Massimino’s

Saw this restaurant on Groupon. I know Groupon can be a hit or miss thing sometimes, but this was a Grand Slam! We loved it! Went for lunch, great food, great atmosphere, great conversation n with one of the owners. Extremely reasonable for authentic Italian food in the North End. We live on Federal Hill in Providence so we feel like we have a little bit of a pedigree with Italian restaurants in Italian neighborhoods. Great little place. we will be back.

If you want to enjoy a meal at a restaurant that is rude, dismissive, and doesn’t value your patronage with just average Italian food by all means go to Massimino’s. I bought a GroupOn and the waiter completely refused to honor it and made me and my date pay the full price. Now on to the food, average at best. Crusty, dry, and flavorless Gnocchi isn’t really for me. The portions are huge, so obviously they’re over compensating with size. Nobody ever told them that bigger isn’t always better. When I spoke to the manager about my experience he was even worse than his own staff, so I guess they’ve learned their poor service skills from him. Honestly, there are a ton of fantastic restaurants in the North End who actually appreciate your business. I highly recommend Carmens and Limoncello’s. You’d be better sticking with Olive Garden, at least they honor their coupons and have better service. I’d rather eat chain food than have to stomach a restaurant’s bad attitude, especially when their tepid food doesn’t warrant it. Oh yeah, and at least I’ll get free breadsticks.

Found this place as my fiancée and I were walking over the bridge from the end of the freedom trail. We’re absolutely starving and we are glad we waited to eat as massiminos’s sign shone like an angel from heaven. Loved the intimate feel from the dinning room and had excellent service. I wanted to show my fiancée what Boston eating was about, small little places like this, and it did not disappoint. The seafood was fresh as hell, the wine recommendation was perfect and they know what they’re doing there. Would recommend to any and everyone.

Massimino’s Catered our Wedding! A+ rating for Massimino’s!!!
A special thanks especially to Paul D’Amore and his amazing staff. It is one of our memorable and unforgettable moments to start our new journey as husband and wife. We are grateful that there were absolutely no issues from the planning process to the wedding day!!! In our eyes, the wedding was a hit. Our families tells us it was the «best» wedding ever! Maybe they said it to be nice :) However, to us, it is a great story to share when people asked.
Back to the wedding day… If there were any issues the day of the wedding, Paul and his staff made it seamless and effortless! No Bridezilla or Groomzilla tantrums on our end! Wedding started at 5:30pm and by 6:00pm a case of Tito’s were devoured! His staff made a liquor run to replenish and it was not at all noticeable!!!
For my fellow Unilocalers, especially for those who are interested in having your wedding or an event catered, please read along! If you are too busy, check out our photos! Have trust issues… just go check out the restaurant and eat as your heart desires!
From the onset of the wedding planning process, Paul sat down with my husband and I to go over the menu, options and selections. As a couple, our vision for the wedding was to focus on food, booze and fun, however, doing so within our budget. We didn’t care for the glitter and glam… and provided Paul our proposed budget (with potential wiggle room to increase if needed). We asked for his advice as we don’t know anything about catering.
He sat down with us, and compiled a draft proposal of food and pairings after our meeting. He was patient and straight forward! Most caterers compile a list without wanting to even meet with you. He took his time and made it very easy. After a review of the menu and offers, a tasting was prepared the day we met and did not have to wait! We have never dine at Massimino’s prior to this… and it was at that tasting where we made a decision. The food is AMAZING and tasteful. We are forever in love with Massimino’s!
To set the back drop of our wedding, it was an open bar and we opted for buffet style. For those who love sit down dinners, that too can be arranged, however, the focus of our wedding was simplicity focusing on the items mentioned early (food and booze).
Cocktail Hour: Two different reds (Rioja & Merlot) and Whites (Chardonnay & Pinot Grigio); all the fixin’s for mixed drinks, Vodka. Note: we worked with Paul and asked for the specifics as to what drinks we wanted for our guests.
Hors D’oeuvres: Stuffed Mushrooms, Bacon wrapped scallops and fried artichokes passed around during cocktail hour
Prior to Dinner being served: Warm Bread paired with the special Garlic/​pepper infused olive oil was placed at each table with a separate platter of antipasto
Dinner: Fusilli Matriciana; Pork Ribs (special request) with potato & vinegar peppers; Eggplant Parmigiana, Veal Braciolitini Pizzaiola & Kids Menu (Chicken Fingers & Fries)
Cake: (5) different styles of cake. We ordered the cake from a separate entity however, we asked for specifics from the Massimino’s team (arrangement, style, coffee selection, etc), and they fulfilled our request.
Overall, it was an amazing night and everything was flawless! Food was great! Staff was excellent! We thank the team! Each anniversary we have, my husband and I frequent Massimino’s to relive it!
Thanks for reading! We shared our experience and hope that this review may facilitate any decision process you may have!
A very special thanks to the Massimino’s staff: Paul, Alex, Joe, Bianaca, Devin, Matt and Angelo

The food was fine no complaints… watch the bait and switch with the wine list, with no management intervention to correct.

