Trattoria Toscana

I don't write many review, but I hope this one makes the chef and server more aware about how important it is a delicious meal, well presented and with good atmosphere. Our expectations were not met, poor presentation, food was just ordinary, wine list was overly price...never felt the Toscana Warmth and finding parking was next to impossible. ;-) more

Honestly, trattoria toscana provides excellent italian food, very similar to what you can get in italy and western Europe (I am french, and apologize for my average English) I have been to this place twice with my wife; even though I am more familiar with napoletan cooking, I really enjoyed the diner. Another good thing was the genuine ""european atmosphere"" of this place; we felt like in a small italian restaurant, rue Surcouf, in the 6ème arrondissement of Paris.... However, our second experience was very unpleasant: as they don't accept reservations, they asked us to wait 20 minutes (party of 3) despite my call 10 minutes prior to showing up. As the place is very small, we went one block from here at Church to get a drink (and we let the waiter know this ), and came back 25 minutes later; the table was given to someone else....and they asked us to wait 20 more minutes, without a smile. OK, this is not a big deal and indeed, this unpleasant attitude is unfortunately very common in Europe; however, instead of apologizing, the waiter (supposedly co-manager ?) started to tell us that it was our fault and that we can only regret not having waited in front of the restaurant. (of course, we left to another place) To conclude, I would say that it deserves 4 stars for the food, but they may show disrespect to the customer, that is a problem to my opinion when you spend approx 100 to 120$ for two people. Even though this ""one-time"" bad experience shouldn't be generalized, I will not go back to this place for this only reason. Pros: european atmosphere, real italian food, Cons: a little bit expensive, rude welcome more

After reading all the great reviews, decided to take someone special for dinner at Toscana since it seemed like a Boston version of Trattoria Cibreo we had dinner at twice in Florence, where every course was rich, earthy, Tuscan. When we walked in, the atmosphere was reminiscent...simple, basic, no frills, which is fine, it should be about the food. The issue was, for all the praise, the food was very average. First came bread & olive oil. The bread was basic sliced and it was perhaps the only time we've had olive oil with the consistency of water and no flavor. The Antipasto was better...the meats and cheeses were tasty and presentation was nice. The marinated mushrooms seemed to have come from Shaw's deli, not so special. Entrees did not seem very Tuscan...grilled steak, chicken breast with leeks, grilled salmon with lemon, pork chop and lamb shank...more Mediterranean than Tuscan. The only seafood entree...grilled salmon...had bones in it. This is never expected and should be noted on the menu or told to the customer. It came with grilled zucchini which was cold and unseasoned. The lamb shank was decent. There was an orange colored sauce on it and really could not tell what it was made of. That came with 3 little round baked pototoes, also unseasoned, and some spinach, also unseasoned and with the consistency of Bird's Eye frozen/chopped. The wine, at $8 per glass, was probably the cost of the bottle. As a $5 glass of house wine, it would have been OK. Which is the issue we had. The food was not bad, but dinner for 2 (one app, 2 entrees and 2 glasses of wine) was nearing $100 with the tip (tip was reasonable despite waiting 30 minutes for a fish dish and lamb shank, which would have already been braised/roasted...staff liked to stand around, it was not a busy night). For that amount.or not much more, you can go to Giacomo's, Stella or Rocca...all have better food and better service. Not bad, but not as good as everyone seems to be saying. Pros: Antipasto, Trattoria atmosphere Cons: Average food, slow service, pricey for what you get more

This place is around the corner from where my daughter lives and I can't believe I've ignored it the past 3 years! I will go back....and take my California friends with me when they go to Boston....again and again because I want to try everything! The penne with red peppers and the raviolis with sausage were prepared and seasoned to perfection. For two people, including wine, anti pasta and dessert, I was delightfully surprised at how reasonable the prices were since we did not pay attention when ordering. Leave the tourist to the North End....this place is the best! Pros: Food, ambience, service and value! Cons: Parking on game nights could be a problem more

