A spicy cured Italian salami with a rich, savory flavor and a hint of black pepper.
Wine • Dining • American • Contemporary
"I was a big Jesse Shenker fan. My husband and I both loved the food at Recette, where we dined on a number of occasions. The menu was creative, the presentation outstanding and the food delicious. I was disappointed when Recette closed, but had high hopes for The Gander. I had dinner there a number of months ago, and basically enjoyed it, without being wowed. Last Saturday night my husband and I dined there with a friend. We sat in the Bar Room. We ordered an array of dishes to share among the three of us. The charred cauliflower was delicious, but the anchovies that were to top the dish (which we mercifully asked to be served on the side were awful (and we are anchovy lovers . They were oddly fishy and did nothing to complement the cauliflower. We ordered the salt cod fritters, which we ordered almost every time we ate at Recette, where they were always presented in a small cast iron pot. They were served in a bowl (ok and just weren 't as good as they have been in the past (I had ordered them the last time I ate at The Gander. . Something seemed different about the lamb ragout and it was really disappointing. It wasn 't as flavorful as usual. The beef tartar was tasteless a tremendous disappointment. It seemed to be a jar of chopped meat, with no visible quail egg and no other added seasoning at all, as traditional beef tartar generally has. The fork and knife Caesar was also disappointing kind of flavorless. The bucatini, which I expected to love was not very good the bottarga, which usually adds a slightly salty taste to pasta was fishy tasting rather than salty. The Bronzino was not bad, but again was a rather bland preparation. Our reservation was for 9:30 on a Saturday night. The Bar Room was almost empty and the dining room was only partly filled. Maybe The Gander does better on weekday nights, with an afterwork crowd. If not, it doesn 't look as if it will survive much longer. Jesse needs to be true to his talents. He can do much better than this!"
Steak • Seafood • American • Steakhouse
"I have been a regular at Portland City Grill for many years, appreciating its ambiance and dining offerings. However, my recent visit for my parents' 48th wedding anniversary was notably disappointing, a stark contrast to previous experiences. Our evening felt uncomfortably rushed. Even as we were still enjoying our meals, the bus staff began clearing our plates, some of which still had food on them. This rushed service detracted significantly from our ability to enjoy our special family occasion at a leisurely pace. Additionally, a major letdown was the temperature of the food. When our dishes arrived, they were cold. I specifically requested that my potatoes be warmed up, and although the staff did provide a new serving, the replacement was, unfortunately, also cold. This was particularly disheartening as the reasonable prices usually reflect not just the quality but also the proper service and presentation of the food. Furthermore, the total bill for our dinner amounted to over $800, which compounded our disappointment given the issues with service and food temperature. For such a significant expenditure, one expects both the food and the service to be impeccable. Overall, this experience did not meet the standard I have come to expect from Portland City Grill, especially given the significance of the occasion. I hope this incident is an anomaly and not indicative of a downward trend in service and quality."
French • European • American Cuisine • Pan-asian Cuisine
"Very accommodating for two people with an hour before our reservation elsewhere. Normally we'd sit at the bar but with that area full, the host gladly seated us in the dining room — not a shred of worry. Our waiter knew her wines, and the by-the-glass list (most under $20, with a few stellar choices higher than that) was stocked with a number of uncommon varietals — among others, Pelaverga, Donzhelino, Cinsaut (a favorite) as a rose — she was happy to discuss before pouring. Though we did not pa … – show"
Pizza • Italian • Pizzeria • Delivery Services
"The positives: The Grandma pizza is thin, crispy, and packed with flavor. The Chicken Parmesan pan pizza is rich and satisfying, with perfectly breaded chicken and a great balance of ingredients. The negatives: The BBQ chicken pizza is a soggy disaster. The chicken is not breaded, and instead of being drizzled on top, the BBQ sauce gets mixed into the cheese, making it watery. I wonder if the excessive amount of onions might be contributing to the sogginess. I’m so let down that I can't see myself ordering from there again anytime soon. Service: Delivery."
Pubs • Cheese • Kitchen • Italian
"absolutely terrible customer service. I have never written a negative review for a restaurant, but we came with a reservation about 17.30 clock before a hannover theatre production that we visited. I strongly recommend that they do not go to this restaurant in a night in which the theatre has a popular production. it took almost 1 hour for me to receive my beer, and that was after several requests from our waiter and a conversation with the manager. the food was good after that. it was ridiculous. we always said everyone was there for the theater and that our food comes. I ordered the hummus plate with a sweetheart. the vegetables consist of cut gurke and three olives. very disappointing. when the bill came, there was no adjustment for our inconvenience. we asked about the waiter went and spoke to the manager, and he came back and said there was no adjustment. unnecessary to say we will not return to this restaurant. fortunately, the hannover theatre production has formed for our rocky start in our evening."
