Massiminos Cucina Italiana

Valentines weekend date brought us to Massiminos. The host was new. I mentioned our Open Table reservation. He said, “I’m new, I guess someone will figure it out.” We were seated by the window, which was nice. Our server came over and took our drink order and explained the specials. My date got the Chicken Parm, which was swimming in sauce. My special was supposed to have basil pasta. I think there was some. Most of it seemed like plain pasta.
No dessert, since we ended up taking home leftovers.
Took a stroll around the North End to burn off the calories.

First time there, will return. Despite having a reservation, still had to wait 30+ minutes and was seated next to kitchen door and far to close to other diners. Also, extreme loud, difficult to have a conversation. Despite those issues, the food was incredibly delicious and the value was very good. Best Chicken Pharm ever and the sauce was to die for. That said, please don't overbook and force people to go downstairs to the bar when they have a reservation. Was this close to walking out after the first 30 mins but the food looked and smelled too good to pass up.

It was our Valentine’s Day dinner, but it was more of a casual setting than expected. Furthermore, I did think given the casual nature of the restaurant that the prices would be more modest, but that was not the case. In all the food was good, I would try Massiminos again, but probably for casual dining v. Special occasion.

The menu had been changed for the valentines holiday without notifying customers. As a result, the selection to choose from was extremely small compared to the full size, had a terrible range (no steak or seafood), and many of the prices were doubled than that shown on their website. From the moment we walked in the waitress attempted to get us out as fast as possible, leaving us feeling rushed and angry. In the first 20 minutes of our drinks and appetizers the waitress asked us four times what we would like to order and stood beside our table waiting when we again asked for a few more minutes. The food was good but nothing spectacular, definitely not worth the time or overpriced bill.

Food was absolutely amazing and menu was very straightforward. Only complaint was that we didn’t hear about the specials until we had ordered our food and missed out on some amazing appetizers

Good Italian food at a reasonable price. Crowded and noisy, but just about every North End restaurant is like this. Downstairs might be better as we were upstairs. Best Saltambocca my wife ever had.

Delicious dinner at a delightful restaurant! We had never dined at Massiminos before, and my friends and I were very pleasantly surprised by the superb meals we had there. The meal began with a delicious olive oil dip that was flavored with garlic, herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes to eat with the bread. Our entrees were well-prepared, delicious and were generous portions. The price was reasonable and we all left feeling that it was an excellent choice for both flavor, friendly service, and cozy atmosphere. We will be back!

Was looking forward to returning to this restaurant after many years. The food was average. Despite sharing 4 different dinners and appetizers, nothing wowed any of us. We had reservations and yet waited over an hour to be seated. Hard to tell who was there first because they kept some folks upstairs and others sent down to the bar. Lots of hugs and viewed handing off of at least one folded bill between employees and customers that had gotten seated. Open table says they validate parking but they said they don't. Agreed to stamp it but didn't think it would be accepted. It wasn't. The cost was $25. We chose the restaurant partly because of the validated parking and ability to make a reservation, neither of which they honored. No offer of an appetizer for our extended wait. Embarrassing as we were entertaining out of town guests. Truly disappointed because I loved it last time.

We had a reservation- told our table was ready- all parties were there on time. Table was given to others and the wait was long. Felt like we were literally breathing over People’s meals while waiting. The old gentleman was cranky- however , the young waiter and our waiter were nice. Dinner was delicious.

Pre Celtics game table for 4. Great meatball appetizer. Stuffed veal chop was great.

Great food and good service in a pretty crowded seating area...but that’s often the case in the north end! A good time was had by all...

Best Italian restaurant in Boston! Great food,service and wine. Our favorite pre-Celtics/Bruins dinner!

Great food -- fantastic service .. close to TD garden for 4 minute walk

We had a 6:15 reservation and arrived a few minutes early and were told we would have to wait 5-10 minutes for our table. 45 minutes later we were finally seated. The fra diavolo was good but the veal eggplant parm was just okay. It was very cramped and noisy. Although there were empty tables by then they said they were too busy for us to get dessert! They did end up bringing a tiramusu that was very good. Probably won't go back as there are lots of other choices for Italian in that area.

The noise level was high- to the extent we had a hard time hearing the waitress describe the specials. The entrees came before the waitress cleared the appetizer dishes. The waitress delivered the dessert menu before one of us had finished eating her main course. In that time frame, we were asked three times if we wanted to order dessert. We would not recommend this restaurant- there are better ones in the neighborhood.

I took two customers from Canada for a business meeting. We all said that it was one of if not the best Italian dishes we’d ever had.

Overall the food was great, the service was good, the only downside was a group eight 20 something guys that felt we all needed to hear what they were talking about. We all got to be a part of their night out. It was hard to hear our conversation at times. Luck of the draw that night.

