Mare E Monti Trattoria
19 Wall St, Worcester, MA, 01604
Mare E Monti Trattoria Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Worcester for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Worcester for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Worcester for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
19 Wall St
Worcester, MA, 01604 - Phone (508) 767-1800
- Website https://www.mareemontitrattoria.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : No
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Classy
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
Categories
Italian Cuisine
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
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Eddie M.
Seriously this place is a hidden gem in Worcester. I can see why it is highly rated. The staff was friendly. The food was authentic Italian. We had Gnocchi and Chicken Parmesan OMG so amazingly tasty. For a few glasses of wine, two HUGE plates of food (we had a lot of leftovers) and dessert bill awas around 85 with tip which is a great deal. I cant say enough of this place and glad I stumbled upon it.
(5)Kristina O.
This restaurant is nestled in a cozy part of town that just screams hidden gem! Let me start off by saying that the wait staff was friendly, and we any table in that restaurant makes you feel cozy and warm! We came here for a date night and it was so amazing! The food was fresh and flavorful! You are missing out if you have not tried this place yet!
(5)Cindy T.
Truly a hidden gem! Our dear friend, Mrs. Luzzo, highly recommended this restaurant knowing that we tend to venture into the city in search of good Italian food. Luckily, we don't have to go much further than to the next town. We came for dinner on a Friday night at around 6pm and was surprised to be the 2nd table in the dining room. That quickly changed! An hour or so after, the dining room got much louder as guests filled up the tables. Service was excellent! Alessandra, our waitress, was soft spoken and very tentative. The handsome wait staff cleared our tables very quickly before our entrees arrived. We started off with the calamari --- fresh and tasty w/ banana peppers but could be more crunchier. As for our entrees, the mister ordered the Zuppa de Pesce which was absolutely delicious. I couldn't help but lean over to grab a crostini and dipping it into the broth. Yum! I had the Gamberi Andrea and it was also delicious but kind of heavy which was expected. Saved the reminder for lunch. We finished off with tiramisu and the amaretto almond cake (the best I've ever had!)... And the Espresso Martini had my head spinning and made me all giggly =) Definitely highly recommend this restaurant. The area is kind of sketchy with questionable people walking up and down the streets but luckily there's complimentary parking.
(5)Brett R.
Four times here so far; four times we've been blown away. Top quality food, super friendly staff, upscale atmosphere...this place is the real deal. We've loved the cannelloni, fruitti de mare, lobster ravioli, stuffed pork chops, lasagna...I forget what else. Never a disappointment, this is our top pick for Italian. But please, keep it our secret.
(5)David J D.
I've been here multiple times, as I've grown up in the Grafton Hill neighborhood and love to support local business. This time was different. I was on a date with a self-described "Boston snob," who lived and worked in the North End for many years! As usual, I was more then impressed with my meal. I had the chicken parm. The chicken was delicious, and cut easily with the fork. My date, had the Bolognese and loved it. Both portions were incredible, and we both took home leftovers. For dessert, we had the chocolate chip cookie cake, but for first timers I always recommend the almond torte! The wait staff is phenomenal. We had bread and oil on the table immediately. Water was frequently refilled by the support staff, and our cocktails were brought over very quickly! We didn't order appetizers, as we had a late lunch. However, the arancini are always amazing. Can't go wrong with them!!
(5)Lianne M.
We were referred to Mare E Monti by a number of people, and I am glad we finally decided to go here! They start you off with bread and roasted garlic oil, which is always nice. We ordered the mussels- good portion but quite a few still had beards,and one even had a rock attached. I ordered the pollo giuseppe, which was wonderful and huge! I had it for lunch the next day as well. My boyfriend had the bistecca, which was cooked perfectly medium, and the potato cake was delicious. We received great service, and our waiter Chris was attentive and informative. We split a cannoli for dessert, which was filled with an orange ricotta filling. I will be going back very soon!
(4)Food E.
Was stuck in Worcester for the night and found this on Yelp. I was a little nervous as the neighborhood was a little strange. The place is very nice and lots of people on "date night" (always a good sign). The arancini was good but not my favorite recipe (peas and ham). The show stopper was the veal Milanese, holy sh@t!!! The best I have ever had in Boston. Perfectly thin, nice breading and cooked to just the right crispness, not easy to do with it that thin, usually it's dried out or undercooked. Who know? Might have to go to Worcester again.
(5)Stefanie S.
Delicious everything and incredibly reasonably priced. Love the vintage factory decor as well!
(5)Jason P.
Simply the best Italian food in and around Worcester. I try to make it there at least twice a month with my girlfriend.
(5)Mickay C.
From homemade pasta to authentic Italian decor this is the BEST restaurant in Worcester. Our server was knowledgeable and pleasant, who gave us prompt service but wasnt too overbearing. I had the Frutti Di Mare with homemade spaghetti and my date had the pappardelle bolognese.. Amazing. I came back the next weekend and got the Vitello Vincenzo and was once again impressed! Homemade desserts and homemade bread...everyone has to try this!!! 5 stars
(5)Erin S.
What a cute and cozy restaurant! The decor is perfect for a romantic date or a get together with friends and family. Not a single server walked by us with out a warm and pleasant smile/greeting. The roasted garlic cloves are a nice touch to the olive oil served with bread. The calamari was light and fresh. The meatballs and red sauce were so fresh and flavorful. The Caesar salad croutons were obviously handmade but the salad dressing was a bit bland. The greens and polenta served with the pork was good but unfortunately the pork was a tad over cooked. The reviews on the bolognese are totally on point! Delicious!
(4)Chrissy M.
