Rialto

We just had a superb dinner at Rialto. We had a gift card from a friend had originally made a reservation for our anniversary during what we did not know was Restaurant Week, at which time I specifically told them online we were looking forward to the vegetarian tasting menu and other vegetarian/​fish options, and when we got there the (unanticipated) special menu was so limited that we decided to leave; when we told them why, they consulted and insisted on comping us an entire dinner for two when we returned, which was very generous. (So, we will have the gift card, which is a good thing b/​c this is fancier budget-​wise than we ever choose for restaurants :-).) I say this because this was a fantastic customer service move.
The dinner itself was superb in every bite – an amuse bouche of a kumquat, golden beet, and tiny mushroom in honey mustard sauce; appetizers of raw tuna and some fancy cheese-​y thing, both with greens; first course of tagliatelle with mushrooms and an incredible tomato soup; and main course of the most delicious trout stuffed with mint pesto, lentils, and greens with some kind of aioli; and desserts of flourless chocolate cake with popcorn gelato and toffee popcorn, and tres leches with mango sorbet. Oh and two delicious glasses of riesling (that, along with our coffee and tea, and tip for the whole thing, we paid for).
The service was fantastic – attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable.

I was with a group of adults between 33 and 60 years old. We all were served one drink each and then cut off for being «belligerent» while not sitting within 50 feet of other patrons and discussing the 60 year old’s time at Harvard Business School.
A laugh of an experience on the whole, I mean, we were sitting and talking at a moderate volume, but definitely not recommended for people who want to be unmolested at their dinner or drinks.

My wife and I went to Rialto yesterday for their $ 1 oyster special. What a joke. The «event» starts at 5:30 and we got there at 6:15 only to be told after we were seated that they were all out of oysters. They apparently went through 400 oysters in 45 min., so we were told. We mentioned to the person at the door that they should take the sign down. When they didn’t we said something to management about it and he spoke with the chef who apparently told him that it was up, advertising for next week. I see it as a bait and switch tactic. Very poor for a place that thinks they’re all that, with all their pretentiousness. Don’t fall or their scam.

Great food if you choose right, OK Chardonnay (because we ordered the cheapest one? Still $ 40.), and inattentive service that left my friends very hungry between courses.
To be fair, the appetizers and deserts from the restaurant week menu were very good. The entrees seemed decent overall although I found my monkfish a bit bland and the accompanying sides boring (just beans). I’m starting to become used to the idea that half of the pricier restaurants just don’t flavor their fish, and instead relying on the fish’s «freshness» for taste. Fine but sometimes white fish just don’t have much flavor!
A word on the service. We waited over 20 minutes between appetizers and entrees without any apologies or acknowledgement. We didn’t even get our water refilled. Our waiter was MIA half the time. Twice, we had to reach him through another waiter.

Came here for Restaurant Week 2015. The food and experience were both pretty average, and I came away a little disappointed. The dishes were all beautifully plated and presented, but the flavors were not unique or terribly interesting. Service was on the slow side, but not painfully so. If it weren’t for Restaurant Week (3-​course dinner for ~40 pre-​tax and tip), I probably wouldn’t visit this restaurant.
Appetizers: Rotolo di pasta (baked mushroom pasta roll, prosciutoo, basil pesto, parmesan cream): probably my favorite dish of the night. The prosciutto was tasty, but I wish there were more of it. Pomodoro (tomatoes, toasted focaccia, green goddess, fried herbs): I don’t like salads in general, and this tasted too much like a salad for me.
Entrée: Di Maiale alla Griglia (pork tenderloin, bacon, peaches, radicchio; white nut pesto, aged balsamic vinegar): the pork tasted overcooked and wasn’t especially tender. Not as flavorful as I would have liked, and the balsamic vinegar taste wasn’t well balanced. It tended to overwhelm the dish. However, the peaches were a nice touch.
Desserts: Chocolate Crema (warm flourless chocolate cake, roasted plums, ginger gelato), Crostata di More e Fichi (blackberry and fig tart, toasted hazelnuts, lemon sauce, lemon-​lavender gelato), and Baked Alaska (lemon sponge cake, blueberry gelato, Italian meringue, blueberry sauce). Of all of these desserts, the Baked Alaska was a stand-​out. The meringue was soft, light, and airy, and the lemon sponge cake was delightfully fluffy without the lemon being too overpowering.

