I hadn't been to Sweet Basil in a while and my friend and I decided to give it a go. I had forgotten how beautiful the decor and ambiance was. We sat at the bar and were warmly greeted by the host as well as Caroline, our bartender. She made us two perfect martini's to the rim, and brought us out a complimentary dish from the chef which was fantastic (I think it was fried chickpea flour in the shape of a very thick fry. They also brought us out complimentary bread and focaccia as well as home made pesto. We ordered the meatballs (the best I've ever had, and my wife is Sicilian). We then shared the Chicken Parm which had the most amazing chunky sauce packed with flavor along with homemade rigatoni! This by far was one of the best meals I've had in a while! Sweet Basil will now go in our rotation of weekly restaurants to visit. read more

My favorite date night spot with my boyfriend! Absolutely love their food! I've been several times and every single time, whatever I order turns out amazing. Their pesto is on another level! read more

Crazy salty pasta dishes. They dusted the top of the entree with salt that was still visible and were heavy handed with the salt in the making. I bit into a piece of chicken and it didn't have that normal chicken breast look. It was like the chicken you get in those frozen bags of pre-made pasta at the supermarket. Like the Viola ones or Swanson. The pesto is awesome though. You pay $5 for bread and pesto which I thought was free at the Needham location. Pesto is ridiculously good. Just come for that. This place really went downhill. Please get a chef in here. Have someone taste your dishes and use quality meats. For the prices you would think you're getting a freshly made dish. read more

Sweet Basil on Moody - Italian Near Me - Waltham, Massachusetts

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Food: Everything was delicious! No complaints. Giant portions, but excited to bring food home. Service: Servers were attentive and friendly, food was fast. Ambiance: The main drawback was that it was dark inside the restaurant, even the bathrooms were dark. But I guess that was the vibe for dinner time. read more

This place is very beautiful. The lightning is perfect for a dinner. The service was good. The food could use some flavor and seasoning very bland. read more

Sweet Basil on Moody - Italian Near Me - Waltham, Massachusetts

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There are two Sweet Basils in this world: the one everyone knows, and the one everyone should know. Needham has the fame, the lines, the reservations booked weeks out by people who enjoy screaming their dinner conversation across a table while pressed against strangers like rush hour on the T. Waltham has space to breathe, cocktails mixed with genuine craft and creativity, prices that acknowledge you are a human being with a budget, and an atmosphere where "intimate dinner" does not require a hearing aid afterward. And the food? Let me be absolutely clear: every bit as spectacular as the original. The chicken parmigiana arrives with a shatteringly crisp exterior giving way to tender, juicy perfection beneath a blanket of molten cheese. The rosemary chicken practically perfumes the table before it lands, herb-kissed and golden, the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes on the first bite. The bolognese is a masterclass in patience and tradition, rich and meaty and clinging to each strand of pasta like it was born there. Same kitchen excellence, superior everything else. I must speak of Gina, because to write this review without her name in lights would be a crime against gratitude. Our server moved through the evening with grace, precision, and a warmth that felt entirely genuine rather than rehearsed. She made us feel not like customers, but like guests in her home. This is the difference Waltham offers: care. Real, tangible, you-can-taste-it-in-every-moment care. Needham will survive without me. It will survive without you. But Waltham deserves your attention, your appetite, and your loyalty. Go once and you will understand. Go twice and you will never look back. read more

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I used to love Sweet Basil and would recommend it to everyone--until last summer, when I had one of the most uncomfortable and upsetting dining experiences I've ever had. I haven't been back since. I came in with my boyfriend and was treated with blatant disrespect by our blonde waitress from the moment we sat down. She was cold, dismissive, and clearly had a problem with me being there. While I was still eating, she brought out two fellow employees who stood nearby and just stared at me. No attempt to be subtle, no words--just standing and watching me eat, like I wasn't welcome there. I was confused and honestly shocked. At the end of the meal, she slammed the bill down on the table without saying a single word. Despite everything, I still tipped her 25%, trying to give her the benefit of the doubt. She didn't acknowledge it, didn't thank me--just continued to glare at me with what felt like hostility. It wasn't until a few days later, looking at a selfie I took that same day, that I realized I had been wearing my Palestine flag earrings. I can't say for certain that's why I was treated this way, but the signs are hard to ignore. Even if someone disagrees with my views, I came in as a respectful, paying customer. I was polite, caused no issues, and tipped generously. And yet, I was made to feel targeted, judged, and deeply unwelcome. Whether it was discrimination, bias, or just cruelty--it was unacceptable. Sweet Basil lost a loyal customer that day, and I will never be returning and spreading this info to whomever I can... read more

