Sarah D.

If I was romantic I would totally bring dates here. But I am not romantic so I will just bring me here. The atmosphere is quiet and cozy and friendly and excellent. The food is in the same spirit. Nothing wild and crazy on this small menu; just a few fairly simple (but super delicious) dishes that the chef has basically perfected. It's like that one thing your mom made for dinner every sunday that nobody could ever do better because she's got like 30 years of practice and she loves you and wants to give you hugs and would probably write a sweet note and stick it with your food but she doesn't want to embarrass you in front of your friends so you just eat the food and know she loves you. Trattoria Toscana loves you. Fluffy delicious gnocchi and perfect ravioli and some fine-ass salami and cheese on the antipasto platter and, um, wine? Yeah, definitely wine. Portions aren't huge. But you'll be fine. Just take it slow and you will be happy and fullish by the end of the meal if you are anything like me. It's a small kitchen. Like, the smallest. So the food might take a bit. But it's worth it. This place is such a gem. I wrote a love song about it but made somebody else sing it because I'm too shy and it's just too beautiful. More, please.
(5)
Sofia C.

The meals that I've had at trattoria Toscana have honestly been some of the best of my life. The staff are friendly and very knowledgable, the food is exquisite, and the cozy environment is perfect for a romantic evening or a special family dinner. The Gorgonzola gnocchi is my go-to dish, but you really can't go wrong here. The crostini plate is fantastic, especially the chicken pÃ¢tÃ©. I've come here four times, as I lived a block from here, and each time has been wonderful. They were accommodating to a group of nine I was with once, and the staff were great with my brother, who was 8 at the time. Overall great restaurant experience and I highly recommend this place over any in the North End.
(5)
Aidan M.

Had gnocchi & it was pretty good. Our waiter was excellent very friendly & witty. Loved the intimate decor with tiny tables and patterned table cloth. Careful going to the restroom as the stairwell might make you fall over!
(4)
Amica M.

I had high hopes because they had cacio e pepe on the menu, a delectable dish I had in Italy that is rare to find in Boston. Bummed to discover that they don't actually use cacio cheese, but still call it cacio e pepe. Cacio has a sharp, distinct, complex flavor. They should call it cheese and pepper pasta rather than lure people into thinking it is the authentic dish. If it was my neighborhood restaurant, I'd be happy enough going here. But not worth going out of my way for. Staff was great.
(2)
Peter B.

It was just OK, nothing really great or special. For the price, the portions are small and the food is merely good. It's worth it to just travel a little further to the North End and spend the same amount for some spectacularly amazing Italian food. Also the restaurant is very small - if you have a group of 6 or more you will have a hard time fitting in the place.
(3)
Snuffles B.

Atmosphere on a Sat at 7PM: Quaint, small, little cramped but part of the charm only about 1/3 full possibly b/c weather was good outside. Got great table right next to window so we could people watch. Service: OK - really hammed up Italian accents, kind of irritating when we asked for our meat medium rare and he said "thats the only way we serve it." When I asked what he recommended off the menu he said "I want you to study it, learn from it. I am like your teacher" and then never answered my question. WTF. Food: - Bread/EVOO - Totally pedestrian/average quality, needed salt and salt and pepper were nowhere to be found. WTF. - Papardelle - Decent flavor but unlike previous reviews, NO WAY this is fresh pasta. It was also not hot enough when we got it. The shrimp were well cooked but the sauce a bit bland. - Steak w/ Rosemary - Just plain OK. The roasted potatoes and veggies were better. Again, lukewarm everything. Impression: (PLEASE NOBODY STONE ME) Wins the award for most overrated ever. If dining here on a Saturday night during prime dinner hours is so lackluster, I can't imagine what it would be like on a Tuesday.
(2)
Adriana C.

Good food, but a bit pricey. Bathroom is in the basement and it is very strange. It is ok, but I prefer Canestaros, which is only a block away.
(4)
Lisa D.

Intimate and very typical of a true Italian trattoria. I have eaten here several times and never been disappointed with any item on the menu. The flavors are delicate and sophisticated, with fresh ingredients. Love! The service is superb. I returned after dining there once two months prior. The waiter remembered me and my wine preference. With this kind of attention, who needs Cheers?
(5)
Hussam B.

Trattoria Toscana is one of those hole-in-wall gems that is a delight to find. It is a charming little restaurant in the Fenway area.Their menu is simple and decently priced for the excellent quality of food you get. We had the burrata with tomato and basil. The burrata was delicious, soft and salty. We opted for a half-bottle of pinot grigio to complement the food we had ordered. It was recommended by our server and was a great recommendation. We ordered the mediterranean sea bass (the special for that night) as well as the papperdelle al funghi. Our entrees, although prepared in very simple ways, were full of flavor. The bass came whole and was grilled with olive oil and lemon. The pasta is all home-made and has that fresh flavor to it. Although they did not have a dessert menu, they did have a couple things to offer that night. We opted for the chocolate gelato with an espresso on top which wasn't special. All in all it was a very enjoyable experience, definitely one we would repeat.
(4)
Tessa M.

Had the great good luck to stumble on Trattoria Toscana when we were in the neighborhood for a movie. There was a wait, but they were so welcoming that we didn't mind. We were really impressed with the food, and the service was friendly. Things progress at a leisurely pace -- the kitchen must have been a bit backed up the night we went, but they seemed to be doing what they could to get the entrees out. Anyway, it is an Italian meal. Slow is good if it's done right. Great romantic ambience, perfect for a date. We'll be back.
(4)
Finn M.

If you want to be knocked off your feet by a delicious and authentic Italian meal in Boston, you'll need to go to the North End. Right? Wrong. Maybe you've never even heard of Trattoria Toscana, or maybe you've heard whispers of "some really good Italian place, somewhere near Fenway." Either way, if you're interested in having a truly, truly awesome Italian experience in Boston, you don't need to go any farther than Jersey Street. This is also in the running for best date spot in Boston. Not "great," seriously maybe the best. It's tiny and gorgeous, the staff is exceptional, the food is decadent, and if the girl has never been -- or maybe never even heard of it -- you'll look like some kind of genius. There's no chance your date doesn't enjoy dinner here. Zero. If she does, it doesn't count, because she's obviously insane. Go find someone else. And then bring her here.
(4)
Geoff m.

I stumbled upon this place, trying to find a place close to Kenmore Sq. I couldn't believe that every place in Kenmore was booked at 630 on a tuesday. What recession ??? Trattoria Toscana is located in a quiet residential area on the other side of Fenway Park. Parking is virtually impossible without a resident permit so I parked in the lot on the corner of Jersey and Boylston for $6. Great Deal. We started with the Antipasto platter and Crostini platter. The antipasto was a selection of salumi and cheese while the crostini were chicken liver pate, Spinach and sausage, and portobello mushroom. Everything was fresh, perfectly prepared and yummy. I would use locally made charcuterie rather than the ones they used but still very tasty. For main courses, I had Pappardelle with wild boar, my dad had penne with a spicy tomato sauce and my wife and my dad's wife had steak with balsamic glaze. The steak came with two veggie sides- braised red endive, grilled zucchini, and roasted potatoes. Every dish was authentic, fresh and multidimensional in taste. 2 years ago we spent a week in Tuscany with them and we all agreed this meal was as good as any we had in Tuscany. Our waiter suggested a 2007 tuscan red that had nice fruit, good smooth mid palate and mild tannins , sango, merlot and a little Canaiolo. Overall, I give this place the highest review possible. Not cheap $200 for 4 with 2 btls of wine but it's a great hidden gem
(5)
Rachael T.

An authetic italian restaurant to visit after MFA. Mushroom risotto was super delicious. Gnuocchi was very creamy and not too chewy. Pasta was very good.
(4)
Melissa S.

this place has delicious and authentic food. the restaurant is small but cozy. I second the other reviews that it's best not too bring a large party and come early if you want to be seated quickly. there may be a wait when you go, but the food is deliciousness.
(5)
Taru M.

One of my favorite restaurants in Boston, and luckily I also live just a block away. I've been there close to twenty times already, and so far, I haven't been disappointed with anything. Though I must say that the gnocchi is phenomenal. But really, everything I've had has been way above average. And I've pretty much sampled the whole list. Good if you're looking for a romantic spot. The only downside is that they don't take reservations so you have to take your chances.
(5)
Janak S.

This place is on the fancy side of what I was expecting. The food is more expensive then I thought it was be, the high end of $$ or maybe even $$$. The food was exceptionally good. I had the ravoli rose and I was quite sad after I was finished eating that there was no more. My entree cost $16, which was more then I was expecting to spend. One minor annoyance was that they don't serve any soda! Only wine and I don't like wine. Also, the place is tiny. It maybe seats about 20 people. We were initially seated at a table for two, with other tables for two on either side of us (like 6 - 12 inches away). It left me feeling very claustrophobic, until we asked to change seats. But the pasta was amazing!
(3)
Mark W.

It was ok. Maybe i'm just not an italian food lover. I've hit up all the best italian restaurants in boston and haven't been impressed at all. I'd eaten at places that don't even cost half of what this place costs and had the same or better. Maybe location affords a premium? Not much the harp on about. I came with 2 others and we had the cheese/meat plate, mushroom risotto, the large shrimp entree and the tripe. I have to say the tripe was ok though. The rest of the dishes were just mediocre. Nothing was memorable so i'm not really going to go on with this.
(3)
Darren G.

Went to TT with a group of 5 from work and I was impressed overall. Prices were what I expected, service was impeccable, and food delicious. My only complaint, which is one I have often, is that the noise in there was awful. The place was full or almost full the entire time we were there and it was very difficult to hear each other while we were at the same table. Thus, I don't recommend it for a romantic date. I got the chicken and saffron dish, which was delicious. One of those things that I only eat once and awhile and then maybe skip a meal because I'm sure it was all my necessary calories for the week. Great place, check it out.
(4)
Marilyn T.

Good luck finding parking in Fenway on a game day, but you have to find a way to get to this hidden gem to try it out. It's a tiny restaurant that doesn't take reservations, but if you go on a weekday and avoid game days, the wait is never too bad. The interior is dark and romantic, and the owner comes out to greet you himself. He'll give you recommendations, and I fell in love with the bongustaio (spelling?), which is only available certain seasons of the year. The pasta is so fresh, and the pancetta is wonderful with it. Chicken is done well, and eggplant parmesean is very satisfying. The mushroom risotto also has a strong, woodsy, beefy flavor, and it's super rich without tasting too buttery or cheesy - it actually tastes more starchy, which is how a risotto should be. Wines are cheap, and they add so much to the overall dining experience there. It's probably my favorite Italian in Boston. I'd definitely choose it over any place in North End.
(5)
Sharlene L.

Real Tuscan staff food wine!
(4)
Scott B.

Had a great meal, wine and service. Will be back for sure. You need to eat here.
(5)
Jerrold S.

After a lot of research on CH and Yelp I decided to take co-workers to Trattoria Toscana. We were in from LA and only had a few meals in Boston. What a great decision that was. I was in NYC for the previous 5 days and ate at some of the city's best Italian places like Scarpetta, Convivio, Elio's and Il Bagatto. I'll tell you that Trattoria Toscana held their own to NYC heavyweights. The service was impeccable. Their wine list was much more manageable than most restaurants. We were able to find a nice Amarone and Barbara both for under $80. Great intimate small restaurant with about 8 tables. The owners and people at the restaurant make you feel very much at home. Onto the food. We ordered a few antipasta to start off with - 3 different types of cheese, 3 different types of salami, olives and great toasty bread drizzled with olive oil. I know this isn't the most exciting appetizer but when done right simple food like this is great. The parmesan was fantastic. We also ordered a plate of gnocchi and plate of penne to share amongst the 6 people at the table for appetizers. The gnocchi was outstanding. Quite possibly the best pesto I've ever had. The gnocchi were lovely pillows that stuck to the sauce in a great way. The penne with pancetta in red sauce was a revelation. It was actually so good my boss ordered another plate to share when we got our main dishes. I ordered the garganelli with ragu. Excellently cooked pasta with a nice slow roasted ragu. The depth of flavors was outstanding. Lick your plate kind of good. 3 people at the table ordered the flank steak with aragula and parmesan. Damn was that steak good. Cooked perfectly, perfectly seasoned and a great Tuscan celebration when combined with the arugala and parmesan. I haven't eaten at many Boston restaurants but I've eaten at enough good restaurants to know that this is well worth a visit.
(5)
Annie W.

"the best steak in boston!" promised the waiter. i'd believe him. cute. tiny. wonderful food. delicious antipasto, delicious steak, good tiramisu, very good wines. wonderfully careful, attentive, kind service. definitely go. it's worth your time.
(5)
Smooth O.

Nice atmosphere, great service. Had some wine (good) and the antipasto and crostini which were good. For dinner, had the special mussel & clam linguini special -- the mussels and clams were a little overcooked and clams were a little sandy. Perhaps another dimension to cut the grease in the pasta would have been nice too. (Same for friend's pappardelle too). Overall, would be back if looking for Italian in the Fenway area.
(3)
Jeremiah L.

This restaurant is truly a hidden gem. It had the best antipasto I've ever eaten and the rest of the food was ridiculously good, too (rigatoni, gnocchi & a sliced sirloin w./aged balsamic.) We went on valentine's day and were both extremely happy. Our server, Santiago, was outstanding and made a few great suggestions. The one complaint that someone could have is that it is very small and the tables are really close together. The food is definitely worth it, though. I can't recommend this place highly enough, as it really was one of the best meals I've ever had.
(5)
Bruno A.

This is the best italian i've eat at in boston. I've heard italians friends of mine speak nice things about this place too. Great food, decent price and away from italian north end mafia, what could be better? :-) The person that served us was really nice, knowledgeable both in food and in wine. Had a very nice chat about wines, tried some that he recommended and it was a decent wine. I liked his honesty in not overplaying the wine making the customer feel like he doesn't know what he likes. We were 3 foodies and we all shared different antipastos and other dishes. More than enough food for everyone. I will definitely go there again!
(5)
Michael D.

I'm such a fan! I can't think of a single reason to deduct any points from this place. Yep, it's small, but that's Boston. The menu isn't huge either, but they have a nice variety of pasta, great starters, and I've always been happy with their wine. I'm hooked on two dishes here. The gnocchi dish is wonderful, cooked a little past al dente, just soft enough to tempt you to scarf them all down in five minutes. The orecchiette in cream sauce is also great, and comes mixed with a delicious homemade sausage -- crumbled like ground beef, not sliced. Service is quick, including while you're waiting inside the little Wizard of Oz curtain to be seated. The dining room is warm, and I've always enjoyed the crowd this restaurant draws, sophisticated and tasteful, but not haughty. Like Symphony Hall when the Pops are playing.
(5)
Arun C.

I've been meaning to write a review about this place for a while. I've only been once, but it was a great experience with excellent food and service. I got the special that day which was a cuttlefish soup. It was tender and delicious. I'd like to go back based on my first experience.
(4)
Gina G.

BEST GNOCCHI I have had in a looooong time. And I've certainly had my share of gnocchi! It practically melts in your mouth. The house wine is affordable and usually delicious. The atmosphere - or rather the 'buzz' is GREAT, as the restaurant is filled with young trendy couples (mostly. and this is obviously an assumption, who knows what truly goes on at the other guy's table!). GO HERE. It's definitely worth it.
(5)
Meatdowntown C.

The food is only ok. I think it is overpriced as well as the wine. Maybe I was expecting something spectacular after some reviews, but I really had an ordinary experience. I went back during the week thinking that maybe a Saturday night was overwhelming for the kitchen, etc. However, the experience was the same. Very simple dishes and some of the pasta tastes just like the one you can cook at home. I would totally go to the North End instead.
(2)
Mark M.

Outstanding. A little jewel. Random Yelp find on a recent stormy weeknight after a trip to MFA. About a 10 minute walk from museum near Fenway. Very small family restaurant, just a few tables. Great atmosphere. Food was also great, very authentically Italian. Service very friendly and helpful. Excellent pasta dishes.
(4)
E C.

Nearly as good as Italy itself. Everyone loved everything we ordered. A great option near MFA/Fenway that isnt a sports bar.
(5)
Gina E.

We read the great reviews here and decided to try it out. We are so glad we did! We shared an appetizer--a tomato and bread stew, pomodoro something--it was fabulous, rich and delicious in flavor. My husband did a lamb, beef, and pork Ragu that was the best he ever had. I did the gnocchi, and definitely lived up to the reviews. Dessert, we each did a sorbet: lemon and chocolate hazelnut esspresso--yummy! As others said, it is tight on space, but we found it cozy. Also, they don't have any outside seating or patio area
(4)
J E.

I'm surprised at the mixed reviews here, especially considering how unpleasant this restaurant is. I ordered the risotto, which does in fact taste strikingly similar to canned beef stroganoff. The consistency was that of risotto, but that was the only authentic part about it. My girlfriend ordered the ravioli, which was okay but tasted like it was frozen at one point. At least it had a authentic sauce. Finally, when I asked the waiter what type of wine to pair with the meal, he fed us some pretentious line straight from the 'Wine for Dummies' book. Aside from that, he was polite, although he was heavily hitting on the date of the table next to us. I'd avoid this place if you are looking for an Italian meal. Considering the price you would pay, you are better off going to the North End. Who cares if this place is in Fenway if the food is gross?
(2)
Andrea E.

Cute little restaurant, just make sure you are not thinking about staying on your diet because you won't want to. I have a bolognese and it was nice and thick and meaty! The service was great!
(4)
Laura M.

Wow, I had a great meal at this place. They have a small menu of items in the mid-price range (around $13 for pasta items, up to about $20 for meat-based secondi piatti). I went with a group of three and everyone loved their food. Portions were not huge, but satisfying -- I savored every bite of my delicious eggplant parmigiana and walked away happy. The eggplant was sooo good -- it was somehow light, despite being a dense dish of layered vegetables, sauce and cheese. I could eat it every day. I think this would be a fantastic restaurant for a date -- small and intimate. But for several friends meeting earlier in the evening it worked out just fine, too.
(5)
Mike D.

I haven't been here yet. I'm giving it 5 stars to help negate the 3 star review I just read from someone who hasn't even been there but had to rate it because they found it impossible to park there. Dude, it's the City of Boston. We're planning to go (via foot/T) on Friday. EDIT: actually went last night and loved it, but would put an honest rating at four stars. We had the house antipasto for two, which was great (three salamis, three cheeses, olives, toasted bread, mushrooms), my wife had a really nice pasta dish with tomato sauce and prosciutto. I had the pork chops, which had great flavor but were a little dry and topped with a slighly overcooked spinach, but over all we were very happy with the food. The owners and people who work there are really nice--friendly in a very genuine way, even stopping to talk about business a bit on a busy Friday night.
(5)
David P.

This place has very small portions, my wife and I ate there, on Sept 23, 2010, it was packed and we had had a good meal although smallish portions a while back. Now is just small and the food is just ok, it was good but was to small portions. So my wife and I got our bill for 40 dollars and its was like we ate nothing all all. Service is excellent but I think there are much better places to go now, these people still must thing people have tons of money. The bread and olive oil with ok but nothing to write home about. Crowded noisy room so it very hard to have a conversation without raising your voice. I guess you might be enough to eat if you spend 100 bucks for two but, I think it was way overpriced, crowed and noisy, so if that we you like that go to Trattoria. Oh did I mention the portion are very small.....god.
(1)
Maureen H.

This place is amazing! It is so tiny and comfy and the food is delicious. You feel like you are in the north end - italian staff - VERY knowledgeable about everything from wine to food, They switch up their menu according to the season, which is something i really appreciate so even though the menu is not huge, i will always have a unique dining experience. The server was fun , personable and made our dining experience that much better. I used to work at an italian place down the street, so this was our competition, and i STILL recommended it to people because it is such a great dining out experience. Very nice for both a fun night out or a romantic date - i think the versatility is important! I love the casualness of it - It is only open when they want to be - for the rush, no late night hanging around for these people! It is very small, only at most 10 tables, so get there early! I mean, i feel i cannot sing enough praise, this place rocks - check it out!
(5)
a.c. b.

Stopped here on the advice of other Yelpers. It's a small restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere that would be wonderfully cozy in winter. Service was fast but not rushed, and the staff was friendly. Rigatoni was delicious with a sausage creme ragout. The swordfish special with grilled vegetables was beautifully cooked, well seasoned and tasty. Definitely a neighborhood gem.
(4)
Allison M.

I lived in Italy for a year, so I know my Italian food, and I will say this is the most authentic Italian restaurant I have encountered in America so far. The antipasto was unbelievably delicious--thinly sliced meats with various cheeses--and we inhaled it. Pasta was also good, and the dessert (liquidy ice cream in a coffee cup) was fantastic. Very small but cozy and charming, and I don't think they take reservations. It is truly a hidden gem!! Can't wait to go back. BRAVI.
(5)
G J J.

Expensive little place with cramped seating. I thought the food was actually quite good, the brushetta appetizer was phenomenal. Service is good but the main course gnocci was middling. It's a mixed bag, but be prepared to spend $30 a person on stuff you wished you made at home!
(4)
S C.

This is a very nice little neighborhood restaurant....and I'm not kidding when I say little. This is a compact venue with a view of the small kitchen. We went early in the evening, so it wasn't full, but considering the number of cooks and wait staff, my guess is that it gets crowded. The decor is hard to describe... my view was of the kitchen with swinging half doors, so I could see inside the tiny kitchen. This is an old building, and it hasn't been updated lately, I don't think. But I digress...the food is the main draw here, and it is very, very good. It is the kind of food that you'd expect to have when you visit your Italian Grandmother, if you are lucky enough to have one. This is not frou-fouey fare, artfully presented in picture worthy style. This is delicious food, plain and simple...but oh so good. High quality bread is brought to the table with oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping. We had the sausage and broccoli rabe, gnocchi and the pink ravioli(cream added to the tomato sauce)...delicious. The gnocchi was feather light! We also had bruchetta...toasted bread, brushed with olive oil and garlic, with fresh cherry tomatoes which were salted and garnished with fresh basil. We had the ice cream balls coated with dark chocolate. Large enough to share. Though we didn't have steak, I noticed the cook slicing off some for another diner. I am a butcher's daughter, and that piece of meat looked very good. Had I seen that slab of meat before ordering, I would have chosen that! Based on food quality alone, I would give it 5 stars. But there were minor drawbacks. First, our waitress did her best to up-charge us often...subtly, but still there. We did order the bruschetta she offered. It was delicious for sure, but we could/would have skipped it. Same with dessert...expresso was offered, too. I realize that just as workers in some retail establishments are required to ask if you want to sign up for a credit card every time you make a purchase, companies need to make as much as possible. Still, I know what I want to order without prompting. The other thing is that due to the kitchen being so close and the building being so old, they could spruce up the hallway downstairs and the bathroom in the basement. Overall, this is a great restaurant. It isn't easy to find, but it is well worth a trip. One thing I forgot...this place is so small that if people are talking loudly, you will hear their conversations. When we were there, there was a woman who needed to use her 'inside" voice. We really didn't want to know every detail of her daily existence. Perhaps she really did think she was at Grandma's house with no strangers in earshot? Or maybe she was hard of hearing...but she did give us a few laughs.
(4)
Daniel A.

I read all the 5 star reviews, and I was all excited, and so off we went. It was by no means bad, but 5 stars? The chef came out to talk to us, he was charming and excited by the food, the wait staff was, if anything, a bit too attentive, the place was lovely. The food wasn't great. It was good, but even having selected dishes that are raved about here (the gorgonzola gnocchi, and the chickpea soup), I wasn't blown away (though the chickpea soup came closer). My wife got the pasta with pancetta, and she felt about as I did. I was disappointed that they didn't have the espresso ice cream someone mentioned here, but if you're going to have a seasonal menu things have to go off as well as on. In all, perfectly good and not "Red Sauce Italian", but not great.
(3)
Albert D.

I like. One of those little places that you can pass by all the time and not check out. I went to Brown sugar cafe 4 times already, and this is barely my first time at Toscana. I got to try the gnocchi with meat sauce, and the orrechiette with pesto/pancetta. Both very good. Pretty small portions, but you shouldn't be eating too much of these things anyways. Thank you Danielle F for suggesting the house Chianti. Indeed it was quite tasty, and went well with the dishes. Quite a chill place, although I did go at 830pm on a Monday. Either way, it's pretty small (or intimate, if you date around a lot), so get cozy, and enjoy good Italian food here! Definitely a top choice of mine so far. I want to go to Italy! Damn you Trattoria Toscana
(4)
Jamie L.

Four of us went for dinner at Trattoria Toscana last night and had a wonderful time. This is a small, unassuming place near Fenway that serves delicious Italian food. We started with the Antipasto platter and bread with pomodoro sauce. The antipasto platter was a combination of cured meats, cheeses, olives & mushrooms and we devoured the pomodoro. For our main courses we had the Pappardelle, Gnocchi Pesto and Salmon. My Gnocchi was very good - little velvety pillows covered in a pesto sauce and five succulent grilled prawns. We also shared a decanter of the house white which was perfect on a warm summer's evening. I would've given Trattoria Toscana 5 stars, but I felt like they were trying to rush us through the meal. Our main courses came out before we had a chance to finish or savor our appetizers, and my wine was topped up (to almost spilling point) although I had hardly taken a sip from my first glass. That said, I am definitely returning there - what a gem in the middle of Fenway.
(4)
Tom L.

This was a fantastic meal, but not as great as I was expecting. I don't mean that to dissuede anyone, but i was told this was the best and expected something more from my experience. I was in Boston for a business trip and enjoy Italian food as it reminds me of my youth and family dinners. The food was delicious but was not jaw dropping. I did enjoy my steak and the selection of wines, but I expected a bit more originality in the selections. It seemed a bit like most other Italian restaurants. It was incredibly high quality and the indoor/outdoor seating was very nice. It was a great experience, and worth the trip.
(4)
Llyn S.

This is the real thing. They've got real italian accents, and treat you like you are the guest of honor all night long. The food is exquisite and the wine list is long. This is my favorite spot.
(5)
Jeremy C.

The best Tuscan food that I have had outside of Italy.
(5)
Sofia H.

By far THE most authentic Italian restaurant (Tuscan to be exact) in Boston- and trust me on this one The food, the service, the atmosphere and the overall experience make this a must-eat place in Boston, no exceptions A couple words of advice though- parking is a little tough so take the t and walk, it gets mad crowded on weekends so try a week night, and most importantly save room for dessert!! love love love this place
(5)
Aleksandra S.

Thank god there is one real Italian restaurant in this city! Everything you would expect to find in the North End but you end up disappointed, can be found here in this small, cosy spot. Stroll through the North End and enjoy the atmosphere, but save your money on the restaurants there - they are just expensive, super fancy and do not have a lot of italian originality, whereas this place has great italian food and an excellent wine selection. They change their menu and wine selection according to the season. I don't feel it's particularly romantic or good for dating, but it's a tiny sweet little place to spend a good dinner at. Prices perfectly came up to my expectations - they rank in the average area - it is the kind of place you leave with the feeling that you just got excellent value for the $ you spent. And that' s what makes the difference for me between good restaurants and excellent restaurants. Although i consider the small size of the restaurant as a big plus, there might be a wait if you go there with a group of people because they do not take any reservations. And the air condition is adjusted to a too low temperature. It can get chilly in a summer outfit, so make sure you bring a jacket. But the joy of having found a good Italian restaurant like this, does definitely make up for this.
(5)
Danielle F.

Went to this place based on recent write-up in Boston Magazine on "mid-priced" restaurants. Would be 5 stars, though one notch downgrade for a slightly smaller menu. Got a 1/2 carafe of the house chianti which was quite tasty and would recommend as cost-efficient option. I had the Oriechette w/ pesto and panchetta. The pesto was extremely fragrant and tasted awesome. My bf had the gnocchi with meat sauce and that was great too. Not a huges establishment but worth the wait.
(4)
Mary Beth F.

You would never guess how good the food is here. Our waiter was incredibly friendly and helpful (especially with ordering wine). He took into consideration what kind of wine we wanted and then gave several recommendations. Believe me, that was some good wine! I ordered the pasta with a creamy sausage sauce and my boyfriend got the gnocchi. they were both amazing, and the portions were perfect.
(4)
A. D.

So. Let me preface by saying that my dad, a total foodie, is actually from Italy. As in, he lived there for much of his life and is now working in the restaurant business. That being said, my standards for Italian food are pretty sky-high. But even with all those potential obstacles to overcome, Trattoria Toscana cleared the bar. I was absolutely blown away by the food here. Delicious. I went there last night with three friends and every single thing on their small seasonal menu was fantastic. We ordered tons of food - three courses for everyone including two bottles of chianti suggested by our gregarious waiter. The service was knowledgeable and attentive without being pushy, the atmosphere was lovely and warm, and best of all the food - it was something my father would like...and that's saying something.
(5)
Abbey L.

Trattoria Toscana is just superb. The food is authentic, delicious, and non-pretentious---some of the best Italian food I've had in boston. The highlight for me is largely the pasta, which is really outstanding, especially one dish with zucchini and truffle oil. Yum. The servers are always friendly and the place itself is very cozy and charming.
(5)
Amy C.

I think this is the best Italian restaurant in the City -- even better than anywhere in the N.End. It's very tiny, ornately decorated, a little cramped, but charming. Like others have said, I've been to Brown Sugar a million times, but never here....until one day. The gnocchis in meat sauce MELTED in my mouth. I have never tasted anything like it, and for $13...you can't beat it. I forget what we had for an appetizer but it was delish. I absolutely recommend this adorable, small, romantic place, for a date, or a small party. One crappy thing to remember -- they're closed on Sundays.
(5)
D. V.

Finally! After endless attempts to get a decent meal in Boston, we found this! And it's everything it's hyped up to be.... most of all, it's real! To clarify this a little bit. The food is real. You could expect to get such dishes in Tuscany, and they would be as tasty and authentic as it is here. Get the antipasti. Get the gnocchi. Get the tiramisÃº. The servers are real. They care about you having a nice time, and not in the classic-American-I-come-to-your-table-every-ten-Âminutes-to-pretend-I-care-so-I-can-up-my-tip. None of that crap here: if your waiter recommends a wine, it's not because it's high margin, it's because he'd drink it himself with his meal. Which brings me to the winelist, which is (by Boston standards) very reasonably priced. Granted, it's not Italian pricing, but for $30 you can get prime Italian wine. Go to $60 and you've reached Piemonte levels for about as much as your local rip-off-liquor store would charge you for it. The only bummer (and I'm sure this is due to some dumbass Massachusetts legislation about what liquor you can serve) is that they didn't have limoncello to accompany desert. Happiness was everywhere. People coming out as we were waiting were telling us it's worth the wait, and suggesting dishes. To sum it up, it felt like an Italian tavern. In this mess of a culinary standardization we live in, it felt authentic. Thank you Trattoria Toscana, thank you so much. Please don't get Bostonized, and you will have done this city a great service.
(5)
Todd B.

Wow! This is hands down one of my favorite joints ever! The food is incredible, the service is some of the best in the city and it seems like not too many people know about this place so that keeps the wait down. Cheap ass carafes of wine seal the deal and the whole place really isn't super expensive. The sides are on the smaller side but they're definitely filling. I only wish there were more appetizers to choose from. My gf and I LOVE the waiter Santiago, insanely attentive even when he's got like 7 tables going. Terrific place as good as anything in the south end... Any of the pasta dishes are awesome but the sausage orrechietti (sp?) is out of this world.
(5)
Dan T.

It absolutely kills me that I lost the business card of our waiter. He was absolutely amazing. We eat out ALOT and this is maybe THE BEST experiences we've had in the Boston area. We came in around 7pm on a Friday night....which is clearly a high traffic time. The place is small, but it's one of the few places that we actually felt like we could speak without our neighbors hearing every word we said, or vice-versa. It's just....comfortable. Our waiter had an extremely thorough knowledge of the wine and food list. There was not a question we could ask that he could not answer. When he described the wine it was as if you could feel it flowing past your taste-buds, filling your senses. The food was amazing. Ask your server what they recommend. I really recommend splitting an antipasta, a primavera course, and a segundi course. Don't pass up a single flavor. We let the server know we were looking to have a long evening, and he was extremely accommodating. The food seemed to come out at the exact moment we started thinking about it, and our wine glasses stayed full. At the end of the evening, our server actually ran down the street to get a cab for us. Just a fantastic place to head out, and feel like you're the only two people in the world on a rainy Friday night.
(5)
Ben K.

Frickin awesome. They're so good at faking Italian accents there, whoa. But let's get to it. I've been twice and both times it has rocked my socks off. The antipasti plate is awesome-- I especially enjoyed the Provolone and the marinated olives. I kinda wish they had some prosciutto di Parma on there, but the charcuterie was melt-on-your-tongue deliciousness regardless. I had the pappardele with the wild boar sauce, and my friend had the ravioli. We both left raving about the place. I can't wait to go back. I still prefer Via Matta for more "innovative" Italian, but Trattoria Toscana does it old-school.
(5)
Pat C.

Great food, friendly staff, reasonable price. Recommend the antipasto... This stuff's the real deal.
(5)
Brett B.

Took the gf to our first date here. It was nice. Romantic, without over-doing it for a first date. Food was great, but didn't get the "wow" factor from me. Extremely tight quarters is unique, but could be annoying- say, if you have an old Italian woman basically sitting at your table telling your date to ditch you while youre using the restroom. Ha, but overall very good.
(4)
Lily H.

This place is great-- very authentic, like a family owned trattoria in Florence, or Fiesole or Lucca...very Tuscan. We split one of the last bowls of the seasonal pappa al pomodoro. It was ripe and well rounded with the flavors of the last tomatoes from the summer harvest--fantastic (made me hopeful for a nice bowl of ribollita this winter--my fingers are crossed!). My fiance had the ravioli, which was meaty, hearty and satisfying. I had the gnocchi with gorgonzola and walnuts. It was rich and decadent and fabulous on a chilly Friday night. The house wine, Straccali, available by the glass/half carafe/bottle was decent and rustico for the price and the fare. I enjoyed the atmosphere, and our waiter gave us excellent customer service with a smile. We will be back!
(4)
Mike A.

"The small Italian place across from Brown Sugar Cafe (BSC)" is what I've been calling Trattoria Toscana for quite awhile now. I'm personally much more into Thai food, so I've walked past Toscana many times en route to Brown Sugar. I finally made it in Tratoria Toscana for the first time on a Friday night at 7pm on a date, and we were able to get a table for two almost immediately. We were seated very close to another table for two such that we heard 99% of their conversation. While some might say this place is a good place for a romantic dinner, be aware that it is so small that you may suffer a lack of inticimacy in your conversations. Overall, though, the atmosphere feels like you're at a quaint dinner party at some Italian family's house. Perhaps the doilies they use to decorate their bay window give it that effect. Their max capacity is probably 35 people. Their wine menu looked extensive, however I am personally more into beer, of which they only stocked Peroni and Moretti, which, yes, are Italian beers, but aren't really the best beers you could drink to properly compliment the food. I'm sure you could find excellent wine to complement the food here, but I simply have more experience with fine beers. Our food was very good. The bruschetta was fresh and an excellent appetizer. I ordered Gnocchi Gorgonzola, which was very rich and filling (hey, gorgonzola is 50% fat, it better fill you up). My date ordered a creamy tomato cheese ravioli dish that she said was good but that she had enjoyed better raviolis from restaurants in the North End. This place is a rarity and is definitely worth checking out for those if enjoy authentic Italian food but dont like making the hike to the North End.
(4)
Heather S.

Best gnocchi I've ever had in my life. Perfect little pillows with the most amazing texture, and the gorgonzola cream sauce was heaven. We went early (7ish) on a Friday and were seated immediately. The food came fast and the server was nice, though he didn't listen and whisked the check away before we had finished putting our two credit cards in it (and so charged it all to my friend!). Not too many choices if you are a vegetarian or don't like pork/exotic meats (boar, etc), but the gnocchi is worth the trip. Better than any food I've had in the north end.
(5)
Tommy B.

THE BEST gnocchi you will ever taste. Small place, friendly staff, and family feel. Love the location, as well.
(5)
Antonio L.

I have a very selective palette when it comes to Italian cooking. I cook myself, therefore don't feel that it's necessary for me to go out to eat much. Since Tratorria Toscana is pretty much down the stairs from my apartment, I thought I'd give it a try. This was a year ago, I have been a regular customer ever since the first day. The food is as authentic as it gets. I am very satisfied with their style and emphasis on quality. The food is not overwhelming, and you walk out of that restaurant satisfied with the knowledge that you just ate some very good quality Italian food. Again, I cook Italian food myself, I am Italian and have been raised on Italian food, this place is Italian. The service is also a big plus, they are very friendly and work hard at making you feel comfortable and welcomed. There is no pressure on turn over either. You can sit, enjoy your wine and meal and enjoy the cozy atmosphere.
(5)
Charles T.

I love the food here. Gnocchi Gorgonzola!
(5)
Katherine R.

This is by far my favorite restaurant in Boston. Its sweet and cozy and always makes me feel like I am on a romantic vacation while I am inside. Santiago is the best waiter ever! He always remembers my boyfriend and I and he is incredibly attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. I always ask his opinion on what to order and he will never steer you wrong! A few standouts on the menu (which change seasonally) are the chicken dish (I know that sounds insane but its to die for! So tender, and the leek and mushroom sauce is fabulous!), the lamb shank (you can literally pull it off the bone in one big chunk!) and the pasta with zucchini and pancetta. I can honestly say I have NEVER had a bad meal here, and between my boyfriend and I, we have tried almost everything on the current menu. The ribolitta soup is amazing-- thick and hearty and so flavorful. And the antipasto platter! I sometimes want to come in by myself and just order it for a meal by itself! Portions are also excellent so although it is a little pricey, I almost always end up with leftovers (or a stomach ache from overeating). You cannot go wrong eating here, its very romantic and they really make you feel at home. Every time I walk by I stop to look at the menu, I can't wait until they change it again so I can try the new entrees! A tip: if you want to dine on the weekends, get there early because otherwise the wait can get long very quickly as it is quite small.
(5)
Jeremy G.

SUPERLATIVE. I've lived in Italy in the past and I can't stop recommending this place to people. Be prepared for legitimate Tuscan fare--this is not your average italo-americano cliche' nor your minimalist haute italienne. Trattoria Toscana transports you to a back alley in Lucca, Sienna, Firenze...
(5)
Em E.

