So we were visiting our crazy cousins in Boston and wanted to play some trivia. We play in Dallas every week, so we found this place online and decided to go to keep the noggin active! Upon arrival, found out it is an Italian restaurant....you don't know until you get there! The place was pretty full due to the trivia night! Our server came over and took our drink orders...looked over the menu and they had deep fried, breaded smelts for an appetizer...always wanted to try and did not disappoint...if you don't like sardines you may not want to order...very similar...everyone ordered something different -- I had the baked cod and drank several Blueberry Ales, which were very tasty with seafood. Everyone enjoyed their food. On trivia, we were in 2nd to last place and went all in on bonus question and apparently we were the only team out of 14 that got it right and we WON! The place is fun and energetic and we will come back again next time we are in Boston :) read more

Echo Bridge/Virgilios is a great casual place for large portions and good prices. I usually get the chicken parm: it's serviceable (crispy, thin, and the sauce is good), but nothing to write home about. But this year I got the eggplant/chicken parm combo and was pleasantly surprised by how good the eggplant parm was. The eggplant is perfectly cooked: it's very soft and tasty, and the breading is crunchy and light. Overall, Echo Bridge always has great portion sizes and great value. And it's super family friendly and good for big groups. read more

Awful food. It was slow, and there was no reason for the veal to be basically inedible. Never again

I ordered a delivery from this restarting expecting a shrimp scampi pasta dish and got this. This is not shrimp scampi read more

Echo Bridge Restaurant - This is not shrimp scampi - Italian Near Me - Newton, Massachusetts

I had driven through the intersection next to the restaurant on my daily commute for 25 yrs. Always wanted to stop in. I havent made the commute in 6 yrs... We were going somewhere else and were driving by and I said to me wife that I always wanted to try it. So we stopped in for an early dinner. We sat at the bar. Definitely a locals vibe which we enjoyed. Bartender was friendly, beer was cold (good selection). I had a salad and chicken parm and my wife had a salad and buffalo wings. Everything was good. We'll be back and try our hand at trivia. I have to have the smelts... read more

This is truly a gem of a restaurant! It is family owned and amazing service. We were visiting from California and found this Italian Restaurant on Yelp. They worked with us to find food for various food allergies and intolerances. They are incredibly nice and have very friendly servers. Definitely give this restaurant a try. Thank you, Echo Bridge for a lovely dinner. read more

Great place for a reasonable priced meal . Pizza ice cold cocktails and bottle and tapped beers. read more

Echo Bridge Restaurant - Family who just enjoyed a fabulous lunch together. We all have been going there for more than 50 years. We just love this classic place. - Italian Near Me - Newton, Massachusetts

Solid food. The chicken nuggets were pretty good. It is standard but overall good meal. read more

Echo Bridge Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Newton, Massachusetts

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The steak tips and onion and liver dish was so good. The pizza sauce is also super tasty. The portion is a bit on large side. So, plan to have left overs. The service is great and was able to accommodate our short time. The place is a bit rustic and inside feels like older dinner. Not impressive but comfortable place with a few TVs to watch games. read more

Echo Bridge Restaurant - Steak tips - Italian Near Me - Newton, Massachusetts

Very solid Italian food with a big menu. Have been in person a few times, but being close, we get take out a fair amount. I like the chicken rigatoni a lot and the lobster ravioli is solid as well. read more

Echo Bridge Restaurant - Chicken rigatoni - Italian Near Me - Newton, Massachusetts

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Old school place that has not changed in a long time. If looking for basic food done well and were the beer cold this is your place- not a lot ambiance but good value - I love the place read more

It's not the Ritz The food is consistent. The drinks liquor good. Always room. Parking tight but good. Huge huge veal parm read more

We ordered to go on a Wednesday night. It was a great experience. We ordered by phone and the food was ready in about 20 min. It's cash only so be sure you have cash or use their ATM. Parking was easy since there was a parking lot. The pizza had a great flavor and great crust. It had just the right amount of cheese and the sauce is so good. The only thing to mention that could be a negative is the center is a pretty soft so the pizza is a little floppy-but the flavor is on point and it's overall a really really good pizza. The sausage was really complimented the pepperoni so well. We definitely made the right choice. The Buffalo wings were so so tasty. We probably should've ordered two orders. They were well sauced and moist. The cheesy garlic bread was okay. It's basically just bread and cheese. I think if we had like a marinara sauce to dip it in, it would've elevated the flavor. I definitely would recommend stopping into this pizza spot. Pizza and wings are a big hit. We will definitely be back! read more

