Every dish was amazing and we loved the service. Steak was particularly good and the shrimp salad, while it looked mundane was actually really good (best shrimp i had in this area). Definitely good for dates and worth the visit if you happen to be in town. read more

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Love this restaurant's attention to detail. From the waiters to the chef ~ best tenderloin I've had this pandemic ~ much better than a holiday away mmmm just visit here and select a fine Vermentino white with the recommended appetizer of the day. Reserve ! Busy for good reason read more

I'm not sure what happened but the dinner we had last night was just not as good as it used to be. The mussels were cold, small, and no flavor. Sauce was ok .. Overall experience just didn't impress me at all read more

I had a late lunch meeting with some colleagues and was super excited to try this place out as I've heard from multiple people that this place was really good. Maybe it was an off day but I left pretty disappointed. To start off, our server had explained the daily specials to us, one of which was a chef's choice antipasto. He first explained that there was some salmon on the appetizer plate along with some other antipasto style bites and then gave us a few minutes to decide. When he came back and we told him we were interested, he then explained the dish again and said there was shrimp but didn't mention the salmon. Kind of odd to not really know what the specials are especially at 1:30pm when lunch service started a few hours ago. In the end the plates included shrimp (which I do not eat) but also a random mix of prosciutto wrapped melon, portobello mushroom, a caprese stack and 3 olives all on top of greens. It was just a really weird combo of everything that just didn't go together... For the entree I had the Tuscan meat sauce penne and was disappointed when my pasta was on the crunchier side. I know al dente is the way to go but this pasta was FIRM. I could chew and swallow but it definitely needed a few more minutes in the water. Additionally, it wasn't until my colleagues were eating that we realized the servers gave the wrong rigatoni pastas to 2 people. There was a Rigatoni Toscano and a Rigatoni Norcina... I don't think anyone said what the dish was and just plated it to everyone but it was kind of a mess. Perhaps we went during non peak hours so the quality of food and service just wasn't as great as if we went while it was busy? Maybe some of the staff were on break or they had already used up some of their fresher ingredients? It seemed like the server and waitstaff weren't really knowledgeable about the menu. Not sure I will return. read more

Probably the best fancy option for the Harvard area. Plates are expensive, especially for classic pastas, but quite well done and the servings are hearty. The staff is very nice and the ambiance is upscale without feeling suffocating. There aren't many good upscale options in Harvard square so I think this is probably the best for a business dinner or graduation celebration or what not. If celebrating an event relating to Harvard's academic calendar make sure to make a reservation well in advance though! read more

I brought my friend from California here for dinner to give him a harvard Square introduction. He loved the food. He ordered the gnocchi, and I ordered a salmon dish. Both were excellent. He was especially impressed by the cream on his gnocchi and the consistency of the potato dish. I was also impressed by the grill on the salmon. I wish they had been perhaps some sort of carb side to the salmon, but the asparagus was great on its own as well. As for service, we were helped by Julissa. The service was excellent. We asked for balsamic vinegar in addition to our bread rolls and were given the complement sauce in a few moments. Julissa was kind and offered great service. I plan to bring more friends back to this restaurant! Thanks for a great evening. read more

Nice, classy ambience, though a bit dark. They had a very extensive menu of Italian classics. Our party ordered a bruschetta to share, which they conveniently cut into four pieces for us. It was a perfectly serviceable bruschetta, but not the best I've had by any means. Pretty typical tomatoes and mozzarella, and the bread was a bit thick. I ordered a linguine vongole and it was good, but unremarkable. They provided plenty of clams, especially for the price point, but they were just slightly overcooked and could have been a bit more tender. I appreciated that the pasta was truly al dente. It didn't seem homemade, unfortunately, but still had a good bite. The tomato and white wine sauce was flavorful. But, in the end, the pasta wasn't quite satisfying and it was just missing something. I'd recommend Toscano for a date or for parents visiting their college-aged children near Harvard Square. read more

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Delicious food, excellent service. Beautiful interior. Prices weren't too bad especially for the area but they can add up on you if you get a full course meal or two. If you don't have reservations, you're likely to sit at the bar. Staff was super-friendly and attentive. They start you up with very filling dense bread that somewhat absorbs the olive oil & balsamic vinegar concoction that you pour yourself. The roasted artichokes appetizer was done with olive oil with maybe a hint of butter but they were somewhat hard to cut and chew. The gnocchi was amazing with chunks of tomatoes and mozarella rather than the pureed sauce you normally see. The mushroom risotto was excellent and staff was cognizant to switch from the normally used beef stock to a vegetable stock. My blueberry white chocolate tart also was amazing. Altogether a great meal. read more