I had been to this restaurant's location in Needham numerous times and always enjoyed it. We decided to try this location for a celebratory occasion. This was clearly a very Special Experience! I have been talking about it fora few days. The ambience is beautiful, warm and comforting. Our server was sweet, efficient, thoughtful and prompt. The food was, as always with Sweet Basil, excellent. It was well prepared, plentiful and also pleasing to the eye. We all really enjoyed our meals. We even received a complimentary birthday dessert which was offered when our waitress overheard our discussion about this occasion. I could continue with my praises, but it is clear that I have already recommended this restaurant to many and I look forward to returning. I prefer this location now to Needham , because seating is less cramped and it is quieter, although the food is equally good. It is important to note that it is expensive, but well worth it for special occasions. read more

The name of the restaurant makes me think this is a Thai restaurant. Fault alert it not! I went here for dinner. They have bar section and the vibe here is relaxing. They have a lot of options on their menu, and their drink selection is various. When we were there, a lot of other tables were having a great time drinking and chatting. The vibe was nice to be in! The bread and pesto at the beginning was cold. I wish the bread is warmer. I ordered two dishes and I would highly recommend you order the Bucatini Amatriciana. The smoked pork on the top paired with a little bit spicy spaghetti were a great combo! Highly recommend that if you come here. I will for sure come back because they have a lot of other great options on their menu read more

Sweet Basil on Moody - Handmade Four-Cheese Ravioli - Italian Near Me - Waltham, Massachusetts

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I went to Sweet Basil on Moody street in Waltham with my parents this week. This italian spot has some eclectic vibes with flowerful trees and vibrant paintings on the wall. To start this dinner, every table gets fresh bread and homemade pesto! This is simply amazing in my eyes. Who doesn't love pesto? The pesto is made without nuts too which is perfect for all those who may have a nut allergy. For cocktails we got the "Let's be Clear" which was a sweeter tasting drink that had watermelon mezcal and tomato vermouth. We also got the handsome devil drink which had bourbon and st germain. The perfect option for bourbon lovers! Finally, they were experimenting new cocktails and we tried their version of a mushroom negroni which was very interesting. Basically a negroni with an earthier after taste! Check out their cocktail list next time you go and see what they have in store. Now for the entrees. We tried their handmade four cheese ravioli which was simply delicious 9/10. You can really tell they handmade the ravioli and tomato basil sauce as it was made very fresh. The arugula and burrata salad was the perfect combination. This salad had toasted nuts, jicama slaw and a peach vinaigrette. You just cant go wrong with burrata it works with everything. (Warning to the wise to be careful with the exploding burrata though lol!) I thought this was also a great shareable plate for the table 8/10. I'm obsessed with the rosemary chicken with pancetta, tomatoes and asparagus over rigatoni pasta This was so filling even after two bites. But honestly you need to save room for this dish it is so good and a must get 9/10. We also got their version of chicken parmesan. This came with mozzarella in a basil marinara sauce. I wish there was more sauce on this dish and maybe the chicken wasn't as juicy or tender as I would have liked 6/10. The eggplant involtini was incredible and I'm not even a big eggplant person. This came with pesto ricotta, basil marinara sauce, and riccia pasta (I think thats my new favorite pasta shape!). If you are a cheese and eggplant lover you got to get this dish 9/10 (at least get it for the crazy cheese pull). Last but not least, my personal favorite dish of the evening was of course their squash gnocchi. The squash gnocchi came with pickled onions, apples and a brandy cream sauce. I will be dreaming about this dish all fall season long 10/10. You have to check out this spot if you are in Waltham (or in Needham as they have another location there!) And if you aren't local you can get a food delivery. On their grubhub delivery page you can buy a full pint of their pesto! Food: 9/10 Ambiance: 8/10 Affordability: 7/10 read more