Tapas • Pizza • Pasta • Italian
"The food here is very good. They have an extensive menu and prices are extremely reasonable. They were very busy on Friday evening when we went, and we were seated approximately 15 minutes after our reservation time. There were two of us. Service is a little spotty as they do not have sufficient staff to cover all the tables efficiently. However, our server was really hustling and doing the best she could. My primary complaint is that this restaurant is extremely noisy. It is difficult to have a conversation, even with the person sitting next to you. Sit outdoors if you can (weather permitting)."
Pizza • Salads • Italian • Italian, Pizza
"Been here now on two separate occasion. First was time was just my family of four and I, and it was wonderful Ashley, our server was fantastic friendly and had great recommendations! Eric the manger was great as well checked on us and asked how ourexperience was and suggested even more for to experience! The first time visit f led me to book a larger party to host abirthday and the delivered with exceptional service and the same warm welcome as if we were a small party! I thank the entireBella Tuscany staff for two wonderful experiences and look forward to dinning in again soon! K"
Pizza • Italian
Grill • Pizza • Pasta • Italian
"We had an average Italian meal in North Boston. Dishes we had were gnocchi, lobster ravioli, spaghetti and meatballs, salmon, and caprese salad. The only item we’d order again was the salad. No tiramisu /dessert is available! You get sent across the street to Dolce. The pizzas coming out looked good, but we didn’t have any room. Our server, Constantine was great! We’d go back for Constantine!"
Meat • Pasta • Cheese • Italian
"WOW! Amazing Italian dining in Boston, walking distance from Harvard Square. Our party of 5 came on a Thursday evening with NO reservations around 7pm and were pleasantly surprised to get a seat on the high top tables adjacent to the bar area and open kitchen. It 's a beautiful restaurant with variety of small tables, booths, and longer tables. Staff were friendly, welcoming, and attentive. Food: DELICIOUS! AMAZING! Fresh made pasta and wonderfully crafted pasta sauces, and proteins. The pictures speak for themselves, and you really cannot go wrong with any choice. So much so that our group each chose a different dish for ourselves and shared a little with each other so we could try as many different dishes. I can 't really pick one favorite, since they all were delicious. I would say it depends on what you 're looking or hankering for. On this night, I was really drawn to Pappardelle pasta, so that was my choice. But really, if you were looking for a type of pasta like gnocchi or farfalle or rigatoni, or a type of sauce or protein...so many options to meet your needs! A MUST TRY in the Boston area for sure!"
Pizza • Pasta • Italian • American
"I was searching for a local spot to eat in Bushwick and received a recommendation from a couple of college students. It turns out this place is one of the original creators of New York-style pizza by the slice. As someone from Chicago, I can vouch that this pizza is just as delicious as anything we have back home. I tried the Hawaiian with hot honey and enjoyed it so much that I had to order another slice. The Brooklyn slice was even better! I left feeling full and satisfied, all for a total of $12 including a drink."
Italian • Pizzeria
Meat • Casual • Salads • Butcher
"Wonderful service, meats are very clean and high quality. They also sell breads and wines to complete your meal. The people behind the counters know everything about their cuts so don't hesitate to ask for cooking recommendations and where they're sourced from. The prices are just right for the quality and service; they're actually slightly less expensive than from a grocery store like Safeway. When you decide to treat yourself to an expertly trimmed piece of meat, consider getting it from Guerra Quality Meats. Originally reviewed on Dec 2, 2021. Edits on Feb 17, 2022: Fixed inaccurate information."
Kebab • Pizza • Mexican • Fast Food
"eating was phenomenal! that said: restaurant was very overbooked. we had kept and sat at a table near the hostess and it was exactly where the house was. the people stood around and waited for their tables it was really full and the restaurant door was open it was 32° outside and windy. this made the contrary around our table other, but above all our really very cold, windy, loud and stuffed. we didn't disturb that. we talked to the server and explained our concern that we were cold! asked to be moved before the arrival of our meal. he scrubbed his shoulders and said, “We have nowhere else to put you. I can't do anything." he was very dismissed. he was obviously busy as they were all. he took our orders and went away. we finished our drinks and waited for him to check for refills. he didn't. we chased someone down to order drinks empty glasses were before us. this happened every time we drink, broth, everything needed. our meals arrived and looked heavenly! we had to throw someone to the bee. had to eat quickly because we were very cold and our food was quickly cold because the door was often opened. they shouldn't be sitting on this table. it ruined our meal. maybe in warmer months, but not in january. we only saw our server again when it was time to order dessert. the “busrs”? actually noticed that we were ignored in the round and ended to check us more for the end of our meal. at least we have appreciated that. eating was amazing, it rushed as it was cold not. service was poor. very disappointing. we will not be back."