My first visit to Rialto was a resounding success.
The room is perfectly lit and cozy; flattering, warm, but not too dim. Almost every table is in its own little nook.
Its not like.. .Well, there are restaurant interiors that announce the following, in a voice just loud enough to be overheard by people they aren’t actually talking to: «this Very Expensive Interior, Uncomfortable but Visually Stunning, was crafted so people that dress and comport themselves in expensive, uncomfortable but visually stunning ways will flock here to be looked at and drink expensive cocktails with the word „craft“ before them on the menu. And also, we will look good in glossy magazines.»
Rialto doesn’t say that. Rialto says «This place is artfully arranged for your comfort and pleasure, providing a canvas for our mad skills. We are your hosts, you are our guests. How you look is your business, how you eat and drink is ours.» Know what I mean?
The service was fucking impeccable.
My mother used to say that use of the nasty f-​word signified a significant lack of imagination. Ok, fine. Elaborating:
Service was intelligent, warm, and unobtrusive. «We are smart, discerning people, and we can see that you are too. We would love for you to have a great time tonight, and will do everything we can to help that happen.» THAT is what the service said. In fewer words, thankfully.
Our servers were attentive, and never in your face. How did that plate arrive, and I didn’t have to move anything or even look up to make room for it? Did someone just refill my Pellegrino glass? I’ve been drinking it, but it’s still full. How did they know exactly when it was time to take the order for the next course.. .and when exactly did all the crumbs disappear? Oh look, there is just the cute little oyster fork I need!
I want to cuddle our servers.
My meal:
I had a taste of the fisherman’s soup. It tasted like the ocean, in a really good way. This is not fish chowder. It was a pretty chocolate color, smooth and rich.
Ostriche — the spearpoint oysters. Holy Mother of Brine, they were delicious. So often, the «stuff» served with oysters just masks the flavor, which is ok for mediocre oysters. These were fresh, bright, shucked perfectly, and served with a wedge of ripe lemon and this tart pickled-​ish sauce — it had tiny cubes of something crunchy — tiny tiny cubes — just faintly garlickly, with a little spice to it — it made the oysters taste even more like really great oysters, and added perfect complimentary flavors.
I wanted to have just one glass of something that would go with everything.
I was brought a lovely red that was rich and flavorful, but not heavy or acidic. I’m not using the winey words. I’m just saying I liked it. He told me what is was but it was Italian, which is all Greek to me.(sorry) Durka Durka. Delicious.
The crunchy, thin breadsticks were cheesy but not too salty, and had a hint of anise, in an unexpected, pleasant, after-​fumes kind of way. The focaccia was good-​salty, tender, and you could taste just enough of the high quality olive oil, and a hint of rosemary. The wheat buns were hearty and perfect for dipping bites in the provided olive oil and sea salt. Mmm good salt. Good olive oil. Held together with artful carb.
I shared the Duck and the Cinghiale (wild boar) with a friend. They split the duck and put half on a plate for each of us (it was enough for a full meal each), and then put the boar between us. Avoid crowding the table, allow for easy sharing = good service.
Duck: It was seared until almost black, but there wasn’t even a hint of burnt flavor. The layer of delectable fat was tender and melted with just enough texture and held together by the perfectly crisp skin — so I had to bite it, but then it just melted in my mouth. The meat was flavorful, rich and dark like duck should be. Lately, I seem to have been getting some restaurant Faux Duck («Fuck». Sorry mom, yes that was almost gratuitous); it’s tender, but kind of mealy and so light you could be eating chicken. Not so here — this was real quacky duck.
Boar: Cooked to medium, flavorful and earthy, perfectly complimented by the mushrooms (hen of the woods?) and cubes of sweet potato, fantastic cranberry relish. Freekeh. Garlic. Swoon.
Dessert:
A perfect cappuccino with the Crostata di Noci, a walnut tart, with a chocolate crust. It was caramelly, with bits of dried cherry, a little clementine sauce and sweet little sphere of coffee gelato. At first I thought it would be impossible to make all those flavors work perfectly together. I was schooled.
I was very, very, happy at the end of this meal. Content. Satisfied.
Wine: 10 – 16 per glass
Apps: 12 – 18
Entrees: 25 – 40
Dessert: 7 – 15
No, not cheap. Also, not the least bit overpriced.
Value. They has it.
Worth every penny.
Go.

