Il Capriccio

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Address:
888 Main St.
Waltham, MA 02453

Neighborhood:
Waltham

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Cuisine:
Italian

Price: $31 to $50

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Il Capriccio Details

Dining Style: Fine Dining
Website: http://www.ilcapricciowaltham.com/
Phone: (781) 894-2234
Hours of Operation: Dinner: Monday - Saturday: 5:00pm - 10:00pm
Payment Options: AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Cuisine: Italian
Executive Chef: Richard Barron
Dress Code: Business Casual
Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
Additional Details: Banquet/Private Rooms, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Full Bar, Non-Smoking Area, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Private Room, Smoking Area, Wine, Wine Bar
Private Party Facilities: Il Capriccio offers a number of options for small private parties. We have a downstairs room that seats up to 10 guests, a back room that seats up to 12 guests and a front room that accommodates up to 30 guests. We normally reserve private parties on weekday evenings only.
Private Party Contact: Nahatai Harris (781) 894-2234

Getting there

Cross Street: Prospect St.
Parking: Private Lot
Parking Details: Il Capriccio shares a parking lot with Gordon's Wine & Liquors. If that lot is full you may park in the Hannaford Supermarket Lot on the side adjacent to the Bank of America. Please do not park in the Bank of America parking lot. You will be towed.

A word from Il Capriccio

Il Capriccio serves a constantly changing Northern Italian menu featuring local products with an award winning Italian wine and Grappa list. Though long considered a local secret, Il Capriccio has been the number one Northern Italian restaurant in Zagat's for the past seven years. The wine list has… been featured in Decanter, Sante, Wine & Spirits and Stuff. The same menu is served in the Bar. We like to serve great food and great wine in a comfortable setting.Continued

Foodspotting photos

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Awards voted by OpenTable diners

Diners' Choice WinnerBest Overall
Diners' Choice WinnerBest Food
Diners' Choice WinnerItalian