I've lived in Worcester for 8 and a half years. I've found some Italian places that were great and some that were not so great. However, I've been on a search for an Italian place that took my breath away and floored me with every meal I had there. A place that the owner was smiling at you and greeting you at the door. A restaurant that everything impressed me from the decor to the staff to the meal. I have a place in Brooklyn like this and I was on a search for one closer to home. I found it at Mare E Monti. Located on Wall Street, the restaurant is nestled in a residential neighborhood. It doesn't look like much from the outside except a normal city building. The inside however is clean, modern, and made me feel like I was stepping into a trendy NYC or Boston restaurant, which I loved. Don't let my trendy description fool you, this place is cozy and full of life. The wall has exposed brick with black and white photos on it of various scenes. There are also metal candle holders and some cleverly arranged lights on the walls. The window out to the street provides some nice natural lighting as well. The staff at Mare is simply wonderful!! Owners Pina and Andrew are often greeting guests at the door and genuinely interested in making sure you are happy and that you leave satisfied! My husband & I have been to the restaurant 3 times in the past month, all times with a different server, and each visit was consistent! All three were wonderful and attentive, made small talk, were polite and made sure you were well taken care of. Even the bussers are on top of their game! Alright, lets get to the good part of the review...the food! The first time we went my husband ordered the chicken parmesan with gemelli and I ordered the gnocchi alessia, which is potato pasta baked with parmesan and fresh mozzarella in a basil tomato sauce. The sauce...OH the sauce! Heavenly. I always say the key to an amazing Italian place is in the sauce and the chef here has found the key! Second visit I dared to try the eggplant parm, which always makes me nervous because I'm so picky about it. I was not disappointed! The eggplant is super thin, fried to perfection and layered very thinly with sauce and mozzarella. I ordered it with the fresh pasta of the day which was spaghetti. Heres a tip - if you can, always go with the fresh pasta! You won't be disappointed. My husband had the aragosta al forno, a dish with lobster, peas, and a cheesy sauce all baked into a dish topped with breadcrumbs. Both of the first two visits we ordered the arancini as an appetizer. This place does arancini right! Hearty sized, fried balls of risotto cooked the right Italian way with sweet green peas in them. Order these. You WILL NOT be disappointed! Our most recent visit we brought my mother and she can attest, this place is phenomenal! She ordered the mushroom ravioli bathed in a spring onion cream sauce. Delectable is an understatement for this dish! I had the parpadelle bolognese. If you order this, be prepared for leftovers! The bolognese was hearty and coated the noodles perfectly. Add a little freshly grated parmesan and you've got a stick to your ribs meal! The hubby went for the frutti di mare, a dish overflowing with mussels and shrimp, sautéed in a crushed red white wine sauce, served over whatever pasta you choose. If I was a seafood lover, I would have had food envy! I've had dessert 2 out of the 3 times. The servers don't just bring you a dessert menu...they bring a tray of the items just to make you HAVE to choose one! Haha. I've had the almond torte and the cannoli with orange zest filling. Both were divine and the exact thing to fill me to the brim with happiness and send me into a food coma! The drink menu is great with a good selection of beers, wine, and cocktails. They have a full bar so non-wine drinkers have their choices as well. The wine prices were affordable and comparable to other restaurants. I suggest you order glass of prosecco to finish up your meal! If you haven't figured it out by now...I'm in love with this restaurant. I went here based on the few reviews I read on Yelp. I figured if a place had only 12 reviews at the time and a 5 star rating, that it was worth a shot. I am SO glad I chose to check this place out! It is now my go to Italian place and it will be hard not to eat here multiple times a week! Bellisimo Mare E Monti! You have my utmost devotion.
(5)David Y.
Good food, good prices, big portions. I got a special with jumbo shrimp, peas, and speck in cream sauce over pasta and it was really good. Girlfriend got a veal dish which was good as well. Good service and free valet parking was a plus, too!
(4)Cassie L.
WOW. Wow wow wow. First and foremost, do NOT let the location of this amazing little gem fool you. Being a longtime Worcester resident, I know that Wall st. doesn't have the best reputation for being exactly a classy part of the city. But, due to superb reviews, my boyfriend and I decided it was worth a date night out. And boy we weren't disappointed! Walking in, we were instantly charmed by the restaurants atmosphere. Cozy, warm, just the right amount of lighting, it was everything a date night spot should be. The service, was out of this world. Our waitress was prompt, pleasant, attentive, but not obtrusive. Everything you want on a date night. Nothing is worse then either being hovered over, or not being attended to at all. These people had the science to this down flat. Even the bus boy was incredible! The food was out of this world! Perfectly season, just the right flavor combinations all around. Their homemade buttermilk cheesecake, O.M.G. I'm not usually a sweets person, but me and my boyfriend joked that everything else had been so excellent, why not order dessert! And boy we were not disappointed. And I should add the pricing is just right. For the two of us, my boyfriend have 3 beers, I had two mixed drinks, appetizers, two entres, and dessert, all for just about 40 dollars a person. We left feeling full, buzzed of our excitement to have found this little gem, and already planning our soonest return! This is by far one of the best restaurants in Worcester. I cannot stress enough how much you just HAVE to try this place out!! If I could give this place 10 stars, I would in a heart beat!
(5)Michelle O.
We ordered the pappardelle bolognese and mushroom ravioli. Both were outstanding. Plenty to take home. Fresh bread and salads were both good as well. Waitress was attentive and friendly. Tiramisu was also made in house and very good. Highly recommend, despite the out of the way location.
(5)Melissa D.
I went here on a spur of the moment hunt for Italian food and I was not disappointed. The food and drinks were delicious and I will absolutely be going here again.
(5)Rich S.
One of Worcester's hidden jewels. You will not find a better restaurant than this in Central Massachusetts. Complimentary valet parking, a friendly and knowledgable waitstaff, a wonderful atmosphere, fresh authentic Italian food, and all at a very affordable price. Looking forward to going back.
(5)Christina T.
