How is Rialto - Permanently Closed restaurant rated?

Rialto - Permanently Closed

4.2

2334 Reviews

$50 and over

Italian

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Rialto has been named a four star restaurant for three consecutive years by the Boston Globe. Bringing classic Italian cuisine to the American people, the restaurant is more than just an eatery. It offers a comfortable and homey environment where diners can unwind, relax and enjoy the delicacies prepared by its chef. The theme of the cuisine at Rialto stays true to its Italian core but the menu undergoes seasonal changes based on the best seasonal produce available locally. The inside of the restaurant is decorated to bring Italian culture to life. The walls have murals of local painters hanging over them. Its menu serves up some real delights, Some of the delights available at Rialto include Roasted Duck Sandwich, Ricotta and Pancetta and hazelnuts.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Italian
Hours of operation
DINING ROOM Monday - Saturday: 5:30pm – 10:00pm Sunday: 5:30pm - 9pm LOUNGE Monday – Saturday: 5pm- 11:00pm Sunday: 5pm – 10:00pm
Phone number
(617) 661-5050
Website
http://www.rialto-restaurant.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Jody Adams
Private party facilities
We can accommodate gatherings from 10-250 people. Polished hospitality is at the core of dining at Rialto. We believe that every private event is a unique blend of tailored cuisine, professional service and beautiful ambiance.
Private party contact
Maribel Carubia: (855) 955-1200

Location
1 Bennett Street, Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA 02138
Neighborhood
West Cambridge
Cross street
Eliot Street
Parking details
Hotel parking is available. We validate for parking in the Charles Hotel Garage after 5 pm for a flat rate of $10.
Public transit
Red Line to the Harvard Square T Stop.
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Counter Seating, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 2,334 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.2