Il Capriccio - Best Restaurants in Waltham

Diner Reviews

"This is consistently the best restaurant in the metro west area. The octopus salad with celery was simple yet perfect, which pretty much sums up the entire experience."
Dined on 7/21/2014
"This was our third trip to Il Capriccio and once again, we were not disappointed! The food is outstanding. We started with appetizers of mussels in a white wine sauce. These were sweet, fresh and there were just enough to satisfy us. Then we enjoyed ricotta stuffed zucchini blossoms. These were lightly fried and drizzled with honey. I haven't stopped thinking about them since! For dinner, my husband ordered swordfish and I had the chicken Milanese. Both dishes were done to perfection! I highly recommend Il Capriccio for a lovely dinner for two, or if you're with a larger party, they have some smaller, closed-off rooms that keep it cozy for your group. Great service as well."
Dined on 7/19/2014
"The relatively tightly packed room was very loud, but because of the open ceiling architecture and padded table cloths, there was no wincing at sharp nerve-shattering sounds like at The Cheesecake Factory and others. My fish and her pasta dishes were perfectly prepared and beautifully presented. Service was a bit "rough" on the edges by what looked like the only young male waiter that night."
Dined on 7/19/2014
"After reading rave reviews, we decided to try it. The appetizers were actually excellent (zucchini blossoms and gnocchi). The dinners were over cooked. Taking a bite out of the duck breast was like eating sand, very, very dry. Unfortunately, the pork was the same. We were so disappointed with the lack of service and terrible dinner, we didn't order dessert."
Dined on 7/19/2014
"Il Capriccio is one of our favorite restaurants! For appetizers, I had the chilled cucumber yogurt soup with lobster, and my husband had the boar sausage ravioli. For entrees, I had the absolutely scrumptious rib eye steak with white beans and fresh green vegetables. ( broccoli, green beans, and asparagus). My husband had the pork chop with fresh vegetables. The service was fabulous as usual! We highly recommend this restaurant!"
Dined on 7/18/2014
"This used to be a 'fit for foodies' place. Now, not so much. The service was sluggish, and though polite (nothing is worse than the waitstaff feeling they can interrupt a diner's conversation!!), they didn't anticipate our needs, like refilling water or asking if we wanted more wine. The food was quite good, but it used to feel very special here, and now they are resting on their laurels."
Dined on 7/18/2014
"We took out-of-town guests here and they loved it. The restaurant feels quiet and intimate. The service is excellent but unobtrusive. And, most important, the food continues to be excellent, inventive without being overly elaborate."
Dined on 7/18/2014
"It's refreshing to see a restaurant that has excelled for so many years. The food remains outstanding. A treasure in the Western suburbs."
Dined on 7/15/2014
"Il Capriccio has consistently excellent food and consistently excellent service. We have been there many times and never leave disappointed. Their selection and pricing of fine Italian wines (Barolo, Barberesco, Super Tuscan etc.) is truly outstanding. There are many properly aged selections at very reasonable prices for this level of quality (something that I rarely find at top restaurants). Wine staff (Jason) knows his stuff and is very helpful."
Dined on 7/11/2014
"Outstanding food beautifully presented; pleasant and quiet atmosphere because the restaurant is divided into multiple rooms."
Dined on 7/2/2014
"Exceptional, across the board....All of the food was outstanding, some of the best any of the four eating had EVER HAD.....enough said."
Dined on 7/1/2014
"We have enjoyed Il Capriccio for over 30 years,and this special occasion dinner did not disappoint! Zucchini blossom appetizer was superb."
Dined on 6/30/2014
"The owner is a hands-on chef. Everything we had was superb!"
Dined on 6/27/2014
"Il Capriccio is one of the best restaurants in the Boston area! We love the food and the service! For appetizers, we had the grilled calamari, the burrata salad with peaches and figs, the octopus, and the chilled yogurt soup with cucumber and lobster. All were outstanding. For entrees, we gad a rib eye steak with white beans and vegetables, veal cutlets with fresh vegetables, and soft shell crabs.all of our food was expertly prepared and presented. We highly recommend this restaurant!"
Dined on 6/25/2014
"Everything you could ask for in a great restaurant. A conscientious staff and kitchen that aim to please. Consistently excellent food passionately prepared. Great menu, plenty of choices, excellent fish. Entrees plated as a meal, just like home, with vegtable and starch, not a lonely piece of meat or fish on a plate as most other restaurants do. Wonderful wines knowledgeably presented and extensive cocktail offering. Comfortable setting. Service and courses paced to your speed making it a great spot for casual, business or special occasion dining. Always a wonderful dining experience. Convenient location, free parking. Our "go to" spot."
Dined on 6/25/2014
