Amazing chef. Great dishes. Quiet so you can talk. Easy parking. Not too hard to get a reservation. A hidden gem

We are three old friends there on a rainy Saturday night. Two of us had been there before and they were right, food was really quite good. The flat iron cooked perfectly medium rare, the mushroom pappardelle was excellent, good salads, excellent zucchini soup, nice dessert tray. The only problem was that we waited for half an hour between the salad course and the entrées being delivered. We kept being told they were coming right out and on their way, but they were not. Nothing was ever mentioned about any particular problem or reason for the very long delay.We did not complain, simply stated we were quite hungry and wondering where they were. At the end of the night the chef came out to ask how everything was. He made no mention of any kind of problem in the kitchen or reason for the delayed entrees. I asked about it specifically but he had no comprehension that there had been a delay or problem. The two waiters were lovely, but we can only guess in the end that somebody forgot to put the order in. Sadly, with no mention of it and no apology whatsoever, I really hesitate to go back though I have other friends in that area who would enjoy the food and the location, but I really can't recommend it. We left a normal tip and did not make a big deal, but it really is not right. One of the waiters asked more than once if we would like to order second glasses of wine. At that point with the obvious extreme delay, she could have simply offered us a free glass of wine and it might've helped a bit. I even thought perhaps they would comp a dessert, but there was no mention of any such compensation, nor an apology. Very shortsighted behavior. read more

The staff was very nice, but service was a bit slow. We enjoyed the warm bacon spinach salad, though did not taste a great deal of bacon. My husband enjoyed the salmon dish - I liked the pappardelle, but wanted a little deeper flavor based on the ingredients. Overall a decent experience read more

Savinos is a local gem. I've been here for celebratory dinners in the past, both pre- and during the pandemic, and everything has been delicious with great service in a classy (if a bit dated) atmosphere. Lately I've been enjoying their lunch, which is a great price (entrees around $15) for high quality meals that satisfy more than your typical sandwich of the same price in the area. I have a number of dietary restrictions (mostly gluten and dairy free), and they've been able to accommodate them while not compromising on quality. The grilled salmon is one meal I would get again and again. It comes with a refreshing salad alongside a red potato salad that's very lightly dressed with mayonnaise, just what I prefer. The steak is another good option for gluten and dairy free folks. It's easy to substitute items with more veggies. While I've enjoyed just about everything I've had there, sometimes they add a bit too much finishing oils, making some dishes too oily. My mom, who is a particular eater, loves the flatbread (toppings are a rotating special). She found the pasta bolognese to be a bit one note, though, with not much other ingredients. They don't have gf/df desserts, but I couldn't resist taking a bite of my mom's crème caramel. It is deliciously creamy! Reminds me of desserts in Paris when I could eat whatever I wanted. There's street parking and some outdoor seating for warmer months. If you do want to come for lunch, be sure to make a reservation on their website -- I think they still require them. We've also called them to get takeout, which has been super easy. Still, I prefer going in person to have a slice of elegant calm. read more

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Vegetarians Beware! We ordered the vegetable "tower", which consisted of one slice of eggplant & two slices of zucchini. That's no tower! The "Free Form" lasagne was a mess of leftover ingredients with no flavor/sauce and it didn't work. The service was equally disappointing. The waitress hurriedly ran around and seemed too busy to care. This was a rare night out for us. We will not be back. read more

They wouldn't allow a table change after requesting, twice. With different excuses as to why we weren't allowed. Although the restaurant appeared clean there were 2 hairs in the menu Inside the plastic protective cover. although we didn't realize they close at 8:30 We were time pressured to order with the waiter standing over us. And then the waiter insisted we place our whole at once. We couldn't just order one thing at a time like we typically do: Appetizer then a little bit later our entree. And when we told him we feel pressured, and we will just take the appetizer and then our bill he rolled his eyes at us and slammed his order pad shut. There also seemed to be an awkward relationship between the staff and the bartender. Why does the bartender take care of drinks? Why doesn't the waiter just tell the bartender what we want and he deliver the drinks?!? Strange. read more

Stopped by for lunch today with a girlfriend and had a fabulous meal. We both ordered a cold honeydew soup to start and it was sublime! I got the calamari linguini, which was well seasoned, perfectly cooked and light. My companion got a composed salad that was fresh and satisfying. We finished with an espresso and a cappuccino. Service was attentive and patient with our leisurely and chatty lunch. Will definitely be back! read more