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We've lived in Newton for 20 years and have been meaning to try this place for 20 years! This is definitely an old school, wood paneled kind of place which I have an appreciation for. The staff is very friendly. We had the pizza ($20) which we thought was very good. Didn't love the veal/eggplant parm combo ($29 - tried based on Yelp reviews) - parts of the veal were very fatty and the eggplant tasted too much like the cooking oil. It's not cheap, but that's our post-Covid world where everything is expensive - glad to be supporting a local business. Will definitely go back for the pizza or order take out and try the sandwiches. read more

An old-fashioned restaurant in Newton right by Echo Bridge. I was excited to see cheesy garlic bread on the menu and decided to order takeout for dinner on the weekend. I ordered a pizza with mushroom and pepperoni, a chicken parm side cutlet, and cheesy garlic bread. The chicken parm cutlet was huge but reasonably sized for the price you are paying. It wasn't dry and the cheese was melted nicely onto the chicken. The cheesy garlic bread was slightly underwhelming even after re-toasting to get it crisp, but it made for a good vessel to hold the chicken parm in. The highlight of this meal was definitely the pizza. It wasn't anything fancy, but it was a good pizza. The crust and breading weren't skimpy thin or too thick. They followed through with our order of half cheese/half no cheese which was great and there was an abundant amount of our toppings requested. Overall, a filling dinner with leftovers for the next day, but I wouldn't go out of my way to come try this place out. read more

Echo Bridge Restaurant - Mushroom & pepperoni pizza, chicken Parm, cheesy garlic bread, corn - Italian Near Me - Newton, Massachusetts

The pizza was ok. (But I was hoping for good.) Ordered an eggplant parm sandwich for the next day. When I opened it, it turned out to be chicken parm - with mayo (big yuck) and pickles (why?) Ended up tossing it The best I can say about the food is "meh." The location was convenient for pick-up, but next time we'll drive farther for better food and, hopefully, the correct order. read more

Great local food. A dependable spot with great pizza. Recommend this place for two or with your kids. Surely will find something on the menu you will enjoy. read more

CASH ONLY Visited this place a couple times to see what the hubbub was about. After all the office park with the parking lot adjacent shares its name. The inside looks a bit run down similar to the exterior. It is a very casual setting where you can get your pizza, sandwiches, pasta and standard Italian cuisines. We stopped by and ordered one of their famous pizzas and shared an anchovies salad. It was not a good salad by any means. After a few bites I resigned. The pizza on the other hand was more palatable, but I didn't notice anything special. The large was a generous size that 2 people alone could not easily finish. Our server seemed fine, but more interested in chatting with her co-workers and other regular patrons. This is a restaurant, but I think you can get better quality foods with a similar price point next door (granted Dunn-Gaherin's is Irish cuisine instead). read more

Good solid old school dining. Seats old. Decor old. Rug old. I'm okay with that. Prices are also from like 1989. read more

Echo Bridge Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Newton, Massachusetts

So..went in yesterday...sat outside...very nice..so I thought I am dieing for a lobster salad roll...$19.95...so they put this old fashioned hot dog roll grilles with a massive amt of lobster in it...and it was fresh and tender...man ..it was soo good... read more

1970's Love Unassuming atmosphere but friendly staff, really good pizza, and inexpensive drinks. It's been a popular after-work get-together spot for my work team for over 15 years (we still call it by its old name, "Mario's"). In all those years, even with several rounds of drinks, as well as several appetizers, salads, and pizzas for the table to share, I don't think the split has ever been more than $20 a piece (and it's usually less). Tip: Stick with the pizza, your best bet. Don't change, thanks read more