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Wow, talk about flavor!! Delicious, every bite. Calamari and Brussels sprouts to start were both incredible. Rosemary chicken so good! Large portions so was very excited when I was able to take some home. Pesto was so good, we purchased some to go and they threw in some bread to go with it. Ambiance was great. Pretty cool cozy vibe. Staff was friendly and attentive. Music (Sunday night) was a nice touch. Highly recommend! read more

We have been going to both locations for years. Won't be back to Waltham. The owner shouldn't leave the kids in charge of the store. Sevice very lacking while as front of the house staff socializing. Orders not put in and drinks missing ingredients. Their jobs were definitely second priority. Hoping Needham isn't the same because the food is very good. read more

Looking for a place to accommodate our group of 10 on the day after Thanksgiving and Sweet Basil on Moody worked out great! They were able to tuck us into a quieter back corner as requested, though overall, the restaurant was not too busy or loud. Fun decor, excellent service. Portions were generous, with a few items that worked for one vegan. Our one complaint was over-salted pasta entrees received by several of our party. Overall a great experience. read more

Came to Waltham from NY to visit my friend and had dinner here on 6/28. I ordered crab cakes and a Caesar salad. We left the restaurant about 9:30PM. By 1AM, I started feeling sick, headed to the bathroom and spent the next 4 hours dealing with violent bouts of vomiting and diarrhea. My friend called the restaurant the next morning and left a message telling them that I had gotten food poisoning from the crab cakes - she wanted them to know there was a problem to protect other customers. They never called back to acknowledge the message or apologize. The one star is because of the food poisoning and the lack of response when this was reported to them. Without the food poisoning, I probably would have given it 2 or 3 stars. The food was mediocre at best. read more

Starting off with a plus, I really liked the decor of the restaurant- it was eclectic, quirky, and a mismatched vibe that works well for them. We started off with three appetizers- arugula with burrata, calamari, and caesar, and all were pretty yummy. Side note: we LOVED the free pesto and bread- couldn't stop eating it! The shrimp scampi was really watery and soup-like, but I really enjoyed the grits with the lamb shank, and thought the octopus ragu had nicely charred chunks. The braised chicken was pretty tender and flavorful as well. (didn't take pics of the entrees) The main reason for the 4 stars is because the service was eh. There seemed to be no communication between servers, and at one point, our waiter brought us new plates just for another server to walk by and take them away without saying a thing! Overall, I would come back again just for the pesto. read more

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Came here for date night and really like the ambiance and the decor is very pretty. I have been to their location in Needham before and this one is pretty different but still gives that same intimate vibe. I love their complimentary homemade pesto and bread but we sat at the bar and I had to ask for it after we ordered versus it being offered after we sat down. The bartender also was not that busy but no one ever cleared our plates nor took our menus throughout the whole meal. We got the arancini to start and it came with cranberry sauce and apple butter which was a bit strange - I wanted to like it but couldn't quite get there. It was also quite pricey for 4 small pieces. The octopus ragu had a weird flavor that I couldn't put my finger on and the sauce to pasta ratio was off, but they gave big pieces of octopus. I only wish they cut the octopus into smaller pieces for you because it was really salty compared to the pasta. The shrimp scampi was really good flavor wise but I didn't like the texture that the big pieces of parsley added. The mock tail was good but it honestly just kinda tasted like lemonade. I think this place has a lot of potential but it just wasn't a great experience for me this time. read more

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Our new favorite restaurant. We made reservations for New Years Eve at Sweet Basil and was not disappointed. The staff was very attentive and accommodating. We could see the team effort as our server and other staff members would check in several times if there was anything we needed. The owner, David, also greeted us and checked in, and we had some laughs together. The food was A++++. The flavor and main entrees were great. I highly recommend the bone-in pork chop with risotto. The chop was juicy and cooked perfectly. My wife got the rosemary chicken and was equally flavorful and cooked perfectly. We also got the eggplant caponata that was so flavorful as well. The decor was warm, like we were in a home with warm lighting and comfortables seating. We noticed how each table had different styles that added to the warm feeling during out visit. We also got the Sweet Basil cookbook but will certainly be back as regulars as we can't duplicate the experience we had there at home. A+++++++ all around. read more