We had an impromptu lunch and it was fantastic! The service, the presentation of the dishes and the food itself were all great! Prices were very reasonable - highly recommend! read more

Just went to Savino's for the first time, after have walked by on the way to the Cushing Square Veterinary Clinic and noticing how nice Savino's looks. We went for lunch. The dining areas are comfortable and attractive, with linen table cloths, cute little vases. The menu offers many appealing options, all at very reasonable prices. Service was friendly and attentive. And the food was exceptionally well. As I have a milk allergy, I always worry about ordering. The waitperson made good suggestions and the Chef/owner, Tom, made thoughtful adjustments. We will definitely go back - next time for dinner. . read more

Follow through on pre fixe menu like offering dessert and stop charging hidden service charges

Visually nice looking food but boring. I had swordfish that needed seasoning. There was a green sauce that had no flavor. The mushroom soup was good. Service was good. read more

I have been to Savinos on many occasions over several years and found it to consistently have delicious food and reasonably priced, well-selected wines. The service is very good and the ambiance is pleasant especially as the noise level is low enough that a table of several people can easily converse. read more

Good Mediterranean food prepared by chef owner. Innovative menu involving seasonal ingredients. Nice quiet and relaxing atmosphere. Service is professional and welcoming. Prices are reasonable. Groupon has coupons as well. There should be lines out the door but lucky for us who know about the place, it is, in fact still a hidden gem in Cushing Square, Belmont, MA. read more

I always read over the yelp reviews fairly carefully to get help in deciding what to order and was disappointed to see how many negative reviews there were. I have been to Savino's maybe 2 or 3 times a year for many years and I'm always quite pleased and very satisfied with both the service and the food. I'm also impressed that whenever I've asked for something to be done a little differently or for a substitute it's been done gracefully and without an extra charge. For example I love their mushroom risotto (I asked for some extra garlic and Parmesan cheese) and so I usually order that instead of potatoes or regular rice, and it makes the meal really outstanding for me. My friend and I both had the vegetable mushroom soup which was delicious and I had the panko topped tilapia which I thought was excellent. Not at all greasy and very tender and tasty. I only have two small recommendations : one, that the water be colder and include some ice (this was not a problem since I asked for a glass of ice and got it quickly) and two that there be some salt & pepper on the table even though the food is usually nicely seasoned. The restaurant was quiet, which is also a plus and when I did hear the music, it was very pleasant and calming music I suggest that you give it a try read more

Savinos is a hidden gem. The food is phenomenal. Everything about this place is glorious. Wonderful service, great cocktails, homemade delicious food, wonderful menu, great desserts. 10/10 read more

We have been coming here for years and realized we had not spread the word! We love this place. Once a week we come here to be provided great food and an ambiance that allows us to chat ! The food is perfect. Tom is a pro. read more

Met up with a friend last evening for tapas. I enjoyed the Cheese Plate. It was well presented and flavor-ful. The bartender makes a tasty cocktail. Going to Tom Savino's for years now, it's quiet and friendly. Thank you. Denise P. read more

We've been going to Savino's probably since they opened. We immediately appreciated having a high quality restaurant within walking distance. At first, we felt like it was our special secret and then we wanted everyone to know about it. We just ate there a few nights ago and really enjoyed the swordfish, hangar steak and pappardelle. We've gotten to know the wait staff and greeters over the years and have always found the service at least attentive and often spectacular. Never disappointing from food to service to ambiance. It's our favorite local restaurant. Don't take our word for it. Branch out! read more

Thanks to Nift, i came here with my girlfriend. I read that they offer live Jazz on a Thursday night, so that is when I made my dinner reservation. The place wasn't that busy, but it is a neighborhood gem. The staff are very friendly and helpful. My girlfriend and I ate here when they offered their winter dinner seasonal menu. Yes they update their menus by the season, which is great because you can come back and try different foods. The PEI mussels as an app was delicious. The broth was great and I highly recommend using extra bread to absorb the broth. Glad it wasn't sandy either. The Grilled Flat Iron Steak was cooked to a medium (I asked for medium rare), but hey its okay. The steak was okay. Wasn't the best steak i ever ate but it definitely wasn't the worst. What made this dish was the truffle mushroom risotto. It was delectable. The Black Pepper Pappardelle is my girlfriend's fave pappardelle pasta dish around. I thought it was a tad overcooked, but she loved it. It was definitely flavorful. Loved the leeks. The food here was great. The service was great. The chef/owner came by at the end of the night to make sure we enjoyed our dinner, which we did. Wine selection is good too for a reasonable price. Def willing to come back here. Street parking only. read more

