Bricco
241 Hanover St, Boston, MA, 02113
Bricco Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Boston for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
241 Hanover St
Boston, MA, 02113 - Phone (617) 248-6800
- Website https://www.bricco.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :4:00 pm - 11:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : No
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Valet
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Dressy
Ambience : Romantic
Noise Level : Loud
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
Categories
Italian Cuisine
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
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Glutenfree G.
Bricco is so consistent with their presentation and quality of meals. If your visiting Boston or taking someone new to the city to dinner take them to Bricco and you'll never be disappointed. Sometimes, they're wait is crazy even with a reso. But, what can you do? Make a reso atleast a day or two in advance!!
(5)Alaina H.
Wow! I've never met a bartender who's such a jerk! It was almost like he wanted us to know he didn't give two s****s about us. The vibe about that place is bad. It is so glaringly obvious that these people want your money and do not have any consideration about your happiness. For people who work in the hospitality business, they're really not doing well.
(2)Shan K.
Not too impressed overall. Cons: First, very pricey. Second, we waited for about 45 minutes past our reservation time. The place was tiny, crowded, noisy with lots of waiters bustling around and there was nowhere for us to stand besides behind the hostess - awkward place and we kept having to avoid waiters/waitresses. After finally getting seated we ordered. I got the Seven Spice Murray's Brick Chicken (recommended by the waiter) which was supposed to be one of their best 'secondi's. The portion was large but the taste was so bland! 7 spices? I probably only tasted about 3. Plus, the inside of the chicken was VERY dry. Anyway, bad choice of main meal. Positives: My Dad got the Veal Ossobuco in medium rare, which was actually very good. The red wine we ordered was excellent. It was called Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano. Service was great...our waiter was really nice and attentive. We sat upstairs which was a lot cozier and quieter, although it was still very crowded and could easily hear the conversation of the table next to us. The dessert was delicious! We ordered Bricco's Signature Bread Pudding and the Cuore Caldo Al Grand Marnier. Both recommended! Overall, the night turned out alright but I probably wouldn't come back again.
(3)Albert B.
Not impressed. My mom was visiting from out of town and I had heard good things about Bricco in the North End. The food was a disappointment. The waiter, arrogant may I add, recommended a mushroom appetizer. I would advise against it. My girlfriend and mother both got fish; the temperature of each plate was drastically different, one hot and one very cold. My risotto tasted like tap water. We then explained we were going to take my mom (the out of town visitor) to Mike's Pastry- a Boston Staple. The waited injected that we must not know anything about desert in the North End..."why would you go there" he added. Not happy (at all) with the service or food.
(1)Jonathan M.
Message to Bricco don't do Restaurant Week if you plan to serve such crappy food like you did this week Roast Pork: ice cold! Yes ice cold n the waiter couldn't believe it Dessert: terramisoo Again had block of ice in the middle. Will never eat here again!
(1)Rachel S.
Pricey meal but huge dishes. I order the seared ahi tuna ($36) and I swear it was a pound of fish. It came with grilled vegetables and couscous but they were piled into a cup-shape on the plate. The fish was delicious and probably the right amount of fish for the price... but still, it was an unnecessary amount of tuna for a single serving. They had a special appetizer of Welfleet Oysters with a lemon sorbet on top and they were delicious. Service was nice for a Wednesday evening. None of the people in my party had pasta for dinner except for one order of Pappardelle al Cinghiale (wild boar $22) and this was considered to be a first course. We started with cocktails at 6pm and sat for our reservation at 7pm, the restaurant was sparsely filled. By the end of our meal, every table was taken. I would bring clients but I have yet to be wowed by any meal on Hanover Street.
(3)Niki Elizabeth W.
Other than the fact that they serve their over oiled pizza until 130 in the morning this place is not on my list of places to go. Everytime I have gone into Bricco for whatever reason I have had a missrable experience. I have sat in the dinining room, upstairs in a quiet room and at the bar(numerous times). They are known around the neighborhood for having cold, could care less about you bartenders. However, I keep going back. Why... no idea, but the over priced pizza late at night when you need a quick fix is probally the reason. There are so many other places on Hanover street that will knock your socks off and you won't feel like you are inconviencing the bar staff. We as patrons do not owe you anything. If you don't like where you work, maybe you should pick a new establishment, or give up as a bartender. A little smile goes a long way.
(2)EJ H.
Food was ok had the ricotta pillows n wild boar pasta w a friend and t didn't seem like they enjoyed it at all will give it another go some other time otherwise it's ok
(3)Katy G.
I'm sorry, but Bricco was waaaay overpriced for the quality of the food. The presentation was nice, but that was about the only thing nice I can say about the food. The pasta part of the ricotta pillows was tough, and the risotto was undercooked. For my entree, I had the seafood brodetto which was nothing special. We also got the bread pudding dessert which was by far the best thing we had all night. The service was excellent, and our waiter was great, but there are far better and cheaper places in the north end imho.
(2)Hannah S.
Unbelievable meal. The food and wine were incredible--I was with a table of 8 and no one had a single complaint. Our waiter, Cesare, couldn't have been more attentive or friendly. I told him I couldn't decide between a couple of dishes, and he told me he would surprise me--he ended up getting me a little taster of all the dishes I wanted! Just wonderful. A little expensive, but worth it for an amazing meal.
(5)Cathie D.
Came in for some wine after dinner at Strega per the recommendation of our waitress. It was a Sunday evening, but they seemed eager to push people out of the place. Seemed like a nice atmosphere, but we only stayed for one glass of wine.
(3)Hillary R.
Love going here for a drink whenever we're in the neighborhood, and tonight was no exception. Drinks are always delish, best in town actually, and the service is usually great. Our bartender tonight was Glenn who was so good that we went from just stopping in for 1 drink to ordering all his recommendations and staying for a dessert drink which happened to be one of the best espresso martinis we've ever had!
(5)Francesca L.
My husband and I took a quick trip to Boston for New Year's. We had nothing planned out so we were pleasantly surprised when our concierge said he would get us a dinner reservations for NYE. We could not have been more happy with his choice, Bricco. We were really excited to travel up to the north end because we had not been there. The scene was really buzzing with early NYE celebrations - super fun atmosphere. The restaurant is cozy, romantic and fresh feeling. Our server was extremely helpful and attentive. We opted for cocktails, instead of wine since it was NYE, and we were not disappointed. I had a few (too many) lemon drops and they were amazing. I am pretty sure they were all sweet limoncello - so good!! For food, we started with the mussels and they were perfectly cooked and tasty. I had wild boar pasta which was recommended by our waiter. I am not sure if I ever had wild boar so this interested me. The dish was great - not too heavy but just the right amt of meat, pasta and sauce. My husband had the seafood stew and LOVED it. I never saw him eat soo slow and savor every bite. He could not stop raving about it. The only sad thing is that we opted out for dessert because we wanted to get a cannoli at Mike's Pastry. I hate to say it but that was the worst decision (that or east coast cannolis are way different than they are in Chicago). My advice - stay here for dessert!! The table next to us tried one of everything and it all looked amazing.
(4)Ali Joe L.
While visiting my home town of Boston for the Christmas holiday with my boyfriend (his first time ever being to Boston). I knew I had a special mission to show him everything I possibly could about the wonderful city that it is. He's italian and I knew we had to go none other than the North End to Bricco for wonderful italian food. Then ambiance was wonderfully soothing and warm. The rich aromas flowed right out from the kitchen and filled the restaurant, it was absolutely mouth watering. Our server Wolmar Ceolin gave us such a great experience. I am an avid wine and food connoisseur with my degree from New England Culinary Institute .His knowledge of the menu and recommendations of wines for each dish was flawless. It was yet another wonderful experience I have had and my boyfriend's first. We left and he simply said "That was the best italian cuisine I have ever had, hands down! We have to come back!". Thank you to the wonderful Team of Bricco for making our trip to Boston complete!
(5)Sara K.
Amazing food. Service was incredibly fast through the busiest and most crowded dinner time. Place is slightly tight Try it out!
(5)Laura K.
The rarely-crowded, fully-stocked, well-appointed, dimly-lit, nicely-seperated bar of this restaurant is great for a LNMDN* -- especially if you live in the North End, which I do. (Call me!) * Late Night Midweek Date Night. Duh.
(5)Rebecca S.
Food: Excellent. Bread to start off with three different dips was delicious and a great way to start off a meal. We were there for restaurant week, so we started off with Zucchini Flowers stuffed with truffled ricotta, tempura fried and served with grilled vegetables. An amazing dish! My husband had the Salmon with the Pistacchio crust, served with pea puree, sweet potato chips. He LOVED it. I had a few bites and it was really good. I had the Wild Mushrooms truffle Risotto with fontina cheese. It was a really great dish. The flavors were really great! Bread Pudding for Dessert was a great way to end our meal. Ambiance: This place is busy and loud. The bar was packed (we went during a week day) and the place was really full, so we were happy we made a reservation before hand. Tables are close together, so while they try to make the setting intimate, it is impossible to not overhear/compete with the people next to you. Waitstaff: There are always people around to bring you more bread or more water which is really nice and appreciated. I found our waitress though to be a little cold and unfriendly. She brought things over promptly so that was nice. My only other complaint is the fact that I had to ask my waitress for the restaurant week menu. I was annoyed that I had to ask for it separately and she seemed to be annoyed that she had to bring it to me. I just think if you are going participate in restaurant week you could advertise it to your diners/not make it a a big deal to bring over the menu.
(4)Daniel P.
Nice trendy restaurant right on the main street of the North End. It's just like all the others, very cramped and crowded since they are all such small spaces. We were told a 15-20 minute wait...that turned into 40 minutes. And then when we were finally seated our waiter was absolutely TERRIBLE. Granted we were tucked into a little corner, he clearly saw we were there since he took all the time in the world with his other table of four right next to us, but decided not to acknowledge our presence until 20 minutes after we were seated, not even water or bread was brought to us. So the service was awful. And the food was just alright. I had a seafood pasta that was spicier than I imagined, but maybe if our waiter had helped us through the menu I would have been more informed. Despite the higher level of heat, it was still an ok dish. I would expect your experience to be better if you did not have the same waiter. My mother had an eggplant dish and said it was superior to any she'd had before.
(2)Dan W.
This place is top shelf. Shanna, Glen and Ronny are all great. Bricco makes they're own bread and pasta, which not a lot of places do anymore. The wild boar pasta dish gives me movement, as well as the Fra Diavlo. It's also one of the best bars in the North End.
(5)John D.
All hype and no real food. I was totally shocked as Bricco is one of his flagship places. I would much rather go to Tratoria il Panino than Bricco. I was shocked at how poor the service was . Mike our server was rude and pretty much forgetful enough to not bring menus to our table even after being asked. The food was ok ...I am picky when it comes to Italian food and this was just average Hanover Street Italian food. There are other places to go other than Bricco. I really wanted to like this place maybe it was the poor service that jaded my experience.
(2)Emily B.
I am giving Bricco a 5 b/c they were great on all aspects of the dining experience. I had made a business reservation on Sunday evening for 7 ppl, and at last minute had to increase the number coming three different times. The Manager, Sonny Dincic, was so overly accommodating, and even though I knew this is such a pain for the restaurant, he made no issue of it at all, and never once made me feel like it was any problem. We also showed up and wanted to catch the end of the football game, and he helped us find a semi-private place so we could all watch together and have a great viewpoint, this even delayed dinner, which they we accommodating of. I realize this may not be the case for a busy Friday or Saturday, but I got the impression from this restaurant that they would be professional and accommodating no mater the situation. The ambience was great - right on Hanover, with large windows that look onto the street. The bar is dark, and the atmosphere cozy. The kitchen has a little bit of an opening, so the aroma of the dishes adds to the experience without being too overwhelming. To top off my experience, once we did sit down, the dinner was absolutely amazing! The appetizers, to steaming hot entrees, and even a special dessert sampling were delivered on time, cooked to order, and delicious. Drinks were kept full, and the wait staff was exceptional and no issues with the bill. Everyone was high-fiving and thanking all the folks in my party as we left the restaurant. Great job, I would definitely recommend. We all enjoyed very much!
(5)Jerry B.
I am a little apprehensive to be writing a NEGATIVE review about Bricco because the restaurant seems to be ran by the Boston mob. Hopefully they do not kill me because they had bad service and food. The service was absolutely miserable. I waited 20 min to be serviced; after attempting to flag down the waiter several times. The dinning area was not busy at all. I went to Bricco around 1130PM, so my friend and I decided to split our dish and apps because it was late. For apps, we ordered the crabcakes and scallops. The crabcakes were ok, but the scallops were amazing (best part of the meal). For our main dish, we had the Pappardelle, which is basically gourmet hamburger helper. We also had two cocktails, which were both mediocre - my friend did not like his mojito because it came in a martini glass and tasted like ginger. The bill was 100 dollars! I am writing this review because I paid 100 dollars for hamburger helper, and I am not happy! I do not recommend this place.
(1)Emma T.
I love this place for drinks, absolutely love it. But for food, it's just okay. I know I'm a woman and I'm supposed to only like salads and push away the bread, but no, I like to eat. I'm a big fan actually. And this place just didn't do it for me. I don't want to go somewhere and order a meal that costs over $20 and still leave feeling hungry. It's crazy to me. This place does just that. It's super expensive for a plate of food that isn't very satisfying. I get more food caught in my teeth. My advice, go out for dinner and drinks and then end up at Bricco. The drinks are great, the bread they give you is great and it's always a cool crowd. Plus it's very amusing to look at the bartenders' tans...they all live at tanning salons, I'm convinced.
(4)Amanda P.
Went with friends on a Friday night. I called ahead and asked how long the wait would be. The hostess told me there was no wait for a party of 4 so we headed to the restaurant. We arrived less than 10 minutes later to which they told us there was now a 10 minute wait so we got a drink at the bar. The bar area is too tight and there's no standing room. 15 minutes later I went to the hostess and asked how much longer. The man said the other hostess never wrote our name down but he took us up 2 flights of stairs to be seated. We were seated right next to the bathroom. I mean right next to as in can touch the door handle next to. The food was pricey but delicious. Service was excellent. I had the gnocchi and it melted in my mouth. The potato au gratin was undercooked, the potatoes were hard and less than flavorful for the price. I would not order that again. My husband got the 25 oz rib eye. It was huge! It was cooked appropriately as he ordered and he was happy. I would eat there again but only for a special occasion.
(3)Dan A.
A snazzy north end Italian joint. We went here for Valentine's day and it was a pretty good experience, although prepare to look for the hole in your wallet after you pay the bill. We sat upstairs and the ambiance was good, if a little cramped (par for the course in the North End, really). The service was what I'd expect for a high end restaurant, though they didn't try to blow us away by any means. The food WAS fantastic though. Their fried calamari appetizer was one of the best apps I've ever sampled; fresh, crisp and flavorful and the boar tagliatella was also superb with just the right amount of richness and not overly heavy on the noodles. Compares favorably to other high end Italian places nearby, and I would come back but not often given the prices.
(4)Granger K.
Went here for dinner this past Saturday night with my family, and it was an amazing experience! I had been to Bricco for drinks last summer, and had been crammed between the bar and the hostess stand. Certainly not a great place to grab a drink and chat. Dinner is a whole different story. I made reservations for 6 at 6:30 after attempting to secure reservations at Prezza and Del Frisco's, to no avail. We walked in and were taken upstairs, which I did not even know existed. The mood was dim and intimate, and the place was buzzing. We sat down and ordered a drink. Looking over the menu, they had a wide array of appetizers and small plates, while also offering large meals for the empty stomached patron. My father had his way with the extensive wine list and we were off to a good start. The waiter was prompt and knowledgeable. He made great suggestions and even came back to re-pour the wine. Very well done on his part. I ended up ordering the bacon wrapped scallops as an appetizer and the NY Strip with potato gratin for my meal. All three were so amazingly filling, I definitely did not have room for dessert; although, an after dinner drink was another story. All in all, this place was great. The food was impeccable, the service was prompt and courteous, and the atmosphere was very North End. My family and I had a great time and they could not stop commending me for the great dining experience. Bricco, you've made the short list!
(5)Marie B.
This place is Fabulous!!! I had the Gnochhi...the best that I can remember. Cheesy with the right amount of tomato sauce, a must try!!!! The olive oil was great, they even had two other choices to spread on your bread!! Rates right up there with Giacomos!!!
(4)Casey H.
I had the Mista salad and the Timpano. Overall, both were decent. Nothing spectacular but not bad either. I wasn't thrilled with the service - very average. Our waiter refused to give any recommendations even when we narrowed it to two items. "Everything is good" he said. Also, we ordered a bottle of Pellegrino water. It tasted flat. I have had hundreds of bottles of Pellegrino and I think I know what its supposed to taste like. I asked for a new one, which they promptly brought, but already open....It really made me wonder if they are refilling their Pellegrino bottles rather than opening new ones. You'd think after I sent one back because it was flat, they would make it a point to open a new one in front of me. I don't know - it was suspicious. Overall, the place was ok, but I just don't think I'll be back given some of the other options around town.
(3)Yvonne Y.
we came for an early dinner, and the place was empty, but it filled up really fast. the place seems like a good place to get a cocktail at the bar area before dinner. we shared two appetizers and a pasta dish. the mushrooms were excellent, but the mussels were not that fresh. the amatriciana garganelli were made just perfect (i love my pasta al dente) with a little spice and a little pancetta. one odd thing at this place was their sangria. i had the white sangria, but it was made with white wine and a citrus liquor with a slice of orange and lemon as decoration. i don't know about others, but i'm used to my sangria with fruits soaked in alcohol for hours instead of using a fruit liquor. either way, this place has a nice cozy intimate ambiance to it. i'd definitely return for the food, but i'll just not order their sangria.
(4)Eddie K.
We has an 8:45 PM reservation. We were told for 45 minutes that it would "just be a couple more minutes" They finally seated us at a table too small for our party. They said the manager would come talk to us but he never appeared even after we asked several times .They explained that it was the fault of other diners who were staying too long at their tables.
(2)Lea A.
Bricco has delicious refined Italian food! From the cooked cloves of garlic with the bread basket, the Eggplant bake to the 24oz bone-in rib-eye, everything was amazing. The rib eye was cooked perfectly and also came with an accompaniment of bone marrow which was rich and delicate at the same time. The service was on point! Our server was very attentive and friendly. I only wish we had room for dessert.
(4)Jonathan G.
Went to Bricco last night. There were 8 of us in my party. Everything was excellent. Server was super knowledgeable about both the food and the wine. Everyone said that what they ordered was great. I had the scampi app and the stuffed veal chop main. Both were perfect. Will definetly go back again.
(5)Shane T.
Bread pudding was out of this world. Tiramasu not so much. Service was great and atmosphere was quaint, had a good energy and you needed to speak up a little to be heard, but not terribly so.
(4)Shaina G.
Great Italian food, Good Service, Good Vibe. My only complaint is that it was a little crowded, and it took a while for me to get service while sitting at the bar. But, once they came over, the service was good. I had the eggplant stack and the pappardelle with wild boar on the bartender's recommendation. Both were fabulous. The eggplant was cooked perfectly - crisp, yet juicy. melted cheese and the perfect amount of sauce. I got a half order of the pasta, which was just big enough after the appetizer. The boar was tender and shredded into perfect chunks. The sauce had great flavor, and was just thick enough to coat the pasta and meat. It was great. The guy next to me got the bruschetta, which I almost ordered - and it looked great. Really light and tastey. Next time, I'll go for that. I had three different glasses of red wine - each on the recommendation of a different bartender. I love a place that is willing to help me be adventurous and suggest things I'll like. As it turned out - I enjoyed everything they suggested. It's obviously a popular spot. As I sat at the bar, I watched tons of people come in and try to get a table. I'm not sure if they take reservations, but I would definitely recommend trying to get one if you are more than one person. Oh, and the manager seemed to know everyone. He was taking the time to personally greet people, ask how they were doing. He remembered everyone's name and story. Definitely an at home kind of place. Next time I'm in Boston, I will definitely come back.
(4)Melissa F.
Bricco is middle of the road for me in the north end. I can't say I definitely won't be back, but I'm not exactly counting down till my return. I love the atmosphere of the restaurant itself. Very classy but laid back. Our food was good, but not the best I've had in the area. I do have to say that their cocktails are great. Extensive list and very strong. I could see myself coming back just for drinks late on a friday/saturday night. My issue is just that this place is pricey. Our bill was ridiculous. We had two entrees, 2 glasses of wine and 1 appetizer and I believe our total was in the $120 range. Ouch. If the food was stellar, then I'd probably over look the hefty price, but alas it was so so. If I wanted to spend a little more on dinner than average I'd head to ristorante fiore because it's expensive but I love their food. Bricco is most certainly not the worst place I've been to in the north end, but it's not quite in my top 5 either.
(3)Zheela Q.
Went there with my husband .nice atmosphere except got a tiny awkward table and the hostess wouldn't let us move. We shared the shrimp scampi for an appetizer and the wild boar pasta and ricotta pillows. Portions were good and the wild boar and ricotta pillows were excellent. The shrimp came with delicious potatoes as well. I'm giving it three stars because of service and stale bread.
(3)Amy B.
Bricco was my favorite place to eat and drink when I lived in the North End. I always have a great time and the food is always fabulous. It's the perfect place to bring friends, go on a date, or take your family out to eat - the atmosphere works for any situation. The restaurant is pretty large and has a dining room downstairs and upstairs. The food is a bit pricier than some other restaurants in the 'hood, but the quality and presentation is fabulous, so it's totally worth it. Later at night, Bricco turns into more of a bar scene, but they do serve great cheese pizza which is perfect if you're hungry at midnight! Warning: the pineapple infused vodka causes quite the hangover the next morning...take it from me.
(5)Erika S.
I'd give it 3 1/2 stars if that were possible. I don't quite think it deserves 4 though. We were there on a Friday night. Very crowded. Had to wait like 15 mins for our table even though we had a reservation (no big deal). Tables are very close together and we felt a bit crammed. My husband had the special, which was venison, and he loved it. I had the salmon which was good, but not great. Both of our dishes came with strange sides that we couldn't identify (his was some type of corn dish; mine was potato, almost like a knish). I should mention that we shared the ricotta pillows as an app. and those were very good. I wouldn't be opposed to going back in the future, but I'd rather try other restaurants in the area first.
(3)Barb P.
Six friends went to Bricco for an early dinner before heading to our class reunion. Each of had an outstanding meal. Our server Emilio was knowledgable, accommodating, and funny. Thanks for the complimentary limoncello. Wonderful start to a great weekend in Boston.
(5)Julie R.
Our dinner (opted to sit at the bar) deserves a combined 5 stars for the wine, the food and the atmosphere. We actually chose it because it had valet parking, but next time we will go there with purpose. We had the good fortune of sitting near the owner and his wife, who made helpful menu recommendations and were very pleasant to chat with. The bartender was attentive without being pushy, and he made a fabulous cabernet recommendation (very nice to have an authentic Italian menu accompanied by such a diverse wine list). The interior is classic North End and very attractive. I highly recommend the homemade pasta - lots of choices. Go hungry, as the bread basket is stuffed to the brim and it's delicious. No downsides other than it was jam-packed (Saturday night). Probably not a great place to take little kids.
(5)Lin B.
Bricco does NOT disappoint! It can be crowded and noisy, but this is among the best of the North End restaurants for food. Ah, I dream about the pumpkin tortellini :) Have to go whenever we are on business in Boston and we always bring our clients for the amazing Italian food. It is heaven. Agree with the upstairs as better choice for conversation. Wait staff is great, albeit incredibly busy.
(5)Sarah H.
Went to bricco last night on recommendation. The staff was nice, the pasta was amazing! I had the pumpkin tortellini as a half portion for appetizer (6pieces). Then the downfall, the second dish pork chops, and lamb my husband had were awful and overcooked. Stick to the pasta dishes here!!!!
(3)Lisa P.
Wanted a place in the North End to go with the family after a college graduation. I was very skeptical because Bricco has received such mixed reviews. Our party of five was very impressed with our entire experience. We are not big drinkers so I cant rate the bar, but we did order three different appetizers to share: the beef carpaccio, the tuna and the frittura mista. All were outstanding. For dinner we had the tuna, the big night timpamo, a special of seafood filled ravioli, shrimp and zucchini al limone, and the pappardelle al cinghiale. All were equally delicious. I had heard service could be questionable and as soon as we declined cocktails, I thought we were headed down that path. Being a former server, I know how important a bar tab can be, but non-drinkers also know how to tip and I think we quickly won our server back over with our enthusiasm about the menu and the ambiance. We were lucky enough to sit upstairs with the windows open overlooking Hanover street on a gorgeous spring day. Yes the place is expensive but you know that from the get go.
(5)Kyle D.
I've been here a few times now with pretty good results. The food is great, but if you get an inexperienced or loose-cannon waiter your overall dining experience might be hindered. We had 1 waiter who helped us order a few things not on the menu. They turned out very well, but he managed to agitate the kitchen staff on a pretty busy evening. Another time out we had a waiter who was trying to handle several tables at once on his own. It took us 15 minutes to get a glass of water, 30 minutes to get a beer (originally ordered on draft, but had to settle for the bottle), and nearly 45 minutes to get our food. Thank god for the food, otherwise the night would have been really bad. I haven't had a bad item on the menu! The wine selection is pretty extensive and if you need some help with pairings the wait staff can be pretty helpful (they'll even ask for assistance if it's not their forte). The restaurant itself is a bit cramped so getting in and out can sometimes be a bit of a problem. The pastas can be cooked to your specifications (hard, soft, etc.) and the seafood is incorporated in some pretty unique ways. I've only been there with groups and they are always happy to help pick out a few appetizers and entrées for the table to share. The cramped spaces and big audiences can make conversation a bit difficult, but overall it's worth the trip. We've discovered that if you encounter a problem the best thing to do is escalate to the management as quickly as possible. If the wait staff doesn't get it right the first time, then the managers will easily make up for it.
(4)Rich B.
Awesome, food was great and staff was great too! Especially Hostess, she handled a very packed house with a lot of patience. Rick B NY
(5)Michael T.
Had another great experience here. Friendly bartender recommended Pineapple Infusion Martini's on a warm night, refreshing and effective. We sat down pretty much on time, and our waiter was knowledgeable and attentive. I had the polenta and porcini mushrooms (great), and the braised sea bass (really great.) My wife had a caprese salad that didn't mess with perfection, and a seafood brodetto she thoroughly enjoyed. This place is now on my go-to- list for the North End, joining Prezza (best), Cantina Italiana (Casual), and Lemoncello (Romantic).
(4)Brittany H.
I chose Bricco based on the feedback from their Yelp page. I had an International co-worker from Asia here on business, and wanted to treat them to something different. It was a Wednesday night and we battled some traffic getting into the restaurant and missed our reservation, but it was not a problem and as soon as we got there we were seated right away. They offered to take our coats for us and sat us at a nice table in the center of the restaurant. It is typical European style seating as we were rubbing elbows with the table next to us. I had read in the reviews that people had wanted to order the nightly specials and they were always "out". I was hoping that wouldnt happen, but it did with three of the specials, they were also out of the wine we chose. There was still a good amount on the menu to choose from and our dinner was excellent none the less, I had the homemade pumpkin tortellini, we also ordered the swordfish and the seafood papadalle. Oysters were a refreshing appetizer. Our server was knowledgeable when asking questions about certain menu items. It was a great dinner and I'm glad we chose this location, the only thing was that the lighting was so low we were using the candle at the center of the table to read and then of course not having any of the nightly specials available.
(4)Carole B.
I went to Bricco's because it was rated 25 on Zagat but I don't know how that is possible. My zucchini flowers stuffed with ricotta were oily. My entree, which was pasta with seafood was tasteless and boring . I will never go back again.
(2)Matt D.
Awesome, awesome, awesome. Anyone who comes to town, we take them here. Good tasty Italian food w/ some seasonal, modern twists. Yes, it's crowded (as with all restaurants in the North End), but somehow you don't feel like you're on top of people. Fast, attentive service. And AWESOME food.
(5)Riz I.
On one the busy weekend I couldn't find a spot at Giacomo or Luccas so I stepped in at Briccos. I ordered Chilean sea bass which sounded pretty good with olive caper sauce , potatoes topped with argula and peas and swiss crisp cheese. The fish was ok. Other stuff lacked that flavor one expects from North end of Boston. The service is dismal.
(2)Thomas G.
My GF and I went for dinner last week for the first time. OMG, it was not just about the food, it was an entire experience. Our waiter, Gerry Esposito was very professional and attentive to our needs. The smells and sounds were of the old country. We had the steak for the entree and WOW. The after dinner drinks were great. I highly recommend The Godfather. We then closed at the bar, met two friendly North End women. This was well worth the little bit extra in cost. It is not just a dinner, it is a dining experience.
(5)Sarah E.
First off, service sucks. he was really slow, and i ordered a prosecco and he came back with the most expensive glass of champagne. docked a star for that. Went with my parents as we were passing through Boston and ended up here on a recommendation from a friend. Started off with the mussels for an app. They were awesome. Cooked with parsley, white wine, cherry tomatoes, and capers; the broth was a bit salty but it was still very good and the mussels were not overcooked. My father had the pomergranate and goat cheese salad, very sweet tasting and my father really like it. My veggie risotto was AMAZING, the best dish at the table. Only thing i didnt like was the large cuts of asparagus. other than that it was cheesy, flavorful, full of veggies, and cooked to perfection. not mushy and not hard. a true masterpiece. my father had the gnocchi in tomato sauce with mozz cheese. It was very cheesey. My mother had a pasta and meat dish- tallagatie or something like that. It had a ton of flavors but i personally didnt care for it. had a lot of pancetta and tasted too much like meat- which i dont really care for. I would dress nice to go here, my parents were in jeans and they felt off put by the atmosphere- as it is a classy and upscale vibe. Great for a date night if you want to take the time and enjoy your food and each other. Romantic setting and very close to other people as it is a small room. The person at the table next to me could have taken a bite off my plate that is how close we were haha. It is a bit pricey, ended up being nearly $200 for 3 people: 2 apps, 3 drinks, 3 dinners and tip.
(3)Stig B.
Food was excellent. Extensive wine list, with many decent choices at many price points. They do have a practice which drives me crazy - no prices when presenting specials. Shame on me for not asking - but $18 for a grilled Asparagus, Cheese and field greens salad seems a bit excessive.
(4)Tabitha B.
Cozy place, crowded and warm lighting. tables are super close together. Open kitchen... if you like quiet do not go, but the food is delish. From start to finish they do it right. My husband had a pasta dish.. and might I say , thank you for the preperation, for not overloading the plate with pasta. Perfect portions. Everything was tasty.
(4)Christina I.
Bricco's late night pizza is to die for! It is so good and the late night scene is very lively. I also highly recommend their espresso martinis - it's the best espresso martini I've ever had. If you do go late night for their pizza I recommend the prosciutto.
(5)George T.
Service rushed. Food inconsistent, depends what you get from the menu. Oysters were served on ice, yet were at room temperature. Good wine list. TVs hang all over the place, like it's a sports bar.
(3)Kangana G.
It was three of us from work that decided to try this place while in Boston on work. I had made the recommendation so I was hoping it would be good and sure, it seemed promising. We ordered the eggplant appetizer, the gnocchi, sea bass and swordfish and while the food was pretty good - the service was terrible. Our server did not know ONE THING about the menu and we had to literally point towards the dish on the menu for him to understand what we wanted. Not only was he missing most of the time, he was also rather smug. When I asked him the flavor of gelato in my dessert, he started to made idiotic guesses like "chocolate"..well hello, I see chocolate chip AND chocolate. It turned out to be hazelnut, chocolate chip and vanilla..what an under-sell and really who serves you NOT knowing what they are serving you? I was disappointed that a place like this with good food should have such terrible service.
(3)Chris F.
Been here dozens of times with friends, clients, family and always had a great experience. I have had almost everything on the menu and specials and they are always good. The wine selections are great from the reasonably priced to the more splurgy Barolo's. The Big Night Timpano is great on a cold winter night and when they bring in fresh mozzarella from the mother ship, it is as good as anything that I have had in Italy. Service is always excellent all around from the moment you walk in the door to the bartenders, wait staff etc... The bar tends to get a bit Euro-trashey after 10:00 which means exit stage left. The expanded bar really helps to cut down on congestion, so good on you for that!
(5)Carlo S.
It took more than an hour to get our food. The appetizers were mediocre and overpriced, they forgot to bring me my wine I ordered, and both our entrees were overcooked. The manager came over to our table to appologize but he didn't comp ANYTHING, which is customary when the food isn't satisfactory. Overall an aweful experience.
(2)Rodney H.
Simply incredible food. We ordered an appetizer and two entrées and they were all amazing. The gnocchi are a must-have, I could eat them everyday.
(5)Krystal T.
Extremely disappointed. My husband and I dropped 5 bills at this restaurant hoping to be impressed, it didn't happen. Honestly a real foodie would be disappointed too. My husband is a chef and was expecting a lot more than what was dished out by the chef. The wait staff was ok. Pros: great pasta, great desser. Cons: flavorless fish, but properly cooked. Over crowded and definitely not a place for a romantic evening.
(2)Darryl P.
The wait staff was very helpful and pleasant to talk with. The ambiance was excellent as well giving the restaurant a pleasant feeling of elegance and earthiness that was relaxing and inviting. The food and selections were excellent. From first course to desert.
(4)Corey D.
I was in Boston on a business trip and the concierge at Liberty Hotel recommended this place. Food was excellent. I am a huge octopus fan and this one of the best I ever had! The wine list was excellent and I sat at the bar close to street and had a great view as well. I rarely go back to the same place when I travel, but I am going back to this one.
(5)Wallace S.