Stopped in for a quick lunch around 1:30…very small place. Ordered the linguini carbonara which was absolutely excellent for $ 9.95. The olive oil they offer with bread is great to… only giving 3 stars because the 2 sodas I had (no free refill) cost $ 6.00…I felt slightly ripped off there. When I asked about free refills they said they do not offer. Since I work in the industry (bartender) I generally tip well over 20%…that’s a terrible way to drive up a lunch check and the only one who suffered was the server. Drink cautiously… but food is great!

If you are a fan of Olive Gardens, this is not your restaurant. Truly authentic Italian from the location to the décor, from the service to the food. Not your stuffy overprices «pretend» Italian place, but your «bring your appetite» and celebrate good friends and family. Paulo recites the specials like he has been serving them for the past 20 year (I think he has). If you want to enjoy a meal like mama used to make, then I strongly suggest this place. Ask for Paulo, and sit down in the basement. Cell phones don’t work down there, and you will glad they don’t!

Went here with coworkers for a farewell lunch and was blown away by the food. The dipping oil for the bread was so good. I was scooping it up with my bread. For entrée I had the pasta with shrimp and clam in a white wine sauce. It was so delicious. I would recommend this place. It has a very nice warm and casual feel that is not pretentious. Customer service was good. Can’t wait to come back and try more items on the menu.

Good time
Old school joint
The real deal
Great wine
We sat in basement but it was totally fine
Reccomendation by old man in parking deck said he had been coming for years

This place was nice enough upon entering. We were greeted and seated immediately by a very nice gentleman. However, that’s where the good experience stops!
My family and I went to the restroom. Upon returning a lady was pouring water into our glasses, I said «hello» and she did not enough look up and said nothing. After she was done I said «thank you» and she just looked up at me, still no response. That was the last we saw of her for about 10 minutes. 2 more tables came in and she asked them each «how many» and very rudely pointed to a table and said «over there». Still no return to ask us for a drink order or our food order. After another 5 – 10 minutes of ignoring our table we left $ 3 for the bread and water we received and left.
I can say nothing of their food because we never had the chance to order. I feel our experience may have been different if we had another server. I believe her name was Joanie.

Still a great spot. The host Eric is still on top of his game, quickly seating me, and still showing off his perfect tan and most improved muscles. Served by the amazingly knowledgeable and equally beautiful server named Bianca, who was an A+ in my book. This place was surprisingly busy for a Wednesday night but I guess when the food is great the people will come. Over all still one of my top spots in the North End.

Never ate here but had mediocre arancini at feast that cost $ 10.00! Can’t imagine what the prices are inside. That was one arancini with sauce!

We stopped by here randomly for lunch. Excellent handcrafted red sauce on the veal my husband ordered. My shrimp scampi was good quality. Authentic service. Great lunch!

Huge portions and delicious dishes.
We had a limoncello pasta and seafood dish off the specials, as well as fried calamari for an appetizer. All were wonderful!

Very average Italian fare in a casual neighborhood diner atmosphere. I went here based on their Zagat score and it was the first time I completely disagreed with them. As I had only allotted one meal to the north side on this trip, I feel like it was wasted on them.
I ordered ice tea and got a sweetened tea likely from a soda fountain. Disgusting.
I ordered manicotti which was swimming in sauce. Cheese didn’t taste fresh. Noodles were solid however.
Service was poor and overly casual and inattentive.
I definitely wouldn’t go back.

