Porcinis Italian Restaurant

The food is fantastic our waitress Emma we couldn’t ask for a better waitress very accommodating excellent service I would recommend this place to anybody fantastic

The big glowing sign is what gets you to notice the place. You park on the street and hustle to the phở stone and stucco front and move under the trellis to the modern glass door. You enter the foyer next to the bar and wait. Some one with an accent greets you, and ask what you would like.
The staff is always in motion here, and when they aren’t they are chatting with the customers. Its ambiance is typical New England Italian décor and mood, or is it? There is a hushed calm with people just enjoying dinner with friends and loved ones. I know this because I live 3 blocks away and pass this place every day, and it is the first place we ate at when we moved into the neighborhood. Now Italian food in the Boston area is common as dirt, but this place stands out from the pack because it is first slyly very consistent in the quality of food and service. Porcini’s does their own take on classic recipes, and they don’t cross the line of froufrou. The food is solidly good every time, and the selection has all the classics and some dishes that are definitely European, and not quite typical American Italian.
The wine and beer list are more than adequate, they even sport a Rosé. They recently hired a new bartender Karen, who has taken the bar up several notches. She will find out what your tastes are and can make a special cocktail with fresh ingredients that will stand out in your memory. She is more than happy to do a classic cocktail without any extras, that this mixologist does perfect.
I take my family here regularly, and my guest from out of town. You should try it. And when the weather is warm the outside back desk is heaven.

Went there this evening with my boyfriend we were on a weekend trip away. The food was phenomenol and the waitress was friendly. The ambiance was very nice, fireplace as well very romntic. The bar area was sectioned off away from the restaurant seating but had a tv. Everyone was very friendly and kudos to the chef. Def coming back next time in boston.
We recommend this place.

Excellent food, great atmosphere and attention. The pumpkin tortellini were delicious. The gnocchi was great and the ossobucco out of this world.

Muscles were delicious but my Caesar salad was small in portion and not much on it. The croutons or cheese were on the side which I would expect it to be in the salad. Overall great cozy place. Looking forward to trying lobster ravioli.

We have been here a coupe of times large and small groups, summer outside and falls indoors. Had a great experience each time. The chef was accommodating and changed chicken to veal for my husband. I was asked what my favorite veggies were, so they could make something special as I’m the vegetarian of the group.

I come here several times a year with my spouse or colleagues and have always been delighted with the food and service. If I could afford to come more often, I would.
Situated in working-​class Watertown, Porcini’s is unassuming on the outside. Inside, the ambiance blends an elegance that fits the cuisine with the friendly, you’re-basically-family atmosphere found in Watertown’s local businesses. It’s an intimate place votive candles on the tables. Bridget, the head server, greets with warmth and enthusiasm on even the busiest nights. She tastes everything and makes excellent wine suggestions. Once you get to know her, she remembers your preferences.
Chef Rodney carefully balances the flavors in his dishes and treats the entire plate as a complete dining experience. I’ve had several of the mainstays and specials. My husband’s favorite is the Chicken Marsala, my dad loves the Penne Bolognese, and my boss’s go-​to is the Distrutto. Though I love everything, especially trying Rodney’s creative seasonal dishes, my all-​time favorite is the Lobster Ravioli.
While the appetizers are very good (the eggplant is a must-​try!), if you’re limited on extras, spring for dessert instead. House-​made bread and hummus are free to start out any meal and they are so fresh and delicious. The featured desserts never disappoint!
If it’s a weekend or holiday, reserve in advance, arrive on time, and expect a busy night– Porcini’s can handle a full house but it’s tiny so know what you’re in for. Since I work so close by, I like to go on week nights for an even more relaxing experience.
Our out of town guests ask to come back every time they’re in town, and for good reason! IMO it’s the perfect place to savor a lovely meal and good company.

Looking at the mixed reviews on here is silly. I honestly have to say I did not have one bad experience here like some said Bridget the manager is super sweet and a darling! She’s so welcoming and was so right when she said we were in for a treat!
It’s nice and cozy inside not your typical Italian décor with the checkered table cloths everywhere, dim lighted but gives you a warm and romantic feeling. They have a open kitchen and bar right where the entrance is! If you want to sit outdoors on the patio they have that as a option as well!
I love Italian food and I must say this was so worth it! Yes the prices are a bit on the pricey side but I would honestly say it’s way better than going to the North End where it’s definitely mixed feelings there.
For starters they give you freshly baked bread that’s seasoned with herbs and they make their own sun dried tomato hummus!
I had gotten the calamari to start off with, I thought it would just be your typical fried calamari but it was sautéed with a spicy pomodoro sauce served with bread, this was such a bomb dish!
As for the entrees my boyfriend and I had gotten the Osso Buco and the Chicken Parmesan don’t let these ordinary dishes fool you because it’s filled with so much flavor and culture!

If I could give them no stars I would. We came in on a Saturday night and had a reservation which we showed up on time for. We stood at the hostess stand for 15 minutes before anyone came over to greet us and they only came over because a family member of the restaurant was sitting at the bar and felt bad for us. Eventually a waitress came over and said «are you guys all set?», ummm no. She seats us at a two top finally and we put our napkins in our lap started looking over the menu and then a different waitress came over to us and told us we had to move because this table was reserved for someone else. There were 4 other tables open and she told us to get up! We left in horror. Terrible service at a restaurant that charges $ 25+ for pasta. Unreal. You’ll probably get better service at McDonald’s.

