Cafe Italia - East Boston
A group of coworkers and I went to Cafe Italia in East Boston last night to celebrate not being laid off in the latest slash and burn at our work. I'd been there before w/my S.O. and had enjoyed it. I'm happy to say we weren't disappointed. We started with a decent bottle of Merlot (Bogle - and yes it was a bleeping merlot!) - which was more full bodied that typical Merlots. The waiter served soft, fresh rolls and advised us of the specials. I caved and ordered the special chicken sausage, shrimp and scallops over risotto. I must say it was wonderful! The shrimp and scallops were large and plentiful. The chicken sausage added a nice spice to the dish, and the risotto was done perfectly (not a cream sauce to be seen!) Others at my table ordered chicken and veal saltimboca, as well as an amazing smoked salmon in a light vodka sauce over fresh linguini. All were oohing and ahhing over their plates...I did dip into the Salmon dish and I think that may be my choice next time I go. We ended the night w/capucinos...which were a dessert in themselves, with the cocoa and nutmeg floating atop the milk foam.
I did take a look at their pizza menu, as I had heard that they serve up some of the best in the area. Has anyone tried the pizza at Cafe Italia? I'm curious if it's worth foregoing the salmon dish for next time. And I can't wait for the next time!
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I really like Cafe Italia. I'd place it just below Carlo's in Allston for good, affordable Italian (I'd also have to include Rino's in Eastie on that list... though I haven't been there in awhile). The one advantage they have over Carlo's is that it's bigger and less crowded, so you can really linger over multiple courses (which I think the servers handle very well). I've actually never had the pizza but I can't go there without getting the broccoli rabe.
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heathermb
Mar 11, 2007 09:08 AM
After listening to a friend RAVE about their pizza for ages we finally got our act together to go and try it...unfortunately on the night we went they weren't offering pizza. It was either a friday or a saturday, can't remember exactly.
Anyone know anything about there being days they do not offer pizza?
We were disappointed as we had pizza on the brain, but did enjoy our meal there - mussels in a tomato-wine broth and something else I can't remember.
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hiddenboston
Mar 10, 2007 10:50 AM
One of my starving artist friends (actually a starving musician--they know the best places, BTW) swears by the pizza at Caffe Italia. I really want to go there for pizza soon, as I've been there for other meals and they have all been good.
