Toscano Harvard Square

Name: Toscano Harvard Square
Address: 52 Brattle St., Cambridge, MA, United States, 02138
Telephone: (617) 354-5250
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.6

4.6

1880 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Top Tags:

A stone’s throw from Harvard’s ivied walls, surrounded by the bustling eateries, shops, and confectioners on Brattle Street (once called the King’s Road), Toscano’s second location brings the bright, fresh flavors of Tuscany to historic Cambridge.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jun 28, 2022

7:00 PM

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(617) 354-5250

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Italian, Modern Tuscan, Contemporary Italian
Hours of operation
Daily 12:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(617) 354-5250
Website
http://www.toscanoboston.com/harvard-square/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Private party facilities
Please contact Cassie Messmer for all private dining/event inquiries. cassie@toscanoboston.com
Private party contact
Rick Hayes Rick@toscanoboston.com : (617) 354-5250

Location
52 Brattle St. Cambridge, MA 02138
Neighborhood
Harvard Square
Cross street
Story St.
Parking details
Validated Parking available at the Charles Hotel Garage and University Place Garage: www.harvardsquareparking.com/daily-rates www.harvardsquare.com/university-place-garage-0
Public transit
The T: Red Line to "Harvard Sq."
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

The Best Pizza in Boston

Popular dishes

Bruschetta$13.00
Tuscan Bread, Tomato, Basil, Fresh Mozzarella
Salumi e Formaggi$15.00
Sliced Cured/Roasted Meats, Pecorino Toscano, Grana Padano, Olives
Salmone Affumicato$15.00
Foley Smoked Salmon, Crostini, Lemon, Caperberries
Caprese$16.00
Local Burrata, Beefsteak Tomatoes, Basil
Prosciutto e Melone$15.00
Prosciutto of Parma, Ripe Melon
Carpaccio di Manzo*$16.00
Aged Beef, Arugula, Capers, Parmigiano
- With Truffle Oil$18.00
Vitello Tonnato$16.00
Chilled Sliced Veal Roast, Tuna Caper Sauce

Caldo

Gamberoni alla Brace$16.00
Seasoned Grilled Shrimp, Seasoned Shrimp Sauce
Cozze in Brodetto$15.00
Steamed PEI Mussels, Lemon Herb Broth
Salsicce e Rapine$15.00
Grilled Housemade Pork Sausage, Rapini, Lemon
Calamari in Gratella$15.00
Grilled Point Judith Squid, Lemon, Mustard Sauce
Verdure alla Griglia$12.00
Grilled Vegetables, Olive Oil, Lemon
Melanzane Parmigiana$15.00
Roasted Eggplant, Tomato, Fresh Mozzarella
Polpettine Fiorentina$14.00
Veal-Beef-Pork Meatballs, Florentine Style

Zuppa

Minestrone di Verdure$12.00
Tuscan Style Vegetable Soup
Pasta e Fagioli$12.00
Puree of White Bean Soup, Tubettini
Pappa al Pomodoro$12.00
Authentic Tomato Bread Soup

Insalate

Mista Toscano$13.00
Mixed Greens, Tomato, Red Onion, Cucumber, Olives, Red Wine Vinegar, Olive Oil
Tricolore$13.00
Baby Arugula, Radicchio, Endive, Olive Oil, Aged Balsamic
Barbine Rosse$13.00
Red Beets, Gorgonzola Dolci, Lemon, Olive Oil
Rucola e Pomodoro$13.00
Baby Arugula, Tomato, Shaved Parmigiano, Balsamic Dressing
Cesare*$13.00
Romaine Hearts, Focaccia Croutons, Classic Dressing
Panzanella$13.00
Classic Tuscan Bread Salad

Pizza

Quattro Formaggi Bianco$17.00
Four Cheeses, Arugula, Sliced Tomato
Margherita$16.00
Fresh Mozzarella, Tomato, Basil
Salsiccia$17.00
Homemade Sausage, Tomato, Fresh Mozzarella
Soppressata$17.00
Hot Sopressata, Tomato, Fresh Mozzarella
Funghi di Bosco$17.00
Wild Mushrooms, Fresh Mozzarella, Thyme, Tomato, Olive Oil
Speck$17.00
Smoked Prosciutto, Tomato, Fresh Mozzarella, Arugula
Verdura$17.00
Portobello, Zucchini, Red Pepper, Onion, Tomato, Fresh Mozzarella