I loved this place!!! I'm not an Italian food expert, but everything we ordered was really good! Best risotto I've ever had!! The waitress was so friendly and attentive too. Plus, I like that the portions are just right. Usually after Italian you feel too stuffed b/c when it's good you just keep forcing down all those carbs and oils, but this place does the portion control for you! The prices aren't bad either.
(5)
Shelly A.

Great soups, olive oil and bread. The pasta sauces are fresh, the wine caraffes are generous and the service is great. The seating is very intimate (read cramped) but well worth it. When I want italian, I don't go to the North End, I go here!
(5)
Gabriel W.

I heard great things about this place. I went one night, it was okay at best. To their credit the service was very good. I had salmon which was waaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyy too salty (and I think that may have been the only seasoning as well) and my girlfriend got lamb which she liked, I did not at all. It was too chewey and also wasn't seasoned very well. For the money go somewhere else.
(2)
Stephen R.

A gem of a restaurant. Ideally located by the MFA. Excellent service and delicious choices. Will definitly go there again.
(4)
Zizzles A.

The food has a slightly deceptive expensive swing because of their small portion sizes, but I'm fine with that considering the normal plates at restaurants put me past the point of satisfaction and into the can-barely-walk zone. If you do have a healthy appetite, the smaller portions lend itself to actually ordering a primi and a secondi. The menu changes slightly depending on the seasons, but several items remain mostly untouched and intact throughout the year. The chicken liver crostini is a little on the salty side, but delicious nonetheless. I have a terrible craving for their gnocchi in a beef ragu sauce, but they have taken that off their menu for now. that was hearty as hearty could get. I have also had their other gnocchi dish, with a cream/gorganzola sauce. The Gnocchi itself is still tasty and rich, but the dish is rather pedestrian and a little too heavy. Their meat Ragu is really delicious, and at the moment they offer a parpadalle pasta with it. I have tried this dish, and as I had expected, it was great. The world of Italian pastas seriously makes my head spin, but I would say Parpadalle is like a cross between tagliatelle and fettucini. It was clearly made from fresh pasta, so I assume it is house made. It's doughier than tagliatelle and has a great rustic thing going for it. For Risotto on the cheap, this is the place to go. I have not had even comparable risotto at this price point. I haven't exactly pranced around the N End looking specifically at Risotto, but I've eaten around. The rice is not undercooked, and the surrounding mush is wonderfully starchy. Too often have I had undercooked rice, and a runny sauce when I ordered bad risotto. Unlike bad pizza, bad risotto is almost inedible, so it's always great to find a place where the risotto is a sure bet. The beef liver cutlets are tasty. Beef liver is very, very livery, not like chicken or duck livers, so beware if you've never had it. That said, the sauce and accompaniments don't make any effort to hide the extremely strong flavor of the liver. It merely provides a little sweetness and a little acidity. Perfect if it's your thing, and I do so enjoy it. The tripe is something I have a difficult time avoiding even though I've had it so many times now. For most of my life, I have eaten the immaculately and meticulously cleaned Chinese beef and lamb tripe. They wash it with a baking soda solution, or put it through a starch wash to not only clean the tripe, but to get the tripe flavor out. Trattoria Toscana makes no such effort, and the tripe flavor was a little off putting at first (though it was much less painful than my first experience with western tripe at petit robert) but the hearty tomato based sauce, which I can only describe as nothing like a marinara, is sweet (from tomatoes and red wine, not sugar) and luscious, and helps cover, dare I say, compliment that tripey flavor. The braised tripe itself is the best I've had texturally. So much better than the chewy chinese poached tripe. Again, because of its daunting flavor and aroma, I rarely order it at European restaurants, so my range of comparison is pretty narrow, but I've certainly had my share of Asian style tripe. The worst dish I have had here is the pork chop, which is painfully salty, and unspectacular otherwise, but this restaurant is a true gem. Come at peak hours, and you should expect a wait. Come at off hours, like 5:30, and expect lengthy conversational interjections from the servers. Had my companion that day been a romantic interest, it might have been a problem, but the stories the waiter told about grilled intestines in his homeland were interesting to say the least, and I'm sure he would have taken a hint had I given one.
(5)
Stacey A.

This super authentic Italian restaurant is a wonderful alternative to the many red sauce, American-Italian places in and around Boston. We were completely blown away by the food from start to finish. Outstanding antipasto, gnocci and tiramisu. We enjoyed it so much, even the super whiney, pretentious couple next to couldn't sabotage the evening (yes, the tables are very close together, so if you're unfortunate enough to sit near a couple of dopes, you're going to hear them blather on and on about how the place isn't 'romanticle' (sic) enough. I think we can all agree that people who use cutsie, made-up words like 'romanticle' in the presence of others should really be put down as humanely as possible. But no matter. Trattoria is fabulous, and my new favorite Italian restaurant in Boston. It does have some quirks, such as close tables and very few wines by the glass. But if you can put up with a few inconsequential drawbacks, you'll be rewarded with a special meal.
(5)
Sandra C.

Cute place with wonderful service and food. The homemade pasta is to die for. Perfectly cooked and al dente. The truffle oil in pasta is heavenly. And the waiters are so friendly and cute with italian accents.
(5)
Albero J.

Over a period of 2 years, I have dined here twice prior to writing this review. I have come from California to eat here. I was looking forward to my return, but I have to say that the third time was not the charm. We waited outside in the cold for nearly one hour, then inside for another 20 minutes. Our host assured us that we would not wait for longer than 1 hour. There were at one point 6 people waiting inside and 4 outside. The temp outside was in the 40's. I was dismayed that the chef/manager did not even fire up some crostini for the faithful waiting and braving the elements. A very small investment in his part would have worked wonders for a tired/hungry crowd. When we finally sat, the food was mediocre at best, as was the wine. I was interested in a Canonnau, but was told by my waiter to try the dolcetto d'alba, as he assured me that I would prefer this. The wine had no character, body, substance whatsoever. I ordered tagliatelle with porcini..it was okay, but to oily. Too much residual oil was left over in the plate. Also, the choice of olive oil they were using for dipping bread had no flavor. Totally bland. I am sorry to say that perhaps this restaurant although successful, has seen better days. I do not feel I was treated with care as every customer should, and I think the quality of the food they choose to prepare has been compromised. Take your business elsewhere.
(2)
Daralene I.

This place is tucked inside a residential area, but it's not very far from the Hynnes Convention Center. The place is pretty small; probably only seats 30-40. We went with a party of 7 and it was a little tight. All that being said, the food was excellent! I got the wild boar, which was yummy. The gnocchi was also delicious. The ravioli portion was smaller than the boar/gnocchi. The prices tended to gravitate more towards the $24 range. If you don't mind a cosy setting with (sort of) higher prices, the food and excellent service definitely makes it worth it.
(4)
carlie m.

skip. plenty of other great italian in boston. three thin slices of bread, ragu sauce tasted store bought.
(2)
Michael M.

NO BUTTER FOR YOU! The small neighborhood restaurant looks inviting but it really isn't. Everyone's food was good to very good, but the service was bizarre. The issues all started when they brought out bread with some olive oil. Like at every other restaurant we have eaten at, my wife requested a little butter to put on her bread as she prefers it to oil. The waiter said he would check. The hostess then came by and said that they had no butter for bread. Mind you one of the dishes on the menu that our friend ordered was ravioli in a butter and sage cream sauce so we knew it wasn't a "butter free" establishment. I thought they were joking at first but they were serious! After realizing they really weren't going to give us any butter I decided to walk across the street to get a stick of butter at 7-Eleven to accommodate my wife's request. Next thing you know the manager came over explaining to us that she wouldn't go to our place of employment and tell you how to your job. She was very rude and confrontational, and all we were asking for was a little butter to put on my wife's bread. Needless to say, we won't be going back there and it is amazing to me that the restaurant has been as successful as they have been given they obviously don't follow the rule that the "customer is always right" - or even accommodating a request as simple as butter for bread!
(1)
Carol C.

Split the Caprese salad, had the pesto with shrimp gnocchi and a glass of chianti. It was all very good. The service was good, too. The entree size was quite reasonably large. The dining room is rather small, so if you have a larger party I would probably call ahead.
(4)
LeAnn H.

this is hands down one of my favorite places in boston. everytime i go, the food is delicious (i'd take it above just about any italian in the north end), the service is attentive and friendly, and i can enjoy the atmosphere for date night, with a girlfriend, or a small group.
(5)
Laura A.

DD and I were looking for a new Italian restaurant to try with two of her friends, and were were lucky to be led here by Yelp. We started off with the Crostini Misti and antipasto, both wonderful. I had the pork chop, which was perfectly cooked. DD had rigatoni in a spicy tomato sauce, and her friends had the papardelle and calves liver respectively, which they all loved. We ordered 2 bottles of nice wine, and bill came to just under $200 before tip, not cheap but very reasonable for the quality of food. Service was "smooth" we all agreed - personal, warm and helpful, sometimes a little over the top but in a fun way that we found entertaining, not off putting. I will definitely go back to Trattoria Toscana next time I'm in Boston.
(5)
Tim B.

Definitely our favorite Italian restaurant in Boston (and probably anywhere else too). The food is just incredibly good. Our favorite dish is the Rigatoni Alla Norcina, which I've ordered almost every time I've been. I do wish they'd keep this dish year round though, since I think it's only on the winter menu. The Gnocchi dish is delicious as well. The waitstaff is always very friendly and talkative, and the restaurant itself is really cozy and authentic feeling. We love it - can't say enough!
(5)
Jess P.

Every time I go to Brown Sugar, I remember that I keep meaning to try that Tuscan place across the street. So when Laura M. and I were thinking of a place for dinner pre-MFA, and she mentioned a trattoria but couldn't recall the name, I knew exactly what she meant and was game to finally check it out. It was good we went early, since the small space starts to fill up quickly on a Friday night. I liked our server, who happily provided recommendations, highlighting five or so of the dishes that might appeal to different appetites. We started by munching on what seemed like a whole grain and slightly crustier/denser version of a classic tuscan bread, served with balsamic vinegar dotted olive oil. Good, but nothing compared to the entrees. My friend's gnocchi with meat sauce and my farfalle with zucchini, parmesan and truffle oil were impeccable--cooked perfectly, sauced to a degree that provided ample flavor without drowning the pasta, and provided in an amount that was satisfying but not difficult to finish. Laura raved about her eggplant parmesan to an equal degree. While we skipped wine, dessert and coffee, next time, and oh yes, there will definitely be a next time, I will have to give those a shot. Forget the North End, now I know where to go when I want an experience that makes me reminisce about the real thing.
(5)
Mike L.

Read the reviews and was mildly disappointed. The "awesome" gnocchi was like a glorified hamburger helper. Fortunately for trattoria I like hamburger helper or I would've gave them 2 stars. Eat here if you want but don't go out of your way for it.
(3)
Samuel W.

Blown away by this place. A hidden gem in the Fenway area. Right off the Fens park, its a great romantic spot. The dining area is cozy, the staff is friendly, and the prices are reasonable for the quality of the food and atmosphere.
(5)
Erin D.

I love this place, but a few things made me sad last time we went. The dining floor is small, and you risk sitting almost shoulder-to-shoulder with neighboring diners if things get crowded. We ate early (6pm) on a Wednesday evening, and by 7pm they had squeezed a pair of guests in next to us--making the remaining 30 minutes of our meal relatively uncomfortable. Then this. Before purchasing a fancy bottle of wine, I asked the waiter whether we could bring any remaining wine home after the meal--in case we couldn't finish the bottle. He said, "Yes, of course, the laws have changed and you can bring the bottle home with you at the end of the night. Hooray!" or some variation on that response. Later, after we'd paid our bill, we stood up from our table and began leaving. Then we realized we'd forgotten the leftover wine. The waiters fumbled around for nearly five minutes, before informing us that they were "out of the bags" needed to let us leave with the leftover wine--and they couldn't permit me to use my handbag as a substitute. At this point, our table had been cleared and we were both standing at the front of the crowded restaurant: dumbfounded. Needless to say, we weren't going to sit back down at the table to finish the wine, so we left it there. I felt sort of cheated in the end. If you get a bottle and don't intend to finish it at the restaurant, be certain to ask about whether or not they have the appropriate "bags" needed for you to bring your bottle home! Sadface.
(3)
Vivek S.

We went here a few months back on a cold November night. If you are driving, I suggest parking in the garage at the corner of Bolyston and Jersey St. It's like $6 on a non gameday night. We had reservations and were promptly seated. We started off with the chickpea soup and it was good. It wasn't phenomenal but it kind of grew on me. I had the pinot noir as well and it was a very good one...remember it being from some Italian winery. But the best part of the dinner here was the gnocchi with gorgonzola cream sauce and walnuts. The gnocchi were soft pillows and the sauce complimented it perfectly. Home run came to mind (well Fenway Park is just a hop away from the restaurant). This is the best gnocchi I've ever eaten in my life..fantabulous! My wife had the penne (maybe rigatoni .. don't remember) with spicy tomato sauce . It was extremely flavorful and not just a tub of sauce. Both of us thoroughly enjoyed it. The service was very good and the evening was very pleasant and memorable. They are quite small and the seating is a little cramped but I guess that's how trattoria's are supposed to be, aren't they? Will definitely visit again on a non gameday.
(5)
Jimmy H.

I've eaten at some some pretty fantastic restaurants in Boston, but for the service, price, and food selection, Trattoria Toscana tops them all. My fiance and I have eaten there dozens of time in the last two years and are rarely ever dissatisfied. The wait staff is extremely knowledgeable of the dinner options and provide great recommendations (thanks Santiago!). The eggplant lasagna, the gorgonzola gnocchi , lamb shank, oriecchette, wild boar sausage with pasta, and the chicken liver patte are among our favorites. Save room for deserts though; if available, they have some of the best homemade tiramisu I've ever had. Enjoy!!!
(5)
Chris B.

We went to this restaurant due to the strong reviews that it had received on Yelp. My girlfriend and I found it to be a poor choice and experience for a few reasons. The restaurant was very cold due to the lack of a separate entryway, the food was not particularly good (my shrimp were still in shells and splattered sauce everywhere when I attempted to remove them), the olive oil was water thin and bland, etc. I thought that the wine list was fine and prices were decent, however the overall experience was certainly short of the 4.5 stars that it was rated.
(2)
Jason M.

My favorite Italian place in the area.
(5)
Eric W.

It is, I must say, a little embarrassing for an enthusiastic amateur foodie to only discover Trattoria Toscana by moving in nearly next door. Fenway is quickly revealing itself to be a trove of tiny treasures, this establishment being at the top of the list. As others have suggested, it exactly the sort of casual, romantic, intimate Italian spaces one hopes to find during excursions into the North End but never can. Small touches make the difference: an excellent view of a dynamic kitchen, a pesto sauce alive with flavor, an expertly balanced antipasto. The steak was cooked beautiful, exactly as we would have requested it had they not already known the right answer, and the special preparations available adds flair. The portions are hearty and the prices fair. The atmosphere is joyous, so expect something more akin to a family gathering than your standard cold, dark, leave-me-alone "fine dining" experience.
(5)
Kaylee S.

let me preface this review by admitting that i was absolutely smitten before i even walked into this place. that said, i still maintain that this is some of the best italian in boston. who needs to go to the north end? my boyfriend lived in fenway last year and discovered this restaurant on his own one day in his wanderings. i was so happy to see that it was only a few-minute walk from his apartment, and happier still that our reservation was available right away - and that we were seated by (in) the window just for being so damn cute. the place is small, but in a way that's nice if you like the person you're with. the table next to us looked to be on an uncomfortable first date, but i liked sitting close enough to share plates (and vino, vino, vino!). we had some little crostini with sausage and spinach, chicken liver pate, and portobellos: tiny bites of the decadence that was to come. we shared the gnocchi, which as evidenced by the reviews was delicious, but in my mind has been eclipsed by the steak. steak with a gorgonzola cream. and grilled zucchini. oh. my. god. SO GOOD. if i was being hauled off to prison i would want this steak to be the last thing i saw. i kid you not. we enjoyed it. a lot. we definitely took our time with each course, and though there must have been a wait, no one even seemed to mind that we were huddled up on the bench in the corner, tipsy and feeding each other and generally getting out of hand. (apparently the service was attentive but not intrusive - plus!) my memories are a little foggy but i do remember loving everything. toscana has earned itself, and the one who took me there, a place in my heart.
(5)
michael m.

waiters are charming, food is well prepared and delicious. I havent had everything on the menu yet, but the few items I always get are consistently good. Reading some of the reviews I think one should realize it is a tiny place, much like one would find in Tuscany, and the wait staff has that same European charm, and should not be confused with rudeness. I think staff is refreshing, and actually know their food.
(5)
Chris M.

I just went here for the first time and it was FANTASTIC. We went on the earlier side (6pm on a Thursday), and we practically had the place to ourselves. We had the house Pino Grisio, Risotto, Gnocchi, flourless choc cake and Tira Misu. Everything was so delicious. Definitely recommend those dishes. Not sure a/b the comments about faking the Italian accents, but my friend and I spent all evening trying to figure out if the super-cute waiter was from the Homeland. Didn't matter tho-- he was attentive, but not overly so, the restaurant is beautiful, and I'm sure to go back again!
(5)
Ailen L.

This place is stellar. I love the food here. The menu changes every couple of months, depending on the seasons. Every season they have delicious starters and pastas and entrees. It is truly a gem, a hole in the wall. The place is small but don't be fooled, the food is excellent, the service is great, and it has a warm mom and pop shop kind of feel to it. My boyfriend lives around the corner and we try to eat here every time we want Italian food. Or else, we order it to go and it's still as good in take out containers as it is in the restaurant. Have been recommending it to everybody I know.
(5)
Emily R.

Just had a wonderful dinner here. Waited for about 20 mins because of a 7p rush but the host was gracious and even told us he would call when our table was ready if we wanted to go somewhere to grab a drink. The restaurant is small and quaint and we sat at a cute little table near the wall. The service was wonderful - our water was always full and the server promptly made sure we were happy with every course. He also made some great suggestions. For starters we had the arugula salad (delish!) and the Tuscan bread soup (also great!). The sausage/broccoli rabe ravioli was amazing. Overall, I would recommend this restaurant any day over the hustle and bustle of the North End. Authentic, delicious, great service - what more could you want?
(5)
Stephen T.

Trattoria Toscana has pretty decent mid-priced Italian food. They make a lot of their food from scratch (e.g. some pasta and sausage), and I don't think I've ever had a bad meal here. On the other hand, I've never had a really outstanding meal here either. Appetizers and pastas seem to be strengths although my wife has enjoyed some of the entrees too. They don't make any kind of effort around deserts. It would probably rate 3 stars in New York or Philly.
(4)
Jennifer M.

I agree with the other reviewer who gave this place one star for the service. I have been here once before and really did enjoy the food, but my most recent experience with them was not very pleasant. I live close by and called to place in an order for pick up. We had the lasagna before and liked it, so I tried to order it again. I was told that "We don't have that and it hasn't been on the menu for at least two years." I have only lived in Boston for a few months, so this couldn't be true. When I mentioned this to her, she said in a very sassy voice, "well it's not on the menu now." No offer to help, no suggesting something else I would like, just a brusque brush off. Needless to say, I will not be calling back any time soon. It is a shame because the food was good, but I just don't like supporting places with poor customer service.
(1)
Regina C.

Incredible food! The wine, the pate, the ambiance! Great date night restaurant with personal service! Well worth every penny!
(5)
N A.

Something seems to have changed here. This weekend was my second visit to this restaurant after a stellar first impression, this visit was decidedly unimpressive. I remember fondly having delicious homemade pasta and antipasto my first time and really looked forward to coming back. This round we had bruschetta, pappardelli with beef and mushrooms and a dish with sausage and white beans. The bruschetta was reasonably good (which is no great feat) but the rest of the meal frankly stank. My sausage dish basically was 2-3 sausages on a bed of white beans with a tasteless sauce for $17. My girlfriend's pasta was supposed to have delicious mushrooms which were undetectable in her meat sauce that was similarly bland without anything interesting about it. I used to like this place as a counterpoint to the mediocre and over hyped north end but think they're sliding in food quality. Reading the reviews I see that I'm not alone. As another side point, the tables are all wabbly, I mean like a ship at sea wabbly, which the staff acknowledges but has done nothing to fix (besides wedge them against the wall). Seems to reflect a general lack of effort here. I just found Rino's in east boston, which is my new go to italian place.
(2)
Carl R.

A hidden gem in the Fenway, I used to live around the corner from here and went every week. The food is surprising fantastic and inexpensive, while the staff very friendly and capable. I've had just about everything on the menu and have rarely been disappointed, and, as a "foodie" that's saying something. There is a small but acceptable wine list. Since opening, the owners have figured out how to establish the ambience and it's made for a lovely, intimate atmosphere. The tables are close together, but its easy to have your own conversation provided someone isn't being truly loud and obnoxious (which can happen anywhere). The menu changes on a regular basis and while there are some items that always remain, there are also new things that are brought onto the menu while others are taken off. This makes for a fresh experience. Having recently been to Tuscany, I can say the food here is even better than the "real" thing. We've also found the service to be consistently good -- not always great, but never bad. Entrees are around $12-$14/person, and a nice two-person three-course meal with wine runs us around $70. P.S., There are a few negative reviews from early on which was shortly after the place opened. This place had a lot of kinks when it was getting started but they've been worked out. For those who had a bad experience, I'd recommend giving it another try.
(5)
Lisa C.

This little gem is an amazing secret in the Fenway! It quickly became my favorite restaurant in the 5 years I lived in the neighborhood. It is very small (around 20 or so seats) but the food is always amazing! It has wonderful Tuscan inspired food and a very knowledgeable wait staff. The price is very reasonable for the service and quality of the food in Boston.
(5)
M L.

Based on several rec's found here of Trattoria Toscana, three of us tried it out tonight. I've spent a considerable amount of time in Italy, and know the food well. Versus what I know of Tuscan food, this trattoria was not particularly Tuscan. Secondly, I would not recommend it to Italian foodies, or those who are accustomed to and seek out actual Italian cooking. If this trattoria represents the upper echelon of trattoria-style Italian joints in Boston, then Boston is a sad place for Italian food lovers. The cheese selection on the antipasto misto was parmesan, pecorino, and gorgonzola. Not exactly exciting, and the waiter didn't know which type of pecorino they served (hello, toscano?). My partner got the rucola salad, which was the one thing that made my tongue happy, considering the difficulty of finding rucola where I live (Western Mass). The primi were disappointing as hell. My partner got penne alla carrettiera, which means "cart driver's pasta" and as such does not refer to any particular ingredient list, except that with such a name you expect it to be rustic. At Trattoria Toscana is a tomato sauce with pancetta, chili pepper, and garlic. Sound familiar? It's basically a spiced up amatriciana, which is a Lazio dish and has nothing in common with Tuscan food. I ordered the ravioli with sausage and rapini. Huge disappointment. Instead of big, plump ravioli stuffed with the sausage and rapini, I got what appeared to be your typical frozen ravioli, filled with ricotta cheese of all things, and with the sausage and rapini on top. Ricotta cheese wasn't even mentioned on the menu (if it were, I wouldn't have ordered it - ricotta is an Italian-American cop-out filling). And again, ricotta does not feature in Tuscan food. Lastly, our friend ordered the vegetable risotto, which tasted to me like nacho cheese (I kid you not). Risotto - not particularly Tuscan either. The tiramisu was also terrible, it was clearly made in advance and frozen - it had yet to thaw completely and was icy. That's assuming they make it in house, which like the ravioli, I'm not so sure. In sum, this "Tuscan" trattoria is not Tuscan at all, and the food was not up to par.
(2)
Sonia T.

We've been here three times, and we've taken different groups of friends, and we've always been delighted by the delicious, fresh, unique food and the charming service. The prices make it a place for special occasions, but if you go there, it WILL be special. The pasta is so fresh and the dishes are unlike anything I've found in the city (maybe if I tried another half dozen places in the North End?).We get the Antipasto Della Casa and sometimes the Crostini Misti (they are both generous servings). The espresso and ice cream with cocoa nibs (or coffee bean bits?) was heavenly and our friends are in love with the tiramisu. Potential downsides: this isn't a place with 5 pages of menu choices, and there aren't a lot of (or maybe any?) real vegetarian options. The dishes tend to be rich, so if you think healthy means dry chicken breast, go somewhere else. Also, it can have a long wait and because its small, its hard for them to realistically estimate how long it will be, and there might not be room to wait indoors. Call ahead and ask.
(5)
Dan G.

Wonderful neighborhood hang. Fills up by 5:30...don't be late.
(5)
Steve G.

My son who is a senior at Curry picked this place for dinner while we were in the area for a visit and I have to say he could not have done better. Unquestionably one of the best meals and dining experiences, Italian or otherwise, we have ever had. One thing that I loved is I asked our waiter (who is from Florence!) to guide me between the steak and the grilled pork chop and he actually made the call! I get so tired of "they are both good" and he explained why he made his pick. Bravo! We began with the antipasto and crostini appetizer which was a meal within itself. My son had the Talapia, 5 stars, my daughter the gnocchi, excellent, and my wife had the ricotta stuffed ravioli with meat sauce, a winner, and I did the steak. We finished with the panacotta desert and could not have been more pleased. Our compliments to the chef, the owners and the staff for a very memorable meal.
(5)
Nonie A.

Perhaps I ordered the wrong thing but the waiter recommended it. I had the steak. It had a good flavor but the meat was very grissily and almost inedible.
(2)
Jenny P.

You want authentic Italian food and service? Get here! I don't believe there are any restaurants like this in St. Louis, and that makes me sad. This place is run by a family from Italy and the best part is you can tell they are not lying by their Italian accents and the fact that they often forget to speak in English! I love it! The place is tiny, but cozy and welcoming. They do not take reservations so be prepared to wait. The server made us feel like part of the family and was quite hospitable. The house wine was excellent, the steak dish was excellent, the cheese and meat plate was excellent, desserts were excellent, well everything was excellent! If I lived in Boston I would be back for sure!
(5)
Mcslimj B.

Still delivering at a consistently stellar level: perhaps the single best neighborhood Italian place in Boston, and the only one doing Tuscan cuisine as you'd find it in Tuscany. Trattoria Toscana (not to be confused with Beacon Hill's overpriced, vastly inferior Toscano) is still killing it after all these years. Chef/owner Zamir Kociaj delivers very traditional Tuscan fare like no one else in Boston. What's more amazing is how he does it: a little help early in the day from a prep cook, but pretty much single-handed in the kitchen throughout dinner service every night, working only from a grill, tiny four-burner cooktop, and broiler/oven. Astonishing! Beyond the Tuscan classics -- fettunta, ribollita, salumi, simply grilled steaks and chops -- he does simply superb pastas. Nice, modestly priced wine list, very friendly and spot-on service. There aren't many Boston restaurants I can count on for joy every time, but this place is one of them. Note that when Zamir goes on holiday (last two weeks of July and December are two times, for sure -- check on the restaurant's answering machine), the place closes: it has to.
(5)
Jonny F.

Trattoria Toscana is an absolute gem of a neighborhood restaurant. The food is delicious (and surprisingly reasonable), the ambience is warm, and the service is fantastic. In fact, Ryan is perhaps the best server I have ever had. Definitely check it out!
(5)
LuluandDaquan B.

We gave this place a try due to the reviews... maybe they raised the bar too high but either way I can't give this place 5 stars this time. The restaurant is tiny! We walk into the "waiting area" which is 2 chairs with curtains blocking the dining the area. The host was nice and even though it was pretty full on a Friday night we were seated under 10 minutes. Since the dining area was small, the little tables are close to each other, so we got to be real close to other diners (is that favorable? probably not). Taking a look at the menu, it seems pretty limited. The portions are small, which I almost don't mind, because that seems like what they would be in Italy, right? My gnocchi with meat sauce was decent but too salty and the flavor wasn't too spectacular just strong. DQ liked his pasta but didn't seem to notice whether it was made fresh or not. We opted out of dessert since we had better options. Overall, this place wasn't anything special.
(3)
Ed L.

My wife and I returned there in late October. We were there when it opened at 5 and sat in the window. (It is a small place with no reservations, so the earlier the better!) She loved her risotto and I had a sausage and broccoli dish which was pretty good. The anitpasto was exquisite, and the house red wine was pretty good for a house wine! The service was very good and it was a very romantic dinner. It could not have gone better and it was the romantic, stress-free Italian dinner that we so desperately needed. We will certainly return there soon.
(5)
Gail F.

Trattoria Toscana is a little gift from Italian heavan. This 10 table hidden gem in Fenway is everything you would expect it to be and more! Authentic Italian all the way - from the food and wine to the service and atmosphere. I first tried out Trattoria on a Saturday night around 8pm, and was seated immediately at a quaint table for two. Every aspect of our meal was absolutely delicious. Our server offered helpful suggestions from the seasonal menu and allowed us to sample the wine to find the perfect pairing for our meal. Each time I've come back, I've enjoyed the same positive experiences. The pasta is made fresh to order and the shrimp dish is cooked perfectly. The food and wine are very reasonably priced for large satisfying portions. Trattoria Toscana is the perfect spot for a cozy night out.
(5)
Allen P.

This place really is a hidden find in Fenway. The food is top-notch, the service is attentive, and the atmosphere is great for small groups or couples. I've been here a couple times, and I've always been thrilled with the whole experience.
(5)
Jennafir E.

I think I would have to be drunk to return here again. The staff is friendly, the atmosphere nice, the clientele very sweet. The food, not that great. The risotto was better than the ravioli, but it started to taste like beef strog after a while. The ravioli wasn't good. It tasted like frozen ravioli you could get from the store, it wasn't terrible, just nothing special at all. The pancotta was good. I wonder if there is a new chef as the reviews from 2009 and 2010 differ greatly. Too bad, I had high hopes for this place!
(2)
Roseann C.

After opening day yesterday, I remembered having read about this place and how it was a must-try. I knew it was a few blocks' walk from Fenway and boy, after sitting in the grandstands for 4 hours yesterday, it was chilly out! But my dining companion and I braved the jaunt. I think I was more pleased than he was. I didn't do any checking beforehand, but I figured this type of place did not boast a full bar (to the dismay of my DC). Not only could he not get a "real" drink, he then couldn't even get a Diet Coke! I thought that was strange - and the answer was "we don't carry any American brands." A little snooty and condescending, but I kind of get it, though let's face it, you can get Coke EVERYWHERE in Italy. I settled for a pinot nero (or two) and he for a Pellegrino Aranciata (waaaay better than any American soda could ever be, true). We ordered the Burrata which was gorgeous. Soft and smooth and creamy and fresh and mmmmmm. It comes with marinated mushrooms, olives and sundried tomato (which we skipped) and toasted ciabatta-type bread. Sooooo gooooood. Especially since all we'd had to eat before that point all day was kettle corn. My DC ordered the gnocchi with gorgonzola cream sauce and walnuts. Wow! I ordered porcini risotto which took some time; I didn't mind, and the waitress explained that its being made from scratch occasioned the delay. Even though we ordered pasta, the DC also ordered roasted potatoes (we really know how to carb it up). They reminded me of the roasted potatoes I'd had in Italy on several occasions. We opted out of dessert and went instead down the street to Burtons so my DC and I could have drinks and dessert. Aside from the fact my DC couldn't throw back any booze, we had a lovely meal and I would go back there again. It was small, charming, and very authentically Tuscan. As for those accusing the staff of faking accents - that is preposterous. They are the real deal there at Trattoria Toscana. I feel lucky we were able to try it out without having to wait - all of Fenway's environs will filled with loud, athletic apparel clad folks of questionable sobriety. Even though we were at the game, I felt we pulled one over on everyone by finding this secret spot. Plus, I SO hate to wait! =) Go there and enjoy in good heath!
(4)
Daniel C.

I can't understand the continued hype for this restaurant. Every time we've gone there it proves to be an expensive mistake. Not that the food is bad, as much as for the price paid, a far better meal could be had at any number of restaurants. Like another reviewer (Joolsey C), I dearly want to love this place, but it simply isn't what I imagine it to be. The decor is mediocre, the staff is pushy, and condescending to younger people; and the food simply isn't worth it. Better cook come carbonara at home.
(2)
M B.

Very cool little place with fantastic quality food and service. Deserves an updated exterior design. Was more than satisfied with the experience.
(5)
May W.

Authentic Italian. Coming from a Chinese girl, so take that claim with a grain of salt. They don't take reservations, but if you go at 8:30pm on a weekday, and it's only 2 or 3 of you, there shouldn't be a long wait. $14 for a half carafe of house wine-- need I say more? I love their gnocchi, and we always get their special of the day, which is usually a seafood. Love love love this place!
(5)
Shaina S.

This is a favorite of my boyfriend and I. I guess you could say it's "our place." We go there for all occasions- anniversaries, birthdays, two weeks passing since our last visit... (I think he has used this place on all his ladies, but in my opinion it's still perfect.) Charming and authentically Italian, Trat always provides a pleasant dining experience, especially early on a week night when you are literally the only couple in this tiny restaurant. The food is great and the menu changes seasonally. The service is always very friendly and the food is paced perfectly to your eating speed that night. You won't get plates for your bread and olive oil unless you ask, and as the waiter explained to the couple at the next table over, the food is proportioned for one, so don't expect heaping bowls of so-so pasta or huge fatty steaks. You will get just enough deliciousness for you, so savor it. And if you're really hungry, go for one of the soups. They are thick and chunky and really flavorful. We always end our meal with a cappuccino for my boyfriend and a tiramisu to share. Quaint and adorable, this place is perfect for a romantic date or for anyone who likes good food, service, and wine.
(5)
Sarah T.

LOVE this! pumpkin ravioli was lighter than i had hoped but risotto and gnocchi were to die for. really friendly service. also had the most amazing home made tiramisu here. lady fingers and all. place is small so go early. i dont think they take reservations. i'm definitely coming back!
(4)
Kirsten C.

Though small, this restaurant is a hidden gem tucked away on Jersey Street. (Think topnotch North End quality w/o the hassle of the North End). I get the feeling it hosts a ton of regulars for the mere fact that newcomers just haven't discovered it location-wise. The restaurant truly focuses on producing authentic and savory Italian dishes, in lieu of the frills and jazz of luring people in. I'm completely fine by that. The food speaks for itself!! The waiter was attentive and knowledgeable about the dishes and the food was amazingly superb. I can recommend the Cristini Misti, Linguine w Clams & Mussels, and the Gnocchi Gorgonzola
(5)
Jenn W.

Santiago, our waiter, was phenomenal! It felt like we were in a tiny B&B in Tuscany being catered to by the personable owner. The crostini app had a tasty assortment of pate, soppressata, olive tapanade, and other delectable delights. My boyfriend loved his gnocchi, but was still green eyed for my pesto dish that scrumptuously also included tomato. Delectable!
(5)
Alex A.

Trattoria Toscana is my new favorite restaurant in Boston. The food and service are impeccable all while having prices that are reasonable and an atmosphere that is casual. The steak here is cooked and seasoned perfectly, and the ravioli is exquisite. This is a restaurant I can go to and have a full meal (appetizer, main course, wine, dessert, and coffee) and feel satisfied while not feeling like I over ate which seems impossible at most restaurants. A potential negative is they have a no reservation policy, so keep that in mind if you're planning on coming here on a Friday night. It's also on the small side, so I think this is better served as a date restaurant versus a place to bring the entire family. I've only ate at one restaurant in North End, so I can't say how they compare against the Italian food found there, but I can say it is world's better than where I went.
(5)
Jen P.

OMG, so gooooood. I was kinda disappointed that they weren't serving pappa al pomodoro (my primary reason for coming) but since the menu is seasonal, the current dishes were still delicious! We took the T to fenway and walked the 4-5 blocks to this cute little place tucked away in a quiet residential area. The place is pretty small but we were seated promptly and the service was attentive throughout. We started with the ribollita soup and absolutely devoured it! It was the perfect starter for the chilly night we were having; hey, I'm from California, anything below 60 is "cold" to me ;) They also provided bread and EVOO/balsamic. For entrees, I ordered the Tagliata Di Manzo Al Rosmarino (steak w/ rosemary) and it was amazing. The steak was done rare and the sauce was great. The bf ordered Gnocchi Gorgonzola E Noci, which he actually didn't like. I didn't try it but I believe he said it was far too heavy on the gorgonzola and was just overall too heavy of a dish. We ordered a panna cotta for dessert and it was quite disappointing. It was far too gelatinous (almost solid and rubbery) and the flavor was off. Even though they missed the mark on dessert and my bf's dish, I still really enjoyed the experience. It was definitely very Italian (having lived in Tuscany as a student) and the service was warm and friendly. This is a must-try!
(4)
S. C.

I'm surprised Trattoria Toscana is labeled as "$$" because if you want to eat like a true Italian, it's going to cost you ALOT of money. I've eaten at plenty of restaurants around Boston and our bill for 2 people came to $200 with tip..ridiculous! In Italy for a 1st and 2nd course with dessert and wine it wouldn't cost you anything close to that. The food and the waitstaff were friendly and authentic; you had the feeling that you were in a small piazza in Florence dining with amici. The food was delicious but I think I'll try and find other Italian restaurants with a bit more variety.
(4)
Dan L.

If you are in the Fenway area and looking for Italian, It's certainly worth it, but I wouldn't make this a destination. Based on all the great reviews we were expecting more and were a little disappointed. Service was very good, but ambience is lacking in paper placemat kind of way. The food quality is good, but not great. Reasonable prices - two of us had a bottle of wine ($35), we shared an appetizer, each had a pasta main course, and we shared a desert - $130 with tip.
(3)
Dorise G.

one of kenmore square's better-kept secrets. this place is super-tiny and not at all crowded. it's tucked away into a pretty residential neighborhood, so much so that it hardly even looks like there's a restaurant hidden away. ohhhh but how wrong you would be! ample wine by the glass, perfectly dressed fresh salad, grilled zucchini (like garlic bread but as a vegetable), pumpkin ravioli in sage butter, tiramisu and flourless chocolate cake. sweet and attentive waitstaff with delicious food at a reasonable price - hard to go wrong! also pretty cool that they took care to account for seasonal eating. minus a star only because the pumpkin ravioli wasn't among the best i've ever had - i usually like my sage/butter sauce to be a little thinner, more sparse, and have a little more burnt taste to it, but i think that's just a matter of taste, as i'm really picky about my condiments. it's likely that it will be just what you need - the ravioli itself was perfect. be sure to check it out before the rest of the city discovers this gem...
(4)
Claire T.