4.2 based on all time ratings

4.3Food
4.1Service
4.2Ambience
3.9Value

Noise • Moderate

2,064 Reviews

FL
FredLex
Greater Boston
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on June 22, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
We were at the last seating of the last night of Rialto. We have loved it for years. The food was of course amazing. The duck was especially memorable, and the scallops melted in your mouth. Chef Jody Adams came to our table and reminisced with us, and when my wife got teary, Jody gave her a great big hug. An unforgettable evening - one we'll treasure. Thank you Jody for many years of moments we treasure. All the best in your new place.
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PT
ProfessorofTravel
Washington DC
71 reviews
vip
4.0
71 reviews
Dined on June 22, 2016
overall4food1service5ambience5
This was Rialto's last night - it is closing. Many of us wanted to be there for the occasion. Jody Adams, a wonderful chef, is moving on to new pastures. The menu offered nothing novel to celebrate the departure (not sure celebrate is the proper word), but the old standards would definitely have been worth the price of admission. Sadly, the cooks in the kitchen were not up to their usual excellent level of performance, and some of the entrees were not properly prepared. One even had to be sent back twice before an alternative was ordered, which itself was of mediocre quality. Perhaps it is understandable that people working in a signature restaurant that was closing may have been distracted by events. But all this is moot - Rialto is no more.
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J
Jasmine
Greater Boston
57 reviews
vip
5.0
57 reviews
Dined on June 22, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
Last service at this amazing place..celebrating 22 years of a landmark institution...thank you Jody and staff (past and present)... Xox
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S
Susan
Greater Boston
34 reviews
vip
5.0
34 reviews
Dined on June 20, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
Pre-theater dinner. Enjoyed the variety of menu options.
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TB
TonyB
Greater Boston
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on June 18, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a favorite! So sorry this restaurant closed. We'll miss the Italian regional dinners. Looking forward to trying Porto!
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KM
KathleenM
Greater Boston
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on June 13, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
Awesome restaurant! Everything about Rialto is outstanding.
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J
Joebike
Denver
89 reviews
vip
5.0
89 reviews
Dined on June 12, 2016
overall5food5service4ambience5
Delicious Italian food in Cambridge. The dining area is inviting,the menu and wine list superb and our started the asparagus and the canneloni to follow were delicious not to mention the delectable desserts.
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J
Judes
Greater Boston
46 reviews
vip
5.0
46 reviews
Dined on June 12, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
We are sad that Riato is now closing. It has been our go-to restaurant for special occasions and restaurant week for a very long time - we wish Jody Adams good luck in her new restaurant venture.
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TS
TimS
Greater Boston
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 12, 2016
overall5food4service4ambience5
Wonderful, as always. So sad that it is closing. We will miss it.
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RS
RobertS
Greater Boston
24 reviews
vip
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on June 11, 2016
overall5food5service3ambience4
Amazing meal. Sad to see this place closing
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D
Dinnerlover
Greater Boston
177 reviews
vip
5.0
177 reviews
Dined on June 10, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always one of our favorite restaurants. The Service, food and ambiance were exceptional. Good luck to the entire staff, it's been a great run. Cheers!
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ST
SeemaT
Greater Boston
69 reviews
vip
5.0
69 reviews
Dined on June 9, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience4
The Rialto has been a go-to special occasion place for us for decades. Very sad to see it close. The food was always great and the service exceptional.
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J
John
Greater Boston
33 reviews
vip
5.0
33 reviews
Dined on June 8, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
Jody Adams is a great chef. But she is departing Rialto, and we don't know what will happen next.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 21, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
On special occasions I will always pick Rialto's as my favorite restaurant, for it's food, service, and ambiance. I have been eating there for many year's and it has never let me down. Rialto's is wonderful. Thank you
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Y
Ysseb
London
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on May 16, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
Rialto is always excellent. It's worth spending the evening for the food, service& presentation .
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h
hhwdsfarnsworth
Greater Boston
57 reviews
vip
5.0
57 reviews
Dined on May 15, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had another wonderful meal. Everything was delicious.
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JB
JBSI
Greater Boston
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on May 13, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had exceptional service and wonderful food. Highly recommend.
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M
Mese
Greater Boston
44 reviews
vip
5.0
44 reviews
Dined on May 13, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
Superb food, service and overall experience, as always! We love Rialto, it never fails to excel in every way. We will deeply miss this very special restaurant when it closes. Bravo Jody, for years of excellence at Rialto. It has been a joy and pleasure to frequent. We look forward to coming back as often as possible before you close.
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BB
BillinBoston
Greater Boston
78 reviews
vip
5.0
78 reviews
Dined on May 9, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience4
Rialto consistently has the best and most innovative Italian food in greater Boston. It's perfect for a high class business meal or date.
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W
Willman
New York Area
73 reviews
vip
3.0
73 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2016
overall3food2service3ambience2
I feel guilty because I made the reservation but my boyfriend paid. When you have a restaurant where the average entree is $36.00 you need to offer something special. I had roast duck at $42.00 which was dry, tasteless, and shockingly bad. Burrata was ok but unimaginative and nothing to write home about. A very disappointing meal from start to finish. I believe this is the worst review I have ever written.
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M
Msbbosox
New York Area
5 reviews
3.0
5 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2016
overall3food2service4ambience4
Jodie Adams had a following and a credible name. I had been wanting to eat here for years and decided an early Mother's day outing would be the ticket. Food was lacklustre to say the least. It's no wonder that she is permanently closed a couple of months after that meal.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 8, 2016
overall4food4service4ambience4
Always a lovely experience
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J
Jasmine
Greater Boston
57 reviews
vip
5.0
57 reviews
Dined on May 7, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
We were a group of 5 close friends just celebrating life and to enjoy that famous duck, grilled (and raw) oysters, great wines plus assorted other gems including tummy desserts. Service was wonderful and Jody even stopped by to say hi. After 22 years Jody will be leaving Rialto so us fans plan to be dining there regularly until she moves in to here next adventure. Brava to an amazing chef and humanitarian plus her awesome team.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on May 7, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was just amazing. Canneloni formaggio, lamb chops, duck and the desserts - special requests for one guest with a very limited diet were graciously accommodated and another guests food allergies were noted. Service was unobtrusive, but water glasses were always filled and plates removed as soon as a course was completed. It was a perfect meal in every way and we always look forward to our next visit to Rialto.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 24, 2016