Formaggi

Four Cheese Tasting $16; Tasting with Truffle Honey (Miele al Tartufo) $20

Pecorino Toscano
Sheep's Milk, Toscana
Taleggio
Cow's Milk, Lombardia
Parmigiano-Reggiano
Cow's Milk, Emilia Romagna
Robiola
Cow & Sheep's Milk, Piemonte

Pasta

Linguine Pesto$24.00
Traditional Pesto Sauce
Spaghetti Pomodoro$22.00
Classic Fresh Tomato Sauce, Basil
Tagliatelle Boscaiola$24.00
Mixed Mushrooms, Tomato, Herbs
Rigatoni Toscano$24.00
Double Smoked Bacon, Tomato Cream, Herbs
Gnocchi Checca$24.00
Handmade Potato Gnocchi, Tomato, Fresh Mozzarella, Basil
Ravioli Anatra$24.00
Handmade Spinach Ricotta Ravioli, Ground Duck Sauce Fiorentina
Penne Strascicate$24.00
Tuscan Meat Sauce
Spaghetti allo Scoglio$24.00
Mixed Seafood, White Wine, Herbs
Tagliatelle Gamberi$24.00
Chopped Shrimp, Tomato, White Wine, Red Chili Pepper
Pappardelle Bolognese "Bianco"$24.00
Ground Veal, Pork & Beef, Ricotta, Cream, Tomato
Orecchiette Vitello$24.00
Ground Veal, Mushrooms, Tomato
Linguine Vongole$24.00
Count Neck Clams, Tomato, White Wine, Red Chili Pepper

Pesci

Merluzzo in Acquapazza$30.00
Georges Bank Cod Filet, Cherry Tomatoes, "Crazy Water", Piselli
Gamberoni al Moscato$29.00
Sautéed Shrimp, Leeks, Moscato Wine, Patate Al Forno
Salmone Asparagi$29.00
Grilled North Atlantic Salmon, Asparagus, Mustard Sauce
Sogliola Toscano$31.00
Egg Battered Georges Bank Lemon Sole, Baby Arugula, Lemon
Spada alla Griglia$30.00
Grilled Atlantic Swordfish Loin, Grilled Vegetables
Capesante$36.00
Georges Bank Sea Scallops, Leeks, White Wine, Sauteed Spinach

Carni

Maiale Nizzardo$29.00
Oven Roasted Pork Tenderloin, Dijon Mustard, White Wine, Cream, Herbs
Scaloppini Limone$30.00
Sautéed Veal Scaloppini, Lemon, White Wine, Patate al Forno
Vitella alla Milanese$30.00
Sautéed Breaded Veal Scaloppini, Mixed Greens, Tomato
Tutto Pepe*$38.00
Pepper Crusted Beef Tenderloin, Brandy Cream, Purea di Patate
Pollo Castellana$29.00
Sauteed Chicken Breast, Prosciutto, Champignon Mushrooms, Fontina, White Wine, Patate Al Forno

Griglia

Traditional Tuscan Grill

Bistecca Fiorentina*$45.00
22 oz. Aged T-Bone Steak, Patate Al Forno, Spinaci Aglio E Olio
Bistecca di Filetto*$38.00
10 oz. Filet of Beef, Patate Al Forno
Bistecca di Manzo*
Boneless Sirloin of Beef, Patate Al Forno
- 12 Ounce$34.00
- 16 Ounce$42.00
Costata di Vitello*$40.00
Marcho Farm Veal Rib Chop, Purea Di Patate
Pollastrello al Mattone*$29.00
Brick Pressed Cornish Hen, Arugula, Tomato
Scottadito di Agnello*$36.00
Rack of Lamb, Purea Di Patate
Lombata di Maiale*$29.00
Double Cut Bone-In Pork Loin, Purea Di Patate