I took a friend to Rialto for a 70^th birthday. I had let the reservation person to
please make sure there were sparkles on the table. Upon reaching our table,
there were no sparkles. I had to ask twice to get them.
I rarely order steak, but mine arrived full of so much salt i could only eat a bit
of it.
Later, we sat for 20 minutes before I could find a waiter to remove the plates.
Then, we were left with empty water glasses until I got up to find someone to
fill them.
Fine dining. Not really. The Service: what service? Just atrocious for 200 $.
Never again. Does Jody Adams really care?

One of my favorite places in Boston, the service is always wonderful and personal. The atmosphere sophisticated but not stuffy and the food consistently great.
My favorites include the Lobster Bucatini as well as the poached lobster when they have it. Always tricky choosing which lobster to have.

I don’t dislike Italian cuisine but I do tend to dislike Italian restaurants. Pasta of different shapes with too much salt and sauce that leaves me feeling undeservedly bloated is what I’ve come to expect. Rialto is the exact opposite. I would happily recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a meal for a work meeting or special occasion. The bread basket at Rialto is one of the best I’ve ever had. Soft, fluffy breads, as well as crispier pieces that don’t leave you too full for your actual meal (which is the idea behind restaurant bread baskets). I was also happy to see that there were multiple vegetarian options for pastas and that for the most part, the portions were sensible. My entrée, the bucatini with lobster, tomatoes, and saffron was delicious. All three of my friends at the table also enjoyed their meal. The only complaint I heard was that the portion size for the mafalde was far too small (and from what I saw, I agreed). Dessert was standard American Italian fair (ice cream, flourless dark chocolate cake, etc.) and tasted just fine.

Third time at this place — and will be my last.
After our party of 2 was seated last night at 8:30, we got water and a drink, but had to wait another 25! min and no server showed up at the table. really? what kind of service is that?
So I waved to a busboy and complained, telling him we have been sitting here for over 20 min, no service?
finally a server rushed over, took our order, but he was in a rush, and even though friendly person, seemed like he was the only one there.
Did all the servers call in sick that night?
very unprofessional atmosphere I must say.
Not to mention the entrée was nothing to rave about — for those prices you expect more flavor — the Branzino fish was as bland as hospital food. even with all the salt/​pepper/​and lemon I added to get more flavor, it tasted like water… and the portion was so tiny you were still starving afterward. oh well, never going back.

We had a reservation however when we arrived they said they could not find the reservation. When we should them the confirmation number they still were still unhelpful.
After speaking to the manager we were given a table in the bar to sit at while we waited for hem to «see if they could find something». We did eventually get a table however it was almost an hour after the reservation time.
Table service was adequate. The food quality was not what I had expected. The price point does not match the value.

Love EVERYTHING at Rialto — food, wine selection, and staff.
I and my friends had great time. We had duck dish, steaks, and bolognese pasta. Duck was very soft and juicy. I am always having bolognese whenever I go to Rialto, thats my favorite.
Right portion for me. Great service.
Can’t wait to go back Rialto, again!

Good food, great dessert, okay service

Rialto is an odd bird. IKEA stark décor. White on white on white plus a Gerbera daisy. The space might have felt clean and modern with different circumstances but combined with the chilly service this space just felt sterile to me.
Lackluster service that was both glacially slow and completely devoid of warmth. I always feel like a jerk when I wave down staff in a restaurant. But my arm got a workout when we had multiple 20 minute dry spells where I tried to make eye contact with someone, anyone, to come take a drink order or ask a question. And all this in a near empty dining room — you pretty much have to try to be that inattentive.
Our food was fair but nothing special. The Polpo starter was decent, but didn’t come close to other octopus renditions around the city. I enjoyed my Pomodoro starter. It’s simplicity let the flavors of farm fresh tomatoes shine through but it felt overpriced for such a tiny portion.
Our entrees were also a bit bland. The Pork Chops were cooked well but seemed uninspired. The Bolognese felt small, even when we opted for the entrée portion so we could share. The pasta was a bit too al dente and there could have been more of the actual Bolognese sauce for those poor tough Rigatoni.
I was surprised to have such a blah experience here since I think so highly of Jody Adams. But to be honest, there’s too many good places in the area to spend your evening at Rialto.