Being an Upper Falls Resident, all my 52 yrs, I can tell you that this establishment and their employees have always been friendly and accommodating. On several occasions they have accommidated our  neighborhood events and other times they could not. They schedule their staff based on the normal activity. You can't just make someone appear or stop what they are doing and cater to the demands of a last minute request. Do you really think that a business would want to turn away, at minimum, a bill of $400+ for a party of that size? This group was told, several times, prior to their arrival, that they could not be accommodated, but they showed up with 8, trying to pull off that a few others were joining them. As the mass showed up, they were respectfully told that they could not be accommodated, but they pushed the issue, as if the one in charge were being untruthful over the phone.   As they were being told, once again, their accommodations could not be met, the group started to become unruly. It was not the manager, it was the rude adults that thought that if they showed-up in person they wouldn't be turned away.  As the group reluctantly left, the adults  encouraged the children to block the parking lot - which they did. What a way to teach their children... and they wonder why their children are so disrespectful & demanding!  Believe what you want to believe, but can you really expect any establishment to accommodate a last minute party of that size? Seriously?!?! Obviously the person that called never worked in a restaurant. I worked in a few, through high school & college. Employees are not always willing to come in, last minute, especially on a weekend evening, they have plans, children, family to take care of...did they ever consider that?? Or are they, and their group, too self centered to even notice?? Echo Bridge Restaurant & Cafe aka Mario's (to the true peeps of the falls) is one of the longest standing, privately (non-chain) owned in the area. They are old-school run, respectful, kind and No Credit Cards...Good old cash Only! I wonder if they knew that?   Well, Needham High Girls Basketball, thank you for your attempt to support, but you really need to talk to the person that called the restaurant for reservations.  Remember...No means No!!! It does not mean that No means No only sometimes, based on your situation. It means No. It means no when you say No. Not just when  you are unable to  accommodate, you don't want to accommodate, or have no desire to accommodate...No! I hope that I have enlightened those that choose to believe the infamous Kathleen K and whomever their supporters are.  For the best Pizza, Chicken Parm, etc. Come to Echo Bridge Restaurant & Cafe aka Mario's, 1068 Chestnut Newton Upper Falls 02464 - Enjoy! Fyi - Kathleen K. - interesting how you edited your review - ah? Thanks...not really, a 5 star, 4 minimum, would be more like it!. read more

We love the Echo Bridge Restaurant. It's a great family restaurant. Whether you're looking for a pizza, good burger, or any type of a sub, you won't be disappointed. The Virgilio family is so accommodating and always friendly. Great place to get a cold beer or drink. read more

This is a family owned restaurant that has been passed down generation to generation. They are always welcoming and happy to see you when you walk through the door. Pizza is fantastic, chicken parm is second to none. They are always willing to go the extra effort to accommodate anyone. Well worth the stop. They make you feel like family. Stephen Pitocchelli. read more

"The more things change, the more they stay the same." No change here at Echo Bridge, and I love it. Just stepping in the door you are instantly transported back in time to Newton in the 70's. Staff is friendly and hardworking. The food is solid and respectable, nothing fancy but good and a good value. The meatballs are some of the best I've had and the pizza is terrific. Salads are fresh. My son loved the homemade lasagna which looked fantastic. Wine selection could be better without making any real effort, though you should be drinking beer when you come here. You can hear the echoes of a simpler time at Echo Bridge. read more

I can't believe how great their pizza is. Awesome when it is hot and great cold the next day. I had the hamburger and eggplant. I had a great time talking to Paul and Clem. Ended up they know members of my family!! Good to see John and Sophia show up later. Great family running this place. read more

We live within walking distance of the Echo and just don't get here often enough. Went last night with friends and was reminded how much I enjoy this place. Good food , good prices , friendly waitstaff. It is not fancy but it is clean and the food is solid. The standout here is the pizza , but the Parms are good and the pasta is very serviceable. My wife really praised her steak tips. (Frozen steak fries , but there are worse things in the world). Whether you call it Mario's or Virgilio's or the Echo , it's a neighborhood institution in Newton Upper Falls and it deserves its good reputation. read more

Echo Bridge Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Newton, Massachusetts

Best pizza in the area. The staff are as genuine as the atmosphere. good food, good people, good times. Ralphie is a pizza genius and Laura is growing a soccer team. read more

A resident at the building I work at suggested EBR to me. I am not good at change! Well I tried it. The food and people there are amazing!\ My new go to Italian food. When I get asked in the future the best local Italian food. My answer will be EBR. Soooo good read more