I recently tried this spot with my wife and father-inlaw after catching a show at improv asylum. It was our first time at this restaurant. The wait wasn't to bad being it was a Friday night. Drinks were a bit expensive, about 20 dollars for 3 harpoon ipa's. Decor and Atmosphere was classy and tasteful. When it came Time to to be seated we were brought up stairs to a nice dining room. We were greeted by the waiter who is friendly enough but did not seem to educate did on the food that he was serving. I ordered the prosciutto appetizer and when I asked for a liitle background info on the dish as far as description of ham and cheese the waiter had a deer in headlights look about him. I'm not sure if he was just new and not familiar with the menu or not, but they should really make sure the wait staff is knowledgeable about the cuisine. I ordered the lamb shank and it was cooked to perfection, my father in law ordered seafood which was adequate a little overcooked, and my wife had a cream sauce pasta dish that was very good. Overall it was a good dining experience a little pricey overall and wait staff was friendly but could use some classes on what they are serving so they are better able to describe and talk about the food they are serving.
(3)Jenny H.
I had a great experience at this restaurant. The space is very small and make sure you have reservations on a Friday or Saturday night otherwise expect a long wait. We shared the veal and gnocchi- both were excellent. The martinis are strong and the restaurant has a great wine selection. This is a good spot for dinner with friends or a date. Go to modern pastry afterwards for dessert :)
(4)Mary B.
What a great service and food ! We were waited by Emilio!!! He was the best server ever ! The food was amazing !( Gnocchi Sorrentina)The white sangria too ! Beautiful place , highly recommend it ! I would only ask for a nicer hostess with a better "Italian restaurant attitude " . She wasn't friendly at all .
(4)Anna R.
Went here for a first date once upon a time...and we're still together, so I guess it was impressive. ;) GREAT tiramisu...the only one I've had that comes close to authentic (although the chocolate shell was distracting). The ricotta pie is also really good, from Modern Pastry. Great dinner, good coffee selection, wine menu. I ordered the Crestini, which was nothing special. Second time around I got the pasta with tomatoes, pancetta, and pecorino cheese, which was absolutely amazing. The pasta was SO fresh...delicious. Amazing service, very friendly.
(4)Ron J.
This is a good place. Period. Fantastic home made pasta and great appetizers. (Disclaimer: I tend to stay away from the big American-style entrees in a place like this.) - If you don't know enough to ask for a better table when you've been seated near the toilet, now you know. Life's too short to spend 2 hours and big $$ at a crappy table. - If you can't tolerate delays and minor snafus on a weekend night, then those are the nights you should probably stay home. - Bricco isn't cheap, but you get what you pay for. You're probably better-off skipping the big expensive entrees and going for the pastas.
(5)Matthew B.
Preamble I've been to quite a few north end places over the years. Most are good, they tend to be a bit pricey but hey it's the north end. Bricco is one that I would return to again and again. They lose a star because they are definitely on the high side from a dollar perspective - safe to figure $80-$90 a person sans drinks if you do the app/pasta/entre route. But my o my... these guys are real pros if you appreciate quality, service, ambience, and an authentic and imaginative Italian menu. Overall Review - 9 of 10 I am not easily impressed - but Bricco accomplished that. Our waitress was fast, knowledgeable, and confident. She knew the wine list inside and out. We got a 2003 Amarone ($85) that was spectacular and a 2004 sangiovese, which was lighter but equally impressive ($55). This was a group of 12, so we kept her hopping. Intimate, lively with enough space to be comfortable but the place had a fun buzz to it for a Wednesday evening - and no empty tables in site. Course timing was perfect. Presentation was well above average - although not "art-full". As indicated - a bit on the pricey side, but I have less angst about that when I feel like they earn it - and they did. What we had 9 of 10 Family style appetizers were traditional Italian - a caprese salad with huge slices of buffalo mozzarella, piled on wonderfully fresh tomatoes and topped with a lot of fresh whole basil. Warm bread, olive oil, baked garlic, and a white bean puree. Fried calamari with a citrus aioli that was melt in the mouth tender, jumbo shrimp, and served with baked jalapenos on the side. And a raft of Prosciutto served with quince & stracchino cheese -- simply delicioso. The pasta course was served "duet style" - two small sample portions per person. A wild boar ragu on one side, and a goat cheese & wild mushroom ravioli with a truffle sauce on the other (I didn't get to taste that because there was butter in the sauce - but everyone went gaga over it.) Suffice to say my substitution was just as outstanding. The entrees were varied, but had everyone swooning. While I can't attest to the others - we pretty much covered the gamut - my 18oz bone in rib eye was melt in your mouth tender, AND the chef gave mine a truffle treatment since I missed out on the ravioli. WOW. The desert "tasting menu" was passed around - again not my gig - but lots of cudos where spoken. The sorbet was decent (not as good as the stuff at Becco in Manhattan, that's another review) with a nice grappa. Parking Forget about it - I always take a taxi to the north end. Wouldn't even know where to begin parking wise. They have valet though. Summary Did the whole Rome gig last year - I hope to get around to some reviews of those places at some point - including my favorite all time place: Pietro's -- but I have to say Bricco made me feel like I was "in country". As a Phila native, I get some really great Italian food around home, but only a few places compare to this upscale dining establishment in Boston's happen'n North End. If you have the bucks, or if you're out on biz-e-ness do it.
(4)Dea C.
Went here for my 3 year anniversary. It was pretty lack luster for what i had heard about the place. For our entrees I got the pumpkin tortelini which was very good and my boyfriend got one of the pasta specials which was VERY heavy on the garlic (it totally overpowered everything else in the dish). For the quality, the food was totally overpriced. Atmosphere was nothing to rave about either....I asked to be seated in a romantic table but the place is so small and crowded that that's very hard to accomplish. It was totally cramped with people which i don't usually mind but we were seated unreasonably close to the couple next to us (i literally bumped elbows with the girl next to me a few times) ....but the restaurant was really busy so I didn't complain. Overall, nothing special... there are definitely A TON of other places in North end that would be a better choice... (like Lucca)
(3)Larissa C.
This place is OK. It has a lovely view of Hanover St., and in the summer it's so lovely to sit and enjoy a drink. I particularly like there Left Bank cocktail, which is a specialty martini that I would never think to make myself. The reason why this place is so average in my mind is that most of the food is unmemorable. The last time I went, I tried the chef's tasting with the wine pairing, and although I remember liking the food I wasn't blown away. In the future I will stick to my drink and maybe an appetizer...
(3)T M.
Delicious! The gnocchi was the best I've ever had. Romantic ambiance upstairs, downstairs has party feel to it. Great wine list, excellent service!
(5)Alyssa A.
I have never had such good pasta. I mean that. This was the best pasta I have ever eaten. It was the pumpkin tortellini (?), and it was heavenly. Upstairs is super intimate but jeans are fine. It's a beautiful place and the service was fantastic. I am dying to go back already.
(5)Dee L.
Wow one of the best meals and dining experiences we have ever had. Early evening on New Year's Day walked in. We were greeted right away and when we told them we had not been there before was given the "grand tour". The restaurant is 2 rooms with bars in each of them. We opted for the 2nd room, roaring fireplace and a scant 2 other diners at the bar. Secured 2 seats and we were blown away by Glenn's service, conversation and suggestions on the menu and wine. He suggested we 1/2 order a few of the pastas and offered to split any meal so we could try a few things. Got full order of shrimp scampi and hubbie was delighted to see the shrimp sitting on scalloped potatoes quite a nice change. Split the ricotta pillows and wild boar pasta dish. All homemade and excellent. Made short work of all the above. Amazing food, atmosphere and service - we are fans!
(5)Nina S.
The food is excellent! I loved the lobster ravioli special. The restaurant is a little noisy.
(4)Kerry M.
Bricco is WAY overrated! This was one of the most expensive and underwhelming dining experiences that we've had in a long time. My husband ordered off the restaurant week menu and I ordered a la carte off the regular menu. I got the Chilean sea bass for $36 and it was a decent portion but it was the most bland, uninventive piece of fish I've ever had--let alone paid that much for. It actually tasted "fishy" too. It was accompanied by beluga lentils, which at the time, I had no idea what I was eating because they had no discerning flavor. I had to look it up after I got home to see what it was listed as on the menu. Just odd! My husband's eggplant app was good (i had a bite) but his entree was sub par. He got the red wine braised beef which was 2 pieces of dry stew meat with a few root vegetables. His dessert, the molten dark torte, was so small, we laughed! It was the size of a mushroom and I'm not kidding! I was hoping to get a bite but literally, that's all it was! In addition to the disappointing food, we ordered a bottle of expensive wine (it seems their bottles start at $40 and up) that was just okay but nothing special for the price. We left there feeling depressed that we blew our weekly dining out budget--and then some--on this place. Never again!
(2)Liane V.
Food was really good. I got the a-something g-something pasta with Niman Ranch pancetta and spicy tomatoes. Oh my gosh. So good. I also got a mixed green salad. It's not on the menu but it came with mixed greens such as arugula and others, served with this sweet/sour dressing that seemed like some type of balsamic vinaigrette and sprinkled with pomegranate seeds. It was really good. Everything was huge. The salad came in an enormous bowl and was twice as much as necessary, and same with the pasta. I guess if you're paying $20+ for an entree it's nice to have some to take home. Unfortunately my hotel didn't have a fridge so I had to send it all away when I was done. The host staff was weirdly helpful, but at the same time unhelpful and snooty. It's not like I came in wearing flip flops and sweat pants - I had on a suit. I arrived really early for my reservation and was starving, so I asked for some bread. They were nicely accommodating for that. I loved the dipping options - they even had roast garlic! That was fine. Then I got up to free up space at the bar and it seemed like they were annoyed that I was waiting there, so I went outside. I can't put my finger on it. It was a weird vibe. Anyway, aside from that it was good. I'd want to try other restaurants (so many!) before I came back but it's nice for a date.
(4)Amelia M.
We skipped on our typical deli Traded up for some killer farfelle It arrived on a plate and with nary a wait I chowed down; it felt good in my bell-ay Okay, all bad poetry aside, this resto has delicious food, a great atmosphere, and friendly staff. What more can you ask?
(5)Samson D.
The concierge at our hotel booked this for us on New Year's eve before we flew in to Boston. Not really impressed, especially when you compare the food, service and prices to places like Giacomo's. No match. I just felt like the food was so-so; service was spotty and, get this, they sat us next to the open door of the women's bathroom. Very attractive. I finally got up myself and shut the door. Nuf said!
(3)Ann W.
Bricco has always been a go-to in the North End when my family visits, but my most recent visit was pretty awful. To begin, the hostess messed up my reservation, and it took me about 20 minutes to book the reservation. Then my family and I (grandmother in tow) waited at the bar for 10 minutes before anyone even said hello to us on a pretty dead Sunday night. The bartenders were rude and the drinks were mediocre at best. Then, upon sitting down, I was shocked to see that my favorite appetizer was no longer available- Alaskan King Crab Legs. We got the soft shell crab appetizer special, which was really good, but the buffalo mozz and tomato salad was pretty bland. My boyfriend got the Seafood Fra Diavolo and it was terrible. The pasta was way undercooked and it was luke warm. Then for dessert we got the raspberry cheesecake, which was frozen in the middle. Oh and the bread was completely stale. The only reason I gave it two stars: the waitstaff was nice, the gnocchi and seafood risotto special were good, and I love the ambiance of the restaurant. But that's about it. Before this past visit, I would recommend this restaurant to anyone and everyone--if only for the ambiance and the espresso martinis. But now I think I'm going to need to find a new go-to spot in the North End. Pretty devastating experience.
(2)Rachel L.
Fantastic service, fantastic food. Great wine list, okay beer list. My girlfriend had something with lobster on it, which she said was very fresh and delicious. I had a baked pasta dish that was totally worth the probably 4,000 calories.
(5)H T.
Oh, My lovely bartender: She dressed sexy. She dressed tight. The way she mixed, was a pretty sight. And... that's as good as it gets, Because the drink she poured me was awfully BAD. Let's be clear about something: I am not really picky about drinks. I can drink anything, as long as it tastes good. But neither chugging, nor sipping [this] was something that one could do, or should do! We sat at the bar, not anywhere far.. We asked for water. Said yes, but were completely ignored. Bricco was a random pick. Modern, dark, and sleek. Unfortunately, don't see myself returning here Just go somewhere else for pasta and beer.
(2)Philip C.
I ate dinner at Bricco over a year ago and it was a totally flavorful and positive experience. However, one item on the menu has made me return over and over again. After many a solid night out with friends, my lady and I look at each other and tell everyone we're "turning in early" only to disguise our true plan of heading over to Hanover St. before Bricco stops serving their delicious late night brick oven Margherita pizza for $16 plus tax. Cafe Pompeii, you say? Forget about it. The pizza at Bricco is better (fresher) and you never have to deal with any GTL knuckleheads, long lines and weird smells. Consistent. Enjoyable. Satisfying. I thoroughly enjoy Bricco's pizza.
(4)Tom O.
For a restaurant with everything going for it ,in the heart of Boston's North End, Bricco is a disappointment. I read from other Yelp posts that the food was good and the wait staff had attitude. I would agree and I would like to add that the wait staff are idiots. Thankfully the company we were dining with more than made up for our experience. The difficulties began when our host ordered a bottle of wine for the table-- a BV Tapestry to be exact. When asked to describe the wine the waiter said that it was a California Cabernet, which it is not. We had to correct him several times. Then when he opened the bottle he did a crappy job of uncorking the wine and left plenty of cork in the glass to sample. My friend told him to send the wine back because the wine was full of sediment and the cork was broken into our glasses. A small skirmish ensued and the manager/sommelier came to our table insisting that we keep the wine and that the Tapestry ought to be decanted. I agree, but why wasn't the wine decanted immediately? We felt bullied into keeping the wine which I don't understand because a restaurant could easily sell 4 or 5 glasses of "corky" Tapestry at the bar. When the wine was finally decanted the waiter tipped the bottle completely upside down and poured the entire contents directly into the decanter, completely defeating the purpose of decanting the wine in the first place! After the wine episode we waited a very long time for bread! And then our meals were very uninspired. I forget what I had. This place is definitely a hot spot in Boston as our waiter tried to salvage his tip by telling us that we were better patrons than Tom and Katie and Tom and Gisele. Nice try. Skip the attitude, work on customer service and find the inspiration in the kitchen--there are plenty of other places to spend your money in the North End.
(2)Donnatella R.
Horrible. Bland apps start at $15 - $20; Hyped-up dinners ("fresh cracked pepper," that sort of thing) also overpriced at $22-$25+. My tomato soup tasted like tomato sauce; the pumpkin ravioli was sugary rather than sweet; bread was hard. Service slow. For the prices they put on the dishes, the menu should offer delicious and imaginative dishes and superb service. Lots of people go there, but that doesn't mean it's great; it means there's a bunch of people with low expectations. Don't be swayed by the hype or the hotel concierge!
(1)Russ J.
This may be the best in the north end. The service was attentive and professional, appetizers were incredible, and all 6 entrees were delicious. We will return at our very next opportunity
(4)Kevin K.
I came to Boston's North End for dinner from Cranston RI on December 7, 2011. I arrived at about 5:45 and after finding some parking in front of the Gelateria on Hannover Street, I met a man named Joe Allesandro (Sp?). He spoke very highly of the restaurant (Bricco) and assured us (myself, and two girlfriends) that we would enjoy the dinner and would be very well taken care of. We walked across the street and entered Bricco. We were seated and ordered drinks and an appetizer. After the appetizer came we ordered our entrees. I ordered the 32 oz Porterhouse. The girls ordered pasta. For sides I ordered the assorted garden vegetables and mashed potatoes. When the entrees were served, the steak and pasta dishes were warm. The potatoes and vegetables were in dishes served on ceramic plates. When I took a bite of the potatoes (half a forkful) I scalded the inside of my mouth. I have never put anything that hot into my mouth in my life. The mashed potatoes stuck to and burned not only my tongue but the roof of my mouth. Instantly I drank some ice water, but the damage was done. The waiter was standing at the table as this occurred. He never "warned" me that the potatoes were VERY VERY HOT. He also didn't offer to get me ice cubes or, anything else. I clearly pointed out my discomfort and displeasure since I now couldn't taste anything and had blisters on the roof of my mouth. He said nothing. After I regained my composure a little bit, I called him back to the table and asked to speak to the manager and for a glass of ice cubes. A gentleman named Nick Vatistas introduced himself as the manager. After I told him what had happened he asked me what I "wanted him to do". I told him I didn't want to pay for the steak or the potatoes since I could no longer taste anything. He said that I should try to eat as much as I could and "he would take care of me". After dinner, a bottle of Lemoncello and a desert tray of 3 deserts were brought to the table. We didn't order them. I wasn't able to eat the deserts or drink the alcohol due to the wounds in my mouth. Eventually when the waiter re-appeared, my girlfriend suggested that maybe a scoop of gelato would be good for my mouth. The waiter then brought two scoops (one chocolate, one banana) in a small bowl. He neglected to bring a spoon. I used a salad fork to eat some of the banana gelato. At this point, I was thinking that the food was good, according to the girls, the service was so-so at best and I would have to come back again and try not to burn myself. However, when Nick brought the bill paper-clipped to a postcard I was puzzled. On the bill was $174 worth of food and drinks including my steak and the killer potatoes. I thought maybe the whole tab was comp'd. I left a $35 tip on the table. When I asked Nick he said "we didn't make any mistakes with the steak" and "we gave you Lemoncello and the deserts on the house". I asked him again to take the steak and potatoes off the bill and he said "no". I won't be going back.
(1)Robert O.
Bricco has Always been a favorite for Italian. But on my last visit I ordered a Steak, Unbelievable!!! can't wait to go back. Dry Aged Prime Beef. Good Location, Fun bar, Great service
(5)Tory H.
the food was good, they have great gnocchi. but living in the area, Bricco's doesn't compare to the other more intimate, authentic, places that I have been (like trattoria il panino). It is pretty fancy and over hyped in my opinion.
(3)Vyshali M.
My dad and his colleagues were here for a major conference and he wanted to take them some place NICE. So we came here.They did seat all of us even though are party wasn't all there. The food was INCREDIBLE! I suggest definitely ordering from the specials, though I did try some of the other dishes. But this was the best italian dinner I've had in the 9 years I've been here. BUT, the service kinda sucked. One person in our party was late and the waiter didn't want to 'recite' the specials until all of were present. UM, WHAT!? NO! Since I was kind of the 'head of the table' (whoa! I was, awesome!) I regulated it shouldn't matter how many specials there are. Then it got chilly later in the evening and we asked to have the doors shut (there were tables in the way) but they refused, then a party of 2, sitting next the doors requested to have them shut. WTF! They moved tables, asked a few diners if they could stand so they could shift their table b/c it was in the way of the door...blah blah blah...That was ridiculous. But the service was prompt. Again, the food was AMAZING. I had a pasta dish with foie gras...(a special) I actually wanted 10 more bowls, I couldn't believe it, my brain still is at a loss. **I know that people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones... but throw a damn BRICCK(O)!* and Go! GO! get the mouth-watering, 'A Meal to Remember' Italian food in the North End *Disclaimer: you are not responsible for cleaning up the glass, but you may be subject to fines or subsequent charges brought on by the state....sorrrrrry :)
(4)Ty K.
What a treat! I had one opportunity for Italian on a recent trip to Boston. The "insiders" told us to go to Bricco. We arrived with no reservation, and dissapointed that we could not be seated until after 10PM. What a blessing. We chose to eat at the bar, where we met the bar tender and Rabia. Rabia made us feel right at home, and helped with our appetizer and meal selections, filled our glasses when needed, and became part of the restaurant's ambiance. I never felt neglected or oversold - it was better than just right. The Octopus appetizer was AMAZING, not to mention the delicious fried zucchini flowers. For my main course, I had the Collosal Shrimp & Seafood Fra Diavolo chitarine pasta with spicy lobster fume. Each bite was a different delightful mix of flavors, like a hundred meals in one. My friend had the Veal Shank, which I tried. So very tender and moist, with amazing flavor. He also had the sangria, which has me wanting to try my long lost sangria friend again! I'm unsure which was better: the meal or Rabia's hospitality? Again, eating at the bar made us feel close to the restaurant, almost like eating at home! I'm looking forward to returning and trying another excellent dish! Wish Bricco had a spot in Los Angeles. Highly recommended, but make reservations!
(4)Phi N.
This restaurant is so-so based on what I was able to try. We started off with the crabcakes and mozzarella caprese. Didn't care for the caprese. The crabcakes were good but tiny. We also split some pasta as an appetizer. I believe it was wild boar but I could be making that up... lol. It was marvelous though. Then I got the veal chop while my friend ordered the braised beef (What I originally wanted, but it didn't make sense to order the same thing). I was able to eat some of both, the braised beef was def the way to go. Service was impeccable. Lighting was dark, and I didn't want to be that guy using his flash... so sorry my pics suck.
(3)Lola F.
I've visited Bricco in the North End now twice, once during the Summer Restaurant Week, and once just this passed weekend for the Winter Restaurant week. Averaged out, I'd give Bricco 3 stars, and only because of the subpar service we received on Friday night. My first visit to Bricco was lovely. We got a table for 2 with a reservation the day we wanted to go -- an added bonus since a reservation we had elsewhere fell through. The atmosphere was awesome - everyone near us seemed generally happy to be there and with the service they received. Both my friend's and my meals were perfect, and the service was overall solid. We were seated right away, and there was little lag time between courses. Each course was flavorful, and well portioned. Overall, I would have given a 5 based on my first experience. This past Friday night however, was a different story. We arrived with a pre reserved table for 6 and were seated about 20 minutes after our reserved table time. Not too bad for a Friday night though, especially during a promotion week and with a larger table. Our waitress was quick to offer us drinks, however it took 2 tries and 20 minutes to get Restaurant Week menus instead of the everyday menu. After ordering, there was a bit of a wait, although not too bad to get our appetizers, of which 2 were identical, and 4 of the 6 were cooked. Our plates were promptly cleared and the table was reset for our entree course. Around this time, I noticed that the table of 7 behind us had made 3 somewhat simple requests for more bread, water or their appetizers that went unanswered by the staff... and then we saw why... For entrees, 3 ordered the pasta with lobster, 2 the gnocci and one the veal. Unfortunately, the lobster pasta dishes hit the table 15 (solid) minutes before the other entrees because of a kitchen mix up. Of the four people who came by to check on our table, only one acknowledged that we were still without 3 entrees during that time, and the manager offered a simple "we're sorry for the mix up in the kitchen" for the error. Meanwhile, three of our meals were nearly cold, and congealed by that time. Not OK in my book. The 3 later arriving entrees received good reviews from the table, but the lobster meal... it was missing something. Probably heat for starters. Dinner was again cleared promptly and dessert came in good time as well, but around the table it became clear that no one's dessert was anything to write home about. A little dissatisfying after having such a lovely experience the first time. A few points to note: - On a table of 6, a 20% gratuity is included in the bill, which was a little shocking to us since we had 2 bottles of wine on the bill. As a group, we weren't too thrilled about that. - Valet parking is $20, and there's little street parking so be warned.
(3)Jake H.
I go here for every occasion I can think of! Not only have I not had a bad experience, but twice I was seated next to famous athletes! Favorite items: Pumpkin tortellini and the squash blossoms (appetizers) are to die for! The service varies greatly depending on your server and where in the restaurant you're seated. One of my servers was over the top helpful and even gave us a VIP card to one of their lounges. It is somewhat crowded (because the food is fabulous), but if you don't mind being seated in very close proximity to others, this place is great! *If you want to avoid sitting on top of people or want a quieter atmosphere, try to request upstairs seating... you may get a bit slower service, but it's worth the privacy.
(4)Demitasse E.
I wasn't crazy about Bricco, but you get what you get when you venture to the North End on a hotel concierge's recommendation (I know, I know, I shoulda Yelped). I probably wouldn't have picked Bricco for myself, but I'll try not to hold that against it. There's enough downside for two stars even then. First, the good: wild boar parpadelle! Need I say more? No, I do not, but I will. The bread is also fantastic, and you get a number of things to go with it. The inclusion of roasted garlic cloves was a very nice touch. Now, the so-so: tiramisu. I heart a good tiramisu, and theirs was presented very prettifully, but tastewise it was only ok. Now, the yuck: the grilled octopus tastes like a mouthful of salt. I like my food salty, and I know to expect that from seafood. I was also prepared for a quite salty octopus, since that's often what the not-so-great ones turn out like. I was still amazed by the NaCl content in this dish though (gah, my kidneys!). Service was also slow and unresponsive. When you factor in the priceyness of Bricco, the experience leaves much to be desired. Although I had a great time there, it had everything to do with my dining companion and not very much with the establishment. Serving wild boar scores big points, but not enough to save it from a 2-star rating.
(2)Kap N.
This place was really good. We ended up eating the specials offered that day. We ordered the risotto, and angle hair pasta featuring lots of seafood. The service was great, the food was delicious, and the drinks were delicious as well. If ever in Boston, I would recommend this place for some really great authentic food.
(5)M J.
Went for dinner midweek with 2 friends. Not a positive review. The room is great, with a nice big bar, great windows onto the street and a good looking dining room with well spaced tables, comfortable chairs, etc. The large menu with some interesting dishes sounded so promising but the food was disappointing. A salad of greens and pear had nothing else in it- not nuts, no cheese, no other veg's. Can you say bla? C for presentation. The $26 salmon entree was recommended by a friend but again, BLA. The potato side dish was visibly dried up, the salmon not flavorful and overly buttery, the broccolini on the side also overly buttered. We shared a half of a great vegetable risotto dish - maybe the thing to order here is pasta? The fallen chocolate cake looked lovely, but I found myself wondering out loud after the first bite "...what flavor was this supposed to be?" Again, bla. The server was only okay. We had to flag her down to order a bottle of wine. Ditto the valet, who gave no "thank you" for the tip. The highlight of the meal was the vodka drink I started with and the bread basket served with some amazing EVOO and white bean prosciutto spread. With apps in the $10-20 range and entrees priced at $26-42, I'd say try Prezza instead.
(2)C P.
The appetizer menu was enticing, but I was told that they really were big enough as appetizers only. The pumpkin pasta dish I had was excellent though.
(3)Kiki D.
The oddest incident got us into Bricco for dinner last month. We were visiting Boston and walking around Little Italy, checking out menus posted outside restaurants, looking for a dinner spot. We came across Bricco & were looking for a posted menu, which there was none. An older man standing outside on the sidewalk told us to head inside to the hostess to view a menu. Then he proceeded to walk in with us, to the hostess stand, and told us he just dined there and had a fabulous meal, and that we'd be lucky if we could even get a table. He even went so far as to ask the hostess for us, if there was an available table for two. Whoa, talk about all this pressure. Okay okay... so we thought alright, we'll try this place. We get escorted to the upstairs dining room. There's about 10 or so tables up there. Our waitress was decent, but a little un-pleasant, reciting off the specials by memory, with a tone as if she's lecturing. The food was average and not worth the price. For an app, we had the carpacchio. It was expensive but just okay tasting. For the main course, I had a $20-something entree that was some gnocchi in marinara sauce with melted cheese~!?!? No meat, mind you. I suppose the $20-something price was due to the presentaion - it was in a round metal baking pan (think paella pan). The house cabernet wine was good for $10. I can't remember the other main course we ordered. I wouldn't return to this restaurant again.
(2)jonathan s.
this was a pretty awesome dinner. it was not the cheapest of dinners, but definitely great. group of 5 split some apps first frittura mista - probably the best one we had scallops - really good and id get again wagyu beef carpaccio - first time having and it was surprisingly super salty. i was expecting oily but there must have been chunks of salt in there that i got to chew on. thought i would enjoy more. i split an entree or two and tasted everyones so i would have to rank in this order..... 1. ricotta pillows 2. lamb shank - surprised i like this so much, served over a stew type thing 3. chicken something 4. kurobuta pork - i ordered this one. since kurabata is supposedly the wagyu version of pork i thought i was in for a treat. my bad if i could barely tell the difference between this and a normal pork loin? maybe a bit more tender. 5. some vegetable ravioli thing that was whatever. all in all real good time.
(4)Kieran B.
Easily the best Italian meal I've had in a very long time. The wild boar pappardelle and ricotta pillows are absolutely incredible. Great service, beautiful restaurant, amazing meal.
(5)Michelle C.
One word: delicious. The restaurant was filled on a Friday night so good thing we had a reservation. ohh yah! I got the "Big Night" timpano which was a fun twist on pasta and meatballs, actually they were organic meatballs. go green! The ragu was flavorful and fresh and the moist meatballs melted in my mouth. mmm mmm good. Pasta was stuffed in a drum-shaped pastry shell. Perhaps that's what timpano means in Italian? Whatever it was it went down quickly to my stomach. I left a happy camper!
(4)Kelly D.
My boyfriend took me to Bricco to celebrate our anniversary. We've been to many restaurants in the North End, so this was a must try for us. Great atmosphere walking in. Bar was full and so wasn't the dining section. I was anticipating a long wait, but it was rather quick. The waiter was very informative and gave us some great recommendations on drinks and entrees. I had the 7 Spice Brick Chicken, which was delicious and falling off the bone. My boyfriend thought it was a little heavy on the salt, but that didn't bother me. My boyfriend had the scallops and loved them. The Raspberries Cheese Cake was a great ending to the dining experience. I gave it 4 stars basically due to the cramped set-up in the dining area. It was slightly uncomfortable to be so close to the other tables... especially when you're trying to have a romantic dinner. Despite that, I would recommend Briccio to anyone looking for great tasting food and stylish atmosphere.
(4)Russ P.
I had a dinner with customers here and was very happy. I started with a wagyu beef carpaccio and had osso bucco for an entree. Everyone was happy with their meal. I would definitely return one day.
(4)J B.
This place was great. I took my wife here during a trip to Boston last summer, and the pasta was out of this world! Only (minor) complaint was that they could not seat us for 10 minutes past our reservation time, but it was a Sturday night and the place was packed, so I am pretty understanding.
(4)Darleni G.
This place is not what it's talked up to be. First of all, I'm an employee at the hotel nearby the restaurant and I decided to attend the restaurant for my birthday with 10 other people. I made reservations to this place a week prior for 9pm. We did not get seated till 9:30pm and for the time we were waiting we were standing by the door way because there was no where to seat and wait. The food is not worth the cost at all. I spoke to the owner, Nick and he is careless and inconsiderate not paying much attention to me and my party. I will never recommend this place to anyone and I will never step foot in this restaurant again. DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME AND MONEY HERE. Trust me! Completely ridiculous.
(1)Happy H.
I was expecting a bit more. My boyfriend took me out for my birthday dinner. He and I are experienced foodies and we love to dine out. I'll list the things that we didn't like... 1. Good authentic Italian restaurants give the customer a family, hearty feeling. This is something that wasn't experienced. The service could of been a lot better. We felt lost in translation, constantly waiting for the waiter to come back to us. (Mind you this isn't a big place). 2. When we walked in there were empty-well spaced seats along the window. Instead they sat us 1.5 feet away from a family of four and 2 feet away from another party. (The space was tight). When I asked if could have a seat by the window the guy said "NO." No explanation. But after being there for two hours, no one ended up sitting at the empty spaces. A good running business should make their customers happy and feel welcomed. 3. Appetizer - We got the octopus. It was approx. $18. Was it worth $18? -- More like $12. It was a bit dry. Good flavoring but tasted like it was sitting out until someone bought it or something. Wasn't wroth the full amount. Drinks were good: This place didn't disappoint me with my amaretto sour. Entrees: The BF got the veal dish. He stated it was not flavorful. I got the short rib --- and I have to say it wasn't even presentable. No flavor, plain sauce. It were a $36-38 dishes and simply was not worth it. Dessert: We got the bread pudding...it wasn't too bad to be honest. ***If you are going to drop money on a restaurant you should be getting good service. Definitely not a place for a date night (there were family and kids that really ruined that experience). The style of food serving felt like I was in a over priced cafeteria. Times between appetizer, entree and dessert took too long with no waiter walking by to ask if we were doing good.
(2)Sarah B.
One of the best meals of my life, but Ive only been there once, so maybe I just caught it on a really good night. We ordered a salad to start, which came with the freshest richest mozerella Ive ever tasted. My mom got the seafood risotto and my dad got the chicken ravioli, but my pumpkin tortellini in a sage sauce was by far the best. We finished it off with a delicious dessert. The service was great, and the decor was very nice. It was pricey, but that didnt bother me as my parents were footing the bill :) But the price didnt bother them because wed had an amazing dining experience. Its definitely one of the more snazzy restaurants in the North End, and Im not saying it beats out the more traditional and reasonbly priced places like El Dente or La Familigia Giorgio, but for a really nice night out, Id defintiely recommend it.
(5)Katie H.
A beautiful place for a valentine dinner. Incredible food and a great view of the snowfall outside. Call weeks ahead of time for a window table (especially on a holiday). Make sure that you get Emilio Bechara to wait on you. He was kind, polite and attentive. He's great at his job.
(5)Judi H.
Usually a special place. We had a table of 5. Attentive wait staff, exceptional wine list and delicious cocktails. Appitizers fantastic squash blossoms (2-3 on a plate very skimpy) Figs and meat sprinkled with sugar? not so good and disappointed. Entrees pricy, short rib sauce seemed far too sweet, meat cooked to perfection but ruined by sauce. Seafood very good and Pasta selections exceptional. Walked to Mikes for dessert--so festive wonderful neighborhood. Left thinking I dropped 500.00 for my family dinner and it wasn't as special as the price tag Not sure if we'll go back
(2)Steve A.
We split the Octopus appetizer, and the figs with prosciutto appetizer. Then, we split that nights specail pasta of Paccheri with mixed seafood, and the Wild Boar pasta, which is on the menu We loved all of it but the prosciutto was as good as it gets, the dish was both sweet and salty and the wild boar pasta made us feel like we were back in Tuscany!! This was out 3rd time here and this place has become a must stop for our family, along with Mike's Pastry Shop which is a block away (across the street). Enjoy!!
