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Festina Lente

4.1 (47 reviews)
Closed • 4:00 pm - 9:00 PM

Festina Lente Photos

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Bigoli with tomato
Michael R.

We enjoy dining at Festine Lente, a very small restaurant in Kittery Foreside. Given the small size and lack of reservations, it can be a challenge to get a seat and so you do need to plan accordingly. Some other things to know, they do not have a full bar, beer and wine with some aperitivios. They have a fun selection and flight of Amaro which we enjoyed after dinner. This is another restaurant that charges ($8) for bread service, but the foccacia is delicious. When they first opened they would serve some of the wonderful bread from Lil's bakery just across the way, but I'm glad they make their own now. Pasta is the star of the show here, and I've been through a few of them. One of my favorites here is the cacio e pepe, and while discussing with our waitress, I was swayed to try the pasta a la norma this time. Somehow, the kitchen prepared the cacio e pepe for me anyway, but whisked it away and our waitress said it would just be a few minutes to prepare. I really dislike having others wait for me, and so I decided to just keep the dish, and they thoughtfully comped it. It was as good as I recall, but I may have to get back to try that eggplant dish. Hey mistakes happen, but they handled it well. We also tried the Bigoli pasta with cherry tomatoes and stracciatella cheese, delicious! The menu is small, but I think most diners would find something to enjoy. Check them out when in Kittery

Pasta with sausage

Back again to leave another review. This place is just so good. Look how cute the plates are!! These salads were both phenomenal. I also got the monkfish but it comes wrapped in a little paper with fresh vegetables and so much flavor the photo just isn't as perfect as these. This dessert was heaven. The almond brittle was incredible and the goat cheese cake with the sauce was just ugh so good. Service always great. Sat at the bar this time and it was so nice. This pasta was unreal. We were fully like scooping up the broth in the bottom of the bowl at the end because it was that good. 10/10 recommend coming here it's amazing!

Radicchio & Gorgonzola Salad

Quaint little restaurant in Kittery. The food was phenomenal. Everything from scratch and you can TASTE IT. Incredible waitress helped me decide what to order, LOVED

Pasta with clams

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1 year ago

Very pleasant space. Friendly and engaging staff. Meal was delicious. We will be back

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2 years ago

The food was incredible and the service was excellent. The atmosphere was top notch. We will be back!

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Ristorante Massimo - Bar area

Ristorante Massimo

4.2(332 reviews)
0.8 mi
•$$$

Went for an anniversary dinner, food was delicious. Service was lackluster. Evening started great…read morebut spiraled from there. My SO went to the restroom and the bartender asked me if we were celebrating anything and I told her it was our 7 year anniversary, she mentioned bringing something out for us, unexpected but appreciated. Meatball appetizer along with an appetizer size portion of a pasta dish, and the smoked duck small plate. All very good. From there it went downhill. Neither bartender checked in for about 30 minutes while we waited for our main course. Espresso rubbed duck was very flavorful and delicious. After the main nothing was brought out, so at that point I was a little frustrated so we went on our way. Food was great, service started good but then disappeared. Definitely would not return for an occasion.

I've dined at Restaurant Massimo many times, and it never disappoints. The food is consistently…read moreexcellent, and this evening's service was truly outstanding. Our waitress was exceptionally knowledgeable--not only about the menu, but also the wine list. Service at Massimo is always strong, but she genuinely stood out and elevated the entire dining experience. We started with the corkscrew pasta with wild mushrooms, finished with a delicate touch of shaved truffles. It was absolutely delicious--the sauce was light, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. It works beautifully as either an appetizer or a main course. For entrées, the pan-seared cod was as impressive as it was visually appealing--perfectly cooked and full of flavor. The veal was also excellent. Their veal saltimbocca offers a slightly different and very enjoyable twist; instead of the traditional sherry, it's prepared with Marsala wine, giving the dish a subtly sweeter and richer flavor profile. I also highly recommend the arancini. You receive two per order, and they're outstanding--crispy on the outside and rich and satisfying inside. The atmosphere at Restaurant Massimo is both relaxing and romantic, making it an ideal spot for a special night out or an intimate dinner. Consistently great food, exceptional service, and a warm, inviting ambiance keep me coming back.