SALAD ON THE BOARD is all I have to say. If you don’t know what it is then keep reading. This salad is probably the best I’ve ever had. It has some italian meats on each corner, green leafy goodness in the middle with the right mix of cheeses, dressing and a side of tomatoes and artichokes. Oh did I mention the grilled bread underneath that is best when the salad dressing soaks in? Put that together and you get YUM!!! Most of the other food is standard good italian fare. Solid, consistent and tasty. Service is fantastic especially Bianca. She just does her job well with a smile. Just a great kid all around. You will feel right at home if you go there. I know I do…

Went here for dinner before a concert at the Garden.
First, there was a sign on the door that stated they would not be serving dessert when there is an event at the Garden. Really?!? Ok.
We were seated downstairs. Our waiter came over and seemed to read from a script of all of the specials. Have to say, there were so many specials you couldn’t remember them all. Maybe they should be printed out.
Ordered drinks: they were out of Prosecco; really? Two people ordered martinis — both came in a wine glass and were not very cold (unlike our waiter)
Ordered eggplant parm and when I asked what pasta came with it he said ziti — I asked if I could choose a different pasta — nope, can’t be done. I then asked if I could get my ziti with just butter (no red sauce) — sure but that will cost extra. Again, really?
Our friends loved their cacciatore.
There are much better places to go in the North End.

After spending a wonderful Mother’s Day strolling through the MFA with my son, we picked the North End to meet up with my daughter and dine. We happened to drive by Massimino’s and I recalled having
been told good things about it. I never had the pleasure before but it will be my go to place in the North End
1. Greeted by our wonderful waitress Frankie… she also wears a second hat as bartender and makes a mean Vodka Gimlet just the way I like it… straight up and
Freezing cold… Tori was in love with her drink also (name to long) on the money were her first words after her sip.
2. Apps were fried calamari and a
Deconstructed antipasto. They were both awesome and the true test were the empty platters we sent back. One thing I would like to see is more cold cuts with the antipasto.
3. We each ordered a special so that we would share but that really didn’t happen because we all loved our meals and we did not want to share.
I got the stuffed veal chop with asparagus that was incredible and huge with a demi glaze and roasted mushrooms.
Tori got the T-​bone steak that had roasted potatoes and mushrooms and I believe asparagus .
Jimmy got the Linguine with shrimp, clams, mussels, sword fish and a half of lobster in a lightly spiced sauce… it was high and he was eating it for two days.
We then moves our way to dessert
Chocolate mouse… tiramisu …flourless chocolate torte and my first cappuccino .
These were so delicious and just the perfect end to a perfect meal…
The food, the service, the friendliness of the staff incredible. I can’t end this with out boasting about Frankie our waitress who’s smile made you feel right at home… We wanted for nothing… Frankie was spot on with suggestions right through being there with the fresh pepper grinder. She
Helped make my Mother’s Day that much better. The funny thing also was through conversation with Frankie we found out we had a «Medford «connection and ended up knowing several of the same people. It was awesome.
Well I will end this now by stating that
This was my first visit to Massimino’s but it is far from being my last. Delicious… Delicious…Delicious

Excellent service, thanks Perla! Great portions, awesome salmon, beautiful lobster dish! Lobster the only thing that wasn’t that tasty (over cooked) everything else delish!

What an experience! I have been to Massimino’s twice and had two completely different experiences.
The first time there, I went in for lunch with a friend and we sat upstairs (At the time I didn’t realize there was a basement). We had two very friendly waiters and they were quick with everything. I wanted to try the basic spaghetti and meatball to test the waters, and I Was not disappointed. It was great. I left there thinking that there was some great Italian at a small whole in the wall in the north end of Boston.
However, I just went back this Monday and had a completely different experience. I went in for dinner with my girlfriend and was escorted immediately into the basement, which I thought was strange since I had no idea it existed before. We were seated in the basement and the atmosphere was unlike any place I had been to before. Like others have said it was like being in a fancy Italian wine cellar. It was classily lit and had nice cloth table clothes.
We were met by our waiter quite quickly with a basket of great bread and some oil. He then proceeded to list off 7 different intricate specials. We were so impressed of his understanding of the menu. Ultimately we decided on one dish to share because it sounded huge (and it was also a pricey special for just one person)…
So we ordered the special. It was a bed of linguine with a red marinara sauce… and…a half lobster, scallops, shrimp, calamari, mussels, clams and topped with a large filet of swordfish. All for just $ 40. It was phenomenal. Honestly one of the best meals I’ve ever eaten. Between myself and my girlfriend we were not able to finish it. But it was so good.
Overall an awesome experience, and our waiter was super friendly, and engaged us in conversation about what we were doing that evening in Boston, where we were from, and just genuinely wanted to get to know us. It was great.
5 stars! Will be back!