Nicely appointed restaurant with a good atmosphere but disappointing food. We ordered the $ 65 Prix Fix classics: soupe de poisson with rouille, roast duck and dessert. The soup was good and served classily with a dish of rouille and toasts on the side. The duck had a black skin and was served with tasteless escarole and a couple of potato halves. Dessert was a chocolate lava cake with a tiny scoop of vanilla ice cream. Good bottle of wine and strangely indifferent service. We were not asked if we were enjoying everything and our dinner companion said his steak was gristly. We had better meals on our Boston trip, sad to say.

First off, I have to say Rialto is one of my favorite restaurants in Cambridge. I have been here twice — once around November and once around May and I observed that the menu was significantly different. I assume they update the menu according to the season. I find the winter menu much more interesting.
Also, the staff are great! My first time here, I was kind of under the weather. I made it through the appetizers and pasta but I had to leave before the main dish. We asked the main dishes to go, and staff were so understanding. They felt so bad, and did not charge us for the wine we could not finish.
I definitely recommend this place. To be on the safe side, I suggest you to make a reservation.

and other reviewers can attest to the greatness of Jody Adams’ cooking. I will just share a meaningful anecdote.
My mom had late stage breast cancer when I was in high school and we called them after a chemo session and asked to order takeout (which they absolutely do not offer).
They made a great meal for my mom, and I have been forever grateful.
The main restaurant is definitely out of my current price range, but I go to the bar sometimes, and I always love it.
*
My grandparents also love because you can take an elevator straight from the garage and it’s air-​conditioned the whole way. So if you have family in town, it’s a very good meal that is not excessively trendy.

Really looked forward to eating here and came away a bit disappointed. Our group of four arrived a little early with extra friends in tow but the place was hopping and they couldn’t be accommodated. Our original group though got seated on time and were promptly greeted by our server. I don’t recall his name but he was fantastic. He knew the menu inside and out and helped us pick a wine and select harmonious courses.
I started with Prosciutto Di Parma that was fantastic. Everything tasted fresh and home made. The kitchen is right there in the open with piles of fresh veggies and other ingredients readily visible. For my first course I continued the good streak with their Pasta Al Nero. What I didn’t realize is the shrimp served with the squid ink color pasta was whole complete with the heads and more importantly eyes. I’m not good at eating things that appear to be looking back at me. I persevered though and ate those yummy guys anyway. Another excellent dish under my belt.
For my final course, I picked the Pollo Al Mattone or baby chicken under a brick. I should have steered away from the dish based on that description alone. I was disappointed by how salty the chicken ended up tasting. What I should have picked and what a colleague chose was the Rigatoni Bolognese. That dish looked delicious and he polished it off in no time.
I’d like another crack at Rialto. There are some superb dishes there but I just managed to pick a dud.

I came here for Restaurant Week Winter 2015.
I’m not sure why this place doesn’t have 4+ stars because the service and the food are amazing! If you’re considering this place for Restaurant Week, definitely try it out!
For the food, I would really commend the Chicken Stew and the Ice Cream Sandwich Dessert. The Chicken stew was very unique — it was both an elegant dish and a comfy version of chicken noodle soup. The ice cream sandwich dessert was heavenly as well.

Rialto has quickly become one of my favorite Cambridge restaurants. Great for nice dinners and large events. I had dinner a little while back and had a great time. We ordered the Teatro Menu with the Insalata, Pollo Al Mattone, and Housemade Seasonal Fruit Sorbet. The salad was a standard starter, but the chicken was delicious. Moist and paired so well with the beets and vegetables. The sorbet, as always, was wonderful and I liked the fresh fruit.
I have also been here for a few corporate events and always had a good time. The staff is incredibly friendly and accommodating and Rialto has a wonderful spread. Great pizzas, salads, Mediterranean tapas, and so much more. The highlight though is this amazing cheesecake thing with blueberry and crystallized sugar waffle cookie type bottoms (I have no idea what this is called). So so so amazing. Everyone who tries this proceeds to have at least three more. Now if I could only figure out what it is called…