overall5food5service4ambience5
We enjoy this for comfortable seating , quiet atmosphere and almost always outstanding food. We ate on a Sunday the last time and the our waiter was a little disappointing: he was quick to remind us of the things we might not like on each dish. Waiters here tend to be attentive without bring obtrusive was less than their standard. I was promised crisp duck: the duck looked crisp bur was not: there was a dark coating of reduction sauce but the skin was soft. I changed my choice because i love crisp poultry skin. The waiter had raved about crisp skin in the duck dish. I had changed my order due to anticipation that the dish was as described. That said , the rest of the meal was perfect. Perhaps the waiter was not as familiar with the dish I ordered as he should have been.
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N
Neighbor
Greater Boston
34 reviews
vip
5.0
34 reviews
Dined on April 23, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
I have never been disappointed in the service, food or ambiance at Rialto. We went for a special dinner because we never feel rushed and you can have a nice conversation without yelling or struggling to be heard. Wines by the glass worked well for our table and every one enjoyed all their selection. Thank you!
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s
sbii
Greater Boston
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on April 18, 2016
overall5food5service4ambience5
Delicious food. Friendly staff. Beautiful room
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JT
JTB1
Greater Boston
64 reviews
vip
5.0
64 reviews
Dined on April 15, 2016
overall5food5service4ambience5
Beautiful green/asparagus salad with spring flowers. Wonderful scallop dish with spring peas. Very knowledgeable and attentive service. Recommended a very good wine selection.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
18 reviews
vip
2.0
18 reviews
Dined on April 12, 2016
overall2food2service3ambience2
Unfortunately, my wife's and my dining experience at Rialto was much less than stellar. I had the impression that our dinner Rialto was going to be a wonderful and delicious dinner, but the food was dry, overcooked, and not very tasty. Even though the food was not that great, the staff provided good customer service.
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RL
RachaelL
Greater Boston
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 7, 2016
overall5food5service3ambience5
Get the duck, you won't regret it 👌🏻#amazing
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B
Balletomane
Greater Boston
22 reviews
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on April 3, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was wonderful, except the George Howell coffee, which was bad -- both regular and espresso --thin, sour tasting, not satisfying. Adding cream to the regular coffee improved the mouth experience, but not the coffee taste. This is the second time we have tried the espresso, with no improvement. First time for the regular. We won't be ordering coffee at Rialto again until they change what they offer.
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F
Foodie
Greater Boston
16 reviews
vip
4.0
16 reviews
Dined on April 3, 2016
overall4food4service4ambience5
The duck is outstanding here. Excellent restaurant, but not 5 star.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 2, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience4
Rialto's offerings are presented as if to appear on a the cover of "Food and Wine." Taste is superb. The wait staff is mature, knowledgeable and professional. Overall, a very pleasing experience.
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e
ethics
Greater Boston
54 reviews
4.0
54 reviews
Dined on March 27, 2016
overall4food4service5ambience5
So glad to dine in a restaurant that doesn't ruin the culinary experience with loud, thumping music. Indeed, no music at all. It's a favorite, albeit expensive.
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l
luvtoeat
Greater Boston
43 reviews
vip
3.0
43 reviews
Dined on March 27, 2016
overall3food3service4ambience3
We has enjoyed ourselves at Rialto last year and thought we' d join Jodi and her staff once again. I purposely booked an earlier reservation, as last year we had a minor problem with some of the food being unavailable at a later seating. It was a three course brunch with a main course selection. I had the filet and my partner the lamb chops. Each were good, but nothing extraordinary like last year. However, the antipasto was quite good, full of a wide variety of veggies, salmon, and meats. As always, the scones and rolls were delicious. The desserts were yummy and the service was terrific. We both had a lovely time, just a little disappointed with our main meals.; both a bit on the dry side.
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j
janer
Greater Boston
29 reviews
vip
2.0
29 reviews
Dined on March 19, 2016
overall2food2service2ambience3
I was sadly disappointed. The food quality was average at best. The service which used to be exemplary was quite poor. Will never return, nor recommend
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ES
EmilyS
Greater Boston
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 18, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
Took my sister to Rialto for a special birthday dinner. Asked for a quiet spot and got it -- Rialto is large enough to accommodate all sorts of special requests. The food was delicious -- even a member of our party who was feeling under the weather somehow managed to clear her plate of each of the three courses she ordered. Of special note was our waiter, who was attentive and charming.
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SD
SusanD
Greater Boston
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 17, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience4
Rialto was lovely and the food was amazing. It certainly did not feel like we were in a hotel.
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OT
OpenTableDevotee
Greater Boston
21 reviews
vip
2.0
21 reviews
Dined on March 16, 2016
overall2food2service1ambience4
requested icy cocktail: it was served warm & glass 2/3 full; pasta appetizer: served cold; service: slow to non-existent & certainly did not pass my cardinal rules to keep the water glass full and bring the check in a timely fashion a real shame, as setting is lovely have been half a dozen times in the past 15 years - this trip was a good reminder of why I don't go more often one high note: hostess was gracious & helpful
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VC
VictoriaC
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 12, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
My husband and I ate here to celebrate our 33 Anniversary. We have eaten here before but not together. From the minute we arrived to our leaving, we were impressed with the everything. The food was delicious, the service efficient but friendly, and we agreed that this was a perfect setting to celebrate our special day. Stacy was our server and she was perfect. My husband and I love to eat out and can be tough critics but we happily found nothing to fault. It is well worth the money which, I can't say about many other restaurants.
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FAQs

Rialto - Permanently Closed is rated 4.2 stars by 2334 OpenTable diners.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

1 Bennett Street, Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA 02138

Additional information

Cross street
Eliot Street
Neighborhood
West Cambridge
Hours of operation
DINING ROOM Monday - Saturday: 5:30pm – 10:00pm Sunday: 5:30pm - 9pm LOUNGE Monday – Saturday: 5pm- 11:00pm Sunday: 5pm – 10:00pm
Cuisines
Italian
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Hotel parking is available. We validate for parking in the Charles Hotel Garage after 5 pm for a flat rate of $10.
Public transit
Red Line to the Harvard Square T Stop.
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Jody Adams
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Counter Seating, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.rialto-restaurant.com/
Phone number
(617) 661-5050
Private party facilities
We can accommodate gatherings from 10-250 people. Polished hospitality is at the core of dining at Rialto. We believe that every private event is a unique blend of tailored cuisine, professional service and beautiful ambiance.
Private party contact
Maribel Carubia: (855) 955-1200