(4)Marissa F.
What we ordered: Zucchini Flowers Tortelli Pumpkin Mallard Duck Duetto Bonless Braised Beef Shortribs Sorbetto Trio (Watermelon, Lemon, Blood Orange) Bread Pudding The food was all really good, the main dishes all had good sized portions, and the presentation was all beautiful. The Zucchini Flowers were really delicious, not too greasy, and a good balance of crunch and gooey center. I was a little disappointed that there were only 2 since it was such an expensive appetizer. There were also grilled veggies on the side that were tasty. The pasta was yummy, but paled in comparison to the meat courses. The duck had delicious spicy mango on the plate, the glaze was awesome, and the meat was really well cooked. The shortribs were huge, and a good mixture of sweet and salty. I had to take home leftovers, which was lucky because it meant I got to eat the cute little roasted root vegetable balls. The sorbetto was standard, if that is your jam, order it. I love bread pudding, and this one was good. It came with carmelized banana on top and banana gelato. Yum! Super soft and no alcohol after taste. Our waitress was awesome, she clearly knew what she was doing. The busboys refilled our water frequently. The only negatives about the place were that it was pretty dark (one member of our party pulled out his phone to better read the menu) and our table was cramped which made it pretty warm (somewhat expected in the North End). This place was a great place to come with our inlaws since it was a special treat!
(4)Gastronomic D.
Wasn't very wowed by anything that we had. The service was great and likes the decor of the restaurant. Starters: dry roasted octopus, breading on the octopus served no purpose, lacked flavor and was chewy. Wild boar tagliatelle was ok good flavor on the stewed board but flavor profile was missing something. Flavors weren't balanced. Too much condimenti to noodle ratio. Braised short ribs, over cooked hard to believe u can over braise but it was possible. Root veg in pan was good but needed more moisture in braise or a sauce, Pork chops, two pork chops that were once a double rib chop but cut in half to cook faster. Dry lacked flavor a little salt and pepper would go along way. Apple compost wasn't a compote at all, just a fee of the apples thrown in with the root veg...needed to be cooked more apples were raw. Waitress was awesome.
(3)Janelle G.
Great cocktail menu. Had the white sangria and blood orange margarita. Sat by the window at the bar on a beautiful early summer evening. Service was good. Didn't eat here but may return soon for food. Great spot for date night!
(4)Bella B.
When your in the North End in Boston not all Italian Eateries are created equal! Bricco's passionate & visionary extraordinaire Frank DePasquale really captures the essence of sophisticated dining with opulent Italian cuisine. Excellent service with a vibrant & fun ambiance, this place is happening so if your looking for a quiet romantic evening, you may be out of luck! Reservations are a must also! We had some amazing to die for Italian dishes here at Bricco and definitely will return when we are in the North End! Ciao
(5)Michael D.
Just...NO! Made a reservation with open table for 5:30. When we arrived, there were Fire Trucks and cops all over. One of the adjacent places had a fire, I think? Apparently this required ALL management to be outside and stand in the doorway. We walked through that and waited 5 awkward minutes at the host stand, and then the manager came over to seat us. How nice. I had been craving some quality Italian food. I had quality Italian food since I was a kid (family is from Brooklyn). There is such a thing as "Italian", and ITALIAN food. Our waitress was absolutely ridiculous. She came over immediately after we sat, and asked about drinks. I asked her for 2 minutes. I wanted to look over the drink list/wine list. Instead, she opted to jump right into telling us the specials. I can't stand that! I just wanted a sec to look over the drinks. Clearly, she wanted us out ASAP. She was in a rush!! I ordered drinks and a bottle of wine. One of the cocktails sucked. It just tasted like tequila. I'm in my 30's, not 20's. I want a tasty drink. I don't want something that's going to peel paint. She took it away, and also made sure to tell us she took it off the check. Now, my date loves her Italian red wines. They had her favorite, so it was a no brainer to order it. Yes, it was only $45 bucks...but you like what you like, right? I instructed the waitress that my date would be trying the wine. I didn't say "She has no idea about wine, so please educate her." Yet, our waitress felt it was necessary to tell my date "All you have to know is that it shouldn't taste like vinegar." My date has an I.Q. of 185. She assured the waitress that she knew how the wine was supposed to taste, since it was her favorite. She had some serious nerve. I ordered the food for us. Not in a male chauvinist way, but in a gentlemanly way. Plus, my date had an allergy, which I specified. The waitress did a good job at assuring that. I did not pronounce the Italian words correctly, and of course, our waitress corrected me. Not her place to do so! If I ask, that's one thing. She's not Giada, so take a back seat with that. It is so frigging rude! She made sure even my food didn't have the ingredients that my date was allergic to. Didn't...ask her to do so. Also told her that we wouldn't be sharing. She knows best, clearly! There are WAY better places to get quality Italian food. I would go to one of those instead. Save your $$, skip this place, and avoid the rude waitress.
(1)Cliff E.
Loved the food. But a restaurant is not always about the food. The food was 4 to 5 stars We almost left cause of the slowness of being introduced and greeted. But we saw two sets of couples leave cause they were not greeted in an appropriate timeframe. The restaurant was NOT busy at all either. It may have been an off day, and I'm not from Boston not understand the typical expectations, but seeing others leave ... Well, I don't think we are too off. I write this in an effort to improve service to match the food!
(3)Juliana M.
Even though I live in the neighborhood for 3 years and go there every weekend, they are very pretentious and that upsets me. I went there tonight with my husband and a few friends and they did not allow my husband to enter in the restaurant wearing the summer sandals he was wearing (my friend and I were wearing the same brand sandals, same model but different colors, but we were allowed to get in). After upsetting me a few times, I decided I won't go there anymore. If you go, wolmer is a great waiter and will provide you great service.
(2)Julia K.
I was very satisfied with Bricco's restaurant week offering. The mussels were briny and had a rich flavor of butter and wine. The braised beef was tender and paired well with the roasted root vegetables. Lastly the tiramisu was delicious. It had a light and airy cake with the right balance of espresso flavor. Surprisingly, the house bread pudding was the real show stopper. Indulging in a warm dessert at the end of the meal can be so satisfying. The light caramel sauce was superb and the portion seemed to be a little bigger / more substantive than the tiramisu. The restaurant itself is very large with multiple floors and would cater well for large groups. The staff was friendly and brought our food out quickly. This is a great place to try in the North End.
(4)Kelsi B.
I am absolutely in love with the food in the North End. It really takes you straight to Italy. We came here on a Wednesday night and the wait was about 2 hours (crazy!). But we had heard really good things about the restaurant so we decided to sit at the bar for some appetizers and drinks. We quickly ordered some wine and decided on our appetizers. We tried the Aged Beef Carpaccio, Mozzarella di Bufala Caprese, and U10 Seared Scallops. Oh my god. All of them were out of this world. The Carpaccio was so thinly sliced and tender that it was difficult to pick up with a fork. But I would have licked the plate to finish that dish it was so good. The Caprese salad was super fresh, and the Bufala Mozzarella was super creamy. The Scallops were cooked perfectly, and paired really well with the crispy pancetta and risotto cake. If I had to pick a favorite it would be the Carpaccio, but that's me being picky. For dinner, when we finally sat down we weren't starving. However we were excited to try some more food so happily pondered over what we wanted for dinner. I decided on the Ricotta Pillows, and my co-workers had the Agnollotti al Plin and Osso Bucco. We all raved about our dishes, mine being my favorite of course. The pasta was perfectly cooked, and the flavors in the dish were wonderful. We finished the meal with the Cuore Caldo al Chocolate, which was heavenly. This was one of the best, if not the best, Italian meal I've had in the States. Must try if you're in Boston and looking to visit the North End!
(5)Juju E Felipe S.
Hi, for those who never eat at the bricco italiano restaurant in boston, was one of the best restaurant i ever eat at.I was waited by a gentleman well dressed and well presented and he goes by the name vuvu . We had the best experience !!!!!
(5)Geoffrey S.
Ultimately disappointing experience for the money. The staff comes off as pretentious. Pictures of Robert DeNiro and Don Rickles as patrons are outside like that's supposed to be impressive. As Frank Rizzo says "I'm very proud of ya, that's very nice." They were probably treated a lot better than us. Our waiter wasn't very attentive at all and disappeared like he was Houdini a few times. Their beer tap lines definitely need to be cleaned as I had a Goose Island that was skunked. The next Bud Light wasn't much better. I asked to switch beers and received a look like I was in the wrong. I had Gnocchetti Sorrentina baked with bufala mozzarella, tomatoes and basil. The dish was a little sweet and nothing to write home about it. You can do a lot better for a lot less money at places like L'Osteria nearby. Won't be returning soon.
(2)Christopher H.
I was in town for a work outing and the group of us were going to head out to find good food. I was tasked with finding the restaurant. Considering the fact that I was going to be joined by three levels of management this was a big deal. A bit of research, and a bit of luck on OpenTable, and we settled on Bricco. Let's just say that I won't be getting fired anytime soon. :-) We were seated promptly at our 6:30 res time and greeted by a couple of bussers who took care of our water needs. Our waitress then greeted the table and, really, was a patient professional from start to finish (aplogies for the alliteration). There were a couple of times she stopped by the table as we were in mid-boisterous conversation and either interrupted when needed or simply let us be. Im not going to review every dish that was on the table, but I can say that everyone loved what they had. As for me, I started with the caprese. Yes, it's simple, but a lot of places just get it wrong. The mozz was just fantastic. And then for the entree, I went for the osso bucco. The veal was perfectly tender, but not mushy. Exactly what you're looking for. And the bone marrow inside was plentiful, which is, of course, the best part of osso bucco. The wine was delicious. The Whistle Pig ($13, which is a great price) was a perfect dessert. And everyone left full and happy. A successful night!
(5)B. W. B.
In Boston for a friend's graduation, Bricco was recommended by the concierge of a five-star hotel. I went with an Italian-American woman and her son. All three of us complimented the food. Because it's hard getting good soft polenta and good risotto in Los Angeles, I ignored the rules and had both, and was very happy with each. In addition, the breads served at the table came with olive oil and roasted garlic and were excellent even eaten alone. The food I had deserved five stars. The ambiance was nice and almost elegant without being ostentatious but there were frequent rowdy and loud parties at nearby tables, and the din increased throughout the dinner. It became difficult to talk and be understood, so my next time at the restaurant will be at an early sitting. What keeps me, also, from giving a fifth star is that the wait staff were uniformly curt and uncommunicative about the menu. I assume that the restaurant is more expensive than many of its competitors in the North End (which I remembered from school as being more family-friendly and even insular), and so the lack of attentive service is unusual for such a setting and reputation.
(4)Ann C.
Best Italian food in the North End! The service is impeccable, the appetizers are inventive (must try the zucchini flowers--they will change your life!) the entrees are exceptional (try something with truffle) and the warm vanilla bread pudding with banana gelato makes everything right in the world!
(5)Annie J.
Perfecto! We loved our dinner there during a recent visit to Boston's North End. We were seated on the upper floor even without reservations and had a most lovely waitress from Rome. She gave us time to peruse the menu and recommended the perfect red wine pairing to my wild boar pasta dish. The prosciutto plate was fantastic and we felt as if we were in Italy. A fantastic experience and we will most certainly be back on our next visit to the great city of Boston!!! Mille graze!
(5)Mike W.
We went to the North End on a Sunday evening trying to try to have dinner at a long standing favorite on the north end. When we got there the line was out the door and halfway down the next block, so we walked on until we found Bricco situated a bit further down on Hanover street. We were seated immediately and we ordered a bottle of valpolicella ripasso to share and glanced at the menu. Everything looks pretty tasty. We decided on the seared scallops, agnolotti al plin, pumpkin tortelli and the peach cheesecake. Our service was pretty good. A little bit too aggressive pouring wine, but he was attentive without being overwhelming. They brought us some bread with olive oil, roasted garlic cloves, and olives before we received the scallops. It was a nice way to begin. The scallops were seared deeply, topped with a very thick piece of crispy pancetta and served over a saffron rice cake with a side of pea cream. This was definitely the best part of our meal. They were the most perfectly cooked scallops I have ever had. Thick crust, but still breaming with that sweet sea flavor. The pancetta was a little hard to cut, but delightfully crisp and salty. I loved the chew and flavor of the rice cake as well. The pea cream could have been removed all together and I wouldn't have missed it. If they left it on there, it needed more flavor. The pasta dishes were up and down. My "agnolotti" were more like ravioli. The veal and beef filling could definitey have used more seasoning. The fresh pasta was awesome though. Great chew and flavor to it. The truffle sauce was also great. It definitely added another element of richness to the dish. My fiances pumpkin tortelli were spot on. Again the pasta was perfection and the sweet pumpkin filling was delicious. I lived the shaved ricotta salata on top too. It provided a salty contrast to the sweet filling. Dessert really wasn't great. There were parts of it I liked, but mostly parts I didn't. The crust was nice and I loved that there was a lot of it, but the cheesecake itself and the peach sauce on top really didn't taste all that great. It was definitely one of those times I wish we had decided not to order dessert. Ups and downs with some really high and low points. I feel like you can have a stellar meal here if you make the right choices. They have tons of great options.
(3)Allie W.
Bricco was excellent! Our server Casey was very attentive throughout the meal. I highly recommend the burrata appetizer if they have it, it is a special and it was very creamy and delicious. I had their rendition of a Moscow mule, called the Italian mule which incorporated rosemary and cranberry juice. I loved it but you have to like Rosemary to really enjoy it. For my entree I had the gnochetti which was some of the best gnocchi I've ever had. After a night in the fridge it is still delicious, tender, and flavorful. Would love to go back the next time I'm in Boston!
(5)Craig D.
Excellent menu everything was nailed as described. Great drinks. Service was good. A little pricey but worth every dine
(5)Jessie E.
The Espresso Martini left me speechless! I was in town for business and was referred to Bricco Ristorante for their Espresso Martini and it truly delivered. The bartender was a delight and served up quickly even in a crowded area and the drink was so rich and smooth. Beautifully executed and any time I go back to Boston, I will be making a stop at Bricco!
(5)Sudeeksha M.
Everything about this place was just great! Lovely ambiance, great food, good wines/cocktails, attentive service and delicious desserts!
(5)Bobby V.
Very tasty eggplant tower appatizer...could have just had it as a meal. Good wine options. It was busy but perfect for just us, we were sat immediately.
(5)Nancy C.
We were told to eat here and it wasn't a disappointment. The food was amazing!! The homemade pasta was unbelievable and my husband had the ribe eye We will definitely be back for the amazing food and service.
(5)Ryan R.
Went here with some friends for a night out in the North End. We had a reservation so we were given a great table by the window right away. For my appetizer, I went with the mista salad, which was pretty tasty and had great flavor. Very light and refreshing, which was a good start to a large meal. For my main entree, I went with the veal osso bucco. This dish came with a side of saffron risotto and spinach. The meat was tasty but I wasn't the biggest fan of these side dishes, especially the spinach. Overall, the service and ambiance was superb and the food was decent. A cute spot worth checking out for a nice night out in the north end.
(4)Ryan A.
I ate here tonight for Dine Out Boston and I enjoyed every second of my experience. It's a great space. Intimate and well laid out. The service was fast and friendly as well. But the food...oh, man the food. It was by far the best Italian cuisine I've had in Boston. I started with the Eggplant Bake, followed by the Gnocchi and Bread Pudding for desert. I left only a few hours ago and I'm already planning my next visit.
(5)Robert M.
Historic North End in Boston- home to the Old North Church, and Paul Revere's house has an amazing array of great Italian restaurants. We enjoyed a memorable evening with friends, who we were so happy to BE with, and dined at the well regarded and expensive Bricco on Hanover Street. Bricco has an alluring ambiance, lighting is dark, vibe is bustling, bar is lively, tables cramped with a generally high noise level. Service greatly stumbled - and our particular Server was completely oblivious and incognizant, - our companion table finished their entrees, before we were even served. Noticed also similar complaints on timing from tables nearby. Kudos to the GM, who bought us 2 rounds of drinks (although the Limoncello is essentially undrinkable) Food gets generally high marks, but was a bit hit or miss. Shared two appetizers of Fresh Burrata and arugula salad, and a field green salad with goat cheese, candied walnuts, and peach vinaigrette - both sizzled and were delightful. Entrees of Filet Mignon and Short Ribs were flavorful- but didn't excite; while the Duck Duetto was expertly cooked, and exceptional. Pistachio crusted salmon was flat, and lacked a zing expected from the flame fired red pepper puree. A friend's Chilean Sea Bass with fried arugula was beautifully presented, and on the money. The Big Night Timpano- (but not really big), a pasta tower with meatballs, and slow braised ragu was easily devoured by my friend and I . Would go again, but would first like to try one of the many other spots in the North End...
(3)Monica T.
Been here over three times now in 7 months living in Boston. We love the food and the downstairs atmosphere kicks ass! The upstairs was freezing and the bathroom right near some of the dining needs some updates. The food and service are top knotch. Order the calamari appetizer and surprise yourself with the fried scallops! Yum! The beef and chicken dishes are decadent and portioned well. I'm not a pasta eater, but I hear the ricotta pillows and spaghetti are to die for!
(5)Mark M.
Amazing food and atmosphere. I had the Veal Valdostana and it was the best veal chop that I have ever had. I would have given this Resturant 5 stars but our waiter was not a good listener and over sold himself more than the food or establishment. His wine knowledge was poor but he could sure recommend the most expensive items and even add items to your bill that you didn't order. Still I look forward to returning and having a server that lives up to the food!
(4)T M.
The pumpkin ravioli is the best!
(5)Stacey F.
This was an Epic meal with an amazing server! Ask for Bonnie! As a server myself, I was totally impressed with her positive attitude, knowledge of the menu and fabulous personality! We started with the mozzarella di buffalo and fresh tomatoes over pesto and the tuna sashimi over crispy wanton with 3 dipping sauces. Both were equally amazing! Mozzarella was literally melt in your mouth delicious! We both ordered the homemade parpadelle with wild boar ragu....OMG....doesn't even begin to describe this dish! Fresh shaved cheese just crowns the chef's awesome offering! We were instantly in love! The wine list here is impressive! I work at an Italian restaurant and wine bar and was still like "wow!" Dessert consisted of the most incredible martinis made by Gary the bartender! # true love In our opinion, THE ONLY place to eat!!!!!
(5)Jillian B.
Overall it was decent... but wasn't what I was hoping it would be. I went to dinner with my boyfriend to celebrate our 6 months anniversary so I was looking for a "romantic" spot for dinner. This place does not NOT have romantic ambiance like Yelp and OpenTable states. So don't be fooled. The place is very casual, so don't dress up. It has nice scenery inside, but it's casual. Our waitress was okay, but used a 100% fake Italian accent the entire time we were there and would constantly switch between speaking normal english to speaking italian words with a clearly fake accent. This made her very difficult to understand and overall left us with weird vibes and confused. The waitress at the table next to us even recited different options for the night's specialty items. When I asked our waitress about one of the options the other waitress mentioned, she quickly came back with an excuse that she didn't mention the pesto dish because the other options were much more authentic... So this left me confused, uncomfortable about the restaurant food, & still unsure about what I wanted for dinner. My advice would be to stick with their popular dishes because that seems to be what they are good at, ie. the Ricotta Pillows and the Wild Boar Pappardelle. That is what my boyfriend and I ended up ordering and it was quite good, but I wouldn't recommend veering too far from Bricco's comfort zone (view Yelp pictures) because you may end up getting something you didn't order (this happened to the couple next to us with the same waitress as us). This seems to happen a lot here from what I read in Google and Yelp reviews, so beware, those reviews are the truth. (I'm thinking it has something to do with the "language barrier"....ha) I noticed when I got to the restaurant that the manager actually owns a few different places throughout the North End, & from my experience this really affects the quality of the restaurant including food and definitely service. Something to keep in mind if you don't enjoy chain(-like) restaurants.
(2)Peter A.
Just ok. Had the eggplant appetizer which was cold on top and very hot on the bottom. Clearly whisked from freezer to oven. Needed more tomato sauce. Garden salad was very sweet. Too sweet. Roasted peaches were hard and unripe. But ok for boston.
(3)kevin d.
after 1 great meal and 2 not so good meals, I doubt I'll make it back. The atmosphere is nice, and some of the dishes are cooked quite well, but the prices are a bit ridiculous for what you get..I wanted to try a polenta side dish, but at $18, I couldn't go through with it...Food was above average, but nothing really stood out as unforgettable. Waiters employ a bit of that annoying North end up-sell technique which I find a bit obnoxious. There are too many other restaurants around for me to visit this one again, but its not the worst place if you are in a bind.
(3)Ron P.
The food here is 4 stars, easy. It's really great Italian food done right, and it's priced in line with quality. If that's all you're looking for then you need not read any further, however if you have or are taking somebody who has a food allergy with you, you may want to read the rest of this review. I decided to meet my parents here in the summer, who happened to be staying in the city for a few days. They really like this restaurant so I met them after work for dinner. So we sat at the bar, we ate, drank, chatted with the bartender who was a nice guy, and then figured it'd be nice if I brought my girlfriend, who was getting out of work, some dinner so she didn't have to cook. So here's the catch, my girlfriend has Celiac, meaning she gets severely ill when she eats gluten. She has no problem eating things cooked on the same grill, or fried in the same fryer that wheat has been in, but if she physically eats any type of wheat, about 3 hours later she will be hunched over the toilet for the rest of the night. Back to the story... We tend to avoid Italian, because flour is a prominent part of the cuisine, so I was looking for a grilled steak, and asked the bartender for help with any gluten-free choices. That's when he proudly exclaimed "we have gluten-free pasta!" I was really excited about this, because it's so rare that she gets to try any of this great Italian food. So the bartender points out a few dishes that are definitely not gluten-free, before we decide on the pasta and shrimp dish that my mother had gotten. I figure that's safe, and don't know what flour would be doing in a white-seafood sauce any way. Fast forward to 3 hours after my girlfriend eats the entire pasta dish, and she's writhing on the bathroom floor in pain. She throws up about 4-5 more times throughout the night before bringing her makeshift bed on the bathroom floor into our bedroom. Now, a person with a food allergy getting sick off of a restaurant's food that proclaims to be safe isn't the bad part. The bad part is, instead of making a public scene I decided to send Bricco a private message on facebook detailing this experience, to let them know before they actually poison somebody else. I figured, at most I'd get an apology, an "I'll let the chef know", maybe a "we take food allergies very seriously, and will ensure this won't happen again." But I never got a response. Not a single word.
(2)Leigh P.
We sat at the bar and waited on a table in the window. Definitely worth the wait. Wonderful atmosphere. The waiter suggested a wine that went very well with my meal. We started with the caprese salad and it was delicious. Very fresh. I had a pasta and my husband had the risotto of the day. We both loved every bite. A must-go.
(5)Kate B.
Had an amazing Valentines Dinner last night 2/14/15. Called a month ahead and asked for a table by the window. Was a beautiful snowy night. Host took us upstairs and sat us at a sweet two top right by the window in the corner. Had a birds eye few of a busy, snowy Hanover street. Wonderful. Our server Emilio Bechara Started is off with a perfect Boratta Appetizer amazing!!! Carpaccio was tender and perfect. Amazing Sonoma wine. Had pumpkin tortellini and salmon Risotto. Desert was Grand Marnier Lave cake with blood orange gelato. Flavors worked really well together. Had a glass of Chambord watching the snow fall. We did not want to leave. Thanks for a perfect night. Exactly what we were looking for. Emilio made it wonderful.
(5)Fred M.
Our meal started out on the poor note. First it was the $20. for valet parking- but that's Boston's North End. No way around it unless you want to drive around for a half hour and park on one of the streets in the rat maze and hope to find your car after a couple glasses of wine. Then the table we had for two large men was the size of a nightstand- room for a water glass but not a water glass AND a wine glass. Finally, I was banging elbows with the people at the table 3" immediately next to me. Very San Francisco and not something I enjoy or are wiling to put up with for the prices charged at this caliber of restaurant. Now the good news. The food was outstanding. Not your usual North End Italian, not that that isn't good, but very nuanced flavors and dishes. We started with the tuna tartare appetizer which was very good and not something we would normally get in an Italian restaurant. Basic entrees like osso bucco and grilled salmon were executed very well. The vanilla bread pudding was a different take but nonetheless excellent. We enjoyed ALL of our food very much. However, I would not come back to pay the prices and sit in tiny tables, cheek to cheek with my neighbor. That is NOT my idea of fine dining and in my opinion a very negative trend for the industry.
(4)Stephen H.
Near 5 stars. Came during Dine-out Boston. On a Wednesday at 7:15 the restaurant was packed. We were seated as soon as we came in (on time). Ambiance was somewhat upscale. Had the vibe of a "place to be". Very busy and a bit cramped/loud. Service was prompt, (we did have to request dine out boston menu). Bread with 3 different condiments was served quickly after our water came. Roasted garlic, olive oil, and something that eludes my mind. Roasted garlic was nice. Bread was fresh but nothing noteworthy. For drinks I got their twist on a Negroni and GF got the Tiramisu. I loved the negroni and it packed a punch. The tiramisu was interesting/a novelty. Drink menu was a bit pricey though. For appetizers we got the mussels and the eggplant bake. Mussels were good though I would have liked a crustini, served in a garlic butter sauce. The eggplant bake was fantastic, it was like a vegan lasagna. Layers of moz, eggplant and tomato. The flavor of the cheese was dynamite. It was a nice portion with a few bites to share. For dishes I got the braised short ribs, GF got a spaggeti fruitti di mare. Short rib was a nice sized portion, pull apart tender. Came with sweet root vegetables that were some sort of radish/sweet potato or something that were a sweet tart bite. Good contrast to the hearty meet. The sauce was a italian style bbq. Sweet but with a tang. The di mare dish my gf got was very flavorful and she loved it. I thought the portions of the seafood were a bit weak, but it was a restaurant week deal. I only had a bite and thought it was quite good, but nothing memorable. Dessert was bread pudding and tiaramisu. Tairamisu was of worthy of North End status. The bread pudding was amazing, melt in your mouth moist in the middle with a great caramelized crust. You must get the bread pudding. Great deal for dine out Boston. A good place to bring someone if you're trying to impress. PS. The steaks look amazing. Aparnetly they get them from the same supplier as the famous Peter Luger's.
(4)Shan B.
I have passed Bricco a few times in the North end and have always wanted to try it for dinner. When restaurant week came I made the reservation asap! My friend is in love with this place. I really like the ambience. Warm and cozy. We started with the proscuitto and mozzarella and the egplant bake. I really wanted the zucchini flowers but they were all out. I think they should definitely prepare for a large crowd during restaurant week so I was a bit disappointed. (and the waiter just said "we are out of it" and just stared at me... no need to suggest the next best thing?) -I'm a waitress as well.. It's part of the job description. For main course my friend got the Gnocchetti and I got the Beef Tenderloin. Both were amazing. Delicious, flavorful. We couldn't even finish and I packed mine up for lunch for the next day. Dessert: Tiramisu. Yummy but nothing special. We were stuffed, but still had the sweet tooth. I would give 5 stars but I felt the waitor to be a tiny bit unattentive, uninterested and merely annoyed because we were restaurant week guests. But we still had a blast, and we are good tippers and fully satisfied with the meal. I will definitely be making a trip back to try more on the menu :)
(4)Cici C.
Hostess definitely didn't have the mostest :( Took us to a table that was still dirty and had to be cleared. She asked us to stand next to other diners already seated and we stood there for almost 10 minutes, while she leaned against the bar and looked into space like we were an inconvenience. Our waitress was perky and sweet, but didn't hear our drink order properly so we ended up with the wrong cocktail to start with, it's a good thing we drink more than 1! Short ribs were REALLY good though and the pasta dish we ordered was delicious. We might give it another try, but there were a few other italian joints in the North End that we spotted that we'd give a go before we come back here again.
(3)Elise F.
This place is very expensive and the staff are rude. The female bartenders are less than friendly. My sister was falsely accused of puking at the bar and was interrogated with a flashlight at the entrance for everyone to see. She had one (very expensive martini) and was absolutely not puking. They cater to locals who repeatedly took my seat when I went to the bathroom. The manager was informed of all of this and did not care. My friends and I had a very bad experience here and will never return.
(1)F.D. L.
Great Service especially considering the mishap. I had ordered one of the specials, and had alerted the waitress about food intolerance. She was pretty sure it was fine and after one bite I knew I was in trouble. She found out they had made a mistake and the side dish had what I couldn't eat. They quickly made me the gnocchi which I should have ordered in the first place as it was really delicious. The manager was very apologetic and wouldn't let us pay for the meal. Really unexpected but the really professional way to handle such a mistake. I got my medication and should be fine. Everyone liked their meals.
(4)Joshua G.
The food was great although they were condescending to Americans. But then we had to wait an hour for our car in valet in the pouring rain. They clearly can't handle things on a Friday night.
(2)Susan R.
My husband and I dined at Bricco on a very crowded Saturday evening in Boston on 8/2/14. We had intentions of going to another restaurant but the wait was way to long at 5:30PM. We decided to try Bricco because we have had their wonderful bread they sell at their bakery around the corner and the wonderful pasta they also make by hand. We were able to walk right into the bar area and be seated. We had a great table right by the open window. We decided to take all of the recommendations that our waiter Emilio suggested. From wine to the main course he was spot on. The wine selection appetizers and main course were delicious. Besides the food being amazing we really enjoyed our server. Emilio was professional and very knowledgeable and we really enjoyed his passion for food as he described the item on the menu. My husband started with the octopus that was crusted with ginger and served with string beans tomatoes and Peruvian purple potatoes and I had a fresh fig special that was stuffed with gorgonzola cheese, served over toasted bread and melt in your mouth prosciutto. Both were great and the octopus melted in your mouth. For the main course we had the pappadelle with wild boar and mushrooms in a red wine sauce. I chose the garganelli with spicy tomatoes and pancetta. The homemade pasta was to die for and the flavor was a perfect blend. We were too full to have dessert. We can't wait to go back to Bricco and request Emilio's section.
(5)K E.
No better late night place in the North End than Bricco. Open really late and still serves food. I would give it five stars but have had so-so food on two occassions. Still a great place to grab a nightcap though.
(4)James D.
Great location and great food. Definitely one the top 10 restaurants in the North End. As for the atmosphere my wife and I think it is the best in the North End. The downstairs atmosphere is really great. On a nice summer night it doesn't get better than sitting near the windows that are usually all open. The bar is also a great spot to eat at if you like to eat at the bar. The grilled octopus is awesome and so are the pastas. Overall, it makes for a great night out in the North End!
(4)Heidi D.
I want to love Bricco but it hasn't happened yet. I have been here for dinner 3 times. Overall the food is good but I think it is over priced. I haven't have anything yet that was really amazing except maybe their tiramisu martini. The last time I went to Bricco we came with a large group for a birthday. The reservation was at 8pm and they didn't sit us until 9:30pm. I completely understand that they were busy but waiting 1.5 hours when we had a reservation was terrible. There was no apologies, no free round of drinks, nothing to show they were sorry. The majority of the group will never go back now.
(3)Patrick B.
Bricco is my favorite place in Boston to eat pasta. Best restaurant in the North end. Impressive menu & Wine menu. Great bar scene and latenight menu on weekends.
(4)Amy R.
My bank account always hurts after a night out at Bricco, but I think it's well worth the money. This is the spot that we go to before Celtics games. Yes, I know... North End... kind of not where most would "pre-game" so to speak. But, sometimes, a girl just isn't feelin' draft beers and pop-a-shot at Sully's Tap. Bricco has expanded their bar in the past year or so and it definitely made the restaurant more inviting, so kudos for the expansion. Their bartenders are super friendly and they are BOMB at what they do. If you're feeling a little indulgent and looking for something sweet after dinner, you have to get their Espresso Martini. It's a must try. Last night, my sister and I didn't want to load up on the carbs, so we opted on splitting the Zucchini Flowers, she just got a Caesar salad, and I had the Mozzarella Bufala de Caprese. The Zucchini Flowers were a hit, but the grilled veggies that they are served with were the star of the plate this time around. They should consider adding more of that grilled red pepper and eggplant deliciousness to the plate. The Caprese was one of the best I have ever had; the tomatoes were extremely fresh and were very flavorful. The mozzarella cheese was PERFECTION... I love homemade mozz. cheese. It was so soft... so tasty... I haven't stopped thinking about it all day. I also have to give a shout out to their pumpkin tortelli, eggplant involtini, and the brick chicken. Mouth watering food, folks. My only criticism of Bricco is the fact that they have amazing flatbread pizza, but don't start serving them until 11pm. Considering the bar is bigger and more open, I think they really need to re-evaluate pizza serving time. Sometimes, you just want a glass or 2... or 3... of Cab and a couple of pieces of flatbread to snack on. Come on now!
(4)Hiro S.
very nice Italian restaurant in the north end. appetizers and pasta. recommend the homemade raviolis.
(4)Gini B.
Food was delicious and service was even better. Thank you Casey for a lovely evening.
(5)Andrew R.
Amazing. * Service was excellent. We had a reservation for 4 but wanted to bring 5. The maitre d' (a) was honest that it would be difficult and we might have to wait, but (b) worked with us and kept an eye out for a way to make it happen quickly. The waiter at the table was helpful and funny, giving us honest opinions and efficient service without being overbearing -- a hard balance to pull off. One of the best service experiences I've had at a restaurant. * The food was also excellent. I had the short-rib -- literally falling off the bone when it arrived, perfect in a sweet honey sauce. My friends got the pasta and duck, and couldn't stop raving about it. Appetizers and side-dishes were weaker, but far from bad. * The ambiance was great. Downstairs is a cool bar and packed dining area, while upstairs is a quieter dining room. We had a drink downstairs and ate upstairs. Couldn't have asked for a better dining experience, in the North End or anywhere.
(5)Georgina C.