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Came here on a Monday at 7. I ordered the house special as my cocktail and my boyfriend got the lemon fizz martini. Both drinks were excellent. As a started, we had the braised short rib which was seasoned to perfection. We also got the duck confit and steak entree. I have no complaints on the preparation and taste of our entrees were delicious. Absolutely comparable to the north end with the convenience of being in Belmont. The ricotta cheesecake was perfect and the only reason we aren't giving Savinos a 5 Star review is because the service was a bit slow and could have been timed better. With that being said, the service was amazing, the timing was only slightly off. read more

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I really enjoyed my dining experience here! The owner and our server were both very accommodating and the food they served was outstanding! A lot of places can sometimes over cook the steak but at Savinos, they nailed it! My entree was super tasty and satisfying. As was everything else they served. I was a huge fan of the bruschetta! It was beautifully toasted and tasty. The penne was my friends so I didn't get to try it but he did say he really enjoyed it! AS for the pizza yum! A very nice artisan pizza with not too much cheese which I really appreciated! I'm definitely going to be back here for dinner, the ambiance is very relaxing and the food and service definitely is worth experiencing again! read more

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What a perfect evening to spend some quiet time with a dear friend in such a warm and welcoming setting. I loved how each table has its own cozy space, offering privacy while not secluded. The wait staff was particularly gracious with an appropriate level of friendly, conversant, and helpful. And the food ! My friend is Italian and she kept commenting on the particular fabulousness of her Pan Roasted Statler Chicken Breast with a Boursin risotto with leeks, roasted acorn squash, asparagus. Even before we got there, I knew I was going to order the Caramelized Scallops over black pepper linguine with leeks, sugar snap peas, grape tomatoes, in a saffron cream sauce. I cut each scallop into four pieces to be sure to take my time and truly savor each delectable bite. It was hard not to swoon. And I have to say, even the snap peas were the perfect crisp texture. (another favorite of mine). The dessert offerings were so inviting, I wanted to order them all. Yes, Savino's is a hidden gem that more people should know about and take the opportunity to enjoy. Thank you Tom (the chef and owner) for such a delightful experience. read more

If you are looking for a special spot for an elegant lunch, Savinos is the place. Friends took me here for a birthday lunch, it's been a long time since I've been in an indoor restaurant so I was a bit anxious. My lunch entree was a delicious, creamy risotto with smoked salmon. The portion size was perfect, there was a substantial, artfully arranged piece of smoked salmon on top of the risotto. My companions all loved their meals as well, grilled salmon with salad, and a bolognese. The music was interesting and soft, the colors and interior furnishings of the dining room are a notch above most restaurants that serve lunch. Service was perfect. read more

Splurged and ordered the scallop and tuna over black pepper linguine with leeks, sugar snap peas, grape tomatoes, in a saffron cream sauce ($28). Absolutely terrific. I didn't want to finish it and ended up licking the plate clean. I did find saffron in the cream sauce! I don't recommend the chocolate cake dessert. Overpriced $12 slice of store bought cake. They bring out a plate of all the desserts available, feel free to ask for their pricing. The complimentary bread is cold and slightly stale but garlic oil makes up for it. Service is what it is when there's only one other table other than yours. Savinos is an expensive celebration place and I had the pleasure to dine at because of Nift gift. Plenty of street parking. Inspect your plates/glassware for being used. read more

Savinos - Complimentary bread - Italian Near Me - Belmont, Massachusetts

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Amazing tuna and scallops entree! Tom is a gifted chef!! And, a very nice, quiet, upscale atmosphere. Run, don't walk, to Savino's!