So we saw all the good reviews on Yelp and gave it a try - it was SO worth it! You definitely need to get here early or call to make reservations. The place was packed the entire time we were there, and for good reason. We started with the Arancini Di Riso - Rice croquettes with beef ragu, sweet green peas, fontina and parmiggiano cheese, breaded and fried, served with marinara sauce. They were delicious! I had the Pappardelle Alla Bolognese - Wide pasta noodles topped with bolognese sauce (ground veal, pork and beef), diced vegetables. It was, hands down, some of the best bolognese sauce I've ever had. It was so flavorful. My husband had the Bistecca Mare E Monti - Cast iron seared 14 ounce New York sirloin steak with fire roasted red peppers, fried gorgonzola cheese and spring onion potato cake, served with choice of vegetable. He loved it! For dessert, though we didn't have room, we split and enjoyed every bite of an almond-type cake.
(5)Bill F.
Took my staff for holiday dinner. From waitstaff to food it was excellent and a fun night for everyone
(5)Jennifer L.
Incredible food. Went there last night for the first time. I had the cannelloni and he had the veal parm. Both were excellent!! Neighborhood is a bit sketchy but don't let that stop you from going there. We will definitely go back. A true hidden gem!!
(5)Kim D.
Terrific place! Stopped off after seeing the great reviews on Yelp. Great menu, reasonably priced, great waitstaff. Appetizer and entree's all terrific. Definitely recommend.
(5)Catherine G.
Delicious! Everything we had was perfect. Great service and loved the atmosphere! Definitely did not know what to expect when we first pulled up! The arincini was the best and eggplant Parm was soooooo yummy! Prices were very reasonable. Irish coffee was made with homemade whip cream!yum Can't wait to come back.
(5)john s.
In town for business. Enjoyed a very well prepared meal. Top quality ingredients. Excellent meatballs! Efficient and polite service. A must go!
(5)Beverly B.
A group of 4 of us headed out to Worcester late this afternoon for an early dinner before attending a show at Clark University. We are not at all familiar with the area so I yelped italian restaurants in Worcester and I thought this one sounded worth a try. We were not dissapointed! The decor was very warm and comfortable with exposed brick walls, cool chandeliers, and decorated with birch tree branches throughout the dining room. The food was amazing, I got the chicken parmesan and it was perfect, the chicken was tender and juicy and the sauce was yum. Our waiter Chris was attentive and very efficient. We all loved this restaurant! The only downside is that I don't know if I'll ever be in that area to eat there again!
(5)Michael W.
I've been hearing about this place for a while so I was expecting a great meal and while wasn't perfect it was really good. The place is located in a residential neighborhood so parking is a bit of an adventure, they have a good wine list and the waitstaff was outstanding. I had the stuffed pork chop and it was very good but the pork was overdone as it often is in restaurants. News flash, it is ok to serve pork medium rare....the homemade pasta was the real star here. Definitely a place to try, reasonably price good food in a nicely appointed restaurant.
(4)Karen H.
Desserts were fabulous. Limoncello pie was particularly outstanding. However, our party of six averaged a B- on main dishes, with no-one excited about theirs. Best grade was on the vegetarian cannelloni, at a B+. Duck was dry and pretty tasteless. Service was pleasantly European style: leisurely (we never felt abandoned).
(3)Tyler K.
My girlfriend's mom found this restaurant on Yelp, and because of all the five-star reviews, we decided to try it out when my girlfriend's parents came to town. The exterior is a little run-down, but the interior is beautiful exposed brick and hardwood floors. The waitstaff were all polite, and were happy to help with anything we needed. The food is also fantastic. I had the mushroom ravioli, and it was delicious. Everyone at the table also enjoyed their meals. If you're in Worcester for dinner, you should definitely check out this fantastic restaurant.
(5)John C.
Hands down favorite place to go for Italian food. Prices are reasonable and portions are very generous. Espresso Martinis are delightful and service is always great. Just can't go wrong here! Tonno carpaccio is great when they have it for an appetizer special. All pasta dishes are awesome as expected
(5)Meagan G.
Absolutely Amazing is all I can say. The food was incredible, the service was on point and the drinks were delicious. My friends and I all had something different but I had the Merluzzo Al Forno (baked haddock) cooked to perfection. I recommend this place to anyone looking for a real italian, family oriented atmosphere. Worcester really needed a place like this! I look forward to my next visit.
(5)Nicole C.
The food and atmosphere are very good! The prices are reasonable. I didn't give this 5 stars due to the lack of a parking area and the neighborhood. There is valet parking, though.
(4)Juan P.
Awesome! A real hidden gem in Worcester! Good food, great atmosphere. I highly recommend it.
(4)Mike M.
Mare e Monte is the best Italian restaurant in Worcester, with Cafe Espresso as a close second. There is nothing bad to be said about the food, service, ambiance, prices, or anything. The only negative is that they have a lousy beer selection despite saying that they have great craft beer on the menu... Their craft beer selection is Sam Adams and Coors Light. Regardless, this is an excellent restaurant.
(5)Lucy H.
I went here last night with my husband and another couple and the food was fantastic. I was hesitant to go because I had never heard of the place before, but I am so glad I went. The atmosphere is great, all the food was awesome, and the service was goood as well. I got the Chicken and Broccoli and it was cooked perfectly. My husband got just the traditional spaghetti and meatballs and it was delicious. The calamari was also really good! I will definitely go back.
(5)Dawn M.
After reading the positive reviews, I decided to try Mare E Monti Trattoria this evening. We were very happy with our meals. My daughter had the linguine with meatball, and they were delicious. My son also had a meatball and the Italian green beans. I had the Maiale Saltombocca, which is served with polenta and sautéed rappini. Everything was delicious! The meatballs were so tasty...both kids were thrilled with them, and I got a taste or two, and I'd have to say they're in my top three ever for meatballs. The Maiale Saltombocca is a pork chop stuffed with prosciutto, sage and fontina cheese and is topped with a sublime wild mushroom-brandy sauce. The chop was cooked perfectly, and was tender and juicy. My children had the Chocolate Cherry cake for dessert. My son loved it so much that he informed me that he would need to come back again another day to have it again. Our waitress, Melissa, was attentive and responsive. Her cheerful attitude only added to our great premier experience at this little gem of a restaurant. The kid's menu prices were very reasonable.