Our hosts brought us to Trattoria Toscana on our last trip to Boston. It was my belated birthday dinner, and what a celebration! We started with an antipasti and the bruschetta. The antipasti had paper thin slices of four different types of cured meat and some lovely cheese. The bruschetta was tasty as well; my favorite was the sausage and spinach, but the men preferred the liver pate. My favorite primi piatti was the pesto gnocchi, which was the best gnocchi I've had. They weren't at all gummy, just light little pillows of heaven in a rich, nutty pesto. We also had a pasta dish with a garlic tomato sauce (I think it was rigatoni), and it had an amazing flavor as well. We also ordered the steak with arugula, the liver (not a fan of liver), and a couple of other things. We had a couple of carafes of wine, so my memory didn't perfectly record everything... Everything was perfect, but the gnocchi was the superstar of the meal. The service was friendly and not at all rushed. Whoever was commenting that the Italian accents are fake should reconsider. My sister used to live in Italy, and studied Italian, and said she heard them speaking Italian to each other. Also, why would someone fake an accent? That would be dumb. This place felt very European to me. From the small tables close together (but not uncomfortably close) to the bathroom down the stairs in the basement, the cozy atmosphere was great. It wasn't too fancy, as quite a few Sox fans were wearing their shirts/jerseys. One tip: do not drive here when the Sox are playing. We drove around forever trying to find parking, and eventually paid $30! Either take public transportation or come on a non-game day. The place did kind of clear out after the game started, so that might be a good time to come if you want to avoid a wait. But, whatever you do, try this place. It is phenomenal.
(5)
Chazzy B.

It only makes sense to review the most authentic Italian dining experience in this city in its native language. However, I'm guessing most Yelpers don't speak Italian. Thus, I have translated my review from English to Italian, and then back to English. All thanks to Yahoo! Babelfish Translator. The result? A detailed but incomprehensible set of instructions on how to impress your date, and leave them smitten with a fantastic dining experience: "The gentleman, carry yours here mrs. if you want to make an impression. The gentleman, carries your types you want to close if it in on and eating. You won' shooting of t the gatherer she. You will be able conversare in this more knows it from pleasant lunch of to mala pain of the tables a dozen. Purvey your confidence simply asking " bottle of the red" of the house; with a smile. Armies in your Italian or the " of word; Chianti" if thoughts the house wine sound cheap. With unconcern, l' assistant will sorriderÃ behind with the trivialities on your excellent choice. No coil of the eyes in order not to obtain a bottle superior in quality. Oil of olive classic and l' peasant introduction of the bread. If appreciate the salame, prosciutto and the bacon this is the place in order to order it. Rich and exquisite paste with a zipper that ago to attack outside from the norm. It obtains the reservations in front of time."
(5)
Greg B.

I came to this restaurant with friends and colleagues. We had reserved a table for 8 and when we arrived we had to wait for 30-40 mins for the table. Once finally seated we ordered the food, and the waitress suggested us a bottle of wine that was the most expensive one on the list. When a friend refused the suggestion and ordered a more modest 25$ bottle the waitress looked at us in a strange way, and from that moment on we have been treated as garbage. We all had antipasto, pasta, and entrees which in all honesty where good. Than they brought 8 sides that where on the house as a demonstration of their appreciation for the wait time. However, when the bill arrived we where charged for all 8 of them and they only allowed 2 credit cards to pay so the other 6 had to go search for an atm to get cash. Food is good, but will never come back!
(1)
Dave S.

A rock's throw from Fenway Park, this gem hides in a cramped building somewhat off the beaten path. There was no waiting for a table when I went with my father and my girlfriend before a baseball game, so a good spot to hit that avoids the general ballpark crowd. There's not much seating - this is good and bad - I could see it being difficult to get a table if it was busier - however, in the small, intimate setting, you get very prompt, attentive service. The tap water we got with our meal was lukewarm, the only minus in an otherwise excellent meal. Bread was served with quality olive oil and a small drizzle of balsamic vinegar. We ordered an antipasto plate to split, and were treated to a selection of cheeses, cured meats, bread, and olives. Everything on the plate was delicious, including a strong tallegio and a well-aged parmesan. I got the ricotta stuffed ravioli in a pink sauce, and it was delicious. The sauce complemented the flavor of the ravioli very well. Great meal in a nice environment, with excellent service. Enjoy!
(5)
Parissa S.

This place is a romantic, cozy, and intimate date spot. The waitstaff are friendly and the food is good. I got steak last time, and I particularly enjoyed the side of potatoes paired with their house chianti. It wasn't busy on a Friday night at 5:30. Another plus is that this restaurant is located in a calm part of the Fenway area that's perfect for walking around. I suggest checking out the small Dorothy & David Ramler Park on Peterborough Street after eating.
(4)
Divyesh P.

Very limited options for food. No English translation for Menus, not everyone who goes to an Italian restaurant knows Italian! Waiter took hours to take order. Temperature was 90+ outside, and there was no cooling in the restaurant. I was literally wet for the first 15 minutes there.
(1)
George S.

Trattoria Toscana has become my favorite Italian restaurant in Boston hands down. Very simple decor the staff is fantastic, Georgia in particular, and the food is perfect. What I like most about the establishment is that they have recreated an authentic Italian eatery near the Fenway. My son who lives in Napa came home last night and insisted we go. Again the food was great he had the pork, I had the risotto and my wife had the whole sea bass. Everything was perfect.
(5)
Laila B.

Overall impression: good. I can't base a restaurant solely on its food, it's against my yelping principals! In terms of food (taste and quality) Trattoria Toscana did not disappoint... although I will admit I was a little sad when I finished the last ravioli on my plate, lol. The service, while not horrendous, was definitely pretentious. Pretentious quote of the night from our visit: "...No you can not get mushrooms on the side. The menu is from Tuscany and the chef won't allow it" Thought he was joking, but when my smile was returned with a straight face and a raised brow, I quickly gathered he wasn't. Fine, ok, so I can't get mushrooms. No big deal, I suppose. I just couldn't help but notice, however, that the lady next to me had mushrooms in her risotto and that made me think..."Well, the chef makes mushrooms to put in the risotto. How hard would it be to have some on the side of my ravioli?!" Oh, Italians... My husband and I found it hilarious at the time, but in retrospect, I feel the chef shouldn't have been so rigid with the orders. It's the restaurant business, not communism. Not everyone likes or can have other items (for dietary or religious reasons) on the menu so my advice would be to take that into consideration. There will be some critics of this review, I can feel it. But that was my experience and will I ever return to Trattoria Toscana? Fuhgeddaboudit.
(3)
Anya S.

If a man will take me here for a first date I will marry him. Well, ok Ill consider his candidature. Oh my god!! The Gnocchi is orgasmic. It melts in your mouth and it has the right consistency and taste and OMG!!!! Screw north end, this is the best Italian place ever. The place is awfully cute too. Id say its kinda of romantic. And you know kids, I have high standards. So you get the taste and the look and maybe a something else. Depends on what you're aiming for. The portions are kinda small too, but we Americans need to eat less. So, I actually kinda like that. It wont break the bank, and the food is quite good. So, go here, be merry and order gnocchi!! However, Im taking one star off for the service. Fake assents and kinda of rude. P.S. The antipasti plate rocks!!! P.P.S. The espresso ice cream is amazing.
(4)
Jim C.

Wow, I'm surprised by our meal. I thought with the Boston location, its Italian population and the tripadvisor reviews that I would love this restaurant. The location is perfect. I loved the ambience. Our waiter couldn't have been nicer. It's neighborhoody and was absolutely packed with people waiting outside. I could even tell that the owner/manager cares about good ingredients and producing a good product. The problem is the basic tomato sauce. It was just too thick and goopy and poured on by the bucket full. We were all disappointed. The sauce lacked that light, tangy touch that great Italian restaurants have. We loved the caprese salad and the mixed salad was good as well. The grilled veg lacked a little flavor but it wasn't bad. This was the surprise restaurant of our trip. We really thought Boston would nail the local trattoria for us and it didn't happen.
(3)
Michael R.

One the food alone, I can't give Toscana any less than five stars. Again, based on the food alone, this place really is a gem. In agreement with Anne W., it's got an old-world Italy feel with meals that could go toe-to-toe with any North End spot. My grilled pork chop was cooked to perfection, the vegetables were savory and expertly cooked. My girlfriend's Potato Gnocchi was also subperb. Plus, the prices are more than reasonable compared to their counterparts. However, my one complaint is actually with the waitstaff. The restaurant is rather small and cramped, which wasn't a problem in my mind given the location. However, our waiter was (and I'm really not trying to sound stuffy or hipster-ish here) rather pretentious and overbearing. He spoke down to me after politely refusing to order wine with my meal several times (at least three) throughout our meal, for "not knowing how to properly enjoy a Tuscan pork chop." Oh well, I don't care. He can "vaffanculo!" I still thought the food was rockin', and I'll be back for a date night again sometime soon.
(4)
Will M.

This is one of those times I feel a little let down by Yelp reviewers. Trattoria Toscana was a decent meal, but definitely not worth waiting for or traveling out of your neighborhood for. I had a special of cod with homemade linguine, they were out of the sausage and broccoli rabe I originally wanted. My girlfriend got the gnocchi with ragu. Both were smaller portions than you would get in the north end, and on the oily side. Pricewise, unfortunately, they were about the same. Nothing special about the flavor of the dishes either. Frankly, I've had much better pasta from Lilly's in Allston, and they don't ask for $22 a plate. I had high hopes for this place, but if I had to do it over, I would definitely go somewhere else. Would be three stars, but they get two for masquerading as something other than a cheap neighborhood joint.
(2)
AB H.

Really, I don't get the ratings. We did have one amazing dish: the gorgonzola gnocchi, but we also had the sausage and white beans which I just thought was OK. When we arrived, we were served a special plate from the kitchen, which was a nice touch, but I thought what they brought out - bruschetta - was bland and boring. I do like this place, but I do think it is overrated.
(3)
Lex B.

Go here. Eat everything. Thank me.
(5)
Mick T.

Good food, good service, good wine. What more can I say? Try the warm sausage & spinach bruschetta to start, get a bottle of their house wine, split the codfish ragu (surprisingly good and light) and the gorgonzola gnocchi. Then follow it up with one of their inexpensive, not too big, deserts. If your trying to save money you can get 2 main-courses for less than $30.
(5)
Kat A.

This place is wonderful! We've come here so many times and the dishes are so well done. We've been in the city for 6 years and this is still our favorite place to go for all of our anniversaries, celebrations, date nights, etc. One small thing, I wish the portions were a bit larger. But otherwise this place is great!
(5)
Mathias G.

I am a HUGE fan of Trattoria Toscana, to the point where reading negative reviews of this place hurts me. It's like someone has insulted my mother's cooking. I'm not saying people that have reviewed this place poorly are wrong, but take any reviewer with a grain of salt who went there once and never returned. I've been to great restaurants that, occasionally, have slipped up in service or food quality Thankfully, I've been to Trattoria Toscana a dozen times and have never experienced that. This is place is probably my favorite all-around restaurant in the city. It's totally reasonable when compared to North End eateries. I've read a couple reviews describing it as expensive--that might be true compared to T Anthony's, but for the attention and care that go into the food, the all around ambiance, it's really not. And this is a college kid talking. The ambiance is absolutely charming. The place is small, with room for under thirty. Therefore, it's a great place to have a "moment." Bring a date, bring a couple of close friends you really want to have a time with. Bring the family. The intimacy of the place brings people together, elicits fun conversation and good stories. The service has always been great when I've been there--the star being Santiago, who has always always remembered me and treated any friend or family member I've taken there with extra care. I brought my family there in December after finishing a particularly busy semester. We ordered a bottle of wine. He poured our glasses and then called for a toast, in my honor, for finishing the semester strongly, and then for family, for us all being together and being happy. Not a lot of places do that. And i haven't even gotten to the food. I won't waste the readers time by breaking down all my favorites, but the Crostini Misti and the Rigatoni alla Norcina are standouts. The appetizer brings four Crostini, each offering a different flavor (the pate is particularly standout). And the rigatoni dish comes with ground sausage in a mascarpone cream sauce that literally acted as a topic of conversation for the next week. Clearly, I champion this place, and not exclusively because of the food. It's a location of a lot of pretty happy Boston memories--sexy dates and good conversation and a lot of laughs. My enthusiasm for Trattoria Toscana might over-hype it...but hopefully not. Go there a half a dozen times. Bring people you really care about. Savor the carefully prepared food. And maybe, just maybe, you'll grow to love this place as much as I do.
(5)
Erin C.

Delicious pasta! I have loved every pasta dish I've had here. The portions are large and everything is reasonably priced. The wine selection is great for non-pricey and tasty wines. Very intimate and low key place with friendly service. I have nothing bad to say.
(5)
Sunny S.

Small and cozy, great spot for a date. Best bruschetta I've ever had. The food is authentic and tasty, although my entre' didn't blow me away (hence the 4/5). But the apps were great, and its a perfectly pleasant atmosphere. Would definitely go again.
(4)
Jordan T.

Just walked out on a restaurant for the very first time in my life. Trattoria Toscana on Jersey Street in Boston is a place to avoid. After an hour and a half, our main courses never arrived. There were couples who completed their full meals who had been seated well after us. Our child was understandably falling apart from exhaustion, so we left. The manager, with whom I spoke, was not even the slightest bit apologetic.
(1)
Tyrannus R.

Cute little place with a substantial wine list and authentic Tucson cuisine. Really delicious assortment of crossing ( especially sausage, mmmmm) , linguini with fresh cod. Very nice place.
(4)
Khoa N.

What gnocchi? What eggplants? What meat sauce? I am so confused. I have no idea what people are commenting about on their reviews. After searching for parking for over an hour (starting out with the North End then here), I was starving and was hoping to devour a delicious plate of pasta. I took a look at the simple 2-page menu and panicked. No usual pasta dishes. No shrimp scampi. No fra diovolo sauce. No meat sauce. I wasn't this confused about a menu even when I was in Italy! The chirpy and somewhat pretentious waiter did not help either. We asked him to explain the menu hoping there are things off-menu we can do, and he told us usually people order appetizer, first dish, and second dish. Even with my lack of knowledge of the Italian language, I figured out that much. And then he told us we could do "whatever we want" with the menu because "we are there to please". Ok, not so bad except he shot down every one of our requests. "I'm sorry but we don't have chicken. And we cannot add anything to the dish, we can only take away." What was there to take away when there was only pasta and sauce to begin with?? It didn't even list what type of pasta you can choose from. The waiter did not say either. We ended up paying $40 each for what we thought was half a meal. A small dish of just pasta and peppered sauce cost $17. A plate of a few mushrooms on what looked like mashed potatoes was $20. So if you want a full meal, as the waiter suggested to us, order a pasta dish, then a meat entree. It'll cost you about maybe $37 or $40. Not to mention the food wasn't even that good. No regular meat either, besides steak. So good luck. We ended up going down the street to Rod Dee afterward and got more food. My friend commented the $53 (total cost of dinner) crispy pad thai was a lot more worth it than those meager mushrooms. In my humble opinion, I do not believe this restaurant is better than the North End, or any Italian establishments I've eaten at. If you want regular delicious plate of pasta, don't come to this overpriced pretentious place. Perhaps I have eaten the wrong Italian food all these years. Or perhaps I was never exposed to great Italian delicacy. Or even perhaps we went to the wrong restaurant. I don't know what or where it went wrong last night, but I will never come back to find out. I'm quite satisfied with even Cheesecake Factory pasta.
(1)
Rachel W.

Date night? oh yeah. My now husband and I had our first date here 6 years ago. That's saying something. We looooove this place. Even when we moved to Tampa for 2.5 years, as soon as we came back, we went straight to this place. Amazing food, amazing atmosphere. Valentine's day? Birthday celebrations? oh yeah, go here. I just wish they took reservations, but I can understand with the size of the restaurant that they can't do that. And I wish the bathroom wasn't in the basement. But that's okay. Food is fresh. I mean really fresh. I've been here at least 5-6 times, probably more. Service is great, wine is great, ahhhhh, just go there...now.
(4)
Mark K.

Having recently returned from a vacation in Tuscany Italy, my wife and I really appreciated and enjoyed the wonderful memories we were able to re-live. Small, intimate. we sat in the front window. The cheese on the Anti paste board was perfect. I had the Ravioli. Very good. And Beef liver. Really good. The gravy was very good. Wife had the rigatoni. She thought it was good. she liked the eggplant better. I tried the eggplant. It was perfect. Skip the dessert. We had cheese cake and carrot cake. The carrot cake was quite different than what we were anticipating. Wife and a glass of wine recommended by the waiter. She was very pleased. Was a very pleasant evening. Food well cooked. Good service. Went on a Saturday night. The waiter did underestimate the wait time but we were not put out by the wait. It was worth it. I did not think it was overly expensive but we did spent 160 for the two of us. We would certainly go back.
(4)
Stacy H.

i was super confused walking around trying to find this place. it's nestled in a small building in an extremely residential area, so when it popped up around the corner i was surprised. but looks can be deceiving -- small just means more intimate. the wait staff deftly navigate around the many tables and are ever-so-helpful and attentive. after pestering the waiter with my questions about their vegetarian selection, i ordered the gnocchi gorgonzola e noci, and my friend ordered the fish of the day. that gnocchi was so fresh and soft -- exactly like the little soft pillows of dough they're supposed to be. the sauce was also impeccable. my friend said his fish was extremely fresh and well-seasoned, and the vegetables to the side were also perfectly grilled. this was definitely some of the most delicious italian food i've had in a while. and only 5 minutes away from my apartment? yes please. bring your dates -- this place is adorable and romantic, and totally worth it.
(5)
Judy L.

Very small restaurant. Luckily there was no wait for a table of three at 6pm on a Friday night. We followed the yelp recommendations and ordered the gnocchi and burrata. Both were delicious. We also got the pasta with ground beef. While it was also tasty, it was not memorable. Cute place though.
(3)
Tarinn L.

I have been here so many times and I miss it so so much ..the food here is always extraordinary and the atmosphere is heaven....this restaurant has my heart x
(5)
Nick B.

Wonderful food, intimate and authentic atmosphere, friendly service! My wife and I visited on the first night of our honeymoon. This was a good find - tucked away in the neighborhood in a house-like atmosphere, seating at most 25-30 people. Parking was certainly a struggle; the waiter was astounded that we found a spot. The food was tasty, but the servers came off as a bit pretentious about their fare. Substitutions were not allowed, as they would alter the character of the dishes - this is understandable, but given dietary restrictions, we had hoped for a bit more accomodation. The gnocchi was indeed wonderful, as other reviews have noted. The wine list is extensive, and the olive oil was delicious. Expect to spend a couple of hours here, as the service is authentically rural Italian (slow-paced, relaxed). We would recommend a visit to this tucked-away gem!
(4)
Michelle L.

This is a real treat, one of the best Italian places in Boston and even better than most in the North End! The restaurant is pretty small, so get there early if you don't want to wait in line. We showed up at 5:30 and were the first people there, and there was a line already by the time we left at 6:30. Tip: this restaurant is a 5 minute walk from the MFA, so it's a great place to grab some chow before or after you visit the art museum, specifically for First Fridays! The restaurant itself is pretty cozy and quiet. The food is typical Italian - risotto, rigatoni, ravioli, gnocchi, etc. They have some meats too but who wants the secondi piatti when primi piattis of mouthwatering pasta come first! I had the cod special - chunks of cod filet over spaghetti cooked to al dente perfection. It was a little salty, but the savory aroma of the fish definitely permeated the pasta, which made the carb strands even more delicious. The portions are also pretty big. The girls couldn't quite finish their plates but the guys scarfed down their portions and felt just right. The gnocchi was also a standout. The kitchen is pretty small so be prepared to wait a little bit to get your food. The appetizers come out quicker but the entrees take a while. Great, local place. A little slice of Italy in Boston.
(4)
AM S.

If Yelp allowed 0 stars that's what I'd give!!! Where do I begin! Living in Fenway, I'd been wanting to try out this place forever, which is why I urged my husband and friend to go. what a mistake!!!!! Never will I trust a Yelp review blindly again. They claimed to be out of EVERYTHING on their menu and said "they'd been slammed tonight" at 8:30 pm on a Friday- when did you get slammed? at lunch time?? I'm astounded at this unfortunate excuse for a restaurant that took my $60!!! I wish restaurants had a money back policy!! The menu not only exceeds all limits of normal expenses, but is limited to the amount , that if your unlucky soul happens to diverge in the unfortunate direction of vegetarianism or non beef eating audience, you've got tough luck, my friend! Having been from neither of the two unfortunate vegetarian or non-beef eating groups, I still found NOTHING to satisfy me or justify the meager menu or the astronomical prices! I mean a tasteless Sausage Gnocchi for $17, are you kidding me! My blind cat could have made it!!! Oh and the service staff's repeated "I'm so sorry" for every item on the menu didn't help. I mean, if you're so sorry have a board outside that will spare the non-suspecting customer the hassle! The dessert menu on a Friday night consisted of 2 Items! Wow, how great! Oh not to mention, they can't accept more than 2 credit cards to split the bill- talk about adding to the pain of this whole entire experience! AWFUL service, AWFUL menu, TERRIBLE wait staff and just an extremely unfortunate night spent! Fenway residents BEWARE - don't think that this is worth going to just because it's a neighborhood place, it sucks and you'd much rather be supporting places that deserve your support AND try to earn it!
(1)
Harry P.

Loved this place. A friend and I looking for a good Italian place chose to come here and we were not disappointed. We ordered the crostini platter as an appetizer, which had five pieces of toast and five different toppings - very tasty. My friend ordered the pappardelle con ragu and I had the polenta with mushrooms. Though the polenta dish was just ever-so-slightly on the peppery side, it was fantastic with a creamy and rich flavor. We washed the meal down with a bottle of wine, a cab sav & merlot blend, the brand of which i can't recall. One of the waiters in particular was probably the most attentive and insightful waiter I've probably ever encountered. His opinions of the menu and wine selection were spot on. He must have noticed our table was teetering a bit, because he quickly came over and fixed it. The great food and the great service left a nice flavor in our mouths and a high opinion of Trattoria Toscana in our minds. Keep up the good work, guys!
(5)
Anne W.

My friend told me about this place.. it truly does NOT dissapoint. First, the place is not fancy nor modern. It reminds me of old Europe... it's a cute place.. but it's small. Don't bring big parties... you'll be waiting for a while. I thought the risotto was probably the best that I have ever had. Better than North End.. hands down. I would go here again just based on that. I thought the pork chop was also good.. not overcooked and tender. Really good. I would come again... it was pretty delicious. The service was pretty good too except when we wanted to come in to stand and wait.. and she told me we couldn't. It's cold outside and there is no bar nearby!!! Parking is also a bit of a pain around this area. I found a garage that offered $6 parking.. but it was a Monday night. Come on!!
(5)
Sean S.

This place is outstanding. Apps and Entrees were delicious. We had the Trippa Alla Fiorentina and the Gnocchi Gorgonzola. Service was excellent and had a very extensive wine list. In my case I wish the served soda.Went last Friday night on the recommendation of a Yelp review. Difficult to park but about 2 blocks away there is street parking. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Lisa B.

Five stars for food, ambiance & service. I'm a huge gnocchi fan, but it came in a pancetta sauce. Not a problem! When I told our server about my vegetarian ways, he recommended an alternative sauce. Delicious! Great texture and flavor. Nice wine list as well - There are many options in the $30 range (and many options far above that for the big spenders out there!) No reservations allowed, so get there early!
(5)
mumin k.

this might very well be the best Italian restaurant i have been to outside Italy. the ambiance and the waiters here were very simply amazing. the food was outstanding. I shared a pasta with a friend and we both had the stake plate which were both highly recommended by our server. I am so glad I just decided to go with our waiter's recommendations. The deserts could be improved though. Not because they were bad but after having the great food, my expectations for the desert were pretty high too. that is why i think i was slightly disappointed in the desert. great Italian restaurant at very reasonable prices. highly recommended.
(5)
Gina C.

I'm not a usual iIalian food connoisseur, however, with two hours to spare before a movie, and a 12% battery left on my iphone. Yelp app recommended Trattoria Toscana as our closest, and best bet for a delicious meal. Yelp was correct.. once again! Here's what my friends and I split. Potato Gnocchi with Meatsauce - Good solid dish, the meatsauce had a vary savory taste of spice I can't really describe, quite oily, actually, but expected. gnocchi was of soft and chewy texture. deeelicious. Cod Spaghetti Special- Honestly the best spaghetti I have ever had. I don't think I've ever had a noodle with a consistency as chewy as this. the flavor of the cod was thoroughly infused inside the spaghetti as well. Definitely recommended Bread with Assorted Topping Sampler - There were 4 toppings on the bread, one olive, one some sort of liver etc. A bit more on the regular side... but that could just be because this was overshadowed by the two excellent dishes mentioned above. There was plenty for me and two other girls to share. Waitstaff was friendly and very helpful in terms of food recommendations. Overall Great Experience, and a cozy intimate ambiance.... We were able to enjoy our meal and get out just in time to catch the movie.
(4)
Steve S.

This place is the closest thing I have tasted outside of Florence (Italy, not KY) for true Tuscan fare. The space is small, cozy, and very nice. Luckily we walked in at the right time, waited only a few minutes, and were given the primo table by the kitchen. The wine, antipasto, and service were great. The gnocchi with meat sauce, as well as farfalle (bow tie) with creamy tomato, zucchini, and truffle oil was simply outstanding. I have had many great dishes and these will be as good as many and even in Italy...yes, that good. Oh, and the homemade chocolate ice cream with crushed hazelnut and espresso was the icing on the cake. This was worth flying cross-country for, even though we were not aware until we consulted Yelp.
(5)
Francesco M.

I grew up in Florence, Italy, and spent there the first 27 years of my life - and I can tell for sure that this place is the real thing! You'll just feel like seating in one of the best "trattoria" in the heart of the historic downtown of Florence. The food is superb, the choices are exactly what you'll find in a Tuscan trattoria, and thecooking is excellent. I cannot recommend enough this little, cozy place, which is a true gem here in Boston. If you love authentic Tuscan cousine you will not be disappointed. Crostini with chicken livers are prepared to perfection and trippa alla fiorentina is one of the best I have ever had in my life (and I had many!).
(5)
ms m.

Unfortunately, I have to dock a few stars from my initial review. The last two times I've visited, the food and service haven't been as good; a few dishes were quite bland and one male server in particular is an ass. It's too bad.
(3)
Brad B.

Walking through the front door of Trattoria Toscana, one is greeted with a large black curtain, the smell of red wine, and a certain ambiance you'll only find at a hole-in-the-wall Italian restaurant in a residential neighborhood of the Fenway. The problem with such restaurants occurs when that initial image is tainted by either poor food or poor service. Luckily, Trattoria Toscana suffers from neither of these ailments; one leaves with the same positive image that he or she experiences upon entering. I went here after spending a number of hours at the Gardner with a friend. I spent a ton of time researching the perfect combination of good food, good service, and a pleasant atmosphere at a reasonable price. This ended up being my choice, though I will admit that I was nervous about never having been here, and even more nervous about the accusations of "pretentiousness". Right off the top I will note that I did not experience any of that. The waitstaff was kind, attentive, and did not seem at all put off by the fact that two clearly underage college students were about to come in and take up space without buying any drinks. As someone who has often experienced such a negative reaction upon entering Italian restaurants which rely on people spending a ton of time there buying drinks, I deeply appreciated their understanding. We went shortly after opening, so we didn't have to wait for a table. As others have noted, the place is very small, so I suspect a little later there might be a long wait. Moreover, don't expect to be isolated; there is no room for that, and you'll likely be butted up against another couple/group. Despite that, the simple ambiance it offers more than makes up for the tight squeeze and makes Trattoria Toscana a nearly perfect first or second date spot in my book. Both of us got a rather simple ravioli dish. I don't claim to be a food expert, but the red sauce was one of the better I have ever tasted, and the ravioli itself was oozing flavor in a way I had never previously experienced. She didn't provide any detailed commentary, but my friend thoroughly enjoyed everything about the place, including the food. An Italian restaurant that is willing to put so much effort into the simplest (and cheapest) item on the menu is, in my opinion, worth its weight in gold. My only qualm is that the service was, at times, overattentive. They were not trying to rush us, to be clear, but they constantly came over to ask if we needed something, even when we were rather deeply engaged in conversation. Moreover, the food came out almost too fast; I would have preferred more time for conversation and the like. All of the above is probably the result of a combination of factors, including the fact that we were there so early and the fact that we got rather simple dishes, but it was still enough for me to dock a star. Overall, Trattoria Toscana offers good food, good service, and a pleasant ambiance. If you're looking for a first or second date spot at a reasonable price, look no further. Here, the images you conjure upon entering *will* remain with you for some time to come.
(4)
Greg N.

I'm really mad I tried this place because I'll compare all other Italian food I eat to it. The gnocchi was gnoutstanding. The service was attentive but not overburdensome. The price was totally affordable ($15 for a half carafe of wine? I'm down with that). The antipasto plate was a meat/cheese heaven. The atmosphere was cute without crossing over into tacky (though it did toe the line). If you're looking for good Italian food in a city known for good Italian food, try this place out, especially if you want an Italian experience that is both traditional (at least by this American's estimation) and not overrun with the tourists of the North End. My only minor quibble was the delay between our appetizer and our entree, though the servers definitely made sure our glasses stayed full during this wait!
(5)
Rebecca J.

If you want real Italian food, this is the place. If you're looking for Americanized red sauce and fried food or overcooked lasagna, go to Hanover St. But if you're looking for authentic, flavorful, tasty food that comes from Italy, this is THE place! The menu changes to make sure it's taking advantage of various ingredients but there is always something for everyone. Most recently, I sampled multiple appetizers and swooned with delight. The Spanish Mackerel with pasta is amazing, as is the wild boar (a staple in Italy but a rarity in the US). The Chianti risotto is made from scratch to order (and perfectly cooked and seasoned). The place is cute but small (seats maybe 25?) and does not do reservations. Plan to get there with time to find parking (or park at the lot up the street and walk a few blocks) and assume a short wait for a table on weekend nights. Since the food is cooked to order, plan to relax and enjoy your food. The atmosphere is fantastic and perfect for a date, an evening out with friends or fellow foodies.
(5)
AJ M.

The reviews of this place did not let me down: a cute hole in the wall Italian place right in the Fenway. One thing I did not expect, however, was the level of food the restaurant was going to provide, it was much fancier than I expected. Admittedly, I am a college student and the opposite of a foodie as many of the other reviewers are, so when I ordered what I believed to be bruschetta, I was not expected bread with multiple toppings, including chicken liver patte, ground olive spread, and mushrooms in truffle oil. I only ate the bruschetta and a meat spread that was quite delicious. So just a warning, if you were expecting American-Italian, this is quite authentic! The servers were extremely attentive and we had no wait on a Saturday night around 6:30 despite there being only maybe 15 tables total in the restaurant. The only reason for it getting 4 stars instead of 5 was that after we had ordered it took about an hour for our food to arrive, with only one apology and no discount. But the food was completely worth the wait!
(4)
Jill G.

awesome, authentic italian spot- best one that I have been to in Fenway since I moves to the area. pasta with vodka sauce was amazing!
(5)
Jeff W.

Went with a couple of friends. The consensus was that the gnocchi was okay, the risotto was pretty good, and the pasta was very subpar. Overall, it was somewhat expensive, not that much food, and not that good. They do give free bread with olive oil and vinegar (but I really wish there was more vinegar)
(2)
Lynette M.

Cute little date place.
(4)
Samantha S.

This place is a gem. The kind of small, family place where you see the same, friendly staff every night and if you go enough, they'll greet you by name. The truffle risotto is to die for (we debate getting two orders every time). I enjoy a side plate of roasted vegetables which is a good addition every time. The fish of the day is always a delicious choice as well. Everytime we go, we accept the server's choice of wine pairing and have never been steered wrong. I think it's hilarious that people are complaining the portions are small. You don't need to stuff your face to have 5 star food and service!!! I'm glad I stumbled upon this place, and you will be too.
(5)
Michelle E.

We were looking forward to the eggplant parm, only to get there and it's not on the menu. Apparently it was the most popular item on the menu and sold out by 8 or 9 every night, so instead of buying more eggplant, they took it off the menu. Food was bland and the menu leaves so much to be desired. And by the way, don't try to pay with more than 2 credit cards. Totally not allowed.
(1)
K C.

Closed for renovation it says 7/22/2015.
(5)
dima m.

Great burrata. Real italiano. The vino is very very nice... Its small, delicate and very elegant.
(5)
Joe R.

If I had to rate this restaurant on service alone, it would be 5 stars. It was some of the best service I have ever received. Enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and sincere, our server was just wonderful and the meals arrived relatively promptly. My meal was quite good, but I hesitate to say that it was worth the price. Especially considering the small portions.
(4)
Madeleine Q.

Absolutely amazing! A very simple and hearty menu yet every dish is a hit. It is a bit hard to get to and parking could be an issue unless you opt for a garage. It is also small so not ideal for large parties. This would be a great spot for romantic dates especially if you would like to stroll along the park and the Museum drive or make a stop by MFA or Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum along the way.
(5)
Katie B.

Review I wrote in 2012. The restaurant may have closed and/ or changed since then. While many people rely on the North End to satisfy cravings for Italian food, Boston has much more to offer than just the cluster of restaurants around Hanover Street. The Fenway neighborhood is home to a great variety of restaurants, ranging from quick and cheap Thai food to upscale Italian. To find the latter, stop by Trattoria Toscana on 130 Jersey Street. Simply take the D line to the Fenway stop, and an indulgent dinner will be just a ten minute walk away. Head Chef and owner, Zamir Kociaj, presents his customers with authentic Tuscan food in his homey restaurant. This small, Italian restaurant is perfect for special occasions. It offers a cozy and even romantic ambience as well as a delicious meal. From start to finish, Trattoria Toscana is sure to impress even the most particular diners. The service is friendly and quick to offer their recommendations, as will the occasional enthusiastic fellow customer. The menu offers several different Antipasti starters, including the classic Bruschetta, salad and cold cuts options. However, the optimal way to begin your meal is with the dynamic Crostini Misti ($9). This starter comes with four crostini--little toasts--each crunchy slice offering a different combination of flavors. The argument for which of the four is best will never be settled as they are all and tasty, perfectly proportioned small bites. The chicken liver pÃ¢tÃ© is deliciously rich while the tomato topping is simple and fresh; the mushroom piece offers a depth of flavors and textures and finally, the olive piece, while less exciting, is still satisfyingly tangy. Crostini Misti is the perfect start to a dinner because the range of flavors between the four variations is sure to excite your taste buds, and is not too filling. The restaurant will accommodate groups by offering to serve portions of this appetizer according to how many people there are, and then set a fair price. On a cold, winter day, you can also opt to try one of their soups. The mains vary from pastas to meats. Among the pastas, the menu will vary season to season. Of these, the gnocchi is consistently popular. While the sauces will change, the gnocchi itself is filling without being overbearingly heavy or starchy. A simple option is their spaghetti with olive oil and garlic. Their homemade pasta is perfectly cooked and firm, making even the less exciting dishes memorable. A simple dish well done should not be overlooked. Be sure to pay close attention to their specials; the fish of the day is a lighter option and dependably fresh. The meat options include grilled pork chops and beef steak, or, for a more adventurous option, there is the beef liver in a sage and marsala sauce. Accompanied by oven-roasted gold potatoes, this dish is rich and unique. While after the first bite you may wonder how you could possibly finish the entire dish due to its decadent and heavy nature, there is no need to worry. Often times customers go so far as to not only finish their meat, but also sopping up all of the extra sauce with the complimentary bread. Trattoria Toscana's charming ambiance comes at the small price of having to wait for a table. While some restaurants in the North End are notorious for hour long lines flooding out the door, if you eat at 6pm just before the dinner rush you can avoid the brutal Boston weather. The food, however, comes at a higher price. Averaging at around $30 for a starter and a main--tax and tip included--this restaurant should be saved for special occasions.
(4)
Lissa B.

On the other side of Fenway Park (a actual park with a stream running through, not a stadium) from the Boston MFA, Trattoria Toscana was a pleasant surprise that popped up on a quick Yelp! search. When you walk in the restaurant, you're immediately in the only seating space-- maybe seats only 30 people in about 400sqft. The menu was split into appetizers (~$15), first course (pasta, ~$17), second course (meat, ~$25), and dessert. The wine menu was nice and lengthy as well! Our servers were attentive (with such a small restaurant I feel like it would be hard not to be). Our table split a bruscetta, and enjoyed the bread with olive oil/balsamic vinegar and our bottle of wine. I ordered a gnocchi with gorgonzola cream sauce and toasted walnuts-- it was delcious! The gorgonzola stuck to the sides of your stomach and was much more filling than other people seemed to feel about their orders. We didn't do second course or desserts there, due to the price points. The evening came out as $117 for four people, before taxes or tip. So that felt more expensive than I predicted for the $$ (two dollar sign) mark on Yelp. As with most of Boston, cheap parking is far and few between. One of my favorite realizations was when I went to the bathroom at the end of the evening though: I climbed down the stairs and got a very clear peak into the kitchen. It was a room (not more than 50sqft) with large silver appliances and two young men, preparing everything from scratch. It made me appreciate how amazing all of the food was with a new intensity (that might have been encouraged a bit from the wine as well though!) To end a classy evening tour at the MFA? Perfect night!
(5)
Michelle B.

This is an authentic, intimate Italian restaurant nestled in the backwoods of the MFA. The restaurant is small and can be made easily crowded. The smaller size of the restaurant makes for warm conversations with friends or a special someone. The menu is split by course: appetizers "antipasti," first course "prima piati", and second course "secondo piati." To truly have the full experience, you must order both. The portions are just big enough that ordering two plates is too much, but ordering one isn't completely satisfying. I made the mistake (partly because of my ignorance) of only ordering risotto as my prima piata. Next time, I would split two plates with a friend. I went with a party of four and we started with a bottle of riesling wine for $30. This was on the cheaper side of their wine menu, which reaches $120 for their most expensive bottle. My risotto was good but not amazing. And I tried my friends' plates (one ordered trout and the other gnocchi). They were both delicious. My palate wasn't completely satisfied but would have been had I ordered two dishes. Besides that, this restaurant was great! I would go back on special occasions since it's pretty pricey.
(3)
Minju K.