I used to frequent Bricco after late nights of barhopping to end my evening with one of their delicious oven baked pizzas. The bar staff is wonderful, knowledgable and attentive. I usually order a glass of Prosecco along with my meal.
(5)Michelle H.
A great spot right on Hanover street, especially for late night drinks and apps. After 11 they serve more of a bar menu that consists of brick oven pizzas and their apps from the regular menu until 2. I love the bar (especially the further side- away from the main entrance) I have only sat in the dining area twice which is a bit on the cramped side - and even when their is available seating they seem to put everyone close together?? Any who I would highly recommend dropping in order to try their delicious cocktails, whose menu is not overbearing, but certainly leaves plenty of bold options! Popped in here during Nemo, who left the city deserted on a weekend, and remembered after a stiff drink and mouth watering desert why I loved stopping in!
(3)Elaine R.
Amazing amazing fig ravioli and eggplant bake! Seafood risotto was scrumptious. Cute classy but not too stuck up. Pricey but delish!!!
(4)Julie W.
Meh. Pretentious is a good way to describe this place. It's darkly lit, the tables are jammed together, and the food is bland. Even worse is that it's outrageously priced, IMO. We eat at the north end monthly and prefer the family dining places. $25 for a plate of gnocchi with cheese melted on top? Please.
(1)Arnaz M.
We went here last year for Restaurant Week and again this summer. The place has great ambiance and a very happening bar on the 1st floor. We've eaten both times on the 2nd floor though. The food is really really good, and its not just the usual I-talian suspects. The Timpano pasta was awesome and the risotto was really good too. Our waiter suggested some Primativo wine, which was an excellent choice. On a nice summer night with the crowds outside, you just can't beat this North End experience. (Tip: Get your dessert at the Cafe Paradiso next door if you want to save some money and if you're not ready to leave the North End after your just yet. The change of scenery helps).
(4)Joseph C.
Best Restaurant in the North End! Decor: With the windows open you really feel like you could be in Italy. Food: The best Italian Seafood dishes you'll find. (Close second Mare). Staff: Very Courteous. They know when to be there and when to be invisible. Crowd: Reserved; mostly people on a romantic dinner or having a nice drink enjoying the atmosphere.
(5)Matt G.
If you want a late bite, it's about the only place open. The food is OK, about what you would expect. But, the water is 5 dollars. The waitress said, "we don't have a tap." Clearly, if this were true, it would violate health code. While we were waiting for our food, one of the customers said something to a waiter (I guess offensive). Rather than asking him to leave, the host/manager yells at the guy in his "I'm from Brooklyn and I'm tougher than you voice," brings his buddies out of the kitchen and threatens the guy with violence. At meal's end, waitress says "It's going to be 5 minutes to swipe a credit card, we have to restart our machine." No problem. 15 minutes later, she comes back and says it will be another 10, unless we would like to use their ATM - and pay to get cash out. If you're going to pay for food on the North End, shell out a little extra and go to a respectable restaurant.
(1)chris l.
My favorite place in the North End. Great atmosphere, excellent food and great service. Pricing is in range with all the other high end restaurants but you get what you pay for.
(4)TJ M.
Stay away from this place. I took my girlfriend and father here about a month ago and it was a terrible terrible experience. 1) I had a reservation at 8:00.. We showed up at 7:50 and were not seated until 9:00. As we entered the resturant there was a group of 3 that had orginally had a reservation for 2. Rather than have them wait they put them in our four top, which resulted in an hour wait.. 2) They then sat us in the corner upstairs which was jammed packed. There is absolutely ZERO noise control, so we were literally yelling at each other. We couldn't hear the server as she reviewed the days specials and ended up just ordering off the menu. 3) We had tickets to a show and informed the hostess and server several times that we had to leave no later than 9:45. At 9:45 the server comes over and offers us desert. I remind her that we are extremely late and simply need the bill. She then says, "Ah, that's too bad we were going to comp your desert if you choose to stay". It's as if they werent' even listening to us. 4) Ultimately the food was average at best, super expensive and we were late to our show.. I'm typically a low maintenance patron, so for me to be this pissed off should be a warning to all...
(1)Tommy B.
The staff at Bricco was very polite. The food for the most part was great. My fiance and I both had steaks. I don't recommend ordering steaks there. The steak was too tough on the outside. Good steak shouldn't need sauce to assist it but this one did. BUT Bricco doesn't carry A1 and there sauce was not good at all. I would assume Bricco's seafood would be the best item to order b/c we had THE BEST mussels we've ever had. They use this garlic sauce that tastes great. Also, if you valet it's gonna cost you 20 bucks but the service was prompt
(3)Mel A.
Food was incredible. Service was great!!
(5)A J.
I would only suggest eating here if you want a really nice ambiance and dont mind paying twice as much for just that. I will give this place a tad bit of credit for being quieter than other restaurants in the North End and having a little more space between the tables (by this I mean there may be about 6 inches as compared to the usual 3 inches). But that is about all the place has going for it... The menu doesnt have your usual Italian dishes and instead has some interesting sounding entrees. Unfortunately interesting doesnt mean tasty. I got the Big Night timpano: Drum shaped stuffed pasta, organic meat balls, slow braised meat ragú. It came out as some dome-looking pasta, which I cut open to find that the "stuffed pasta" was simply stuffed with rigatoni. In other words, I just paid $23 for rigatoni and meatballs, and they figured they could charge that much because the rigatoni was presented inside a ball. And of course the rigatoni and meatballs were just as good as I could have gotten it anywhere else in the North End for about $15. When they say ragu sauce, it may as well have been Ragu brand sauce...heck, it might have even been! My friend ordered the Cestini: hand-crafted baskets, sausage and radicchio filling, truffle fondue, with walnuts and apple. It was decent but not nearly worth $24. Even though its a nice restaurant, when I pay twenty-something dollars for a meal, I expect it to be better quality than what I get at an average place or at least to have a whole second potion of leftovers. Regrettably neither was the case here. The portions were not very big and there was nothing worth taking home.
(2)Kristina D.
Bricco is the best restaurant in the north end. Just last night I had the risotto special and it was just that "SPECIAL!!" It had just enough cheese and topped off with the right mix of sausage and mushrooms. Fabulous! Per usual I requested to sit in Wolmar's section because with him a menu is not necessary. He has the best recommendations for food and wine! Make a reservation and request Wolmar and you won't be disappointed!
(5)Jim C.
We sat upstairs and enjoyed a wonderful meal and a conversation in normal tones. The squash blossoms stuffed with a truffled ricotta and fried tempura style were just the novel and exquisitely prepared treat we were looking for. Great wait staff. Pricey but worth it.
(4)Jen G.
Never been so discontent with a meal before I dined here. Not only did they seat me in an empty room, on the second floor, when there were plenty of seats available on the first floor but, the waitress was unbearable and the meal was a small portion with no flavor. I will most definitely not return & I highly recommend choosing one of the many other Italian options located on the same street.
(1)Jean F.
The food was delicius, I got the ricotta pillows, and we split a mix of appetizers from eggplant to sliced meat and of course motzerella and tomato! The ambiance was nice, but nothing super special and the service wasn't the best. Again the food was great but it's hard to have a bad meal in the north end! We started off a little annoyed that we had a reservation but got sat over 30 mins late because they gave our table to some else ... but they did make it up by comping our apps! I'm not sure I'd rush back and would try other restaurants in the area.
(3)Samantha C.
Went to Bricco late last night and so glad I did! The atmosphere is very nice and open perfect for a warm night. To start off I had the Italian Moscow mule and my girlfriend had the pineapple doli both were excellent especially the Moscow mule I love the twist they add to it with the rosemary. I also got the pumpkin tortellini for my entree. The tortellinis were big but light and fluffy and the pumpkin was not overpowering. Overall absolutely delicious!
(5)Jim D.
The food was excellent, the restaurant is odd. First the odd: each table had a battery-operated votive candle sitting atop a card advertising other businesses owned by the restaurant. If it's an upscale restaurant the votive needs to be real or be gone and the crazy advertisement has to go. I don't give a damn about your other businesses while I'm considering which wine to order. The food rescued a star for the review from the silly candle/ad--mostly. The bread with roasted garlic, olive oil and white bean purée was great and we had a zucchini, roasted pepper and ricotta app that was perfect. Entrees were seafood risotto that was the special which was filled with flavor and fresh seafood and perfectly cooked risotto and a pasta "drum" filled with pasta in an amazing meat sauce floating with two tasty meatballs in a tomato sauce that was absolutely to die for. That dish lost some points though..the garnish was three sticks of uncooked spaghetti and a basil leaf. The presentation looked good but they may as well have used wooden skewers--totally inedible garnish should be tossed into the same place as the stupid ads under the fake candles.
(4)Mister T.
Business dinner. Great cocktails. Delicious Osso Bucco. Wow. Attentive service. Authentic neighborhood which is nice for walking around after dinner.
(5)M K.
I've been coming to Bricco, not by choice, for years, and for the price and the attention it commands, Frank's flagship fails in many aspects. Where to start? Well, the wine list sucks, if you were even bothering to look. Yes, Boston restaurants are at the mercy of liquor distributors, but this place isn't an ordinary establishment, nor is the owner a regular restaurateur. Samples of food had over time...Moules marinieres are done Italian with large capers, and comes with dead or overcooked rubbery mussels - and to the lady below, the broth isn't briny, it's fishy. No amount of salt will cover that, sorry. Steaks are standard Prime, so it's the same generic treatment as anywhere (that is unless you pay up for Grill 23 which quietly shares provision sources with Thomas Keller of French Laundry), making it the safest choice at this place. Bricco's version of the SF cioppino is perfectly adequate and whelming as far as the dish is concerned, but if you're going to call it a Bricco's signature dish, you should make it better than any restaurant's standard SF cioppino, factored in with price. Atlantic Fish murders the ciopinno. But hey, it is a see and be seen place. Your date, the self-appointed arbiter of style and taste, (s)he who validates his/her existance by the number of likes on Instagram, will notice how high your credit card limit is. The bar scene, however is excellent, if you are looking to pick up, or be picked up. And that brings it up from 2 to 3 stars.
(3)Tati A.
There are so many good restarants in the area, DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY HERE!!! We were seated in a corner and had the rudest waitress!! Food was so bad, so not worth it!! I was so disappointed, I was looking foward to a good Italian dinner, this was DEFINITELY NOT IT!!
(1)Jack C.
The "Pappardelle al Cinghiale" is amazing. The service (our waiter was Wolmar Ceolin) was superb. Would recommend this North End establishment.
(5)Kiley S.
Finally stopped in here after walking by numerous times. Sat at the bar and had drinks and an appetizer. One of the BEST Espresso Martini's I've ever had. My friend and I split the eggplant parm appetizers. It was delicious. I'm sad to say that the bar service was so-so. The girls working at the bar seemed like they didn't want to be there at all and weren't the friendliest. I'd like to say maybe they were having an off night. More unique entree's than the typical north end. I'd like to go back for a sit down dinner.
(4)Michele S.
We come back here again and again. Excellent food. From lobster to steak to chilean sea bass to pasta. All delicious. And great wine selection and ambiance
(5)Jordan A.
10 stars! I love Bricco- definitely one of my favorite restaurants and in terms of Italian it is unmatched. Bricco serves modern Italian and is known for their handmade pastas. I'm convinced you can order anything on the menu and not be disappointed. Two of my favorite things to see in a menu are lamb and duck and Bricco's lamb shank and duck entres are the absolute best I've had- both so melt in your mouth and flavorful. Their pasta is also outstanding. I've had the veal ravioli which was good and most recently a foi gras special which came in the "purse" shaped pasta with a creamy mushroom sauce. It was so delicious and cooked perfectly al dente- I ate all of it! The service is also fantastic here. The wait staff especially is super professional, polite and accommodating. I remember the first time I came we all ordered meats or seafood but really wanted to try the pasta as well. I asked the waitress if we could all split one of the pasta dishes as an appetizer and we were all brought out our own individual small plates of pasta. It's always the small things that make a difference- other restaurants, take note! If you're in Boston's North End you really have to stop by Bricco. You will not regret it!
(5)Jody M.
I had the ricotta pillows and my husband had wild boar pasta. Everything was ridiculously good! We'll be back next time we visit Boston. Amazing!!!
(5)Brandy W.
Wolmar was awesome. Great recommendations. Arrived right at 4 for windows seats in the finally warm weather. Mozzarella di Bufala is a must starter. Mains pappardelle al cinghiale and shrimp timpano.
(5)Allison H.
Good gluten free pasta - however their staff does not understand food allergies as the waiter said - there is only a little bit of gluten in it...um do you want me in your bathroom the entire night sir - then no gluten at all please. The bar scene is cool - better than most northland places.
(3)Jennifer H.
Our concierge recommended this restaurant and it was perfect! Lively bar scene, knowledgeable bar staff, divine food! Would definitely recommend to anyone who wants to experience the North End scene
(4)Kirstin K.
What a wonderful delight of a restaurant! Great location, within safe walking distance from our hotel. Exceptional service by Emilio Bechara--ask for him. He's worked for the restaurant for 12 years. That says something. The menu was varied and had many great options. Decent prices. I chose the pumpkin tortellini with chopped root veges in a smooth, light cream sauce. Perfect balance of flavors. My hubby chose the Chilean sea bass. Melts in your mouth! The side of dried spinach was amazing. I've never had that. It resembles a pile of parsley, but the flavor was incredible. Kids would be addicted to veges if I could make that at home! I highly recommend this treasure of a restaurant.
(5)Ana Paula S.
My boyfriend and I went to bricco last night for dinner and we loooooved everything. We started with burrata and figs. The next course we had parpadelli and it was amazing!!!!!! the main cost, we split the branzino. I love many restaurants in Boston but what really caught my attention was the amazing waiter Wolmar!
(5)Robert B.
3 1/2 stars is BS... This is a 5 Star or worse case 4 1/2 stars... Let me tell you... Firstly let me say sorry it took a few days to write a review, I just came too from my dreamy food coma... Bricco, hands down one of best Italian meals I have had. And that is saying a lot! I would put it in my top 15 Italian meals. First the atmosphere. Picture Italian business suit with a NewYork old world bar, in Boston. The hostesses are supermodels... Our waitress was very knowledgable... Great wine choice and she even lead us away from certain wines with our orders... Now for the starters... Polenta: WOW! Please do yourself a favor and order this... Fried zucchini flowers... Never had them before and now I am hooked!!! For the main dish we ordered the veal stuffed Tortellini... Pasta was cooked right and taste was wonderful and hearty... Gnocchi... If Michael Angelo cooked Gnocchi this is how it would taste... Gnocchi can be a very finicky pasta to cook, to long and it's to soft, to short and it's rubbery... This plate was cooked to perfection... And I will dare say the best cooked Gnocchi I have had! Let's just say I have to head back to Boston before I go home and I will give you a wild guess where I will be eating... Highly recomended! Now go give your mouth a treat in Boston's little Italy....
(5)A P.
A little loud for conversation but possible. Valet park car. Busy, even on Thursday. Restaurant is a must go - their gelato is deliciously fresh and their dry-aged beef is perfectly seasoned, cooked and served warm (just right). Sides are well-portioned for one, but ordering several to share will work too. Definitely coming back!
(4)Courtney O.
The food and drinks are excellent. I went here for dinner last night. The only critique I will add is that the waiter asked my friend and I if we were "all set." I did not assume that meant he was going to throw away the food, especially since we both ate less than half. When I asked for leftovers, he replied that we affirmed we were all set. I took that as we were done for the time being. If I'm paying $30 for pasta, you better believe I want my leftovers! ... Be warned.
(4)Elizabeth B.
Bricco is my favorite restaurant in the North End. I have always had great food here. The ambience is nice, dimly lit, and cozy. Great date spot!
(5)Alexa S.
New to the area, first time visiting the North End-- absolutely did not disappoint. Bricco was amazing and authentic. Great food, great atmosphere, great people. A bit pricey (thats coming from a college student), but all of the pasta is homemade, so its worth the cost. The meatballs are incredible. I would go as far and say they're the best I've ever had. The salad with the peach sangria dressing was also incredible.
(5)Bill L.
Came here for a birthday party - six of us. Two had pasta dishes (both were great), one had risotto (very good), lamb shank (omg), osco bucco - both were great and the last was a price fix meal during dine in boston. the last was alrgith - just did not stand up to the other dishes. service was great. please note. if you bring in a cake, there is a separate charge. will be back for the pasta ;)
(4)Tim W.
Bricco is one of the best Italian restaurants I have ever eaten at. I love the fact that it offers excellent food AND also has a very vibrant bar scene. This is a rare offering for Italian restaurants, as most are mom-and-pop dining-only trattorias, or high-end white table cloth establishments with little going on at the bar. I also like the fact that they offer a full selection of prime steaks in the event that you're not in the mood for the Italian fare. The North End is probably the best "Little Italy" in America due to the fact that it's clean (unlike South Philly, Arthur Avenue and Mulberry Street), and is still largely all-Italian (unlike all of the aforementioned). There are many great options, and Bricco is tops among those offerings. Standouts for me were the zucchini flowers stuffed with ricotta, the eggplant bake stacked with paper-thin slices of perfectly sauteed eggplant and fresh buffalo mozzarella. The PAPPARDELLE AL CINGHIALE was one of the best pasta dishes I ever had - light and tender homemade wide noodles tossed with a flavorful meaty tomato ragu. GNOCCHETTI SORRENTINA were among the best gnocchi I ever had. Because my mom's family is southern Italian, one of the things I always judge and Italian restaurant by is their ability to make a basic but delicious tomato sauce (it's amazing how many restaurants screw this up), and their meatballs. I'll always order meatballs as an appetizer for this very reason. Bricco's were among the best I ever tasted, on par with my grandmother's. Full of cheese, bread, veal beef and pork. And all the sauces with the various dishes were built upon high-quality sweet plum tomatoes and extra virgin olive oil. This place rocks.
(5)Galavanting G.
Went on a Saturday night and had one of the most romantic dinners with my girlfriend. Everything was perfect from beginning to end. Our waiter was awesome. Wine was awesome. Food was awesome. Dessert was awesome. I will definitely return.
(5)Amanda C.
My family and I ate at Bricco on our first night in Boston last night. The hotel recommended it and made the reservation for us. It's just a short cab ride away from the Four Seasons and you can even walk in nice weather if you don't have young kids with you. We heard the restaurant was good but I had no idea just how good it was going to be. Everything was absolutely fabulous. The zucchini flower appetizer and the wild boar pasta dish were to die for! It's a little pricey but for homemade pasta and the service we received it is worth it. Our server made the night. His name is Emilio Bechara and he was one of the most attentive waiters I've had at a restaurant. He knew the menu inside and out and suggested a great bottle of wine to pair with our meals. The night was one to remember. This place is a must if you are in Boston!
(5)Nate B.
My meal was phenomenal and the service was spectacular highly recommend this place again the wild boat was cooked to perfection and the red wine sauce was perfect strength
(5)John B.
I've got to give this 4 solid stars and some change. I like to try to reserve my 5's for upper end/fine dining/mind blowing experiences. There are a lot of restaurants in Boston's North End. Some good, some great and some not so great. North End favourites can take on religious connotations with some folks. Everyone has their favourites; they would rather fight than switch. As far as Boston's North End goes. This place ranks somewhere near the to for me. Environment, service, cleaniness, imagination and most of all taste; Bricco has it all. The Environment Bricco has a clean, warm and inviting atmosphere. It's a perfect spot for intimate dining or catching a late night snack/drink with someone at the bar. The Wait Staff Last evening, I was dining solo (which can sometimes be a bit of a drag). They were very accommodating. I was quickly seated at the bar upon my arrival. The bartenders were congenial and quickly rustled me drink/food menus. Everyone was pleasant and genuinely seemed like they actually enjoined working/being there; professionals (If you eat out regularly in Boston, you'll understand what I mean. I've had more than my fair share of student-waiters) The Food! The Food! The Food! I have had a lot of meals in the North End. Bricco ranks at the top of my list for creativity and taste. I started out with a mixed salad. It was a decently sized portion that came with roasted peaches and candied pecans. It had just the right amount of tasty dressing. This was quickly followed up with an appetizer of tempura fried soft shell crab served with cucumber gazpacho with side of Couscous. The dish's presentation was certainly eye catching. When it first came out, I have to admit that I was a little scared. It looked nothing at all like any soft shell crab that I ever had before. It most certainly caught the eyes of my fellow bar patrons. It looked like.., well, "Top Chef Art." ...and the taste... Boy was it flavourful. The textures of the crab/gazpacho/Couscous played very well off each other. The main course did not miss a beat from the appetizer. I ordered the "Pappardelle al Cinghiale" (which was basically a slow braised wild boar served with homemade pasta). This dish was a home run. It looked, smelled and tasted absolutely fabulous. The pasta was cooked to perfection; the boar was tender and the sauce was rich beyond compare. I now have a new favourite goto North End dish. I know I can be quite critical (hello Groupon-let-down) of establishments that quite frankly are not up to snuff. I equally want to give praise where praise is due. Bricco isn't a good "family value" eating establishment - If you want that I'd recommend "Cantina Italiana" up the street. If you want suggestions for great North End dining experiences with great food, I'd most certainly point you in the direction of Bricco. It's made it's way into the rotation of my NE go to places. JB
(4)Nancy H.
One of the best Italian dinners I've ever had. Come to Boston about once a year and have to come back here every time. We all usually share each others plates so have tasted a good part of the menu. Everything is wonderful, especially the braised short ribs. HIGHLY recommend!!!
(5)Jesse T.
I was with a party of four, and three of us agreed that the fish was absolutely mind-blowing. The other guy got lamb, and was more than satisfied. The view into the kitchen is great to watch, and the location in the North End is unbeatable.
(5)Paolino P.
Great drinking spot! 3 bars if you include the small bar upstairs.. Great staff friendly and fun. Great drinks and atmosphere.. Love the late night brick oven pizza!!!!
(5)Graeme R.
We had a fantastic meal here. The pasta was delicious and perfectly done, and my pappardelle had a generous amount of shaved parmesan on top. Our server matched our wine request with a great barberra . The bread pudding we had for dessert was not too sweet and had a refreshing gelato on the side and some caramelized bananas on top. To cap off the evening we had espresso martinis at the bar, (Glenn with two n's) put a sugar and allspice rim on my pumpkin ale which was amazing. Great choice for a night out.
(5)Daren G.
Before I comment I have to qualify that we were a large party in a private room. That said, I thought this was an Italian restaurant not a sushi bar. Two other people and I ordered the salmon and ended up sending it back because it was RAW,cold and soggy. For a restaurant that was personally recommended to me I was underwhelmed. If you can't handle groups, don't take the reservation.
(1)Amanda B.
This place was excellent! And with so many restaurants on Hanover it's hard to tell which ones are worth it. Top notch service, our server knew the menu inside and out and gave great recommendations. The place is huge and we got a table upstairs, much quieter and more intimate than the first floor. Make reservations for sure. The food was wonderful, I had a perfect martini and the wine selection was huge. I would definitely refer my friends here.
(5)Kimmi D.
I love this place. I'm from Houston and had the PAPPARDELLE AL CINGHIALE dish (wild boar braised in red wine with porcini mushrooms), it was so good that I had to come back to Boston this year and have it again. The flavor is so unique and exquisite. The service was amazing, and the ambiance was great. Every time I go to Boston, I have to make stop here.
(5)Ercio F.
The service (wolmar) was impeccable, the setting was lovely and the memory of the food will stay with us forever.
(5)Ell J.
Stopped in here for a drink and appetizers as we unfortunately had reservations elsewhere. We sat at the bar and the bartender was very friendly and offered advice on the menu items. The appetizers were all fabulous. Oysters were expertly shucked, prosciutto was delicious and the special burrata salad was also very good. Wish we stayed for dinner! Go to the North end fairly often and will definitely stop back next time we're in town.
(5)Chuck Z.
overall great food and service. These guys DO take credit card, so if you are looking to eat in North End and lack the cash check it out. A bit on the expensive side but I felt the portions were good and great flavor in the dishes I tried. The eggplant and calimari apps were outstanding. I had sea bass for entre and the fish was cooked perfectly and seasoned very nice. Great place!
(3)Brigette L.
Love love the octopus app, the wild boar pasta and the beef carpaccio !! We usually sit at the bar and Rob is always great !
(5)Carrie R.
Great food, warm atmosphere, and excellent service! Bricco has a great selection of appetizers, pastas, and main courses. The octopus appetizer is divine! And I appreciate the wait staff: attentive when they need to be but let you enjoy your meal!
(4)Katy M.
Definitely one of the best in the North End. The atmosphere is nice, the pasta is cooked to al dente perfection, and the sauces are rich in flavor.
(5)Bri R.
After numerous recommendations I finally got around to having dinner here. Had a tuna tartar appetizer and venison entree, both were specials and absolutely delicious and the service was great, our waiter Emilio was extremely friendly and attentive to our table, will definitely be back there for another meal!!
(5)Erin T.
Enjoyed dinner with hubby on a busy Tuesday evening. Food is superb! We ordered some fig appetizer on special with melted gorgonzola over prosciutto. He had veal and beef ravioli and I ordered pumpkin stuffed ravioli both came over a white truffle sauce. You can tell everything is homemade. Our waitress was very sweet and the busyboys are hard workers. We didn't venture the dessert menu but only because Mike's pastry shop is right down the street. I would recommend to anyone and would most likely return despite the many Italian eatery options the North End has to offer! The only slight issue I had is the bench seating where you are basically sharing your dinner with strangers but it wasn't too big of an issue since we had dinner fairly early for city standards.
(4)Paul P.
Excellent service, great "mood" and fun environment. My dish (the timpani) was a bit overcooked and dry but had great flavor. I'd go back.
(4)meghan h.
Amazing food & staff! Ronnie the bartender very nice and helpful...most delicious sirloin I've had in ages...good stuff!
(5)Schiffon W.
I enjoyed their Osso Bucco which was very tender and their traditional style tiramisu. The pasta course, prosciutto appetizer, and sides were just okay. I dined as part of a large group so I cannot speak about the value of the food relative to the price. Given the size of our party, the service was noticeably prompt.
(4)Kelly M.
I was so happy and delighted to finally try a North End Italian restaurant. Bricco had everything--great cocktails and wine, fresh pasta and hearty cuts of meat. A very correct experience all around.
(5)koravee x.
Good food but poor service : I went wz my family on 2days ago. I was disappointed with the waitstaff. the wait staff had attitude The service was poor. All food was delicious excepted service. I'm not sure that I should recommend people to go there. (I may if they don't care about service).
(2)Karmy W.
I have to say that the 3 stars is attributed solely to the food, the customer service at Bricco was actually very very good. I decided to head to Bricco for restaurant week after hearing such raving reviews about it, I initially had booked a table for 3 on opentable but Bricco graciously allowed me to keep switching my reservation as the number of people in my party kept increasing, I eventually ended with a party of 9 on a Monday night. Not sure if it was because it was restaurant week but the place was packed and extremely noisy! If you're looking for a place to have conversation with your friends and such, this wouldn't really be a very good place to have it, service however was very efficient and servers were friendly, food came out in a timely manner and my glass was never empty, which is always a good thing. Food wise, it was medicore, probably average at best ( hence the 3 stars). Everything was just very heavy and wasn't anything outstanding. I ordered the carpaccio for my appetizer and while delicious it was overly drenched in oil making it really heavy to eat, the main course ( Seafood Pasta) was probably the best thing from the meal, it had bold flavors and was absolutely delicious, the bread pudding was really dense and heavy and while it tasted fine wasn't exactly the best way to end my meal on the restaurant week menu. Overall, I would try coming back to this place and ordering off the menu instead of the restaurant week menu just to give it another chance since service was really great and while noisy still had a great atmopshere.
(3)Mountain Chick T.
Everything was wonderful from our table upstairs overlooking the white lights in the trees and the street scene below, the impeccable service, and the delicious food to the perfect canolli.
(5)Jennifer C.
Anyone that says that Bricco has above average food is either lying or hasn't eaten anywhere outside of a mediocre Olive Garden in suburbia. For Frank dePasquale's "flagship" restaurant, the food is sub-par, with Back Bay fine dining prices. The crowd is typical North End, and the staff caters to those that they know, and fails to balance out their service. With our apps & dinner came 3 chipped plates....with a $10 salad, $22 pasta course or $42 entree, would you ever expect this? It chips, it cracks, you toss it. Period. Service was only rescued by the server that took over after our original server's shift finished. She was eager to please, and worked hard to make us repeat customers, which was admirable, but was almost entirely lost by that point in our visit. Overall, there are much better places in the North End, end of story.
(2)Josh D.
Awesome Veal Osso Bucco! The fresh baked bread and salads are also great. Seating is a little tight, but the food more than makes up for it. Great place to grab a bite and absorb the neighborhood's ambiance. The night I was there the front windows that run floor to ceiling were completely open.
(4)Warren W.
I am the laziest of all suburban dwellers in the Greater Boston area. I have several musts for dining in Boston so when my youngest "the Whopper" decided Bricco would be great for her 24th I quickly referred to the web site. Yes, I had heard of it from yelp reviews, TV reviews and newspaper articles, but just the fact that it was well rated was not the deciding factor for me..........valet parking was printed right there on the web site. Done! I hate parking in Boston or for that matter in any city setting. I dont' mind walking it's just the delay; possible rain (as was the case) and then finding the place. Up Hanover, crowded streets, lines for several restaraunts, people rushing to their taxis, and there it is next to the Modern bakery. A table for 12 had been reserved and we were nicely greeted by Kate our server who promptly had water poured; drinks ordered and a run down of our specials. She nicely acknowledged the birthday girl and we settled in nicley. I shared a restaurant in Key West for her parents to try as she wondered about our tans as several of the family had just returned. Appetizers for my corner of the table were the vine rip and roasted pepper tomato soup. Wonderful. I shared the soft shell fried crab dish and would only say it needs more horseradish/mustard sauce to complete the dish. This is a very large portion so share. The birthday girl nailed the tuna loin and I too enjoyed a couple of bites. Well done and perfectly presented. Ahhhh almost forgot the zuchinni blossoms! How could I? These were a highlight for me and others as I snatched them from unprotected fellow diners plates. "What's that?" I would ask and point to the wall as I quickly reached fork in hand for another bite of this scrumptous appetizer. So delicately fried and filled with a unique riccotta that will make you weep. My main course was the wild boar and papperdelle (sp) in a reduced sauce they offered up a heartiness to the meal that had me think it might have been a better dish for mid-winter for most, but I really enjoyed it. The pasta was a little over-cooked but what the heck. I also tried the meat balls and they had nice flavor and a very good gravy. As I write this review, I strongly recommend, if you are the type to enjoy dining at the bar, then just simply order the appetizers. Grab a very cold martini or wonderful Barolo and chow down to a couple of three selections. Wines were a combination of 05 Barolo and a later 09 Sauvignon Blanc to round out each main course. Service as mentioned was outstanding and very personable. With 140 or so reviews on yelp, who should care about this review? You should. Good place for a large party, very good service, a louder atmosphere, trendy and ..........valet freakin' parking.
(5)Allison H.
The experience I had at Bricco was so great, I had to Yelp it out. My friend and I (from Los Angeles) were craving a bowl of pasta late on a Friday night and Bricco is one of the few places where the kitchen closes at 1am. We got there around 10:30pm and were seated immediately. The place was filled with patrons, in the restaurant and the bar. I had the caprese salad and the very delicious Pappardelle Cinghiale. Portions are big so be prepared to eat. The servers were very attentive, in particular, Mariano, who made sure our time at Bricco was more than fabulous. He was a gem. Frank the owner was so sweet. You will definitely enjoy your meal/time at Bricco, whether on a romantic date or in a group setting. A great find in the North End of Boston. Will definitely be back.
(5)Justin C.
After my first visit, which I'd been wanting to do for a while, I'd say this is an excellent restaurant for its service and hand made pasta dishes. The decor is sleek and modern-ish; can't say I'm a fan of this trend in the North End, and this place is probably trying the hardest at it, but, oh well. The open kitchen at the back of the room is a nice touch. The pastas - all of which are fatto a manno, which I gather means hand made in Uzbekestanian or something - and the three I tried were highly memorable. The agnollotti with white truffle cream sauce is a decadent, savory, truffley wonderland of light pasta, delicate creay truffles, and a savory meat filling. I used the word truffle three times in that sentence to give you a sense of the dishes truffleyness. The garganelli amatriciana also delighted; it was swimming in generous chunks of hand cut pancetta and had an almost smoky tomato taste. A special - the four cheese risotto with mushrooms and spinach - also impressed. I often think you can judge an Italian restaurant by its risotto, and this one measured up. It was cooked perfectly, soft but not too much so, plenty of cheese, but not overly gloppy or thick. I'm docking a star for the main dish, a venison special with broccoli rabe and a parsnip flan. What sounded out of this world according to our excellent waiter ultimately lacked flavor and just had too much going on. The meat itself - touted as a New Zeland import - though well cooked had really none of that rich, gamey venison flavor that, to me, ifs the point of the dish. Certainly some of this was lost due a totally superfluous cranberry sauce, which should've been left off the plate, and the rabe; it just has such a strong flavor that it's hard to stand up to it with anything, really. In fact I'm all for its elimination in most any dish, but I have had it when it was well cooked and didn't overwhelm as strongly as this did. It seemed like they'd given it a quick blanch, and all of the bitterness was still there. Next time, I will go double pasta, or try something from the appetizer menu - kobe carpaccio looked tempting.
(4)Jo G.
The service was deplorable!! There were 4 of us in our party, it took 15 minutes before the waiter even acknowledged us for a drink order, then came back 15 minutes later with only 3 of the 4 drinks.... the 4th ( which was mine) came about another 10 minutes later. Not to mention the waiter barely spoke english his first language was chinese!!! Then the waiter finally took our appetizer order, and after taking it asked it we wanted to put in our entree order, we said YES, however he turned around and started talking to another table. The food was OK.. over priced in my opinion for what we got, but tasted fine. One person in our party had the Veal Osso Bucco-- the shank was very tough to cut but tasted ok. In summary, there are so many restaurants in the North End that are fabulous, I will not ever go to Bricco again. Very dissapointing since I was entertaining clients from out of town.