"My associate and I had dinner here last week to discuss business. We were seated at a corner table which was fine although the adjoining table was a bit noisy. The waiter took our drink order and gave us ample time to review the menu. We started out with appetizers - I had the steamed mussels - good with a nice broth. My associate had the antipasto which he thought was great. We each ordered the house pino grigio - okay but nothing special. Dinner consisted of swordfish for me and salmon for my friend. Mine was a bit dry but tasty. Again, not outstanding, just okay. My associate liked his dinner as well. Overall, it was a good dining experience although way overpriced for the quality. You can do better elsewhere."
Dined on 6/25/2014
"The warm and welcoming greeting by Liz, who seated us at the perfect table for my friend's birthday dinner. The attentive and impeccable service provided by our very professional waiter Sean. The expertly prepared and delicious food. The cozy and comfortable ambience. Yes, everything about our dining experience was perfect! I highly recommend the porcini soufflé, potato gnocchi, fettucine Bolognese and the beets/greens/goat cheese salad. Next time I go I will definitely try one of the amazing seafood entrees but this evening we were in the mood for pasta done right - and it was oh so right! I don't want to give away any surprises but the subtle creative "birthday" touches were also wonderful! A+ at all levels!"
Dined on 6/23/2014
"Il Capriccio is rated highly, which I cannot understand exactly. It is a decent restaurant, with decent food. I'm sure for those who live in Waltham, it is nice to have this restaurant as an option, but at the prices they charge for entrees, there is nothing neighborly about it. Their "signature" dish among Antipasti was Souffle di Porcini. It was rich and tasty, and using the soft bread (which was good quality) to wipe the plate clean was flavorful. The pasta and risotto dishes were predictable, nothing distinctive. Soft-shell crab, not bad. For $300+ (two drinks, two wines - four people), I expected more imagination and flavor. Convenient parking, ambience "cozy", but would not go back."
Dined on 6/21/2014
"Appetizers set the tone for the entire meal which was outstanding. Lobster gnocchi was excellent. Tuna tartar was solid. Main courses were very good also. No complaint from anyone from our group of 5. My duck was delicious and the halibut looked great. Not huge portions of mediocre food. Appropriate amount of very well prepared meals. I'll absolutely be back for another meal."
Dined on 6/17/2014
" Our family enjoyed a wonderful, special dinner the night before Fathers Day. The hostess, bartender, and server all had that blend of smooth professionalism and personable helpfulness that truly "make' a restaurant. The food was incredible. We tried the porcini soufflé, as recommended and were happily surprised to be given the recipe. The fish and duck were very fresh and beautifully accompanied. The only mild disappointment was the dessert fashioned after a s'more- a little bland and dry. This is a lovely restaurant The prices are fair, given the quality."
Dined on 6/14/2014
"Six friends dined last week to celebrate a birthday. Initially we were escorted to a round table, but concerned we might be a little loud, we asked if there were a more secluded table. We were led to my favorite room in the restaurant - the glass wall room toward the back. There was a table set for us and two smaller tables. Our server, Jan, was helpful, patient, and very knowledgeable. We had appetizers, soft shell crabs, osso buco, linguine and clams, and mussels. Shared desserts were profiteroles and molten chocolate cake. The food was exceptional! We never felt rushed and had a most enjoyable evening."
Dined on 6/13/2014
"I brought my Dad on Friday evening. It was very nice. The food was great. A bit on the pricey side however."
Dined on 6/13/2014
"Always a special event. The food choices are always a surprise, beautifully prepared from seasonal selections. Top class wine list."
Dined on 6/11/2014
"We have frequently enjoyed the Providence RI Capriccio's and wanted to give Waltham a try. Parking is somewhat limited. Service was impeccable. Porcini soufflé, one of the signature hors d'oeuvres was unbelievable! The wine was perfect and they have an extensive list of high quality wine available in half bottles. The chicken madeira was the best chicken dish I have ever had, ever. The lobster gnocci was disappointing . The lemon mouse was excellent and cover with lemon rind that really made this dessert."
Dined on 6/9/2014
"We were visiting the area and asked a chef in central Boston for Waltham recommendations and checked it against on-line ratings.This restaurant met all the requirements of a high end Italian [ or any ethnic] restaurant. The food was excellent and the service good. For people comfortable with American and French wines, but not familiar with Italian wines, the wine list is daunting and a more knowledgable person who could discuss the options would have been appreciated. But we were very satisfied with the wine selected."
Dined on 6/9/2014