I’m not one of those whiny patrons that expects the restaurant to treat me like my mom does and cater to me like I was the Pope. I can tolerate bad service and the usual things you have to deal with at a restaurant.
But one thing I can’t tolerate is bland-​tasting food. I wonder if the chefs taste the food they prepare? And at an average of $ 20 a plate ($ 27+ for the special of the day), you’d expect the food to taste better than most food does. It’s just unacceptable. And there’s no delicacy in making the food. Order the bruschetta and what you’ll get is something that resembles a messy Spanish tapas plate. Order any of the entrees that have pasta and it looks like a Chinese plate made in a wok.
The service is friendly and you’re attended promptly. There are no free refills on soft drinks or juice.
After Grappa closed down I was expecting this to be the go to restaurant in Watertown. But this is the Olive Garden only way more expensive. Oh well.

Warm ambiance, delightful staff, awesome food, from appetizer to entrée’s– seafood, veal, pasta– definitely a notch above the rest — 2^nd visit — this is a hidden gem!

My wife and I ate there recently and it was a delicious Italian meal. We started with the wild mushroom strudel which was as awesome as it sounds. The pasta was obviously homemade and left us 110% satisfied.

Had a great night out with my wife and grandparents here! Eggplant Roletini for app, really well done. My main course was Chicken Piccata which is always one of my favs in general but their version had some crisp asparagus and tomatoes for an extra pleasure, highly recommended! Ended it off with some tiramisu and cappuccino and a delightful evening of good food and conversation, this restaurant is a must in the Cambridge/​Watertown area!

Wow! We were in Boston on business and did not know what restaurant to choose. We found this one on Unilocal walked in and were blown away by the flavors, ambulance and mostly the service and overall experience. Go here!

We (with husband and toddler daughter) came here on Father’s Day 2015 for dinner. We live close by and were able to get there around 5:30PM to beat the dinner rush. It was our first time here. We enjoyed the experience and will most likely return in the future.
Being true foodies, my husband and I almost always check the menu prior to trying a restaurant. I noticed that seafood fra diavolo, my husband’s favorite, was on their specials for tonight. That was enough to get my husband excited about going. I ordered the veal piccata. None of the appetizers really jumped out at us, so we passed. I usually get a salad but skipped this time and later regretted it! Prior to our main meals coming out, we received complimentary bread with hummus.
Our entrees were truly delicious. My piccata was beautifully plated and had a few drizzles of balsamic glaze on the plate. I could tell that there was definitely some thought put into the flavors on the plate as everything seemed well balanced. My daughter really enjoyed the veal and kept asking for more beef! Honestly, I wish there was more veal and pasta on my plate. I’m used to going to places (usually Asian establishments) that give larger portions, so I left feeling a little hungry. I think this is one of those places where you should do the full experience, meaning order drinks, appetizer, salad, and dessert, in order to leave feeling fully satisfied.
My husband’s seafood fra diavolo was very tasty and had a deep seafood flavor. It’s actually inspiring me to try to make it at home now. We skipped dessert as my husband wanted ice cream. Next time, I will definitely get salad and dessert!

What a charming place! Everyone was incredibly friendly, and I felt at home as soon as I walked in. I had the eggplant rollitini appetizer that I loved because it had a ton of spinach. I also had the scallops with a pine nut risotto that was fantastic. I thought the prices were very reasonable. I will definitely come back here again.

The menu is impressive and authentic. Every time I go, I try something new and I’m never disappointed. The atmosphere is casual but classy and the drinks are made wrk perfection! If I could afford to eat here every night, I would. Porcini’s is my little Italian treat when I want to get away! A little on the spendy side, but every meal has been exquisite. Bridget, the waitress, is so wonderful and takes care of you like she’s your own. I highly recommend you pop over to Porcini’s if you’re for a delicious meal!

Parking was easy even after the fourth blizzard of the year or maybe because of it since I can’t imagine a lot of people trying to go out to eat on days like this. Lovely, clean (including large private bathroom), mood setting ambiance. Can be for both couple or family. Not loud inside at all. Service (waitress) was very attentive and friendly. She did a great job working/​managing the entire floor (4 – 5 parties). Food was good. Not bad but not the best I’ve tasted. Not cheap but not over the top. Might be a tad overpriced. Calamari (unbreaded) was delicious. Had a spicy kick and a warm, savory sauce. The ice cream was amazing. Wish I had more. Wonderful night.

Have been going here regularly for a few years. The food is outstanding, the atmosphere is awesome and I absolutely LOVE Porcini’s! Check it out if you want the best food, great drinks, and people who always make your experience a 10 out of 10!
FABULOUS

This is a nice little Italian restaurant away from the hectic Boston (North End). When we arrived we were instantly greeted and was seated outside in the back. They have a nice selection of seafood platters.
I ordered the pasta with the mix of seafood, including shrimp, calamari, oysters, scallops, etc. The pasta was delicious and the sauce had a nice taste to it. It was great to dip bread in as well. My friends and girlfriend ordered the chicken Parmesan and the steak with blue cheese crumbles. They were huge portions and they were satisfied.
We ordered the chocolate mouse desert to finish everything off and it was very good; I absolutely love chocolate. The only issue with the dessert is it was 9.50 $, which I feel as is good it is a rip off.
My only small complaint was I feel the waitering staff was a bit slow, however very friendly and professional. And the best part is I was able to park right on the street and not have to wait hours for a good meal. Come here if you like Italian and do not want to get annoyed the the Boston congestion.