(5)Lyndsay R.
Mare e Monti is the real deal! A quaint, authentic, and comforting experience. The food was extremely flavorful and the service was exceptional!!! No need to venture to the north end of Boston, everything your looking for is right here in central Mass. If your looking for a REAL Italian experience, look no further. I will definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for an authentic Italian experience!! Can't wait to come back and explore all the incredible options.
(5)Janet M.
Shrewsbury Street WATCH OUT! This restaurant is spectacular! The food was delicious. Our waitress Olivia was SO nice and helpful. We have found our new Italian favorite! Its in a side street location, but do not let that deter you. You should not be disappointed. Mangia!!
(5)J S.
This was the best Restaurant I've been to in recent memory. I found it on Siri (thanks Babe, you're the best!). The restaurant is kind of tucked away in a residential area and I first thought I was in the wrong spot. Walked in to find a very nicely decorated restaurant and bar. The service was fantastic too. Waitress Jonelle made me feel right at home and like I was from the neighborhood. The food was fantastic and reasonably priced. The salad with Gorgonzola cheese was to die for! The chicken with rigatoni was also fantastic. If you are going anywhere near Worcester, do yourself a favor and eat here.
(5)Laura B.
What a fantastic little place! The food is very tasty and the service is great! I've been a few times now, and I've been super happy each time. The owners, Pina and Andrew are very nice, and you can tell they really care about your satisfaction. Pina is often at the door to seat you and greet you and make sure you're happy. She's been there to greet and seat me each time so far. I love that there's something special in the Grafton St. area. It's off the beaten path, and I can easily see this becoming a hidden gem/favorite for locals and smart not-so-locals alike. Food: The portions are very generous and filled with a LOT of flavor. They clearly are focused on quality, and making sure guests are FULL, and enjoy every last bite (which you'll have to take home!). Drinks: Today I had the white sangria. They make it with Champagne. I had a really lively conversation with Allessia, Pina's daughter about that and other things. If I didn't have to leave, I would have probably had 1 or 2 more. So good! Other than that, I've had the wine or beer, which were both good. Ambiance: I love the exposed brick, and the look of it. It has an approachable, yet upscale city feel that almost doesn't belong in Worcester (yet, here it is). It's got a lot going for it with live plants, a simple layout but nice lighting so nothing is glaring. Classy, warm, inviting. Prices: No complaints. Food and drinks this good plus a really nice ambiance, all with nice service. I think their prices are on-target for what they're doing, where they are. You won't be disappointed if you go, I promise!
(5)D L.
Fantastic authentic Italian restaurant. I'll absolutely be back again
(5)Danielle V.
I absolutely love this place! It is family owned and the food is delicious. I am Italian and very picky about eating Italian food out. Especially eating marinara sauce. There marinara sauce is the best I have ever had in a restaurant. I especially love their ravioli fungi and their tortalini dish! Not only is the food delicious but reasonably priced. Oh and I must not forget the amazing homemade garlic oil and bread. Please go and enjoy and support your local businesses!!
(5)Phil N.
Great meal. Appetizer portions were skimpy but delicious. No complaints on the main courses! Nice atmosphere and pleasant, attentive service. Will be back.
(4)Timothy R.
I have eaten at Mare E Monti numerous times over the past year and I've never had a bad meal. The food is always fresh and crafted with care, the sauces are handmade from scratch when you order, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. I particularly enjoy sitting at the bar as you can easily meet the owners, who are great to talk to and down to earth. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone interested in great food or good company.
(5)John W.
We just ate here last night, it's restaurant week and they have a special menu for that a 3 course meal for $23. I had the steak tip risotto that was amazing. I would highly recommend this restaurant. Great food and service!! 5 stars easy
(5)J M.
My friend and I went last night for Restaurant Week. We had never been here before. We had a small, fresh mixed salad with excellent vinaigrette, a chicken cutlet parmesan with paper-thin eggplant and gemelli - absolutely delicious! Dessert was a choice of tiramisu or bread pudding, both very good. We went early so it was quiet and we were seated immediately. The interior is very nice. Can't wait to go back.
(5)cathy g.
Celebrated my Birthday dinner with family (6 of us, incl. 3 yr old) tonight, first time here. The gorgonzola, prosciutto, arugula pizza as an appetizer was delicious. The light lemon vinaigrette with the salad greens was very fresh and refreshing. The Lobster Ravioli seemed to be the hit of the evening. The chicken parm my daughter had included 2 huge pieces and the homemade pasta was worth the $2 extra fee. The red sauce was full of chunks, don't know if this was the marinara or not. The only criticism were the gnocchi- had a premade texture. Also they were out of decaf tea and had no herbal tea, and the decaf coffee was very strong. The rustic brick interior was unique and a good variety of tables. I had read many reviews that stated the owner was there to meet & greet, but we never met her. This is definitely a place to go for a special occasion.
(4)Brianne H.
This is without a doubt the BEST restaurant in worcester. I challenge anyone to go here and leave saying otherwise. Make sure to save room for dessert. There are no words in the English language to describe the limoncello, it is out of this world.
(5)Riley M.
delicious hidden gem, great portion sizes!
(5)Renee M.
This place is great! After reading some of the other good reviews, and having a hankering for Italian, I went with some friends to this little gem. The location is a bit odd, in a residential neighborhood and it doesn't look like much from the outside, but don't let that fool you! The inside is beautiful. I loved the brick, the chandeliers, and the black and white photos on the walls. Our waitress, can't remember her name, was awesome. Super attentive and friendly. My friend got the polenta appetizer with mushrooms, as neither of us had ever had a polenta. I'm not a mushroom person, but this was delicious! I got the gnocchi for my entree while my friend got the ravioli funghi, and we shared a side of garlic bread. All was fantastic, and service was fast. I have an addiction to getting dessert. They bring out a tray of treats they make in house. I got a chocolate cake dish that was to die for. The prices are very reasonable too compared to places like VIA. Try this place!