The pasta dishes here are amazing :) The environment is very cozy and warm inside. I went on a wednesday night and we did not have to wait at all. (I highly recommend going for dinner during the week) The service was also awesome!
(5)
Mary M.

Just discovered this little gem in the Fenway. It's my favorite kind of restaurant - small, initimate space, lovely, attentive staff, and of course, amazing food. We started with the chicken liver pate on toast which was generous and delectable. We then moved on to a pasta course, thoroughly enjoying the red sauce on the rigatoni. For the secondi I had the trout special, which was so sweet and yummy. My husband had the sausage and white beans. The sausage was spiced perfectly and the white beans were like a sauce. Our companions had the steak, which they raved about. One of my favorite parts of the meal was the plate of sides that came with the trout and steak. It came out family style and was filled with perfectly roasted rosemary potatoes, carrots, zucchini, and red pepper
(4)
Kiki P.

Trattoria Toscano is a quaint little trattoria located located in Fenway on Jersey street. The restaurant is small as it probably seats a total of about 30 people. The food is no better than average but the staff is warm and welcoming. Not exactly sure why the yelp reviews average an amazing 4.5 stars. In my opinion, the reviews are inflated. We ordered the Tuscan bread served with different toppings as our appetizer. The toppings included different types of spreads such as olive tampenade, chicken liver, pesto sauce, sausage and mushrooms etc. None of these toppings were very good...kinda plain and lame. For dinner I tried the following pasta dishes: Pasta del buongustaio with pancetta, grilled zucchini, fresh tomato, and truffle oil Pappardelle with ground beef and porcini mushrooms The pasta del buongustaio was much better than the pappardelle. The pappardelle was bland and boring. The pasta del buongustaio was a little more flavorful but nothing special. Unfortunately, none of the pastas are homemade which I can't really fault the restaurant for. It is tough to come by homemade pasta in the US of A. Overall, I would not recommend you to travel far to come here. It is quite an ordinary little trattoria.
(3)
Karina L.

A lovely no-frills restaurant for some hardcore delicious Italian food, although definitely not a 'cheap' place. The menu seems to change from time to time, as I had planned to try a dish that ended up not being on the menu. But I guarantee there will several dishes that you'll have to painstakingly choose between! Also, apparently a great venue for date night. My roommate and I enjoyed a romantic dinner among 10 other couples. We started off with the pate, which was delicious. The wine was cheap and well paired. I got the gnocchi with gorgonzola and walnuts, which was phenomenal. The gnocchi is intensely fresh and chewy. I loved the simplicity of all their dishes -- my plate was just a heap of gnocchi topped with fresh parmesan, and nothing else. My roommate got pappardelle with duck ragu, which sounded amazing but was surprisingly bland. Still, I am looking forward to going back!
(4)
Graceypoo M.

Heard a lot of the hype about this place but usually closed when I have time to venture out at the location. When they were finally open, the fare were just okay. The gnocchi did not wow me. The bolognese that my friend got was also not that phenomenal. i was expecting phenomenal mayng! I'll come back to see if that was just their 'off' day.
(3)
Steven S.

During a recent business trip, my wife and I had the pleasure of dining at the Trattoria Toscana. We both had a late lunch on a Friday afternoon and wanted "a little something"around 8pm. I called and was told to come right down...there was no wait. A quick cab ride and we were seated in a tiny restaurant. Not a lot of tables and they're close together. The staff was friendly and most eating there seemed to be regulars. If you have been to Italy, especially Firenze, then you have eaten in a place like this before. This isn't the North End, with heavy sauces and meatballs. I'm Italian, and I eat that at home. When I go out, I want homemade pasta....simple dishes that are delicious. This place will not disappoint. We started with the Buratta. It was creamy and delicious. For our main courses, we stuck with the pasta. I had the pappardelle and my wife had the pumpkin ravioli....both were just great. For dessert, we split the cheese cake. I loved it....my wife could take it or leave it. The cake was nice, but had a light truffle sauce on it. It was earthy...maybe not for everyone. We each had a espresso. We also each had two glasses of house wine. With a 20% the tip, the bill was $129. For Boston, that's great. The doorman at the Four Seasons never heard of this place...neither did the cab driver. Maybe that's a good thing!
(4)
Damien S.

Such a warm, hearthy resto with simple, classic dishes and (if you're lucky) a sweet view of the Thai place across the street. First and foremost, kudos to Ryan, our server extraordinaire. He was there when we needed him (more wine, good sir!) and gone when we didn't: holding hands, gazing lovingly, trying to recall who sang "Whoop Whoop, Pull Over (That A$$ Too Fat)." Come to think of it - he probably could have lent a hand. Lent? Lended? Go stream of consciousness! The burrata is fresh water buffalo mozzarella with a firmer texture than, say, L'Impasto's masterful starter. While I prefer the sweetness of the honey and the playful nature of grape tomatoes, Toscana's is a tremendous plate. Maybe a few shavings of parmesan to up the salt? My pappardelle was heaped with a ragu of ground beef and imported porcini mushrooms. Rustic with a dose of metallic earthiness, only atoms remained - I licked the plate clean. Her gnocchi with a gorgonzola cream sauce and toasted walnuts was everything you'd expect based on the G-stuff: rich, sharp and well textured. Ambience: romantic much? I'm 99% sure I got some at the table just through osmosis. High five, brah! A return trip is already in the works. Toscana, you're the crown jewel to date night!
(4)
Mackenzie K.

Trattoria Toscana was good, but left dissapointed and felt like I was ripped off. It was very expensive and not large portions... I wanted to eat a snack after. Also, not a lot of options for dinner, which was dissapointing. I wouldn't go again.
(2)
Robin Y.

My fiancÃ© and I came here for Valentine's Day last year (2012). It's a very small restaurant- very quiet, intimate, and cozy- which just creates a really nice atmosphere. I was torn between the pumpkin ravioli and the gorgonzola gnocchi, so the waitress suggested the latter because people rave about it. I loved my food, as did my fiancÃ©, and really enjoyed coming here- a romantic, quiet place to go on a date. Public transit: Close to Fenway station (D line) and Kenmore station (all green line trains and many buses).
(5)
Irina N.

Had dinner here for the first time with someone I didn't know really well and I have to say it is a small cozy romantic spot indeed. Just a few tables; looks like family/chef/owners know people who come in and spends time with them. Reminded me of North End feel a lot. I ordered white wine that was recommended to me as substitute to Riesling (as that was not sold by glass). It was great and I wish I remembered the name of it. I know it started with "O". My companion ordered lager first, which was fine, but did try the "Red" beer after as he was feeling adventurous that evening. The Red beer was not a hit for him or me. It was quite bitter. The app we shared was Crostini Misti assortment: we loved the mushroom, pate and spinach combo but there was one more that was quite fishy. The adventure didn't stop there: the biggest surprise was him deciding to try tripe, which was original my question to the waiter about. Well, I can tell you the gentleman was very descriptive and persistent on pointing out how exquisite the dish is and how people say it is the best in the state (if not further). But he also did specify on rather unique texture of it and assured that if we didn't like it, it could be switched with something else. This is where I gave up and went for a regular ground beef with pasta, which was delicious. My friend, however, felt bad returning the dish and did try to eat the tripe but he could not finish it. In fact, unfortunately, that night and the next day his stomach was not happy about his choice at all :( I would like to say that I am a fan, however, I would be more cautious about ordering something that exotic and listen to the waiter's suggestions more attentively.
(4)
Xiang Z.

As preamble, I was born in Italy and had the pleasure to grow up eating Italian goodness . After coming in the States for college, I found this little hidden gem that really brought back the taste of home. Starting from the platter of cured meats and cheese, this place started strong. Going into a solid selection of delightful first courses, of which I tried several and never disappointed. The second courses are also delicious, ranging from the perfectly cooked "tagliata" to other delicious plates both from sea and land. The whole experience is crowned with rotating dessert selections. Their in-house made panna cotta is truly to die for! Highly recommended, just a reminder they do not take reservations, so I prefer to go on week nights to avoid waiting in line as the place is quite small and cozy.
(5)
Steve L.

Exhibit 1B in the two-way contest for best gnocchi in Boston. For years, I'd considered the Sportello's porcini gnocchi to be the best in town - even better than its special-occasion lobster gnocchi. However, a visit to Trattoria Toscana and a try of the walnut-Gorgonzola gnocchi puts that into question. Dumpling quality was quintessentially resilient with a soft tooth, intrinsic flavor was fine. However, Sportello's dumpling is a bit richer, sweeter, and a bit more sophisticated. But all is well, as Toscana's Gorgonzola sauce shoots the dish into the stratosphere. Rich, savory, and with a nice nose, it's probably just as well that the dumpling is simpler, as the overall dish redlines the limit of heaviness. In fact, a side order of mixed vegetable might be compulsory to help cut the cheesy creaminess of the sauce, which you will clean up with your last scrap of bread. I wonder how it'd taste with porcini and/or truffles? Perfection? Or overload? Not sure why the gnocchi goes on and off the menu. Be sure to look for it, or call ahead.
(5)
veek n.

We walked past this tiny little gem in the shadow of the green monstah. We were staying at the nearby Residence Inn and were looking forward to taking the T into the north end for another fantastic italian dinner later that evening. But it was day 6 of our 7 day trip, and we had an early flight the next morning and suddenly I found myself wondering about Trattoria Toscana and, if my hunch was right, toying with the idea of swapping out the 20 minute ride on the T for a leisurely stroll around the corner. so i read a few reviews, redirected our dining companions, and followed my instincts to TT. this turned out to be a great decision. TT does not take reservations - and it is tiny, like maybe seating for 20 people total. so i arrived at about 6:30 to give them a heads up that we'd be a party of 8 at 7pm. it was a wednesday night and we expected a wait due to the size of our party vs the size of the restaurant, but it was a beautiful boston night so we were up for it. we were greeted enthusiastically and assured they would accommodate us as soon as possible, and as soon as all of our party had arrived. there is no place to wait inside so we mingled around outside until we were all there - 7 on the dot (what can i say, i have punctual dinner companions). i think we were seated by 7:10 with a flurry of apologies for the wait we'd had while they rearranged tables to fit us. all 10 minutes of a wait. the servers/hosts could not have been more affable. they were charming, funny, and professional. we whet our appetites with the crostini misti and antipasto della casa. both offered great variety and were good for sharing, but it was the main courses that brought us to our knees. as others have noted, the gorgonzola gnocchi was the hit of the evening. alas, i had not ordered the gorgonzola gnocchi so i had to gaze longingly at my husband's plate with big sad puppy dog eyes until he got the message. the orecchiette with in-house sausage and broccoli rabe was delicious and perfectly al dente. alas, i did not order the orecchiette, so i had to call in a few favors from my companions to get them to ante up. my vegetable risotto was prepared perfectly, but just a bit bland. the wine list was sizable and varied. we opted for the house wines, which were decent. the panna cotta dessert with raspberry glaze was so amazingly, creamingly wonderful that i actually forget what second dessert we shared at our table - but recall that it was very good too. in my dreamworld, i want to sleep on a gnocchi pillow under a blanket of gorgonzola cream. and when i wake up i want to go for a dip in panna cotta. go here. go here to impress a date or celebrate an intimate event. get the antipasto. get the gnocchi. get the panna cotta (keep your fingers crossed that they'll be serving it that night - but i suspect any of their desserts won't disappoint). that's what i'm going to do when i go back, which i will as soon as i can get back to boston.
(4)
Karen C.

Came here for my birthday and I was beyond satisfied. On a weekday there was no wait but people kept coming in and out. From the outside,the place does not look like much but do not be fooled-amazing! We ordered 5 dishes and a bottle of wine and every dish was amazing. We got the gnocchi, rigatoni, butternut squash ravioli, sausages, and one more that I can't remember off the top of my head. The food was delicious but what really made it a 5 star for me was the service. Our waitress made an effort to help us for every decision we made including the wine. I loveddd this place and highly recommend it to anyone who wants comfort Italian food!
(5)
Jack N.

The best meal I've ever had in Boston. Yeah, I said it. Better than the North End, and that is not a slam on the wonderful meals I've eaten in the North End, it's a testament to how excellent the food, service and ambience are at Trattoria Toscana. Our server could not have done a more superb job. Welcoming from the get-go, he ensured that the two families which almost filled half this intimate space were comfortable and happy. Throughout the evening he was professional, informative and funny. Food was awesome. I had the gnocchi, soft and light pillows of delectability in a subtle Gorgonzola cream. Absolutely heaven. Panna cotta dessert made me question my devotion to my wife as we competed for spoonfuls. Honestly, it was a perfect evening - the ultimate finale to a great trip visiting our daughter in Boston. Trattoria Toscana is now at the top of my "must visit" places when we visit.
(5)
Joseph P.

I don't write a lot of reviews but this place was really so distinctive in its mediocrity, I thought it merited a quick "thumbs-down." Friends from out-ot-town came in and I wanted to take them to a place that was nice-ish and neighborhoody (I live in the Fenway). I've eaten here before once and thought it was a little pricey for what you get, but not bad (I had a very good steak, my girlfriend's pasta was okay). On this occasion, the four of us waited for a table (fine)--they told us 15 minutes, turned out to be 45 (okay) not a word of "gee, sorry it was longer than expected" (not okay). Waiter was more hip than personable and a bit rushed (not his fault). We asked for recommendations of what was especially good today and "everything" on the menu was "amazing." Very useful. He said the gorgonzola and walnut gnocci was ethereal. As I'm a sucker for any item associated with the word "ethereal" I went for it. My friends had pasta and seafood dishes. Gnocci is not easy to do well, but these were leaden balls of tasteless dough in what tasted like raw bechamel sauce (when the roux is not completely cooked). Gorgonzola? No hint. Walnuts? Literally a teaspoon of grated walnut (seriously, folks, how expensive are walnuts?? Gimme a couple effin' walnuts ferchrissakes--we're not talking perigord truffles here). I had come hungry (and I can eat crummy food when I have to) but after about 4 bites, thought it wasn't worth it--lumps of dough in cream was all I could think of. My friend with the pasta thought pretty much the same of hers--boiled noodles with some tomato and undercooked vegetables--Olive Garden would have been better. Another friend liked his lamb shank well enough (not great) and the fourth person thought her salmon was "better than nothing." The waiter came back after Mr. Lamb Shank had polished his off and the other three of us sent ours back half-eaten (or less) and cleared plates without inquirying "was it okay?". He then brought a small pannacotta for the four of us to share to "comp" us for the long wait. I think we were supposed to have been appreciative, but frankly, a small "sorry for the wait" at the time would have been adequate and more welcome; a silly hockey puck of pannacotta with 4 spoons was more comical than apologetic. The bill was around $160 (we had wine and a couple appetizers) and went back to my place where I threw together a big omelet and salad (and Lamb Shank tucked in as well..bastard). Overall, a really disappointing introduction to Boston for guests I wanted to have a nice time. I won't make the mistake of ever going back to this place again.
(1)
Maggie E.

Unfortunately, my boyfriend and I did not get to dine here on Valentine's day, as we had planned, due to a huge ineptitude in service. My boyfriend called earlier in the day to make reservations. The hostess very curtly explained to him that they do not take reservations, and quickly hung up the phone without further explanation as to the Valentine's day menu. We had looked up their menu for months, and had been saving our dining experience at this Trattoria for a special occasion, so decided to brave the line and go for Valentine's without a reservation. As he had to park far away, and was uninformed of the menu, my boyfriend went ahead of me to inquire about their prix-fix Valentine's menu, since I have allergies. Upon his inquiry, a rude red-haired hostess rudely (did I emphasize rude enough?) informed him that she could not reveal the menu (what?!), and that his girlfriend could wait until being seated to educate herself about the menu (an hour minimum wait). I have no idea why the hostess would opt to not tell potential diners about, supposedly, one of their most popular menus of the year, but to my surprise and disgust, that is what happened today at Trattoria Toscana. When I called to ask the name of the hostess, the person on the phone refused to provide me with a name, so unfortunately, although I wish I could advise you to avoid this particular employee, I cannot. Safe to say, I will choose to take my business to much more hospitable establishment next the I choose to go out to celebrate a special occasion.
(1)
Lizzie S.

MMMM nom nom nom. My experience here was fabulous! I had butternut squash ravioli and it was delicious! I also had a glass of the house wine and my bill came to $25 (before tip). Some of the meat entrees were more expensive. The restaurant is quite small. I came for dinner mid-week and had no wait, but I would imagine the wait time could be long on weekends. The portions (at least for pasta) are rather small. If you're very hungry or a big eater I would recommend getting an appetizer. It was perfect for me, but I'm a small human. I can imagine my boyfriend wanting a larger meal.
(4)
Dabney R.

This place is small, romantic, and intimate, a perfect date spot. As some other people have mentioned the portions are sorta small, so my boyfriend and I each got a pasta dish and an entree to share. The gnocchi was excellent, very rich with tangy gorgonzola. The butternut squash ravioli was fabulous, sweet and light with a sage butter sauce. The fish of the day was trout, served whole but deboned. It was crispy, delicate and well seasoned, with rosemary sautÃ©ed vegetables on the side. The bill was $60, so I think $$$ would be a more appropriate price listing. Overall, a wonderful meal.
(4)
Rona Y.

Trattoria Toscana can be a hit or miss- stick with the pasta and you will go home happy. I have had delicious gnocchi and OK risotto here. The risotto was a tad salty after a few bites but the texture was great. My boyfriend ordered a pork chop that was pretty bland and slightly overcooked. The veggies on the pork chop dish were fine, but nothing to sing home about. The dessert was actually my favorite part of the night- the panna cotta was a very refreshing way to end the meal. Though I have mixed feelings about the food, the ambience and service were excellent! It's a wonderfully romantic place for a date :)
(3)
Lori G.

My favorite Italian place in Boston. It brings me back to the 6 months of studying abroad in Florence. Very authentic toscan food, hence the smaller dishes. You will walk out of here feeling full. If you like big dishes I recommend cheesecake factory or something like that. The fresh fish of the day is always a good choice here. The gorgonzola gnocchi is to die for. The tripe is good but not excellent and you can't go wrong with any the appetizers. The small cozy atmosphere is great for a date or dinner with close friends and family. Service has been phenomenal every single time. Prices are fair, similar to most places in Boston. The owner is extremely friendly and sweet. She even speaks Italian! Highly recommended.
(5)
Kevin G.

My wife and I had the opportunity to visit Trattoria Toscana again tonight. Once again nothing disappointed us. Great food, great wine, great friendly service. This is truly a Gem in Boston. Love the changing menu. The experience gets better every time we visit. Thanks Trattoria Toscana for a wonderful evening! K. Gee
(5)
Zhichun Y.

I went there with my friend, I had lasagna which is really delicious. We have desserts, the tiramisu is really a small portion but it do taste good. The atmosphere is good there, but you need to arrive early or make a reservation. I definitely recommend this place.
(4)
Cara P.

Small Italian Restaurant with a short but great menu. Looked like a good selection of wine (but I don't drink it) and the food was great. The service was quick and everyone was very nice. I had the Gnocchi Gorgonzola E Noci and it was as wonderful as I could have hoped for!
(5)
Kate L.

I'm so embarrassed to admit that I've spent nine months living on Park Drive, and in that time I could have bought five full meals at Trattoria Toscana with the money I've spent on final-exam-and-paper-writing-fuel (i.e. Butterfingers and Coke) at the 7-Eleven right across the street. Disgusting-- how could I let this happen?! I just had no idea how good this restaurant was! Because of its modest appearance from the outside (sometimes the windows are even covered with paper), I kept forgetting to try it out. Worst mistake ever! When my boyfriend and I finally visited for the first time, I was blown away by the food. Per others' Yelp recommendations, we ordered the Gorgonzola Gnocchi. It certainly lived up to its steller reviews, and the risotta with porcini mushrooms was similarly incredible. I can't wait to visit again...and again...and again!
(5)
karen c.

A mediocre expression of a college learning student pretending to know how to cook. After noticing 4 people in the kitchen and waiting for at least a good 10-15 min (with no one in the restaurant), you would expect a decent meal. To write this evening/our meal in a nutshell. .... longhorn steakhouse is right around the corner.
(1)
Nancy C.

I came here with the intent on trying the gnocchi everyone seemed to be raving about in the Yelp reviews... Yeah, there was no gnocchi on the menu. Disappointing, because it looked really good in the pictures. But, undeterred, I perused the rest of the menu anyway. They don't have very many choices, and none of their pasta sounded too appealing so I opted for the grilled sirloin steak with rosemary ($27). I personally thought it was kind of pricy considering there wasn't too much, but it did come with grilled vegetables/potatoes. I personally really enjoyed the steak; it was cooked to a perfect medium rare to my taste. My friend tried some and preferred her "medium rare" to be a bit more rare, but to each her own, I suppose. I also tasted some of my friend's ravioli with "braised" wild boar ($16). The wild boar wasn't actually braised; it was more like ground beef texture but with the flavor of boar. The actual ravioli wasn't very good and the dish wasn't hot, it was only warm. Not bad, but not something I'd want to eat. My other friend got the tripe, which was braised with sauce ($17). It was actually a really large portion for one person. It tasted pretty good, but I couldn't eat much more than a few bites because it was so rich. In the end, I was happy with my choice. However, if you're looking for a menu with variety or many handmade pastas, this place is not for you. But the cozy and intimate/romantic atmosphere does make for a good date restaurant... Cost-wise, splitting the bill evenly between 3 people came out to about $24 per person, including tax and tip. I do have to commend them for their customer service though; the restaurant was empty when we walked in, so maybe that's why they were so attentive, but all the servers were really nice people.
(3)
Michael K.

Food here took forever to come out. My wife and I waited over an hour from when we put our order in. I got the sirloin steak, and the pieces of meat were very fatty and tough. I think the chef slices the meat up so you can't tell what type of cut the meat really is. The cut was more similar to a chuck steak (2.59 per lb) than a sirloin steak. Sirloin shouldn't have thick tendon going right down the middle of it. I overheard someone at the table next to us who claimed to be a regular saying that the owner has a fake italian accent. Not sure if that's true...but funny to hear.
(1)
Billy F.

Thought it would be nicer if the bread wasn't cold. The service also did not meet my expectation and billed us in excess of what we ordered. The actual dinner was wonderful. The menu also changes frequently, which I like, and I always love an al dente pasta and this was perfect. Everyone I went with enjoyed their meal just as much. I am probably being a bit harsh, but I couldn't believe a place like this served cold bread. Maybe it is proper, but I like my bread warm.
(3)
Hana K.

To validate its authenticity, I was recently informed that Trattoria Toscana flies their chefs over from Tuscany, Italy every year or so. The more reason to try it out if you haven't yet!
(5)
Paige G.

Not impressed with the gnocchi. Waitress very pushy wanting to up sell us. However, very cute and quaint. Good view and cozy seating. Good portion sizes. Bit pricy.
(3)
David C.

Definitely yummy, but a little pricey given the small(ish) portion sizes. Maybe I'm just a cow, but when I go out for Italian food I hope for giant heaping plates of seemingly endless pasta. What my cod and spaghetti special lacked in quantity, however, it more than made up for in subtlety and depth of flavor. This was obviously attributable to fresh, quality ingredients and a deft hand in the kitchen. Service was top notch. Even though my date and I didn't order that much, we were never made to feel undervalued as customers. And the restaurant itself is simply adorable. Who would have ever thought there'd be a homey little trattoria just a stone's throw away from Fenway Park?
(4)
Bret C.

I was not impressed. Slow service and long waits (even on a rainy Tuesday) to sit at tables that barely fit two people. Food, bread and drinks were all mediocre and the prices were higher than they should be. Everything inside is sort of old - and not in a good, it's-got-character way. If you're looking to spend this kind of money, go to the North End and get italian there.
(2)
Langdon A.

Had an early dinner following a visit to MFA. Pleasantly uncrowded at the early hour. Met pleasantly at the door and seated right away. Asked about changing a menu item and was told no from the chef. For me this is an automatic black spot. I had pappardelle with a braised beef sauce that was excellent. My companion had the special grilled whole trout that was also nicely done and accompanied by a beautiful dish of fresh grilled mixed vegetables. Prices seemed a bit on the high side, but not outrageous for this neighborhood. Service was attentive and friendly if a little too casual. I'll definitely repeat.
(3)
Babar A.

this place is, without question, the best italian food place in Boston! it's in Fenway, so parking sucks and public transport to there is not that convenient, but worth it.
(5)
Diana C.

Found out about this place on Yelp since we were staying at a local hotel. This was such an amazing find! The menu is limited but they were able to accommodate our picky 7 year old with a pasta dish she inhaled. I had the gnocchi and my husband had the rigatoni with sausage and we left nothing on our plates. I used to work at an italian restaurant that served authentic italian cuisine and this place was right up there. We will be going back if ever in Boston again.
(5)
Rachel R.

Everything about Trattoria Toscana is warm, cozy and romantic... and I have no desire to pay for the food here myself. I'm pretty sure that qualifies it as an ideal date place. I had the gnocchi, which I can only describe as fluffy moon pillows. I'm not sure what that means exactly, but it seems fitting. It was served with an intensely delicious Gorgonzola cream sauce and walnuts. However, the quantity is relatively small, meaning you can easily finish the dish without the richness seeming overwhelming or sickening. Try the gnocchi, savor them, and love them with the passion of a thousand burning suns.... and then make your date pay for it, because 20 bucks for fluffy moon pillows with cheese and nuts is hard to accept when you could've spent that money on a manicure.
(4)
Jason M.

It's quiet. It's calm.It's candlelit. It's kinda sexy. It might just be the best Italian in Boston. Trattoria Toscana certainly outshines anything in the North End. Do you want to impress a date? Order them the Gorgonzola gnocchi with toasted walnut. It's the most perfect dish ever made. There is no reason to order anything else here... except for maybe a side of the roasted potatoes, which are crispy and mealy with hints of rosemary and deliciousness. Do that and you'll have a good night. Thank me later.
(5)
John H.

My brother and I were searching for a good place to eat near the MFA, after a long day of art browsing of course. Trattoria Toscana fit the bill according other yelpers so we trusted yelp and walked the half mile from the museum to the restaurant. The restaurant is a tiny place with about a handful of tables. The food was so-so in my opinion. I ordered the gnocchi and my brother the salmon special. The gnocchi was pretty good and tender. The sauce it came with is another story. It felt like canned meat sauce. I thought I would have gotten better at a nicer place. The salmon wasn't bad though it's really hard to make salmon wrong. You have to really try. Oh, if you are going to use the bathroom, then be prepared to walk downstairs to find a tiny-tiny bathroom. Suitable for me since it was quick.
(3)
Jessica L.

So I do have to report, unfortunately, that I came here in August and the restaurant was closed for vacation. It was a bit frustrating, as Trattoria Toscana has no Web site. I called the restaurant to confirm it was open, and the phone kept ringing (and had no answering machine explaining they are on an ongoing August/September vacation).... we chalked up the ringing phone to the fact that maybe the staff was busy. We even checked Yelp reviews here to see if anyone had noted this. We finally arrived, and saw a small note on the door informing patrons the restaurant is closed in part of August/September for vacation. It would have been nice if they could have found a way to communicate this to customers (ie, an answering machine message or something). Posting this here for anyone who tries to go in the next couple weeks so they're not disappointed.
(5)
An L.

Delicious penne with pesto and gnocchi. Great service.
(4)
Noor H.

This place is authentic, reasonably priced, and has some of the most amazing gnocchi with meat sauce. Real meat sauce not tomato sauce with sprinklings of meat. Awesome! Also, their Panna Cotta is delicious and really creamy. It's a perfect way to end an amazing meal.
(5)
Ryan J.

Keep going back. My favorite place in Boston. Everything I have had was amazing. The steak is fabulous all 4 ways (2 winter, 2 summer). Antipasto is a must.
(5)
jugsoochi G.

Best gnocchi I've ever had. Soft, not too rich, perfect. The best seat in the house is in the window. The tartufo was chocolatey and delicious. And the burrata caprese appetizer was so good we tried to eat slower to make it last longer. Actually that's true of the whole meal. Yumm. A tiny restaurant is great for the service and food. But I did feel like the staff were eavesdropping. Granted we were the only ones in the place for the first half of our meal...
(4)
Nicole V.

If I didn't feel the need to write novella length reviews, I would simply write: Words cannot express how good each meal I've had here is. Just go. But fortunately for you, I do feel the need to recap everything. It all starts when you venture to the end of Jersey Street. Anyone who is considering a meal near Fenway should start at the top of Yawkey Way and just go straight. As you venture through the heavy curtain inside, you will see about 30 seats. Each time I have gone around 6:30/7. When we left at 8:30 on a Wednesday winter night, there were at least six people waiting. Just go a little early; you will never be rushed. The menu presents an affordable wine list alongside a modest list of dishes. I have only ever gotten the house wine. A carafe that fills about six glasses is only $28. The red chianti is an easy to drink red that compliments all dishes. The food is broken into three sections: antipasto, primo and secondo. There are about five to six options in each category. If you are lucky enough to sit in the back left corner, you can see why the list of dishes is so manageable: the chef does all work to order in a small kitchen. As a result, the output is indescribably delicious. Antipasto - I took my parents here about a year ago and my dad still talks about the antipasto. He commented on how each cured meat was the best he ever had and sighed at the cheese. Bruschetta - quality grilled bread, fresh tomatoes, mozz, basil, olive oil, and vinegar is a force to be reckoned with. Steak - yes, my Italian father insisted on ordering steak at an Italian restaurant. And he loved it. His biggest compliment for red meat is when he orders "still mooing" and actually gets what he wants. The man who chooses to only eat red meat and starches also ate all the vegetables served to him. Big deal. Tripe - not my thing, but the boy who ordered it loved it. Rigatoni - ohhhhh delicious. One of my favorite things is a simple dish done well. This dish is that exemplified. Gnocchi - this rich, creamy, deep, pillowy dinner was ordered by my friendate last night. I know I will be back on a cold winter night to dive in face first. That is exactly what she did. Once the gnocchi was gone, the rest of the sauce was sopped up by bread. Cod over spaghetti - one of the three fish specials last night. Holy delicious. I died over this dish. The homemade spaghetti was cooked perfectly with each firm bite proving to me how wrong I cook my pasta. The cod was flakey and plentiful. I could not have been happier with the dish. Mine too was cleaned and the white wine/garlic/splash of red sauce did not stand a chance against my bread dipping power. I've never had enough stomach room left to attempt desserts but chocolate, truffle ice cream with homemade espresso churned in made me consider finding room. I couldn't this time, but I might have to next time. And I'm feeling a next time creep up quickly.
(5)
Dan P.

This place has quite the reputation to live up to. I brought my wife here on the first anniversary of our marriage expecting the best Italian food in Boston. I left underwhelmed and without so much as a buzz. It was obvious that our table for two was low-priority. We waited for close to one hour for our entrees to arrive, during which time I had to practically flag down our waiter to refill my wine glass. The gnocchi is very good but it's hardly worth the wait or the cramped, noisy atmosphere. Also, my wife said the bathroom was shitty (not literally). My advice- get takeout.
(3)
Julia C.

I dearly want to love this place, so I could have bragging rights about living 10 seconds away from the best Italian place in the city. And I did come in here with high expectations, too, in order to belatedly celebrate my first job. I was sorely disappointed. First, the most irritating part -- we had an extremely condescending waiter. He started with a "How's COLLEGE going, guys?", which grated my nerves, since we were dressed nicely. I also took offense when he tried to give me a vocabulary lesson on pappardelle and prosciutto. I KNOW what wide-cut pasta and Italian ham is, thank you very much! Pretty rude. The boy wanted to try the infamously delicious gnocchis, but the waiter was VERY insistent about pushing a specific dish, a boar ragu over pappardelle. The whole time he was belittling our choice and saying how we ought to be more "culinarily adventurous," or some crap to that extent. The serving size of the problematic boar ragu was a bit larger than what I've anticipated from reading the reviews here, which surprised me. But alas, the ragu turned out to taste like rather old and like a couple-day-old leftovers from pasta nights we have with my roommates. I had a creeping suspicion that it might've been something that was nearing the edge and that the restaurant was looking to sell off quickly. It just was simply.NOT.good. It was so un-delicious that it made me want to puke it up and eat Shin ramen for dinner. That being said, we also had a pretty good (but TINY for the price tag) salmon steak. But seeing how good salmon is so easy to whip up at home, I don't foresee coming back here to give it a second chance, and am hoping that the over-hype over this place will die down.
(1)
Lauren L.

I moved into the building next door fewer than 2 days ago when I tried this place out for the first time. Walked-in on a Friday evening without a reservation, but we were given a seat. The restaurant was warm and cozy, which is great because who wants to be cold when they're trying to enjoy their meal? We ordered large thing of house red wine of some sort (I can't comment on wine, it all tastes the same to me), and enjoyed the bread and oil, and ordered bruschetta. The tomato and basil was perfectly salty on top of the tasty bread. What a treat. They didn't have Diet Coke (sigh) but the waiter suggested some sort of orange soda, so I had a few bottles of that (I must have carbonation). It was nice. I ordered the penne with red sauce, but without the panchetta and Parmesan on top. It was the most________ phenomenal_______ red sauce I have ever had. It tasted nothing like any other red sauce I've ever had. It was rich and savory, and felt so substantial and hearty, truly wonderful. My friend ordered one of the ravioli dishes, he enjoyed it a lot. My friend surprised me with the restaurants help with a little sort of creme brulee or flan-type of desert with some lovely raspberry puree on top, and a nice little candle for my birthday. Nice touch. I didn't eat the dessert because I don't do dairy, but he ate that and I had the puree. Mmmmmmm... The waiter was top-notch. He treated us like we were in the finest dining establishment in town, very high-end. It was a truly wonderful experience and I highly, highly recommend!
(5)
John I.

I shouldn't be posting this.... Trattoria Toscana is one of the best kept secrets in Boston and it should remain this way. Anyway, it's hands down the closest you can get to authentic homemade Italian dining. I'm from Greece and a great cook (which I guess qualifies me to have an opinion about good food) but I have been many times in Italy and I also have family there (which I guess qualifies me double) If you decide to give it a try keep the following in mind: -Ask them to bring you toasted bread instead of regular bread -Try their house wines. Both white and red are excellent -Try the burrata -Try the gorgonzola gnocchi (don't omit this. seriously) -Try the gelato limoncello You thank me later along with Jason M. right below...
(5)
Katie-Rose N.

Great location, wonderful and helpful service if you scuttle your way in early, and as someone from an Italian family, delicious food! The food was more of a 4/4.5 for me, but the service makes it a 5. Make sure to get some tiramasu when you finish!
(4)
Nicole B.

Will be coming here again. Coming from an Italian family (with a mom who is an amazing cook), I have been very dissatisfied with the restaurants in the North End. This is the first Italian restaurant in the Boston area that I've been to that seems to feature real, rustic Italian dishes (as opposed to generic/americanized dishes). I had the seafood risotto which was a special. It was delicious and the rice was perfectly al dente.
(4)
Pantele P.

I have been twice and both times the food was excellent. The employees were all nice and this was the best compliment to the outstanding meal we had. A + !
(5)
Stephanie R.

This place is right by my apartment. My boyfriend and I went to this quaint neighborhood spot for date night. The service is exceptional - the waiter remembers us even though we've only been there a few times. Wine is decent and relatively cheap. The gorgonzola gnocchi is one of the best italian pasta dishes I've ever had. The burrata appetizer was fresh and delicious. The wait for more than two people can be a little long, but if you're looking for the perfect date night spot in Fenway. This is it.
(5)
Katie G.

Service and quality of food is exceptional. Waiter's recommendation has always been right on!
(5)
Marianna K.

The food was not fresh, the wine was vinegary, but the service great. I really wanted to give this place a good review, but in the end it was expensive and I couldn't eat my meal because it actually smelled like feces - tripe is not a dish for everyone, but it should not smell and taste like insides if the meat is butchered and stored properly! On the up side, the waiters are very attentive and the desert was nice.
(1)
Angel C.

Man, that was a good meal. The food at this place now ranks as one of the best Italian meals I've ever had (top 2, if not top 1). However, they lose a star for a few reasons. I had spaghetti with clams, which was the special. The pasta was cooked perfectly al-dente, and had great flavor on its own. It came with a delicious oil-based sauce. I don't know what it had in it, but YUM. The clams were cooked well, but they were a little sandy (strike 1). I also tried their roasted potatoes. I don't know what they cooked them in, but they were exquisite. However, I was feeling like having some dessert after the meal, something like a tiramisu, and all they offer is ice cream, so I didn't get anything (strike 2). And strike 3 for losing the fifth star was that it took a reeeeeally long time for us to get our food after ordering. The place wasn't full, so maybe they just take their leisurely Italian pace. The place is super cute. The decor is kind of rustic, with earth tones on the walls, and cool artifacts around the place. Definitely recommended for a somewhat low-key romantic evening. Knowing now that they don't serve dessert, if I go again and the service isn't so slow, I will gladly give it 5 stars. Thank you, Yelp, for pointing me to this restaurant!
(4)
Carolina C.

I haven't had such amazing Italian food in a long time. I don't have an Italian grandma, but it was just that, authentic, a unique and made with love. Be prepare to wait a little longer than the average waiting time, but it is so worth it. I had the pasta with the pancetta and it was amazing. I will totally will come back when I visit Boston.
(5)
Evelyn L.

Ugh, yes this restaurant seves good food, but the service is terrible. The waiters obviously judge you based on how you look and how much you look like you are going to spend. I came here with a group of friends for a birthday and it was just a terrible experience. We had an hour wait, then we were stuffed into this small table. We had a couple of questions about the menu and the waitress just rolled her eyes at us. Just because we don't order any wine doesn't mean we deserve that type of attitude. I would have given no stars, but the food deserves one. It really is nothing special in my opinion, I've had better Italian.
(1)
K M.

ya its good.
(4)
Lynette M.

Cute little date place.
(4)
Julia C.