(1)Lily N.
This is an overdue review (last year's summer restaurant week) but a certain waiter made the experience quite memorable--a not so great one. It was a nice summer night, the restaurant was lively, noise volume high. Seems like the place the be. I am with three other friends and we are seated. Our waiter arrives and asks if we want water. I say yes, and he assumes that the rest of us wanted water as well. Excuse me, but we just sat down and haven't even looked through the drinks menu yet. But, whatever. So, we order from the restaurant week menu. As the lovely waiter took our orders, he had an air of arrogance about him, nose stuck in the air. Hey, would you at least make eye contact? With another table, he was chatty and very animated. A courteous nod and a smile would not have hurt your face. While we were waiting for our food, one of my friends gets chilly. We were seated near the door and flagged our waiter. We requested if he could close the door or even move the curtain to close it. He looked puzzled and said he had to check with a manager. He never did it. Food arrives, yay. But it wasn't spectacular. We all ordered the same dessert but somehow two of them were inconsistent. Overall, the experience would have been much more enjoyable if we had an amiable waiter. Thankfully, Chinatown was a walk away and we were happy, stuffed pigs at the end of the night.
(2)Jillian Q.
Good food, large price tag. The hostess was incredibly nice, but our waiter made us feel like he couldn't be bothered with us. We had the eggplant appetizer which was amazing - extra-thin slices of eggplant lightly fried and stacked - yummm. I had the "ricotta pillows" for my meal and, while it was delicious, it was a a plate of ravioli with one ricotta pillow in the center. I did eat the entire plate even though I was full half way through because it was so good. My friend got the risotto special - asparagus, sausage, fontina cheese - absolutely delicious, I kept stealing bites off her plate! The ordered a side of the potato gratin and when it came I was absolutely shocked. It was absolutely TINY for $8!! I'm not exaggerating, it was minuscule. I thought for $8 we would all be able to share this side, but it was like one bit per person. I though the price tag on that side was outrageous. For dessert, we ordered the bread pudding to split. I don't like bananas and it came with banana gelato. I asked the waiter if I could have a different flavor and opted for chocolate. When the dessert came, it had banana gelato and bananas on top of the bread pudding. It would have been nice of the waiter to mention that there were bananas on the bread pudding after I said "I don't like bananas." After picking off the bananas, the bread pudding was perfect and delicious. A scoop of chocolate gelato finally came and it was not good at all. It was syrupy with lots of ice chips, like it was old gelato. Negatives aside, the food was really good and I would come back for a special occasion. It had some unique options compared to some restaurant in the immediate vicinity.
(4)Dina D.
Before visiting Boston, I researched an Italian restaurant that would have creative food not typical of most Italian restaurants. I found Bricco. On a Wednesday night, we tried dining here but were told there would be a 20-min. wait. Not that long, we decided to wait but were being persuaded to sit at the bar at stools to eat dinner. I kind of find this offensive if I'm going to dine at an expensive restaurant. So I left. After making reservations for another night, I returned to enjoy an excellent meal. The fried zucchini flowers are very good. The ricotta pillows and pumpkin tortelli are excellent dishes. The gelato wasn't very good, though, even though it was served in a pretty shell. I'd recommend making reservations to eat here and getting dessert at Mike's down the street.
(4)Shauna G.
I went here with my parents and one of their friends - if I had been paying for my own meal, one look at the prices on the menu would have had me begging to get pizza at the street fair two blocks down. I don't even think my parents would have picked it, but their friend is loaded, so down we sat. The service was excellent. Our waiter was funny, informative, and not too pushy - when we ordered wine, we asked for his advice, then talked him down from the $1000 range to the $200-$300 range to the $90 range, which is what we ended up getting, and it was very good. (I know I probably seem pretty cheap, but I'm barely out of college, I'm used to paying $10 for a bottle of wine!) Anyway, on to the food - it was pretty damn good. My mom and I shared the mussels in garlic and oil as our appetizer and it was our favorite dish of the night - when they took it away with a few mussels still left I kind of wanted to cry a little. (I was in the bathroom, otherwise I would never have allowed this travesty to happen.) We also ordered an angel hair pasta with ricotta and vegetables that was quite delicious. Lastly, we ordered the gnochetti - and it was *so* disappointing. It tasted very bland, and since there was nothing to it but potatoes and cheese - that is, nothing else mixed in to give variety - it was kind of hard to get through. In fact, I took a few bites and then packed it up to have as left-overs, figuring they could only get better after a few days in the fridge. You know, I hope someone ate it, because I didn't, and it was $24. Yeesh. My dad and his friend got meat dishes which they seemed to like, although I can't vouch for them, being a veggie myself. We didn't try the desserts either, since we were pretty stuffed. I really did like the food, but I feel like for the price we paid, we probably could've found better somewhere. I wouldn't warn against this place, but I wouldn't exactly recommend it, either.
(3)Tristan P.
I took a client here for a quick appetizer and drinks at the bar. The staff and bartender were attentive yet not at all intrusive, which was great. We had a couple of martinis to start with - I went with my traditional Hendricks straight up, but my client decided to venture into one of the specialty martinis. I forgot which one he got, but I do remember him raving about it. The appetizers were absolutely delicious - we had the octopus and the crab and they were the perfect amount to complement our drinks. To finish, I ventured into their selection of Scotches, while my guest went for Grappa. All in all, it was a great atmosphere.
(5)Angelica B.
Love the location---North End! We had a table upstairs in the corner. The food was super! The atmosphere was good. The martini's were awesome!
(5)mike t.
This is a revised post: Please scroll to the bottom for the revision. At first the review was directed at the waiter and the restaurant. It wouldn't be fair not to separate the two. The owner and manager have contacted my sister twice. I have not spoken to them but she believes they are sincere. I have in the past been a resident of the north end and been to no less than 40 restaurants. It doesn't seem like a big number but believe me it is. This would be the 4th time at Bricco's. The other three times it was a 5 star experience. Initially we ate at Bricco's as a party of 8 in early November. It was a Friday night and started at the bar. The barkeeper and bar area were very nice. Here is where we separate the waiter from the restaurant. The Waiter: The waiter was horrible, rushed and very unprofessional. Three of us, myself, my wife and my sister told the waiter that we wanted to take our time, ( I had not seen her for a year or so and we came 3500 miles) no rushing! He told us it would not be a problem. The main meal hit the table 40 minutes after we sat! He was taking the appetizer plates away before we were even done. After we complained the manager specifically told not to include the gratuity as is customary with large party's. He did it anyway! This guy had dollar signs in his eyes and wanted us out so he could turn our tables over! He then stood at the upstairs bar and complained about us! The food presentation and taste was absolutely outstanding! The Management: We asked for the manager and he came immediately. He knew we were angry. He listened to us and asked us what he could do to fix it. He offered us free deserts, cordials and coffee. It wasn't a bad offer considering it would have added at least $150.00 to the bill. We declined stating it wasn't about getting something free. A day or two later the manager called and told my sister that the waiter had been fired and we could all come back and have a free meal. I wish I didn't live in California! The owner also called her to talk about the experience. This is why I separated the waiter from the Restaurant. They are putting forth great effort and genuine concern for the customer and that is really what we wanted. I'm going from 1 to 4 stars on this effort. So... a year later we went back to Boston and set up the "redo" dinner. Suffice to say it was so good we spent nearly 5 1/2 hours in the restraint. Nick the manager set us up with Emilio who was our waiter. Everything was perfectly paced and delicious! We could not have had a better dining experience. We are definitely going back!
(5)Julie G.
I am Italian, so when it comes to pasta, I'm EXTREMELY PICKY. My boyfriend and I decided to try it. My co-worker recommended it. Ever since, we have been back at least twice a month. Big Night Timpano is AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING. I highly recommend it. They expanded the restaurant which looks great. If you want a 'quieter' setting, definitely request to sit upstairs.
(5)Beeni M.
Went here for Restaurant week. Service was great & food was delicious!
(5)Julie S.
Went for Restaurant week. When we were seated, we were not given or offered the restaurant week menu...which was a little off putting. Then a few minutes later when we asked our server for the restaurant week menu, and he was viably disappointed! He brought it to us, and I thought, uh oh this isn't going to be a great experience. But it got better from there. I got their take on a caprese salad with prosciutto. The prosciutto was the best I have ever had. I had the mushroom risotto. It was out of this world. Delish! For dessert we had the chocolate torte that was kind of dry. Valet parking was $20. But it is so close to Modern Bakery and Mikes we had to make a trip over there for real dessert.
(3)Aia Y.
Nice for drinks or sexy date but the food is not the best and the place is not chip.
(4)Christopher A.
Typical for the north end as I've never had a truly great experience. Noisy and cramped, defintley not a date place or somewhere you want to go to relax. Waited over half hour passed reservation for a table on Saturday night. Food good, I had the grilled veal chop which was excellent, the broccoli robe was mediocre as was my seafood risotto, but then again I'm not an admirer of risotto...it's rice. My brother had the gnocci which was good, sister-in law the raviloi which was excelltent and my niece the king crab legs which she liked. Anyhoo, like mentioned in other reviews the dress is supposed to be dress something, casual or other. It wa a busy Saturday night and many people were being turned away (nicely dressed) but many were being let in after they came from the hockey game. Loud and obnoxious in hoodies, t-shirts, and game jersire, doing shots and yelling...really ruined the place. If I go back I will insist on sitting upstairs which I went and looked at and seems the best place to be. Downstairs too crowded and basically a bar with too many tables. Stench of cigaretts coming in from the street everytime someone opened the door. Pretty typical guinea goumba place in the north end.
(2)Simon C.
Excellent and interesting Italian food, definitely one of the best that I have had. Starting from the three dips (garlic, olive oil, and hummus) for the bread, to the appetizers (octopus and wild boar pasta), to the main dishes (Bricco's Brodetto and Ricotta Pillows.) I would have soaked up every drip of that Brodetto sauce if I had the appetite after finished off the half lobster and all those sweet plum tomatoes.
(4)Christina P.
I have a love affair with Bricco. It is my fave place to go in the North End to eat & drink. The Buffalo Mozzerella is the best I have ever had and they consistently use local produce. All of the pasta is handmade and I have never had a bad experience. Go see my girls Nikki D & Rochelle- they'll take care of you -they always take care of me! great place to go for a romantic dinner, after 9 or 10 nice bar scene! ( For full disclosure, I worked here about 5 years ago- I loved it then I love it now!)
(5)Doogie H.
For close to a $60 meal- split apps and only 1 glass of wine... no dessert- I know there are better locales in Boston (north end) for this much money. First we had to ask for the bread which is supposed to come when you are seated... this came after our apps. Apps- ordered the calamari, shrimp dish- very good- but a little salty. The stuffed zucchini flowers had absolutely no flavor. I had the organic meatball dish and it didn't taste any different than what I can make at home (I'm a fairly good cook). Try Strega nearby for much better food. Oh.. and I asked the waiter for change back from my cash and he never gave it to me. I already gave him 20% tip on CC. Being a big foodie and living in Boston for 12+ yrs... I know good food when I have it.
(2)Jo B.
I love Bricco. The food is above average, like gourmet-ish Italian. I have had the opportunity to sample several dishes and all were superb; I don't think there is a bad item on the menu. The atmosphere is energetic and perfect for a date or dinner with friends. I love the brick oven burning in the background, and would only want to sit in the main dining area to be near the fire. Just my personal preference, I love being near fire, controlled fires only of course. I also LOVE the wrap around bar and could sit there for hours....if I didn't have any responsibilities. The seating process can be chaotic on a weekend night. Even with a reservation, you will probably have a bit of a wait, but that's okay - remember the cool bar I mentioned? Just grab a drink and enjoy the wait. The bartenders mix some pretty perfect concoctions. Take it easy though because you want to save some of your liver function for some wine with dinner. They have some great wines by the glass, like the Lacrime wines (either white or red). They are relatively inexpensive and very smooth. Service was good too. There was always someone coming by and filling the water glasses. You never feel rushed. We had a good server, Sonny, he was like my Italian cousin. Extra points for Sonny because he asked me if I was 21 (I am almost twice that age). Not sure if he was joking, but it was a nice touch. The only thing I would skip here is the dessert. I wasn't too impressed with their "signature bread pudding". Take the 10 bucks you would have spent on dessert at Bricco and walk a few steps down to Modern Pastry where, for that amount, you could get 2 large pastries and a coffee. My last piece of advice, don't make the same mistake as I did and eat both pastries at once. Please save one pastry for the next day.
(5)Jess M.
Amazing experience last night at Bricco. Great atmosphere with excellent service! The hostess Sam was very sweet and had us seated as soon as we arrived. Our waiter Sonny was fabulous and gave great recommendations on the menu! Food was excellent along with the drinks! Will definitely come back again.
(5)Samantha N.
The service at Bricco is horrible!! The waiter was rude, very inattentive and colder than the ice water served. It took 15 mins to place an order, 10 minutes to wait for a refill of the coffee...The pumpkin tortellini was tasty but cold...
(1)Amanda G.
I really liked Bricco. It was a little pricey, but my dad was in town so it was a nice occasion to stop in for dinner. The tuna appetizer was DELICIOUS ... along with everything else we had. Definitely a Hanover Street gem. It's worth the price.
(4)Wayne D.
Last night I went to Bricco in the North End. I'm still there (I think). The service was good (though for some reason they had about 8 specials-which took my server forever to explain- for obvious reasons). Just put out a tent card or something if your going to have so many. Or, just cut down on the specials. Okay, my rant is done on that. I tried one of the specials at least, which was a baked stuffed whole shrimp (still in the shell) with a mandarin and fennel cabbage slaw and jalapeno pesto. Decent choice. My entree was a grilled swordfish with a chickpea-tomato-leek party on the bottom of the dish. It was accompanied with a few baby red bell peppers that were stuffed with eggplant. The swordfish was cooked perfectly and the peppers were a nice summer touch. I'm still not sure how I feel about the chickpeas though. Don't get me wrong, I like chickpeas, I just wasn't blown away by what they did for the dish. I washed it all down with a glass of Pinot Noir which was a good choice for the meaty swordfish steak. for dessert, my friend and I shared a banana bread pudding with carmelized bananas and banana ice cream. Holy Banana eh? It was a bit much of the banananananana flavor, however, it was nice. and the presentation was wonderful (for all three dishes). I would go back again, but not before I toured every other place in the city.
(4)Jorge G.
In from Florida for the weekend and decide to try this restaurant which was recommended by our hotel. Food was good, however I was looking for something a little cozy. It was far from that until about 10:30 and our reservation was at 8:30. It felt like we were stuffed into a table. Recommend that you specify where you want to sit when you make your reservation.
(4)Sara G.
I've eaten here three times I think-twice it was mediocre, once it was one of the best meals of my life. It really depends a lot on your mood and what kind of meal you want to have--service can be extremely slow here. I'd recommend coming on a less busy night when you're in the mood for an extended, lavish meal.
(4)Jake B.
Food, ambiance, and help was amazing! Highly recommend for family dinners or intimate dates (especially if you want to impress the girl). I personally think this is the best italian restaurant in the North End by a long shot. Highly recommend, but earlier than later. Seems to get really packed around 7
(5)Nick C.
Ate there a couple weeks ago. It was alright...warm atmosphere, kinda tight, small table. Server was nice. Food was alright, nothing special.
(3)Michael D.
The North End can be very hit or miss, even at restaurants you like. Head out on a beautiful night and you are bound to be dealing with crowds, and an over worked waitstaff and taxed kitchen. SOmetimes it flows right, sometimes wrong. I have had both experiences at Bricco, but usually, the food is good enough to keep me coming back. Lobster Risotto is amazingly light but incredibly flavorful, gnochi is delicious with incredibly fresh tomato sauce topped with imported mozzerella and fresh basil. One weird note was the raspberry sauce they served with the Tiramisu for dessert. Seemed like a pretty odd combo & I'm still questioning it. Service is usually good, but it can be tough when the place is packed. All in all a nice option in the NE.
(4)Christopher C.
Me and a couple friends went to Bricco for dinner last night (Aug 26). We had a reservation for 8:15. We also wanted to sit upstairs because it is a lot quieter and you can actually have a conversation without screaming. The hostess told us that that would not be a problem and that there were a bunch of tables just clearing out. We waited until 9:00 to be seated, and in the end did not even get to sit upstairs as we were told. Not to mention that like I said we had a reservation for 8:15... I know the North End is always busy and most restaurants are not very concerned about customer service but this was ridiculous. What's even the point of making a reservation if you're gonna be waiting for 45 minutes regardless. We mentioned our displeasure with the manager and he didn't apologize or offer us to grab a drink on the restaurant or some sort of gesture as you normally should have offered to you in such circumstances. I've worked in the high end restaurant industry so I know how situations like this should be handled. With all of this in mind, we were all ready to let the manager know how sub par everyone we had encountered in the restaurant was, (after we were done eating). BUT then our food came out and IT WAS NO JOKE DELICIOUS. Clearly everyone in the restaurant other than the chefs were not concerned with our dining experience. Bricco was saved by the chefs.
(3)Mike D.
This place stinks. We ordered a pizza to go around 11pm one night thinking that since the restaurant is themed around their brick-oven, the pizza would be good. Not the case. Our pizza was under cooked, cold, bland and turned over on itself because the lazy (or stupid) staff used a box that was half the size of the pizza. Because the door man wouldn't let us in the building to retrieve our pizza, I gave him a $20 bill for an $18 pizza and he asked me if I wanted to just give him a tip so he wouldn't have to get my change. Crappy, pretentious, waste of your money!
(2)Morgan F.
I headed here last night for a friends birthday party. We showed up last minute with a party of 7, that we then turned into 8. They were nice enough to even RE-seat us at a new and larger table. Since we were all not starving (and half the group was college kids that can't afford a very expensive dinner), we did a really cool thing and shared 4 appetizers and then 4 main courses. Everyone got what they wanted and then we had room to share dessert! Even with a bottle of wine it came to $44 each for a SUPER YUMMY MEAL, not bad! P.S. The bread pudding here is AMAZING!
(4)Kathleen S.
Sat at the bar for pizza and drinks. My Boston friend told me the pizza was great. Being from NYC, I took that with a grain of salt. However, it was phenemonal--and not expensive. I think they dont start serving it til 11pm, which is very sad. God it was good. Service at the bar was very good, too. Nice having all the doors open as well. Hope to go back.
(4)Ryan W.
Just stopped by here last night for a friend's birthday - we set out to find a place with a table for 5 and a TV to see the Sox game, and Bricco was the first place that fit the bill. My good friend had worked at another Frank Depasquale spot, so I felt good about dropping in, even though I had never been. We were seated right away in the romantic upstairs room - a big plus. Upstairs had no TV, however - a big minus this time, but usually a plus. Our waitress arrived promptly, then began to pressure us into wine, then appetizers - a minus. Everything on the menu looked wonderful - a plus. The menu was arranged in a "traditional" manner, with options for antipasti and 1st and 2nd courses - nice, but overall a minus, as each course was very expensive - $15-30 for 1st course, $25-45 for 2nd course - not really within reach for the average consumer, and not necessarily a great value as the portions were sized accordingly (read: small). They had a "Big Night Timpano" dish on the menu - HUGE PLUS ("Big Night" should be required viewing for every Yelper). My out-of-town friends, who are simple folk, not food sophisticates, ended up having questions about nearly everything on the menu - lots of foreign words - an embarrassing minus for all involved, although the restaurant cannot be faulted for serving food they're passionate about (also see: "Big Night"). The waitress answered their questions with politesse - a plus. Our food arrived with amazing presentation, and was delicious, with handmade pasta in every dish and meat cooked to perfection, according to those who ordered it - big plus. When I began to explain to the aforementioned un-foodies about the small portion sizes, the waitress jumped into the conversation uninvited to lecture us on how the meal was supposed to be eaten, etc., making us feel uncomfortable, condescended to, and a bit invaded - a minus. We had a birthday guest, and a cake brought in from the outside (had to do the old-school cake with frosting balloons from Party Favors). They were willing to allow us to serve it in the restaurant, but charged $3 per person for a cake charge - seemed hefty to me. The waitress was charming about it (she threatened to steal and eat it), so - this was a wash. Overall, a very nice place to go and splurge with fellow foodies, especially if you're going to do it "traditionally" with a few courses, as they strenuously suggest. This is NOT an entry-level red-sauce Dolce-Vita trough-o'-pasta North End place to take yer out-of-town Red State buddies. Be warned.
(3)Rachael B.
came here with FH and his brother on a recept trip to boston - wanted to treat the bro to a nice dinner out. the atmosphere was pretty fun for a friday night - good ambiance but not too loud. the food was definitely pricy, but you got a LOT of it. i had the sea bass, which was perfectly cooked, excellently seasoned, and came with vegetables. it wasn't a particularly memorable meal (though the banana bread pudding was delicious), but it was fun to try. next time i think we will scout out less expensive places in the area.
(3)Kelsey R.
Its not fair to give an Italian restaurant in the north end a 5 star rating, but this one gets close. They make a mean dirty martini, and the ambiance is amazing. The perfect mix of trendy and chill. The food is unreal, probably some of the best I have had in the north end. I have been to almost every restaurant out there, and I refuse to write reviews because they are all good, but this one got my gold star and here I am. The gnocchi was unbelievable, and the muscles were a great starter. Highly recommended, check it out. You wont be disappointed.
(4)Nate K.
We went here a few weeks back. We were lucky enough to get a reservation on a busy Saturday night. And it was very busy. There were four of us. We ordered in the traditional Italian style. Our waiter (from Naples) was amazing. He guided us to through the menu until I realized that I would just trust his judgement and let him order for me. We started with a little Reisling before the meal. First the Salumi Platter. A great selection of meats and cheeses. Prosciutto, Soprasada, Capricola, Parmigiano Reggiano and more of the favorites. Second came the Tomato and Mozzarella Salad. Fantastic. Crisp, clean, and the Mozzarella was VERY flavorable. Then the pasta course. Al Dente pasta and I had the Wild Boar Papardelle. It was perfect. We all shared our pastas (as everyone should do at a restaurant like this) and everyone was pleased. For the main meal I had a Rib eye as recommended again by the waiter. It was chased down by a wonderful Barolo wine which was a perfect companion to the steak. I would subtract 1 star for the tight seating arrangements, but I didn't mind the conversation it generated with our neighbors who were visiting from out of town. So my breakdown goes like this 1 star for food 1 star for service 1 star knowledge and authenticity 1 star for decor 0 Star for seating arrangments.
(4)Olivia L.
I gave this establishment four stars since I believe that YELP is for FOOD reviews. If I had to rate the place on service, or organization, the review would definitely rate lower. The first time I went to Bricco was in September 2008 based on a recommendation from a hotel concierge who was raving about the place. My then boyfriend/now husband and I came back from the restaurant raving back to the concierge. The food was absolutely amazing. As I anticipated that I would be meeting friends for dinner at a conference this month, I looked up Bricco on yelp and discovered THREE stars - either the quality has severely gone downhill or something else has changed. I know good food when I eat it. I read through the reviews and many were service related. For some ODD reason, I didn't think it would apply to me since I had a great service experience the first time I was there. My friend and I arrived at the restaurant last night at 8:05pm. We asked how long the wait was and was told that it would be 25 minutes. Fine. We sat at the bar. Around 8:45, I requested an update from the "new" person standing at the host desk. I was told that it would be 20 minutes. Okay, I am not THE greatest mathematician, but how does that work ? She said that she was working on it and that the guy who originally took us messed up our reservation. I patiently went back to the bar. 9:11pm was my next check. I was told that she was still working on it and that she couldn't force people to leave. I asked why we could NOT be NEXT since we already waited way past our time and got shafted by the guy who screwed up our place on the waiting list. She said that I was next after the three people table (who I was told HAD a reservation and STILL had to wait) - fine. Eventually I got seated at 10pm. TWO hours - are you serious ? The hostess told me that she would not have given me a 25 minute wait time - she would have told me 1 hour and that her manager gave me the time. NOT MY PROBLEM - that is YOUR problem. I was told that the problem were the large groups that came in from our conference - basically I now figured out that they just didn't care about us - the big groups go first because they don't want them to walk. So any tables they had, they grabbed. Service was SLOW. Granted we had a three course meal, but we did not stay after dessert and we did not leave the restaurant until after midnight. The food was not as good as I recalled. Maybe it was the sour taste in my mouth from the entire experience. Generally eating out at a nice/higher end restaurant is for the dining experience AND the food. Appetizers - My friend ordered the proscuitto which she did not like because it was not dry enough. I had some drier pieces which I thought were good but she had some that looked the texture of raw meat once she rolled it around. I ordered the Frittata Mista - fried calamari, shrimp, and scallops which I thought was delicious - but it could have been served a little hotter instead of lukewarm. Fried food tastes best hot. For entree - my friend ordered the ricotta pillows which she said were delicious. I had the seafood special on top of "linguine" but it was really some other pasta sort of like spaghetti. Sauce, flavor, seafood was all fantastic. The noodles part was ok. I had the seafood noodles two years ago and remember it being incredible. Dessert was cannolis for her, and bread pudding for me. Not sure what she thought of hers but it must have been okay since she ate most of it. Bread pudding was good - maybe even great but honestly, by then I was too full and tired to assess. Honestly, the food was very good. Had we not waited 2 hours to eat it, I might have thought it was excellent (at that point, we just needed food and didn't really care anymore). However, getting in the restaurant is a whole other story, and to be perfectly frank, "It's good but not THAT good" for us to waste our last night in Boston waiting two hours to eat. NEVER AGAIN. If you walk by Briccos and there are seats available and you have time for slow service, definitely stop by. If the place has no tables left, keep walking. There are lots of delicious and cute restaurants on the north end that won't keep you waiting for 2 hours and give you the run around.
(4)Chris S.
Great atmosphere with delicious food. Wine list was extensive. Great date spot if you are looking for a higher end Italian restaurant.
(5)Jenn D.
oh my god, this was incredible. the fam came to town to celebrate my sister's graduation, and so we made a reservation for bricco. correct decision! this was probably one of the most delicious italian experiences i have ever had. our waitress was pretty great too, and had some good wine recommendations. we started with some shared appetizers: we did the zucchini flowers, a burrata special, and an order of the ricotta pillows. oh my god delicious. all 3. the burrata was incredible. the ricotta pillows were to die for. seriously amazing. moving on to the main courses: i had the Agnollotti al Plin, which was delicious. my brother did the Pappardelle al Cinghiale. uh, yum!! sister had the ravioli that was the special that night - it was chicken ravioli, with mushrooms in a truffle cream sauce. holy crap it was good. mother had the Cestini - delicious, weirdly-shaped pasta. her sauce was a bit thicker than mine (hers a truffle fondue, mine merely a truffle sauce - both were really good, but just a note if you want to pretend to be healthy.) father went rogue and had the Bricco's Brodetto - which he said was incredible, best he has had in a while (though i will mention the lobster claws are still in the shell - he knocked over a wine glass working on them). we didnt do any dessert (just coffee) because we were 1. stuffed and 2. headed to bova's after. so i cant comment on the dessert. all i can say is that we had an amazing experience, i have a new favorite restaurant in the north end, and will definitely be going back.
(5)Tyson J.
Wild boar pasta dish was excellent! Service was outstanding. Lobed the roasted garlic, hummus, and olive oil served with crusty bread for appetizer!
(5)Sarah A.
My husband and I ate here for the first time this past Friday 3/11 for restaurant week, and also to celebrate my birthday. A friend of ours used to hang out here often as he lives in the North End (and yes the Tom Cruise rumors are true because he met Tom and Katie there one night at the bar) and said it was probably the best Italian there. We were not disappointed. I arrived early and enjoyed The Left Bank, a martini of Hendrick's Gin, Elderflower and dry white wine (incidentally, Exchange Street Bistro in Malden makes a terrific one of these using vermouth). The wait staff was friendly and attentive, seated us ahead of schedule and made my husband's per his specific instructions. I ordered the carpaccio and my husband ordered the prosciutto, and both were excellent. I ordered the chitarrine with lobster and my husband got the red wine braised beef. The chitarrine was by far the best pasta dish I have ever had, and the beef came apart like butter, it was so tender. For dessert I ordered bread pudding (never been a bread pudding fan and it was amazing) and my husband got the chocolate torte. They have an impressive and reasonably-priced wine list, also. All in all we enjoyed a terrific meal with great service, the food was well-prepared and arrived on-time and steaming hot. I highly recommend this place, you will not be disappointed. Is pricey though, so best to save it for a special occasion unless you can afford $35+ entrees for a casual dinner out.
(5)Alena K.
This place has delicious food. The risotto is UNREAL, I highly recommend it. The food at Bricco never disappoints me. By far my favorite restaurant in the North End.
(5)DreaM S.
If You have grown up in the North End , then You understand that it is hard to impress a North End native when it comes to food. I have not tasted the dinner menu , but i can tell You that the Margherita pizza served after 11:00 am is to die for!!! Not the fastest turnover so You may have to wait awhile for a table ( even if You have "pull") but this Pizza is without a doubt , worth the wait!
(4)Prateek D.
The white chocolate cheesecake is a must try. The food, ambience, service is superb. A lil too expensive tough but dats fine.
(5)Elisabeth S.
Best italian food in the city. Hands down. The octopus is the best. Wonderful selection of vino. Laura is the best bartender, although ALL are amazing. The pasta is FRESH and billowy. Off the hook. The only downer is the amount of seating, BUT they have expanded by buying next door....SOOOOO, hopefully the expansion of the space AND the menu will help in that area :) Cheers!
(5)Joey S.
Not the best place in the North End and wicked expensive. The service is just okay and the upstairs atmospheric is pathetic. Try someplace else.
(2)Kathleen M.
I've been to this place twice and I am a big fan. It is a bit pricey for what you get, so it loses 1 star for that. All of the food I have had here has been delicious. I am one of those people who almost always goes for the tuna (I heart the raw fishes), and the appetizer here did not disappoint--tuna was perfectly seared and the trio of dips added a flavorful complement to the fish. My pals each got the beautiful mushroom timbale--if I could stomach the fungus, I would have tried some. For dinner the first time, I ordered a special that was a venison sausage ravioli with a cream-based sauce--amazing! I love when places have venison on the menu (damn, Bambi sure is delicious!), and a few venison dishes were offered on this particular night. Pasta was perfectly cooked and, although it looked small, it was the perfect amount of food. No time for dessert this night because Barry was going on at 8 at TD Bank North Garden! Second time out was with some work folks and an out of town (actually out of country) collaborator. All were impressed! This time we split some apps--calamari, fresh mozzarella, and a special proscuitto app with figs (mmm...figs)--all quite tasty. I went for the special rissotto--rich and delicious with spinach, quail wrapped in bacon (yes, bacon!) and stuffed with butternut squash. One of the coworkers had a duck special with the most adorable pureed pumpkin side dish (served inside a real mini-pumpkin!). Presentation was beautiful, food was delicious, and the atmosphere in the upstairs dining room was charming--at bit noisier downstairs, but nice in the summer because they open the large front windows. Staff was attentive and helpful without being condescending when answering questions. Definitely recommend for your next trip to North End. Oh, and the candles are real!
(4)Kara N.
Bricco's food is INCREDIBLE! If you are looking for something moderately priced, this is not your restaurant. It is quite pricey but the food is wonderful. I have only been once but it was an experience. My friend and I decided to get an appetizer, it was layered eggplant and sauce (it was just like eggplant parm). It was very good. However, for dinner I ordered their pasta with wild boar. It came in a red wine cream sauce that was out of this world! I thought I was going to lick my plate clean! It was my first time trying wild boar and I am afraif to try it again elsewhere for fear that it won't compare! My friend ordered a pasta with seafood that was also good. For dessert, we ordered a piece of ricotta pie and strawberry cheesecake. The ricotta pie was so rich and creamy! The strawberry cheesecake was completely different than I was expecting, but I can't describe how wonderful it was! The cheesecake was almost like a mousse because it was so rich and creamy but much lighter and fluffier than cheesecake usually is. The crust was also wonderful because it was shortbread, not graham! It was so buttery! The service was very nice from the hostess to the server, and to the manager that walked around to see how the meal was. It was a very pricey evening, but I hope to return again!
(4)Kimberly M.
Stopped in on the early side of a Saturday night for a few drinks at the bar. The bar staff was fairly friendly, responsive and seemed to know what they were talking about. I wouldn't say that they were the most outgoing, but they gave good service even while taking care of their busy servers. We weren't offered any bread, etc. at the bar, probably because they ascertained fairly early on that we weren't dining there.
(3)Heidi E.
Welcome to another episode of, "Please Save Your $$$!!" I had looked inside Bricco a few months before and remembered the cozy interior. Their website matches up to the decor. So I decided to make a spur of the moment reservation, 9pm on a Friday. I'm attempting to live the low-carb lifestyle, so pasta wasn't an option. I ordered the beef tenderloin with spinach and roasted fois gras butternut squash puree instead. Mind you, I was about to wilt by the time our entrees arrived at 9:45. I could tell it wasn't going to be an "ooh ah" experience from the first bite...but I went ahead and ate the meat and sides anyway, to prevent aforementioned wilting. Stupid girl. From the start, I knew it was the worst $38 dollar entree I've ever had. It was worth about $9.95. I think they seared the meat and then left it out to warm under lights or by the pizza oven. The temperature was correct, but it almost had a microwave quality to it. The spinach was flavorless. The puree had a hint of orange at first (?! why ?!) which quickly faded away into blah bland mush. My companion's wild mushroom ravioli was salty beyond belief and lackluster. I'm big on food, cooking, eating, and trying new places. I really believe that serving bland blah food in an attractive, put-together restaraunt is a total injustice and a waste of energy for both chef and customer. I tried to explain the flavors...ur I mean the blandness to the waitress. She looked at me like a bobblehead doll and just smilled, "I wish you had told me earlier, I would have gotten you something else." And I should have taken the risk? She went over and told the chef, who probably said (this is just a guess based on his body language), "did she eat the whole thing? Yes? Well, then what do you want me to do about it" She came back and dropped off the check. The chef went back to flirting with the waitesses in plain view of the entire dining room. $12 martini, $16 proscuitto appetizer, $38 dollar steak, 15% tip- just about $80 worth of damage and - 0 flavor. This concludes this episode of "Please Save Your $$$!!" Oh and p.s.- in a totally just world, they would take the "Br" off of "Brico"
(1)Ryan A.