(5)Tina C.
What can I say! yum, yum, yum, one of the best meals I have had, the place was very busy, reservations for 4 or more, every thing was so good, my husband had Veal Parm, son had Chick Parm, they always order these at a new Italian place, they feel it a good way to gauge whether or not it measures up. Plates looked like they had been licked clean! I had lobster, peas and penne with yummy cheeses and butter crumbs on top, it was luscious! Salads, bread and roasted garlic dipping oil and service we wonderful, what a hidden gem, WE will definitly be back.
(5)Carrie A.
So I never write reviews on yelp.... I always say I'm going to but never do....until tonight. This place is amazing!!! I work in Cambridge and spend a lot of time in Boston and have eaten at many great restaurants... I have also lived in Millbury for the past 8 years and had no idea this place existed...atmosphere is like a rustic north end itailian restaurant. Food is fantastic with homemade bread and a roasted garlic olive oil at every table. A desert tray went by during the night but by the end of dinner there was no possible way we could have eaten anything else. Our waitress was excellent and apologized for the wait on drinks but it was a Friday night at 7 and with a great restaurant like this having to wait 5 minutes for a glass of wine was really no big deal. This place is worth a try for great Italian food in a place you would never expect it to be....love love love!!!!
(5)Michael A.
I've tried 18 Italian restaurants in Worcester during my 3 years here and this is my favorite. Some have been good, most disappointing, but in 8 visits here I've had 8 very good meals and no real complaints. Pina and her staff (been served by Allesandra, Taso, Linda, Elena, and Tatiana) are all very nice. I wanted to try the antipasto, but it is a huge platter, so I asked if they could make it for one (not on the menu). They did it gladly, and I am glad they did, because it is a thing of beauty: meats and cheese, breadsticks, and nicely prepared veggies (and the half-size was still so abundant I took some home). The insalata di rucola was nice too, if you are into salads. Fried calamari and eggplant rollatini were very nicely cooked appetizers, but the star of both dishes was the marinara sauce, which may be the best I have ever tasted (omg good). Every one of the 8 entrees that I have had were delizioso! Most were specials - but order any dish with shrimp and you are going to get some giant beauties. The sauces are great, and the guy really knows how to cook pasta. It is always perfectly done (al dente). Maiale Saltimbocca is a gigantic stuffed pork chop with ham, fontina, and sage, delicious sauce, mushrooms, broccoli rabe,and polenta and I highly recommend it (it was right up my alley :). I also recommend Vitello Vincenzo and Frutti di mare from the regular menu. One of the specials, Gamberi e Capa Santa con pesto was just omg delicious! It was the kind of experience I am always hoping for going into a restaurant, and almost never have. I have only had a couple of desserts (usually too full). The bomba (ice cream in a shell) was tasty, but I wasn't crazy about it. The lemon cheesecake was okay (but to be honest, I am a really good cook, and I make the best cheesecake, so I am hard to please). The only thing I really dislike is the very dim lighting (but I guess some people like that sort of thing). After many bland meals in many of the 75 Worcester restaurants I have been to, it is nice knowing in advance that I am going to get a good meal here!
(5)Suzanne K.
Our dinner was fantastic! We started with the eggplant rollatini and it was a teaser as to what was to come. I had the cannelloni and my husband had the pork saltimbocca. Both were delicious! We opted out of dessert, but not for want of said desserts! They looked delicious. We are already plotting who else to bring to share the great experience! We'll save room for dessert next time!
(5)Rhonda B.
I finally Found "North End Quality" Italian....and its right here in Worcester...actually it surpassed our last 2 meals in Boston...every morning I drive past this Hidden Gem as I avoid Grafton St AM traffic, cutting over thru Wall street. Last night, while visiting a friend we decided to stroll down for a meal and it was Fabulous :) The atmosphere is Casual/Dressy and the décor reminds me of many of the restaurants I have visited while in the North End. The staff was so friendly and our waitress was professional, yet warm at the same time. And the Food was "very very very Good"....I'm hard to please as I am a great cook too...but I have to say that this is my first meal in Worcester that I can say "I LOVED"...the last meal I can say I enjoyed as much was at Blue Ginger in Wellsley(my son cooks there w Ming Tsai), and that is just too far away to visit frequently. We both ordered from the specials menu, I had a grilled salmon stuffed w sun dried tomatoes, spinach and goat cheese over linguini w a cream sauce...and it was perfectly grilled w a nice smoky taste and as fresh as fresh can be. My friend had a chicken and lobster w snow peas over linguini w a cream sauce and it was prepared exactly the way it should be. Too many restaurants over cook their chicken but this was tender and moist w large chunks of lobster throughout....absolutely delicious :) The portions are large but not ridiculous and the crusty Italian bread served w dipping oil with whole roasted garlic cloves to smear on it was a yummy treat. The prices are moderate($15-20) for such quality, as you would easily pay double in Boston(and a few disappointing Worc Area places) I look forward to our next visit.....I can't even explain how good it feels to finally find a restaurant that meets my standards....whhooooo hoooooo NOW somebody can cook for me and I won't be stomping out saying I could do that better ;) Go enjoy it, you will be soooo glad you did
(5)Jesse D.
I originally heard of this place when I was looking up potential choices for dinner when my friends and I were craving Italian, we didn't end up going that night but it stuck with me. Eventually when a different group and I were trying to pick a place I thought of Mare E Monti and it was decided. The food was amazing, everyone enjoyed what they ordered. The prices were remarkably low considering the quality and the atmosphere. This is one of the places I always suggested when someone is looking for a dining experience to try to make an impression.
(5)N. N.