Ordered clams linguine for takeout. This dish had overcooked spaghetti instead of linguine that tasted like it was from a can. Had 3 pieces of clam meat with empty shells. Also why was there sausage and peppers in this dish when the menu said clams linguini? read more

Sweet Basil on Moody - Italian Near Me - Waltham, Massachusetts

The bread and pesto as a starter was so good. Best pesto. We got the eggplant appetizer which was really good but then was disappointed with our entree which was supposed to be pasta and eggplant and the sauce turned out to be barbecue sauce...not good when it comes to barbecue sauce pasta. But besides that the food was good and atmosphere was nice. read more

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I was surprised at how good the food was. I got the Bolognese to take out and overall it was pretty good. The only problem I had was how long I had to wait to get my food, but I do understand since it was a Saturday night. I would recommend it if you are craving Italian food. 8/10 read more

Food on point can't believe how good everything was. Don't know what these others reviews are talking about

It was very easy to make reservations and there are some public parking lots and street parking nearby! I love the vibe on Moody St - which was so important because we definitely needed a walk to digest. My friends and I came for a birthday dinner. We totally recommend the bread service. It was odd paying for the bread but I think you're actually paying for the pesto which is ~chef's kiss~. The chickpea fries were good but there were literally four fries. The mussels were delicious!! And yes, the mussels are another reason you should get the bread because if you take the bread, put some pesto on, and then drizzle the mussel juice... GAH. I'm salivating. By the time our entrees came around, we were very full and very drunk. I got the Uncut Jams (cue "unca jahmz") and literally could drink 5 more of those, they were that good. The restaurant itself was beautiful. It was like Alice in Wonderland meets gothic architecture meets endless cherry blossoms. Twas a vibe! To top it all off, they brought a free birthday dessert :) Wonderful experience. Thank you for having us!! read more

This restaurant is so cute! The food was even better!! The best chicken parmesan I've ever had! Date toffee cake was good too! read more

Sweet Basil on Moody - Chicken Parmesan - Italian Near Me - Waltham, Massachusetts

Ambiance is always great. The food is delicious. The service was slow. Perhaps they are having a difficult time hiring wait staff, but it felt like our server was stretched. read more

I've been to the Sweet Basil location in Needham and it is great. I'm glad they have a second location here in Waltham because the one in Needham is take out only right now due to COVID. My Partner and I were so impressed by the great service of the staff and how delicious all of the food was. We got peppermint tea to start and they offer bread and a pesto spread as a free appetizer. They brought out more complimentary bread and pesto as they saw we enjoyed it. (Great customer service)! The lamb shank was so tender it fell off the bone with a touch. The rosemary chicken was super tasty and the portions of both our plates were enough to fill us for dinner and take home leftovers for lunch the next day! The arancini is one of the best in Massachusetts - you won't regret this as an appetizer. I've shared pictures of the inside stuffing of the arancini which includes red peppers and warm cheese. This restaurant makes for a great date spot, the lighting is dim and there are faux trees and plants all around making the atmosphere feel very intimate and romantic. Afterwards we walked down the street to Lizzy's Homemade Ice Cream for dessert! read more

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We had dinner for a large party and not one person finished more than half their food. The food was extremely oily and not the flavors I expected. My lamb was very fatty but tender and fell off the bone. My biggest regret is not saying something. The eggplant arancini had a sour taste to it and our bread was burnt on top. I had high hopes given the reviews my friends had for the Needham restaurant. It turns out they're not equal. The ambiance was very nice and we had good service. Our waitress did seem annoyed to be working but we realized that was maybe her personality? Anyways... we won't be back and the leftovers I have my brother had equal reviews. read more