The food was fantastic! The issue we had was the waiter spent more time on his cell phone than tending to his customers. He didn't even tell us the specials. Didn't come over to ask if we wanted more bread. If I were the boss I would've corrected it on the spot. I also, wished we had been seated downstairs as we did make reservations. That location is freezing. I get that every inch of square space is valuable. I would have rated the experience higher but the waiter was simply not engaged.

We had a wonderful meal there! The service was great but the noise level was just a little too high, as my husband is slightly hard of hearing.

Service has really fallen off. Definitely not as good as it has been in the past. Just turn over the tables, I guess? We asked for dessert menu and they said, no dessert tonight....at 5:45???

Love this restaurant. The food is delicious and the service is also very good. Found it a slight bit cold/drafty. Would have loved to have dessert, but they don't do dessert on game nights. :(

We picked this restaurant as we had dined here before a few years ago and the location is close to TD Garden . We had a 5:30 reservation so we could get to the Bruins game. We arrived early just after 5 and they seated us early which was nice but they rush you through dinner and tell you there’s no coffee or dessert since it’s a game night. We would have preferred to have time for coffee especially since we had arrived early. The food was good with good portions so if you want a quick meal close to the Garden this is your place.

Nice wait staff. Good menus options. Stuffed chop was excellent. Convenient to the garden.

Always a favorite of ours! Didn't disappoint this time. I'll be back soon :)

Bland entrees, too much garlic. Very expensive for what we got.

Usually here for evening Pre Boston Bruins Hockey game . This was first time for noontime dinner great service and great food as usual ..ALL was perfect

First time their and it was beautiful food was amazing

Incredible food, great staff and service, very cozy and delicious wine! Palo is just a super server and makes the experience.

Stuffed Veal Chop is my Go To dish on the Menu. See if you can finish it.
Great Italian Restaurant short walk from Boston Garden.

Great location for a pre-Celtics game lunch. Very Cozy feel; very friendly staff and excellent, authentic, Italian cuisine

Our waiter didn’t tell us about most of the specials. Then he forgot our salad. My meal was way overpriced. And my cappuccino was cold. Not to mention that’s about 25 degrees outside and the restaurant was freezing cold because they don’t close the front door. Very, very disappointing.

Birthday for my daughter

Our waiter was outstanding. He was knowledgeable, attentive and efficient and very helpful. The restaurant
is small, cozy and a bit noisy with tables close together. The atmosphere is a bit loud and very energetic.
There is also a room downstairs which is a bit quieter and would be good for large parties. The food was fresh and well executed. Some dishes can be a bit on the heavy side. If you are in the mood for hearty food, in a warm, fun atmosphere, choose Massiminos.

My mother and I went there before the Céline Dion concert. It was so loud we were unable to have a conversation. The tables were so close together that I could talk better with the patron next to me instead of my mother who was across the table. Wine list is cheap house but still $11 a glass, unless you want a bottle. Felt so rushed and being packed in like sardines, I will NEVER go again. The waiter took my unfinished salad and everything was so quick to be served, to essentially get you out and seat the next party. Hardly a relaxing, enjoyable meal. We weren’t even asked about coffee or dessert but that was fine because the claustrophobic atmosphere was awful and we wanted out. Spent over $120 for a lousy experience. Very disappointed considering it’s the North End of Boston. Definitely Maggianos Little Italy is the place to pick. Avoid Massiminos unless any of what I said sounds like an enjoyable dinner.

Food was not what I expected at all. Very watery pasta and sauce. Steak was chewy and hard. So much balsamic on veggies that I could not eat it. Drinks were good though as well as the garlic oil for bread.

Server was nice and I was seated quickly due to reservation but, it was so LOUD I had to read my boyfriends lips to understand him.

The loudness isn’t the restaurants fault but that food.... I’m sorry but please step it up a notch. It’s an Italian restaurant and that food was a thumbs down.

We had the most amazing dinner as well as the appetizers! Cant wait to go back

We were at Massiminos before a Celtics’ game so the noise level was high. One member of our party was late, but they held the extra table for us even though there was a line of people waiting for a table which we appreciated. Excellent Italian food and the pre mixed oil for bread was very good.
Thanks again Massimino!

Made for a pleasant lunch Experience !

Best pasta dish. Scallops were perfect! Waiter was great. The calamari was just right. Perfect place to check out while in Boston.

Very poor quality and consistency from the table right next to us . I ordered same entre because they were raving how wonderful it was . Mine arrived looking nothing like theirs. The waiter even realized , and felt sorry for me, and he returned it for a different item. The second entre he brought me looked like a plate of dog food, and the veal was so over cooked , I couldn't cut it with a knife. It was a busy evening before a show, but we were there for a 4:15 reservation. They just compromised on serving consistent quality dinners in order to serve the reservations they had before the show. The waiter tried his best, but it was not his fault. Unfortunately, this was the second time I've had a bad experience here, and will not return or recommend.