The food, service and atmosphere is on point. Everyone at my table (13 of us) enjoyed every bite. The servers where quick to the tables, and with refills. The kids loved there chicken tenders.and.pasta with meatballs. Everything was fresh and clean. The food presentations made the food look just as amazing as it tasted. My only complaint is the location, and the dim lighting in the restaurant. Would be.nice with couples but when groups are talking to each other, it's hard to see each other. A bit pricey but worth every bite. Has a bar area too. Typical set up but then seating.wraps around the bar area room. Little strange but plenty of seating. Not enough good things I can say about this place. Skip olive garden, go here instead.
(5)Sophie T.
I've been wanting to try out this place after seeing all the great reviews on Yelp. I came for a weeknight dinner, and the food was delicious. The bread unfortunately was cold and unremarkable, but it came with a very nice olive oil with garlic and pepper flakes. We started with jumbo shrimp with beans and prosciutto (the appetizer special), and it was very tasty, except a little too salty for my preference. I had the papparadelle bolognese, which is usually one of my favorite dishes to try in any Italian restaurant, and I was not disappointed! The pasta had a great texture, and the bolognese sauce was full of meat (which sometimes other restaurants skimp on). The portion size was big, so I had a lot leftover to bring home with me. For dessert, the waitress brought a tray of options, and we went with the citrus cannoli. The citrus added a nice unique touch to what was already a very good, classic cannoli. The service was only ok. The hostess and waitstaff were polite, but there were times when dishes were dropped off at our table without a word from our server before she rushed off to attend to another table. All in all, I enjoyed my meal here, and I look forward to coming back to try other dishes on their menu.
(4)Sandy D.
Saw Mare e Monti on Phantom Gourmet and it looked like something we should check out. Then we checked it out on Yelp and saw that it had 4-1/2 stars! We decided we wouldn't go on a Saturday night because we weren't sure what the waits would be, so we decided to early Sunday evening. We got there about 4:45 and were seated right away. The decor is very cozy and rustic with brick walls and dimly lit chandeliers. Very cozy padded chairs. Their menu is very interesting and not your usual boring typical Italian choices, although I did notice some familiar looking entrees. I was torn between the Scallops with lemon sauce over linguini (which was a special), Vitello Vincenzo (which I believe is like Marsala) or Merluzzo a Forno. I chose the Merluzzo a Forno which was Baked lemon and herb crusted haddock filet, served with spinach and parmigiano risotto and Italian string beans. The haddock was superbly cooked, the risotto super creamy and tasty, and the green beans, delicious. The hubby got Vitello alla Parmigiana, an Italian herb breaded Provini veal, pan fried in extra virgin olive oil, in a pomodoro sauce topped with romano and mozzarella served with choice of pasta. He said the veal was huge, delicious and super tender. Exactly what you want in a veal dish. Our waiter Chris, was very friendly, informative and very attentive. We asked to see the dessert tray, but was so full we don't know what we were thinking. The desserts sure did look delicious and homemade. We settled for coffee as our dessert as we were so full we couldn't have fit dessert if we wanted to. This restaurant is a sure winner as far as we are concerned and will definitely return again.
(5)Bryan N.
Came here to try the infamous pappadelle bolognese that everybody was raving about and must say it lives up to the hype. Long flat homemade noodles with a meaty sauce that is packed with flavor! This is probably by far the best bolognese I've had so far and it's in a restaurant tucked away in a small residential neighborhood in Worcester, MA. Very impressed with the authenticity, can't wait to come back for more!
(5)Marta S.
Fantastic food. High quality fresh and delicious. Also our waiter, Chris I believe his name was did a great job and was very helpful. It was family night and we visited Worcester and my husbands parents, we decided to try this place just based on the yelp reviews and I'm so glad we did. With started with a couple of appetizers salads, a caprese salad and something I forget the name of, it had walnuts in it and cranberries, very good! We ordered for our children off the children's menu and their food was also very good just as good as our entrées. For our entrées we ordered tortellini Rosetta and the pasta Bolognese. Both excellent but the tortellini shined a bit brighter than the Bolognese, The Rosetta cream sauce basically a Vodka sauce was delicious, so good I felt like scraping up every last bit of sauce with extra bread. I wish we had more but there was no leftovers, we ate everything. We will definitely be back and try more it's pretty exciting to find such a great restaurant that is both reasonably priced and such high quality, we've eaten at plenty places on Salem st and Hanover Street and side streets (north end) in Boston that would've cost easily double in nowhere near the quality.
(5)Julia M.
We went in for Restaurant Week. But we didn't even pay attention to that menu. There are so many good things to check out on their regular menu. First off, the mushroom polenta. Heaven. So good. For $8, the portion was huge, but the mushroom saute was soooooo yummy. I had the eggplant parmesean and my fiance had something with meatballs. Which is fitting, because he is a meatball! Both entrees were done quite well, with huge portions. The prices are reasonable. The dessert. Holy Moly! The hostess makes all the desserts from scratch. We had a lemon dreamy cake thingy, and all I have to say is ORDER IT! The lemon cream is beyond words.
(5)Steve P.
We met friends here solely based on the reviews on Yelp. We were NOT disappointed. You might have some questions as you near the place...keep going. From the muscles and Pomodoro Gorgonzola as appetizers to the Fruitti de Mare, Gnocchi Alessia, pappardelle Alla Bolognese and Vitello Vincenzo everything was fresh, hot and delicious. The one slight disappointment was the items from the bar. Sangria and Lemon Drops were not as expected...the ingredients seemed probably bottled rather than fresh. Stick to wine any you will get through just fine. Our waiter was upbeat, informative, helpful and not overly hovering. When I asked how to make a decision he replied (perfectly) "why decide, come back every week and try something else!" Overall, we had a wonderful evening. I would go back and try something different any time that I was going to be in Worcester.
(4)Vivi A.
Delicious Italian food and amazing service. Everyone is so nice there and we try to go whenever possible! Seriously, it's a hidden gem in Worcester.
(5)Paula A.