This is a great little ""hole in the wall"" Italian restaurant. It doesn't look like much from the outside, but it's cozy and rustic on the inside. \r \r Unfortunately my friends and I had to wait 40 minutes to eat here! The hostess kept telling us ""Ten more minutes...ten more minutes."" And because the restaurant is so small we were forced to sit on the curb outside to wait.\r \r The food however, more than made up for the waiting. It was delicious!!! Definitely true to Italian cooking and the wine list is spectacular! I also highly recommend the desserts. The owner was very gracious to us once we got in, but I do wish he made an effort to make up for the long wait (maybe a free glass of wine or desserts on the house?). \r \r Overall this place has authentic, delicious Italian food with excellent wines to pair with it. Just call ahead... Pros: Great Food! Cons: Long Wait more

We happened to live in Fenway and had seen the restaurant many times while eating across the street at Brown Sugar. It does not look like much of a restaurant from the outside, but when we finally tried it, we were amazed! The atmosphere, service and food were all amazing. Our waiter was very attentive and genuinely funny. Our meals tasted like authentic Italian and were carefully prepared?much better than most of the Italian restaurants that you would eat at in the North End, and for a fraction of the cost. I can?t recommend this restaurant highly enough. One thing to consider is that since it is VERY small, they do no accept reservations. This has become one my favorite restaurants in Boston! Pros: Food, Service, Atmosphere, Qaulity Cons: Small, No Reservations more

I live right next to this resturant and have been MANY times and have LOVED it every time!!! Great date spot! Very intimate setting!! Service is amazing, food is more than amazing!!! The menu changes by season and has something for everyone! The wine list is also very impressive! Great hidden find! Pros: Food, Sevice, Ambience Cons: not for big groups more

I've been to Trattoria Toscana many times and I've never been dissapointed with ANY of the dishes. Though the place is very small, the staff is extremely friendly and try to seat you as soon as possible. The dishes are amazing and come out in a timely manner. They have a delicious salad there for like 8 dollars and it's huge! Their mushroom risotto and any of their pasta dishes are just fantastic. I'm a big pasta/risotto fan and I can definitely say that this restaurant has authentic Italian food! Their wine list is average and their dessert is average. We tried the tiramisu and it was quite tasty. Overall, my experiences at Trattoria Toscana have ALWAYS been fantastic. It is truly a hidden gem in the fenway area! Pros: Price, food Cons: not being seated promtly due to small space more

My husband and I recently ate at Trattoria Toscana and had a wonderful experience. Our waiter, Santiago gave us great recommendations which made our experience even better. The lamb was delicious and the wine to go with it was sensational. The gnocchi was also to die for. The food and our server Santiago are both highly recommended! Pros: Server and Food more

Gnocchis are absolutely to die for...they melt in your mouth. They are obviously hand-made, and just simply delicious. Their meat sauce is actually pieces of meat and not really a sauce at all. \r \r I didn't save room for dessert, but with only a few tables, this place is small, quiet, very romantic, and absolutely delicious Italian fare. Highly recommended...better than any place in the North End. Pros: great atmosphere, delicious, authentic food!! Cons: a little expensive, no parking, menu is kind of small, but everything is still great more

After hearing so many good things about Trattoria Toscana my husband and I decided to take a visit and try it out. I absolutely loved the food and the ambience. The restaurant has a real family feel to it. I left the restaurant feeling like I knew the chef and the wait staff. The trip to Fenway is well worth it! Pros: Food and waitstaff more

What a fabulous restaurant!! I spent some time in Italy and have had a difficult time finding an authentic Italian restaurant in the Boston area, however, I have found true Italian authenticity in Trattoria Toscana. Not only was the food amazing but the service was equally outstanding. When you go ask for Santiago. He made us feel so comfortable and made our dining experience all the more better. more

This place is as close as you can get to tuscany region of italy. I go to Florence twice a year for business and I'm happy to have this little 'jewel' here in Boston. Loved everything I have had so far. Don't forget to ask for their tiramisu and a cup of espresso which are incredibly good, just as they should be. Pros: food, wine, service, value Cons: parking on game night, more