The food was excellent and the chef was very attentive to our special dietary needs. Lovely ambience, with smooth jazz playing quietly in the background. read more

Greatest place in Cushing square food is good the cook is friendly desert is great Statistics Good for groups - yes Good for kid's - yes Location - Cushing square read more

We live right down the street from this place and we've been wanting to try it for quite some time. Their menu has some really interesting items. Sadly we were disappointed. The first impression was very offputting - when I went to pick up my take-out order none of the employees were wearing their masks properly. The chef was not wearing a mask at all. I almost left without picking up the order but it was my wife's birthday and this was her celebratory meal and I didn't want to give that up. Ultimately we decided that since the food was cooked thoroughly it was probably not that big a risk to eat it. Nevertheless, I am debating reporting them to the board of health. Our food was only ok - the scallops off the tapas menu was a mound of bland rice with three tiny overcooked scallops, the chicken with risotto was pretty good, and the 'duck confit' turned out to be a pasta dish with pieces of duck throughout - it wasn't bad, but wasn't what I thought I had ordered. All in all there are better options in Belmont and Watertown for a nice meal. Once COVID is behind us, we might give this place another try. I definitely won't be back for takeout until then because the mask violation was a major turnoff. read more

With all due respect Tom, I absolutely reached out to you and asked your manager to have you come over to discuss You chose not to do that you chose not to address the customer who was obviously having an issue. I spoke to Nift and they confirmed that that the gift certificate was good for lunch or dinner and that I did not need to spend any money to receive the award. You may want to speak to Nift when you make your next deal so that YOU understand what the conditions are. read more

The desserts are amazing. A private baker comes to the restaurant kitchen and makes everything fresh from scratch. You can also ask for something special like a birthday or anniversary or congratulations cake to be made for your event if you give some Notice. Not the writing, but the kind of cake you want. I recommend the pizza dolce (an Italian cheesecake made with ricotta) and the lemon raspberry layer cakes. And the chocolate. Oh yeah, and anything else. They seem to be made with love. read more

Food was excellent & luncheon choices/prices are amazing. I had the penne Bolognese that was absolutely delicious

Great ambiance and service. The cucumber - leek cold soup was unique and the spinach papadrelle was very good. Also, tried the main entree chicken which well received. read more

Tentative and funny bartender paired with a delectable menu. We had the mussels and mushroom risotto both had an excellent presentation and taste. The owner Tom came out to several tables to say hi, I felt like I was in New York City. Excellent service, excited to go back. read more

I met up with my service team here for a business 'pow wow' session. The place has nice atmosphere and the service was excellent. Be warned though that you are not getting out of here cheap. I will have to try the lunch specials that another reviewer mentioned. I got a salad which was tasty and the bread was good too. The other fellows got various dishes and they were pleased. The salad was one of the few vegan items I could muster on the menu. Note to owner - it's easy to offer vegan Italian: marinara and pasta! Overall, a little pricey at night but a solid experience. I look forward to trying their lunch. Response to owner: thanks Tom I look forward to my next visit. read more

The hubby and I had a gift certificate so we went last week after not having been back for a long time. My husband got the duck breast from the menu and I opted for the filet mignon special. The setting is lovely - you would not even know you are in the middle of busy "square" outside. The special was delicious. I asked for the filet to be medium but it came out just shy of this but I still enjoyed it because it was so tender and flavorful. It also came with roasted potatoes but the real gem of this meal with the oyster mushroom that came with the meal. I could just eat that all day - it had the texture of a mushroom but it was so "meaty" and savory. Yum - worth the price of admission right there. Speaking of prices ... I think the price point is en pointe for the meal you get and the quality of product. read more

I had Salmon with Brussels sprouts and wild rice. She had Pork chop with red cabbage. They had wine with their meals.

A visually appealing restaurant in the middle of Cushing Square, Belmont. The soup of the day, was a really delicious mushroom soup, thickly textured with couple of slivers of ham in the middle. The fresh green salad was just that, really fresh, particularly the tomatoes. The tilapia over couscous dish was tasty but not over-salted. The tilapia texture was somewhat disappointing, a bit mushy; while the couscous itself had a really nice texture. The duck breast was very good; somewhat gamey at the end though. The bed of arugula on which it came complemented the duck meat nicely, while the side of polenta was richy and creamy and amazing. The evening was particularly busy, so there seemed to be not enough wait staff around. Overall the food is good, but conceptually some of the dishes come off as a bit ordinary. It's definitely on the pricier side as well, hitting high 20s per plate. Live jazz in the back, though, very cool! read more

The menu was limited and mediocre. I should have returned the raspberry lemon desert it was dry tasteless and must have been sitting in their kitchen for a week. read more

Just had two outstanding appetizers: the mussels in a wonderful sauce ("mussels with leeks, garlic and herbs in sambuca broth") and an appetizer with eggplant, greens, cheese and toast. read more

Fabulous meal and chef and service! We will definitely return...soon! Such a wonderful surprise "find" today!!