It was nice. Bit crowded on the wall, but other than that I liked it. Enjoyed the scallops, sea bass was good too. And the dessert (forget which one but it had hazelnut and chocolate) was great too. Very attentive wait staff I'm actually surprised they didn't chew my food for me, got a bit annoying but was appreciated.
(4)Ben L.
Bricco has a problem. They nailed it on the head when it came to atmosphere and service. This makes their sub par food an even greater let down. They clearly use some quality ingredients but the creation that is made out of them does the raw material a disservice. Their pasta shells are too thick and I think that someone heard the term Al Dente and was thrown into a whirlwind of confustion. To add to their misery the sauces that they use are overly heavy and ,as seems to be par for the course, nobody that I went with was terribly pleased with their meal. Bricco should be firmly kept to a martini bar until they overhaul their menu. The straight-Well appointed itialian restaurant/bar What's good-Great dark atmosphere, attentive servers. The slap-overpriced food that I would find unacceptable no mater what I was paying.
(3)Karen W.
We were so surprised by the good service and the great food, we both usually avoid the North end like the plague-- crowded with tourists, poor service, and pushy natives are not my idea of fun. HOWEVER, THIS WAS AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE! We came in for an early dinner on a Sunday night, and ordered three dishes. For an appetizer the pancetta scallops-- fresh, cooked to perfection, wrapped in bacon in a creamy delicious sauce with potato slices-AMAZING. I ordered the gnocchi, I don't want to brag, but I'm a gnocchi connoisseur and these were homemade, soft little pillows of potato starch immersed in a creamy tomato sauce with fresh buffalo mozzarella and basil leaves. HUGE serving size, brought home the leftovers and had it for an amazing lunch (it microwaved well too!!!) My companion ordered the pappardelle dish with wild boar with red wine reduction- awesome. Huge portions!!!! Bread at the table was more delicious starch, perfect for our sauces. FIVE STARS.
(5)Alex P.
Definitely avoid this place at all costs. I usually don't write negative reviews for restaurants, but I recently had such a bad experience at Bricco it was truly unacceptable for a restaurant on their level. First off I had a reservation for two at 8:30 I arrived on time and when I checked in I was told my table would be ready momentarily, of course at this place momentarily apparently means 40 min since we did not get seated until after 9. The "experience" then continued with two appetizers that both tasted like the only seasoning the chef knows how to use is salt. The carpaccio I ordered was completely void of flavor besides the salt crystals that were thrown on top of the meat. My friends fried calamari was served with a salty batter and a ranch style sauce that also had no real flavor other than salt. So essentially the fried calamari tasted like fried salt. Then on to the embarrassment this place called entrees. I got the pasta amatriciana, this is a dish I have had countless times in Italy and though I did not expect it to be on that level it wasn't even close. It was served in a watery tomato sauce, and was topped with what could only be canned tomatoes. It was essentially pasta and red sauce with some pancetta thrown on top. Truly a sad excuse for this dish at what is supposed to be an "authentic" Italian restaurant. On the other hand my friends entree was suprisingly even worse! She ordered the steak pizzaiola. This restaurant's "unique" take on that was what appeared to be sliced skirt steak topped with the same canned tomatoes that were served with my amatriciana. The steak was essentially inedible, and was served with mashed potatoes that were suspiciously similar to the frozen ones you can buy at the super market were all you have to do is add milk and butter. For dessert we both got the chocolate "torte" it was essentially a mini chocolate cupcake served with homemade whipped cream which the chef apparently forgot to add sugar to. The night was then topped off by our waiter who seemed to be utterly miserable dropping off an overpriced check and then waiting 20 min for the valet to deliver my car. Definitely an experience I will not be repeating! I would recommend Lucca or il' viaggio right across the street for anyone looking for an authentic Italian meal.
(1)Linda W.
I didn't have a very good experience when I was there, but the management was very proactive and addressed my concerns. Additionally, they went above the call of duty and gave me a very generous gift which was very unexpected (but greatly appreciated). They truly seem to care about their clientele and I will definitely try the restaurant again.
(4)Marcus A.
I've only eaten in the North End once, despite having lived near Boston all my life. I finally decided to sample more of what the North End has to offer and Bricco was the first stop. I arrived early (just after 5:00 pm) so the restaurant was mostly empty, however, by the end of my meal, it had filled up and was quite noisy. I was impressed with the ambience. Although small (aren't all North End eateries??) the room had a cozy feel to it, filled with warm and relaxing earth tones. Zagats states that there is also a dining area upstairs, however I didn't notice one. I was seated right away and the staff was quick and efficient (my water glass never made it to the half empty stage as it was constantly being refilled by the staff). The food veers away from the more traditional pasta with red sauce items and instead, focuses on more inventive fare. You are first served a portion of italian breads accompanied by roasted garlic cloves, olive oil and a pureed white bean spread for topping. The olive oil had a wonderfully fruity flavor to it and the white bean puree was amazing. I had to stop myself from filling up on that. For an appetizer, I ordered the mushroom timbale which consisted of sauteed seasonal mushrooms and spinach atop some sort of butter infused crust and topped off with melted fontina cheese. Amazing! I then had the parpadelle pasta with wild boar, porcini mushroom and red wine ragu. The waiter commented that that was a great choice. He was right! Fantastic. Perfect balance of flavors. If you've never had wild boar before, don't be intimidated. It's very mild in flavor so it doesn't overwhelm the dish. I would definately recommend both dishes. I can't comment on their specialty drinks or desserts since I had neither. My biggest gripe would be lack of convenient parking (but that will be the norm on any future North End restaurants I review). Bricco's does offer valet parking but I've never been a big fan of handing someone I've never met before the keys to my car and essentially telling them to take it. If the majority of restaurants are as good as Bricco, I'll enjoy eating my way through the North End. Recommended.
(4)Carlos F.
3 stars here is like 1 anywhere else. I have been to Bricco several times and live a few blocks away. Not sure what's happening here, but I was disappointed in last night's visit compared to previous visits. I like to sit at the bar and mix and match the menu - in the past everything has been great. The papardelli with boar was great, the eggplant roliti was ordinary, and the pork tenderloin was awful. For a $32 cut, I got a dry tenderloin dusted with peppercorn and no sauce - lacking in any flavor or depth. The mini-gnocchi on the side had potential, but it was over-peppered and under-flavored. They also served some caramelized onions with the cut that a 5-year old could make. We ate 1/2 the cut and the bartender made zero effort to comp it or give us something else to compensate for the crappiness of this dish. There were also some dated menu items and out of certain other items. Unless they fix this place soon, you may be better off at Marco, Mamma Maria, or Carmen, both within a block.
(2)Shannon C.
I went here on a Friday night with my darling friend Natalie - we had a reservation but arrived early so - whatevs, we head to the bar - it was pretty busy even at 7p. We each get a glass of chardonnay ($12 a pop) & Natalie gets a horrifyingly dirty glass..like - lipstick dirty. So, we got that replaced & shortly afterwards the hostess tells us our table is ready so we paid & went to the front & the other host says it's going to be a few more minutes. um..ok. This is so not a big deal to me except there's like no place to stand here. We finally sit & ordered mussels, Natalie got ricotta pillows (which she said were fab) & I got pappardelle w/ braised boar. The mussels were meh..I didn't particularly love the broth but that's just me. The pappardelle however was simply lovely. Very rich and wonderful - tons of meat & perfectly cooked pasta. Delightful - I took the rest home but have you ever smelled leftover boar? It was less than magical on day 2.
(4)Johnny I.
We have eaten at some of the best Italian restaurants on this planet, and I am glad to report that Bricco did not disappoint us Saturday night (8/14/10). To the contrary... it was an end-to-end 4-star dining experience! From their top flight GM Nick's penchant for world class service, to our server Emilio's highly-attentive brisk and invisible service, to the impeccably prepared dishes with the freshest ingredients in the northeast, to the crisp bottle of La Scolca Black Label (very small, but nicely efficient wine list)... this was as good as it gets in Boston! The pasta with my Diavolo was prepared perfectly al dente and my wife's "Big Night" course was simplistically delicious. Lastly, this 1st generation Sicilian-American can't remember having a better Siggie canoli! Whether you're a restaurant savvy Bostonian or a discriminating diner visiting Beantown, don't miss this North End gem!
(5)Olga L.
Dining at Bricco was great, but Cesare, our waiter made it even better! He took his time to explain the menu and made an excellent recommendation for wine and one of the specials of the night. Overall, it was a great experience, we will definitely go back soon. Great Italian restaurant, one of the best in the North End.
(5)Kim N.
This was one of the restaurants I experienced at the beginning of my venture into fine dining. I remember thinking how neat it was to be in a fancy place with mood lighting and white linens. There was also a sign asking us to please turn off our cell phones as to not disrupt other diners. We ordered fancy water (not tap!) and it really did taste better than tap water. The service was excellent and the food was sophisticated. My friend ordered a kobe beef steak... this was the first I had heard about kobe beef! I cannot recall the quality of the steak, I myself had some pasta with salmon--delicious! I haven't been here in a few years, but my memory of it is quite nostalgic and pleasant.
(4)Katya A.
Best Italian restaurant in the city, period! the dishes are so fresh and perfectly prepared. service is impeccable (my server knew more about the food than my italian date!). I also love to come by on any given night of the week and hang out by the bar. Nikki is my favorite bartender in the city !!!
(4)Jeffrey L.
You know, sometimes I wonder (not being Italian) what is so great about so much pasta all the time. But places like this bring back my appreciation for the difference between pasta and PASTA. The Big Night Timpano, a dome of cheese and pasta and meatballs and sauce goes beyond the regular into the delicious. The mezzelune changes with the season, but has not disappointed - great stuffed ravioli and perfect portion sizing. Get that and a bottle of the La Spinetta ca di pian, Barbera d'Asti (write it down if you need to, it is worth it). Plus get an appetizer of cold cuts and cheese or bruschetta, it is all good. End with at least a espresso, but the desserts are also good. What I loved about this place was the amount of time they gave you to eat - true continental style - not delivering everything hastily and rushing you to your next course. That is class in my book. I never had anything resembling Lompie F's experience here.
(4)Riane K.
A friend and I went here for dessert and drinks and it was to die for! Bricco has a great beverage selection and extensive wine list, which admittedly, I'm not very good with pairings so our waitress helped us decide. She was extremely helpful and very knowledgeable about wines. We decided to go with a bottle of the Bottega Vinaia Pinot Noir to compliment our Chef's dessert tasting. We chose the banana gelato (delicious!), the tiramisu (great flavor for such a typical dessert), and the cheese plate. I've never been more sweetly satisfied! I will definitely go back!
(5)Caitlin L.
I came here on a Saturday night and this place was busy from 10 pm until close at 2am. The restaurant is darkly lit and a really nice place to go and eat over conversation. It's not too loud in there, even with all of the people and I enjoyed the open kitchen. While we didn't order any food, just went for drinks, I snuck a peek at other people's pizza and they looked amazing! I could smell them across the restaurant and we were very tempted to order one. Before I leave town I may need to come by here and take a taste of their food.
(4)David S.
Went to Bricco for my wife's birthday. It was our first time trying it out. Valet parking ($20). Food was fantastic. Apps were Soft Polenta and Wild Mushrooms and Fried Calamari, Shrimp and Scallops. The batter was light and crispy...perfect. For our main course I got the wild boar and porcini pappardelle. The pasta was amazing. The dish was quite hearty...good winter's entree. My wife got Pumpkin tortelli and was very pleased. The only thing that was not that great was the Margharita martini. It was supposed to be tequila and agave nectar...but no salted rim and barely tasted tequila...too sweet. Service was attentive, water glasses was religiously refilled. Ambience was nice...but the later it got the more crowded it became and towards the end I could not hear my wife speaking. Would definately go back though. Thanks
(5)Alex J.
What a disappointment! I have heard some good things about this place, but last's nights dinner there was terrible. We had a party of six. I believe only one person had a good meal. I split their Squash Blossom appetizer with my wife. It was fried in a very heavy batter that took away any flavor from this in-season ingredient. As an entree, I had their Gnocchi ripieni. It was a very small portion, more like an appetizer. The gnocchi themselves were just ok, but at $24 I expect better than ok. The mushroom ragu on the gnocchi was too light and watery. My wife had the Chilean Sea Bass. The Sea Bass was also just ok. It had a side of lentels on mashed potatoes. The side was STONE COLD. When we told the waitress, she apologized and just brought the lentil part. The side was tasteless cold or hot. Other folks at the table had similarly disapointing meals. I say skip this place and go to any of the other wonderful restaurants in the North End.
(1)Jonathan S.
I think Bricco is my favorite restaurant in the North End. That being said, I've been twice, and had completely different experiences each time. The first visit was close to perfect - the gnocchi was so delicious I wanted a second order, the ricotta pillows were melt-in-your-mouth good, and the swordfish was the best I've had. The $90 bottle of wine I accidentally ordered (or was conned into - not sure which) made everything taste even better. The second visit was almost comical - but I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt since their brick oven was on the fritz. Apparently they had to borrow the guy next door's hibachi to get the food cooked or something. The waiter was extremely apologetic (fish came out raw three times in a row - and it wasn't sushi), making me think this was truly an aberration. I'll be back for visit three as soon as my wallet allows.
(4)Don P.
Great spot and whoever does the baking there is awesome!!
(5)RRS R.
This is one of the best restaurants in Boston, never had a bad meal here. The staff is great even get a free round of drinks every once in a while. i have been here at least 15 times always very accommodating, They change the menu up a bit so it keeps you coming back. order anything that has truffle oil in the description, Any risotto will blow your mind especially the seafood. everything is top notch, Great bar. My only issue is that I can't have dinner for less than $100 for 2. Must try
(5)Andrew G.
Personally, I go to this place for the bar. It's one of my favorite places in the North End to go for a lively scene and good drinks. Have had dinner a number of times and the wild boar pappardelle is awesome. No question about it, this place is usually loud and if you don't have reservations good luck.
(4)Sus M.
tom cruise and his wifey rolled thru for v-day if that doesn't say it all i don't know what else will! this place is amazing. love the brick oven, the ambiance, and decor. the food is amazing. i've loved everything i have ordered here. gm, nick vatistas is the man and a half. bartender, ashlee is awesome too!
(5)Tricia S.
I went to Bricco for Restaurant Week in March 2010 and the food and service were not up to the regular standards- the meat of my bricole was dry and the tiramisu was still frozen in the middle! On top of that I left my car with the valet service for $20 and got a $53 parking ticket!!! I wouldn't recommend this restaurant to anyone after a night like that!
(1)Jessica F.
Went here with some girl friends not looking to spend a fortune one night a year ago, and even though this place is pricey we succeeded. Stuck to one glass of wine and just an entree. Our waitress was fabulous, friendly, and suggested some great entrees. I had the meatballs and shared some of my friend's squash (ravioli? I can't remember). Owner/maitre'd dude on the way out wanted our honest opinion of our meal/experience. Only downside I can remember is the bartenders were a little cold. I'm looking forward to going back!
(5)Kara L.
We went here during restaurant week, thank god. The place is way over priced if the food on the RW menu is any indication of what comes off of the regular menu. The wine/drinks menu is also really over priced, but the atmosphere is nice. Our service was ok, the server was kind of bitchy when we asked for the restaurant week menu, but eventually came around. He suggested the bread pudding for desert which turned out to be really good. Bottomline- there are way better places in the North End for these prices. Try Mare (who happen to also own Bricco I think) for great seafood at similar prices.
(2)Cosmo X.
Good service, trendy and an excellent margehrita pizza...late last call..... busy!
(4)Harriett G.
TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE.....waited 45 minutes for our table WITH a reservation...9:15 extremely crowded....several other parties also waiting with reservations......seated upstairs with a party of 12 that was so loud, you couldn't converse with anyone at your table....the smaller room seemed to amplify the sound....the servers actually closed the partion doors to contain the noise from the main dining room...spoke to night manger...nothing...our server was great & the food was very good but YOU COULDN'T ENJOY IT !..left with a splitting headache, half eaten meal & over $300 bill....no food is good enough to endure the experience.
(1)Chris C.
Love Bricco. I work at a local hotel and we send tons of guests here. They really know how to take care of people and always deliver perfect service. I have yet to encounuter anyone there who does not make you feel right at home. Just make sure to go hungry, big portions and delicous wine are sure to fill you up. Ricotta pie is hands down the best dessert!
(5)Danny H.
Great food, had a fantastic wild boar while my wife had the ghonccetti dish - outstanding, and the upstairs open air seating is pretty sweet also!
(4)Mike D.
Went here on a recent Friday night early and had some great food! Atmosphere is nice but the tables are a little close. All our food was just amazing. My only slight complaint was our waiter... seemed like he was few and far between. I would have easily had another drink if he would have been around more. Will be going back again soon. 4 people drinking 2-3 drinks and 2 apps made for a $300 bill including tip, so just a heads up on that.
(4)Mich D.
Yes, it was pricey people, but it was also fabulous! Went with a great friend I hadn't seen in a while so we were treating ourselves to a big night out...having never been there before, we put our trust in our waiter, who picked our meals for us after a few minutes of chatting; he couldn't have been more dead on! He also made a wonderful suggestion off the wine list and was super attentive, which was very impressive considering how packed the place was on a Saturday night. Such classic Italian hospitality and great atmosphere--I will definitely go back! The -1 star is for fussy hostess: she kept forgetting who I was while we stood waiting for our table and while we had a drink at the bar, she passed us over and seated a couple who'd come in after us. Oh well, the rest of the night more than made up for it!
(4)Enrique D.
whats the big deal with this place??? if i had the money to buy this place i would. its a great location, surrounded with competition, and they do nothingggggggggggg with it. the atmosphere feels like a dive bar was injected into a modern loft, with snobbish pretentious staff. i probably make more in an hour than they make all day , but they talk to people like they are doing them a favor. who knows maybe it sucks to work there, but thats not the customers fault. just seems out of place in the north end. i'd say ur missing nothing if you,ve never been there, and if u have been, but felt the same as i did , but still wanted to give it a second chance, DONT. i have tried three times , different times of day, days of week, night, different servers, and yup, still blows. go where ur money is appreciated and well spent.
(1)Ariela M.
The food was fabulous but unfortunately the service was not up to the standards set by the food. I would give 4+ stars for food, but only 2 for service, which is why I ended up with a 3. I had the pesto special, which came with potatoes, roasted tomatoes, and parmesan cheese. It was delicious and, unlike so many "upscale" restaurants where you get great food but in tiny portions, there was plenty to take home for another meal. My friend had the lobster risotto, which he said was great as well. Unfortunately, the service was sub-par at best. We were seated and it took at least 10 minutes for a waiter to bring us water, and that only after we started looking around for a waiter. It then took another few minutes to be asked for our wine order even though we had closed the wine menu and were clearly ready to order. After the meal (which was to their credit brought promptly), we were brought dessert menus and it took another 10 minutes to be asked if we wanted dessert, at which point we decided to leave in favor of a pastry shop with quicker service.
(3)Lindsay R.
Bricco is one of my favorite restaurants in the North End. I have been there twice and have wanted to lick my plate clean. Big Night Timpano is my favorite dish that I have tried. The organic meatballs were the best meatballs I've ever had in my life! The service was knowledgeable and attentive.The place is pretty small- tables are really close to one another. Not a restaurant for quiet or shy people. I would definitely recommend making reservations!
(5)Vidhya S.
This place is one of my favorite restaurants in Boston. The high end cuisine vibe helps Bricco differentiate itself from other restaurants in the North End. Try their black and white martinis, so delicious. And their risotto of the day is my favorite thing to order...
(5)Stephen M.
whoa! this place is incredible. everything we ordered was awesome. ask for mike. awesome server, knows his stuff, gets the job done. best experience in the north end i've had by far!
(5)Dave H.
Went here for New Year's eve... The wine was great, the service was good. The presentation of the food was excellent. The bad part? Food wasn't tasty at all. Everything was cooked perfectly and presented well, but nothing really tasted great. The flavors were very plain. Oh well, the enviroment was great but for the extravagant prices I expect to be wow'ed with the food.
(3)Jenny W.
This place has a really nice atmosphere and the service was good, but the food was unfortunately disappointing. There just wasn't anything special about it and not much variety. It was just OK. Also, any place that serves duck usually loses a few points in my book and this place was overkill. For the price, there are much better options in the North End.
(2)Pixie Y.
Friends and I stumbled into Bricco on a warm summer night. I said stumbled because we didnt prepare to pay so much for a din that night. So we decided to share dishes. I have sense that the waitress was too fond about that, but she treated us very professionally. For dinner, we got the scallop, the Gnocchi, Pork, and a Seafood dishes. The scallop was superb. Food in general was really good, but do prepare to pay the north-end price. They also recommend a bottle of wine, which went really well with our food. The setting are very old school, romantic in a way, def the place if you want to impress someone's snobby parents.
(4)sunny n.
Rich flavourful authentic Italian cusine proudly served in the North End...a blend of a formal / casual cafe.... I recommend the veal, mussels and pizza!
(3)Jessica B.
Great italian food. You have to try the ceasar salad with the fried goat cheese as the croutons. Soo delicious.
(5)Seafoodie R.
Consistently excellent, this place never misses a beat! every pasta dish I have had has been a 10! one of the best stops in the North End thats not touristy Italian, its as good as it gets!
(5)Carolina L.
OK.. so i dont even know where to start to explain how good this place is.. the restaurant is very nice decorated it has tables and a bar.. the drinks are good and they have practically whatever you want.. but the most important thing is the food Ive been there a couple of times now and theres NOTHING i dont like.. specially the pizza they really have the best pizza in town.. they start making it at 11 every night except sundays and its made by a real italian cook.. its the real deal.. so if yo want to feel like if you were in italy having one of the best pizzas ever... yo have to go here..oohh and of course dont forget the wine..
(5)Dana T.
The service here is among the worst in this city! We were there for over an hour before we got any attention, even with a reservation. We waited to be seated. We waited alone at the table. No water. No drink. No bread. No waiter. When the waiter finally meandered by, he was condescending and rude. And for a perfect finishing touch, he neglected to give our parking stub to the valet, so we waited some more. Until this place corrects their attitude, don't go!!
(2)Kate S.
The food here is great! Too bad the restaurant is so loud and crowded. Not a great date place (due the noise) and a bit pricier than I believe it should be. That said, their veal is AMAZING (it should be for $45) and the mussels appetizer cannot be missed.
(4)Laura L.
I have eaten their twice and enjoyed it both times. The portions are a bit small but I eat a lot for a girl, I love their bread and garlic they serve and the gnocchi was amazing. The have a great full bar which can tend to your every need. Service was good but a bit expensive.
(5)Meredith S.
My friend and I went here on New Year's Eve and had a fabulous meal. It is quite pricey, but the quality and preparation of the food is worth the cost. One note though - if you are at all concerned with cost - and interested in having one of the specials - ask the price! My friend naively ordered the steak special and it was $75 - granted it was kobe beef so should have known...but still. I had the octopus appetizer which was great and the Brodetto for my entree. A wonderful combination of seafood prepared with cherry tomatoes - so flavorful! The desserts were also good - I had tiramisu and she had the bread pudding with bananas. The atmosphere was festive, with the manager handing out hats and noise makers - not a quiet place, but fun!
(4)Allan E.
I ordered the veal chop, which is my measure of a great Italian restaurant, and Bricco measured up! Another person in my party greatly enjoyed the "vertical lasagne" with meatballs, which is as unique a presentation as you will find. All of the pastas had deliciously rich sauces. The caprese salad, made with buffalo mozzarella, was terrific. Save room for the molten chocolate cake with the orange gelato, great with a glass of Grand Marnier. The wine list has a selection of Brunellos which would please any Italian wine oenophile, as well as a good selection of entry level Chiantis.
(5)carolyn b.
Love Bricco.. Good food, good place all around. Pizza is delicious and pasta is pretty good. Good wine list and fun on the weekends.
(4)Lompie F.
These people should be ashamed of themselves, period.They are horrendously expensive for what they attempt to serve up.Firstly, we were sat upstairs, the rooms are nice so at least that made up for the near non-existent service.It took forever for a few starters to come out, the calamari was ice cold, HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN, at these prices.The never ending wait for the main course was ended with one disaster after the next.Our table ordered 2 veal chops, $45 mind you, both cold on cold plates.Both came back again, COLD.HOT FOOD SHOULD BE SERVED ON HOT PLATES, especially in a place like this.There is no excuse.Most of the other food was cold and mediocre would be heaping praise on it.You cannot make every basic error in the book when you are charging soooooo much.The waitress did not know how to pour wine so if you read this you never touch the glass with the bottle and NEVER let a drop spill on the table or elsewhere, its really very easy to do.They need to learn that all plates for each course should come out together, use the managers to help if you need, the list of errors is endless.My advice is to go to one of the mom and pop places in the North end of which there are many where the food is far far better.It always amazes me that a place like this stays in business but I guess thats what makes a market.
(1)Asish P.
Food was good, service was ok for the most part (although strange at times)... The windows were wide open, and the AC was blasting.... and it was a little cold when the sun was going down. Four of us went, on a busy holiday weekend, and we were seated fairly quickly. The place has a semi open kitchen, so you get to see all the food come out.... which is always nice. The shrimp in the appetizer was very over cooked.... but the sauce had a good flavor.... the dish also came with potatoes au gratin...and that was amazing. Overall, good experience... but not necessarily a place i would crave to go back to.
(3)Alexandra A.
Gnocchi is the best in the whole city. Docking a star as my cashmere coat was stolen right off the hook here. This place is too crowded to not offer a coat check. Baked eggplant is also a big hit.
(3)Ashley E.
My fiancé and I have only been here once before but we both had excellent food. My only complaint is I'd asked for a table in a nice spot way ahead of time (maybe near the fireplace?) because it was a special occasion. We had a tiny table where we were very cramped and the ambiance was the opposite of intimate. We were also seated next to a window so it was very drafty-bordering on cold. It was also pretty loud in the dining room. That being said, I did have fantastic pasta. I opted for the Pumpkin Tortelli--with amaretti & truffle honey, sage butter, glazed root vegetables, ricotta salata. My fiance also really enjoyed the "Big Night" Timpano--drum-shaped stuffed pasta, organic meat balls, and slow braised meat ragú. Definitely can't complain about the dishes we had, but as for overall experience it was a bit disappointing.
(3)Rachel N.
Very meh -- we rolled in at 6:30p on a Sunday night and were seated in the bar area -- the TV was playing ABC's horrid sports injuries, which was quite bright/distracting, and gave the entire bar a bit of a strobe light effect -- but I digress. Our server took his sweet time to come over to us, took forever to bring things, and refused to make eye contact so it was impossible to get his attn -- a massive frustration that negatively colored our whole meal. The food itself wasn't bad -- though most things are lacking in flavor/execution. We had the octopus (actually really tasty -- tender, spicy, YUM, the only good thing we had), a greens salad (wtf are there pomegranate seeds in my salad at an Italian place? And why is it a maple vinaigrette?), the shroom timbale (fine), and the fried zucchini blossoms. The batter they use to fry is really quite thick, making it difficult to taste the actual food -- but, it looked like it had a nice crunch. Not a light app for those looking for diet food. Mussels were nice, the fra divalo was decent (though those shrimpies ain't "colossal", friend), and the steak was apparently fine, though it had a pat of butter on it, to which I object. The asparagus and roasted shroom sides came out cold, and once they were sent back, they came out cold again. Also, "roasted" is false -- the shrooms were bland and bathed in butter. Not crisp and delicious. Fail. Overall, the meal was okay, but make no effort to come here -- go across to Lucca. Oh, the steaks are $45+, the fishes are around $35, and the pastas are in the $20s. Starters are mostly around $16.
(3)Jocee Z.
Nice
(4)Mary Kate D.
This was our second visit, and we were not disappointed, great food and superb ambiance. I had the MOZZARELLA DI BUFALA special...served over arugula and mixed peppers....amazing! Dinner was Brodetto, similar to cioppino. The seafood was cooked perfectly and I really don't like overcooked seafood. Our server was Cesare, ask for him, quite charming, and great suggestions!
(4)Meg M.
The North End is quaint, cozy and damn expensive! But the money I spent at Bricco was totally worth it. We wound up here at 9:30pm on a Sunday night right after I came in on my flight from Hawaii. My two friends and I needed a place that would provide an environment for us to catch up on two years of dating, careers and geographic locations. Bricco was one of the only places in the North End that was open and still willing to serve us ladies dinner and drinks. We started out with a bottle of wine. Though they didn't have Malbec, the bartender, Glenn, recommended a Pinot Noir that rocked our world... and paired well with our food. We ordered the appetizer specials on his word also: the fresh mozzarella plate with asparagus, tomatoes and crustini for the herbivores and the sausage, prosciutto and romano cheese plate for the carnivores. (Sometimes, on a night full of girl talk you need to have someone else take care of perusing the menu!) While we were waiting for the food, Glenn put out a bread basket with oil, spices, white bean hummus, garlic and any other substance you could ever want to dip a crusty, airy and delicious piece of Italian bread in. Good call, Glenn. Girls love carbs almost just as much as they love talking. The food was excellent. Though it was a small portion, the cheese was homemade and orgasmic paired with the veggies and bread. It was drizzled with just the right amount of olive oil- not drenched. The ladies loved the meats plate too- the proscuitto was actually aged, salty and cut thinly. Glenn was hysterical all night and even joined in on the Sex and the City-like conversation at times to give a much needed man's opinion on commitment. When we got the bill, it was a little steep but we were full, buzzed and had loved our catch up session. Bricco, Thanks for a wonderful backdrop to catch up with my best friends in!
(5)Allison C.
I was not impressed....... Here is why I came here one night with my friend. We wanted a girls night out and this seemed like a good place. The atmosphere was nice very cozy and romantic. We ordered the octopus, it was extremely salty other than that it was good. We also ordered a mozzarella plate which was delicious, no complaints. We also ordered the crab cakes and the scampi, both were bland bland bland no seasoning and crab cake was dry. Lastly we ordered dessert (tiramisu) horrible and dry...... Here's what turned me off to this place, our server! He was nice up until we ordered dessert and hated it. We tried to get his attention about it and he constantly ignored us. Then he just dropped the check, wouldn't talk to us nothing. He was rude rude, and apparently was not taught how to deal with confrontation when a customer is unhappy. We were extremely irritated at how he treated us towards the end. I would have given more stars if great service was executed through to the end. It's a shame because this place had amazing martinis.
(2)Steph P.
I've had a great experience here both times I've been. Yes, it's a little cozy inside, but it's an Italian place in the North End, so I don't mind. It fits the vibe, if you ask me. Then again, I'm from a loud Italian family, and grew up heading into NYC's Little Italy to get my grub on, so maybe the setting is familiar. My first time in, I ordered the stuffed zucchini blossoms and the ricotta pillows (both are laden with truffle). Holy amazing, they were fantastic. The wine selection was also great, and my server recommended a bottle that was a great pairing with my meal, but not a heart attack on the bill. Overall, I'd go back to this place again. It's a solid choice, and has a nice atmosphere for a date or a gathering with friends.
(4)Geri R.
I was a little nervouse when we walked in as it was very crowded at the entrance and the bar. To my surprise we were seated immediately. I would give the service three stars as the server was a little up-tight. But other than than four stars for sure. The pumpkin tortelli was amazing. The flavor and texture were superb! One of my friends had the ricotta pillows..'best ravioli I've ever had' All in all this was a positive experience and I would highly recommend Bricco!
(4)Lisa B.
I have lived in the North End for several years and decided to make a reservation for Christmas Eve a month in advance for a special night. It was really busy (no surprise) and we were asked to wait and that our table would be ready "momentarily". Well, 45 min. later I spoke with the hostess who didn't seem to care the least bit and then I spoke with the manager who did the same thing! Lucky for us we were in the North End so we walked out and went to Fiore where we were treated the RIGHT way!!! The food at Bricco is pretty good, but there are lots of places with solid food in the North End so customer service is everything and I won't be returning!
(1)Adriana T.
Bricco is a very nice place-in fact, it's one of the most outstanding in the North End. They have home made pasta; all the food tastes delicious but the restaurant is very expensive. They charge as much as $59 for a steak!!! Last night, I went there with my boyfriend and with a large group of people. We had drinks and some food. We ordered Pappardelle Al Cinghiale wild boar braised in red wine with porcini mushrooms pasta. It was delicious!!! It's a great place to go with friends and gather around the bar or to go for a romantic diner. I definitely recommend this place. After 1230AM on the weekends, the bar gets pact as it's the only place in the North End that stays open till 2AM and serves drinks(full bar).
(4)Ross G.
The caprese salad, and calamari are excellent. The bread is also outstanding, other places don't always get it right. I had the chilean sea bass which was incredible. I also tried some of the gluten free pasta. I will be back. They also have delicious desserts we had the ice cream and sicilian cannoli. Next time i will try an after dinner coffee. Do yourself a favor and go here.
(4)Patty C.