Eating at Trattoria Toscana is always wonderful. There is nothing on the menu that myself or anyone that I've taken with me hasn't liked. Having grown up partly in Italy, and Florence of all places, I find that Trattoria Toscana is honestly the only place in Boston that makes pasta, ribollita, and bruschetta the way it's supposed to be. Some of the pastas are just to die for such as the buongustaio pasta or the gorgonzola gnochi as well as the excellent meat dishes. The atmosphere and decor inside is very cozy as well as romantic. The waitstaff is extremely friendly and seems to have a deep knowledge of wines and the food itself. Many times while dining here have I seen the chef come out and personally ask customers how their meal is. If you want real Italian food, take the trip to the Fenway, you won't regret it! Pros: food, ambience, service, value Cons: parking, crowded on weekends more

Finally, an Italian restaurant in Boston that offers quality, wholesome, and authentic Tuscan fare for reasonable prices. But don't let its casual atmosphere fool you into thinking the food lacks complexity. This is an everyday classic with simply the best Italian food in the city. Period. I've eaten it all growing up Italian in Boston, and perhaps more importantly travel to Florence and Rome annually to see friends and family. The food at Trattoria Toscana captures the simple elegance of an authentic Florentine trattoria without the absurd prices or self importance of the North End. In fact, I find it a challenge to cook at home for less. \r \r It is small, parking can be nearly impossible during Red Sox home games (yet still so much better than the North End any night), difficult to cool on the hottest summer nights due to the open kitchen, and you can be reasonably assured of a wait on a Saturday night as it grows in popularity. The food and charm, however, is worth every ounce of effort you make. There is no place I would rather eat in Boston. \r \r Pros: Ossobucco Special, Gnochi and Gorgonzola, Service Cons: Parking during Sox games more

This place is fabulous, and as I indicated, the food is better than anywhere in the North End. The chef changes the menu every month or so to include some creative cuisine. The pasta dishes are all wonderful, and the bruschetta is excellent. The prices are reasonable, and you can get a decent carafe of wine for a reasonable price. It is not in one of Boston's touristy neighborhoods, but it is well worth the trip. Not hard to find - just off Boylston near Fenway. Pros: food, wine, service Cons: size, parking more

My wife has loved this place for a long time. For me there was virtually nothing on the menu that appealed to me. EVERYTHING used to have beef/sausage in it (thus my nickname for the place!) My wife loves all the meat, but it annoys me. \r \r However, the last time we went they had broadened the menu to add some non-meat pasta dishes and apps. Finally I like this place too! The carafe wine is tasty and inexpensive (for Boston). The service as always is very attentive. Go early (around 5) to avoid crowds and to give yourself a fighting chance to find parking. Pros: Friendly staff, Nice ambiance, The wine is good. Cons: Tough to park, Still a lot of meat dishes. more

FEB 2006: I used to live around the corner from here and went every week. The food is surprising fantastic and inexpensive, while the staff very friendly and capable. I've had just about everything on the menu and have rarely been disappointed, and, as a ""foodie"" that's saying something. There is a small but acceptable wine list. The owners are still trying to figure out how to establish the ambience, but they've finally begun turning the lights down and the music up just a little so that you don't hear all the conversations around you. This is a small, family owned and operated place that gives you great food with great service at a great price -- you MUST check it out. ********* UPDATE - DEC 2006: Went back after being away for several months and the place is still fantastic. A couple more tables had been added and the place was doing brisk business but we were seated within a few minutes. The menu had changed slightly (the chef likes to change some items every month or so) and the variety and quality remained the same: great. The food was even better than what we'd had during a recent trip to Tuscany!!! All of the kinks mentioned in my earlier review have also been ironed out. The lighting and the music are perfect and the service is consistently good (not perfect, but very respectable). Pros: Food, Inexpensive, Romantic Cons: Parking more

We went on a week night and we were seated right away. The waiter is from Italy and made great suggestions. The sweet Italian sausage pasta and the spaghetti carbonara were absolutely delicious. The ambience was friendly and warm too. A must for those who love northern italian food. Don't expect Italian American cusine. ps: This is a great change from the North End type of cuisine. Pros: delicious, cheap, romantic Cons: diffcult to park more