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I was excited to try this place. Made dinner reservations for 9:30 (the only available time), so yes this place is very popular. 4/5 for drinks - the cocktail was well made and they have an extensive selection of wine 3/5 for food - I just was not impressed with the seafood spaghetti. It was ok. 1/5 for service - not what I expected from a place this highly rated on yelp. From the moment I was seated I was rushed, the waitress did not introduce her self, neither did she go over the specials. When I asked her what the specials were she told me they only had 3 specials for the night and something about it being late. I had to continue to ask her what they were before she pulled out her booklet and started reading off that. When I asked her what the beer selections were, she pulled out a piece of paper from her book and handed it to me. Maybe the place shouldn't offer dinner reservations at 9:30 or they should ensure that their staff is well trained. Not sure if she was new, so would have been nice if someone else had checked in on us. Didn't look like the other tables were being rushed at all. Overall disappointed with the experience. Oh well, the search for amazing Italian food outside of North End continues. read more

Toscano - Seafood spaghetti - Italian Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

We had the veal, pappardelle, and tutu pepe. The food from this place is done of the best I've ever had. Service was exceptional and I would make it a must visit restaurant whenever I'm in Cambridge. Food-5 Service-5 Value-4 Portion-4 (veal was skimpy) read more

Food was decent but the service from our waiter ruined the experience here. He was an older gentleman, super grumpy, slammed our plates and cutlery on the table. He needs proper training to be a waiter. read more

Classy upscale dining experience. White tablecloth atmosphere. Italian places like this tend not to be not very experimental with flavor and prioritize ambiance and service. Great for dates or business dinners. Salmon was delicious, if typical. Desserts left a bit to be desired. Tried the tiramisu and flourless torte cake. Both were ok. Portions are beautifully plated, but not large. Great service, very attentive and professional. Did a great job with our large group. Toscano always has a lot of great specials but would be nice to see a list. Seems strange to have so many specials and only mention them verbally - a personal pet peeve when restaurants do this. There are cheaper and tastier Italian places in and around Cambridge. But Toscano fills a niche for a ~fancier night out. read more

This place is wonderful. Stellar food and the service is outstanding. One of our favorites for a special date night.

The place and vibe is good. However, in party when I asked for place for breastfeeding my baby I was told that they can place a chair in handicap bathroom. We are 2022 and women are still asked to be in bacteria filled bathroom for breastfeeding. read more

Last day of long visit to the east coast we were able to enjoy Cambridge, MA. Perfect location and well prepared appetizers and salads. We were able to sit at the bar on comfortable stools and wonderful service by Nathan. All the patrons were satisfied based on their positive comments, clean plates and smiles. Make sure to stop in the next time you in town. read more

Toscano - Toscano - Italian Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Went here for a birthday celebration and was very satisfied! The wait staff were accommodating and allowed us to bring our own cake and candles. While the restaurant is a little dim, the ambience is comfortable and not stuffy. The bruschetta was fresh and light, and the creamy gorgonzola cheese on the beet salad complemented the bitter arugula and beets well. The beets themselves were a bit bland, probably because they are not in season, but I liked the fact that they were not aggressively dressed and seasoned to allow us to taste these nuances. My ravioli was fresh with tenderly cooked shrimp. Be warned there is a nice spicy kick that I wasn't expecting! Another in my party ordered one of the daily specials, a grilled halibut with vegetables. That was actually the highlight of the meal as we all agreed that we have never had a halibut so flaky and tasty! While I enjoyed the pasta, I look forward to coming back again for the fish. read more