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Ristorante Massimo - Bar area

Bar area

Ristorante Massimo - Cannoli

Cannoli

Ristorante Massimo - Bar area

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Bar area

When Pigs Fly Pizzeria - Margherita pizza

When Pigs Fly Pizzeria

3.9(747 reviews)
3.0 mi
•$$

My wife was visiting a friend near by and my brother in law recommended we go here for pizza…read more Well it was a good recommendation for many reasons. First one was that there is plenty of parking. And plenty of outdoor seating for when the weather allows that. When we first got in the hostess told me it would be about 10 minutes, but we were welcome to sit and look at the menu till they called us for the table. It was only a 5 minute wait and at first I was surprised we couldn't just be served at the large high table at the entrance where we were seated and waiting which looked like it was for several parties or even one large party, but even when we were leaving that table was empty so I guess they either save it for a very large party or just for people to sit at while they wait for their table like we did. Either way we didn't wait long so that didn't bother me as I thought it might at first. When we were seated, service was extremely fast, so fast that at first I thought they just want us out. :p but they are just that good. And our waitress brought me my soda without ice which many servers forget and would get me a refill before I was even done with the soda and even asked if we wanted water as soon as we sat and bright us some. When the food arrived (which as I mentioned was extremely fast even though the place was packed), everything was amazing. We started with shrimp and the Brie which were in the specials. Shrimp was fresh and you could really tell, and the Brie had a nice assortment of apple slices, almond slices, bread and cranberries making it feel like you were also having a healthy meal with your pizza and fried food :p. We had the truffle mushroom pizza and the only complaint my mother had was that it had onions and rocket which she didn't like on the pizza, but that was her fault for not reading it on the menu as we could have easily just asked for it not to have that. She just saw truffle, mushrooms and ricotta cheese and said im having that. Which was what I wanted too but I was ok with everything else too. Well we both enjoyed it and I even took the left over pizza to have for dinner later :). I don't live nearby, but it is a place I would recommend to others who go by there and when we come near here again I know where to go eat if I'm in the mood for pizza. The only complaint is that it was too loud for us, almost felt like a sports bar without the sports tvs playing everywhere, however they do have take out as well, so you do have that option too if you live nearby.

Made a pit stop here on our way to Portland. We'd come here years ago for just the bakery so wanted…read moreto check out the pizzeria after seeing so many great reviews. Plenty of lot parking so that's always a plus. We walked in on Friday for lunch and it was fairly full but we were seated quickly and orders taken. Very rustic ambience and service was quick. Unfortunately, the food was just ok and didn't knock my socks off. We ordered the Brussel sprouts, pork belly steam buns and the margherita pizza. Brussels were fried nicely but the ginger sesame sauce was very strong and I would probably preferred the sauce on the side. Pork belly buns were just ok as well. We were here for the pizza so were excited to try it - pizza unfortunately was just ok as well. Food is subjective and always based on preference so please take this review with a grain of salt - pizza was a bit doughier than I'd like - I prob should've asked for it to be well done if even possible and the sauce tasted heavy on the oregano - not something I'm a big fan of. All in all - not bad but not great. I just had such high expectations - maybe a different pizza might've changed my mind. But def don't skip out on going next door to try some samples and get some bread - the bread is amazingly delicious.

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When Pigs Fly Pizzeria - Seating

Seating

When Pigs Fly Pizzeria - Pork belly steak buns

Pork belly steak buns

When Pigs Fly Pizzeria - Seating

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Seating

Cafe Mediterraneo - Seafood Risotto

Cafe Mediterraneo

3.7(282 reviews)
1.0 mi
•$$$

Great atmosphere, though it can feel a bit chilly if you're seated near the windows. The service…read morewas excellent, and our server was very knowledgeable about both the menu and the wine list. Everything we ordered tasted fantastic. That said, both the pappardelle and the ravioli were a bit heavy on the sauce. While the sauces were delicious, they slightly overwhelmed the pasta and distracted from the delicate flavors of the lobster. The standout entrée was the braised short rib. It was incredibly tender and packed with rich, savory flavor. The drinks were excellent, and dessert was the perfect finish. The pistachio cheesecake was absolutely outstanding. Added note: I ordered the Caesar salad...I was asked if I wanted anchovies. I did, the server said nothing about an additional charge for the anchovies and I didn't look on the bill. If they do charge for anchovies knock one star off this review. One other reviewer claimed they charged extra for anchovies. A traditional Caesar comes with anchovies! If they're charging extra; that's just wrong. Nowhere on the menu does it say extra for anchovies. Bon appétit

As first time customers celebrating a very special anniversary & milestone everything was top notch…read morefrom the glow of the fire when walking in to how we were greeted. The perfect seat, friendly & accommodating waitress & as they say "hostess with the mostest" and we haven't even had the cocktails or food yet. The drinks made to perfection & the food delicious & hot. The extra effort that is shown in this family owned restaurant shines. Our new favorite restaurant in Portsmouth. Coming from NY this is the best of the best.