Not amazed, I was expecting something better.. We ordered the antipasto di casa everything tasted like it came out of a can... It came with 3 little pieces of cheese, after that my son got a plate with meatballs ...terrible there was more bread than meat in those "meatballs", hard like rocks! and they tasted a little burned... I ordered frutti di mare, it was ok sauce a little watery but had a good flavor anyway, my husband got pappardelle alla Bolognese .. That was the only plate the tasted really really good! Lots of meat and flavorful, we ordered the tiramisu ... Very very sweet, didn't have that coffee and cocoa taste... It was something the you need a glass of water right next to you... Service was good...but there was a lady the was removing plates and it looks like the she really want us to leave... Not sure if we are going back or if I can recommend this place to my friends...
(3)Jonathan M.
Found it! Great place to stop on the way to CT from ME. On-the-fly decision based on other reviews here. Awesome food and great service (Chris). Had the Mussels and Calamari for apps....Mushroom Ravioli and a special Gnocchi with goat cheese for entree. Superb (and i am tired of Italian food)! Just enough cream in both entrees and the mushrooms almost had a smoky flavor to them. Wow! Great looking restaurant on the inside. Just park the car somewhere nearby with a curb. You've read this so now you are going to go! It's what's on the inside that counts! They don't take reservations so just walk on in.
(5)Anand S.
This awesome, rustic looking Italian restaurant was tucked into the neighborhoods of Worcester where I'd least expect a decent Italian restaurant to be. Walked in and the first thing you see is the bar next to the waiting area. One annoyance I noticed off the bat was that the wait staff has to cut through the bar/waiting area to get to the kitchen which meant we were consistently moving out of someone's way no matter where we stood. Started off with the baked brie special appetizer and frisee and beet insalata. The brie was fantastic - baked just the right amount and with wonderful crisp crostini. The salad was pretty average - nothing to write home about, but a decent start. I got the gnocchi allessia - gnocchi with goat cheese and a basil marinara sauce. The gnocchi were cooked well and tasted great - got a good sense of goat cheese without feeling it was overly cheesy. Wish it came with a bit more sauce though, felt like some of my pieces were a bit on the drier side. Also shared some of the eggplant parmesian with a friend, which I was a little bit less impressed with. I thought that one did have a bit too much cheese and it sort of took away from the eggplant. Not that I'm complaining about too much, I love cheese. Just would've liked to have a bit more eggplant to cheese. Big downside of my meal was my wine - I got the cabernet blend and it just was not good. Stay away from that one.
(4)Joe T.
Good eggplant Parmesan but calamari was rubbery. Neighborhood surrounding the restaurant was scary but the inside of the restaurant was nice. Worth a visit
(3)Tim L.
The good: Small, off of the beaten path Italian restaurant. The food was amazing! Fried Calamari was flavorful and perfectly cooked, Papradelle Bolognaise was stick to your ribs delicious, lobster ravioli tasted like the sea and erfectly sauced. The Tiramasu was the perfect way to finish the meal. Complimentary valet parking is key since there is very little parking availing to the naked eye. The wait staff was very friendly and attentive without being annoying or intrusive. The owner was walking around and talking to diners which was great to see. The bad: I had to really stretch here. All I can say it is a little loud. Tip: The rush arrives around 5:30 and continues until about 8 so plan accordingly. Do yourself a favor and eat here. I promise you won't be disappointed!!
(5)Maria G.
In one word, amazing. Great attention, excellent food and very nice environment. Staff was extremely attentive on our first visit there. The Bolognese was just what I was looking for, portions were big enough for leftovers and desserts were good also.
(5)David J.
Delicious!!!!! Veal parm to die for. Shrimp pomodoro excellent. Portions plentiful. Waitstaff exceptional. Sauce and meatballs like grammar made. Real authentic Italian food. Price very reasonable. A must try!!!!
(5)Raj K.
Reading all the other good reviews, I wanted to enjoy this hidden gem, and it was a complete shock. I had never tasted anything so bad before: 1. The bread in bread basket was dry and nothing special. 2. We ordered 4 entrees, neither my kids nor my wife enjoyed their chicken, lobster or salmon with pasta. Lobster felt like was out of a can. 3. Being vegetarian I ordered an " Egg Plant Parm" and every item on the plate was at different temperature. Eggplant was rubbery and pasta sauce has no flavor. Let me put it this way: Olive Garden is 5 stars compared to this food. I could not complete my dinner even after sending my food to be re-heated ... Even then food was horrible. The foods taste was not fresh at all and it felt like frozen food was heated up.. I will never go there again.
(1)Julia E.
Awesome place! Cute little Italian restaurant hidden in Worcester. This isn't a place that you would accidentally stumble upon. It's not in the best areA, but I'm so glad we did find it (through Yelp of course). We tried the house red wine while waiting to be seated and it was excellent, but luckily we didn't have to wait long to be seated even though it was pretty busy. Our server Chris was super nice and attentive. My date and I both got pasta. Definitely splurge the extra couple bucks for the homemade pasta because it is so worth it. I got the meat sauce and it was perfect.
(5)Meagan B.
We absolutely loved everything about our experience here!! Every dish was delicious, the service was great, and I really enjoyed the atmosphere. I would highly recommend this place and we will happily return on our trips back to MA.
(5)Nathaniel L.
I've only had excellent food and service here. It's a small restaurant but we'll worth the wait if you aren't seated immediately.
(5)Nicole M.
This place defines "hidden jem". Great but they don't take reservations which is the only reason I may not head down there on a Friday/ Saturday night.
(5)Stacie R.
The reviews of this place hinted at a hidden gem, and they were spot on! I had the gnocchi with goat cheese which was terrific. There were so many good sounding dinners that I had a hard time deciding, but I would have an equally hard time passing on the gnocchi next time. Simply delicious!
(5)Yow-Bang W.
Important: Be sure to order the oysters as appetizer, for you'll not only get the oysters but also the broth underneath that almost equals to a bowl of soup. Now you have 2 super delicious appetizers!!! I came on the restaurant week so I'm happy with the meal deal I got. Despite the great breads and appetizers, though, the salmon risotto and steak we ordered as main dished are not as impressive. Overall a good restaurant with good service.
