Il CasaleExceptional dining experienceA party of 6 adults, we celebrated my father's 78th birthday here at the recommendation of a friend who lives locally. From start to finish, it was a fabulous evening. Our service was exceptional, our primary waiter was the best we've had anywhere... knowledgeable, gracious, very polite. He did not push anything on the menu but described everything perfectly and answered all questions. Never pushed anything on us, and yet was attentive the entire meal, while never interrupting a conversation ! Very impressive. The entrees themselves were delicious, and not overly sized, well-proportioned and elegantly presented. Wine was superb and we never had to ask to have our glass replenished. Lively and friendly ambience.5/15/2013 12:00:00 AMThoroughly enjoyed by allThis was our first time here. We are so glad we finally made it. The front of the house was very accommodating to us considering we were late for our reservation. We all were thankful for your patience. Everyone in our party enjoyed the food. We had a very nice server. He was able to give us a good suggestions for wine pairings with our meals. Our only criticism would be the noise level in the restaurant. At times it was difficult to hear each other. Despite the noise level, we will definitely be back for the great food!5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat party spotDelicious food with great menu. We had large group and had a blast. We had family style meal and they accommodated everyone's tastes. Highly recommend!5/9/2013 12:00:00 AMHard to Describe--Too Awesome!We chose Il Casale because we had heard good things and it was nearby. The food was superb--my Sicilian Roast Chicken was tender, moist, and tasted great! Everyone else loved their choices as much as I did mine. We had a 4-year-old and 2-month-old with us and were concerned about how kid-friendly the restaurant would be, but everything worked out great! Though not a "family restaurant," other parties also had young children and the ambience was perfectly suitable (especially for the 4-year-old, who loved being helped up by his Grandpa to watch the cooks rushing around like crazy in the exposed kitchen!). The service was wonderful--very friendly, yet professional and knowledgable.
The only drawback--it's a bit overpriced.5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMGo for the bologneseBolognese is excellent. It's even better the second day as leftovers. A tad expensive a sirloin costs 39.00 and very few wines under 40.00. Arancini is light on inside and crispy on outside. Modern pastry's dessert chef with awesome tiramisu !5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMEating like ItaliansIl Casale is one of our favorite Italian restaurants in the Greater Boston area. This time we went for our anniversary. We like to dine there as the Italians would. Sip a glass of Proseco while deciding on some antipasti. Ordering the apps. Then enjoy a salad while we order a bottle of wine. Then it's on to a half pasta order before the entree, in this case the monkfish for me and the trout for him. We don't always have room for dessert, but this time we shared a piece of lemon pound cake with a lemon basis sauce and my husband went for a flight of grappas. We both had espresso. We like to make it a dining experience. The way a meal should be. Long and leisurely. Always a treat doing so at Il Casale.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMGREAT EXPERIENCEThis unique Italian restaurant that is in an old fire station has everything going for it. Our reservations were honoredon time which was a good start. Our waiter was attentive but not intrusive. Our apps were outstanding only to be out done by the main course.
The quality was fabulous, the quantities were good but not too much.
If I were to be picky, I would say the noise leel was very high, almost too high, but other than that it is wonderful4/29/2013 12:00:00 AMI love your place. EverythingI love your place. Everything about it was great!!!! Can't wait to come back!!4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMSimply excellent all around.The pastas are superb with some of the best sauces around. Don't ever stop serving your carbonara! Cocktails are also excellent as is the service. This will be a regular place for me from now on!4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMFood was wonderful, but theFood was wonderful, but the noise level high. I kind of ruins the evening. The waiter was just OK. High prices.4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMFood oasis in downtown Belmont;Food oasis in downtown Belmont; authentic Italian recreations.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMAn unusual find in the middleAn unusual find in the middle of Belmont. Easy to get to and nice neighborhood to walk around in.4/10/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent food, very niceExcellent food, very nice setting. We have gone on busy times and its a little loud but also vibrant. Less busy times, it's lovely.4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMA Local FavoriteIt is a delight to have Il Casale so close to us. In the renovated firehouse in Belmont center, the space is both open but still warm and inviting. The service is always uniformly great, knowledgable, welcoming. And the food.... wonderful. Takes on traditional Italian dishes are all very special. Pork meatball and arancini appetizers....Yum! . Broken lasagna and their take on veal scallopini both highly recommended. A wonderful wine list as well. Do not miss if local, and well worth the trip from anywhere. Lastly, Il Casale has saved us cooking on Christmas eve and Easter Day. In both cases, they put together traditional holiday menus as well as the open menu for those occasions.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had a wonderful experience.We had a wonderful experience. The waitstaff is always top notch- patient, attentive, but not pushy or annoying. Food is always amazing- try the burrito appetizer!3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMWe love having this gem inWe love having this gem in our neighborhood. It has brightened up the entire town. The food was delicious, interesting, beautifully presented for our family get-together. We all loved the fact that there were small portions available. This was our second visit in a week!3/17/2013 12:00:00 AMBeautiful Italian RestaurantThis was our 3rd time dining at the restaurant. The ambiance is cozy and warm even with the high ceilings. Appetizers are delicious and especially the meatballs and mussels. Some appetizers can be shared. The veal is tender and flavorful and the polenta is creamy and the best I have ever tasted. My husband enjoyed every morsel of his pasta carbonara and the trout was beautifully prepared. Service was gracious and helpful. We will return.3/17/2013 12:00:00 AMOnce again we had a wonderfulOnce again we had a wonderful meal with fabulous service at Il Casale. Just a great restaurant!3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMFood and service were excellent.Food and service were excellent. Atmosphere is unique, stylish and, although fairly open with amazingly high ceilings, rather cozy. The only downside is that it is rather noisy, so I would more likely recommend for a group than for a romantic dinner.3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMFood was very good. ChairsFood was very good. Chairs were uncomfortable. Very, very noisie. Seating close together which did not help. Not a place to take a romantic date.3/12/2013 12:00:00 AMThe ambiance and decor makeThe ambiance and decor make for a wonderful setting to enjoy the amazing pastas. There is a good selection of wines by the glass. We appreciated that there was a kid's menu for the youngest in our group.3/10/2013 12:00:00 AMA North End Experience in Belmont!This was our first time dining at Il Casale- fabulous experience! If you do not want to trek into the North End for your Italian fix, this gem in Belmont center is a perfect choice! The atmosphere is warm and inviting. The service was very attentive. And the food was out of this world!! Great selection of primi, secondi, etc.- small and large portions avialble so we could try a variety of offerings. Quality of the food was delicious and good presentation. Overall it is a restaurant that can frequent- we will be back!!2/25/2013 12:00:00 AM