Risotto

Brianzola$24.00
Homemade Ground Sausage, Saffron, Tomato
Funghi$24.00
Wild Mushrooms, Parmigiano Reggiano, Tomato
Frutti di Mare$24.00
Mixed Seafood, Fish Broth, Tomato
Ortolano$24.00
Zucchini, Eggplant, Asparagus, Onion, Red Pepper, Tomato

Contorni

Rapini$8.00
Sauteed Broccoli Rabe, Olive Oil, Garlic
Piselli Stufati$8.00
Oven Cooked Baby Peas
Spinaci Aglio e Olio$8.00
Sauteed Spinach, Olive Oil, Garlic
Patate al Forno$8.00
Oven Roasted Potatoes, Rosemary, Garlic
Purea di Patate$8.00
Potato Puree
Fagioli$8.00
Steamed White Beans, Olive Oil or Tomato

What 1,880 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.6Service
4.6Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Sort by

Filters

6
603diner
New England
6 reviews
3.0
6 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall3food3service5ambience4
Reliable place for pre-theater dinner. Nothing special.
ZN
ZoeNH
New England
11 reviews
4.0
11 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall4food4service5ambience5
Toscana knows how to make pasta! Delicious . The brucetta was just okay. Not enough mozzarella and the tomatoes were eh. Tiramisu was heavenly.
K
Kathleenc
San Francisco
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Awesome experience ... we had a wonderful meal at Toscana Harvard Square -- the service, food, ambience was all excellent. Thank you!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
10 reviews
3.0
10 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall3food2service2ambience3
The service was very poor. And the food was not great and the prices outrageous for the quality of food we got
H
Hazel
New England
5 reviews
vip
4.0
5 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall4food3service4ambience3
I’ve been at Toscana twice this week and found both experiences about the same: ok but not as good as it once was. Orders from the bar, both cocktails and soft drinks tasted diluted. Even the ginger ale! The cocktail was the same. I know my Negroni and this one had something other than alcohol, perhaps melted ice water? I had mushroom risotto which was unattractive and unappealing. Nothing like Toscana would have served in the past. The linguine with clam sauce was good but nothing special. Actually too much food, but too much was a substitution for great food. The waiter was friendly. No complaint. It was noisy, as always, but everything felt average, not the special place I felt it once was.
N
Nancy
New England
35 reviews
4.0
35 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall4food5service5ambience4
very good restaurant - one that never disappoints. excellent service. a bit noisy for my taste, at least where we were seated (high table towards the back).
J
John
Las Vegas
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food and service.
DW
DanielW
New England
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
overall4food4service5ambience5
Jake was our server. He was superb. The wine was good; the food fine and the table ok. We don’t dine out as much these days as pre-pandemic but we enjoyed the meal and restaurant and would return.
EM
EdMed
Washington DC
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on June 19, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience3
Sole was over cooked, browned bottom Risotto was over cooked, watery Vitello tonnato was abundent and flavorful Vitello scalopini were tender
WT
WorldTraveller
New England
67 reviews
vip
5.0
67 reviews
Dined on June 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent pre-theater dinner on Saturday evening. We ordered from their Summer pre-fixe dinner menu and found everything to be well-prepared and delicious. The gelato is memorable. The Host and our waiter added to our wonderful experience!
TM
TomMc
New England
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always great experience. Service is outstanding as is the food.
RJ
RJane
New England
3 reviews
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on June 17, 2022
overall2food2service4ambience4
We’ve had excellent meals at the Charles Street location and assumed this would be the same. It was not. Chicken was rubbery and the tomato sauce was thin and had too much oregano. It was accompanied by roasted potatoes and carrots which was not a great combination. I left most of it on the plate. Service was pleasant and the space is lovely. Too bad the food was so disappointing
P
Pegp90
Atlanta
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on June 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great pizza!
L
Luv2dine
New England
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on June 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Just an absolutely delightful evening! Delicious food, great atmosphere, attentive wait staff, and delicious desserts! And just steps away from the American repertory theater!
S
Sophiya
New England
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on June 15, 2022
overall4food3service4ambience4
The food is so, so. I’ve had better Italian food in the North End.
L
Lovetoeat44
Miami
48 reviews
5.0
48 reviews
Dined on June 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food and service. The price fixe menu was exactly what was needed before a ore theater dinner
OT
OpenTable Diner
Fort Lauderdale
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
LOVED IT. Amazing food and great ambiance! EXCELLENT customer service!
L
Lucky7
New England
81 reviews
4.0
81 reviews
Dined on June 8, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
Our party of 4 very much appreciates that the staff of Toscano graciously held our table for us when we were 20 minutes delayed due to crazy Boston traffic. They also served us quickly and efficiently so that we could make our show at the ART. Thank you!
SM
SheilaM
Dublin
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 8, 2022
overall2food1service3ambience1
Very poor . Was here a few years ago and wanted to relive memory. Good poor no atmosphere won’t be repeating it. Not worth the trip. Staff were nice but food and quality of food bad
MS
MaryS
Louisville
