My co-workers friend came into Boston to visit just days before the New Year, so we decided we needed to eat in the North End. It was my duty to pick out the restaurant (which at times, can be a pain, since I can be indecisive about food, although I can eat almost anything). So, I was deciding between two restaurants, Panza being one of the choices.
After seeing the restaurant took reservations on Open Table and looking at the small but "big enough" menu for an Italian restaurant, I knew it was the place we had to try for our first North End experience, and we were not let down!
My reservations were at 8:30pm, but we arrived about 10 minute earlier. We could have taken a seat, but we would have had to sit right in front of the door (and not that people come in and out and it was pretty cold). So, the server had no problem with us waiting for the next available table that could seat 3, which resulted in just another 10-15 minute wait, which was no big deal, since the restaurant is very tiny. Note: It's not really a group oriented restaurant, so try not to make your group bigger than 4-6, or you'll be waiting awhile.
What I liked was the ambiance created in this small restaurant. Other reviews may have said that they want you in and out, but I didn't feel that way. I think this may be the case if people are actually waiting to take your seat at set reservations, but since my dinner started late anyway, I ended up staying until the restaurant cleared out for the night.
Each table is dimly lit by candlelight and the lights are turned down very dimly, which creates a romantic atmosphere. The decor includes plate, and large cooking tools. The kitchen is in plain view, so you know the food isn't just sitting there, and it definitely comes out piping hot!
The meal started off with tasting 3 different wines, and we ended up ordering a bottle of Bertagnil Pinot Grigio, which is not too sweet and not too bitter. We then ordered an order of the Bruschetta, which came out as two large pieces of bread, but was absolutely delicious. The oils really made the taste of the tomatoes really refreshing. I saw past reviews mention of the Potato Gnocchi Bolognese. So, I knew I had to get that. The gnocchi was cooked just right with a pillowy soft tenderness with an excellent seasoned pork ragu the dish addictive. Of course, the portion was pretty large and I could not finish it.
My friends ordered an order of the Baked Ziti, which was also very delicious. The cheese melted just right on top of the pasta, creating a great traditional dish without overdoing anything when it came to flavor.
Overall, the service was great. There seemed to be only 2 servers working in the small restaurant, but we were always asked if everything was good and our server was friendly regardless if the place was extremely busy.
1 star for food and taste, 1 star for service, 1 star for great atmosphere and ambiance, 1 star for value. I would go back in a heartbeat. read more