First, I have been coming to Echo for years and this post is totally uncalled for and makes no sense. I have seen this Reaturant host parties for over 100 people. You have to do the work, my meaning is thar planning a date ahead of time. You cant just show up on a Friday and expect a group of 35 to be seated, This review is actually a call for reason. Where in Newton can you get seated in a reasonable time for 35 people? Dont worry I will wait for the answer........but the real question is where can an entitled person, think she could try to ruin a business because she didnt get her way? I guarantee she voted for Trump. Plus your ridiculous post only made the reatuarant more money but doesnt your untrue post say more about you. Ask the sport team a at your High School if they will join your boycott?...I will help you ----NONE!!!! Lastly, why would you mention the tough loss as a lead to your review. You had called prior to the game, so you knew they were going to lose. So, the loss or win was irrelevant to your argument. You used your own daughter's failure to gain traction on a losing argument. Have you no SHAME Kathleen K !!!! read more

While in lockdown, we decided to try getting a pizza there because there was no answer at our usual Raviolis. Read great reviews but was disappointed in the pizza - it's very doughy and not enough sauce. Eggplant was good, pepperoni was ok. Not impressed. read more

A wonderful family-friendly neighborhood restaurant -- when my in-laws visit from out of state, this is where they want to go. We like the burgers, pizza, and pasta. It's the kind of place where staff remember you, where you (and your kids) can feel relaxed and at-home, and where you can hear each other talk. I've visited a few times alone, just to sit in the dining room and have a beer/snack while I get some work done (there's WiFi). The bar is often busy in the evening, with a strong atmosphere of friendliness and community. One time my wife and I were realizing we'd forgotten our ATM card, and another patron insisted on jumping in to cover our bill, even though we were strangers! We made sure to pay him back, but it's that sense of welcoming that keeps us coming back. read more

Looking to Bring the Family to a sit down for a Home cooked meal out of your kitchen come Here ! Want to meet co workers after work for a quick drink or friends for Pizza and beer stop by the Bar and see Kristen ! read more

A hidden gem, excellent pizza, chicken parm, turkey tips, and awesome old school steak fries. Staff is friendly and accommodating.

Love this place. It's a hidden gem. Great service snd the best pizza as well as everything else you'd like! Try it. You'll love it

Everyone who watches TV knows Cheers is the place where everyone knows your name. Here in Boston we also know that is a bunch of BS since it is a tourist trap. The Echo Bridge Restaurant is the real Cheers. A friendly super efficient bartender who seems to know everyone who walks through the door by name and what they want to drink, a dated (in a very cool way) old style wood paneled bar area, and a killer menu; all for an incredibly low price make this place the best deal in the area. Service: This was probably the best part of the experience. Great bartender who makes a terrific martini, pours a generous glass of wine and serves everything with a smile. Food: Old fashion no nonsense absolutely delicious fare is served here. Beware in your ordering. A small antipasto is enough to feed two easily. A side of eggplant Parmesan is killer but again it was enough to feed 1/2 of the people in Newton. The toasted raviolis were simple but once again excellent. The Bar Scene: Best described as a cast of characters from really well dressed folks to folks just getting of work from construction sites. An eclectic group with some interesting and diverse opinions all being loudly and entertainingly discussed. Finally after 2 beers, two martinis, a glass of wine, an appetizer and two huge meals ( granted they were the sides ) the bill was $45.00. read more

I had dinner and drinks last night at the Echo Bridge with my wife and one of our kids (23 yrs old). We sat at the bar. We ordered up chicken wings, garlic bread, pizza and eggplant parm. It was all delicious and reasonably priced. The chicken wings were surprisingly good--hot, plump, moist and spicy. The tomato sauce on the pizza and parm had a nice, homemade and slightly sweet taste that I found addictive. The eggplant was cooked just as we like it (soft and even) and covered in a generous amount of sauce and cheese. The mixed drinks were well made, not watered down. The bartender was friendly and kind. The Echo Bridge is a great neighborhood, family restaurant and bar and a nice alternative to the more expensive places in the neighborhood. We're fans!!! read more

A very retro early 1970s atmosphere. I love it. They have great Grilled Chicken Caesar Salads and I think their pizza is about the best you will ever find. Note to owners" Please DON'T EVER change the interior....keep it 1970s forever read more

Best pizza in the Universe!! They even let me get carmelized onions which was not on the menu. Maybe if you want caviar they'll put that on your pizza, too! . And my large pizza was about $12 - half the price as some places in Newton. The crust, sauce, ingredients were just top-notch. Best pizza ever at an incredible value price. read more

You can't beat this classic Newton upperFalls Italian restaurant. Reasonable prices great food. Laid back atmosphere. I've been goin there for many many years and will continue to do so. read more