Il Massimo

The first impression was damaging, but the food was better than average. (on the first impression, three employees examined the seating chart together and spent about 4 minutes determining if they could somehow, some way fit us in. Then they led us upstairs and we all looked at each other like, what is this, a scam? But the red was quality and the service was engaging. It was surprisingly easy to carry on a conversation as the room ultimately filled up, so we'd go back again.

I recently dined at il Massimo while on a business trip and had a mixed experience. The service was friendly and attentive, and the restaurant had a lovely atmosphere--warm, inviting, and perfect for a nice night out. Unfortunately, the food did not live up to the ambiance. The chicken was dry and overcooked, lacking the tenderness you'd expect from a dish at this level. The ravioli, which I was excited to try, was overwhelmingly sweet--almost like a dessert, which didn't pair well with the accompanying duck. It was an odd combination that missed the mark for me. While the service and setting were enjoyable, the food left something to be desired. Hopefully, with some adjustments to the menu, the dining experience can match the otherwise pleasant environment.

I enjoyed my restaurant week visit to this restaurant. I was surprised the 3 courses were actually not that bad and had quite the options. We got calamari, gnocchi with chicken, and tiramisu for dessert. The choices we picked were nothing special, BUT the calamari and tiramisu were delicious! The tiramisu especially was big for its size. We also had excellent service. We requested to sit outsize which they kindly accommodated for us. It was a very nice day out with a slight breeze. It was a perfect day.

Right when we walked in, I noticed the ambiance was pleasant and soothing. Service was great. Our waitress was very friendly and checked on us multiple times. Unfortunately the food did not live up to its ambiance and service.. I had the squid ink pasta and I was pretty disappointed. The seafood tasted over cooked

Came to Il massimo legacy place for my mother birthday lunch. This restaurant has one of my favorite ambiance. The light is kind of dim, which I honestly really like.The service was good really nothing to complain about. My sever was very kind and fast and served us with a smile on his face. We ordered fried calamari as an appetizer, it was delicious and they tasted very fresh also. As an entree we order risotto and seafood pasta. The pasta was not that good as my mother said she could taste the same of the clams in it. My risotto tasted pretty good but it did bot taste like an Italian traditional risotto.Overall I gave this place a 3.5, you should definitely check it out.

It was our first visit to the restaurant for dinner: it has been on our list for quite some time. (I am posting this about two months later!) A valet whisked our car away, to return it on our departure- quite convenient.We were seated in a comfortable spot in the old fashioned dining area- a pleasant space. Our server Nathan was personable and efficient.We had decided to observe "dry January " - and now being out of it we ordered some wine: a glass of Montepulciano and a Nero d Avola, and a large bottle of sparkling water. For food we had a Saltimbocca and a pasta special. Both were good but not extraordinary. We shared a Ricotta Cheesecake and I ended with an espresso.The check came to $150 without the tip. All in all a pleasant experience. We will be back.

What a wonderful experience! We decided to have a random Thursday night dinner with friends. The atmosphere is chic elegance. The service was impeccable. We started with the calamari appetizer which was phenomenal. The blood orange martini was heavenly. Our beverage glasses were never empty, including water. The menu was so perfect. We could not decide... I ended up ordering the Facilli and meatball Barata. For dessert we had the three cannoli and the cheesecake. I have to say it, this is better than anything I've had in the North End. The prices were much better as well (I'm sure you can believe that). I grew up on Italian food and the San Marzano marinara was to die for. Everything was perfect. We will certainly return!

We came by for our 530pm reservation. The place is in a large very busy shopping center type area. There is a parking facility attached but we chose to take our chances parking in the open lot closer to the restaurant. We got lucky and nabbed a spot. It was extremely busy and crowded on a Saturday night.We were seated promptly and the table was set for a birthday - mine. Our daughter and son in law are hosting and our new grandson is with us. He slept through the whole meal. Our server came by and explained the specials and various dishes. The table was decked out with stars and a nice acknowledgement of my birthday. We got cocktails and they were perfect and as ordered. I got the octopus appetizer which was wonderful and served in a bowl almost like a gumbo. The octopus was delicious and well flavored. I thought that it could have easily been served as a main. For my main I got the Mediterranean sea bass, aka Bronzino. It was nicely butterflied and served with tail no head. It was excellent and well flavored. Others enjoyed their food. Service was great. The sommelier came by to decant our Brunello and the wine was very nice. Our server was attentive and friendly. The bus service could be improved. My main was brought before our cocktail and appetizer dishes were cleared. They messed up the orders regarding who ordered what. Minor negatives. Dessert was two nice coup glasses filled with lemon sorbet with a cookie and a candle. Very nice. Ambiance was an Italian bistro. Place had a bar on the right as you enter and booths of all sizes and various tables we sat at a round table in the center of the main dining area.No comment on value as we were treated by our daughter and son in law. We would return. Mark & Nancy.

Charred octopus appetizer is amazing and could serve as a meal. Ziti with sausage is also very good. Disappointed in the bolognese- a lot of meat and have had better. Nice wine selection but small pour. Staff is very attentive. Will come back to try other dishes!

I went to Il Massimo for the first time to celebrate a birthday. Our server, Sal was great and provided excellent service. The food was delicious, and the bread pudding was perfection. The restaurant has a nice atmosphere and everyone at our table was able to have a conversation without a lot of background noise. I will definitely be going there again. I would like to try the Sunday brunch.