Perfect for date night. Busy, but not packed on a Sunday night. Service and food were outstanding. Our server, Wolmer, offered perfect recommendations and attentive, but not intrusive, service throughout the evening. The supprt staff was also on point, providing everything we might need with ease. We shared the Caprese, Amatriciana and Seared Sea Bass...all excellent!
(5)Wit T.
Great atmosphere and home made pastas. The octopus appetizer is the best I've ever eaten. Get the house pasta with seafood, it's delicious. They even have skate.
(4)John D.
My go to Italian restaurant. I have been there four times and have loved every single dish I've gotten. I absolutely love the pappardelle al cinghiale (the braised boar pasta) and the braised veal.
(5)Jack D.
went for early dinner last night. I had a great sirloin, cooked just right. My girlfriend had the eggplant, which she loved. Service was efficient and pleasant, and unobtrusive, which we love. We also were looking for a great Italian specialty shop, and the waiter suggested we talk a walk down the alley next door. Bricco has a Salumeria and bakery down the alley that reminded us of Europe. Will be back soon.
(5)Jessie Jiexin H.
Food here is really asome! Cocktail is very strong, girk frd ordered a daiky special fish tasted sooooo good! I ordered a meat dish omg delish!
(5)Scott K.
When Ron Jeremy walked in, I knew Bricco had to be the classiest joint on Hanover Street. Eh-hem... Bricco is everything you'd expect from a fancy North End dinner spot. It was packed on a Tuesday night (thank you Open Table). The wine list is decent, food was well-prepared, and mostly very good. Sea bass was outstanding; gnocchi very good; salmon was adequate; and the pancetta-wrapped scallops were dry (probably sitting on the counter under the warming lights for too long). Semifreddo cheesecake was a nice finish. The space is extremely loud. I wouldn't recommend it to someone who's interested in having a conversation unless you're fond of shouting at your dinner companions. Our server seemed distracted. It took a very long time to receive our food. Silverware was removed, but none was replaced. I received the wrong salad. There were some errors with the billing. All minor inconveniences, but they added up over the course of the night. To his credit, our waiter admitted to have eyes for the new hostess which may have influenced his ability to focus on his work. Ah l'amour.
(3)Dorothy W.
I would love to say that I got to experience Bricco, but my friend and I were sadly forgotten even though we had a reservation. After waiting an hour and fifteen minutes. as my friend and I told the hostess that we were leaving, it was clear we had been skipped over and were immediately offered a table. Can't say that I am a fan of their service.
(1)Christopher G.
Great dinner. While the atmosphere is loud, the food certainly makes up for it. I highly recommend the gnocchi.
(5)Katie D.
Oh Bricco... what a spot. Never a dull moment here. I was taken here by a date years ago who was kind of clueless about wine, but IIII at least appreciated their extensive list of wines by the glass. Nice small-ish bar makes for a good date (the company not so much...). After moving to the neighborhood just last week, I was tempted to go back ASAP and a recent promotion gave me the reason I needed to treat myself. I only went in for a glass of Reisling (which very sadly they only have 1 of). I decided I needed to try one of their delicious looking apps in the end. The bread they gave me came with this yummy white bean dip that I couldn't get enough of. I ordered the octopus -- it was hands.down. the best octopus I've ever had. I usually prefer it grilled, with a crispy and fresh taste, but this was actually coated with spices and roasted. The spice was amazing and so tasty. Served over green beans and tomatoes, with purple potatoes, this was SUCH a phenomenal appetizer. Large portion, beautiful plating and colors... I can't even express how much I want to go back every night for it. I went back the other day a late night bite with a friend, and we tried the eggplant parm. I am positive I would've never ordered this on my own (no meat...), but I am glad I went with it. It was excellent and a great sized portion. Glenn has got to be the most friendly, patient bartender I've seen in a while. With tons of out-of-towners, he seemed to have a pretty even keel with all kinds of random questions -- always good to see. He took the time to introduce me to the other bartender (Rachel - also very sweet) as a new neighbor. I'll definitely be back, most likely weekly, as I *have* to pass it on the way home from work now :)
(5)Elena E.
For the restaurants in the North End, I give Bricco 5 stars (for restaurants anywhere in Boston, probably 4 stars). I've tried many restaurants in the North end and have always left disappointed. I'm very glad to finally have found Bricco! Starting with drinks: they have a great bar and I recommend the Left Bank cocktail. My husband and I liked it so much that we made it one of our signature cocktails at our wedding. For appetizers, the eggplant involtini and the burratta are a must (the burratta isn't always on the menu but ask for it). The polenta is ok but not nearly as good. For entrees, the Gnocchetti Sorrentina is the best dish I've had. Everything in the dish is fresh and the mozzarella is the perfect finishing touch. The ricotta pillows are also great, but you really have to like a strong truffle flavor. The first time my husband got the Timpano but ever since always orders the Amatriciana Garganelli which he prefers as it's a bit lighter and the flavors are more refined. And if you have room, the bread pudding is a winner. Negatives are that it's pricey for the portion size. Unlike a lot of North End places, you're not going to get mounds of meat and pasta smothered in cheese and sauce. But you also leave without feeling like you're going to explode. It's also very crowded but they take open table reservations so make sure to book a table ahead. It's not a place to go for a quiet romantic dinner - tables are close to each other and it can be loud.
(5)Jon K.
What a fantastic experience from every perspective. Valet parking directly in front. Reservations were seamless and seating was ready for us immediately upon our arrival even on a crazy busy warm Summer Friday evening. Service was outstanding. Sonny; our waiter has to be one of the finest in the North End as he balanced perfectly the being personable yet not obtrusive and outstanding recommendations. The aps, dinner and wine was only exceeded by my beautiful date. At the end of the evening Sonny delivered fresh cut red roses to my date in consummate romantic Italian style and and then was kind enough to let me leave with her.:) completely amazing evening. Yes I would recommend it.
(5)Caitlin S.
Great food and service. Emilio gave a great wine recommendation and we loved the atmosphere!
(4)Nisha G.
I don't know where to begin with my review! Food, ambiance, company, service, drinks. all 5 components were exceptional! We arrived at Bricco for our 7pm reservation. Our gorgeous, George Clooney look alike waiter- Salvatore was unbelievable. He was such a great sport when we tried out our limited Italian and he would say words with such a thick Naples accent that had me swooning. (Hint- ask him to say mozzarella, or cannoli!) Let's get to the food: to start we ordered the pumpkin tortelli. It was so delicate, sweet and just melted in our mouths. We also ordered the beef carpaccio and the crab cakes and neither disappointed. Around the table for our secondi there was the osso bucco, branzino, lamb shank and shrimp and none of us were left unsatisfied. I, personally had the braised lamb shank with white navy beans in a tomato, vinegar reduction ...o.m.g. just pure perfection. For dessert, Salvatore was so kind to bring us a medley of cannolis, molten chocolate cake, and banana bread pudding. How incredibly sweet and delicate. I was instantly transported to Italy, where I began to fantasize of my love affair with Italian food. This restaurant is in the heart of Little Italy in Boston and is a must try.
(5)Bob T.
Great meal and service....crowded but still had a feeling of privacy. First time but definitely go back on our next trip to Boston north end. Visited during the Columbus Day weekend 2014. Yum!
(4)A H.
Love the atmosphere here. I come all the time for drinks- they have a great selection of wine and cocktails. The food is also wonderful. Their seasonal menu's cater to all- I love their pumpkin ravioli during this time of the year. Every Time I go in there the service is also great- a very friendly and attentive wait staff even during busy hours. Highly suggest this restaurant for both drinks and dinner!
(5)Ralph O.
Delicious food and wine selection! A good, professional service and very nice atmosphere. Price is above average but the food is above average too. I would feel confident to order anything from the menu and let them advise on the wine.
(5)Chris K.
Great food. Really packed restaurant. We arrived with a few guests more than we had on the reservation and they accommodated us nicely.
(5)Alison M.
The ambience in this restaurant is very cozy yet sophisticated -- contemporary and upscale atmosphere. Fresh, homemade pasta was wonderful and the snapper dish was seared perfectly. Also love the bread with olives in it!
(5)Melissa B.
I obsessed over my dinner plans in Boston months and months before my trip there. I was convinced this would be the group favorite based on other reviews. We were able to get reservations pretty easily on a Friday night. I can't really come up with any complaints for our dinner here. I enjoyed the ambience and our service was wonderful. The food was a let down though. Again, nothing was bad just average. I had the sea bass on special and it wasn't memorable at all. I would say the food is right around 2.5 star- bumped up to 3 for the nice wine list.
(3)Ben O.
Almost went 4 stars due to the price. I love this place. You do get what you pay for. The atmosphere is great. The pasta is superb. I have also tried Quattro (same owner) across the street and you get the same fresh pasta there. Leave the Garden after a (hopefully) bruins win and go to bricco for much better food than you would eat inside. Then you can get a few pastries outside the restaurant.
(5)R F C.
Just left the place. Early dinner. Sunday 5:00. great time to come. window seats. relaxed atmosphere. Great appetizer, I had the venison special. It was truly as good as I have ever had. My wife wanted as simple as possible ravioli. They complied. The meal was great. The waiter, Brian was attentive & friendly. The recommended wine was very good. The price was reasonable. We were steered there by a lovely young Italian shopkeeper on one of the side streets. They have a bakery down the alley that makes the remarkable bread they serve there. We're going back.
(5)J M.
Not impressed. Went for restaurant week but the server seemed insulted that we asked to see that menu (which wasn't provided) and they brought one for the two of us. Compare to much finer dining establishments who understand that restaurant week endears diners to venues and makes them come back regularly. Some items we asked for from the RW menu were not available, then my bill was overcharged by over 50.00! WTF. Luckily I caught it and had it deducted. Some dishes were too salty to enjoy, entrees were just 'ok' but nothing special. Service was unpleasant at best. There are many much better options for dinner in the North End and Boston in general that I doubt I would ever return for anything but the late night pizza which is very good after 11p wed-sat hence the two stars. Not to be mistaken with the panetteria which is 5 stars all the way.
(2)Vyctoria T.
I went for dinner with a friend on a Wednesday evening. We have a reservation. I thought we would not have an issue getting a table even though the restaurant was very very busy. They made us wait for half an hour. I had called earlier that day to ensure they had the correct name on the reservation - they screwed it up. Once we did get seated the food and service were excellent.
(3)Michael M.
This is the type of experience I expect in the North End. I am not sure I would go anywhere else after the meal and service my fiance and I had this past Tuesday. At first, I'll be honest, I was a little nervous because it was loud in there. They really pack the tables in there. But we were immediately put at ease by the server. He introduced himself as John, smiled, and seemed genuinely interested in us. Maybe that's his job, but we've been to several restaurants over the years, and for whatever reason he seemed genuine. Everything on the menu looked really good, so we asked for his advice. He recommended the fig and prosciutto appetizer. WOW! It was delicious! I honestly think they should advertise the hell out of this dish. I told the server that I really liked seafood, but I couldn't decide what to get, so he recommended the brodetto. Out comes this enormous bowl filled with various types of seafood and this delicious broth. My fiance isn't crazy about shellfood, but she was impressed by it. She ordered the striped bass special at the server's suggestion. She was very content with it. The food was very good, and I would honestly probably have given five stars (at least four) even if we had an average server, but this nailed it for me. It was just really nice to have a friendly person explain the menu to us, offer suggestions, and polite chitchat. But we will definitely be going back there. It's probably weird to request a certain server, so I don't think I will do that, but I have confidence that this place knows how to pick 'em. Highest recommendation!
(5)Anne W.
One of the better places in North End. Located right on Hanover.. I think the place has slow service but that's because it's dinner not a fast food joint. The mussels were pretty good.. as was the bread.. the garlicky hummus made it very good. I had a pasta which I thought would be standard.. they surprised me and it was quite delicious. Not four or five stars because it was quite oily and the pasta was not al dente... as it is not anywhere in North End for some reason.
(3)Sonia D.
I have only had pizza here late night but I think it's a pretty cool spot to grab a glass of wine before heading out to dinner or even out on the town. Great wine selection by the glass. The brick oven pizza is yummy but I think there are other places in the city that offer better pizza.
(3)sheila o.
We had a great experience. Food was wonderful, our waiter Emilio was superb. It was my nephews birthday and Emilio went that extra mile to make it special. It was our first time and we will definitely return.
(5)Krista P.
I dined here on my Birthday, 2/4/2012, and I really wish I had not. I used to work as a concierge, and I would blindly recommend Bricco because I had heard great things about it. After my first dining experience there, I have NO plans to return. Although I had noted in my reservation that I was celebrating my birthday, my friends and I were placed upstairs in a cramped back room with only a view of the walls and other guests. The lighting was so low that I could barely see my friends across the table. We ordered a bottle of wine and an app and everything started out nice enough. Then, we ordered our entrees. After waiting almost 50 min, my friend finally got up and said something to a manager. The manager briefly spoke with us, starring at my friend who had complained, as if she had done something wrong. After waiting for even longer, they sent us a complimentary limoncello. Then we waited a while longer for the food to come up, and it was only lukewarm!! My pumpkin tortellini was in an overly sweet sauce, was undercooked, and was more dough than pumpkin. On top of it all, even after telling the server that it was my birthday, they did absolutely nothing!! I guess they just did not like me, because I heard them sing happy birthday to someone else downstairs :( Honestly, I was very upset with my visit to Bricco. I know I came on a Saturday, and that they were busy, but at 6pm, with a birthday in the group, we should have been treated MUCH better. I will NOT be recommending Bricco again.
(1)Kaitlin C.
Just finished up a dinner at this AMAZING restaurant with my girlfriends! We had the calamari, and for dinner the chicken, some spicy pasta from heaven with pancetta, the gnochetti, and the drum-filled pasta with meatballs. WOW!!!! Obviously we got dessert, cannolis, gelato and molten cake. The food was perfect but honestly the best part of our night was our server, Wolmar. He was so knowledgeable and helpful and made the start of our girls night out so much fun! Thank you Wolmar! We will definitely be asking for you when we come back!
(5)Logan S.
Cruise to Bricco for a drink or two at the awesome oval bar. Sitting here for dinner is an unnecessary experience. Far too many other places that are half the effort, half the price, and twice the value. -The North End Veteran
(2)Christopher P.
I love different variations of Italian food. This place gave me a good experience. The lighting was perfect and the music contributed to the mood. The service was prompt and attentive. Made good use of the valet parking cause people who live in Boston know that parking is horrible. When you order I would recommend the Octopus and Amatriciana Garganelli. I can't really pronounce the latter dish, but it's really good. The Niman Ranch pancetta, spicy colino tomatoes, and pecorino romano go great together. Also don't forget about the bread pudding. Normally I hate it, but Bricco changed my mind. I would definitely recommend that you give this place a go.
(4)Susan C.
I came here for the Restaurant Week dinner. My date and I ordered the Zucchini Flowers and Wagyu Beef Carpaccio for our apps, the chitarrine with lobster meat and veal saltinbocca for our entrees, and the bread pudding and molten chocolate torte for our desserts. Before our apps came, came the bread basket, which was accompanied by dips of olive oil, garlic oil, and white bean puree. The garlic oil was very salty, and the bean dip bland. The olive oil tasted like it was high quality, however, as it was very olive-y tasting. The apps were great. I've never had zucchini flowers before so I wanted to try them. They were fried in a light tempura batter and filled with some sort of cheesy truffle filling. It also came plated with some roasted peppers, eggplant, zucchini and onions. The Wagyu Beef Carpaccio was very buttery textured and came topped with an Arugula Salad and some shaved parmesan. Both were tasty in my opinion. The entrees were pretty good. The Chitarrine, which apparently is a spaghetti looking type pasta, wasn't as flavorful as I expected and came with very little lobster, not terrible, but not great either; I've definitely had better lobster pasta. The Veal Saltinbocca was pretty good. It came wrapped it prosciutto and a potato cake a wilted spinach on the side. I've never had Saltinbocca before, so I don't really have anything to compare it with, but it was satisfactory overall. The desserts were so-so. I enjoyed the bread pudding, which tasted very custardy and had a nice chewy crust on top, but the molten cake was very dry. Not at all what I would expect for a molten cake or even like molten cakes I've had before; I would recommend the molten cake. Also to note, the portions were small overall, I was still slightly hungry after the three-course meal and ended up going down the street to Modern Pastry to get a cannoli. Maybe if I ate another piece of bread before the meal I would have been fine at the end, but again, the bread wasn't that great. Overall, the food was pretty good, and I would give it 4-stars. One star off for the service, however, which was lackluster and a little snooty. For example, the bus boy who was clearing a table behind mine was putting dirty glasses from that table onto mine as I was getting up, which is a bit rude. They also seated us right next to the stairwell when there were plenty of other tables for 2 available in the restaurant (while the place was somewhat busy, it was by no means packed on a Friday night). If it weren't for the service I'd probably be back for the appetizers and maybe even the entrees, but I definitely won't be returning because of the disappointing service experience. There are a ton of italian restaurants in the north end and I can get the same quality food (maybe even better) with better service at some place else.
(3)Doug G.
Every thing here is very good, food, service, wine it is all great. Just very expensive and very small portions. I can get great food in the north end for a lot less money.
(3)Michele V.
I hardly ever write any reviews but I want to prevent anyone from throwing their money away.I went here for dinner with my husband last night and the meal was so DISAPPOINTING. We used to hang here all the time for the great scene and drinks and have had their late night pizza on many occasions. Since then, they have expanded and have impressive menu selections so I was really excited to try it. He ordered off the restaurant week menu and I ordered the brodetto from the regular menu. We got mussels as an appetizer--they were sandy and the sauce tasted strange. How do you mess up mussels?! Their website boasts how they pride themselves on fresh ingredients and fish--I would not be surprised if the rubbery shrimp in my $36 brodetto was frozen. The meal was so laden in oil, I could barely taste the flavor of all the fishes; so bummed :(. My husband's cannelloni was "okay" at best and we both agreed we've had better meals at Bertucci's. Go to the bar for a martini late night if your in the mood to mingle but please don't waste your money on dinner.
(1)Jacob E.
Went to this place and absolutely loved it! The atmosphere is very nice and cozy. Our server was fantastic, Wolmar Ceolin! He was so friendly, attentive,and professional. The food was fantastic as well. Both the chicken and salmon were so delicious! An overall wonderful experience
(5)Chloe B.
Bricco was one of my favorite restaurants in the North End a couple of years back when I moved to Boston and it remains my favorite place in the area. Authentic, rich and with a great ambiance, Bricco is a must when visiting this neighborhood. I have come to Bricco several times but my most recent visit this December was even better than usual. I brought my best childhood friend here while she was visiting from Burlington, VT for the night and we had a great time. Kelsey is a vegetarian but had no trouble finding a great dish (the gnocchi), and I ordered my favorite wild boar and mushroom ragu. Before our meals came our charming, middle-aged, Italian waiter brought us the glass of Zinfandel I ordered along with a delectable Barolo which we enjoyed very much after complimenting us on our ordering skills and generally being amiable and sweet. As always, the food was fantastic and the atmosphere lively and bustling, but this time there was something even more interesting; we saw Blake Griffin (of the Clippers) dining with his teammates in the other room and, after we all acted completely starstruck, he took photographs with several patrons which was a great nightcap of sorts. Afterwards the manager offered us a couple of free drinks in exchange for tagging them in the photo we had (an easy trade) and we went on our merry way a little bit tipsy, quite full and incredibly happy. Another excellent night at this great spot!
(5)Patty M.
My partner and I had a really nice dinner at Bricco's last Tuesday in the early evening. Our wine and cocktails were both delicious and strong which is just the way we like them! Our server was very friendly,fast and helpful with our barrage of questions and our entrees and salads were so very good ! We loved the cozy,dimly lit atmosphere and really had a wonderful night there! After a couple of hours customers began pouring in and it was rapidly filling up as we left. All in all the food,drinks and service were very good and we'll certainly try to get there again in the near future!
(5)Lily S.
So i had been dying to go to this place for years, and finally got a group of friends together for restaurant week. One word: disappointing. We had reservations and, of course, were seated half an hour late. While the maitre d' was very apologetic and friendly, we were put at the crappiest table in the house: second floor right by the staircase AND the restroom...so every 10 seconds there would either be waiters rushing by, or groups being seated...or people waiting for the 1 stall restroom. The food was nothing to write home about either. While the prosciutto was quite good, the gnocchi was nothing special, and the tiramisu was shameful. On top of that, our waiter was quite rude--he brought one of our party the wrong desert and had run off before she could say anything. The rest of us sat and waited for 5 more minutes until he walked by again, when we tried to flag him down he looked right at us and kept walking to another table. When he finally did come back around instead of apologizing, all he said was "ok sure." No way am i coming back here.
(3)Sonia T.
Bricco was delicious! I wasn't sure what to expect in such a touristy area but the food was delicious (service was just about average) To sum up: Food: 5 stars Service and Ambiance: 3 If it didn't feel quite so cramped and loud and they kicked the service up a notch, this place would really be taken to the next level. The service was good, but not great and the seating was very cramped. We actually sat in the second room. Imagine a big U shape with a room on each side - the main room where you walk in is large and the bar wraps all the way around the U, the second room only has about 4-5 tables, it feels like you are dining at the bar, not the restaurant. Although it was quieter there, which I liked, there was also an huge TV and of course, lots of people sitting at the bar. The table was also crazy uncomfortable, the legs were a big X so we both kept kicking it and knocking our shins on the legs. That was the not so great stuff. The food, however, was delicious! We had: The beef Carpaccio - absolutely delicious! Very flavorful and the meat quality was excellent. Ricotta Pillows - delicious! The flavors were just outstanding! And the truffle butter was amazing! Agnollotti Al Plin (braised veal and beef stuffing with ricotta, truffle sauce, spinach) My husband ordered this and thankfully (for me) it was so rich and filling, he gave be several pieces. This was really so delicious, the meat filling was just outstanding! We didn't get dessert here but both had a glass of wine and we were out of there for under a $100 You could easily go way over that but I was still pretty impressed. We will definitely be coming back!
(4)Maggie M.
Bricco was recommended to us by hotel concierge while in Boston. Both food and service were very good. Highly suggest trying the "Big Night" Timpano - fun presentation and delicious, pumpkin tortelloni was also very good. Suggestion - ask for a table upstairs where it is much quieter an intimate, not sure we would have made it through the meal had we been seated in the overcrowded downstairs (but definitely ok if you are looking for a more "lively" atmosphere). Bar waiting area is tiny and our table wasn't ready until 10 minutes or so after our reservation so wouldn't suggest going early for a drink, other than that, if its good italian with a modern twist you're looking for would suggest this place!
(4)Denise L.
Took a quick trip to Boston to visit my best friend who just relocated there for work. She made reservations for Bricco for Saturday night. We had to wait a little for our table, but given it was a Saturday night in the North End, I think that's expected. My friend, boyfriend and I ordered the Caprese salad, octopus and soft polenta appetizers, respectively. All were delicious, although word of warning, the polenta is an entree portion, which was amazing, but had I known how big it was I would have shared because then eating pasta afterward was a complete food coma. For our entrees we ordered the parpadelle with the wild boar ragu, the gnocchetti and the red snapper special that night. Again, all was delicious. The pasta is freshly made daily, which makes all the difference. Great dining experience, would recommend to anyone looking for great Italian with a fun bustling atmosphere.
(4)Kalalea M.
We love this place. A must every time we visit Boston. Very professional staff and ready to answer questions. Tables are kept clean. Beverages always full. Food is amazing. Fresh pasta. Amazing capresse salad. Osso bucco tonight was perfect. We will definitely go back the next time we're in Boston. This is the first restaurant we recommend to friends in Boston in the north end.
(5)Adam O.
Excellent caprese in all respects, papardelle di cinghiale was delicious but slightly too small for my liking. Great dinner all the same.
(4)Mike D.
It's been a few years since I've gone to Bricco and I was honestly expecting more. We were seated upstairs in what looked like a converted coat room seated between a closet and the women's bathroom which is fine I guess, we all can't get window seats. I ordered my steak medium rare and it definitely came out on the wrong side of medium where it was a bit tough. The apps were fantastic and the drinks were great, the service was a bit slow but to their credit it was busy that night. I left wishing I had ordered a pasta dish since the steak was disappointing. I'd go back to give it one more try.
(3)Ashley G.
Beautiful restaurant and fabulous food. The menu had so many wonderful things it was difficult to choose. Pleasant and smart service.
(5)Paul D.
The old fashioned knocked me on my ass. They were delicious cocktails, though cocktail is a stretch. There was some whiskey with a bit of fruit and ice in it. That made everything else a blur of perfectly cooked pasta, seafood and vegetables. If I could remember what my server was like, I would relate a tale of their excellence at their job, but the bartender was better. I woke up the next morning with a full stomach and a need for advil.
(4)Jeremy K.
While the food that my girlfriend and I consumed for dinner there last night was undeniably delicious, when it came to everything else, well... things fell rather short. Let me start by saying one thing: I had been wanting to go to Bricco for a while now. Almost two years and was rather excited when the opportunity came for an impromptu dinner in the North End, on a late afternoon before heading to the nearby TD Garden for a Bruins game. After walking around for a bit, we arrived at Bricco and despite having no reservation, decided to try our luck. We were greeted rather coldy and were told that all of the tables (90% of which were empty) were all reserved but that the full menu was served at the bar if we could find a spot. So we walked around the bar, which wrapped around the back as well and managed to find some seats. There were more empty tables all around us. The place was only busy at the bar it seemed and that was rather weird. It was 5:00PM on a Saturday... We sat down and noticed that the cocktails were priced at $13 a piece. We decided to forego that idea and decided to find a reasonably priced bottled of red wine and split that instead. We found an affordable bottle of Montipulciano and ordered that. But unfortunately, the high prices didn't end and their cocktails: their appetizers were all around $18, which is exorbitant. Their entrees are also in the high twenties so overall this is a pretty damn expensive place, and a pretentious one at that. The woman taking care of us behind the bar became nicer and nicer as we spent more and more money. Initially, she was pretty much a cold bitch who barely glanced at us - we might as well could have been part of the proletariat. But eventually she realized that we were serious about dining there as we ordered away: we decided to split two of their high priced entrees and share a half an entree. We hoped that it could be enough food but didn't want our spending to be out of control. To start, we ordered a plate of very thinly sliced, delicious spek and prosciutto plate ($17) which also came with a tiny morsel of stracchino cheese and some crisp bread. Along with this appetizer, we got the zucchini flowers which were stuffed with some truffled ricotta cheese and some tempura'd grilled vegetables ($19). Both were good, especially the latter of the two but at over $35 for both small plates, it definitely was not a good value. Actually, in retrospect, it was a horrible value. The portions were meager in comparison to the price point. For the entree, after some discussion and a bit of research via the Yelp mobile app, we decided to split a half a portion of their ricotta pillows ($11) which came dressed with some truffle butter and some ricotta garnish. They were delicious but the half a portion was again, rather small for the price. But the value was slightly better than the appetizers. Service was once again, not very quick. The woman wasn't all that friendly and didn't seem very knowledgeable from the start when we asked for help with some of their wines. She was barely able to answer questions about the menu as well and seemed busy talking to some of the staff on the other side of the bar. Our dinner at the bar took almost ninety minutes which is ridiculous and while we sat on the stools, a bit uncomfortable, and bumping elbows with completes strangers, the rest of the restaurant tables all around us remained empty - rather frustrating. All in all this restaurant does serve up some delicious food but offers horrible value, especially if compared to other spots nearby. Their appetizers are insanely overpriced and the service is pretty horrible. They wouldn't seat us at a table because they were 'reserved' but more than half of the tables around us remained empty throughout our 90+ minutes spent there. And the atmosphere although chic and nice is also pretty pretentious, like most of the staff there that seems rather stuck up - they have this attitude and superiority complex... While I'm a fan of Italian food and the area, I wouldn't return there, unless they offer a Groupon of some sort or offer better value to their customers. There's many other options for me to spend my hard earned cash, places like Il Panino which serves up equally good food but at a much more affordable price. I was raised believing that Italian food should always be affordable - after all, it's pasta we're talking about here folks. Sure you can spike your dish with a bit of truffle, but c'mon, $19 for an appetizer? No thanks...
(2)Janet J.
Sat at the bar with friends. Food is very good and would have given more stars. My issue was with the bartender. I ordered a glass of wine and my friend ordered a cocktail. During the conversation with others, the bartender kept refilling my glass when I wasn't looking. Finally, I realized he was topping off after 2 sips. The glass was half full at all times! I asked him not to refill but he ignored me. By the end of the night, I had no clue how much I drank, but I drank way too much. The next day, I realized I had over 5 glasses of wine. That's more than a bottle all to myself. It took 2 days to recover, especially since I'm not much of a drinker. My maximum has been around 2 glasses and that's it. I'm very lucky I didn't end up in a hospital or have a seizure. The bill was over $200 for 3 appetizers and alcohol for 2 people. My friend also had several cocktails to herself. Again, the bartender kept the alcohol flowing for the both of us. I didn't pay the bill. My friend paid because It was her turn. I'd go back for the food but would sit at a table instead of the bar. I'm not rushing back any time soon.
(3)Aaron R.
I can only hope that my experience was isolated. I would have written a five-star review based upon my first visit in summer 2011, but winter 2012 was not anywhere near that caliber. To say that being a server/waiter is a difficult job is a study in contrasts... to be certain, they must look presentable, be attentive, know the menu, and be willing to accomodate reasonable requests by their patrons. What I didn't mention in that list is 'giving a crap.' Yes, I know, I'm bordering on being an unreasonable snob here, hoping that - maybe - my server wouldn't flaunt his foreign accent, know-the-menu-better-than-the-chef attitude, and total lack of respect for diners in my face... but he did. My wife flew into town for two days, and she and a close friend of mine accompanied me here - a place I'd been talking up for MONTHS - so it was a VERY embarrassing evening for me. Fortunately, the food made up for MOST of it - but I can go to any one of six competitors within walking distance and get food as good, with service that cares. Points off for undercooked pasta (Timpano) and no manager to be seen anywhere. I will be back - the Timpano is one of my favorite dishes anywhere - but I will have a conversation with the manager first to ensure they're aware of the horrible experience we had. BONUS: I hit the bar with my friend a couple nights before, and I will say that the pizza looked AMAZING (despite the schlub who was REMOVING the fresh basil leaves - what a tool) and the drinks, though overpriced, were perfect. Though, come to think of it, the bartender was pretty aloof. What's with this place?
(2)Geoffrey I.
Had an amazing dinner. Got the Colorado Rack of Lamb. It was fantastic and had plenty of meat on it. The dipping sauce was a seamless compliment to the meat. It also comes with some sort of puff of bread, which was nice. Beware of what you choose a la carte because the entree is enough food, no need to tack on an extra $8-14 on your bill. I chose to get the double mashed potatoes, which I told the waitress at the end of the meal tasted like they were straight out of a box. And she failed to take them off the bill. My girlfriend got the tomahawk short ribs, which she thought was really good, but thought the veggies were mediocre. Size of the portion of meat was fantastic. Note: if you aren't automatically served bread you have to ask for it. You get one type of bread (tuscan pane) and three sides to dip in, the highlight is the roasted garlic that spreads like butter. Overall the experience was great, food came out promptly even though the entire place was packed.
(4)Adrienne R.
We went to Bricco on a Friday night for Restaurant Week! Ahem, excuse me, Dine Out Boston. Our server was very nice and obliged us when we asked for a DOB menu (it didn't come in/with the regular menu). I got the prosciutto and mozzarella with the seafood pasta. Both were excellent! The pasta was fresh and cooked al dente (and seasoned) and the seafood was tasty. The bread pudding was great, perhaps a bit dense for my tastes but it was tasty. There were a ton of staff running around in suits (I only saw 1 female server aside from the bartenders). I was grateful that our waiter didn't roll his eyes when we ordered another round at the end of the meal and I know he wanted the table. My friends were visiting from Los Angeles and they really liked it!
(5)Don F.
The entire experience from reservation to departure was well done and an absolute delight. We requested a window table in advance and were told they would make a note and do their best. When we arrived the place was jumping, we were greeted immediately and taken to a wonderful window seat near the bar. Our server Salvatore was efficient, professional, charming and had great suggestions. The fact that my wife who was celebrating her birthday thought he looked like George Clooney made it even better. The salads were wonderful but the entrees were why we were there and Bricco didn't disappoint. My wife had the Pumpkin Tortelli and I had the Veal Valdostana and they were both fabulous. Two great deserts and cappuccinos and we ended the meal wanting more but happy with the choices we made and already planning our next night out there. Thank you Salvatore and the entire team for a great evening we will not soon forget.
(5)Jack T.
Ok the place is pricy. Lets get that off the table right away. Additionally, it's a little noisier than I prefer, but hey you are in the Northend after all. So much for the down side. If you're looking for a wonderful all around eating experience, than I think you've got to put Bricco's on your list. They over staff deliberately and create a team model of servers. Yes you have your primary contact, but there's a host of others to make sure your every desire is taken care of. Wine and water glasses filled effortlessly. Always somewhere to provide you want you may request. I had the short ribs incredible. Others at the table had the seared tuna and eggplant appetizer. All of which were incredible in texture, taste, sights and smells. Bonus is that there is valet parking which on Hanover Street can be a premium. Enjoy.
(5)Brittany R.
Just had a delicious dinner at Bricco! There are a lot of Italian restaurants to choose from in the North End so it can be overwhelming to pick one. I would definitely recommend Bricco. The Gnocchetti Sorrentina was amazing! The gnocchi was perfectly cooked and melts in your mouth. The restaurant is not very large so I would recommend making a reservation and be prepared that it is on the pricey side of things but I think it's worth it for a special night out.
(5)Suzanne C.
Excellent choice for restaurant week. Efficient and friendly service and delicious food from start to finish. Very romantic atmosphere. Portions were very good in comparison to other restaurant week experiences I've had. Recommend for a great north end experience.
(4)Charlie B.