I dearly want to love this place, so I could have bragging rights about living 10 seconds away from the best Italian place in the city. And I did come in here with high expectations, too, in order to belatedly celebrate my first job. I was sorely disappointed. First, the most irritating part -- we had an extremely condescending waiter. He started with a "How's COLLEGE going, guys?", which grated my nerves, since we were dressed nicely. I also took offense when he tried to give me a vocabulary lesson on pappardelle and prosciutto. I KNOW what wide-cut pasta and Italian ham is, thank you very much! Pretty rude. The boy wanted to try the infamously delicious gnocchis, but the waiter was VERY insistent about pushing a specific dish, a boar ragu over pappardelle. The whole time he was belittling our choice and saying how we ought to be more "culinarily adventurous," or some crap to that extent. The serving size of the problematic boar ragu was a bit larger than what I've anticipated from reading the reviews here, which surprised me. But alas, the ragu turned out to taste like rather old and like a couple-day-old leftovers from pasta nights we have with my roommates. I had a creeping suspicion that it might've been something that was nearing the edge and that the restaurant was looking to sell off quickly. It just was simply.NOT.good. It was so un-delicious that it made me want to puke it up and eat Shin ramen for dinner. That being said, we also had a pretty good (but TINY for the price tag) salmon steak. But seeing how good salmon is so easy to whip up at home, I don't foresee coming back here to give it a second chance, and am hoping that the over-hype over this place will die down.
(1)
Lauren L.

I moved into the building next door fewer than 2 days ago when I tried this place out for the first time. Walked-in on a Friday evening without a reservation, but we were given a seat. The restaurant was warm and cozy, which is great because who wants to be cold when they're trying to enjoy their meal? We ordered large thing of house red wine of some sort (I can't comment on wine, it all tastes the same to me), and enjoyed the bread and oil, and ordered bruschetta. The tomato and basil was perfectly salty on top of the tasty bread. What a treat. They didn't have Diet Coke (sigh) but the waiter suggested some sort of orange soda, so I had a few bottles of that (I must have carbonation). It was nice. I ordered the penne with red sauce, but without the panchetta and Parmesan on top. It was the most________ phenomenal_______ red sauce I have ever had. It tasted nothing like any other red sauce I've ever had. It was rich and savory, and felt so substantial and hearty, truly wonderful. My friend ordered one of the ravioli dishes, he enjoyed it a lot. My friend surprised me with the restaurants help with a little sort of creme brulee or flan-type of desert with some lovely raspberry puree on top, and a nice little candle for my birthday. Nice touch. I didn't eat the dessert because I don't do dairy, but he ate that and I had the puree. Mmmmmmm... The waiter was top-notch. He treated us like we were in the finest dining establishment in town, very high-end. It was a truly wonderful experience and I highly, highly recommend!
(5)
John I.

I shouldn't be posting this.... Trattoria Toscana is one of the best kept secrets in Boston and it should remain this way. Anyway, it's hands down the closest you can get to authentic homemade Italian dining. I'm from Greece and a great cook (which I guess qualifies me to have an opinion about good food) but I have been many times in Italy and I also have family there (which I guess qualifies me double) If you decide to give it a try keep the following in mind: -Ask them to bring you toasted bread instead of regular bread -Try their house wines. Both white and red are excellent -Try the burrata -Try the gorgonzola gnocchi (don't omit this. seriously) -Try the gelato limoncello You thank me later along with Jason M. right below...
(5)
Katie-Rose N.

Great location, wonderful and helpful service if you scuttle your way in early, and as someone from an Italian family, delicious food! The food was more of a 4/4.5 for me, but the service makes it a 5. Make sure to get some tiramasu when you finish!
(4)
Angel C.

Man, that was a good meal. The food at this place now ranks as one of the best Italian meals I've ever had (top 2, if not top 1). However, they lose a star for a few reasons. I had spaghetti with clams, which was the special. The pasta was cooked perfectly al-dente, and had great flavor on its own. It came with a delicious oil-based sauce. I don't know what it had in it, but YUM. The clams were cooked well, but they were a little sandy (strike 1). I also tried their roasted potatoes. I don't know what they cooked them in, but they were exquisite. However, I was feeling like having some dessert after the meal, something like a tiramisu, and all they offer is ice cream, so I didn't get anything (strike 2). And strike 3 for losing the fifth star was that it took a reeeeeally long time for us to get our food after ordering. The place wasn't full, so maybe they just take their leisurely Italian pace. The place is super cute. The decor is kind of rustic, with earth tones on the walls, and cool artifacts around the place. Definitely recommended for a somewhat low-key romantic evening. Knowing now that they don't serve dessert, if I go again and the service isn't so slow, I will gladly give it 5 stars. Thank you, Yelp, for pointing me to this restaurant!
(4)
Carolina C.

I haven't had such amazing Italian food in a long time. I don't have an Italian grandma, but it was just that, authentic, a unique and made with love. Be prepare to wait a little longer than the average waiting time, but it is so worth it. I had the pasta with the pancetta and it was amazing. I will totally will come back when I visit Boston.
(5)
Evelyn L.

Ugh, yes this restaurant seves good food, but the service is terrible. The waiters obviously judge you based on how you look and how much you look like you are going to spend. I came here with a group of friends for a birthday and it was just a terrible experience. We had an hour wait, then we were stuffed into this small table. We had a couple of questions about the menu and the waitress just rolled her eyes at us. Just because we don't order any wine doesn't mean we deserve that type of attitude. I would have given no stars, but the food deserves one. It really is nothing special in my opinion, I've had better Italian.
(1)
K M.

ya its good.
(4)
Greg B.

I came to this restaurant with friends and colleagues. We had reserved a table for 8 and when we arrived we had to wait for 30-40 mins for the table. Once finally seated we ordered the food, and the waitress suggested us a bottle of wine that was the most expensive one on the list. When a friend refused the suggestion and ordered a more modest 25$ bottle the waitress looked at us in a strange way, and from that moment on we have been treated as garbage. We all had antipasto, pasta, and entrees which in all honesty where good. Than they brought 8 sides that where on the house as a demonstration of their appreciation for the wait time. However, when the bill arrived we where charged for all 8 of them and they only allowed 2 credit cards to pay so the other 6 had to go search for an atm to get cash. Food is good, but will never come back!
(1)
Dave S.

A rock's throw from Fenway Park, this gem hides in a cramped building somewhat off the beaten path. There was no waiting for a table when I went with my father and my girlfriend before a baseball game, so a good spot to hit that avoids the general ballpark crowd. There's not much seating - this is good and bad - I could see it being difficult to get a table if it was busier - however, in the small, intimate setting, you get very prompt, attentive service. The tap water we got with our meal was lukewarm, the only minus in an otherwise excellent meal. Bread was served with quality olive oil and a small drizzle of balsamic vinegar. We ordered an antipasto plate to split, and were treated to a selection of cheeses, cured meats, bread, and olives. Everything on the plate was delicious, including a strong tallegio and a well-aged parmesan. I got the ricotta stuffed ravioli in a pink sauce, and it was delicious. The sauce complemented the flavor of the ravioli very well. Great meal in a nice environment, with excellent service. Enjoy!
(5)
Parissa S.

This place is a romantic, cozy, and intimate date spot. The waitstaff are friendly and the food is good. I got steak last time, and I particularly enjoyed the side of potatoes paired with their house chianti. It wasn't busy on a Friday night at 5:30. Another plus is that this restaurant is located in a calm part of the Fenway area that's perfect for walking around. I suggest checking out the small Dorothy & David Ramler Park on Peterborough Street after eating.
(4)
Divyesh P.

Very limited options for food. No English translation for Menus, not everyone who goes to an Italian restaurant knows Italian! Waiter took hours to take order. Temperature was 90+ outside, and there was no cooling in the restaurant. I was literally wet for the first 15 minutes there.
(1)
George S.

Trattoria Toscana has become my favorite Italian restaurant in Boston hands down. Very simple decor the staff is fantastic, Georgia in particular, and the food is perfect. What I like most about the establishment is that they have recreated an authentic Italian eatery near the Fenway. My son who lives in Napa came home last night and insisted we go. Again the food was great he had the pork, I had the risotto and my wife had the whole sea bass. Everything was perfect.
(5)
Laila B.

Overall impression: good. I can't base a restaurant solely on its food, it's against my yelping principals! In terms of food (taste and quality) Trattoria Toscana did not disappoint... although I will admit I was a little sad when I finished the last ravioli on my plate, lol. The service, while not horrendous, was definitely pretentious. Pretentious quote of the night from our visit: "...No you can not get mushrooms on the side. The menu is from Tuscany and the chef won't allow it" Thought he was joking, but when my smile was returned with a straight face and a raised brow, I quickly gathered he wasn't. Fine, ok, so I can't get mushrooms. No big deal, I suppose. I just couldn't help but notice, however, that the lady next to me had mushrooms in her risotto and that made me think..."Well, the chef makes mushrooms to put in the risotto. How hard would it be to have some on the side of my ravioli?!" Oh, Italians... My husband and I found it hilarious at the time, but in retrospect, I feel the chef shouldn't have been so rigid with the orders. It's the restaurant business, not communism. Not everyone likes or can have other items (for dietary or religious reasons) on the menu so my advice would be to take that into consideration. There will be some critics of this review, I can feel it. But that was my experience and will I ever return to Trattoria Toscana? Fuhgeddaboudit.
(3)
Anya S.

If a man will take me here for a first date I will marry him. Well, ok Ill consider his candidature. Oh my god!! The Gnocchi is orgasmic. It melts in your mouth and it has the right consistency and taste and OMG!!!! Screw north end, this is the best Italian place ever. The place is awfully cute too. Id say its kinda of romantic. And you know kids, I have high standards. So you get the taste and the look and maybe a something else. Depends on what you're aiming for. The portions are kinda small too, but we Americans need to eat less. So, I actually kinda like that. It wont break the bank, and the food is quite good. So, go here, be merry and order gnocchi!! However, Im taking one star off for the service. Fake assents and kinda of rude. P.S. The antipasti plate rocks!!! P.P.S. The espresso ice cream is amazing.
(4)
Jim C.

Wow, I'm surprised by our meal. I thought with the Boston location, its Italian population and the tripadvisor reviews that I would love this restaurant. The location is perfect. I loved the ambience. Our waiter couldn't have been nicer. It's neighborhoody and was absolutely packed with people waiting outside. I could even tell that the owner/manager cares about good ingredients and producing a good product. The problem is the basic tomato sauce. It was just too thick and goopy and poured on by the bucket full. We were all disappointed. The sauce lacked that light, tangy touch that great Italian restaurants have. We loved the caprese salad and the mixed salad was good as well. The grilled veg lacked a little flavor but it wasn't bad. This was the surprise restaurant of our trip. We really thought Boston would nail the local trattoria for us and it didn't happen.
(3)
Michael R.

One the food alone, I can't give Toscana any less than five stars. Again, based on the food alone, this place really is a gem. In agreement with Anne W., it's got an old-world Italy feel with meals that could go toe-to-toe with any North End spot. My grilled pork chop was cooked to perfection, the vegetables were savory and expertly cooked. My girlfriend's Potato Gnocchi was also subperb. Plus, the prices are more than reasonable compared to their counterparts. However, my one complaint is actually with the waitstaff. The restaurant is rather small and cramped, which wasn't a problem in my mind given the location. However, our waiter was (and I'm really not trying to sound stuffy or hipster-ish here) rather pretentious and overbearing. He spoke down to me after politely refusing to order wine with my meal several times (at least three) throughout our meal, for "not knowing how to properly enjoy a Tuscan pork chop." Oh well, I don't care. He can "vaffanculo!" I still thought the food was rockin', and I'll be back for a date night again sometime soon.
(4)
Will M.

This is one of those times I feel a little let down by Yelp reviewers. Trattoria Toscana was a decent meal, but definitely not worth waiting for or traveling out of your neighborhood for. I had a special of cod with homemade linguine, they were out of the sausage and broccoli rabe I originally wanted. My girlfriend got the gnocchi with ragu. Both were smaller portions than you would get in the north end, and on the oily side. Pricewise, unfortunately, they were about the same. Nothing special about the flavor of the dishes either. Frankly, I've had much better pasta from Lilly's in Allston, and they don't ask for $22 a plate. I had high hopes for this place, but if I had to do it over, I would definitely go somewhere else. Would be three stars, but they get two for masquerading as something other than a cheap neighborhood joint.
(2)
AB H.

Really, I don't get the ratings. We did have one amazing dish: the gorgonzola gnocchi, but we also had the sausage and white beans which I just thought was OK. When we arrived, we were served a special plate from the kitchen, which was a nice touch, but I thought what they brought out - bruschetta - was bland and boring. I do like this place, but I do think it is overrated.
(3)
Lex B.

Go here. Eat everything. Thank me.
(5)
Steve G.

My son who is a senior at Curry picked this place for dinner while we were in the area for a visit and I have to say he could not have done better. Unquestionably one of the best meals and dining experiences, Italian or otherwise, we have ever had. One thing that I loved is I asked our waiter (who is from Florence!) to guide me between the steak and the grilled pork chop and he actually made the call! I get so tired of "they are both good" and he explained why he made his pick. Bravo! We began with the antipasto and crostini appetizer which was a meal within itself. My son had the Talapia, 5 stars, my daughter the gnocchi, excellent, and my wife had the ricotta stuffed ravioli with meat sauce, a winner, and I did the steak. We finished with the panacotta desert and could not have been more pleased. Our compliments to the chef, the owners and the staff for a very memorable meal.
(5)
Mathias G.

I am a HUGE fan of Trattoria Toscana, to the point where reading negative reviews of this place hurts me. It's like someone has insulted my mother's cooking. I'm not saying people that have reviewed this place poorly are wrong, but take any reviewer with a grain of salt who went there once and never returned. I've been to great restaurants that, occasionally, have slipped up in service or food quality Thankfully, I've been to Trattoria Toscana a dozen times and have never experienced that. This is place is probably my favorite all-around restaurant in the city. It's totally reasonable when compared to North End eateries. I've read a couple reviews describing it as expensive--that might be true compared to T Anthony's, but for the attention and care that go into the food, the all around ambiance, it's really not. And this is a college kid talking. The ambiance is absolutely charming. The place is small, with room for under thirty. Therefore, it's a great place to have a "moment." Bring a date, bring a couple of close friends you really want to have a time with. Bring the family. The intimacy of the place brings people together, elicits fun conversation and good stories. The service has always been great when I've been there--the star being Santiago, who has always always remembered me and treated any friend or family member I've taken there with extra care. I brought my family there in December after finishing a particularly busy semester. We ordered a bottle of wine. He poured our glasses and then called for a toast, in my honor, for finishing the semester strongly, and then for family, for us all being together and being happy. Not a lot of places do that. And i haven't even gotten to the food. I won't waste the readers time by breaking down all my favorites, but the Crostini Misti and the Rigatoni alla Norcina are standouts. The appetizer brings four Crostini, each offering a different flavor (the pate is particularly standout). And the rigatoni dish comes with ground sausage in a mascarpone cream sauce that literally acted as a topic of conversation for the next week. Clearly, I champion this place, and not exclusively because of the food. It's a location of a lot of pretty happy Boston memories--sexy dates and good conversation and a lot of laughs. My enthusiasm for Trattoria Toscana might over-hype it...but hopefully not. Go there a half a dozen times. Bring people you really care about. Savor the carefully prepared food. And maybe, just maybe, you'll grow to love this place as much as I do.
(5)
Erin C.

Delicious pasta! I have loved every pasta dish I've had here. The portions are large and everything is reasonably priced. The wine selection is great for non-pricey and tasty wines. Very intimate and low key place with friendly service. I have nothing bad to say.
(5)
jugsoochi G.

Best gnocchi I've ever had. Soft, not too rich, perfect. The best seat in the house is in the window. The tartufo was chocolatey and delicious. And the burrata caprese appetizer was so good we tried to eat slower to make it last longer. Actually that's true of the whole meal. Yumm. A tiny restaurant is great for the service and food. But I did feel like the staff were eavesdropping. Granted we were the only ones in the place for the first half of our meal...
(4)
Snuffles B.

Atmosphere on a Sat at 7PM: Quaint, small, little cramped but part of the charm only about 1/3 full possibly b/c weather was good outside. Got great table right next to window so we could people watch. Service: OK - really hammed up Italian accents, kind of irritating when we asked for our meat medium rare and he said "thats the only way we serve it." When I asked what he recommended off the menu he said "I want you to study it, learn from it. I am like your teacher" and then never answered my question. WTF. Food: - Bread/EVOO - Totally pedestrian/average quality, needed salt and salt and pepper were nowhere to be found. WTF. - Papardelle - Decent flavor but unlike previous reviews, NO WAY this is fresh pasta. It was also not hot enough when we got it. The shrimp were well cooked but the sauce a bit bland. - Steak w/ Rosemary - Just plain OK. The roasted potatoes and veggies were better. Again, lukewarm everything. Impression: (PLEASE NOBODY STONE ME) Wins the award for most overrated ever. If dining here on a Saturday night during prime dinner hours is so lackluster, I can't imagine what it would be like on a Tuesday.
(2)
Adriana C.

Good food, but a bit pricey. Bathroom is in the basement and it is very strange. It is ok, but I prefer Canestaros, which is only a block away.
(4)
Lisa D.

Intimate and very typical of a true Italian trattoria. I have eaten here several times and never been disappointed with any item on the menu. The flavors are delicate and sophisticated, with fresh ingredients. Love! The service is superb. I returned after dining there once two months prior. The waiter remembered me and my wine preference. With this kind of attention, who needs Cheers?
(5)
Hussam B.

Trattoria Toscana is one of those hole-in-wall gems that is a delight to find. It is a charming little restaurant in the Fenway area.Their menu is simple and decently priced for the excellent quality of food you get. We had the burrata with tomato and basil. The burrata was delicious, soft and salty. We opted for a half-bottle of pinot grigio to complement the food we had ordered. It was recommended by our server and was a great recommendation. We ordered the mediterranean sea bass (the special for that night) as well as the papperdelle al funghi. Our entrees, although prepared in very simple ways, were full of flavor. The bass came whole and was grilled with olive oil and lemon. The pasta is all home-made and has that fresh flavor to it. Although they did not have a dessert menu, they did have a couple things to offer that night. We opted for the chocolate gelato with an espresso on top which wasn't special. All in all it was a very enjoyable experience, definitely one we would repeat.
(4)
Sunny S.

Small and cozy, great spot for a date. Best bruschetta I've ever had. The food is authentic and tasty, although my entre' didn't blow me away (hence the 4/5). But the apps were great, and its a perfectly pleasant atmosphere. Would definitely go again.
(4)
Finn M.

If you want to be knocked off your feet by a delicious and authentic Italian meal in Boston, you'll need to go to the North End. Right? Wrong. Maybe you've never even heard of Trattoria Toscana, or maybe you've heard whispers of "some really good Italian place, somewhere near Fenway." Either way, if you're interested in having a truly, truly awesome Italian experience in Boston, you don't need to go any farther than Jersey Street. This is also in the running for best date spot in Boston. Not "great," seriously maybe the best. It's tiny and gorgeous, the staff is exceptional, the food is decadent, and if the girl has never been -- or maybe never even heard of it -- you'll look like some kind of genius. There's no chance your date doesn't enjoy dinner here. Zero. If she does, it doesn't count, because she's obviously insane. Go find someone else. And then bring her here.
(4)
Geoff m.

I stumbled upon this place, trying to find a place close to Kenmore Sq. I couldn't believe that every place in Kenmore was booked at 630 on a tuesday. What recession ??? Trattoria Toscana is located in a quiet residential area on the other side of Fenway Park. Parking is virtually impossible without a resident permit so I parked in the lot on the corner of Jersey and Boylston for $6. Great Deal. We started with the Antipasto platter and Crostini platter. The antipasto was a selection of salumi and cheese while the crostini were chicken liver pate, Spinach and sausage, and portobello mushroom. Everything was fresh, perfectly prepared and yummy. I would use locally made charcuterie rather than the ones they used but still very tasty. For main courses, I had Pappardelle with wild boar, my dad had penne with a spicy tomato sauce and my wife and my dad's wife had steak with balsamic glaze. The steak came with two veggie sides- braised red endive, grilled zucchini, and roasted potatoes. Every dish was authentic, fresh and multidimensional in taste. 2 years ago we spent a week in Tuscany with them and we all agreed this meal was as good as any we had in Tuscany. Our waiter suggested a 2007 tuscan red that had nice fruit, good smooth mid palate and mild tannins , sango, merlot and a little Canaiolo. Overall, I give this place the highest review possible. Not cheap $200 for 4 with 2 btls of wine but it's a great hidden gem
(5)
Rachael T.

An authetic italian restaurant to visit after MFA. Mushroom risotto was super delicious. Gnuocchi was very creamy and not too chewy. Pasta was very good.
(4)
Melissa S.

this place has delicious and authentic food. the restaurant is small but cozy. I second the other reviews that it's best not too bring a large party and come early if you want to be seated quickly. there may be a wait when you go, but the food is deliciousness.
(5)
Taru M.

One of my favorite restaurants in Boston, and luckily I also live just a block away. I've been there close to twenty times already, and so far, I haven't been disappointed with anything. Though I must say that the gnocchi is phenomenal. But really, everything I've had has been way above average. And I've pretty much sampled the whole list. Good if you're looking for a romantic spot. The only downside is that they don't take reservations so you have to take your chances.
(5)
Janak S.

This place is on the fancy side of what I was expecting. The food is more expensive then I thought it was be, the high end of $$ or maybe even $$$. The food was exceptionally good. I had the ravoli rose and I was quite sad after I was finished eating that there was no more. My entree cost $16, which was more then I was expecting to spend. One minor annoyance was that they don't serve any soda! Only wine and I don't like wine. Also, the place is tiny. It maybe seats about 20 people. We were initially seated at a table for two, with other tables for two on either side of us (like 6 - 12 inches away). It left me feeling very claustrophobic, until we asked to change seats. But the pasta was amazing!
(3)
Mark W.

It was ok. Maybe i'm just not an italian food lover. I've hit up all the best italian restaurants in boston and haven't been impressed at all. I'd eaten at places that don't even cost half of what this place costs and had the same or better. Maybe location affords a premium? Not much the harp on about. I came with 2 others and we had the cheese/meat plate, mushroom risotto, the large shrimp entree and the tripe. I have to say the tripe was ok though. The rest of the dishes were just mediocre. Nothing was memorable so i'm not really going to go on with this.
(3)
Darren G.

Went to TT with a group of 5 from work and I was impressed overall. Prices were what I expected, service was impeccable, and food delicious. My only complaint, which is one I have often, is that the noise in there was awful. The place was full or almost full the entire time we were there and it was very difficult to hear each other while we were at the same table. Thus, I don't recommend it for a romantic date. I got the chicken and saffron dish, which was delicious. One of those things that I only eat once and awhile and then maybe skip a meal because I'm sure it was all my necessary calories for the week. Great place, check it out.
(4)
Marilyn T.

Good luck finding parking in Fenway on a game day, but you have to find a way to get to this hidden gem to try it out. It's a tiny restaurant that doesn't take reservations, but if you go on a weekday and avoid game days, the wait is never too bad. The interior is dark and romantic, and the owner comes out to greet you himself. He'll give you recommendations, and I fell in love with the bongustaio (spelling?), which is only available certain seasons of the year. The pasta is so fresh, and the pancetta is wonderful with it. Chicken is done well, and eggplant parmesean is very satisfying. The mushroom risotto also has a strong, woodsy, beefy flavor, and it's super rich without tasting too buttery or cheesy - it actually tastes more starchy, which is how a risotto should be. Wines are cheap, and they add so much to the overall dining experience there. It's probably my favorite Italian in Boston. I'd definitely choose it over any place in North End.
(5)
Sharlene L.

Real Tuscan staff food wine!
(4)
Scott B.

Had a great meal, wine and service. Will be back for sure. You need to eat here.
(5)
Jerrold S.

After a lot of research on CH and Yelp I decided to take co-workers to Trattoria Toscana. We were in from LA and only had a few meals in Boston. What a great decision that was. I was in NYC for the previous 5 days and ate at some of the city's best Italian places like Scarpetta, Convivio, Elio's and Il Bagatto. I'll tell you that Trattoria Toscana held their own to NYC heavyweights. The service was impeccable. Their wine list was much more manageable than most restaurants. We were able to find a nice Amarone and Barbara both for under $80. Great intimate small restaurant with about 8 tables. The owners and people at the restaurant make you feel very much at home. Onto the food. We ordered a few antipasta to start off with - 3 different types of cheese, 3 different types of salami, olives and great toasty bread drizzled with olive oil. I know this isn't the most exciting appetizer but when done right simple food like this is great. The parmesan was fantastic. We also ordered a plate of gnocchi and plate of penne to share amongst the 6 people at the table for appetizers. The gnocchi was outstanding. Quite possibly the best pesto I've ever had. The gnocchi were lovely pillows that stuck to the sauce in a great way. The penne with pancetta in red sauce was a revelation. It was actually so good my boss ordered another plate to share when we got our main dishes. I ordered the garganelli with ragu. Excellently cooked pasta with a nice slow roasted ragu. The depth of flavors was outstanding. Lick your plate kind of good. 3 people at the table ordered the flank steak with aragula and parmesan. Damn was that steak good. Cooked perfectly, perfectly seasoned and a great Tuscan celebration when combined with the arugala and parmesan. I haven't eaten at many Boston restaurants but I've eaten at enough good restaurants to know that this is well worth a visit.
(5)
Annie W.

"the best steak in boston!" promised the waiter. i'd believe him. cute. tiny. wonderful food. delicious antipasto, delicious steak, good tiramisu, very good wines. wonderfully careful, attentive, kind service. definitely go. it's worth your time.
(5)
Smooth O.

Nice atmosphere, great service. Had some wine (good) and the antipasto and crostini which were good. For dinner, had the special mussel & clam linguini special -- the mussels and clams were a little overcooked and clams were a little sandy. Perhaps another dimension to cut the grease in the pasta would have been nice too. (Same for friend's pappardelle too). Overall, would be back if looking for Italian in the Fenway area.
(3)
Jeremiah L.

This restaurant is truly a hidden gem. It had the best antipasto I've ever eaten and the rest of the food was ridiculously good, too (rigatoni, gnocchi & a sliced sirloin w./aged balsamic.) We went on valentine's day and were both extremely happy. Our server, Santiago, was outstanding and made a few great suggestions. The one complaint that someone could have is that it is very small and the tables are really close together. The food is definitely worth it, though. I can't recommend this place highly enough, as it really was one of the best meals I've ever had.
(5)
Jenny P.

You want authentic Italian food and service? Get here! I don't believe there are any restaurants like this in St. Louis, and that makes me sad. This place is run by a family from Italy and the best part is you can tell they are not lying by their Italian accents and the fact that they often forget to speak in English! I love it! The place is tiny, but cozy and welcoming. They do not take reservations so be prepared to wait. The server made us feel like part of the family and was quite hospitable. The house wine was excellent, the steak dish was excellent, the cheese and meat plate was excellent, desserts were excellent, well everything was excellent! If I lived in Boston I would be back for sure!
(5)
Mcslimj B.

Still delivering at a consistently stellar level: perhaps the single best neighborhood Italian place in Boston, and the only one doing Tuscan cuisine as you'd find it in Tuscany. Trattoria Toscana (not to be confused with Beacon Hill's overpriced, vastly inferior Toscano) is still killing it after all these years. Chef/owner Zamir Kociaj delivers very traditional Tuscan fare like no one else in Boston. What's more amazing is how he does it: a little help early in the day from a prep cook, but pretty much single-handed in the kitchen throughout dinner service every night, working only from a grill, tiny four-burner cooktop, and broiler/oven. Astonishing! Beyond the Tuscan classics -- fettunta, ribollita, salumi, simply grilled steaks and chops -- he does simply superb pastas. Nice, modestly priced wine list, very friendly and spot-on service. There aren't many Boston restaurants I can count on for joy every time, but this place is one of them. Note that when Zamir goes on holiday (last two weeks of July and December are two times, for sure -- check on the restaurant's answering machine), the place closes: it has to.
(5)
Jonny F.

Trattoria Toscana is an absolute gem of a neighborhood restaurant. The food is delicious (and surprisingly reasonable), the ambience is warm, and the service is fantastic. In fact, Ryan is perhaps the best server I have ever had. Definitely check it out!
(5)
Lisa C.

This little gem is an amazing secret in the Fenway! It quickly became my favorite restaurant in the 5 years I lived in the neighborhood. It is very small (around 20 or so seats) but the food is always amazing! It has wonderful Tuscan inspired food and a very knowledgeable wait staff. The price is very reasonable for the service and quality of the food in Boston.
(5)
Kat A.

This place is wonderful! We've come here so many times and the dishes are so well done. We've been in the city for 6 years and this is still our favorite place to go for all of our anniversaries, celebrations, date nights, etc. One small thing, I wish the portions were a bit larger. But otherwise this place is great!
(5)
ms m.

Unfortunately, I have to dock a few stars from my initial review. The last two times I've visited, the food and service haven't been as good; a few dishes were quite bland and one male server in particular is an ass. It's too bad.
(3)
LuluandDaquan B.

We gave this place a try due to the reviews... maybe they raised the bar too high but either way I can't give this place 5 stars this time. The restaurant is tiny! We walk into the "waiting area" which is 2 chairs with curtains blocking the dining the area. The host was nice and even though it was pretty full on a Friday night we were seated under 10 minutes. Since the dining area was small, the little tables are close to each other, so we got to be real close to other diners (is that favorable? probably not). Taking a look at the menu, it seems pretty limited. The portions are small, which I almost don't mind, because that seems like what they would be in Italy, right? My gnocchi with meat sauce was decent but too salty and the flavor wasn't too spectacular just strong. DQ liked his pasta but didn't seem to notice whether it was made fresh or not. We opted out of dessert since we had better options. Overall, this place wasn't anything special.
(3)
Ed L.

My wife and I returned there in late October. We were there when it opened at 5 and sat in the window. (It is a small place with no reservations, so the earlier the better!) She loved her risotto and I had a sausage and broccoli dish which was pretty good. The anitpasto was exquisite, and the house red wine was pretty good for a house wine! The service was very good and it was a very romantic dinner. It could not have gone better and it was the romantic, stress-free Italian dinner that we so desperately needed. We will certainly return there soon.
(5)
Gail F.

Trattoria Toscana is a little gift from Italian heavan. This 10 table hidden gem in Fenway is everything you would expect it to be and more! Authentic Italian all the way - from the food and wine to the service and atmosphere. I first tried out Trattoria on a Saturday night around 8pm, and was seated immediately at a quaint table for two. Every aspect of our meal was absolutely delicious. Our server offered helpful suggestions from the seasonal menu and allowed us to sample the wine to find the perfect pairing for our meal. Each time I've come back, I've enjoyed the same positive experiences. The pasta is made fresh to order and the shrimp dish is cooked perfectly. The food and wine are very reasonably priced for large satisfying portions. Trattoria Toscana is the perfect spot for a cozy night out.
(5)
Allen P.

This place really is a hidden find in Fenway. The food is top-notch, the service is attentive, and the atmosphere is great for small groups or couples. I've been here a couple times, and I've always been thrilled with the whole experience.
(5)
Jennafir E.

I think I would have to be drunk to return here again. The staff is friendly, the atmosphere nice, the clientele very sweet. The food, not that great. The risotto was better than the ravioli, but it started to taste like beef strog after a while. The ravioli wasn't good. It tasted like frozen ravioli you could get from the store, it wasn't terrible, just nothing special at all. The pancotta was good. I wonder if there is a new chef as the reviews from 2009 and 2010 differ greatly. Too bad, I had high hopes for this place!
(2)
Dan G.

Wonderful neighborhood hang. Fills up by 5:30...don't be late.
(5)
Roseann C.

After opening day yesterday, I remembered having read about this place and how it was a must-try. I knew it was a few blocks' walk from Fenway and boy, after sitting in the grandstands for 4 hours yesterday, it was chilly out! But my dining companion and I braved the jaunt. I think I was more pleased than he was. I didn't do any checking beforehand, but I figured this type of place did not boast a full bar (to the dismay of my DC). Not only could he not get a "real" drink, he then couldn't even get a Diet Coke! I thought that was strange - and the answer was "we don't carry any American brands." A little snooty and condescending, but I kind of get it, though let's face it, you can get Coke EVERYWHERE in Italy. I settled for a pinot nero (or two) and he for a Pellegrino Aranciata (waaaay better than any American soda could ever be, true). We ordered the Burrata which was gorgeous. Soft and smooth and creamy and fresh and mmmmmm. It comes with marinated mushrooms, olives and sundried tomato (which we skipped) and toasted ciabatta-type bread. Sooooo gooooood. Especially since all we'd had to eat before that point all day was kettle corn. My DC ordered the gnocchi with gorgonzola cream sauce and walnuts. Wow! I ordered porcini risotto which took some time; I didn't mind, and the waitress explained that its being made from scratch occasioned the delay. Even though we ordered pasta, the DC also ordered roasted potatoes (we really know how to carb it up). They reminded me of the roasted potatoes I'd had in Italy on several occasions. We opted out of dessert and went instead down the street to Burtons so my DC and I could have drinks and dessert. Aside from the fact my DC couldn't throw back any booze, we had a lovely meal and I would go back there again. It was small, charming, and very authentically Tuscan. As for those accusing the staff of faking accents - that is preposterous. They are the real deal there at Trattoria Toscana. I feel lucky we were able to try it out without having to wait - all of Fenway's environs will filled with loud, athletic apparel clad folks of questionable sobriety. Even though we were at the game, I felt we pulled one over on everyone by finding this secret spot. Plus, I SO hate to wait! =) Go there and enjoy in good heath!
(4)
Daniel C.

I can't understand the continued hype for this restaurant. Every time we've gone there it proves to be an expensive mistake. Not that the food is bad, as much as for the price paid, a far better meal could be had at any number of restaurants. Like another reviewer (Joolsey C), I dearly want to love this place, but it simply isn't what I imagine it to be. The decor is mediocre, the staff is pushy, and condescending to younger people; and the food simply isn't worth it. Better cook come carbonara at home.
(2)
M B.

Very cool little place with fantastic quality food and service. Deserves an updated exterior design. Was more than satisfied with the experience.
(5)
May W.

Authentic Italian. Coming from a Chinese girl, so take that claim with a grain of salt. They don't take reservations, but if you go at 8:30pm on a weekday, and it's only 2 or 3 of you, there shouldn't be a long wait. $14 for a half carafe of house wine-- need I say more? I love their gnocchi, and we always get their special of the day, which is usually a seafood. Love love love this place!
(5)
Shaina S.

This is a favorite of my boyfriend and I. I guess you could say it's "our place." We go there for all occasions- anniversaries, birthdays, two weeks passing since our last visit... (I think he has used this place on all his ladies, but in my opinion it's still perfect.) Charming and authentically Italian, Trat always provides a pleasant dining experience, especially early on a week night when you are literally the only couple in this tiny restaurant. The food is great and the menu changes seasonally. The service is always very friendly and the food is paced perfectly to your eating speed that night. You won't get plates for your bread and olive oil unless you ask, and as the waiter explained to the couple at the next table over, the food is proportioned for one, so don't expect heaping bowls of so-so pasta or huge fatty steaks. You will get just enough deliciousness for you, so savor it. And if you're really hungry, go for one of the soups. They are thick and chunky and really flavorful. We always end our meal with a cappuccino for my boyfriend and a tiramisu to share. Quaint and adorable, this place is perfect for a romantic date or for anyone who likes good food, service, and wine.
(5)
Sarah T.

LOVE this! pumpkin ravioli was lighter than i had hoped but risotto and gnocchi were to die for. really friendly service. also had the most amazing home made tiramisu here. lady fingers and all. place is small so go early. i dont think they take reservations. i'm definitely coming back!
(4)
Kirsten C.

Though small, this restaurant is a hidden gem tucked away on Jersey Street. (Think topnotch North End quality w/o the hassle of the North End). I get the feeling it hosts a ton of regulars for the mere fact that newcomers just haven't discovered it location-wise. The restaurant truly focuses on producing authentic and savory Italian dishes, in lieu of the frills and jazz of luring people in. I'm completely fine by that. The food speaks for itself!! The waiter was attentive and knowledgeable about the dishes and the food was amazingly superb. I can recommend the Cristini Misti, Linguine w Clams & Mussels, and the Gnocchi Gorgonzola
(5)
Jenn W.

Santiago, our waiter, was phenomenal! It felt like we were in a tiny B&B in Tuscany being catered to by the personable owner. The crostini app had a tasty assortment of pate, soppressata, olive tapanade, and other delectable delights. My boyfriend loved his gnocchi, but was still green eyed for my pesto dish that scrumptuously also included tomato. Delectable!
(5)
Alex A.

Trattoria Toscana is my new favorite restaurant in Boston. The food and service are impeccable all while having prices that are reasonable and an atmosphere that is casual. The steak here is cooked and seasoned perfectly, and the ravioli is exquisite. This is a restaurant I can go to and have a full meal (appetizer, main course, wine, dessert, and coffee) and feel satisfied while not feeling like I over ate which seems impossible at most restaurants. A potential negative is they have a no reservation policy, so keep that in mind if you're planning on coming here on a Friday night. It's also on the small side, so I think this is better served as a date restaurant versus a place to bring the entire family. I've only ate at one restaurant in North End, so I can't say how they compare against the Italian food found there, but I can say it is world's better than where I went.
(5)
Jen P.

OMG, so gooooood. I was kinda disappointed that they weren't serving pappa al pomodoro (my primary reason for coming) but since the menu is seasonal, the current dishes were still delicious! We took the T to fenway and walked the 4-5 blocks to this cute little place tucked away in a quiet residential area. The place is pretty small but we were seated promptly and the service was attentive throughout. We started with the ribollita soup and absolutely devoured it! It was the perfect starter for the chilly night we were having; hey, I'm from California, anything below 60 is "cold" to me ;) They also provided bread and EVOO/balsamic. For entrees, I ordered the Tagliata Di Manzo Al Rosmarino (steak w/ rosemary) and it was amazing. The steak was done rare and the sauce was great. The bf ordered Gnocchi Gorgonzola E Noci, which he actually didn't like. I didn't try it but I believe he said it was far too heavy on the gorgonzola and was just overall too heavy of a dish. We ordered a panna cotta for dessert and it was quite disappointing. It was far too gelatinous (almost solid and rubbery) and the flavor was off. Even though they missed the mark on dessert and my bf's dish, I still really enjoyed the experience. It was definitely very Italian (having lived in Tuscany as a student) and the service was warm and friendly. This is a must-try!
(4)
S. C.

