Trattoria Pulcinella

My wife, our 4-year-old, and I chose this spot for a Valentine's Day dinner. Upon arrival, the restaurant was nearly empty, with only one occupied table. However, as the evening progressed, it became busier. The service was handled by one server and the owner/manager, who did a commendable job despite the increasing crowd. Despite its small size, the ambiance was pleasant. Parking may be a challenge, as it's primarily available on the side streets.We ordered three meals and three desserts, all of which were absolutely delicious. I have no complaints about the food; every dish exceeded our expectations. However, there was a bit of a wait for our food to arrive.The only downside I encountered was the cost. Our bill came to about $200 for three meals, three desserts, two sodas, and water (excluding tip). While the quality of the food was exceptional, the price gave me pause. Considering the cost, I might opt for a different dining experience, such as Palm Restaurant or Fogo de Chao.

Wow! I am so honored to have dined in this family business for 30 years! I was reading reviews on this restaurant, and had to come here for authentic Italian cuisine ! I was right the food was amazing and it had the home made touch to it! There is a historic element to this restaurant the owners knew Julia Child would come and dine at this restaurant back in the day! Maria, the owner is so welcoming and lovely. We ordered the Caprese salad with prosciutto, and had the Lobster Arrabbiata linguine and the frutti do Mare. For dessert we had the tiramisu and Spumoni. The food was delicious and the sauces were addicting. I am totally surprised that it was not crazy busy on a Saturday night maybe because people don't know the neighborhood enough. It's located in a nice neighborhood section in Cambridge and it's quite known in the area. All I have to say is if you want really good Italian food with the warm family love, this is a place you must come and visit. I will definitely come back here again!

I was unable to attend a beautiful birthday celebration for a dear sweet friend... My husband took home leftover vegetarian deliciousness!! Brava the flavor and beautiful food I cannot resist for breakfast!! Thank You for your amazing food and excellent service !!

Years ago, I had a delicious meal with my uncle at Pulcinella. Then, I forgot about it untilfriends suggested we go there for dinner.It's cozy. The service is attentive. And timed correctly--not too fast, not too slow.Our meal was delicious. I had zucchini flowers with ricotta and spring vegetables ( appetizer). Though it was small, it was mighty in taste, and not greasy.All the main dishes were excellent, especially the lobster ravioli. Often, desserts are overly sweet and lack flavor. Not here. Pistachio cake, chocolate temptation, and lemon cake were light and yet satisfying.We'll be returning soon.

The parking is not great since it is street parking. The place looks like it would be a hole in the wall but it's so cute inside, only a few tables so you need a reservation for sure. The wine was very pricy, no bottles less than $52 which in my opinion the wine markup at restaurants has gotten so out of hand.... so unfortunately, we have made a rule to not tip 20% on the price of the wine especially if you are pouring it yourself during your meal and it's a twist off half the time now... so 5% new rule. The food is good, again a bit overpriced for what it is. The service was good nothing spectacular. It was nice to try but I don't think we'll be returning but again, it is good. Tasty food, good service. Everything is mediocre but the prices are just too high in my opinion for what it is.

Great food, great ambience, great service! A true food experience- just like I like it

Do not go to this restaurant. The meal I had was literally the worst I've had in the past ten years. I am not exaggerating. The chicken I was served was tough, tasted terrible, and was EXTREMELY low quality. The vegetables were also terrible. Bland. The cost? For two basic entries, a salad, and two waters? $78. I am not kidding. Plus a $15 tip.Do not come here. Do not think, "Wow, this is a cute place let's try it out!" You will be sorely disappointed.The positives about this place were that the waiter was nice and the atmosphere was good.

The food is simply not good enough here to justify the prices. I've been to Pulcinella twice. Prior to my 1st visit I made Amatriciana for myself, and then ordered it at the restaurant. I liked my version better, which I can't recall ever happening before. On my 2nd visit I also thought that I could've made it at least as well myself. Additionally, I ordered a house salted that was extremely salty.

Amazing!! The best eggplant I have ever had! Maria and her amazing family continue to carry on a legacy and make you feel like you are one of their own! Their food is made with love! I can't wait to go back!Maureen and Michael Paladino

Great food, great ambience, and great service. Family owned and run, what more could you ask for?