Warning for vegetarians: After consulting with the knowledgeable waitress about vegetarian options, we were served a basket of bread accompanied by several condiments including a bean dip. Biting into the bread we discovered it was filled with pancetta (ham) bits. When we informed the waitress she apologized and replaced it, and then told us ("by the way") that the bean dip also has ham in it. I don't expect the whole world to be vegetarian just because I am, but I DO expect that there won't be unannounced random animals in my bread. Food is good, and service was generally attentive. Despite the crowds, our reservation was honored to the minute. Portions are both too large and very expensive; we would have been happy to get less and pay less. The place was very noisy and crowded on a Sunday evening. Not unpleasantly so, but not the place for a romantic dinner. The valet parking is worrisome: We gave our ticket to the waitress in advance, as we were told to. When we left the restaurant the car was outside, unlocked and with the engine running, and with not a soul around to keep an eye on it. We just hopped in and drove off, as any of the sketchy people walking by could also have done.
(3)Arf A.
Food here is really really good. We had an excellent server too, I wish I could remember her name. The drinks were awesome, the espresso martini was awesome, not too sweet. Just a couple minor complaints. The zucchini blossoms are very tastey but they were over stuffed, one bite and the cheesy filling all squished out. My brick chicken was again super tastey but skin was not crispy, which is kind of the point of cooking with the brick. Butternut squash ravioli was on point. I'm a big believer that you can judge a restaurant on their bread basket and bricco gives great olive bread with oil and bean spread. It is crowded, tight quarters, and a little pricey but it's definitely a great meal. Will definitely go back.
(4)Lisa R.
What a wonderful dining experience! My husband asked the front desk of our hotel for a recommendation of a restaurant in the North End. The hotel worker said this was the best place and made us a reservation (yes, it was needed on a Mon night). Our table wasn't ready when we arrived so we had cocktails at the bar. We chose the special for our appetizer and it was amazing. Figs stuffed with melted Gorgonzola over prosciutto. My hubby order the big night pasta but the waiter suggested the pappardelle with wild boar instead and it was a great choice. Homemade pasta with very tender meat in a wine sauce. I had the pistachio crusted salmon and the red pepper sauce went perfectly with it. We felt like we were back in Italy!
(5)Jeff F.
I've been in here a couple times since my last visit in '09. First visit about a year ago when I came in for a drink and mussels was average. However, when I came in last night, I was reminded of why I really liked this place back in '09: Fantastic atmosphere if you're looking "higher end Italian" and really great food. Here's the rundown: - Burrata - excellent when they have it as a special - Pappardelle Al Cinghiale - really enjoyed this one. Flavors on the Wild Boar Ragu actually reminded me a little of Portuguese home cooking - Pumpkin Tortelli - Fantastic, light, perfect compliment to the Cinghiale. Prices are absolutely high, but I'm not sure what the outrage is about in other reviews since the prices are listed on the website and relative to the quality & atmosphere seem "in-line." Notes to self: half orders on the pasta in order to try more dishes, Seafood Fra Diavolo & Gnocchetti Sorrentina. Additional Notes to Self based on 12/25/13 visit: - Pass on desserts, Ricotta Pillows & Sword; worth getting are Gnocchetti, Burrata, Tuna app, Lamb Shank
(4)Joe A.
Everything about this place was totally delicious. first class from the magnificent layered egg plant starter to the beautiful little pillows of stuffed pumpkin with sage and glazed root vegetables to the best espresso I ever had in my life to the bread pudding with a couple of strawberries that defined what strawberries truly mean the whole thing was pleasant to the max.
(4)HT A.
One of the better places in the north end. Vibrant first floor.. try to get one of the coveted window tables and avoid the back of the second floor at all costs. Pasta dishes are imaginative and always a safe bet. The fritto misto was overwhelmed by soggy onion strings and was served luke warm. Bread is wonderful and comes from their own bakery. It is served with fruity olive oil and roasted garlic which spreads like butter. Wine list is broad and as expected heavy in Italian wines but an affordable bottle can be found. Waiters tend to hover and keep filling the wine glasses at every turn... we all know why.
(4)Joan H.
Just got the Big Night pasta dish tonight...it was not the dish described on the menu or by the waitress. It was terrible..tasted like it just came out of the refrigerator., old.dried and put into a oven. it was definitely not homemade pasta!! The sauce was mediocre and the meatballs were dry as well. Our waitress was wonderful and was attentive. Another problem was the bean dip..there was a strange bone in the dip. I had to call over the waitress to ask e chef about it...I am just thankful I did not choke on it. The waitress told me it was a veal bone. I think they should have at least offered me a new dip or a free item. I will not return to this restaurant.
(2)Esther D.
Booked a table for 12 for my husband's 50th birthday. While the fiord was good, the service was poor. The waiter brought the bill for $1400 (tip included for himself) along with our coats and told us the next party was waiting for the table. When we didn't move fast enough he actually clapped his hands. Will never go back. The whole thing was handled very rudely.
(2)Ariel Z.
Came here on a date recently and was very charmed by the vibe. Typical North End Italian eatery with delicious pasta (I recommend the linguini dish) and crab cakes. Order a glass of Chianti and you will be on to a great night.
(4)Duspin S.
Meh, for sure. Second time I am just as underwhelmed as the first. This time it was for a charitable cause but the common denominator seems to be that the food on a Sunday night is cooked by second stringers and this was just half crap. Their first courses and pasta were excellent, but their proteins (fish and meat courses) were over cooked AND undercooked. Fish: a piece of frozen Chilean Sea Bass that was cooked to death; meat: two lamb chops - one well done the other rare. Tiramisú that looked store-bought finished off this nonsense. The waiter, Brian, was excellent but probably should've checked those chops. He was a delight, however. It's too bad I can't like this more. Doubtful I'll ever return to be abused like that again. Oh, and the idiot valet lost one of my driving gloves - a very expensive night indeed.
(2)Steven H.
OK, this is more of a 3.5 star review, and here is why. The food is very good. Four star good. Service is hit or miss, and they technically should lose a half star for it. I had dinner at the bar. The bartender for most of the evening was a lovely young woman named Rachael, who was attentive, competent and pleasant. She took my order and then must have gone on break and was replaced by another woman whose name I did not catch, but was somewhat aloof and not very helpful. I started with the octopus appetizer, which was beautifully cooked and seasoned, and a very generous portion of three large tentacles. Very tender and tasty; the string bean salad it came with was just average. I finished that, and then the wait for my pasta began. And went on. And on. I had a lovely glass of Nebbiolo and spoke with some really pleasant and friendly women to help pass the time between courses. But a half-hour? When I politely asked the second bartender to check on my order, she looked at me as if to say, "screw you, buddy". Lo and behold, though, my pasta soon arrived. The agnolotti with braised veal and beef stuffing with ricotta, truffle sauce and spinach was delicious. The half-portion I ordered was huge. A full order would have to be shared. This is not a light dish. Rachael returned and was as pleasant as the interim woman was not. I frankly prefer Lucca across the street to Bricco, but it is different enough to warrant an occasional visit.
(4)Jaclyn S.
I went to Bricco last night for a birthday dinner and it was phenomenal. For appetizers we had the mussels and zucchini flowers. I had no idea what to expect with the zucchini flowers but they were amazing. For dinner I had the Pappardelle al Cinghiale which is by far the best dish I've ever ate in the North End. I think if you go to Bricco then you must order this as your entree. One of my friends ordered the pumpkin tortellini and that was also excellent. I had to give a perfect rating because everything was great (service, drinks and food). I would absolutely recommend this restaurant to anyone. You may spend a little more than other places but it is definitely worth it. UPDATE: I went here 2 additional times since this original review and also tried the eggplant appetizer which was incredible. The ricotta pillows are also amazing. I still think the Pappardelle al Cinghiale is the best dish I've ever ate in my life (yup, not just the North End, but my life), it is that good.
(5)Rene F.
Best Italian in Boston. The wild boar pappardelle is worth the journey alone!
(5)Victoria M.
We made a reservation for 6:45, giving us plenty of time to walk over from the aquarium. After meandering around, we arrive at 6:40 and are seated right away. I was worried we'd be underdressed - yelp says dressy! But as the night progressed I found that people walked in wearing just about anything (cutoff jean shorts and a tank top? Sure!). The restaurant is small (some might say cozy) and the table are smaller (for a 2 top). A busser comes by to pour water. So far so good. Then things start to go downhill, at least for the service. For the next 15 minutes, no one acknowledged our table. 2 tables sat after us were greeted by a waiter. Finally, one passing by says "I'll be right with you". But he wasn't. Seems like he was in the effin weeds and pawned us off on the other guy who was actually doing his job. So we get greeted by the second waiter, at which point I tell him I want to order everything now. Seriously, I wasn't waiting another 20 min to get my wine and order food! We ordered 3 apps and a pasta and a side to share. Soft Polenta, selection of wild mushrooms with truffle essence - very good flavor, balanced note of truffle, mushrooms tender. Polenta might have been sitting out for a bit as the top had already solidified but it was still very warm and the portion size was very large. Waygu Beef Carpaccio, arugula, pecorino and shaved truffles - I didn't taste any truffles. The bf barely tasted the wagyu. The texture of the wagyu was great, the arugula and pecorino a nice contrast. They use some finishing salt, probably for texture and as a flavor enhancement, but it's extremely crunchy (and surprising to your teeth at first) and masks the flavor of the meat along with a bit too much dressing. Octopus, spicy coated, dry roasted and tender,Peruvian potato and string bean salad - the octopus was pretty good, had a nice crust with a kick. Texture was fairly tender but had a bit of chew. The salad was nothing special. This dish didn't compare to the one we had the night before at Teatro. Ricotta Pillows, dressed with truffle butter, gnudi di ricotta garnish - what pillow really means is ravioli. This was a nice solid dish. Cheese, butter, pasta, truffle... what's not to like? Roast butternut squash & foie gras mash - this was a tasty side, but not an $8 small ramekin tasty side. I couldn't discern any real foie flavor, but I think it added a smoothness and savory taste to the squash. So during all this eating, our water was consistently refilled (by that same busser), we refilled nearly all of our own wine, and that same busser came by to check on our plates and packed our to go boxes. Notice anything? NO WAITER. Finally, the ORIGINAL waiter (who hasn't spoken to us until then) comes back to see if we want dessert or what not at which point I just tell him I want the check (we were really too full anyway). We tipped the busser half the tip in cash which I really hope he kept and didn't make into part of the tip share. Left the rest of the tip on the bill (10%) and wrote on the bottom that we didn't know who our waiter was. The place was pretty packed and the tables too close together. The constant dance between waiters/bussers/customers just trying to get from the kitchen to the table to the bathroom was ridiculous. The food is good, but isn't good enough to suffer through it. Obviously, I don't live here in Boston, but I will be back in town, and so will plenty of people I know. I don't think this place is lacking for clientle, but they certainly won't be getting a repeat visit from us or any recommendations.
(2)Saige B.
Nemo could not shut down Bricco and I'm incredibly grateful it didn't. After a long stint away from the late-night pizza and cocktails at Bricco, I recently returned Saturday night to shake off the cabin fever. We came right before 11PM (when they stop serving the entrees and only serve the brick oven pizzas, appetizers and desserts till 2AM - more on that in a jiffy) and although the restaraunt wasn't too busy, they seated us right between two couples at dinner. This is the reason for the lack of a star. The hostess staff has always been prickly and their indifference to where we sat put me off a little bit. Other than that, this place is as amazing as it sounds. Wee bit pricey, the food delivers. We had the jalepeno fries as an appetizer ($7) - GREAT; the margherita pizza ($15) ALWAYS GREAT and split the tiramisu ($9) - AWE-INDUSING. Everything is delicious and the drinks are about the city price ($6 for a Stella and $13 for a champagne cocktail thingamabobber). Normally, I come here for the 1:30AM pizza and a night cap but was delighted to see their doors open during Nemo and minus the hostess staff, had a wonderful time.
(4)Bea G.
Worst service ever. Waited an hour for a reservation for four. I was entertaining clients and was so embarrassed. One client's food was so grossly overdone, I wouldn't serve it to my dog. The staff couldn't have cared less. I'd gotten the recommendation from the concierge and told him about the experience. He said he would never send guests there again. Stand in line at Giacomo's. It's worth the wait.
(1)Mike M.
AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE! From the service to the entree everything was spectacular. Even more impressive was when I Ioved the octopus, the server was able to tell me exactly how it was prepared...as if she herself had cooked it. This is when you know a restaurant is on business for good. Make it a point to go.
(5)Laney W.
This is one of the only places in the area where you can get a good mocktail! Most places don't have a full liq license so my faux- jitos are sadly limited. but this place was super accommodating to make a mocktail not on the menu, the staff were helpful and friendly, and the food was good. Good place overall.
(4)Phillip B.
I dined at Bricco on a Friday night. Very crowed---but for good reason. It was by far my best dining experience during a long weekend in Boston. Each of the 6 of us loved the range of dishes we ordered and shared. I don't think you could wrong with anything, I ordered the Chef's special for both the appetizer and main course---a wonderful homemade mozzarella and tomato dish to start, amazing local fish for dinner. The server was as professional as they get. Ww were seated in a really bad spot on the way to the kitchen and my dining companion had his drink dropped on him,but the staff was on top of it in seconds.
(4)Chelsea C.
Its freezing outside. Rain is falling on inches of snow. The wind is blowing and I'm in town on my normally scheduled business trip. A coworker suggests Bricco. He says "Don't miss it, it's unique.." I snag a cab from the financial district to Bricco. Quick 5 dollar trip and I'm here. I made a reservation on OpenTable before getting here. The warm interior is filled with rich colors and warm lighting. The booths are big city cozy and as typical Bostonians can get, it can be loud as conversations stir. I was seated against the wall near the window. My waiter greeted me. The wine list was EXTENSIVE even though it isn't a huge list by the glass. I was impressed to see a list of Italians and rarities at that. Think Barolo. Italian pinots and American ones. When asked, my waiter was able to guide me, easily, to a smooth domestic pinot noir. He then explained the specials... I ordered the lemoncello oysters special. It came with oysters on the half shell on finely ground ice mounds topped with a sweet lemoncello sorbet. Very tasty. The bread is great. Comes with a white bean hummus, tasty olive oil, and roasted, tender garlic cloves in a spiced oil. Excellent. I couldn't decide between the wild boar papardelle or the veal ravioli. I asked him and he said - I would be glad to do a split order of both. (major points)! Needless to say - it was amazing. So. So. So. Good. Savory. Earthy wild boar with notably fresh pasta. Light veal ravioli with a light cream sauce topped with spinach and an earthy, salty cheese. It was heavenly. I ate too much. Since I was in no rush - I snagged dessert. Pumpkin ricotta cheesecake. The cheesecake tasted and had the texture of ricotta. It wasn't flavored. Just delicately sweet. The pumpkin chunks on top lend themselves to a unique balance of texture, sweetness, and squash. Overall, it's a nice place. Don't come in a t-shirt. Business casual or date night suggested. Make a reservation. Expect to drop a good amount of $. Your date will Thank you. Favorite place I've dined in Boston so far. Worth every dime.
(5)Mindy T.
Came here on a Saturday night and was lucky enough to grab some bar seats on the "quieter" side of the bar. Rob the bartender is awesome. My friend had the Prosecco Cocktail and I had the Cucumber Watermelon Infusion martini. Both were delicious. It was late.. around 12AM-1AM so we just wanted a light "snack". Rob recommended the octopus under the signature appetizers. It was AMAZING. Definitely a must try at Bricco. We didn't want to eat pasta so late, but Rob talked us into it because they do make everything in house. We had him order us whatever was his favorite. I have had dinner there before and the portions are huge. He informed us that Bricco does offer half orders of the pasta at the bar.. I think. So he ordered us the Gnocchetti Sorrentina. I have never really like any gnocchi I have had before, probably because it was always too doughy. This is the best gnocchi I have ever had in my life. It was light and fluffy and not heavy at all. Love this place. Fun for any night of the week.
(5)Neil H.
We had a totally great meal here, though I'm not certain what makes them different from any of the other North End Restaurants. The atmosphere was what we really enjoyed. We were seated upstairs, with a nice view onto Hanover Street. The tables are just close enough together that you can ogle what others are eating, but far enough away that you won't end up drooling into their plates. Cozy but not where you're on top of other people. I was also a really big fan of their wine list. They had one of my favorite wines available by the glass, and whenever I see it on the list, I have to get it. All in all, we had a nice experience here, but I was left feeling like we could have had it at any restaurant like it in the nearby vicinity.
(3)Tom W.
Always the best food in the North End... maybe the best in Boston. Bartender Glenn Le Maitre is pure service... Like you'd expect at a 5 Star hotel. I'm a former local who try's to visit every time I'm in town. My GF insists... It's that good.
(5)Rohan B.
Love this place. Great ambience for date night or celebratory dinners. The food is amazing, service is slow but very Italian. Suggestions made by servers about food and wine are spot on. The wine and beer selection is amazing! The food is so flavorful. Our favorite dish is the ricotta pillows. Yummy.
(5)Katy C.
Full bar, good service, nice atmosphere and good food. I have tried many of the restaurants in the North End (I lived there) and Bricco was always my favorite. The boar pasta could be the most delicious dish in Boston.
(5)Aman S.
All I can say is "WOW" ... I would give them 6 stars if I could. The apps: octopus was amazing and tender; the burrata was soft like butter. I had the "Big Night" as my entree, which was two amazing meatballs and a baked pasta in a meat sauce that was to die for. I will return here again!
(5)Douglyss G.
Great food. Incredible service. Timpani is fantastic. Lobster fra diabolo is huge. All desserts are fabulous.
(5)Kevin D.
I had the lamb shank and it was excellent! We also had the eggplant which was also delicious. I would have given it 5 stars if our server decided to come by and ask if we needed a drink...I recommend buying a bottle of wine so you don't run into this problem.
(4)Mike C.
My second time here - and was as good as the first. Group of 5 - promptly seated on time for our reservation. We started with appetizers for the table - octopus, tuna tartare, and caprese. All excellent. For dinner I had the Timpano - which I also had my first visit. Delivered to the table it looks like a work of art. Pasta and meatballs were perfect. Desert - we split ricotta pie and bread pudding - all good.
(5)Alan O.
Our first day in Boston from California, after seeing Paul Revere's house, very interesting, looked around North End and decided to eat at Bricco. It had the right open doors to the street look for us, modern, hip, not too old, not too young. We were seated immediately in the bar area, small long room, 2nd four-way table from the wide open Nana-doors to the sidewalk, next to a family of very local sounding folks with what I guess were Boston accents, very cool. Worried the bar might get noisy but it never did, it had a nice quiet vibe which we appreciated. Staff were very professional especially our server Kasey who had everything together, good speaking, listening, very well trained, good manners. Had an excellent light and clean meal with their interesting take on Caesar salad, then had a beautiful Gnocchi with sautéed Broccoli Rabe on the side. Two glasses of Silverado Chardonnay and we were very happy with everything. The room was all dark wooded with clean lines and nice wall sconce lighting. Noise was muted, conversation easy when it could have been loud, and it was nice to not have any music to compete with. Plus we already had that Boston family that provided their own sound track. Then walked outside practically fell into a cab and we were back at the Liberty Hotel in no time flat. Nice day.
(4)James C.
We all had great meals here, but the lamb was the best I've ever had! I would definitely recommend this restaurant, but the prices are equal to the taste.
(5)Jane A.
I had the best entree and best server I've EVER had anywhere. I had the braised boar pasta dish. Our server was Emilio Bechara. We asked him what his favorites were and he gave great advice. My sister had a ravioli -ish dish that was equally amazing. I asked him to pick out a red wine to go along with the dish and it was perfect too. We were just in town as tourists and went on the advice of our concierge. I can't overemphasize how great the food and service were....oh, and on the way out I met the owner. He was super nice and very appreciative of us being there. Go there. We do not have enough places like this where the staff and owner take such pride in their work and appreciate you being there. We had girls sitting beside us from Holland who said they go to Italy frequently and they were equally impressed with the entrees we had!
(5)Jennifer G.
Food was great. Service...meh. Bartender was less than thrilled to serve us dinner at the bar. The eggplant app will bring me back. I've heard great things about the wild boar pappardelle.
(3)Samantha L.
We went here to celebrate my 30th birthday and it did not disappoint. Everything we ate was absolutely delicious, and the service from our waiter Salvatore was great. We had the zucchini flowers and Caesar salad to start- absolutely loved the fried ricotta cheese balls in the salad in place of croutons. I had the tortellini pumpkin and my fiancé had the seafood risotto and both were wonderful. The food was unique and just had so much flavor. It was one of the best meals I've ever had out, and as a picky eater with high standards, that's saying a lot. I would highly recommend this restaurant and will definitely be returning in the future!
(5)Monica T.
The Good: -Valet parking for $20. It saves you the awful time of trying to find a valid parking spot in the always busy and ridiculously packed North End. -The staff was very welcoming and treated every customer like they were a long lost cousin they haven't seen in forever. -Inside it was very cozy and the lighting was romantic. -The food is AMAZING. The seafood is so fresh tasting and perfectly cooked. My date and I weren't too hungry so we opted for getting a bunch of different appetizers instead of a full entree. We shared the mushrooms, mussels, shrimp scampi, and lobster mashed potatoes. I loved it all! The mushrooms were so tender and not chewy at all with the perfect balance of spinach. The mussels weren't "mussely" at all. They were all big, juicy, and most importantly clean. The broth was so good I had to stop eating it with my bread of I would have exploded. The shrimp scampi had to be the best shrimp scampi I've ever had. However, you can't ever get butter and garlic wrong. They got it sooooo right. At first when the dish arrives you think "only 3 shrimp?" (It is after all, only an app) but they are HUGE. Huge in shape and flavor. They were so incredibly tender and the bright pink hue was phenomenal. The tomatoes were the perfect accent to the sauce. Tart and juicy but not overwhelming. The lobster mashed potatoes were my least favorite part of the meal but it was still pretty damn good. They were big chunks of lobster and the mashed potatoes were a good texture. The bad: -The service was slooooooow. I had no idea who our server even was because we had to flag down whoever was nearby to get anything we wanted. Granted everyone was very polite they weren't very attentive. -The valet told us to give our ticket to the server 15 minutes before we left but we still ended up waiting almost 25 minutes in the cold. The downright ugly: -Not many bad things to say about this place but the seating/space. We were sat for two people at a table for what seemed like 1.5. There was barely any room for my water and drink let alone all our food so our meal was a big balancing act. Our table neighbors were drunk, inappropriate and told terrible jokes but all the bad puns in the world couldn't stop me from eating all the deliciousness!
(4)Eileen F.
Exactly what you want when you go to the North End for dinner. Great, classic, Italian comfort food. Bread is served with fresh garlic, olive oil, and a white bean dip with root vegetables (delish). Also got an amazing fresh mozzarella appetizer. Everything was great and our server was wonderful. She was knew the menu, was friendly and attentive , and gave us space & time to enjoy ourselves. Nice, dark setting that doesn't feel nearly as cramped as some of the other spots on Hanover do. Highly recommend.
(4)Oran M.
Went to the north end to find a nice Italian restaurant and wasn't disappointed. Had a beautifully cooked steak while my partner had a lovely pasta special. Service was excellent and natural. Will def go back
(4)Anthony A.
One of my favorite white table cloth Italian spots in the North End. Last came on a Wednesday night and the place was crowded. Tables are rather close together and chatter volume is slightly above average, which creates a cozy and comfortable feel. I was comfortable telling jokes and laughing while catching up with old friends. The service and food are great. We had an awesome waiter who knew the menu like the back of his hand and made some very impressive suggestions. I had the Tortellini Pumkin and it was perfect for this time of month. The Pasta had a hint of sweett pumkin- it was just right. It is about 70-80 dollars per, which is a bit pricey and would not consider it casual dining out. I would recommend it, certainly.
(5)Meizi H.
I went to this place on busy Saturday night after 8:30pm; the atmosphere was romantic but a little bit loud. The staffs were friendly and attentive to your needs. I ordered 'veal ossobuco', which I enjoyed very much. The saffron risotto was plain but veal had great flavor. My friend ordered 'pumpkin tortelli' and we both thought it was too sweet for our palates. Overall, it was a place to check out!
(4)Israel H.
Fantastic bar and restaurant. The service at the bar, was very attentive. The constantly ask if everything was OK without being overbearing. The food was fantastic. I had the salmon with broccoli rabbe and mashed potatoes. This place is frequented by celebrities as well. Had Marlon Wayans and his wife sit next to me and they were very friendly and desperately trying not be noticed... So I kept it quiet. Highly recommended.
(5)Earlane S.
The moment you walk in and enveloped with the aroma of sauce, shellfish and bread. You are greeted by a warm wood stove that sets the stage that you are about to get a great meal. The octopus was very delicate and well done, great wine selection and osso bucco worth the trip for. I found the service staff was rushing us a bit but once we figured out we would have to deal with it by ignoring them we finished our wine. Will come back if I was visiting Boston again.
(4)Joelle K.
To start on a good note, the bread here was delicious. The ambiance is also very nice. Maybe my mistake was not ordering a pasta dish. I had mussels for an appetizer and the Brodetto (seafood medly). I thought the mussels were bad and the Brodetto tasteless. The food is absolutely not worth the price.
(2)Alex A.
Nice atmosphere and a good location. Ordered the beef carpaccio which wasn't too bad and the gnocchi sorentino. The gnocchi was decent, nothing special, but good enough. My friends had the filet mignon that came with a separate side of bone marrow still in the bone. They said the filet mignon was the best they'd ever had, but the bone-in bone marrow wasn't really marrow, seemed like a mashed potato/cottage cheese mixture - very weird. Overall it was a decent place, but I would check out other options in the area before stopping here.
(3)Kelsey C.
Bricco is an overall good restaurant with standard North End fare. I'm just starting to believe that the Hanover restaurants are all interchangeable with the exception of Taranta. For starters, the Wellfleet Mussels were slightly overdone but not enough to do any real harm. When placed in the garlicky sauce, it becomes a fine dish, with a little room to improve. The Eggplant Parmigiana Involuni was truly exceptional. Resume-paper-thin tubes fresh mozzarella and light breading inl pool of tangy marinera awesomeness. My b/f hates eggplant about as much as men hate Foley catheters, but he gobbled this one up. For entrees, Bricco didn't skimp on the lobster or crab in the Lobster and King Crab Ravioli. Yum! The Gnocchetti alla Sorrentina had a gross mushy texture, well-compensated by a perfect fresh tomato sauce . The desserts were awful. The Tiramisu and Chocolate Torte, but a glorified cupcake and uninspired lump of cream are hardly up to par. So despite the fabulous eggplant and the overall adequate meal at Bricco, the overall quality leaves something to be desired, and it's never a good sign when such sweet desserts end the meal on a sour note.
(3)Jennifer I.
OK, I really wanted to love this place but here were my issues: I had to send my entree back! I rarely do this but I felt like I was paying way too much for my meal to not even like it. I ordered the big night timpano and it was terrible! I thought it was going to be almost like ravioli--little drums of pasta stuffed with meat--but no, it was a huge, dry, crackly drum stuffed with more pasta--tasted like cheap rigatoni. The sauce didn't taste like it had any meat at all in it and the meatballs were extremely bland. I hated it! I am Italian, grew up with my Italian grandmother cooking for me, I've made my own pasta many times and this just didn't make the cut at all. I told my server I didn't like it and he seemed personally offended but he did tell me he would bring me out something different. I had no clue what he was bringing me but at this point I had eaten 5 pieces of bread because I was so hungry and had already finished a bottle of wine with nothing else in my stomach so I figured I didn't even care anymore. I would have rather he taken the entree off my bill entirely because my experience was basically ruined at that point. BUT--he then did bring me out a dish that was amazing. The agnollotti al plin was fantastic. I did eat it and enjoyed it very much--everything tasted homemade and the beef/veal filling was delicious. I just wish this would have been my dish from the start. My friend ordered the lobster tail and steak and while it was good, it was nothing to write home about. With all the amazing reviews we really expected a lot more out of this place. Also, we walked out of there hungry and spent $200 so overall it was a fail. The canoli we ordered down the way at Modern made up for our bad experience here though. My overall recommendation: if you feel like dropping a lot of money on just OK Italian food, go there. If you want to enjoy the location--just go there for the wine and the bread--the bread was delicious! I probably would have been happier had we just drank and had a little snack there....
(2)Richard T.
There are so many restaurants in the North End and we initially just stopped into the bar for a drink. The bartender Glenn was great and we ended up eating at the bar. The food was amazing. Couldn't ask for better or faster service. Glasses were never empty and we never had a dirty dish or silverware in front of us. They were on top of everything. 45 day aged steaks melted in your mouth. Wild boar pasta best I've had.
(5)Rick R.
In Boston for a week. I checked with the hotel Concierge and he recommended Bricco for our anniversary dinner. We had already eaten twice in Little Italy and felt this must be the best of the best. We got dressed up and headed over. Loud. Like, guys at the table next to us shouting to eachother loud. Shortly after being seated 2 men were seated next to us. Tables were so close one actually dragged his ass across our table to get to his. Menu... The GF has been to Italy and loves all food italian. We both are very firm about what we want, and luckily this place seemed to fit the bill. The NY Strip was close to $50 with no sides. I've had some great steaks before for almost half this, so I'm not risking the disappointment. We decide and our waiter arrives to take our order. My GF orders, and he shakes his head. "Not my first choice." She dives back into the menu and I order. "No." He says I won't like it and I should go with {insert something I didn't see or couldn't pronounce} basically the pulled pork entree. I don't like pulled pork. After a few back and forths with him he tells me I might as well just get spaghetti and meatballs. Fine, I'll take it. He makes her order the Duck, which she's never cared for. A few minutes later he comes back and tells us he's out of the Duck. We ask to see menus again. At this point we've given up. we ask to pay for our drinks and bread and plan to move on. He pretty much tells us there's a CheeseCake Factory in town we should check out. It didn't hit me until after we had left, and I had tipped him $10 on a $17 check, how pretentious he was being towards us. Really?
(2)James T.
Was recommended this place by the concierge at my hotel. So delicious!!! The food, wine and dessert were all top quality. Our waiter was Wolmar and he was so knowledgable about the wine and his recommendations were spot on. He said to us, "For me, you are not a customer. You are a guest." Beautiful. His service was impeccable as was the rest of the staff. Thank you Bricco!! I highly recommend this restaurant!
(5)Alissa S.
I had trouble deciding between 3 and 4 stars. This is a good place to come for a late-night weekend dinner. It's in a great spot for wandering around the North End before or after, the drinks at the bar were delicious and even though it was crowded we didn't have much trouble getting drinks or a spot at the bar. We waited an extremely long time for a table, which is fine as we expected it, but the service was cold/borderline rude, including the hostess at the door. At first they responded to us as if they wouldn't possibly be able to seat us ever that night, and seemed annoyed when we said we were going to stick it out and wait (they even tried to dissuade us again when we checked in with where our name was about an hour later. I asked politely if we were getting close, and she said no in a way that made it sound like we should give up now. We ended up being seated about 10 minutes later...). The server was also totally indifferent/barely responsive. Look, this is obviously a busy, extremely popular place and I know they're not worried about losing customers....but that's a terrible attitude for any restaurant to have. The food was delicious (I got the big night timpano) but its hard to shake those bad vibes from the staff in a place where the atmosphere is otherwise very warm and vibrant.
(4)Julie D.
Came here on a Thursday evening as my one and only real stop when I was in Boston. After fighting crazy traffic, $20 valet, and celebrating Italians (over them getting into the finals for Euro 2012) spread all over Hanover street, we made our way to Bricco. The appetizer flat crisps are pretty good, along with the mysterious sauces they come with. We ordered some ahi tuna app, which was some of the freshest I had. The bread was also pretty good. I got the pumpkin tortelli... it came with chopped up root vegetables and was really too delicious. The pasta tasted fresh, and the filling was not too heavy. I'm not sure what other delectables are on Hanover street, but this was certainly a good first try. A little on the expensive side, though.
(4)Kathleen K.
Loved Bricco. It was recommended to us by two credible sources and seemed very appealing just walking by. Among restaurants in the North End it's among the very best. Overall, I'd give it 4-stars - very good. We were pleased to be greeted by an Italian waiter who seemed to know we were coming. He opened the exterior door and waited on us. We enjoyed eggplant and Caprese salad up front and some delicious Italian Pinot Grigio. For entrees, our table ordered a variety of entrees, including brick chicken, specialty pasta, fresh striped sea bass. Everything was delicious and fresh. Nothing was heavy or overly spiced. The menu was certainly not traditional Italian and seemed to have a modern American fusion. The bakery was top notch. We celebrated an anniversary while there and the restaurant worked with the neighboring Modern Bakery to have a special cake made for us, which was a moist, rich chocolate. We also liked Lucca and Mama Maria.
(5)Keith D.
I've been to Bricco three times now. The wine list is impressive, to say the least. The first time I went, we were a group of 8, and service was great. I ordered the Veal Valdostana per the suggestion of a friend who had been to Bricco many times, and it was perfect (tender & juicy; also, huge portion size). The second time was equally great. I decided to try the lamb shank. Although I am not a huge fan of lamb, I was pleased. The third time, I took a group of 5 for restaurant week because I thought Bricco has one of the best RW menus (in terms of menu options), and everyone was delighted with their food and wine. I highly suggest their eggplant appetizer!
(4)Rosie C.
Cocktails that pack a punch and pasta that melts in your mouth. I was wandering around the North End searching for a restaurant that met this specific criteria: Open widows for people watching A bar close to those windows so we wouldn't feel obligated to order a giant dinner Tasty drinks A lively crowd Bricco met all of the above criteria. I loved my strawberry basil cocktail. It was pricey but so boozy that it was like two drinks in one. The ricotta pillows were truffle-icious and the bartender split the order into two equal portions for us. I'll definitely be back next time I'm in town.
(4)