I'm surprised Trattoria Toscana is labeled as "$$" because if you want to eat like a true Italian, it's going to cost you ALOT of money. I've eaten at plenty of restaurants around Boston and our bill for 2 people came to $200 with tip..ridiculous! In Italy for a 1st and 2nd course with dessert and wine it wouldn't cost you anything close to that. The food and the waitstaff were friendly and authentic; you had the feeling that you were in a small piazza in Florence dining with amici. The food was delicious but I think I'll try and find other Italian restaurants with a bit more variety.
(4)
Dan L.

If you are in the Fenway area and looking for Italian, It's certainly worth it, but I wouldn't make this a destination. Based on all the great reviews we were expecting more and were a little disappointed. Service was very good, but ambience is lacking in paper placemat kind of way. The food quality is good, but not great. Reasonable prices - two of us had a bottle of wine ($35), we shared an appetizer, each had a pasta main course, and we shared a desert - $130 with tip.
(3)
Dorise G.

one of kenmore square's better-kept secrets. this place is super-tiny and not at all crowded. it's tucked away into a pretty residential neighborhood, so much so that it hardly even looks like there's a restaurant hidden away. ohhhh but how wrong you would be! ample wine by the glass, perfectly dressed fresh salad, grilled zucchini (like garlic bread but as a vegetable), pumpkin ravioli in sage butter, tiramisu and flourless chocolate cake. sweet and attentive waitstaff with delicious food at a reasonable price - hard to go wrong! also pretty cool that they took care to account for seasonal eating. minus a star only because the pumpkin ravioli wasn't among the best i've ever had - i usually like my sage/butter sauce to be a little thinner, more sparse, and have a little more burnt taste to it, but i think that's just a matter of taste, as i'm really picky about my condiments. it's likely that it will be just what you need - the ravioli itself was perfect. be sure to check it out before the rest of the city discovers this gem...
(4)
Claire T.

Our hosts brought us to Trattoria Toscana on our last trip to Boston. It was my belated birthday dinner, and what a celebration! We started with an antipasti and the bruschetta. The antipasti had paper thin slices of four different types of cured meat and some lovely cheese. The bruschetta was tasty as well; my favorite was the sausage and spinach, but the men preferred the liver pate. My favorite primi piatti was the pesto gnocchi, which was the best gnocchi I've had. They weren't at all gummy, just light little pillows of heaven in a rich, nutty pesto. We also had a pasta dish with a garlic tomato sauce (I think it was rigatoni), and it had an amazing flavor as well. We also ordered the steak with arugula, the liver (not a fan of liver), and a couple of other things. We had a couple of carafes of wine, so my memory didn't perfectly record everything... Everything was perfect, but the gnocchi was the superstar of the meal. The service was friendly and not at all rushed. Whoever was commenting that the Italian accents are fake should reconsider. My sister used to live in Italy, and studied Italian, and said she heard them speaking Italian to each other. Also, why would someone fake an accent? That would be dumb. This place felt very European to me. From the small tables close together (but not uncomfortably close) to the bathroom down the stairs in the basement, the cozy atmosphere was great. It wasn't too fancy, as quite a few Sox fans were wearing their shirts/jerseys. One tip: do not drive here when the Sox are playing. We drove around forever trying to find parking, and eventually paid $30! Either take public transportation or come on a non-game day. The place did kind of clear out after the game started, so that might be a good time to come if you want to avoid a wait. But, whatever you do, try this place. It is phenomenal.
(5)
Chazzy B.

It only makes sense to review the most authentic Italian dining experience in this city in its native language. However, I'm guessing most Yelpers don't speak Italian. Thus, I have translated my review from English to Italian, and then back to English. All thanks to Yahoo! Babelfish Translator. The result? A detailed but incomprehensible set of instructions on how to impress your date, and leave them smitten with a fantastic dining experience: "The gentleman, carry yours here mrs. if you want to make an impression. The gentleman, carries your types you want to close if it in on and eating. You won' shooting of t the gatherer she. You will be able conversare in this more knows it from pleasant lunch of to mala pain of the tables a dozen. Purvey your confidence simply asking " bottle of the red" of the house; with a smile. Armies in your Italian or the " of word; Chianti" if thoughts the house wine sound cheap. With unconcern, l' assistant will sorriderÃ behind with the trivialities on your excellent choice. No coil of the eyes in order not to obtain a bottle superior in quality. Oil of olive classic and l' peasant introduction of the bread. If appreciate the salame, prosciutto and the bacon this is the place in order to order it. Rich and exquisite paste with a zipper that ago to attack outside from the norm. It obtains the reservations in front of time."
(5)
Mick T.

Good food, good service, good wine. What more can I say? Try the warm sausage & spinach bruschetta to start, get a bottle of their house wine, split the codfish ragu (surprisingly good and light) and the gorgonzola gnocchi. Then follow it up with one of their inexpensive, not too big, deserts. If your trying to save money you can get 2 main-courses for less than $30.
(5)
Jordan T.

Just walked out on a restaurant for the very first time in my life. Trattoria Toscana on Jersey Street in Boston is a place to avoid. After an hour and a half, our main courses never arrived. There were couples who completed their full meals who had been seated well after us. Our child was understandably falling apart from exhaustion, so we left. The manager, with whom I spoke, was not even the slightest bit apologetic.
(1)
Bruno A.

This is the best italian i've eat at in boston. I've heard italians friends of mine speak nice things about this place too. Great food, decent price and away from italian north end mafia, what could be better? :-) The person that served us was really nice, knowledgeable both in food and in wine. Had a very nice chat about wines, tried some that he recommended and it was a decent wine. I liked his honesty in not overplaying the wine making the customer feel like he doesn't know what he likes. We were 3 foodies and we all shared different antipastos and other dishes. More than enough food for everyone. I will definitely go there again!
(5)
Michael D.

I'm such a fan! I can't think of a single reason to deduct any points from this place. Yep, it's small, but that's Boston. The menu isn't huge either, but they have a nice variety of pasta, great starters, and I've always been happy with their wine. I'm hooked on two dishes here. The gnocchi dish is wonderful, cooked a little past al dente, just soft enough to tempt you to scarf them all down in five minutes. The orecchiette in cream sauce is also great, and comes mixed with a delicious homemade sausage -- crumbled like ground beef, not sliced. Service is quick, including while you're waiting inside the little Wizard of Oz curtain to be seated. The dining room is warm, and I've always enjoyed the crowd this restaurant draws, sophisticated and tasteful, but not haughty. Like Symphony Hall when the Pops are playing.
(5)
Arun C.

I've been meaning to write a review about this place for a while. I've only been once, but it was a great experience with excellent food and service. I got the special that day which was a cuttlefish soup. It was tender and delicious. I'd like to go back based on my first experience.
(4)
Gina G.

BEST GNOCCHI I have had in a looooong time. And I've certainly had my share of gnocchi! It practically melts in your mouth. The house wine is affordable and usually delicious. The atmosphere - or rather the 'buzz' is GREAT, as the restaurant is filled with young trendy couples (mostly. and this is obviously an assumption, who knows what truly goes on at the other guy's table!). GO HERE. It's definitely worth it.
(5)
Meatdowntown C.

The food is only ok. I think it is overpriced as well as the wine. Maybe I was expecting something spectacular after some reviews, but I really had an ordinary experience. I went back during the week thinking that maybe a Saturday night was overwhelming for the kitchen, etc. However, the experience was the same. Very simple dishes and some of the pasta tastes just like the one you can cook at home. I would totally go to the North End instead.
(2)
Mark M.

Outstanding. A little jewel. Random Yelp find on a recent stormy weeknight after a trip to MFA. About a 10 minute walk from museum near Fenway. Very small family restaurant, just a few tables. Great atmosphere. Food was also great, very authentically Italian. Service very friendly and helpful. Excellent pasta dishes.
(4)
E C.

Nearly as good as Italy itself. Everyone loved everything we ordered. A great option near MFA/Fenway that isnt a sports bar.
(5)
Gina E.

We read the great reviews here and decided to try it out. We are so glad we did! We shared an appetizer--a tomato and bread stew, pomodoro something--it was fabulous, rich and delicious in flavor. My husband did a lamb, beef, and pork Ragu that was the best he ever had. I did the gnocchi, and definitely lived up to the reviews. Dessert, we each did a sorbet: lemon and chocolate hazelnut esspresso--yummy! As others said, it is tight on space, but we found it cozy. Also, they don't have any outside seating or patio area
(4)
J E.

I'm surprised at the mixed reviews here, especially considering how unpleasant this restaurant is. I ordered the risotto, which does in fact taste strikingly similar to canned beef stroganoff. The consistency was that of risotto, but that was the only authentic part about it. My girlfriend ordered the ravioli, which was okay but tasted like it was frozen at one point. At least it had a authentic sauce. Finally, when I asked the waiter what type of wine to pair with the meal, he fed us some pretentious line straight from the 'Wine for Dummies' book. Aside from that, he was polite, although he was heavily hitting on the date of the table next to us. I'd avoid this place if you are looking for an Italian meal. Considering the price you would pay, you are better off going to the North End. Who cares if this place is in Fenway if the food is gross?
(2)
Andrea E.

Cute little restaurant, just make sure you are not thinking about staying on your diet because you won't want to. I have a bolognese and it was nice and thick and meaty! The service was great!
(4)
Laura M.

Wow, I had a great meal at this place. They have a small menu of items in the mid-price range (around $13 for pasta items, up to about $20 for meat-based secondi piatti). I went with a group of three and everyone loved their food. Portions were not huge, but satisfying -- I savored every bite of my delicious eggplant parmigiana and walked away happy. The eggplant was sooo good -- it was somehow light, despite being a dense dish of layered vegetables, sauce and cheese. I could eat it every day. I think this would be a fantastic restaurant for a date -- small and intimate. But for several friends meeting earlier in the evening it worked out just fine, too.
(5)
Mike D.

I haven't been here yet. I'm giving it 5 stars to help negate the 3 star review I just read from someone who hasn't even been there but had to rate it because they found it impossible to park there. Dude, it's the City of Boston. We're planning to go (via foot/T) on Friday. EDIT: actually went last night and loved it, but would put an honest rating at four stars. We had the house antipasto for two, which was great (three salamis, three cheeses, olives, toasted bread, mushrooms), my wife had a really nice pasta dish with tomato sauce and prosciutto. I had the pork chops, which had great flavor but were a little dry and topped with a slighly overcooked spinach, but over all we were very happy with the food. The owners and people who work there are really nice--friendly in a very genuine way, even stopping to talk about business a bit on a busy Friday night.
(5)
David P.

This place has very small portions, my wife and I ate there, on Sept 23, 2010, it was packed and we had had a good meal although smallish portions a while back. Now is just small and the food is just ok, it was good but was to small portions. So my wife and I got our bill for 40 dollars and its was like we ate nothing all all. Service is excellent but I think there are much better places to go now, these people still must thing people have tons of money. The bread and olive oil with ok but nothing to write home about. Crowded noisy room so it very hard to have a conversation without raising your voice. I guess you might be enough to eat if you spend 100 bucks for two but, I think it was way overpriced, crowed and noisy, so if that we you like that go to Trattoria. Oh did I mention the portion are very small.....god.
(1)
Maureen H.

This place is amazing! It is so tiny and comfy and the food is delicious. You feel like you are in the north end - italian staff - VERY knowledgeable about everything from wine to food, They switch up their menu according to the season, which is something i really appreciate so even though the menu is not huge, i will always have a unique dining experience. The server was fun , personable and made our dining experience that much better. I used to work at an italian place down the street, so this was our competition, and i STILL recommended it to people because it is such a great dining out experience. Very nice for both a fun night out or a romantic date - i think the versatility is important! I love the casualness of it - It is only open when they want to be - for the rush, no late night hanging around for these people! It is very small, only at most 10 tables, so get there early! I mean, i feel i cannot sing enough praise, this place rocks - check it out!
(5)
a.c. b.

Stopped here on the advice of other Yelpers. It's a small restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere that would be wonderfully cozy in winter. Service was fast but not rushed, and the staff was friendly. Rigatoni was delicious with a sausage creme ragout. The swordfish special with grilled vegetables was beautifully cooked, well seasoned and tasty. Definitely a neighborhood gem.
(4)
S C.

This is a very nice little neighborhood restaurant....and I'm not kidding when I say little. This is a compact venue with a view of the small kitchen. We went early in the evening, so it wasn't full, but considering the number of cooks and wait staff, my guess is that it gets crowded. The decor is hard to describe... my view was of the kitchen with swinging half doors, so I could see inside the tiny kitchen. This is an old building, and it hasn't been updated lately, I don't think. But I digress...the food is the main draw here, and it is very, very good. It is the kind of food that you'd expect to have when you visit your Italian Grandmother, if you are lucky enough to have one. This is not frou-fouey fare, artfully presented in picture worthy style. This is delicious food, plain and simple...but oh so good. High quality bread is brought to the table with oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping. We had the sausage and broccoli rabe, gnocchi and the pink ravioli(cream added to the tomato sauce)...delicious. The gnocchi was feather light! We also had bruchetta...toasted bread, brushed with olive oil and garlic, with fresh cherry tomatoes which were salted and garnished with fresh basil. We had the ice cream balls coated with dark chocolate. Large enough to share. Though we didn't have steak, I noticed the cook slicing off some for another diner. I am a butcher's daughter, and that piece of meat looked very good. Had I seen that slab of meat before ordering, I would have chosen that! Based on food quality alone, I would give it 5 stars. But there were minor drawbacks. First, our waitress did her best to up-charge us often...subtly, but still there. We did order the bruschetta she offered. It was delicious for sure, but we could/would have skipped it. Same with dessert...expresso was offered, too. I realize that just as workers in some retail establishments are required to ask if you want to sign up for a credit card every time you make a purchase, companies need to make as much as possible. Still, I know what I want to order without prompting. The other thing is that due to the kitchen being so close and the building being so old, they could spruce up the hallway downstairs and the bathroom in the basement. Overall, this is a great restaurant. It isn't easy to find, but it is well worth a trip. One thing I forgot...this place is so small that if people are talking loudly, you will hear their conversations. When we were there, there was a woman who needed to use her 'inside" voice. We really didn't want to know every detail of her daily existence. Perhaps she really did think she was at Grandma's house with no strangers in earshot? Or maybe she was hard of hearing...but she did give us a few laughs.
(4)
Daniel A.

I read all the 5 star reviews, and I was all excited, and so off we went. It was by no means bad, but 5 stars? The chef came out to talk to us, he was charming and excited by the food, the wait staff was, if anything, a bit too attentive, the place was lovely. The food wasn't great. It was good, but even having selected dishes that are raved about here (the gorgonzola gnocchi, and the chickpea soup), I wasn't blown away (though the chickpea soup came closer). My wife got the pasta with pancetta, and she felt about as I did. I was disappointed that they didn't have the espresso ice cream someone mentioned here, but if you're going to have a seasonal menu things have to go off as well as on. In all, perfectly good and not "Red Sauce Italian", but not great.
(3)
Albert D.

I like. One of those little places that you can pass by all the time and not check out. I went to Brown sugar cafe 4 times already, and this is barely my first time at Toscana. I got to try the gnocchi with meat sauce, and the orrechiette with pesto/pancetta. Both very good. Pretty small portions, but you shouldn't be eating too much of these things anyways. Thank you Danielle F for suggesting the house Chianti. Indeed it was quite tasty, and went well with the dishes. Quite a chill place, although I did go at 830pm on a Monday. Either way, it's pretty small (or intimate, if you date around a lot), so get cozy, and enjoy good Italian food here! Definitely a top choice of mine so far. I want to go to Italy! Damn you Trattoria Toscana
(4)
Jamie L.

Four of us went for dinner at Trattoria Toscana last night and had a wonderful time. This is a small, unassuming place near Fenway that serves delicious Italian food. We started with the Antipasto platter and bread with pomodoro sauce. The antipasto platter was a combination of cured meats, cheeses, olives & mushrooms and we devoured the pomodoro. For our main courses we had the Pappardelle, Gnocchi Pesto and Salmon. My Gnocchi was very good - little velvety pillows covered in a pesto sauce and five succulent grilled prawns. We also shared a decanter of the house white which was perfect on a warm summer's evening. I would've given Trattoria Toscana 5 stars, but I felt like they were trying to rush us through the meal. Our main courses came out before we had a chance to finish or savor our appetizers, and my wine was topped up (to almost spilling point) although I had hardly taken a sip from my first glass. That said, I am definitely returning there - what a gem in the middle of Fenway.
(4)
Tom L.

This was a fantastic meal, but not as great as I was expecting. I don't mean that to dissuede anyone, but i was told this was the best and expected something more from my experience. I was in Boston for a business trip and enjoy Italian food as it reminds me of my youth and family dinners. The food was delicious but was not jaw dropping. I did enjoy my steak and the selection of wines, but I expected a bit more originality in the selections. It seemed a bit like most other Italian restaurants. It was incredibly high quality and the indoor/outdoor seating was very nice. It was a great experience, and worth the trip.
(4)
Llyn S.

This is the real thing. They've got real italian accents, and treat you like you are the guest of honor all night long. The food is exquisite and the wine list is long. This is my favorite spot.
(5)
Jeremy C.

The best Tuscan food that I have had outside of Italy.
(5)
Sofia H.

By far THE most authentic Italian restaurant (Tuscan to be exact) in Boston- and trust me on this one The food, the service, the atmosphere and the overall experience make this a must-eat place in Boston, no exceptions A couple words of advice though- parking is a little tough so take the t and walk, it gets mad crowded on weekends so try a week night, and most importantly save room for dessert!! love love love this place
(5)
Allison M.

I lived in Italy for a year, so I know my Italian food, and I will say this is the most authentic Italian restaurant I have encountered in America so far. The antipasto was unbelievably delicious--thinly sliced meats with various cheeses--and we inhaled it. Pasta was also good, and the dessert (liquidy ice cream in a coffee cup) was fantastic. Very small but cozy and charming, and I don't think they take reservations. It is truly a hidden gem!! Can't wait to go back. BRAVI.
(5)
G J J.

Expensive little place with cramped seating. I thought the food was actually quite good, the brushetta appetizer was phenomenal. Service is good but the main course gnocci was middling. It's a mixed bag, but be prepared to spend $30 a person on stuff you wished you made at home!
(4)
Aleksandra S.

Thank god there is one real Italian restaurant in this city! Everything you would expect to find in the North End but you end up disappointed, can be found here in this small, cosy spot. Stroll through the North End and enjoy the atmosphere, but save your money on the restaurants there - they are just expensive, super fancy and do not have a lot of italian originality, whereas this place has great italian food and an excellent wine selection. They change their menu and wine selection according to the season. I don't feel it's particularly romantic or good for dating, but it's a tiny sweet little place to spend a good dinner at. Prices perfectly came up to my expectations - they rank in the average area - it is the kind of place you leave with the feeling that you just got excellent value for the $ you spent. And that' s what makes the difference for me between good restaurants and excellent restaurants. Although i consider the small size of the restaurant as a big plus, there might be a wait if you go there with a group of people because they do not take any reservations. And the air condition is adjusted to a too low temperature. It can get chilly in a summer outfit, so make sure you bring a jacket. But the joy of having found a good Italian restaurant like this, does definitely make up for this.
(5)
Danielle F.

Went to this place based on recent write-up in Boston Magazine on "mid-priced" restaurants. Would be 5 stars, though one notch downgrade for a slightly smaller menu. Got a 1/2 carafe of the house chianti which was quite tasty and would recommend as cost-efficient option. I had the Oriechette w/ pesto and panchetta. The pesto was extremely fragrant and tasted awesome. My bf had the gnocchi with meat sauce and that was great too. Not a huges establishment but worth the wait.
(4)
Mary Beth F.

You would never guess how good the food is here. Our waiter was incredibly friendly and helpful (especially with ordering wine). He took into consideration what kind of wine we wanted and then gave several recommendations. Believe me, that was some good wine! I ordered the pasta with a creamy sausage sauce and my boyfriend got the gnocchi. they were both amazing, and the portions were perfect.
(4)
A. D.

So. Let me preface by saying that my dad, a total foodie, is actually from Italy. As in, he lived there for much of his life and is now working in the restaurant business. That being said, my standards for Italian food are pretty sky-high. But even with all those potential obstacles to overcome, Trattoria Toscana cleared the bar. I was absolutely blown away by the food here. Delicious. I went there last night with three friends and every single thing on their small seasonal menu was fantastic. We ordered tons of food - three courses for everyone including two bottles of chianti suggested by our gregarious waiter. The service was knowledgeable and attentive without being pushy, the atmosphere was lovely and warm, and best of all the food - it was something my father would like...and that's saying something.
(5)
Abbey L.

Trattoria Toscana is just superb. The food is authentic, delicious, and non-pretentious---some of the best Italian food I've had in boston. The highlight for me is largely the pasta, which is really outstanding, especially one dish with zucchini and truffle oil. Yum. The servers are always friendly and the place itself is very cozy and charming.
(5)
Amy C.

I think this is the best Italian restaurant in the City -- even better than anywhere in the N.End. It's very tiny, ornately decorated, a little cramped, but charming. Like others have said, I've been to Brown Sugar a million times, but never here....until one day. The gnocchis in meat sauce MELTED in my mouth. I have never tasted anything like it, and for $13...you can't beat it. I forget what we had for an appetizer but it was delish. I absolutely recommend this adorable, small, romantic place, for a date, or a small party. One crappy thing to remember -- they're closed on Sundays.
(5)
D. V.

Finally! After endless attempts to get a decent meal in Boston, we found this! And it's everything it's hyped up to be.... most of all, it's real! To clarify this a little bit. The food is real. You could expect to get such dishes in Tuscany, and they would be as tasty and authentic as it is here. Get the antipasti. Get the gnocchi. Get the tiramisÃº. The servers are real. They care about you having a nice time, and not in the classic-American-I-come-to-your-table-every-ten-Âminutes-to-pretend-I-care-so-I-can-up-my-tip. None of that crap here: if your waiter recommends a wine, it's not because it's high margin, it's because he'd drink it himself with his meal. Which brings me to the winelist, which is (by Boston standards) very reasonably priced. Granted, it's not Italian pricing, but for $30 you can get prime Italian wine. Go to $60 and you've reached Piemonte levels for about as much as your local rip-off-liquor store would charge you for it. The only bummer (and I'm sure this is due to some dumbass Massachusetts legislation about what liquor you can serve) is that they didn't have limoncello to accompany desert. Happiness was everywhere. People coming out as we were waiting were telling us it's worth the wait, and suggesting dishes. To sum it up, it felt like an Italian tavern. In this mess of a culinary standardization we live in, it felt authentic. Thank you Trattoria Toscana, thank you so much. Please don't get Bostonized, and you will have done this city a great service.
(5)
Todd B.

Wow! This is hands down one of my favorite joints ever! The food is incredible, the service is some of the best in the city and it seems like not too many people know about this place so that keeps the wait down. Cheap ass carafes of wine seal the deal and the whole place really isn't super expensive. The sides are on the smaller side but they're definitely filling. I only wish there were more appetizers to choose from. My gf and I LOVE the waiter Santiago, insanely attentive even when he's got like 7 tables going. Terrific place as good as anything in the south end... Any of the pasta dishes are awesome but the sausage orrechietti (sp?) is out of this world.
(5)
Dan T.

It absolutely kills me that I lost the business card of our waiter. He was absolutely amazing. We eat out ALOT and this is maybe THE BEST experiences we've had in the Boston area. We came in around 7pm on a Friday night....which is clearly a high traffic time. The place is small, but it's one of the few places that we actually felt like we could speak without our neighbors hearing every word we said, or vice-versa. It's just....comfortable. Our waiter had an extremely thorough knowledge of the wine and food list. There was not a question we could ask that he could not answer. When he described the wine it was as if you could feel it flowing past your taste-buds, filling your senses. The food was amazing. Ask your server what they recommend. I really recommend splitting an antipasta, a primavera course, and a segundi course. Don't pass up a single flavor. We let the server know we were looking to have a long evening, and he was extremely accommodating. The food seemed to come out at the exact moment we started thinking about it, and our wine glasses stayed full. At the end of the evening, our server actually ran down the street to get a cab for us. Just a fantastic place to head out, and feel like you're the only two people in the world on a rainy Friday night.
(5)
Ben K.

Frickin awesome. They're so good at faking Italian accents there, whoa. But let's get to it. I've been twice and both times it has rocked my socks off. The antipasti plate is awesome-- I especially enjoyed the Provolone and the marinated olives. I kinda wish they had some prosciutto di Parma on there, but the charcuterie was melt-on-your-tongue deliciousness regardless. I had the pappardele with the wild boar sauce, and my friend had the ravioli. We both left raving about the place. I can't wait to go back. I still prefer Via Matta for more "innovative" Italian, but Trattoria Toscana does it old-school.
(5)
Pat C.

Great food, friendly staff, reasonable price. Recommend the antipasto... This stuff's the real deal.
(5)
Daralene I.

This place is tucked inside a residential area, but it's not very far from the Hynnes Convention Center. The place is pretty small; probably only seats 30-40. We went with a party of 7 and it was a little tight. All that being said, the food was excellent! I got the wild boar, which was yummy. The gnocchi was also delicious. The ravioli portion was smaller than the boar/gnocchi. The prices tended to gravitate more towards the $24 range. If you don't mind a cosy setting with (sort of) higher prices, the food and excellent service definitely makes it worth it.
(4)
Mike A.

"The small Italian place across from Brown Sugar Cafe (BSC)" is what I've been calling Trattoria Toscana for quite awhile now. I'm personally much more into Thai food, so I've walked past Toscana many times en route to Brown Sugar. I finally made it in Tratoria Toscana for the first time on a Friday night at 7pm on a date, and we were able to get a table for two almost immediately. We were seated very close to another table for two such that we heard 99% of their conversation. While some might say this place is a good place for a romantic dinner, be aware that it is so small that you may suffer a lack of inticimacy in your conversations. Overall, though, the atmosphere feels like you're at a quaint dinner party at some Italian family's house. Perhaps the doilies they use to decorate their bay window give it that effect. Their max capacity is probably 35 people. Their wine menu looked extensive, however I am personally more into beer, of which they only stocked Peroni and Moretti, which, yes, are Italian beers, but aren't really the best beers you could drink to properly compliment the food. I'm sure you could find excellent wine to complement the food here, but I simply have more experience with fine beers. Our food was very good. The bruschetta was fresh and an excellent appetizer. I ordered Gnocchi Gorgonzola, which was very rich and filling (hey, gorgonzola is 50% fat, it better fill you up). My date ordered a creamy tomato cheese ravioli dish that she said was good but that she had enjoyed better raviolis from restaurants in the North End. This place is a rarity and is definitely worth checking out for those if enjoy authentic Italian food but dont like making the hike to the North End.
(4)
Heather S.

Best gnocchi I've ever had in my life. Perfect little pillows with the most amazing texture, and the gorgonzola cream sauce was heaven. We went early (7ish) on a Friday and were seated immediately. The food came fast and the server was nice, though he didn't listen and whisked the check away before we had finished putting our two credit cards in it (and so charged it all to my friend!). Not too many choices if you are a vegetarian or don't like pork/exotic meats (boar, etc), but the gnocchi is worth the trip. Better than any food I've had in the north end.
(5)
Tommy B.

THE BEST gnocchi you will ever taste. Small place, friendly staff, and family feel. Love the location, as well.
(5)
Antonio L.

I have a very selective palette when it comes to Italian cooking. I cook myself, therefore don't feel that it's necessary for me to go out to eat much. Since Tratorria Toscana is pretty much down the stairs from my apartment, I thought I'd give it a try. This was a year ago, I have been a regular customer ever since the first day. The food is as authentic as it gets. I am very satisfied with their style and emphasis on quality. The food is not overwhelming, and you walk out of that restaurant satisfied with the knowledge that you just ate some very good quality Italian food. Again, I cook Italian food myself, I am Italian and have been raised on Italian food, this place is Italian. The service is also a big plus, they are very friendly and work hard at making you feel comfortable and welcomed. There is no pressure on turn over either. You can sit, enjoy your wine and meal and enjoy the cozy atmosphere.
(5)
Charles T.

I love the food here. Gnocchi Gorgonzola!
(5)
Katherine R.

This is by far my favorite restaurant in Boston. Its sweet and cozy and always makes me feel like I am on a romantic vacation while I am inside. Santiago is the best waiter ever! He always remembers my boyfriend and I and he is incredibly attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. I always ask his opinion on what to order and he will never steer you wrong! A few standouts on the menu (which change seasonally) are the chicken dish (I know that sounds insane but its to die for! So tender, and the leek and mushroom sauce is fabulous!), the lamb shank (you can literally pull it off the bone in one big chunk!) and the pasta with zucchini and pancetta. I can honestly say I have NEVER had a bad meal here, and between my boyfriend and I, we have tried almost everything on the current menu. The ribolitta soup is amazing-- thick and hearty and so flavorful. And the antipasto platter! I sometimes want to come in by myself and just order it for a meal by itself! Portions are also excellent so although it is a little pricey, I almost always end up with leftovers (or a stomach ache from overeating). You cannot go wrong eating here, its very romantic and they really make you feel at home. Every time I walk by I stop to look at the menu, I can't wait until they change it again so I can try the new entrees! A tip: if you want to dine on the weekends, get there early because otherwise the wait can get long very quickly as it is quite small.
(5)
Jeremy G.

SUPERLATIVE. I've lived in Italy in the past and I can't stop recommending this place to people. Be prepared for legitimate Tuscan fare--this is not your average italo-americano cliche' nor your minimalist haute italienne. Trattoria Toscana transports you to a back alley in Lucca, Sienna, Firenze...
(5)
Em E.

I loved this place!!! I'm not an Italian food expert, but everything we ordered was really good! Best risotto I've ever had!! The waitress was so friendly and attentive too. Plus, I like that the portions are just right. Usually after Italian you feel too stuffed b/c when it's good you just keep forcing down all those carbs and oils, but this place does the portion control for you! The prices aren't bad either.
(5)
Brett B.

Took the gf to our first date here. It was nice. Romantic, without over-doing it for a first date. Food was great, but didn't get the "wow" factor from me. Extremely tight quarters is unique, but could be annoying- say, if you have an old Italian woman basically sitting at your table telling your date to ditch you while youre using the restroom. Ha, but overall very good.
(4)
Lily H.

This place is great-- very authentic, like a family owned trattoria in Florence, or Fiesole or Lucca...very Tuscan. We split one of the last bowls of the seasonal pappa al pomodoro. It was ripe and well rounded with the flavors of the last tomatoes from the summer harvest--fantastic (made me hopeful for a nice bowl of ribollita this winter--my fingers are crossed!). My fiance had the ravioli, which was meaty, hearty and satisfying. I had the gnocchi with gorgonzola and walnuts. It was rich and decadent and fabulous on a chilly Friday night. The house wine, Straccali, available by the glass/half carafe/bottle was decent and rustico for the price and the fare. I enjoyed the atmosphere, and our waiter gave us excellent customer service with a smile. We will be back!
(4)
Zizzles A.

The food has a slightly deceptive expensive swing because of their small portion sizes, but I'm fine with that considering the normal plates at restaurants put me past the point of satisfaction and into the can-barely-walk zone. If you do have a healthy appetite, the smaller portions lend itself to actually ordering a primi and a secondi. The menu changes slightly depending on the seasons, but several items remain mostly untouched and intact throughout the year. The chicken liver crostini is a little on the salty side, but delicious nonetheless. I have a terrible craving for their gnocchi in a beef ragu sauce, but they have taken that off their menu for now. that was hearty as hearty could get. I have also had their other gnocchi dish, with a cream/gorganzola sauce. The Gnocchi itself is still tasty and rich, but the dish is rather pedestrian and a little too heavy. Their meat Ragu is really delicious, and at the moment they offer a parpadalle pasta with it. I have tried this dish, and as I had expected, it was great. The world of Italian pastas seriously makes my head spin, but I would say Parpadalle is like a cross between tagliatelle and fettucini. It was clearly made from fresh pasta, so I assume it is house made. It's doughier than tagliatelle and has a great rustic thing going for it. For Risotto on the cheap, this is the place to go. I have not had even comparable risotto at this price point. I haven't exactly pranced around the N End looking specifically at Risotto, but I've eaten around. The rice is not undercooked, and the surrounding mush is wonderfully starchy. Too often have I had undercooked rice, and a runny sauce when I ordered bad risotto. Unlike bad pizza, bad risotto is almost inedible, so it's always great to find a place where the risotto is a sure bet. The beef liver cutlets are tasty. Beef liver is very, very livery, not like chicken or duck livers, so beware if you've never had it. That said, the sauce and accompaniments don't make any effort to hide the extremely strong flavor of the liver. It merely provides a little sweetness and a little acidity. Perfect if it's your thing, and I do so enjoy it. The tripe is something I have a difficult time avoiding even though I've had it so many times now. For most of my life, I have eaten the immaculately and meticulously cleaned Chinese beef and lamb tripe. They wash it with a baking soda solution, or put it through a starch wash to not only clean the tripe, but to get the tripe flavor out. Trattoria Toscana makes no such effort, and the tripe flavor was a little off putting at first (though it was much less painful than my first experience with western tripe at petit robert) but the hearty tomato based sauce, which I can only describe as nothing like a marinara, is sweet (from tomatoes and red wine, not sugar) and luscious, and helps cover, dare I say, compliment that tripey flavor. The braised tripe itself is the best I've had texturally. So much better than the chewy chinese poached tripe. Again, because of its daunting flavor and aroma, I rarely order it at European restaurants, so my range of comparison is pretty narrow, but I've certainly had my share of Asian style tripe. The worst dish I have had here is the pork chop, which is painfully salty, and unspectacular otherwise, but this restaurant is a true gem. Come at peak hours, and you should expect a wait. Come at off hours, like 5:30, and expect lengthy conversational interjections from the servers. Had my companion that day been a romantic interest, it might have been a problem, but the stories the waiter told about grilled intestines in his homeland were interesting to say the least, and I'm sure he would have taken a hint had I given one.
(5)
Stacey A.

This super authentic Italian restaurant is a wonderful alternative to the many red sauce, American-Italian places in and around Boston. We were completely blown away by the food from start to finish. Outstanding antipasto, gnocci and tiramisu. We enjoyed it so much, even the super whiney, pretentious couple next to couldn't sabotage the evening (yes, the tables are very close together, so if you're unfortunate enough to sit near a couple of dopes, you're going to hear them blather on and on about how the place isn't 'romanticle' (sic) enough. I think we can all agree that people who use cutsie, made-up words like 'romanticle' in the presence of others should really be put down as humanely as possible. But no matter. Trattoria is fabulous, and my new favorite Italian restaurant in Boston. It does have some quirks, such as close tables and very few wines by the glass. But if you can put up with a few inconsequential drawbacks, you'll be rewarded with a special meal.
(5)
Sandra C.

Cute place with wonderful service and food. The homemade pasta is to die for. Perfectly cooked and al dente. The truffle oil in pasta is heavenly. And the waiters are so friendly and cute with italian accents.
(5)
Albero J.

Over a period of 2 years, I have dined here twice prior to writing this review. I have come from California to eat here. I was looking forward to my return, but I have to say that the third time was not the charm. We waited outside in the cold for nearly one hour, then inside for another 20 minutes. Our host assured us that we would not wait for longer than 1 hour. There were at one point 6 people waiting inside and 4 outside. The temp outside was in the 40's. I was dismayed that the chef/manager did not even fire up some crostini for the faithful waiting and braving the elements. A very small investment in his part would have worked wonders for a tired/hungry crowd. When we finally sat, the food was mediocre at best, as was the wine. I was interested in a Canonnau, but was told by my waiter to try the dolcetto d'alba, as he assured me that I would prefer this. The wine had no character, body, substance whatsoever. I ordered tagliatelle with porcini..it was okay, but to oily. Too much residual oil was left over in the plate. Also, the choice of olive oil they were using for dipping bread had no flavor. Totally bland. I am sorry to say that perhaps this restaurant although successful, has seen better days. I do not feel I was treated with care as every customer should, and I think the quality of the food they choose to prepare has been compromised. Take your business elsewhere.
(2)
Gabriel W.

I heard great things about this place. I went one night, it was okay at best. To their credit the service was very good. I had salmon which was waaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyy too salty (and I think that may have been the only seasoning as well) and my girlfriend got lamb which she liked, I did not at all. It was too chewey and also wasn't seasoned very well. For the money go somewhere else.
(2)
Stephen R.

A gem of a restaurant. Ideally located by the MFA. Excellent service and delicious choices. Will definitly go there again.
(4)
Michael M.

NO BUTTER FOR YOU! The small neighborhood restaurant looks inviting but it really isn't. Everyone's food was good to very good, but the service was bizarre. The issues all started when they brought out bread with some olive oil. Like at every other restaurant we have eaten at, my wife requested a little butter to put on her bread as she prefers it to oil. The waiter said he would check. The hostess then came by and said that they had no butter for bread. Mind you one of the dishes on the menu that our friend ordered was ravioli in a butter and sage cream sauce so we knew it wasn't a "butter free" establishment. I thought they were joking at first but they were serious! After realizing they really weren't going to give us any butter I decided to walk across the street to get a stick of butter at 7-Eleven to accommodate my wife's request. Next thing you know the manager came over explaining to us that she wouldn't go to our place of employment and tell you how to your job. She was very rude and confrontational, and all we were asking for was a little butter to put on my wife's bread. Needless to say, we won't be going back there and it is amazing to me that the restaurant has been as successful as they have been given they obviously don't follow the rule that the "customer is always right" - or even accommodating a request as simple as butter for bread!
(1)
Carol C.

Split the Caprese salad, had the pesto with shrimp gnocchi and a glass of chianti. It was all very good. The service was good, too. The entree size was quite reasonably large. The dining room is rather small, so if you have a larger party I would probably call ahead.
(4)
LeAnn H.

this is hands down one of my favorite places in boston. everytime i go, the food is delicious (i'd take it above just about any italian in the north end), the service is attentive and friendly, and i can enjoy the atmosphere for date night, with a girlfriend, or a small group.
(5)
Laura A.