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I absolutely love Italian food. I've been going to Toscano for years and I'm so glad it survived the pandemic and is still in Harvard Square. My favorite is the grilled shrimp, the Gamberoni Alla Brace appetizer or grilled shrimp served with one of the yummy salads. It definitely has that tasty grilled flavor and I always order it as an appetizer. Next up, I used to get the Tagliatelle or the Pappardelle - served with whatever it came with because I love their pasta. Now I'm trying to go low carb and I love the Branzino Al Forno. I've always ordered Branzino, type of sea bass, and usually get it served whole and deboned. At Toscano, it's served with two filets. The white wine and garlicky sauce is very tasty. For dessert, I get the tiramisu. I recently got to split the panna cotta and it just melts. I enjoy dessert with their cappuccino. It's my favorite cappuccino! every time I get it elsewhere, it's just not the same. I rarely get reservations ahead of time, so I'm usually at one of the high tables. Service has always been professional. Take out is definitely not as nice as dining in as the dining experience is lovely. What can I say though, it's still worth it to get takeout! read more

Toscano is one of my go-tos for Restaurant Week. What a treat! My absolute favorite dish is the Porcini Tagliatelle -- perfect housemade tagliatelle with succulent porcini mushrooms in a lovely sauce. And then for dessert I'm obsessed with the white chocolate blueberry tart. None of the meat/seafood entrees have really taken my breath away like the tagliatelle and the blueberry tart, but I will keep coming to Toscano for those delightful dishes. All of Toscano's pasta is perfectly crafted and their desserts are second to none. read more

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I had an appointment in Harvard Square and decided to go for a nice lunch. I came here on a recommendation from a friend. It wasn't too crowded and the long windows were wide open on a lovely summer day. The bread starter with olive oil was okay, but different. The bread was like a flatter focaccia bread with a bit of a cornbread texture inside. It wasn't bad but a little unexpected. I went for the linguine vongalo, as I can be a sucker for linguine with clams. The portion is not bad for lunch and I'm not a large carb-loader anymore anyway. The clams were nicely arranged and not overcooked. The pasta was al dente and not mushy at all. Service was pretty polite though maybe tried a little too hard to be personable. One waiter I had just seemed a bit too awkward but it was a nice attempt. The classy and intimate environment makes this a comfortable spot for a night out or a date. You're paying for the ambiance and location. read more

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We decided to check out Toscanos for a business dinner meeting. It popped up fairly recently where the old Cafe India used to be. The exterior is quite nice and it definitely looks very upscale - only street parking through, so you might find yourself running out to feed the metre if your dinner goes over two hours. Toscano definitely gives off a very upscale vibe - the inside looks very classy, and it's got the typical dark paneled, dimly lit interior (disclaimer, dark restaurants are a pet peeve). Their menu selection is pretty good; prices definitely match the upscale decoration, though. Our waiter was very attentive and knowledgeable, but he mumbled through all the specials and we ended up getting sick of constantly asking him to repeat himself - we never did find out what the specials were for the night, so we ended up ordering off the menu instead. The actual food at Toscano is quite good. The prawn appetizer comes with deliciously grilled, fat shrimp over a bed of lettuce. They had a beef carpaccio which you don't usually see at restaurants. The tomatoes and burrata comes as a huge orb of cheese with sliced tomatoes. Toscanos also has a pretty good selection of cheeses for their cheese tasting. Entrees that stood out were the risotto, for the sheer serving size - we split one risotto order between two people, and even then both of us had enough left over to merit doggy bagging it home. The sausage risotto is delicious - comes a creamy yellow with chunks of sausage and meat. Toscanos has whole lobster - when I saw that I knew I had to order it. It's surprisingly large - not the usual small ones that restaurants tend to serve, and you could easily split it between two people. The lobster comes cut in half lengthwise with a wedge of lemon and some potatoes, and It's quite a messy affair. You get an extra bowl, napkin, lobster claw crusher thingy and lobster fork for the challenge, and even though a lot of the pieces come pre-crushed you still need some muscle to get the meat out. Absolutely would not recommend at a business casual dinner meeting, but definitely couldn't miss out on the whole lobster thing. Delicious, 20/10, would bang. Other highlights included the lamb chops, which were done well, and the steak. Overall, Toscano has an interesting menu with a lot of great, solid food choices, making it a great addition to the square. It's pretty pricey, but not pricey enough to be unreasonable, especially for the quality and quantity of the food you're getting. read more