(4)Grisel S.
Amazing food!! Hidden gem!!! I've been here a few times. Great authentic food and service. They have amazing homemade desserts. Off street parking is a bit of a hassle but won't stop me from returning... I love it! The stuffed gnocchi is so good
(5)Brett A.
I would probably have given this 5 stars if I had visited this place more times, but based on my one visit - I give it 4 stars. They spent a great effort to re-design the interior of this restaurant from the last time I was inside. I didn't care for the look of the bar area, but the dining area is fantastic. The apps I had: arancini and calamari were great! And the Chicken parm and bolognese were equally fantastic. Much more taste to me than what you might find most other Italian places. The portions were also quite large IMO. It was a bit loud, so be prepared if you're looking for something quiet. The neighborhood is a bit sketch, but they have valet parking - though I have no idea where they take your car (it's a residential area). I definitely recommend you try this place. These owner's used to run Pepe's in Northborough many years ago (10?), and I loved that place, and was bummed when they closed. Enjoy!
(4)John O.
This place is a hidden gem in a local neighborhood not far from the highway. It's warm and inviting with incredible service. Food and desserts are authentic Italian and something you would find in the North End of Boston.
(5)Katie K.
This place is a piece of Heaven - like walking in to the North End. This may be the best meal we've ever eaten in Worcester. We had the Arancini with peas and beef ragu and the polenta with garlic fried mushrooms to start. The polenta was as light as air and the mushrooms perfectly pan fried with tons of garlic. The Arancini was delectable. The PAPPARDELLE ALLA BOLOGNESE was thick and perfectly seasoned and the Mushroom ravioli had a lovely creamy sauce. At first we thought we would pass on dessert, but out waiter (also one of the best we're ever had) brought the dessert tray and we could not pass on them. A lemon cheesecake covered in blueberries and a chocolate mouse cake - both we're out of this world. LOVE.
(5)Dan H.
Great drinks and the paella was good. We all had a different type and everyone was pretty happy. The dessert were pretty damn good too.
(4)Leslie M.
This place is a hidden gem! I know everyone says that but it is in a neighborhood that you would never assume has any great restaurants. They have free valet parking too. Awesome food, very quick and helpful service. The bolognese with homemade pappardelle was out of this world good. It's quiet and has nice mood lighting. We will definitely be back.
(5)tess b.
The food here is by far the best Italian in the Worcester area. It's unassuming and packs plenty of flavor. It's a hole in the wall surrounded by residential buildings but that's half the charm. I've been there a few time and have never been disappointed. The vodka sauce is to die for, arancini were delicious. They offer fresh pasta and won't hesitate to customize an order. Prices are very reasonable and portions are large. Service has been off every once in a while but I'm not here to talk about service, all I care about is the food.
(5)S.E. H.
I've been to this place a few times and each time was better than the first. The bread is delicious and the meals wonderful. I've gotten salmon dishes each time (one was a special with pasta - A-MAZING!) and they were all good. Highly recommended.
(5)Michael C.
The bolognese here is the real deal, it has a creaminess and depth that tells you it's been simmering most of the day. The bolognese with their homemade pasta ( the parpedelle melts in your mouth) and a side of rappini is my favorite meal. They don't boil the rappini like most so it retains the bitterness and they sauté it with loads of garlic. My favorite Italian restaraunt
(5)Tony G.
Overall a very good experience. We had the chicken parmesan and the fillet mignon dish. The steak was ultra tender and cooked perfectly. My only gripe, and it's a minor one, was that the sauce was a tad heavy. It overpowered the steak a bit.
(4)Keith P.
Just want to jump on the Mare E Monti bandwagon. Very good food and very accommodating. Handled a late reservation for a large graduation party. Food was great. Almost makes me want to come back to Worcester after my son leaves school (well, maybe not that good....). Yes, actually that good.
(4)Annie I.
This place was delicious! Great ambiance, friendly staff and good service. We had the bolognese and a chicken dish with the gnocchi, both were great! We will be back!
(5)William F.
Simple, delicious Italian food in a pleasant setting. Home made pasta and gnocchi were very good and everything comes in generous portions.
(4)Original 6.
A really terrific, old school, Italian restaurant with great food, great service and fair prices. We shared the calamari and I had the Maiale Saltimbocca (stuffed pork chop)... best pork chop I've ever had anywhere. My wife & son had specials with shrimp & pasta and they loved their meals as well. Our waiter, Chris, was great and everyone was very friendly and helpful. If I lived in the area I would dine here on a weekly basis... highly recommended.
(5)Jane M.
Everything we tried was absolutely delicious. I loved the mushroom ravioli, but also tried my sisters lobster ravioli and husbands pappardelle bolognese, which were fabulous. My son enjoyed a delicious pork dish and my nephew loved the fruiti de mare. Desserts (tiramisu, cannoli and a dense pie-like cake) were also enjoyed. This restaurant is truly a hidden gem, but you will definitely enjoy!
(5)Robert S.
This place is true definition of a hidden jewel . It's located in a burned out wasteland called Wall St. This place is fantastic Nice ambience, pleasant waitresses and great Italian food. Been there twice First time got there as they were just opening for day on Sunday Wanted to try parpadelle de Bolognese which other yelpers were raving about, sold out! They only make a certain amount for weekend and everyone gobbled it up Saturday. Must be fantastic.Got eggplant parm instead and wasn't disappointed. Second visit got chicken parm and was a excellent as well .Great restaurant with reasonable Go to hell Olive garden!
(5)Nancy B.
My friends took me here to their favorite place and I have to say this is the BEST Italian restaurant in the city. From the appertizers (tuna cappacio, Caesar salad ), to the entrees (spaghetti alla Vongole with homemade pasta) and dessert everything was on point and served promptly. The atmosphere was friendly and welcoming. I highly recommend this restaurant to all.
(5)