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I can't say enough about Toscanos...I had the roasted eggplant as an appetizer it was delicious...the White wine Italian Vermentino was excellent...I am sorry we live so far away from Cambridge or we would be regulars...
n
nycnowboston
New England
54 reviews
5.0
54 reviews
Dined on June 7, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience4
Very pleasant table near the cool breeze Lovely service Delicious Bellini and wonderful pris fixe selections loved the salmon w. Basil 🌿
d
derekf
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on June 6, 2022
overall3food2service4ambience5
Food mediocre everything else good not sure if I would go back
w
westonmom
New England
113 reviews
vip
2.0
113 reviews
Dined on June 5, 2022
overall2food2service2ambience2
the restaurant was cold. a/c was on and windows open. the salad was too salty. the water tepid. the veal dry. very disappointing.
ME
MariaElaina
New England
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on June 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We celebrate our eldest son’s graduation there, and it was delicious. My husband and I frequent the Beacon Hill location, but this was our first time dining at the Harvard Square Toscano. We absolutely loved it!!! And, will surely be back. It was a perfect celebration… thank you👌🏻
SD
SanDiegoSarah
New England
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on June 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is the best Italian restaurant in the world.
4
4flowers
New England
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on June 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience3
Everything was great except our main course came much too quickly. We had ordered a salad, which never came and our main course was delivered within 10 minutes of our being seated. Our server, Leonardo was excellent. He was very apologetic that we didn’t get our salad. Once we mentioned that we felt rushed, he slowed down the rest of our meal. He brought us a Taramiso with a candle for my husband’s birthday. Overall we enjoyed our first visit to Toscano and will consider going back when we are in the Harvard Square area
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
17 reviews
vip
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on June 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Pre-heater at the ART. Deliciius and mindful of our timing
S
Sabroso
New England
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on June 1, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
We had a wonderful time with friends. Our waiter was terrific and the atmosphere was warm and comforting. We were lucky and got a table in the corner in the back room. Adjoining table guests were very loud. Noise level was fine after they left. Food was very good. We will definitely return.
k
katieg
New England
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on June 1, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always love Toscano. The servers are very knowledgeable and accommodating.
BH
BarryH
New England
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on May 31, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience2
Among other things,l made the mistake of ordering the same dish as last week,a chicken dish with sliced carrots,as l recall.The Freddo-Salmone Affumicato-was quite delicious.The waitress was quite friendly (which l feel bad about,as l was in a bad mood and behaved like a bit of a sourpuss).The restaurant was fairly noisy,although l guess that can’t be avoided,as it’s a fairly popular place.
KW
KarenW
Dallas
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food and great service.
MS
MichaelS
Louisville
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 29, 2022
overall4food3service3ambience4
Toscano is nicely located and the food is good, but not great. The same goes for the service. I did get a seat by a window that was open on a beautiful, warm day, which made the experience delightful.
P
Paul70
New England
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on May 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was good but should have been warmer. Sent it back and still came out not hot.
K
lovegoodfoodKat
New England
9 reviews
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on May 26, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
Our server was superb - very attentive (but not too much). Thank you!
D
Daniel
New England
2 reviews
vip
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 20, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
ravioli anatra (handmade spinach ricotta ravioli with ground duck sauce) and panna cotta were delicious... would happily order them again
M
Momof2
New England
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful atmosphere and fabulous food!! One of my favorite restaurants in Cambridge
AN
AnneN
New England
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 17, 2022
overall4food3service5ambience5
We had a great dinner here. I would highly recommend the Tutto Pepe, it was fantastic. The rest of the food was good, not out of this world. We loved that you could get a really small portion of pasta as a starter which was pretty tasty. Our server was so good! I would say the service here was outstanding, I just wish that I had gotten her name so that I could mention it here. Everyone was so nice, but as I said, most especially our server. She even brought us a little something to celebrate my husband's birthday. We would definitely go back.
RR
RRtasting
New England
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 16, 2022
overall4food3service4ambience5
For the price the food was average in taste, so not great value
J
Jonathan
New England
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on May 16, 2022
overall5food4service4ambience5
One of the better waiter-and-tablecloth places in Harvard Square.
CW
CharlesW
New England
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 16, 2022
overall4food4service3ambience4
Nice place for leisurely quite lunch. Food good though not outstanding or original. Service pleasant (and slow).