DD and I were looking for a new Italian restaurant to try with two of her friends, and were were lucky to be led here by Yelp. We started off with the Crostini Misti and antipasto, both wonderful. I had the pork chop, which was perfectly cooked. DD had rigatoni in a spicy tomato sauce, and her friends had the papardelle and calves liver respectively, which they all loved. We ordered 2 bottles of nice wine, and bill came to just under $200 before tip, not cheap but very reasonable for the quality of food. Service was "smooth" we all agreed - personal, warm and helpful, sometimes a little over the top but in a fun way that we found entertaining, not off putting. I will definitely go back to Trattoria Toscana next time I'm in Boston.
(5)
Shelly A.

Great soups, olive oil and bread. The pasta sauces are fresh, the wine caraffes are generous and the service is great. The seating is very intimate (read cramped) but well worth it. When I want italian, I don't go to the North End, I go here!
(5)
Jess P.

Every time I go to Brown Sugar, I remember that I keep meaning to try that Tuscan place across the street. So when Laura M. and I were thinking of a place for dinner pre-MFA, and she mentioned a trattoria but couldn't recall the name, I knew exactly what she meant and was game to finally check it out. It was good we went early, since the small space starts to fill up quickly on a Friday night. I liked our server, who happily provided recommendations, highlighting five or so of the dishes that might appeal to different appetites. We started by munching on what seemed like a whole grain and slightly crustier/denser version of a classic tuscan bread, served with balsamic vinegar dotted olive oil. Good, but nothing compared to the entrees. My friend's gnocchi with meat sauce and my farfalle with zucchini, parmesan and truffle oil were impeccable--cooked perfectly, sauced to a degree that provided ample flavor without drowning the pasta, and provided in an amount that was satisfying but not difficult to finish. Laura raved about her eggplant parmesan to an equal degree. While we skipped wine, dessert and coffee, next time, and oh yes, there will definitely be a next time, I will have to give those a shot. Forget the North End, now I know where to go when I want an experience that makes me reminisce about the real thing.
(5)
Mike L.

Read the reviews and was mildly disappointed. The "awesome" gnocchi was like a glorified hamburger helper. Fortunately for trattoria I like hamburger helper or I would've gave them 2 stars. Eat here if you want but don't go out of your way for it.
(3)
Samuel W.

Blown away by this place. A hidden gem in the Fenway area. Right off the Fens park, its a great romantic spot. The dining area is cozy, the staff is friendly, and the prices are reasonable for the quality of the food and atmosphere.
(5)
Erin D.

I love this place, but a few things made me sad last time we went. The dining floor is small, and you risk sitting almost shoulder-to-shoulder with neighboring diners if things get crowded. We ate early (6pm) on a Wednesday evening, and by 7pm they had squeezed a pair of guests in next to us--making the remaining 30 minutes of our meal relatively uncomfortable. Then this. Before purchasing a fancy bottle of wine, I asked the waiter whether we could bring any remaining wine home after the meal--in case we couldn't finish the bottle. He said, "Yes, of course, the laws have changed and you can bring the bottle home with you at the end of the night. Hooray!" or some variation on that response. Later, after we'd paid our bill, we stood up from our table and began leaving. Then we realized we'd forgotten the leftover wine. The waiters fumbled around for nearly five minutes, before informing us that they were "out of the bags" needed to let us leave with the leftover wine--and they couldn't permit me to use my handbag as a substitute. At this point, our table had been cleared and we were both standing at the front of the crowded restaurant: dumbfounded. Needless to say, we weren't going to sit back down at the table to finish the wine, so we left it there. I felt sort of cheated in the end. If you get a bottle and don't intend to finish it at the restaurant, be certain to ask about whether or not they have the appropriate "bags" needed for you to bring your bottle home! Sadface.
(3)
Vivek S.

We went here a few months back on a cold November night. If you are driving, I suggest parking in the garage at the corner of Bolyston and Jersey St. It's like $6 on a non gameday night. We had reservations and were promptly seated. We started off with the chickpea soup and it was good. It wasn't phenomenal but it kind of grew on me. I had the pinot noir as well and it was a very good one...remember it being from some Italian winery. But the best part of the dinner here was the gnocchi with gorgonzola cream sauce and walnuts. The gnocchi were soft pillows and the sauce complimented it perfectly. Home run came to mind (well Fenway Park is just a hop away from the restaurant). This is the best gnocchi I've ever eaten in my life..fantabulous! My wife had the penne (maybe rigatoni .. don't remember) with spicy tomato sauce . It was extremely flavorful and not just a tub of sauce. Both of us thoroughly enjoyed it. The service was very good and the evening was very pleasant and memorable. They are quite small and the seating is a little cramped but I guess that's how trattoria's are supposed to be, aren't they? Will definitely visit again on a non gameday.
(5)
Jimmy H.

I've eaten at some some pretty fantastic restaurants in Boston, but for the service, price, and food selection, Trattoria Toscana tops them all. My fiance and I have eaten there dozens of time in the last two years and are rarely ever dissatisfied. The wait staff is extremely knowledgeable of the dinner options and provide great recommendations (thanks Santiago!). The eggplant lasagna, the gorgonzola gnocchi , lamb shank, oriecchette, wild boar sausage with pasta, and the chicken liver patte are among our favorites. Save room for deserts though; if available, they have some of the best homemade tiramisu I've ever had. Enjoy!!!
(5)
Chris B.

We went to this restaurant due to the strong reviews that it had received on Yelp. My girlfriend and I found it to be a poor choice and experience for a few reasons. The restaurant was very cold due to the lack of a separate entryway, the food was not particularly good (my shrimp were still in shells and splattered sauce everywhere when I attempted to remove them), the olive oil was water thin and bland, etc. I thought that the wine list was fine and prices were decent, however the overall experience was certainly short of the 4.5 stars that it was rated.
(2)
Jason M.

My favorite Italian place in the area.
(5)
Eric W.

It is, I must say, a little embarrassing for an enthusiastic amateur foodie to only discover Trattoria Toscana by moving in nearly next door. Fenway is quickly revealing itself to be a trove of tiny treasures, this establishment being at the top of the list. As others have suggested, it exactly the sort of casual, romantic, intimate Italian spaces one hopes to find during excursions into the North End but never can. Small touches make the difference: an excellent view of a dynamic kitchen, a pesto sauce alive with flavor, an expertly balanced antipasto. The steak was cooked beautiful, exactly as we would have requested it had they not already known the right answer, and the special preparations available adds flair. The portions are hearty and the prices fair. The atmosphere is joyous, so expect something more akin to a family gathering than your standard cold, dark, leave-me-alone "fine dining" experience.
(5)
Kaylee S.

let me preface this review by admitting that i was absolutely smitten before i even walked into this place. that said, i still maintain that this is some of the best italian in boston. who needs to go to the north end? my boyfriend lived in fenway last year and discovered this restaurant on his own one day in his wanderings. i was so happy to see that it was only a few-minute walk from his apartment, and happier still that our reservation was available right away - and that we were seated by (in) the window just for being so damn cute. the place is small, but in a way that's nice if you like the person you're with. the table next to us looked to be on an uncomfortable first date, but i liked sitting close enough to share plates (and vino, vino, vino!). we had some little crostini with sausage and spinach, chicken liver pate, and portobellos: tiny bites of the decadence that was to come. we shared the gnocchi, which as evidenced by the reviews was delicious, but in my mind has been eclipsed by the steak. steak with a gorgonzola cream. and grilled zucchini. oh. my. god. SO GOOD. if i was being hauled off to prison i would want this steak to be the last thing i saw. i kid you not. we enjoyed it. a lot. we definitely took our time with each course, and though there must have been a wait, no one even seemed to mind that we were huddled up on the bench in the corner, tipsy and feeding each other and generally getting out of hand. (apparently the service was attentive but not intrusive - plus!) my memories are a little foggy but i do remember loving everything. toscana has earned itself, and the one who took me there, a place in my heart.
(5)
michael m.

waiters are charming, food is well prepared and delicious. I havent had everything on the menu yet, but the few items I always get are consistently good. Reading some of the reviews I think one should realize it is a tiny place, much like one would find in Tuscany, and the wait staff has that same European charm, and should not be confused with rudeness. I think staff is refreshing, and actually know their food.
(5)
Chris M.

I just went here for the first time and it was FANTASTIC. We went on the earlier side (6pm on a Thursday), and we practically had the place to ourselves. We had the house Pino Grisio, Risotto, Gnocchi, flourless choc cake and Tira Misu. Everything was so delicious. Definitely recommend those dishes. Not sure a/b the comments about faking the Italian accents, but my friend and I spent all evening trying to figure out if the super-cute waiter was from the Homeland. Didn't matter tho-- he was attentive, but not overly so, the restaurant is beautiful, and I'm sure to go back again!
(5)
Ailen L.

This place is stellar. I love the food here. The menu changes every couple of months, depending on the seasons. Every season they have delicious starters and pastas and entrees. It is truly a gem, a hole in the wall. The place is small but don't be fooled, the food is excellent, the service is great, and it has a warm mom and pop shop kind of feel to it. My boyfriend lives around the corner and we try to eat here every time we want Italian food. Or else, we order it to go and it's still as good in take out containers as it is in the restaurant. Have been recommending it to everybody I know.
(5)
carlie m.

skip. plenty of other great italian in boston. three thin slices of bread, ragu sauce tasted store bought.
(2)
Tim B.

Definitely our favorite Italian restaurant in Boston (and probably anywhere else too). The food is just incredibly good. Our favorite dish is the Rigatoni Alla Norcina, which I've ordered almost every time I've been. I do wish they'd keep this dish year round though, since I think it's only on the winter menu. The Gnocchi dish is delicious as well. The waitstaff is always very friendly and talkative, and the restaurant itself is really cozy and authentic feeling. We love it - can't say enough!
(5)
Emily R.

Just had a wonderful dinner here. Waited for about 20 mins because of a 7p rush but the host was gracious and even told us he would call when our table was ready if we wanted to go somewhere to grab a drink. The restaurant is small and quaint and we sat at a cute little table near the wall. The service was wonderful - our water was always full and the server promptly made sure we were happy with every course. He also made some great suggestions. For starters we had the arugula salad (delish!) and the Tuscan bread soup (also great!). The sausage/broccoli rabe ravioli was amazing. Overall, I would recommend this restaurant any day over the hustle and bustle of the North End. Authentic, delicious, great service - what more could you want?
(5)
Stephen T.

Trattoria Toscana has pretty decent mid-priced Italian food. They make a lot of their food from scratch (e.g. some pasta and sausage), and I don't think I've ever had a bad meal here. On the other hand, I've never had a really outstanding meal here either. Appetizers and pastas seem to be strengths although my wife has enjoyed some of the entrees too. They don't make any kind of effort around deserts. It would probably rate 3 stars in New York or Philly.
(4)
Jennifer M.

I agree with the other reviewer who gave this place one star for the service. I have been here once before and really did enjoy the food, but my most recent experience with them was not very pleasant. I live close by and called to place in an order for pick up. We had the lasagna before and liked it, so I tried to order it again. I was told that "We don't have that and it hasn't been on the menu for at least two years." I have only lived in Boston for a few months, so this couldn't be true. When I mentioned this to her, she said in a very sassy voice, "well it's not on the menu now." No offer to help, no suggesting something else I would like, just a brusque brush off. Needless to say, I will not be calling back any time soon. It is a shame because the food was good, but I just don't like supporting places with poor customer service.
(1)
Regina C.

Incredible food! The wine, the pate, the ambiance! Great date night restaurant with personal service! Well worth every penny!
(5)
N A.

Something seems to have changed here. This weekend was my second visit to this restaurant after a stellar first impression, this visit was decidedly unimpressive. I remember fondly having delicious homemade pasta and antipasto my first time and really looked forward to coming back. This round we had bruschetta, pappardelli with beef and mushrooms and a dish with sausage and white beans. The bruschetta was reasonably good (which is no great feat) but the rest of the meal frankly stank. My sausage dish basically was 2-3 sausages on a bed of white beans with a tasteless sauce for $17. My girlfriend's pasta was supposed to have delicious mushrooms which were undetectable in her meat sauce that was similarly bland without anything interesting about it. I used to like this place as a counterpoint to the mediocre and over hyped north end but think they're sliding in food quality. Reading the reviews I see that I'm not alone. As another side point, the tables are all wabbly, I mean like a ship at sea wabbly, which the staff acknowledges but has done nothing to fix (besides wedge them against the wall). Seems to reflect a general lack of effort here. I just found Rino's in east boston, which is my new go to italian place.
(2)
Carl R.

A hidden gem in the Fenway, I used to live around the corner from here and went every week. The food is surprising fantastic and inexpensive, while the staff very friendly and capable. I've had just about everything on the menu and have rarely been disappointed, and, as a "foodie" that's saying something. There is a small but acceptable wine list. Since opening, the owners have figured out how to establish the ambience and it's made for a lovely, intimate atmosphere. The tables are close together, but its easy to have your own conversation provided someone isn't being truly loud and obnoxious (which can happen anywhere). The menu changes on a regular basis and while there are some items that always remain, there are also new things that are brought onto the menu while others are taken off. This makes for a fresh experience. Having recently been to Tuscany, I can say the food here is even better than the "real" thing. We've also found the service to be consistently good -- not always great, but never bad. Entrees are around $12-$14/person, and a nice two-person three-course meal with wine runs us around $70. P.S., There are a few negative reviews from early on which was shortly after the place opened. This place had a lot of kinks when it was getting started but they've been worked out. For those who had a bad experience, I'd recommend giving it another try.
(5)
M L.

Based on several rec's found here of Trattoria Toscana, three of us tried it out tonight. I've spent a considerable amount of time in Italy, and know the food well. Versus what I know of Tuscan food, this trattoria was not particularly Tuscan. Secondly, I would not recommend it to Italian foodies, or those who are accustomed to and seek out actual Italian cooking. If this trattoria represents the upper echelon of trattoria-style Italian joints in Boston, then Boston is a sad place for Italian food lovers. The cheese selection on the antipasto misto was parmesan, pecorino, and gorgonzola. Not exactly exciting, and the waiter didn't know which type of pecorino they served (hello, toscano?). My partner got the rucola salad, which was the one thing that made my tongue happy, considering the difficulty of finding rucola where I live (Western Mass). The primi were disappointing as hell. My partner got penne alla carrettiera, which means "cart driver's pasta" and as such does not refer to any particular ingredient list, except that with such a name you expect it to be rustic. At Trattoria Toscana is a tomato sauce with pancetta, chili pepper, and garlic. Sound familiar? It's basically a spiced up amatriciana, which is a Lazio dish and has nothing in common with Tuscan food. I ordered the ravioli with sausage and rapini. Huge disappointment. Instead of big, plump ravioli stuffed with the sausage and rapini, I got what appeared to be your typical frozen ravioli, filled with ricotta cheese of all things, and with the sausage and rapini on top. Ricotta cheese wasn't even mentioned on the menu (if it were, I wouldn't have ordered it - ricotta is an Italian-American cop-out filling). And again, ricotta does not feature in Tuscan food. Lastly, our friend ordered the vegetable risotto, which tasted to me like nacho cheese (I kid you not). Risotto - not particularly Tuscan either. The tiramisu was also terrible, it was clearly made in advance and frozen - it had yet to thaw completely and was icy. That's assuming they make it in house, which like the ravioli, I'm not so sure. In sum, this "Tuscan" trattoria is not Tuscan at all, and the food was not up to par.
(2)
Sonia T.

We've been here three times, and we've taken different groups of friends, and we've always been delighted by the delicious, fresh, unique food and the charming service. The prices make it a place for special occasions, but if you go there, it WILL be special. The pasta is so fresh and the dishes are unlike anything I've found in the city (maybe if I tried another half dozen places in the North End?).We get the Antipasto Della Casa and sometimes the Crostini Misti (they are both generous servings). The espresso and ice cream with cocoa nibs (or coffee bean bits?) was heavenly and our friends are in love with the tiramisu. Potential downsides: this isn't a place with 5 pages of menu choices, and there aren't a lot of (or maybe any?) real vegetarian options. The dishes tend to be rich, so if you think healthy means dry chicken breast, go somewhere else. Also, it can have a long wait and because its small, its hard for them to realistically estimate how long it will be, and there might not be room to wait indoors. Call ahead and ask.
(5)
Samantha S.

This place is a gem. The kind of small, family place where you see the same, friendly staff every night and if you go enough, they'll greet you by name. The truffle risotto is to die for (we debate getting two orders every time). I enjoy a side plate of roasted vegetables which is a good addition every time. The fish of the day is always a delicious choice as well. Everytime we go, we accept the server's choice of wine pairing and have never been steered wrong. I think it's hilarious that people are complaining the portions are small. You don't need to stuff your face to have 5 star food and service!!! I'm glad I stumbled upon this place, and you will be too.
(5)
Michelle E.

We were looking forward to the eggplant parm, only to get there and it's not on the menu. Apparently it was the most popular item on the menu and sold out by 8 or 9 every night, so instead of buying more eggplant, they took it off the menu. Food was bland and the menu leaves so much to be desired. And by the way, don't try to pay with more than 2 credit cards. Totally not allowed.
(1)
K C.

Closed for renovation it says 7/22/2015.
(5)
Katie B.

Review I wrote in 2012. The restaurant may have closed and/ or changed since then. While many people rely on the North End to satisfy cravings for Italian food, Boston has much more to offer than just the cluster of restaurants around Hanover Street. The Fenway neighborhood is home to a great variety of restaurants, ranging from quick and cheap Thai food to upscale Italian. To find the latter, stop by Trattoria Toscana on 130 Jersey Street. Simply take the D line to the Fenway stop, and an indulgent dinner will be just a ten minute walk away. Head Chef and owner, Zamir Kociaj, presents his customers with authentic Tuscan food in his homey restaurant. This small, Italian restaurant is perfect for special occasions. It offers a cozy and even romantic ambience as well as a delicious meal. From start to finish, Trattoria Toscana is sure to impress even the most particular diners. The service is friendly and quick to offer their recommendations, as will the occasional enthusiastic fellow customer. The menu offers several different Antipasti starters, including the classic Bruschetta, salad and cold cuts options. However, the optimal way to begin your meal is with the dynamic Crostini Misti ($9). This starter comes with four crostini--little toasts--each crunchy slice offering a different combination of flavors. The argument for which of the four is best will never be settled as they are all and tasty, perfectly proportioned small bites. The chicken liver pÃ¢tÃ© is deliciously rich while the tomato topping is simple and fresh; the mushroom piece offers a depth of flavors and textures and finally, the olive piece, while less exciting, is still satisfyingly tangy. Crostini Misti is the perfect start to a dinner because the range of flavors between the four variations is sure to excite your taste buds, and is not too filling. The restaurant will accommodate groups by offering to serve portions of this appetizer according to how many people there are, and then set a fair price. On a cold, winter day, you can also opt to try one of their soups. The mains vary from pastas to meats. Among the pastas, the menu will vary season to season. Of these, the gnocchi is consistently popular. While the sauces will change, the gnocchi itself is filling without being overbearingly heavy or starchy. A simple option is their spaghetti with olive oil and garlic. Their homemade pasta is perfectly cooked and firm, making even the less exciting dishes memorable. A simple dish well done should not be overlooked. Be sure to pay close attention to their specials; the fish of the day is a lighter option and dependably fresh. The meat options include grilled pork chops and beef steak, or, for a more adventurous option, there is the beef liver in a sage and marsala sauce. Accompanied by oven-roasted gold potatoes, this dish is rich and unique. While after the first bite you may wonder how you could possibly finish the entire dish due to its decadent and heavy nature, there is no need to worry. Often times customers go so far as to not only finish their meat, but also sopping up all of the extra sauce with the complimentary bread. Trattoria Toscana's charming ambiance comes at the small price of having to wait for a table. While some restaurants in the North End are notorious for hour long lines flooding out the door, if you eat at 6pm just before the dinner rush you can avoid the brutal Boston weather. The food, however, comes at a higher price. Averaging at around $30 for a starter and a main--tax and tip included--this restaurant should be saved for special occasions.
(4)
dima m.

Great burrata. Real italiano. The vino is very very nice... Its small, delicate and very elegant.
(5)
Lissa B.

On the other side of Fenway Park (a actual park with a stream running through, not a stadium) from the Boston MFA, Trattoria Toscana was a pleasant surprise that popped up on a quick Yelp! search. When you walk in the restaurant, you're immediately in the only seating space-- maybe seats only 30 people in about 400sqft. The menu was split into appetizers (~$15), first course (pasta, ~$17), second course (meat, ~$25), and dessert. The wine menu was nice and lengthy as well! Our servers were attentive (with such a small restaurant I feel like it would be hard not to be). Our table split a bruscetta, and enjoyed the bread with olive oil/balsamic vinegar and our bottle of wine. I ordered a gnocchi with gorgonzola cream sauce and toasted walnuts-- it was delcious! The gorgonzola stuck to the sides of your stomach and was much more filling than other people seemed to feel about their orders. We didn't do second course or desserts there, due to the price points. The evening came out as $117 for four people, before taxes or tip. So that felt more expensive than I predicted for the $$ (two dollar sign) mark on Yelp. As with most of Boston, cheap parking is far and few between. One of my favorite realizations was when I went to the bathroom at the end of the evening though: I climbed down the stairs and got a very clear peak into the kitchen. It was a room (not more than 50sqft) with large silver appliances and two young men, preparing everything from scratch. It made me appreciate how amazing all of the food was with a new intensity (that might have been encouraged a bit from the wine as well though!) To end a classy evening tour at the MFA? Perfect night!
(5)
Michelle B.

This is an authentic, intimate Italian restaurant nestled in the backwoods of the MFA. The restaurant is small and can be made easily crowded. The smaller size of the restaurant makes for warm conversations with friends or a special someone. The menu is split by course: appetizers "antipasti," first course "prima piati", and second course "secondo piati." To truly have the full experience, you must order both. The portions are just big enough that ordering two plates is too much, but ordering one isn't completely satisfying. I made the mistake (partly because of my ignorance) of only ordering risotto as my prima piata. Next time, I would split two plates with a friend. I went with a party of four and we started with a bottle of riesling wine for $30. This was on the cheaper side of their wine menu, which reaches $120 for their most expensive bottle. My risotto was good but not amazing. And I tried my friends' plates (one ordered trout and the other gnocchi). They were both delicious. My palate wasn't completely satisfied but would have been had I ordered two dishes. Besides that, this restaurant was great! I would go back on special occasions since it's pretty pricey.
(3)
Minju K.

The pasta dishes here are amazing :) The environment is very cozy and warm inside. I went on a wednesday night and we did not have to wait at all. (I highly recommend going for dinner during the week) The service was also awesome!
(5)
Mary M.

Just discovered this little gem in the Fenway. It's my favorite kind of restaurant - small, initimate space, lovely, attentive staff, and of course, amazing food. We started with the chicken liver pate on toast which was generous and delectable. We then moved on to a pasta course, thoroughly enjoying the red sauce on the rigatoni. For the secondi I had the trout special, which was so sweet and yummy. My husband had the sausage and white beans. The sausage was spiced perfectly and the white beans were like a sauce. Our companions had the steak, which they raved about. One of my favorite parts of the meal was the plate of sides that came with the trout and steak. It came out family style and was filled with perfectly roasted rosemary potatoes, carrots, zucchini, and red pepper
(4)
Kiki P.

Trattoria Toscano is a quaint little trattoria located located in Fenway on Jersey street. The restaurant is small as it probably seats a total of about 30 people. The food is no better than average but the staff is warm and welcoming. Not exactly sure why the yelp reviews average an amazing 4.5 stars. In my opinion, the reviews are inflated. We ordered the Tuscan bread served with different toppings as our appetizer. The toppings included different types of spreads such as olive tampenade, chicken liver, pesto sauce, sausage and mushrooms etc. None of these toppings were very good...kinda plain and lame. For dinner I tried the following pasta dishes: Pasta del buongustaio with pancetta, grilled zucchini, fresh tomato, and truffle oil Pappardelle with ground beef and porcini mushrooms The pasta del buongustaio was much better than the pappardelle. The pappardelle was bland and boring. The pasta del buongustaio was a little more flavorful but nothing special. Unfortunately, none of the pastas are homemade which I can't really fault the restaurant for. It is tough to come by homemade pasta in the US of A. Overall, I would not recommend you to travel far to come here. It is quite an ordinary little trattoria.
(3)
Karina L.

A lovely no-frills restaurant for some hardcore delicious Italian food, although definitely not a 'cheap' place. The menu seems to change from time to time, as I had planned to try a dish that ended up not being on the menu. But I guarantee there will several dishes that you'll have to painstakingly choose between! Also, apparently a great venue for date night. My roommate and I enjoyed a romantic dinner among 10 other couples. We started off with the pate, which was delicious. The wine was cheap and well paired. I got the gnocchi with gorgonzola and walnuts, which was phenomenal. The gnocchi is intensely fresh and chewy. I loved the simplicity of all their dishes -- my plate was just a heap of gnocchi topped with fresh parmesan, and nothing else. My roommate got pappardelle with duck ragu, which sounded amazing but was surprisingly bland. Still, I am looking forward to going back!
(4)
Graceypoo M.

Heard a lot of the hype about this place but usually closed when I have time to venture out at the location. When they were finally open, the fare were just okay. The gnocchi did not wow me. The bolognese that my friend got was also not that phenomenal. i was expecting phenomenal mayng! I'll come back to see if that was just their 'off' day.
(3)
Joe R.

If I had to rate this restaurant on service alone, it would be 5 stars. It was some of the best service I have ever received. Enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and sincere, our server was just wonderful and the meals arrived relatively promptly. My meal was quite good, but I hesitate to say that it was worth the price. Especially considering the small portions.
(4)
Madeleine Q.

Absolutely amazing! A very simple and hearty menu yet every dish is a hit. It is a bit hard to get to and parking could be an issue unless you opt for a garage. It is also small so not ideal for large parties. This would be a great spot for romantic dates especially if you would like to stroll along the park and the Museum drive or make a stop by MFA or Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum along the way.
(5)
Steven S.

During a recent business trip, my wife and I had the pleasure of dining at the Trattoria Toscana. We both had a late lunch on a Friday afternoon and wanted "a little something"around 8pm. I called and was told to come right down...there was no wait. A quick cab ride and we were seated in a tiny restaurant. Not a lot of tables and they're close together. The staff was friendly and most eating there seemed to be regulars. If you have been to Italy, especially Firenze, then you have eaten in a place like this before. This isn't the North End, with heavy sauces and meatballs. I'm Italian, and I eat that at home. When I go out, I want homemade pasta....simple dishes that are delicious. This place will not disappoint. We started with the Buratta. It was creamy and delicious. For our main courses, we stuck with the pasta. I had the pappardelle and my wife had the pumpkin ravioli....both were just great. For dessert, we split the cheese cake. I loved it....my wife could take it or leave it. The cake was nice, but had a light truffle sauce on it. It was earthy...maybe not for everyone. We each had a espresso. We also each had two glasses of house wine. With a 20% the tip, the bill was $129. For Boston, that's great. The doorman at the Four Seasons never heard of this place...neither did the cab driver. Maybe that's a good thing!
(4)
Damien S.

Such a warm, hearthy resto with simple, classic dishes and (if you're lucky) a sweet view of the Thai place across the street. First and foremost, kudos to Ryan, our server extraordinaire. He was there when we needed him (more wine, good sir!) and gone when we didn't: holding hands, gazing lovingly, trying to recall who sang "Whoop Whoop, Pull Over (That A$$ Too Fat)." Come to think of it - he probably could have lent a hand. Lent? Lended? Go stream of consciousness! The burrata is fresh water buffalo mozzarella with a firmer texture than, say, L'Impasto's masterful starter. While I prefer the sweetness of the honey and the playful nature of grape tomatoes, Toscana's is a tremendous plate. Maybe a few shavings of parmesan to up the salt? My pappardelle was heaped with a ragu of ground beef and imported porcini mushrooms. Rustic with a dose of metallic earthiness, only atoms remained - I licked the plate clean. Her gnocchi with a gorgonzola cream sauce and toasted walnuts was everything you'd expect based on the G-stuff: rich, sharp and well textured. Ambience: romantic much? I'm 99% sure I got some at the table just through osmosis. High five, brah! A return trip is already in the works. Toscana, you're the crown jewel to date night!
(4)
Mackenzie K.

Trattoria Toscana was good, but left dissapointed and felt like I was ripped off. It was very expensive and not large portions... I wanted to eat a snack after. Also, not a lot of options for dinner, which was dissapointing. I wouldn't go again.
(2)
Robin Y.

My fiancÃ© and I came here for Valentine's Day last year (2012). It's a very small restaurant- very quiet, intimate, and cozy- which just creates a really nice atmosphere. I was torn between the pumpkin ravioli and the gorgonzola gnocchi, so the waitress suggested the latter because people rave about it. I loved my food, as did my fiancÃ©, and really enjoyed coming here- a romantic, quiet place to go on a date. Public transit: Close to Fenway station (D line) and Kenmore station (all green line trains and many buses).
(5)
Marianna K.

The food was not fresh, the wine was vinegary, but the service great. I really wanted to give this place a good review, but in the end it was expensive and I couldn't eat my meal because it actually smelled like feces - tripe is not a dish for everyone, but it should not smell and taste like insides if the meat is butchered and stored properly! On the up side, the waiters are very attentive and the desert was nice.
(1)
Nicole B.

Will be coming here again. Coming from an Italian family (with a mom who is an amazing cook), I have been very dissatisfied with the restaurants in the North End. This is the first Italian restaurant in the Boston area that I've been to that seems to feature real, rustic Italian dishes (as opposed to generic/americanized dishes). I had the seafood risotto which was a special. It was delicious and the rice was perfectly al dente.
(4)
Pantele P.

I have been twice and both times the food was excellent. The employees were all nice and this was the best compliment to the outstanding meal we had. A + !
(5)
Karen C.

Came here for my birthday and I was beyond satisfied. On a weekday there was no wait but people kept coming in and out. From the outside,the place does not look like much but do not be fooled-amazing! We ordered 5 dishes and a bottle of wine and every dish was amazing. We got the gnocchi, rigatoni, butternut squash ravioli, sausages, and one more that I can't remember off the top of my head. The food was delicious but what really made it a 5 star for me was the service. Our waitress made an effort to help us for every decision we made including the wine. I loveddd this place and highly recommend it to anyone who wants comfort Italian food!
(5)
karen c.

A mediocre expression of a college learning student pretending to know how to cook. After noticing 4 people in the kitchen and waiting for at least a good 10-15 min (with no one in the restaurant), you would expect a decent meal. To write this evening/our meal in a nutshell. .... longhorn steakhouse is right around the corner.
(1)
Irina N.

Had dinner here for the first time with someone I didn't know really well and I have to say it is a small cozy romantic spot indeed. Just a few tables; looks like family/chef/owners know people who come in and spends time with them. Reminded me of North End feel a lot. I ordered white wine that was recommended to me as substitute to Riesling (as that was not sold by glass). It was great and I wish I remembered the name of it. I know it started with "O". My companion ordered lager first, which was fine, but did try the "Red" beer after as he was feeling adventurous that evening. The Red beer was not a hit for him or me. It was quite bitter. The app we shared was Crostini Misti assortment: we loved the mushroom, pate and spinach combo but there was one more that was quite fishy. The adventure didn't stop there: the biggest surprise was him deciding to try tripe, which was original my question to the waiter about. Well, I can tell you the gentleman was very descriptive and persistent on pointing out how exquisite the dish is and how people say it is the best in the state (if not further). But he also did specify on rather unique texture of it and assured that if we didn't like it, it could be switched with something else. This is where I gave up and went for a regular ground beef with pasta, which was delicious. My friend, however, felt bad returning the dish and did try to eat the tripe but he could not finish it. In fact, unfortunately, that night and the next day his stomach was not happy about his choice at all :( I would like to say that I am a fan, however, I would be more cautious about ordering something that exotic and listen to the waiter's suggestions more attentively.
(4)
Xiang Z.

As preamble, I was born in Italy and had the pleasure to grow up eating Italian goodness . After coming in the States for college, I found this little hidden gem that really brought back the taste of home. Starting from the platter of cured meats and cheese, this place started strong. Going into a solid selection of delightful first courses, of which I tried several and never disappointed. The second courses are also delicious, ranging from the perfectly cooked "tagliata" to other delicious plates both from sea and land. The whole experience is crowned with rotating dessert selections. Their in-house made panna cotta is truly to die for! Highly recommended, just a reminder they do not take reservations, so I prefer to go on week nights to avoid waiting in line as the place is quite small and cozy.
(5)
Steve L.

Exhibit 1B in the two-way contest for best gnocchi in Boston. For years, I'd considered the Sportello's porcini gnocchi to be the best in town - even better than its special-occasion lobster gnocchi. However, a visit to Trattoria Toscana and a try of the walnut-Gorgonzola gnocchi puts that into question. Dumpling quality was quintessentially resilient with a soft tooth, intrinsic flavor was fine. However, Sportello's dumpling is a bit richer, sweeter, and a bit more sophisticated. But all is well, as Toscana's Gorgonzola sauce shoots the dish into the stratosphere. Rich, savory, and with a nice nose, it's probably just as well that the dumpling is simpler, as the overall dish redlines the limit of heaviness. In fact, a side order of mixed vegetable might be compulsory to help cut the cheesy creaminess of the sauce, which you will clean up with your last scrap of bread. I wonder how it'd taste with porcini and/or truffles? Perfection? Or overload? Not sure why the gnocchi goes on and off the menu. Be sure to look for it, or call ahead.
(5)
veek n.

We walked past this tiny little gem in the shadow of the green monstah. We were staying at the nearby Residence Inn and were looking forward to taking the T into the north end for another fantastic italian dinner later that evening. But it was day 6 of our 7 day trip, and we had an early flight the next morning and suddenly I found myself wondering about Trattoria Toscana and, if my hunch was right, toying with the idea of swapping out the 20 minute ride on the T for a leisurely stroll around the corner. so i read a few reviews, redirected our dining companions, and followed my instincts to TT. this turned out to be a great decision. TT does not take reservations - and it is tiny, like maybe seating for 20 people total. so i arrived at about 6:30 to give them a heads up that we'd be a party of 8 at 7pm. it was a wednesday night and we expected a wait due to the size of our party vs the size of the restaurant, but it was a beautiful boston night so we were up for it. we were greeted enthusiastically and assured they would accommodate us as soon as possible, and as soon as all of our party had arrived. there is no place to wait inside so we mingled around outside until we were all there - 7 on the dot (what can i say, i have punctual dinner companions). i think we were seated by 7:10 with a flurry of apologies for the wait we'd had while they rearranged tables to fit us. all 10 minutes of a wait. the servers/hosts could not have been more affable. they were charming, funny, and professional. we whet our appetites with the crostini misti and antipasto della casa. both offered great variety and were good for sharing, but it was the main courses that brought us to our knees. as others have noted, the gorgonzola gnocchi was the hit of the evening. alas, i had not ordered the gorgonzola gnocchi so i had to gaze longingly at my husband's plate with big sad puppy dog eyes until he got the message. the orecchiette with in-house sausage and broccoli rabe was delicious and perfectly al dente. alas, i did not order the orecchiette, so i had to call in a few favors from my companions to get them to ante up. my vegetable risotto was prepared perfectly, but just a bit bland. the wine list was sizable and varied. we opted for the house wines, which were decent. the panna cotta dessert with raspberry glaze was so amazingly, creamingly wonderful that i actually forget what second dessert we shared at our table - but recall that it was very good too. in my dreamworld, i want to sleep on a gnocchi pillow under a blanket of gorgonzola cream. and when i wake up i want to go for a dip in panna cotta. go here. go here to impress a date or celebrate an intimate event. get the antipasto. get the gnocchi. get the panna cotta (keep your fingers crossed that they'll be serving it that night - but i suspect any of their desserts won't disappoint). that's what i'm going to do when i go back, which i will as soon as i can get back to boston.
(4)
Stephanie R.

This place is right by my apartment. My boyfriend and I went to this quaint neighborhood spot for date night. The service is exceptional - the waiter remembers us even though we've only been there a few times. Wine is decent and relatively cheap. The gorgonzola gnocchi is one of the best italian pasta dishes I've ever had. The burrata appetizer was fresh and delicious. The wait for more than two people can be a little long, but if you're looking for the perfect date night spot in Fenway. This is it.
(5)
Katie G.

Service and quality of food is exceptional. Waiter's recommendation has always been right on!
(5)
Jack N.

The best meal I've ever had in Boston. Yeah, I said it. Better than the North End, and that is not a slam on the wonderful meals I've eaten in the North End, it's a testament to how excellent the food, service and ambience are at Trattoria Toscana. Our server could not have done a more superb job. Welcoming from the get-go, he ensured that the two families which almost filled half this intimate space were comfortable and happy. Throughout the evening he was professional, informative and funny. Food was awesome. I had the gnocchi, soft and light pillows of delectability in a subtle Gorgonzola cream. Absolutely heaven. Panna cotta dessert made me question my devotion to my wife as we competed for spoonfuls. Honestly, it was a perfect evening - the ultimate finale to a great trip visiting our daughter in Boston. Trattoria Toscana is now at the top of my "must visit" places when we visit.
(5)
Joseph P.

