizza crust cut up in triangles was brought up alongside some olive oil for dipping. It was pretty good and complimentary - a nice touch.Eventually, she returned to take our order. We decided to try their arancini ($10) which were pretty good, not too oily but also a little overpriced. Six came in an order, and there was no dipping sauce for them. Pretty good but I've had better.For an entree I was hesitant between a couple of dishes but eventually settled for their spaghetti carbonara ($12) after having a discussion with our waitress. She wasn't all that helpful though and wasn't able to make any good recommendations when talking to us. The dish itself I thought was a complete disaster. I ate it but didn't enjoy it much, if at all. It wasn't a traditional carbonara and instead of being creamy and rich it had this green sauce that was weird. It didn't taste great either and to top it all off, the portion was on the smaller side. I was definitely very underwhelmed and I'd recommend that everyone stay away from it. The pork belly on top was in strips and should have been cut up and tossed around in there. It also lacked any good flavors and didn't add that amazing smokiness that most people would expect when eating such a dish.My wife's Inside-out chicken Parmigiana ($16) was much better but again nothing too special. They stuffed the chicken with the mozzarella instead of baking it when the cheese on top. Big whoop. The portion however was huge and it even came wit ha side of pasta with pesto.I've come to the conclusion that this place serves up overpriced, lower-than-average food and not-so-great service. Our waitress wasn't great. She was inattentive and didn't seem able to field questions or make any decent recommendations. She didn't even try to get a drink order from us and never checked in on us either. And as far as the menu is concerned, little of it makes sense. All of their appetizers are priced at $10. Are you telling me that a plate of fried calamari should cost the same as BBQ chicken wings? I don't think so. $10 is expensive, they should try and make an effort to price them according to their food costs...As far as the decor goes, if it wasn't for the tables, you'd think the place is a nightclub. It's loud in there and the music even louder. The color of choice is red, and it's a real eyesore. It's everywhere and the bar area is way too dark. You can barely make out the bottles of liquors that are on the shelves; a real shame. All in all, I'm far from impressed and doubt I'd return there.
This might have been the worst service I've ever had.We came with three people and ordered three entrees (one pasta, two pizza). The pasta came about 30 minutes after ordering which is absolutely acceptable. The first pizza came about 90 minutes after ordering, where we talked to multiple servers to call that to attention. We then had to flag down for the second pizza which came over two hours after ordering. We then asked for boxes which took 45 minutes to obtain with the check. We spent over 3 hours for a couple of pizzas.We watched as five different tables were seated, served, and left before we got our check. We at least got 1 free glass of wine but this was absolutely horrible. The food was fantastic but we won't be back for in person service.
The service was good. I received my order on time; the flavor was great, but the pizza crust was so thin and soggy that it couldn't hold the toppings. It basically fell apart when I tried to lift my slice, so I ended using a fork to pick some of the pizza that was not stuck with the cardboard box. ?
Restaurantji Recommends
The restaurant atmosphere is warm and inviting. The staff is, by far, one of the best group of people in the industry and the food is exceptional!
Great food good atmosphere amazing place
The quality of the pizza and the ambiance of Charcoal Guido's, tucked away on the southern end of Moody Street in downtown Waltham, made for a nice Saturday lunch. However, I knocked off a point because the glasses and tableware weren't very clean, and our order of Wormtown IPA drafts arrived with massive heads (we asked for and got refills).
Visited Guido's tonight and ordered the fall sangria carafe advertised on the specials board over the bar for $26. The bill came and the sangria was priced at $33. I asked about the price difference and the manager came out and said the specials board was wrong, erased the $26 price, and refused to change the bill. No words.
Great food, the pizza was light crispy and delicious.