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

Toscano Harvard Square offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (617) 354-5250.

Toscano Harvard Square is rated 4.6 stars by 1880 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jun 28, 2022

7:00 PM

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(617) 354-5250

52 Brattle St. Cambridge, MA 02138

Additional information

Cross street
Story St.
Neighborhood
Harvard Square
Hours of operation
Daily 12:00 pm–9:00 pm
Cuisines
Italian, Modern Tuscan, Contemporary Italian
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Validated Parking available at the Charles Hotel Garage and University Place Garage: www.harvardsquareparking.com/daily-rates www.harvardsquare.com/university-place-garage-0
Public transit
The T: Red Line to "Harvard Sq."
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.toscanoboston.com/harvard-square/
Phone number
(617) 354-5250
Private party facilities
Please contact Cassie Messmer for all private dining/event inquiries. cassie@toscanoboston.com
Private party contact
Rick Hayes Rick@toscanoboston.com : (617) 354-5250

Featured in

The Best Pizza in Boston

Toscano Harvard Square

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information

The Best Pizza in Boston

Tiramisú

Panna Cotta

Gnocchi Checca

Antipasti

Freddo

Bruschetta$13.00

Salumi e Formaggi$15.00

Salmone Affumicato$15.00

Caprese$16.00

Prosciutto e Melone$15.00

Carpaccio di Manzo*$16.00

Vitello Tonnato$16.00

Caldo

Gamberoni alla Brace$16.00

Cozze in Brodetto$15.00

Salsicce e Rapine$15.00

Calamari in Gratella$15.00

Verdure alla Griglia$12.00

Melanzane Parmigiana$15.00

Polpettine Fiorentina$14.00

Zuppa

Minestrone di Verdure$12.00

Pasta e Fagioli$12.00

Pappa al Pomodoro$12.00

Insalate

Mista Toscano$13.00

Tricolore$13.00

Barbine Rosse$13.00

Rucola e Pomodoro$13.00

Cesare*$13.00

Panzanella$13.00

Pizza

Quattro Formaggi Bianco$17.00

Margherita$16.00

Salsiccia$17.00

Soppressata$17.00

Funghi di Bosco$17.00

Speck$17.00

Verdura$17.00

Formaggi

Pecorino Toscano

Taleggio

Parmigiano-Reggiano

Robiola

Pasta

Linguine Pesto$24.00

Spaghetti Pomodoro$22.00

Tagliatelle Boscaiola$24.00

Rigatoni Toscano$24.00

Gnocchi Checca$24.00

Ravioli Anatra$24.00

Penne Strascicate$24.00

Spaghetti allo Scoglio$24.00

Tagliatelle Gamberi$24.00

Pappardelle Bolognese "Bianco"$24.00

Orecchiette Vitello$24.00

Linguine Vongole$24.00

Pesci

Merluzzo in Acquapazza$30.00

Gamberoni al Moscato$29.00

Salmone Asparagi$29.00

Sogliola Toscano$31.00

Spada alla Griglia$30.00

Capesante$36.00

Carni

Maiale Nizzardo$29.00

Scaloppini Limone$30.00

Vitella alla Milanese$30.00

Tutto Pepe*$38.00

Pollo Castellana$29.00

Griglia

Bistecca Fiorentina*$45.00

Bistecca di Filetto*$38.00

Bistecca di Manzo*