I don't write a lot of reviews but this place was really so distinctive in its mediocrity, I thought it merited a quick "thumbs-down." Friends from out-ot-town came in and I wanted to take them to a place that was nice-ish and neighborhoody (I live in the Fenway). I've eaten here before once and thought it was a little pricey for what you get, but not bad (I had a very good steak, my girlfriend's pasta was okay). On this occasion, the four of us waited for a table (fine)--they told us 15 minutes, turned out to be 45 (okay) not a word of "gee, sorry it was longer than expected" (not okay). Waiter was more hip than personable and a bit rushed (not his fault). We asked for recommendations of what was especially good today and "everything" on the menu was "amazing." Very useful. He said the gorgonzola and walnut gnocci was ethereal. As I'm a sucker for any item associated with the word "ethereal" I went for it. My friends had pasta and seafood dishes. Gnocci is not easy to do well, but these were leaden balls of tasteless dough in what tasted like raw bechamel sauce (when the roux is not completely cooked). Gorgonzola? No hint. Walnuts? Literally a teaspoon of grated walnut (seriously, folks, how expensive are walnuts?? Gimme a couple effin' walnuts ferchrissakes--we're not talking perigord truffles here). I had come hungry (and I can eat crummy food when I have to) but after about 4 bites, thought it wasn't worth it--lumps of dough in cream was all I could think of. My friend with the pasta thought pretty much the same of hers--boiled noodles with some tomato and undercooked vegetables--Olive Garden would have been better. Another friend liked his lamb shank well enough (not great) and the fourth person thought her salmon was "better than nothing." The waiter came back after Mr. Lamb Shank had polished his off and the other three of us sent ours back half-eaten (or less) and cleared plates without inquirying "was it okay?". He then brought a small pannacotta for the four of us to share to "comp" us for the long wait. I think we were supposed to have been appreciative, but frankly, a small "sorry for the wait" at the time would have been adequate and more welcome; a silly hockey puck of pannacotta with 4 spoons was more comical than apologetic. The bill was around $160 (we had wine and a couple appetizers) and went back to my place where I threw together a big omelet and salad (and Lamb Shank tucked in as well..bastard). Overall, a really disappointing introduction to Boston for guests I wanted to have a nice time. I won't make the mistake of ever going back to this place again.
(1)
Maggie E.

Unfortunately, my boyfriend and I did not get to dine here on Valentine's day, as we had planned, due to a huge ineptitude in service. My boyfriend called earlier in the day to make reservations. The hostess very curtly explained to him that they do not take reservations, and quickly hung up the phone without further explanation as to the Valentine's day menu. We had looked up their menu for months, and had been saving our dining experience at this Trattoria for a special occasion, so decided to brave the line and go for Valentine's without a reservation. As he had to park far away, and was uninformed of the menu, my boyfriend went ahead of me to inquire about their prix-fix Valentine's menu, since I have allergies. Upon his inquiry, a rude red-haired hostess rudely (did I emphasize rude enough?) informed him that she could not reveal the menu (what?!), and that his girlfriend could wait until being seated to educate herself about the menu (an hour minimum wait). I have no idea why the hostess would opt to not tell potential diners about, supposedly, one of their most popular menus of the year, but to my surprise and disgust, that is what happened today at Trattoria Toscana. When I called to ask the name of the hostess, the person on the phone refused to provide me with a name, so unfortunately, although I wish I could advise you to avoid this particular employee, I cannot. Safe to say, I will choose to take my business to much more hospitable establishment next the I choose to go out to celebrate a special occasion.
(1)
Lizzie S.

MMMM nom nom nom. My experience here was fabulous! I had butternut squash ravioli and it was delicious! I also had a glass of the house wine and my bill came to $25 (before tip). Some of the meat entrees were more expensive. The restaurant is quite small. I came for dinner mid-week and had no wait, but I would imagine the wait time could be long on weekends. The portions (at least for pasta) are rather small. If you're very hungry or a big eater I would recommend getting an appetizer. It was perfect for me, but I'm a small human. I can imagine my boyfriend wanting a larger meal.
(4)
Dabney R.

This place is small, romantic, and intimate, a perfect date spot. As some other people have mentioned the portions are sorta small, so my boyfriend and I each got a pasta dish and an entree to share. The gnocchi was excellent, very rich with tangy gorgonzola. The butternut squash ravioli was fabulous, sweet and light with a sage butter sauce. The fish of the day was trout, served whole but deboned. It was crispy, delicate and well seasoned, with rosemary sautÃ©ed vegetables on the side. The bill was $60, so I think $$$ would be a more appropriate price listing. Overall, a wonderful meal.
(4)
Rona Y.

Trattoria Toscana can be a hit or miss- stick with the pasta and you will go home happy. I have had delicious gnocchi and OK risotto here. The risotto was a tad salty after a few bites but the texture was great. My boyfriend ordered a pork chop that was pretty bland and slightly overcooked. The veggies on the pork chop dish were fine, but nothing to sing home about. The dessert was actually my favorite part of the night- the panna cotta was a very refreshing way to end the meal. Though I have mixed feelings about the food, the ambience and service were excellent! It's a wonderfully romantic place for a date :)
(3)
Lori G.

My favorite Italian place in Boston. It brings me back to the 6 months of studying abroad in Florence. Very authentic toscan food, hence the smaller dishes. You will walk out of here feeling full. If you like big dishes I recommend cheesecake factory or something like that. The fresh fish of the day is always a good choice here. The gorgonzola gnocchi is to die for. The tripe is good but not excellent and you can't go wrong with any the appetizers. The small cozy atmosphere is great for a date or dinner with close friends and family. Service has been phenomenal every single time. Prices are fair, similar to most places in Boston. The owner is extremely friendly and sweet. She even speaks Italian! Highly recommended.
(5)
Kevin G.

My wife and I had the opportunity to visit Trattoria Toscana again tonight. Once again nothing disappointed us. Great food, great wine, great friendly service. This is truly a Gem in Boston. Love the changing menu. The experience gets better every time we visit. Thanks Trattoria Toscana for a wonderful evening! K. Gee
(5)
Zhichun Y.

I went there with my friend, I had lasagna which is really delicious. We have desserts, the tiramisu is really a small portion but it do taste good. The atmosphere is good there, but you need to arrive early or make a reservation. I definitely recommend this place.
(4)
Cara P.

Small Italian Restaurant with a short but great menu. Looked like a good selection of wine (but I don't drink it) and the food was great. The service was quick and everyone was very nice. I had the Gnocchi Gorgonzola E Noci and it was as wonderful as I could have hoped for!
(5)
Kate L.

I'm so embarrassed to admit that I've spent nine months living on Park Drive, and in that time I could have bought five full meals at Trattoria Toscana with the money I've spent on final-exam-and-paper-writing-fuel (i.e. Butterfingers and Coke) at the 7-Eleven right across the street. Disgusting-- how could I let this happen?! I just had no idea how good this restaurant was! Because of its modest appearance from the outside (sometimes the windows are even covered with paper), I kept forgetting to try it out. Worst mistake ever! When my boyfriend and I finally visited for the first time, I was blown away by the food. Per others' Yelp recommendations, we ordered the Gorgonzola Gnocchi. It certainly lived up to its steller reviews, and the risotta with porcini mushrooms was similarly incredible. I can't wait to visit again...and again...and again!
(5)
Jason M.

It's quiet. It's calm.It's candlelit. It's kinda sexy. It might just be the best Italian in Boston. Trattoria Toscana certainly outshines anything in the North End. Do you want to impress a date? Order them the Gorgonzola gnocchi with toasted walnut. It's the most perfect dish ever made. There is no reason to order anything else here... except for maybe a side of the roasted potatoes, which are crispy and mealy with hints of rosemary and deliciousness. Do that and you'll have a good night. Thank me later.
(5)
Nancy C.

I came here with the intent on trying the gnocchi everyone seemed to be raving about in the Yelp reviews... Yeah, there was no gnocchi on the menu. Disappointing, because it looked really good in the pictures. But, undeterred, I perused the rest of the menu anyway. They don't have very many choices, and none of their pasta sounded too appealing so I opted for the grilled sirloin steak with rosemary ($27). I personally thought it was kind of pricy considering there wasn't too much, but it did come with grilled vegetables/potatoes. I personally really enjoyed the steak; it was cooked to a perfect medium rare to my taste. My friend tried some and preferred her "medium rare" to be a bit more rare, but to each her own, I suppose. I also tasted some of my friend's ravioli with "braised" wild boar ($16). The wild boar wasn't actually braised; it was more like ground beef texture but with the flavor of boar. The actual ravioli wasn't very good and the dish wasn't hot, it was only warm. Not bad, but not something I'd want to eat. My other friend got the tripe, which was braised with sauce ($17). It was actually a really large portion for one person. It tasted pretty good, but I couldn't eat much more than a few bites because it was so rich. In the end, I was happy with my choice. However, if you're looking for a menu with variety or many handmade pastas, this place is not for you. But the cozy and intimate/romantic atmosphere does make for a good date restaurant... Cost-wise, splitting the bill evenly between 3 people came out to about $24 per person, including tax and tip. I do have to commend them for their customer service though; the restaurant was empty when we walked in, so maybe that's why they were so attentive, but all the servers were really nice people.
(3)
Michael K.

Food here took forever to come out. My wife and I waited over an hour from when we put our order in. I got the sirloin steak, and the pieces of meat were very fatty and tough. I think the chef slices the meat up so you can't tell what type of cut the meat really is. The cut was more similar to a chuck steak (2.59 per lb) than a sirloin steak. Sirloin shouldn't have thick tendon going right down the middle of it. I overheard someone at the table next to us who claimed to be a regular saying that the owner has a fake italian accent. Not sure if that's true...but funny to hear.
(1)
Billy F.

Thought it would be nicer if the bread wasn't cold. The service also did not meet my expectation and billed us in excess of what we ordered. The actual dinner was wonderful. The menu also changes frequently, which I like, and I always love an al dente pasta and this was perfect. Everyone I went with enjoyed their meal just as much. I am probably being a bit harsh, but I couldn't believe a place like this served cold bread. Maybe it is proper, but I like my bread warm.
(3)
Hana K.

To validate its authenticity, I was recently informed that Trattoria Toscana flies their chefs over from Tuscany, Italy every year or so. The more reason to try it out if you haven't yet!
(5)
Paige G.

Not impressed with the gnocchi. Waitress very pushy wanting to up sell us. However, very cute and quaint. Good view and cozy seating. Good portion sizes. Bit pricy.
(3)
David C.

Definitely yummy, but a little pricey given the small(ish) portion sizes. Maybe I'm just a cow, but when I go out for Italian food I hope for giant heaping plates of seemingly endless pasta. What my cod and spaghetti special lacked in quantity, however, it more than made up for in subtlety and depth of flavor. This was obviously attributable to fresh, quality ingredients and a deft hand in the kitchen. Service was top notch. Even though my date and I didn't order that much, we were never made to feel undervalued as customers. And the restaurant itself is simply adorable. Who would have ever thought there'd be a homey little trattoria just a stone's throw away from Fenway Park?
(4)
Bret C.

I was not impressed. Slow service and long waits (even on a rainy Tuesday) to sit at tables that barely fit two people. Food, bread and drinks were all mediocre and the prices were higher than they should be. Everything inside is sort of old - and not in a good, it's-got-character way. If you're looking to spend this kind of money, go to the North End and get italian there.
(2)
Langdon A.

Had an early dinner following a visit to MFA. Pleasantly uncrowded at the early hour. Met pleasantly at the door and seated right away. Asked about changing a menu item and was told no from the chef. For me this is an automatic black spot. I had pappardelle with a braised beef sauce that was excellent. My companion had the special grilled whole trout that was also nicely done and accompanied by a beautiful dish of fresh grilled mixed vegetables. Prices seemed a bit on the high side, but not outrageous for this neighborhood. Service was attentive and friendly if a little too casual. I'll definitely repeat.
(3)
Babar A.

this place is, without question, the best italian food place in Boston! it's in Fenway, so parking sucks and public transport to there is not that convenient, but worth it.
(5)
Diana C.

Found out about this place on Yelp since we were staying at a local hotel. This was such an amazing find! The menu is limited but they were able to accommodate our picky 7 year old with a pasta dish she inhaled. I had the gnocchi and my husband had the rigatoni with sausage and we left nothing on our plates. I used to work at an italian restaurant that served authentic italian cuisine and this place was right up there. We will be going back if ever in Boston again.
(5)
Rachel R.

Everything about Trattoria Toscana is warm, cozy and romantic... and I have no desire to pay for the food here myself. I'm pretty sure that qualifies it as an ideal date place. I had the gnocchi, which I can only describe as fluffy moon pillows. I'm not sure what that means exactly, but it seems fitting. It was served with an intensely delicious Gorgonzola cream sauce and walnuts. However, the quantity is relatively small, meaning you can easily finish the dish without the richness seeming overwhelming or sickening. Try the gnocchi, savor them, and love them with the passion of a thousand burning suns.... and then make your date pay for it, because 20 bucks for fluffy moon pillows with cheese and nuts is hard to accept when you could've spent that money on a manicure.
(4)
John H.

My brother and I were searching for a good place to eat near the MFA, after a long day of art browsing of course. Trattoria Toscana fit the bill according other yelpers so we trusted yelp and walked the half mile from the museum to the restaurant. The restaurant is a tiny place with about a handful of tables. The food was so-so in my opinion. I ordered the gnocchi and my brother the salmon special. The gnocchi was pretty good and tender. The sauce it came with is another story. It felt like canned meat sauce. I thought I would have gotten better at a nicer place. The salmon wasn't bad though it's really hard to make salmon wrong. You have to really try. Oh, if you are going to use the bathroom, then be prepared to walk downstairs to find a tiny-tiny bathroom. Suitable for me since it was quick.
(3)
Jessica L.

So I do have to report, unfortunately, that I came here in August and the restaurant was closed for vacation. It was a bit frustrating, as Trattoria Toscana has no Web site. I called the restaurant to confirm it was open, and the phone kept ringing (and had no answering machine explaining they are on an ongoing August/September vacation).... we chalked up the ringing phone to the fact that maybe the staff was busy. We even checked Yelp reviews here to see if anyone had noted this. We finally arrived, and saw a small note on the door informing patrons the restaurant is closed in part of August/September for vacation. It would have been nice if they could have found a way to communicate this to customers (ie, an answering machine message or something). Posting this here for anyone who tries to go in the next couple weeks so they're not disappointed.
(5)
An L.

Delicious penne with pesto and gnocchi. Great service.
(4)
Noor H.

This place is authentic, reasonably priced, and has some of the most amazing gnocchi with meat sauce. Real meat sauce not tomato sauce with sprinklings of meat. Awesome! Also, their Panna Cotta is delicious and really creamy. It's a perfect way to end an amazing meal.
(5)
mumin k.

this might very well be the best Italian restaurant i have been to outside Italy. the ambiance and the waiters here were very simply amazing. the food was outstanding. I shared a pasta with a friend and we both had the stake plate which were both highly recommended by our server. I am so glad I just decided to go with our waiter's recommendations. The deserts could be improved though. Not because they were bad but after having the great food, my expectations for the desert were pretty high too. that is why i think i was slightly disappointed in the desert. great Italian restaurant at very reasonable prices. highly recommended.
(5)
Ryan J.

Keep going back. My favorite place in Boston. Everything I have had was amazing. The steak is fabulous all 4 ways (2 winter, 2 summer). Antipasto is a must.
(5)
Nicole V.

If I didn't feel the need to write novella length reviews, I would simply write: Words cannot express how good each meal I've had here is. Just go. But fortunately for you, I do feel the need to recap everything. It all starts when you venture to the end of Jersey Street. Anyone who is considering a meal near Fenway should start at the top of Yawkey Way and just go straight. As you venture through the heavy curtain inside, you will see about 30 seats. Each time I have gone around 6:30/7. When we left at 8:30 on a Wednesday winter night, there were at least six people waiting. Just go a little early; you will never be rushed. The menu presents an affordable wine list alongside a modest list of dishes. I have only ever gotten the house wine. A carafe that fills about six glasses is only $28. The red chianti is an easy to drink red that compliments all dishes. The food is broken into three sections: antipasto, primo and secondo. There are about five to six options in each category. If you are lucky enough to sit in the back left corner, you can see why the list of dishes is so manageable: the chef does all work to order in a small kitchen. As a result, the output is indescribably delicious. Antipasto - I took my parents here about a year ago and my dad still talks about the antipasto. He commented on how each cured meat was the best he ever had and sighed at the cheese. Bruschetta - quality grilled bread, fresh tomatoes, mozz, basil, olive oil, and vinegar is a force to be reckoned with. Steak - yes, my Italian father insisted on ordering steak at an Italian restaurant. And he loved it. His biggest compliment for red meat is when he orders "still mooing" and actually gets what he wants. The man who chooses to only eat red meat and starches also ate all the vegetables served to him. Big deal. Tripe - not my thing, but the boy who ordered it loved it. Rigatoni - ohhhhh delicious. One of my favorite things is a simple dish done well. This dish is that exemplified. Gnocchi - this rich, creamy, deep, pillowy dinner was ordered by my friendate last night. I know I will be back on a cold winter night to dive in face first. That is exactly what she did. Once the gnocchi was gone, the rest of the sauce was sopped up by bread. Cod over spaghetti - one of the three fish specials last night. Holy delicious. I died over this dish. The homemade spaghetti was cooked perfectly with each firm bite proving to me how wrong I cook my pasta. The cod was flakey and plentiful. I could not have been happier with the dish. Mine too was cleaned and the white wine/garlic/splash of red sauce did not stand a chance against my bread dipping power. I've never had enough stomach room left to attempt desserts but chocolate, truffle ice cream with homemade espresso churned in made me consider finding room. I couldn't this time, but I might have to next time. And I'm feeling a next time creep up quickly.
(5)
Dan P.

This place has quite the reputation to live up to. I brought my wife here on the first anniversary of our marriage expecting the best Italian food in Boston. I left underwhelmed and without so much as a buzz. It was obvious that our table for two was low-priority. We waited for close to one hour for our entrees to arrive, during which time I had to practically flag down our waiter to refill my wine glass. The gnocchi is very good but it's hardly worth the wait or the cramped, noisy atmosphere. Also, my wife said the bathroom was shitty (not literally). My advice- get takeout.
(3)
Sarah D.

If I was romantic I would totally bring dates here. But I am not romantic so I will just bring me here. The atmosphere is quiet and cozy and friendly and excellent. The food is in the same spirit. Nothing wild and crazy on this small menu; just a few fairly simple (but super delicious) dishes that the chef has basically perfected. It's like that one thing your mom made for dinner every sunday that nobody could ever do better because she's got like 30 years of practice and she loves you and wants to give you hugs and would probably write a sweet note and stick it with your food but she doesn't want to embarrass you in front of your friends so you just eat the food and know she loves you. Trattoria Toscana loves you. Fluffy delicious gnocchi and perfect ravioli and some fine-ass salami and cheese on the antipasto platter and, um, wine? Yeah, definitely wine. Portions aren't huge. But you'll be fine. Just take it slow and you will be happy and fullish by the end of the meal if you are anything like me. It's a small kitchen. Like, the smallest. So the food might take a bit. But it's worth it. This place is such a gem. I wrote a love song about it but made somebody else sing it because I'm too shy and it's just too beautiful. More, please.
(5)
Sofia C.

The meals that I've had at trattoria Toscana have honestly been some of the best of my life. The staff are friendly and very knowledgable, the food is exquisite, and the cozy environment is perfect for a romantic evening or a special family dinner. The Gorgonzola gnocchi is my go-to dish, but you really can't go wrong here. The crostini plate is fantastic, especially the chicken pÃ¢tÃ©. I've come here four times, as I lived a block from here, and each time has been wonderful. They were accommodating to a group of nine I was with once, and the staff were great with my brother, who was 8 at the time. Overall great restaurant experience and I highly recommend this place over any in the North End.
(5)
Aidan M.

Had gnocchi & it was pretty good. Our waiter was excellent very friendly & witty. Loved the intimate decor with tiny tables and patterned table cloth. Careful going to the restroom as the stairwell might make you fall over!
(4)
Amica M.

I had high hopes because they had cacio e pepe on the menu, a delectable dish I had in Italy that is rare to find in Boston. Bummed to discover that they don't actually use cacio cheese, but still call it cacio e pepe. Cacio has a sharp, distinct, complex flavor. They should call it cheese and pepper pasta rather than lure people into thinking it is the authentic dish. If it was my neighborhood restaurant, I'd be happy enough going here. But not worth going out of my way for. Staff was great.
(2)
Peter B.

It was just OK, nothing really great or special. For the price, the portions are small and the food is merely good. It's worth it to just travel a little further to the North End and spend the same amount for some spectacularly amazing Italian food. Also the restaurant is very small - if you have a group of 6 or more you will have a hard time fitting in the place.
(3)
Tyrannus R.

Cute little place with a substantial wine list and authentic Tucson cuisine. Really delicious assortment of crossing ( especially sausage, mmmmm) , linguini with fresh cod. Very nice place.
(4)
Khoa N.

What gnocchi? What eggplants? What meat sauce? I am so confused. I have no idea what people are commenting about on their reviews. After searching for parking for over an hour (starting out with the North End then here), I was starving and was hoping to devour a delicious plate of pasta. I took a look at the simple 2-page menu and panicked. No usual pasta dishes. No shrimp scampi. No fra diovolo sauce. No meat sauce. I wasn't this confused about a menu even when I was in Italy! The chirpy and somewhat pretentious waiter did not help either. We asked him to explain the menu hoping there are things off-menu we can do, and he told us usually people order appetizer, first dish, and second dish. Even with my lack of knowledge of the Italian language, I figured out that much. And then he told us we could do "whatever we want" with the menu because "we are there to please". Ok, not so bad except he shot down every one of our requests. "I'm sorry but we don't have chicken. And we cannot add anything to the dish, we can only take away." What was there to take away when there was only pasta and sauce to begin with?? It didn't even list what type of pasta you can choose from. The waiter did not say either. We ended up paying $40 each for what we thought was half a meal. A small dish of just pasta and peppered sauce cost $17. A plate of a few mushrooms on what looked like mashed potatoes was $20. So if you want a full meal, as the waiter suggested to us, order a pasta dish, then a meat entree. It'll cost you about maybe $37 or $40. Not to mention the food wasn't even that good. No regular meat either, besides steak. So good luck. We ended up going down the street to Rod Dee afterward and got more food. My friend commented the $53 (total cost of dinner) crispy pad thai was a lot more worth it than those meager mushrooms. In my humble opinion, I do not believe this restaurant is better than the North End, or any Italian establishments I've eaten at. If you want regular delicious plate of pasta, don't come to this overpriced pretentious place. Perhaps I have eaten the wrong Italian food all these years. Or perhaps I was never exposed to great Italian delicacy. Or even perhaps we went to the wrong restaurant. I don't know what or where it went wrong last night, but I will never come back to find out. I'm quite satisfied with even Cheesecake Factory pasta.
(1)
Rachel W.

Date night? oh yeah. My now husband and I had our first date here 6 years ago. That's saying something. We looooove this place. Even when we moved to Tampa for 2.5 years, as soon as we came back, we went straight to this place. Amazing food, amazing atmosphere. Valentine's day? Birthday celebrations? oh yeah, go here. I just wish they took reservations, but I can understand with the size of the restaurant that they can't do that. And I wish the bathroom wasn't in the basement. But that's okay. Food is fresh. I mean really fresh. I've been here at least 5-6 times, probably more. Service is great, wine is great, ahhhhh, just go there...now.
(4)
Mark K.

Having recently returned from a vacation in Tuscany Italy, my wife and I really appreciated and enjoyed the wonderful memories we were able to re-live. Small, intimate. we sat in the front window. The cheese on the Anti paste board was perfect. I had the Ravioli. Very good. And Beef liver. Really good. The gravy was very good. Wife had the rigatoni. She thought it was good. she liked the eggplant better. I tried the eggplant. It was perfect. Skip the dessert. We had cheese cake and carrot cake. The carrot cake was quite different than what we were anticipating. Wife and a glass of wine recommended by the waiter. She was very pleased. Was a very pleasant evening. Food well cooked. Good service. Went on a Saturday night. The waiter did underestimate the wait time but we were not put out by the wait. It was worth it. I did not think it was overly expensive but we did spent 160 for the two of us. We would certainly go back.
(4)
Stacy H.

i was super confused walking around trying to find this place. it's nestled in a small building in an extremely residential area, so when it popped up around the corner i was surprised. but looks can be deceiving -- small just means more intimate. the wait staff deftly navigate around the many tables and are ever-so-helpful and attentive. after pestering the waiter with my questions about their vegetarian selection, i ordered the gnocchi gorgonzola e noci, and my friend ordered the fish of the day. that gnocchi was so fresh and soft -- exactly like the little soft pillows of dough they're supposed to be. the sauce was also impeccable. my friend said his fish was extremely fresh and well-seasoned, and the vegetables to the side were also perfectly grilled. this was definitely some of the most delicious italian food i've had in a while. and only 5 minutes away from my apartment? yes please. bring your dates -- this place is adorable and romantic, and totally worth it.
(5)
Judy L.

Very small restaurant. Luckily there was no wait for a table of three at 6pm on a Friday night. We followed the yelp recommendations and ordered the gnocchi and burrata. Both were delicious. We also got the pasta with ground beef. While it was also tasty, it was not memorable. Cute place though.
(3)
Tarinn L.

I have been here so many times and I miss it so so much ..the food here is always extraordinary and the atmosphere is heaven....this restaurant has my heart x
(5)
Nick B.

Wonderful food, intimate and authentic atmosphere, friendly service! My wife and I visited on the first night of our honeymoon. This was a good find - tucked away in the neighborhood in a house-like atmosphere, seating at most 25-30 people. Parking was certainly a struggle; the waiter was astounded that we found a spot. The food was tasty, but the servers came off as a bit pretentious about their fare. Substitutions were not allowed, as they would alter the character of the dishes - this is understandable, but given dietary restrictions, we had hoped for a bit more accomodation. The gnocchi was indeed wonderful, as other reviews have noted. The wine list is extensive, and the olive oil was delicious. Expect to spend a couple of hours here, as the service is authentically rural Italian (slow-paced, relaxed). We would recommend a visit to this tucked-away gem!
(4)
Michelle L.

This is a real treat, one of the best Italian places in Boston and even better than most in the North End! The restaurant is pretty small, so get there early if you don't want to wait in line. We showed up at 5:30 and were the first people there, and there was a line already by the time we left at 6:30. Tip: this restaurant is a 5 minute walk from the MFA, so it's a great place to grab some chow before or after you visit the art museum, specifically for First Fridays! The restaurant itself is pretty cozy and quiet. The food is typical Italian - risotto, rigatoni, ravioli, gnocchi, etc. They have some meats too but who wants the secondi piatti when primi piattis of mouthwatering pasta come first! I had the cod special - chunks of cod filet over spaghetti cooked to al dente perfection. It was a little salty, but the savory aroma of the fish definitely permeated the pasta, which made the carb strands even more delicious. The portions are also pretty big. The girls couldn't quite finish their plates but the guys scarfed down their portions and felt just right. The gnocchi was also a standout. The kitchen is pretty small so be prepared to wait a little bit to get your food. The appetizers come out quicker but the entrees take a while. Great, local place. A little slice of Italy in Boston.
(4)
AM S.

If Yelp allowed 0 stars that's what I'd give!!! Where do I begin! Living in Fenway, I'd been wanting to try out this place forever, which is why I urged my husband and friend to go. what a mistake!!!!! Never will I trust a Yelp review blindly again. They claimed to be out of EVERYTHING on their menu and said "they'd been slammed tonight" at 8:30 pm on a Friday- when did you get slammed? at lunch time?? I'm astounded at this unfortunate excuse for a restaurant that took my $60!!! I wish restaurants had a money back policy!! The menu not only exceeds all limits of normal expenses, but is limited to the amount , that if your unlucky soul happens to diverge in the unfortunate direction of vegetarianism or non beef eating audience, you've got tough luck, my friend! Having been from neither of the two unfortunate vegetarian or non-beef eating groups, I still found NOTHING to satisfy me or justify the meager menu or the astronomical prices! I mean a tasteless Sausage Gnocchi for $17, are you kidding me! My blind cat could have made it!!! Oh and the service staff's repeated "I'm so sorry" for every item on the menu didn't help. I mean, if you're so sorry have a board outside that will spare the non-suspecting customer the hassle! The dessert menu on a Friday night consisted of 2 Items! Wow, how great! Oh not to mention, they can't accept more than 2 credit cards to split the bill- talk about adding to the pain of this whole entire experience! AWFUL service, AWFUL menu, TERRIBLE wait staff and just an extremely unfortunate night spent! Fenway residents BEWARE - don't think that this is worth going to just because it's a neighborhood place, it sucks and you'd much rather be supporting places that deserve your support AND try to earn it!
(1)
Harry P.

Loved this place. A friend and I looking for a good Italian place chose to come here and we were not disappointed. We ordered the crostini platter as an appetizer, which had five pieces of toast and five different toppings - very tasty. My friend ordered the pappardelle con ragu and I had the polenta with mushrooms. Though the polenta dish was just ever-so-slightly on the peppery side, it was fantastic with a creamy and rich flavor. We washed the meal down with a bottle of wine, a cab sav & merlot blend, the brand of which i can't recall. One of the waiters in particular was probably the most attentive and insightful waiter I've probably ever encountered. His opinions of the menu and wine selection were spot on. He must have noticed our table was teetering a bit, because he quickly came over and fixed it. The great food and the great service left a nice flavor in our mouths and a high opinion of Trattoria Toscana in our minds. Keep up the good work, guys!
(5)
Anne W.

My friend told me about this place.. it truly does NOT dissapoint. First, the place is not fancy nor modern. It reminds me of old Europe... it's a cute place.. but it's small. Don't bring big parties... you'll be waiting for a while. I thought the risotto was probably the best that I have ever had. Better than North End.. hands down. I would go here again just based on that. I thought the pork chop was also good.. not overcooked and tender. Really good. I would come again... it was pretty delicious. The service was pretty good too except when we wanted to come in to stand and wait.. and she told me we couldn't. It's cold outside and there is no bar nearby!!! Parking is also a bit of a pain around this area. I found a garage that offered $6 parking.. but it was a Monday night. Come on!!
(5)
Sean S.

This place is outstanding. Apps and Entrees were delicious. We had the Trippa Alla Fiorentina and the Gnocchi Gorgonzola. Service was excellent and had a very extensive wine list. In my case I wish the served soda.Went last Friday night on the recommendation of a Yelp review. Difficult to park but about 2 blocks away there is street parking. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Lisa B.

Five stars for food, ambiance & service. I'm a huge gnocchi fan, but it came in a pancetta sauce. Not a problem! When I told our server about my vegetarian ways, he recommended an alternative sauce. Delicious! Great texture and flavor. Nice wine list as well - There are many options in the $30 range (and many options far above that for the big spenders out there!) No reservations allowed, so get there early!
(5)
Nonie A.

Perhaps I ordered the wrong thing but the waiter recommended it. I had the steak. It had a good flavor but the meat was very grissily and almost inedible.
(2)
Gina C.

I'm not a usual iIalian food connoisseur, however, with two hours to spare before a movie, and a 12% battery left on my iphone. Yelp app recommended Trattoria Toscana as our closest, and best bet for a delicious meal. Yelp was correct.. once again! Here's what my friends and I split. Potato Gnocchi with Meatsauce - Good solid dish, the meatsauce had a vary savory taste of spice I can't really describe, quite oily, actually, but expected. gnocchi was of soft and chewy texture. deeelicious. Cod Spaghetti Special- Honestly the best spaghetti I have ever had. I don't think I've ever had a noodle with a consistency as chewy as this. the flavor of the cod was thoroughly infused inside the spaghetti as well. Definitely recommended Bread with Assorted Topping Sampler - There were 4 toppings on the bread, one olive, one some sort of liver etc. A bit more on the regular side... but that could just be because this was overshadowed by the two excellent dishes mentioned above. There was plenty for me and two other girls to share. Waitstaff was friendly and very helpful in terms of food recommendations. Overall Great Experience, and a cozy intimate ambiance.... We were able to enjoy our meal and get out just in time to catch the movie.
(4)
Steve S.

This place is the closest thing I have tasted outside of Florence (Italy, not KY) for true Tuscan fare. The space is small, cozy, and very nice. Luckily we walked in at the right time, waited only a few minutes, and were given the primo table by the kitchen. The wine, antipasto, and service were great. The gnocchi with meat sauce, as well as farfalle (bow tie) with creamy tomato, zucchini, and truffle oil was simply outstanding. I have had many great dishes and these will be as good as many and even in Italy...yes, that good. Oh, and the homemade chocolate ice cream with crushed hazelnut and espresso was the icing on the cake. This was worth flying cross-country for, even though we were not aware until we consulted Yelp.
(5)
Francesco M.

I grew up in Florence, Italy, and spent there the first 27 years of my life - and I can tell for sure that this place is the real thing! You'll just feel like seating in one of the best "trattoria" in the heart of the historic downtown of Florence. The food is superb, the choices are exactly what you'll find in a Tuscan trattoria, and thecooking is excellent. I cannot recommend enough this little, cozy place, which is a true gem here in Boston. If you love authentic Tuscan cousine you will not be disappointed. Crostini with chicken livers are prepared to perfection and trippa alla fiorentina is one of the best I have ever had in my life (and I had many!).
(5)
Tessa M.

Had the great good luck to stumble on Trattoria Toscana when we were in the neighborhood for a movie. There was a wait, but they were so welcoming that we didn't mind. We were really impressed with the food, and the service was friendly. Things progress at a leisurely pace -- the kitchen must have been a bit backed up the night we went, but they seemed to be doing what they could to get the entrees out. Anyway, it is an Italian meal. Slow is good if it's done right. Great romantic ambience, perfect for a date. We'll be back.
(4)
Brad B.

Walking through the front door of Trattoria Toscana, one is greeted with a large black curtain, the smell of red wine, and a certain ambiance you'll only find at a hole-in-the-wall Italian restaurant in a residential neighborhood of the Fenway. The problem with such restaurants occurs when that initial image is tainted by either poor food or poor service. Luckily, Trattoria Toscana suffers from neither of these ailments; one leaves with the same positive image that he or she experiences upon entering. I went here after spending a number of hours at the Gardner with a friend. I spent a ton of time researching the perfect combination of good food, good service, and a pleasant atmosphere at a reasonable price. This ended up being my choice, though I will admit that I was nervous about never having been here, and even more nervous about the accusations of "pretentiousness". Right off the top I will note that I did not experience any of that. The waitstaff was kind, attentive, and did not seem at all put off by the fact that two clearly underage college students were about to come in and take up space without buying any drinks. As someone who has often experienced such a negative reaction upon entering Italian restaurants which rely on people spending a ton of time there buying drinks, I deeply appreciated their understanding. We went shortly after opening, so we didn't have to wait for a table. As others have noted, the place is very small, so I suspect a little later there might be a long wait. Moreover, don't expect to be isolated; there is no room for that, and you'll likely be butted up against another couple/group. Despite that, the simple ambiance it offers more than makes up for the tight squeeze and makes Trattoria Toscana a nearly perfect first or second date spot in my book. Both of us got a rather simple ravioli dish. I don't claim to be a food expert, but the red sauce was one of the better I have ever tasted, and the ravioli itself was oozing flavor in a way I had never previously experienced. She didn't provide any detailed commentary, but my friend thoroughly enjoyed everything about the place, including the food. An Italian restaurant that is willing to put so much effort into the simplest (and cheapest) item on the menu is, in my opinion, worth its weight in gold. My only qualm is that the service was, at times, overattentive. They were not trying to rush us, to be clear, but they constantly came over to ask if we needed something, even when we were rather deeply engaged in conversation. Moreover, the food came out almost too fast; I would have preferred more time for conversation and the like. All of the above is probably the result of a combination of factors, including the fact that we were there so early and the fact that we got rather simple dishes, but it was still enough for me to dock a star. Overall, Trattoria Toscana offers good food, good service, and a pleasant ambiance. If you're looking for a first or second date spot at a reasonable price, look no further. Here, the images you conjure upon entering *will* remain with you for some time to come.
(4)
Greg N.

I'm really mad I tried this place because I'll compare all other Italian food I eat to it. The gnocchi was gnoutstanding. The service was attentive but not overburdensome. The price was totally affordable ($15 for a half carafe of wine? I'm down with that). The antipasto plate was a meat/cheese heaven. The atmosphere was cute without crossing over into tacky (though it did toe the line). If you're looking for good Italian food in a city known for good Italian food, try this place out, especially if you want an Italian experience that is both traditional (at least by this American's estimation) and not overrun with the tourists of the North End. My only minor quibble was the delay between our appetizer and our entree, though the servers definitely made sure our glasses stayed full during this wait!
(5)
Rebecca J.

If you want real Italian food, this is the place. If you're looking for Americanized red sauce and fried food or overcooked lasagna, go to Hanover St. But if you're looking for authentic, flavorful, tasty food that comes from Italy, this is THE place! The menu changes to make sure it's taking advantage of various ingredients but there is always something for everyone. Most recently, I sampled multiple appetizers and swooned with delight. The Spanish Mackerel with pasta is amazing, as is the wild boar (a staple in Italy but a rarity in the US). The Chianti risotto is made from scratch to order (and perfectly cooked and seasoned). The place is cute but small (seats maybe 25?) and does not do reservations. Plan to get there with time to find parking (or park at the lot up the street and walk a few blocks) and assume a short wait for a table on weekend nights. Since the food is cooked to order, plan to relax and enjoy your food. The atmosphere is fantastic and perfect for a date, an evening out with friends or fellow foodies.
(5)
AJ M.

The reviews of this place did not let me down: a cute hole in the wall Italian place right in the Fenway. One thing I did not expect, however, was the level of food the restaurant was going to provide, it was much fancier than I expected. Admittedly, I am a college student and the opposite of a foodie as many of the other reviewers are, so when I ordered what I believed to be bruschetta, I was not expected bread with multiple toppings, including chicken liver patte, ground olive spread, and mushrooms in truffle oil. I only ate the bruschetta and a meat spread that was quite delicious. So just a warning, if you were expecting American-Italian, this is quite authentic! The servers were extremely attentive and we had no wait on a Saturday night around 6:30 despite there being only maybe 15 tables total in the restaurant. The only reason for it getting 4 stars instead of 5 was that after we had ordered it took about an hour for our food to arrive, with only one apology and no discount. But the food was completely worth the wait!
(4)
Jill G.

awesome, authentic italian spot- best one that I have been to in Fenway since I moves to the area. pasta with vodka sauce was amazing!
(5)
Jeff W.

Went with a couple of friends. The consensus was that the gnocchi was okay, the risotto was pretty good, and the pasta was very subpar. Overall, it was somewhat expensive, not that much food, and not that good. They do give free bread with olive oil and vinegar (but I really wish there was more vinegar)
(2)

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Address : 130 Jersey St
Boston, MA, 02215
Phone
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Opening Hours

Sorry, Store hours have not been updated. If you are the owner of this restaurants. Please update the store hours.

Specialities

Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Romantic
Noise Level : Quiet
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No

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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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Trattoria Toscana

130 Jersey St, Boston, MA, 02215

Trattoria Toscana Menu

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