Romantic Italian restaurant in the 'burbs
Written: Aug 28 '02 (Updated Dec 01 '05)
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Pros: good italian food, small neighborhood restaurant
Cons: can be loud, service varies
The Bottom Line: Good food, romantic ambiance, can get quite loud, no reservations.
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| modernmarvel's Full Review: Appetito - Newton |
Appetito is considered by many to be one of the best restaurants west of Boston. There is a sister restaurant in Boston's trendy South End - however the Newton location is closer for people living west of the city and there is plenty of available parking. The restaurant is also near the T's Green Line.
AMBIANCE
The space is small and intimate with maybe 20 tables plus a bar with a few stools. There is an interesting mural across one wall in muted colors with people eating and drinking. The rest of the restaurant is done in similar muted earth tones. The tables are close together and the restaurant gets crowded and loud on a busy night. At dinner time, the restaurant is dark and romantic. However, because of the proximity of your neighbors and the amount of people in the small space, it can get so loud that you have to speak up to be heard by your fellow diners. If you come for a romantic evening, you may have to be satisfied with eye contact and footsie because intimate conversation is not possible.
NOT THE BEST PLACE FOR FAMILIES
I have seen reviews of this restaurant that claim it has a children's menu. The one time I brought my kids, the waiter said there was no children's menu. However, they were accommodating in making simple pasta dishes without heavy sauce or spice for the kids. I rarely see children in the restaurant, however there is nothing prohibiting them from coming in. I haven't seen any high chairs or booster seats available.
FOOD
Appetito serves good Italian food. The appetizers include salads and antipasti. Each table gets fresh white bread with a spread that is very intriguing. Is it made from beans? I prefer the old standby: olive oil and garlic, however I suppose that is passe and wouldn't be offered in a more trendy restaurant. In any case, the dip has the consistency of grout and, in my opinion, tastes like grout. Ask for butter or skip it entirely.
The entrees include gourmet pasta, grilled dishes, seafood and pizza. The menu changes periodically. The prices are a bit expensive ($12-23 per entree) for dishes that are mostly pasta, especially because you are in the suburbs. The more expensive entrees are generally the seafood dishes. They are best known for the pasta and any pasta selection off the menu will be really good. I have tried the seafood a couple of times and it is good, but there are better seafood restaurants in the area.
There is a large dessert case right where you walk in that screams save room for dessert. The pies, cakes and tortes are really good.
SERVICE
The service is generally good and attentive. I had one bad experience with a waitress that was no where to be found most of the night. However, that was the exception.
NO RESERVATIONS - NO PLACE TO WAIT
They don't take reservations, the restaurant is small and serves multiple courses, and it gets very crowded because it is popular. They also don't have any place to wait for a table to open up. There is only one teeny bench by the front door. So, if you don't want to stand outside for a long period, get there early.
THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Appetito is located in Newton Center. This is a vibrant area with public transportation on the T's green line, lots of independent shops, some large chain stores and many restaurants. There is a lot of parking, most of it on meters. The meters cost $1-2 and make sure to pay every day except Sunday or you will get a ticket.
OTHER INFO
There is no parking at the restaurant. There is a large lot a block away and street parking. The T's Green Line stops about a 5 minute walk away.
There is a bar and they have a decent wine list.
The restaurant is open for dinner, lunch and brunch.
The restaurant is handicapped accessible because it is all on one floor. The coziness of the restaurant may make it hard to maneuver around.
They take credit cards (not a given in the Boston area).
HUNGRY FOR MORE? TRY THESE BOSTON-AREA RESTAURANTS:
BOSTON: Radius; Caffe Vitoria; Excelsior; Jacob Wirth; Cottonwood Cafe; Imperial Seafood House; Sibling Rivalry; Fleming’s.
BROOKLINE: Mr. Sushi; Fugakyu; Takeshima; Tsunami; Anna's Taqueria; Zaftigs Delicatessen; Bangkok Bistro; Golden Temple.
NEWTON: India Paradise; Blue Ribbon Barbeque; Ice Cream Works; Baker's Best; Bill’s Pizzeria; Cafe Nicolas; Union Street; O’Hara’s; Yeradi’s; Johnny’s Luchonette.
CAMBRIDGE: S&S Restaurant; The Japanese Mall; Jasper White’s Summer Shack.
WEST ROXBURY: Cafe Misono.
BRIGHTON: Tasca.
ESSEX: Woodman’s.
SAUGUS: Kowloon.
CHAIN RESTAURANTS: Not Your Average Joe’s; Bertucci’s; Legal Sea Foods; Cheesecake Factory; Rainforest Cafe; Fire & Ice; Bugaboo Creek Steakhouse; Friendly’s.
COFFEE, BAGELS AND DONUTS: Bruegger’s Bagels; Finagle a Bagel; Dunkin Donuts; >; Peet’s Coffee and Tea.
Recommended:
Yes
Kid Friendliness: No
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations Stick with the pasta dishes. The desserts are all good and you can preview them in the case when you walk in.
Best Suited For: Friends
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modernmarvel
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