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The other night, my DC and I stopped at La Campania for dinner. We noticed that it smelled a little stale as we entered and were put off a bit. We were fairly early, the place was nearly empty, but the table we were offered was one of the less-nice tables (after a nearly two-minute discussion between staff and us waiting in a nearly empty restaurant that whole time). Maybe because the place was empty, we also thought it looked a little sad and cluttered. I did not feel the La Campania charm that has been discussed on this board. We felt put off, and decided to go to Tempo instead.
We loved Tempo and will go back. I won't say it was the greatest food in Boston, but it was good, an interesting menu, and a very good deal for restaurant week. Our waitress was SUPERB -- she had the golden touch, knew just how much to check on us. A very large party came in shortly after we sat down, but it didn't disrupt us at all -- nice overall atmosphere, many appealing choices.›2 Replies-
re: Lucymax
Glad you liked Tempo. We liked it too, but haven't been back for a couple of years because the noise level was really high. Our foursome had to shout to be heard. It was a Friday night around 8 and the place was packed, but even with it was really beyond comfort level. The food, service and space were great, though. I still remember a sublime fried clam appetizer special.
Did you find it noisy? Of course, it was early when you went so maybe things were different.
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It is too difficult to compare the two, they are completely different places. Tempo is a younger croud, more "hip" with martini's and bright colors on the walls ext. If you are looking for a more "fun" place with good food, I would pick Tempo. If you are looking for a more relaxed, sit down fancy meal, La Campania is a better choice. IMO, I prefer Il Capriccio over La Campania. They are very similar and which is better depends on who you ask. I personally am an Il Capriccio fan. The food is more refined, more special and the service is 10 times better than La Campania. I have been to La Campania 3 times, and it was not until my third attempt that I finally got the food and service that everyone was raving about. The first time the food was not as good as I hoped, the second time the service was so awful we had to talk to the manager. Finally the last try was wonderful. (I am glad I gave it a few chances). Which ever you pick, all three are good meals!
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We are big Tempo fans -- they don't get enough love here. Tempo and Campania are very different vibes. Both good food but Campania, IMO, is more sedate and a tad more formal. Tempo does great (and cheap) martinis. Their menu is varied and everything we have had lately has been delicious. Since someone mentioned Il Capriccio, I will jump in with my opinion -- went there for the first time for my birthday a few weeks ago and was disappointed. Started at the bar and was jonesing for a flirtini. The bartender said she would look up how to make it. After doing that she said she couldn't make it because they didn't have pineapple juice. You basically have 3 cocktails to choose from, two of which are pomegranete based. So if you don't want wine throughout the meal, you are limited. The food was just ok -- no way was I blown away. I had the duck which was overcooked. Same with my wife's veal. The following Monday we went to a wine dinner at Tempo and the first course was duck -- cooked perfectly. For my money I'll take Tempo any day. And the vibe at Il Capriccio is def older and clubby.
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Harp00n
Mar 9, 2009 11:35 PM
Good gawd shaebones, LOL, are you still churnig this one from your "Where to eat in Waltham or Newton" OP?
La Campania, La Campania, La Campania
Harp
P.S. La Campania :-D
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re: Harp00n
Nice meal @ La Campania last night. No evidence of recession here. Place was hoppin'. I thought the appetizers outshined the entrees by far. Shared the calamari w spicey peppers and garlic, arancini and procuitto wrapped asparagus...glorious. Bread w a fine evoo and olives was sublime. 2 of us had the roasted whole brazino and 2 had the veal saltimboca. Certaintly not the best saltimboca I've had. The fish was lovely. Portion sizes were surpringly generous. The choc dessert was fab. Didn't knock my socks off but a very enjoyable time and would go again.
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re: shaebones
galleygirl
Mar 19, 2009 05:09 PM
I had the roasted whole branzino, and was REALLY disappointed that they brought it to me filleted off the bone. Yeah, it was good, but I wanted the whole thing!
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