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Instead of inserting Italian adjectives synonymous with wonderful, stupendous, and great, let me just tell you about this place. If you generally eat with your right hand, and shovel down good food, the food here is on such a level you can't help but eat with your left, very slowly. Yes, it's that good. This place made me LOVE rather than like pasta. Before this place, pasta I've had was tasteless, and only flavor it got was from toppings, sauces, etc. The pasta here actually had taste, and it tasted good! --- So, here's what I had at Dinner: Bruschetta Rigatoni Toscano (Half-Portion, but still satisfyingly large) Tiramisu Cappuccino ---- The Bruschetta was fresh and tasty, it's a very simple dish, but the tomatoes, herbs, fresh mozzarella, and bread come together deliciously, especially if they all make it in your mouth at the same time. The bread isn't soft in this dish, nor should it be. The well toasted bread adds a wonderful crunch to the dish The Rigatoni had bacon in the dish, so, how could I resist. The pasta itself was cooked perfectly, and actually had a taste. The sauces and bascon were not poured over the dish, but rather enhanced the flavor of the pasta, which, it seems look the flavors upon itself. The Tiramisu was one of the best I ever had. It was served in a large, tall martini glass rather than being a nice wedge. It was divine. Tasted like a tiramisu should taste. And though it was not a neat little wedge, the flavors worked wonderfully. The Cappuccino was good. I've had worse, but I didn't feel there was anything about this one that made it super-duper. But it is espresso, milk, and water... should there be anything that makes it advanced? What I also really loved here was the service. Before I was even handed a menu the server said "I don't like this menu" and handed me a different one. I don't know what was wrong with the first one, but he didn't just throw it onto the table, but paid attention. My waitress was very nice, and attentive too. She would help me with my choices, and pay attention, to such things as me putting down my menu and being ready to order. Additionally, my glass of water was never empty. Every time someone walked by they discreetly checked. If it wasn't full, someone came over and refilled it. Location is clean, lovely, and rustic. However, the large TVs and bar take away from this slightly, but nothing too severe. And, oh yes, the bread they give you before your meal is tasty, fresh, warm, mostly crust (Which is good!!) and cooked through (the inside is no playdough) their oil is pure olive oil, no additives like red pepper or garlic, but if you ask, they culd probably throw some in. read more

The best part of the meal was the bread and amazing balsamic glaze. Couldn't get enough of it. The bread crust was perfect and the rolls were warm. Tasty pasta dishes served quickly and hot. Had the papardelle pasta with sauces that were a little different but good. The Bianca white cheese sauce was very good. House special papardelle was good, can't quite place the spices used, some not the usual Italian herbs, at least not what the American version of Italian is used to. First time here so impression only on these two dishes. It's very busy on the weekends so plan ahead with reservations in the evening. There is some bar seating if you want to chance it. read more

Toscano - Italian Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Solid Italian fare in Harvard square! Overall: 4/5 Value: 4/5 Food: 4/5 Service: 4/5 Came to celebrate a friend's birthday, and had a charcuterie plate to start ($14) and a variety of pastas. Large portions for slightly pricey but overall decent prices for the venue (around $22 per pasta). I had the rigatoni norcina (ground sausage, black truffle cream sauce) which was absolutely delectable! My companions had the penne strascicate (a bit more ordinary but still good) and the special wild boar paparadelle (delicious and hearty. They also sent over a free tiramisu to celebrate the birthday which was much appreciated! Service was good and attentive, albeit a bit slow initially. We were seated at a high top table, which had the vibe of a sports bar type atmosphere facing the bar and the TVs showing March madness. Would've been nice to sit at one of the tables for a more refined atmosphere especially for the elevated price (not exactly bar food prices) but it was solid food. A good option amidst many in Harvard square! read more

Toscano - Rigatoni norcini ($22) - Italian Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Wow. This restaurant is spectacular! I recently went for lunch with my family on our weekend trip to Boston. We loved our meals so much, we went back the next day! The restaurant is beautiful, the service is excellent and every single thing on the menu is phenomenal! In addition to the homemade appetizers, salads, pasta, steak, chicken dishes and seafood, they offer daily specials that are to die for! The following menu items were my favorite: 1. The Gnocchi in a four cheese sauce: The gnocchi was cooked perfectly and the creamy cheese sauce was insanely delicious. It reminded me of a richer, thicker Alfredo. 2. Sole or Chicken Piccata- The lemon, butter & wine sauce was flawless. I loved the capers. 3. Butternut squash ravioli in a brown butter sauce (special): Get this if they have it on the menu. It's one of the greatest dishes I've ever tasted- very unique! 4. Formaggi Tasting: The cheese selection is divine. It is served with sliced apples, sliced pears and fig. I strongly recommend getting the drizzle of truffle honey! 5. Cannoli dessert- Simply wonderful! They served one caramel cream cannoli and one vanilla ricotta on the plate. I loved both! As I mentioned, the service is exceptional. Our waiter, Cesar, was so friendly and patient! The entire staff goes out of their way to make the patrons feel welcome. In addition, the restaurant's atmosphere is perfect for a nice Italian meal. I loved the decor. I can't wait to return! read more