We stopped in to try Sweet Basil Waltham . We have ordered take out at Needham location but no bar area and byob. Waltham had full liquor and beer taps. We sat at bar area and no one else at bar... Dark as the Alaskan nights with dim lighting. Taps were not working ; so ordered a can beer for 10 bucks. Ordered the braised chicken . The owner was working the door this night . Greeted us. Since bar tender wasn't too attentive and looked mixing a month's worth of mixers?; owner brought over some small slices bread , and pesto. I had no utensils yet, so dip dry bread in pesto and pesto excellent, dry cold, dry, few 1/4 slices... a lot of pesto wasted as not enough to dip or spread without a knife. Chicken braised meal arrives and could not see what I was eating as so dim lighting... chicken was hidden under excess sauce, chicken had not marinate or flavor ... I didn't see any braising... small chicken piece like a breast cut in half and plated with the sauce. The sauce I could see what in it but tasted some short rib I think? The side of roasted root veggies... was awful... a waste and few option... I was hoping for seasoned or marinated carrots, potato, sweet potato, ... anything with a taste... as was dry 3-4 pieces of a slice of Brussels sprouts.... Maybe all sautéed in a maple bacon honey glaze 2 beers, dinner, side root veggies, tip 70 bucks... I don't see revisiting. I'll do take out from Needham of the Rosemary chicken or other dishes... Owner I have seen many times since his start in Needham...in original small space then expanded and added Wellesley, Waltham... I think Waltham needs attention and changes. read more

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So I dropped my daughter and her boyfriend here for their one year dating versary. I have been to the one in Needham multiple times and have always loved the food and service. I figured with this being same owner it had to be the same food and ambience. When I checked in with my daughter she said music was loud and all over the place in genres which is not a big deal to me. But it wasn't the vibe they were looking for. Not a deal breaker... however. The servers were a little pushy about them ordering some drinks other than water. So they felt obligated to get sprites They said the menu was way different than the one online. They both got raviolis. Both reported they tasted bad and were chewy. And couldn't eat them. They ended up wanting to leave. They Paid the check and no one caught on that their food was not good. Full plates is a good indicator. They left and went to a burger takeout place cuz it was on the way home. Sorry Sweet basil on moody. It didn't satisfy these customers. read more

Definitely would not recommend. Ordered the eggplant caponata app, way too salty. Then the rosemary chicken entree, waaaaaaay too salty, and the pancetta was over cooked to the point of being rock hard. My wife ordered the salmon, which was over cooked, and she couldn't tell the difference between the roasted potatoes and the brussel sprouts, both over cooked and too salty. Two in our party ordered the ravioli, and it came out with cold marinara sauce - like refrigerated cold. After sending it back, the waitress said that someone didn't realize that the chef had just taken it out of fridge and poured it onto the dishes and served it that way. Who cooks ravioli that way? The only good thing was the free olive lemon cake they comped us for the ravioli debacle. read more

We had a great dinner. The bread and pesto was AMAZING, so so good! We started with the arancini and it was different but very good. We ordered the cheese ravioli, which was very good, I loved the filling! And we also ordered the shrimp scampi and the shrimp wasn't cooked enough so that was a bummer. Service was okay. read more

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We had a dinner there Saturday evening, 8 adults and 2 children. The service from the get-go was iffy. Our waitress was not familiar with their drinks offerings, but that wasn't a big deal. My drink came in a bourbon glass looking like it hadn't been washed and had sticky and crusty residue. I only noticed halfway through so I didn't notify the waitress. The problems started when the food arrived, first the apps then the mains (they forgot to make one of the mains which lead to some confusion). The apps were not bad but nothing spectacular. I would rate them average at best. Meatballs were dry, calamari lacked flavor. The mains were not liked by our entire party. Lamb shank was dry and not cooked well, Caesar salad had the saltiest anchovies on planet earth (and I enjoy anchovies!), and the grilled chicken I ordered with my salad was dry and hard as a shoe. We were charged $10 to add a one dry chicken breast on top of $14 Caesar salad! Shrimp scampi was average. Mac and cheese great. The restaurant had an unprofessional, unpolished vibe. Waiters were disengaged, kitchen clearly not firing on all cylinders. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend anyone spending their hard earned money at this restaurant. DaVinci's across the street is in a different league despite similar price point and similar food. read more