"Celebrated my best friend's birthday at Il Capriccio and really loved it. I had been there over 20 years ago and it still has it's same appeal; food, service, ambience, and thoughtfulness. The staff even made my friend's dessert a surprise. Area colleges like Bentley and Brandeis would have wonderful meals there with their daughters and sons!"
Dined on 6/7/2014
"Antipasti was better than the entrees and it was a bit overpriced. But all in all we had a good time."
Dined on 6/7/2014
"We've been going to Il Capriccio for more than a decade and we keep going back because it's consistently excellent. The Porcini Souffle (not really a souffle) is revelatory every time. We recently had an excellent octopus salad and the lamb osso buco perfectly captured the essence of both lamb and osso buco. The wines and wine-related advice are always good. Highly recommended."
Dined on 5/31/2014
"My wife and I returned for an anniversary celebration. Been coming every chance we get when in Boston area. We each ordered different apps, entrees and desserts. The creativity, presentation and flavors were all special as was the wine we selected. Service slowed due to the 8PM crowd, otherwise excellent. "
Dined on 5/31/2014
"Fabulous food, attentive staff and great wine all at an affordable price. Chef Barron outdoes himself a must try! "
Dined on 5/29/2014
"Went with old friends, food was fabulous and the service friendly, timely and professional, something you don't see in most restaurants."
Dined on 5/27/2014
"Food was terrific, eclectic and flavorful. Staff was familiar with menu and made terrific recommendations. Atmosphere is intimate Deserts were well presented and tasty. Wine and scotch list was strong. Parking can be and was challenging in the limited lot space available "
Dined on 5/27/2014
"If you live in the New England area and are looking for the best in Northern Italian food, look no further. Having been to the best Italian restaurants in the Boston area, including a highly regarded spot also in Waltham that used to be my favorite restaurant, I can say with certainty that Il Capriccio delivers the most delicious and perfectly cooked food. From their octopus salad that has the perfect amount of refreshing flavor, to the succulent duck or melt-in-your-mouth veal, to the incredibly rich baked Alaska, their food will leave you both yearning for more and so full you can't eat anymore. Pair the amazing food with an impressive wine selection and wait staff that makes you feel like family, and you have Il Capriccio!"
Dined on 5/27/2014
"I just moved from New York City to Boston so needless to say my taste buds have been spoiled over the last five years. I also studied abroad in Florence, Italy and lived there for six months so I often crave authentic, Northern Italian cuisine. Il Capriccio took me back and has raised the bar! My recommendations– the mussels, shrimp and tuna tartare for starters, the gnocchi with lobster is amazing and you can’t go wrong with any of the entrees, although my mouth is watering thinking about the duck! The ambiance is romantic, yet comfortable and the service was incredibly attentive and enjoyable. The sommelier also made an excellent recommendation and our wine complimented the meal perfectly. I truly give Il Cappriccio a 10 across the board!"
Dined on 5/23/2014
"My husband and I loved the food and would have had a very pleasurable dining experience if not for the chef's conversation with two nearby tables. I prefer not to mix my dinner with politics and his choice to loudly bash Democrats was not to our liking. It did not help that the couple next to us choose to both sit on the same side of the table crowding us though the end of our meal. If we had been seated out of earshot of this commentary (and away from the annoying couple) it would have been an excellent experience."
Dined on 5/22/2014
"This is consistently our favorite restaurant. The food is always excellent, there is a wonderful choice of wine, staff is friendly and knowledgeable without being "stuffy." I have a slight hearing loss and so having a table against a wall makes conversation easier. The hostess obliged. Whenever we want excellent dining, this is our place of choice."
Dined on 5/15/2014
"jjust a great meal. the staff was welcoming, the servers were knowledgeable, and the food was beautifuly prepared and presented"
Dined on 5/15/2014
"We had dinner with another couple. Everything was excellent. I had the duck which was yummy. We had a wonderful evening "
Dined on 5/13/2014
"Il Capriccio is one of our favorite restaurants, and it didn't disappoint. "
Dined on 5/10/2014
"We Love Il Capriccio. This place is so familiar and the food is luxurious but approachable. For those who are a little finicky I never have ordered and thought, Oh no, what have I done!!! Even though there is sometimes a dish on the menu that is not your everyday dish. The desserts are really good too. The place could use a little sprucing up, we have made this restaurant our own neighborhood place (even though it's not our neighborhood), but the decor...well we go for the food, wine and relaxed service, it would just be nice if...."
Dined on 5/10/2014

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