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Our waiter was very friendly and kind. Great seating and decor as well. We had good service, though the food was not the most spectacular given the price. However, the panna cotta was delicious! read more

Nice fancy (but not too fancy) restaurant with great food and in a great area. Not too known for their pizza so if you're looking for pizza I wouldn't advise coming here but all other Italian dishes on the menu are really gr read more

Toscano - Italian Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

I'm a fan! A little out of Harvard Sq., slightly classier dinner place away from the chains and busy-ness. Solid pricing for Italian food and drinks. Drinks - high quality and strong! One cocktail is perfect to go along dinner. I forget both the names, but my friend had an aperol citrus cocktail and I ordered a blueberry vodka which was shaken with blueberries. Dinner - So many options - hot and cold appetizers, pizza, pasta, salads, meats! Both of us got pastas, but even then there were so many options we had trouble deciding which one to try! We ended up getting the Spaghetti Allo Scoglio and Pappardelle Bolognese. The Bolognese I had was a generous portion and cooked al dente and not overpowered by sauce as I'm used to with bolognese in general. The menu is all in Italian, but ingredients and descriptions are below. Service - The waitress was key in helping us digest the menu! She explained specials and suggested drinks and pastas for us. The tables were a bit tight but she was perceptive and came to us at the perfect times! Overall, great experience, ended up being a nice place to catch up with my friend and enjoy our dinner. read more

Toscano - Aperol and blueberry vodka cocktails! - Italian Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Excellent sword fish with grilled vegetables ( lunch $32). Smooth, polite, and professional service. Elegant decor,linen table clothes. Just a nice place. Waiter mentioned 2 daily specials (one sounded wonderful) but did NOT tell us the $- so in principle I didn't order. read more

Given a choice between Toscano and the North End, I choose the North End. Given the choice between walking five minutes and getting to the North End to face a long line, laziness usually wins. So although Toscano is far from my favorite Italian spot, I end up coming back time and time again because Harvard Square is home, Boston gets pretty cold, and I get hangry. I usually start off with the Rucola e Pomodoro or a Caprese. A Four Cheese Tasting if I'm feeling particularly indulgent. If you're dining with just one other person, they can split the salad on two plates for you. The bread basket is excellent when filled with soft, fresh focaccia and disappointing when filled with overly dry french baguette. I've yet to find an entree that I love. The Gamberoni al Moscato has nice flavor, but the shrimp is always overcooked. The Spaghetti allo Scoglio is simple and comforting, but the spaghetti tastes just like the Barilla pasta I make at home--and mine tends to be less overcooked. Toscano has a nice vibe. It's great for groups and even better for a long meal catching up one-on-one with a friend. Service can be hit or miss. Sometimes we have the friendliest servers, other times our servers forget we exist. Once there was a leak above our table and they came out with a mop and proceeded to mop right above us. But attentive server or not, you'll never feel rushed here. I may never be excited about eating at Toscano, but I concede that there's no place quite like it in Harvard Square. read more

Toscano - Gamberoni Al Moscato - Italian Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Toscano was a solid choice for restaurant week as the lunch menu was $25pp. Smoked salmon on toast: tasted good and it's something that's easy to prepare so this course came out fast. Bread was toasted well and not burnt. Veal cutlet: Solid flavor for the veal itself, was cut thin and still maintained some crunch despite being under the red sauce. Sauce and potatoes were fine,. I thought it was an average red sauce with good acidity. Potatoes were roasted well but I think I could have done with some more seasoning. Rigatoni: I only had one bite but I thought the dish tasted great. Truffle flavor was not overpowering and the sauce was rich and plentiful. Sausage was a good supporting flavor. Panna cotta: I thought it tasted good but there was something off texture-wise for me for some reason like it was a touch too stiff but it wasn't off-putting at all and I still thoroughly enjoyed it. Overall good value for the price. read more