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Cafe Mediterraneo - Bar

Bar

Cafe Mediterraneo
Cafe Mediterraneo

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Cava

Cava

4.3(427 reviews)
0.8 mi
•$$$

I honestly am not sure where to start and end with my wife and l anniversary dinner at Cava this…read moreevening. My wife and I have close to or more than 1000 dining experiences in our time together. If Cava wasn't the best overall, it was an extremely close second. Our server Dan was awesome from start to finish. On point, Attentive, professional, and exceeded expectations on every level. Cava is a very intimate dining experience with a warm comfortable indoor and outdoor seating option. It is also very practical as a stop before going to the Music Hall, an important date or like us an anniversary. Cava is unlike many of the places we have visited over the years in the food category. Every course was exceptionally prepared, thoroughly thought out and professionally executed with excellent plating. I won't go into detail on every dish but suffice it to say there was enjoyment with every mouthful of every course. I ordered: Espresso Martini An Italian Pinot Grigio (with dinner) We shared the charcuterie plate First course - Mussels Second Course - Italian Meatball dish Third Course - Braised Flank Steak Fourth Course - Torte My wife ordered: A wonderful Rum with blackberry cocktail An Italian Pinot Grigio(with dinner) First Course- Warm Potato Soup Second Course- Stuffed and wrapped dates Third Course- Shrimp with Polenta Fourth Course- Blueberry Cheesecake

Food and drinks are incredible. Great atmosphere for a date night. The waitress was attentive and…read morethe atmosphere was intimate. Great for dinner.

Photos
Cava - Downstairs bar

Downstairs bar

Cava - Basque-style cheesecake

Basque-style cheesecake

Cava - August 2025 cocktail

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August 2025 cocktail

Napoletana Portsmouth

Napoletana Portsmouth

3.3(81 reviews)
0.9 mi
•$$

Roaming the streets of Portsmouth without a care in the world while enjoying the lights and sounds…read moreon a cold winter's eve, the thought of carbs laden with luscious melted cheese beckoned me like a siren's song. First stop, busy. Second stop, twas still busy. Third stop, the word Napoletana caught my attention. One of my favorite styles of pizza, I didn't even think twice to verify the legitimacy of their offerings and walked right through the door and sat by the bar (skipping the long wait for a table). Two bartenders, night and day in their demeanor. One was rather calm and quiet BUT very polite and efficient. The other, rude and inattentive. I'm glad (and thankful) that the former of the two waited on my side of the bar. It was very busy and the atmosphere was filled with celebratory cheer. Everyone seemed to be having a great time. Food came at a reasonable time based on how busy things were. Bartender 1 checked in often to make sure everything was good. Thank you again. Mussels fra diavolo was cooked well and to the right texture. Sauce very buttery, salted well and with just a little heat (not spicy at all like the name implies). Toast was a little too toasted, lol. However, when the pizza arrived, is when I realized that names are just names. This is not Napoletana pizza. While the ingredients were an amazing combination on their Fichi pizza, the soggy center was an absolute letdown. Mushy dough is a tad much to accept. And now enters bartender 2 at the end of my meal after awesome bartender 1 had waited on our side this whole time. From a foot away while talking to another patron at the bar, he literally tossed the guest check presenter toward me without making any effort to actually place it down professionally. I've not had any interaction with him to warrant this behavior and would have rather ended this evening thanking bartender 1 for his kind service. That said, I left wondering WTF I just walked into based on a name that didn't live up to its name at all. Such a shame. Beautiful place, great concept and menu, poor execution overall.

Mouse in the house! Yucky!…read moreFood wasn't terrible, service lacking.... Merry Christmouse

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Napoletana Portsmouth - Bar

Bar

Napoletana Portsmouth
Napoletana Portsmouth - Outdoor entrance

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Outdoor entrance

Festina Lente - italian - Updated May 2026

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