Sweet basil never disappoints. I learned about them first at their needham location and am delighted to have them in Waltham. They serve pesto with their bread instead of butter which is simply delightful. Last night we had The "braised chicken" which was extremely flavorful. The pasta tastes freshly made although I don't know for certain if it is, I don't believe they advertise it. The steak was very juicy although I have to say it was slightly overdone (ordered medium rare but it came medium+). Nevertheless the meal was overall fantastic and looking forward to returning read more

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We got the fried calamari and tagliatelle bolognese. The calamari wasn't too heavy and came with a spicy marinara sauce. The bolognese sauce was really good and flavorful but unfortunately the pasta itself was slightly too dense and chewy for our taste. read more

Sweet Basil on Moody - Calamari Fritti - Italian Near Me - Waltham, Massachusetts

Never actually dined in the restaurant and this restaurant is still my favorite in the area. The pasta is exceptional. You can't go wrong with any of the classic Italian dishes here. My favorite item is the rosemary chicken and the wings. The rosemary chicken is a cream based sauce that is garlicky and addictive. The chicken wings have a really great sauce that is sweet and tangy. Some other great dishes are the chicken parmesan, bolognese, anything with the pasta. Hope to make it into the actual restaurant one day. My favorites: Rosemary Chicken, Chicken Wings(Calabrian chili and honey sauce) read more

3.5! Super easy online ordering for take out! When I went in to pick up the order, the people were very nice and the ambiance was great! I got the Rosemary chicken (substituted for linguini) and the bolognese. First off, the portions were really big! The pasta was well cooked for both: not too firm or too chewy. I also liked the rustic look of the pasta as well. The Rosemary chicken had lots of veggies and chicken in it. The chicken wasn't dry at all! However, I found it to be extremely salty (my hands and my face were super swollen the next day from the sodium). Therefore, I preferred the bolognese, which was less salty than the Rosemary chicken. The bolognese was good but I wish it were a little more saucy. read more

Sweet Basil on Moody - Bolognese Rosemary Chicken - Italian Near Me - Waltham, Massachusetts

I recently had dinner with my best friend and his family at this restaurant. My meal, the Chicken Parmesan was on point. Highlight of my meal was their pesto sauce with the house bread. read more

Excellent food. I had the ravioli. Good ambiance, quiet, quick service. I really liked it here and would go back. read more

Dined on weeknight so found parking on the street. Moody St is the worst for parking...Google for parking lot a few blocks away. Arancini balls were delish with nice red wine started out the meal fabulously. And the complimentary bread with pesto sauce was awesome like every review said! My friend loved the shrimp scampi. However, I was disappointed with Rosemary chicken seeing that it is a popular dish.The sauce was thick and salty with not much chicken. The ambiance is very cool and certainly a step up from the Needham location. The service was great as it wasn't busy. read more

The service the waitress her name was Nancy she was really sweet and it was good it's a cute restaurant. The food was absolutely disgusting. I had a the calamari for an appetizer it was so salty. I ended up sending it back and got a Caesar salad which had a weird sweet taste. Couldn't finish it. I got the rosemary chicken which had a sweet taste and some of the chicken was raw. I sent that back and got the salmon with bacon mashed potatoes and asparagus. The bacon mashed potatoes were ice cold cold and the asparagus was nasty. I had the a drink called sex and the watch city that was good. I wouldn't come back and i wouldn't recommend this restaurant to anyone. read more

I was looking forward to trying this place for a fun Friday night but wow how sad. The ambiance is cute (not Italian, but fun for a date night) and some of the service people were very nice but that's sadly where the positive experience ends. Waited probably 15 minutes for two simple drinks, bread was fine but nothing special for $5. Ordered a salad to start which never came and received our entrees immediately after ordering. The bucatini is a weird Asian style oil slick with giant chunks of uncooked guanciale and the meatballs are maybe the worst I've ever had. Dense and sad, which I had wanted to love. When handed back entire full plates of food the staff looked crestfallen but not surprised. Probably not the first time this has happened. We went to Paparazzi in Wellesley for second dinner and it was worlds better. Save yourself and go to Needham. This place was also empty on a Friday night so the writing is on the wall for their future. read more