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Stopped in on a recent visit to Harvard Square - wish I could have afforded this place during grad school! Very affordable wine list, great menu with something for everyone, and seating that will make you want to linger there all day - or at least order dessert. I had the Cod Filet ($16), and it was the most perfectly-cooked fish I've ever had in a restaurant - flaky, super moist, and just cooked through. The peas alongside were fresh and not overdone, though it was literally the most gigantic pile of peas I've ever seen. Make sure you love peas! For dessert, I had the Tiramisu ($8). It was so good I saved half and packed it in my luggage so my boyfriend could try it after I flew home. Thank god TSA let me keep it. Very fluffy, velvety texture, not boozy, and the chocolate square on top was icing on the cake. Grab a window seat on a nice day. One of the most beautiful experiences I've had in Harvard Square, and I would definitely return. read more

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Undoubtedly the best gluten free pasta I've had in Boston. I've been here three times now and every time it has not disappointed! I also tried a different dish every time. Risotto is tasty, too! Workers are very knowledgeable on allergies and super helpful. In general, great service. Delicious espresso martinis, too. Love this spot all around. read more

Toscano - Gluten free spaghetti with meat sauce. - Italian Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Just arrived in town and was looking for some good Italian food. Toscano had a very charming and elegant atmosphere. Dinner was excellent. Service was top notch. Our waitress Susan was delightful. We had the Rigatoni Toscano, Bistecca Filletro, Tiramisu and White Chocolate Tart. This place is a must if your looking for a fail proof place for excellent food and service. read more

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Great ambience, lots of sparkle in chandeliers and mirrors around, marble bar, very attentive service by bartender, full drink menu including signature cocktails, food is excellent all around, pasta perfect al dente, disagree with the negative review of the tiramisu was superb, don't normally leave restaurant reviews anymore but felt inspired to do so with gratitude, prices NYC-pricey, par for the course, BUT....... I look around and who's there..not that it isn't comfortably "enough" filled, but not exactly a hive or hotspot of energy in the dining clientele, a lot of bored tourists, seems like a lot of checked-out people, no fashion on display, no dates it seemed, parents with precocious children on meal plans, STAID STAID STAID Harvard crowd, no zing..but it's always that way, this is probably the nicest restatuant in Harvard Square, and it's not their fault if the only local signs of life are stodgy retired professors on pension blah blah. Worth every penny and I'd do it again. Just need a better cast of characters! read more

Solid upscale Italian staple in Harvard Square -- white-tablecloth and refined, a perfect place for special events, business dinners, or dates! The first thing you'll notice when you enter is the wine - the wine! I have been to few other Italian places in Boston with such an extensive wine menu. It's seriously overwhelming here, but in a good way. I came for a birthday dinner last night with three friends. The interior ambiance is very nice - subdued lighting, nice tablecloths, other diners dressed up nicely (not in a pretentious way!). To start, we ordered the Polpettini Florentine (meatballs), the Prosciutto, and the Caprese. All three were delicious, with large enough portions to share. Presentation was nice, but more homestyle than you would expect from an upscale place like this. For my main, I got the Pappardelle Bolognese "Bianco" - huge portion, you'll have enough to bring home! The noodles were al dente with personality, but the rest of the dish was a little flat and bland, beginning with the presentation. The dominant flavor was creaminess, without much depth. I think I'll order something else next time. Good service, a spectacular wine menu, generous portions, and above average food? You'll see me coming back with groups of friends or family read more

Toscano - Pappardelle Bolognese Bianco - Italian Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

My new favorite spot in Harvard Square, classy and the food is quite good. The Panna Cotta is absolutely delicious!

I dropped by on a Wednesday night with a friend for some simple food and a few drinks. While the restaurant's atmosphere and furnishings were very nice, the pizza was terrible. The crust was like a really thick cracker and the toppings were almost flavorless. The drinks were also a subpar... the bartender filled a fancy old fashioned with pebble ice, which totally dilutes the drink. Perhaps some of the other dishes are better, but the pizza was a major letdown. We got the sausage one specifically. read more

Lunch with Hubby. Food and Service were good. We liked it. This was my second time. My favorite there was Tiramisu and Panna Cotta. read more