Pizza • Coffee • Drinks • Brunch
"We have almost always had a good experience at Carmine's Coal Fire Pizza. However, our mother's day experience on Sunday for brunch was not one of the them. We were seated promptly, received two glasses of water ? and a small plate of mediocre bread with dipping sauce, and no one came near our table for about 15 minutes. We saw many hostesses but almost no wait staff. My son went to the hostess stand and told them that if someone did not come to our table in three minutes, we were leaving. If restaurants are busy, we never mind waiting, but we wanted to have a drink/coffee at the very least. After our complaint, they became overly solicitous. Our waitress was fine, but blamed the delay on another person. Not sure if that was valid or not. She removed the charge on our bill for our shared appetizer which was nice. The food was OK but somewhat overpriced for what we ate. We were quite disappointed as we have eaten there for dinner with good experiences many times and order takeout pizza there frequently. We will go back, but not for a holiday meal. The alcoholic drinks mimosas, **** marys, etc. were very pricey, so we settled for coffee. In my 80 years, I have been to much nicer brunches. Carmines did not seem to be prepared to handle this event."
Meat • Pizza • Grocery • Italian
"i the eataly downtown. as a performer with seat in venice, italia, I could enjoy from top to the foot italiens. and when I try out the food at this place, I feel back there! Yesterday I bought a few delicious cut prosciutto parma, their really, melt in their mouth homemade mozzarella, and put it on slices of their damp rustic olive oil brot. to say I was in the sky, was a subduration! for the first time I have sampled her crema expresso-like a lavazza choc milkshake -yum. I usually get your incredible homemade pasta to go home, but I've been there too long! I just had a little problem. the muscheln for the cannoli a family favorites, as my grandfather was born in palermo, sizilien) were too thick and greasy. but did it stop me from eating it? No! for me this situation was perfect, with their late hours, as I come down to enjoy the sunsets and the beauty of the green, then they invite themselves to goodies for my long journey to home near the cloisters. it is really quite authentic tasting Italian eating here, and the personal is very helpful. happy!"
Wine • Fish • Pasta • Italian
"My husband and I went to this restaurant for our Valentine's Day dinner. We were pleasantly surprised when they gave us roses, which we thought was a nice touch! We began with a cheese and meat appetizer, followed by pasta dishes for our main course, and finished with a tasty dessert. The chocolate salami dessert was especially outstanding! The only drawback was that the service was a bit slow, possibly because the restaurant had fewer staff due to the pandemic. Nevertheless, we can't wait to go back soon!"
Beer • Pasta • Cheese • Seafood
"We have been celebrating all of life’s special moments at Proof since it opened a decade ago. In fact, my wife and I shared our first dinner at Proof. Learning of the impending closure prompted us to make a recent visit. Nothing could have prepared us for how amazing each staff member was. Servers from prior visits made their way over just to say hello. The server from the night surprised my wife with her favorite Proof cocktail from our first visit 10 years ago. The cocktail was discontinued over 7 years ago! We didn’t even ask for it they just knew. As if the incredibly decadent wine, mouthwatering dinner, and unparalleled service were not enough, at the end of the night the sommelier surprised us again with an autographed copy of a menu and the kitchen notes on us. Between my wife’s tears of joy and sadness, we struggled to say goodbye to this authentic version of perfection. Proof that good things never end."
Full • Wine • Pasta • Italian
"Very odd dining experience. The hostess tried her very best to NOT seat my wife and myself tonight. After asking for a table for two we were asked if we had a reservation. Upon answering that we did not, she quickly and without giving us an option said we could sit at the bar if we were over 21 (we are in our mid 20’s but look ~5 years younger. To note, we were dressed semi-formal). We asked if there were any openings for tables and she responded with “We can add you to the waitlist, but it might take over an hour if we can even get you in” (it was 8pm). I learned quickly we would be the only name on the waitlist. After adding my name, she then said “oh someone just canceled their reservation and we now have a table for you”. Waiter had an odd manor towards us as well, but was at least respectful. I guess they don’t see young people here very often? Food was very good though and worth a return trip, I just might come with older/wealthier friends family next time."
Full • Wine • Italian • European
"My boyfriend and I went last night to celebrate one year together! We had a reservation and we were greeted and sat by a hostess immediately. The food was really good! He got the salmon which I preferred over the fettuccine honestly. I would highly recommend the salmon it was to die for. We got truffle fries and a charcuterie board for appetizers. The truffle fries were amazing (we ate all of them between just the two of us)! The charcuterie board was a really good deal as you can pick up to 5 cheeses and meats for only $25. The tiramisu cheesecake for dessert was probably the best part! Our waitress was absolutely amazing! Our drinks were always full and she was very attentive and helped us navigate the menu easily. The only negative thing I can say is that it was pretty loud as we were sitting in a booth right by the bar but that’s to be expected! We will definitely be coming back!"