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Based on the stellar reviews and an appealing-looking menu, I was eager to try Toscano Harvard Square. I was nearby on an inclement evening, so I dined there. The mediocre quality of the ingredients and the cooking was really surprising. The food was at a level that you would find at a chain restaurant such as The Cheesecake Factory (maybe Cheesecake Factory is better; it's been a while). The house olive oil was appalling. One can easily find better oil at a Star Market. The oven-roasted pork tenderloin was underwhelming. It took the kitchen three tries to make roasted potatoes that were neither underdone nor burnt. A side of sauteed spinach was very bland. The meal also consisted of minestrone, a glass of pinot noir, and chamomile tea. This cost $72, not including taxes and a tip. The disconnect between the quality of the meal and the price that was charged was nothing short of amazing. read more

Have you ever been put in the friend zone? It happened to me once, in high school, before I wised up and learned how to play The Game. Friend-zoning is when someone decides they want to do everything but fool around with you. It could be for any number of reasons. "It's not that I don't think you're attractive. You're very attractive. I just really enjoy your company as a friend and I don't want to ruin that." "I don't think of you that way. I love you like a sibling." Boys, let me translate. This either means she has someone else in mind or it means you're not man enough on some level. You're "cute." Or "sweet." You never want to hear a woman say you're "cute" because she means you're cute like a gerbil. But you wouldn't cast Nuzzles the hamster as the Terminator, would you? You wouldn't even cast him as the Terminator's armpit hair. It's not bad news if she says you're "pretty" cute. That means she's talking about your physical attractiveness but just "cute" means remember to put Kleenex on your shopping list, virgin. Things seem to be changing for women for the better. I'm glad. No society can thrive if women suffer. But one thing will not change: Women are attracted to a masculinity that gets their evolutionary chemistry all excited. Some men have it. Some don't. Women want a guy who could run out of the cave, bop the saber-toothed tiger over the head and bring home the meat. If you've been friend-zoned, you're more likely the guy who can buy her a frappuccino with his rewards card. Nice to look at, no doubt, but you lack what she's looking for on a visceral level. She'll hang out with you, but she won't stay for the good stuff. This has been my relationship with every single flashy restaurant in Boston in the eight years I've lived here. I've friend-zoned Townsman, Empire, Legal Crossing, and Strega. These are just the tip of the iceberg. I have a platonic relationship with these restaurants, i.e., I'll go in for a few drinks, but my mind is on the place with the slow-cooked, well-seasoned food just waiting to make my night perfect. Until last month, when, riding in on a white horse, Toscano took my breath away. Toscano just won this season of 'The Bachelorette.' Walking in, you get the old Townsman vibe: Martinis, cocktail dresses, buttoned-up shirts, stock portfolios, and orgies on secret islands. Then the enthusiastic, light-speed waitress brings you your veal Milanese, a slab of meat the shape and size of Antarctica. You bite into it. It has a crisp crust. The crust is lightly seasoned with what tastes like oregano and the always-pleasing bite of black pepper. The veal itself is cooked so perfectly that it's still tender on the inside. This is hard to do because of how thin a veal cutlet is. It takes an experienced, watchful eye to get that right. And it never seems to end. You can barely shovel in the last few forkfuls but you do it because it's that good. Instead of making the relationship complicated, Toscano keeps it simple. The veal is accompanied by a simple, lightly dressed side salad. The salad eggs you on, assuring you that it's right there if you need a fresh contrast to the veal. I finished it all. I was charmed. I was dazzled. I thought only I could make a breaded cutlet that well. Then came the pasta course. Here's what a good pasta bolognese should be: Balanced between creamy and saucy, just a notch above al dente if it's penne, sprinkled liberally with Parmigiano Reggiano and black pepper, and the meat has to taste like it was simmered for hours. Top with chopped parsley. A dab of butter is optional but I suggest you try not giving a shit if you eat at Toscano. Butter is necessary to tie a bolognese together. The bolognese hit every mark. I added a little salt and pepper because I'm a fussy maniac but I don't think most people will need it. I had leftovers but I couldn't stay away from them. Later that night, I crept out of my bed at 2 a.m. and finished the rest using my hands standing at the refrigerator. I topped the meal with some strong Negronis. Soon, they hijacked my brain and flew it to an undisclosed location. If the light fixtures had fallen straight onto my head at that moment, I would have sizzled to death a happy man. Toscano? Text me on Monday. I would love to go out with you again. read more

Toscano - The gargantuan veal Milanese. Fuck the knife and fork. Pick it up with both hands and take huge bites. - Italian Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts