Firenze

I spent a semester in college in Rome, and I've rarely found food that matched true ""Italian"". Bottega Fiorentina, however, came VERY close to the real thing! The service was awesome, wine menu great, and ambience was unbeatable. Every time I go I really feel like I'm back in Italy! Make sure to call ahead- very small and limited seating. Definately worth every penny! Pros: Food Quality, Ambience, Service, Wine List Cons: Limited Seating more

The service could be better and the atmosphere isn't astounding, being in a small basement and all, but the food is absolutely worth it. If you are ok with putting up with a bit of waiting, and what is clearly an understaffed restaurant, you'll find that the food is worth your patience. I highly recommend the tuna rizotto, the carpaccio, (for those who love rare meat and a fresh salad) and to top off the evening with some traditional, home-made Tiramisu. Though the business info does not indicate that reservations are required, I would highly recommend making them before going to ensure a good seat and minimal wait-time on what could potentially be busy days/hours. Pros: Metered parking, convenient area, great food Cons: Mediocre service and ambience more

I read the recent reviews and it was with some trepediation that my boyfriend and I went to this restaurant the other night. It was right around the corner from our house, however, and immediately near the Coolidge Corner theatre -- we decided to take the risk. We were promptly seated without reservations (although those who followed us weren't so lucky and were turned away) but, after being seated, we waited 15 minutes before we were asked about water and... yes... another 5 minutes before we were able to order wine. 10 more minutes followed before we could order food. Oh, did I forget to mention the table next to us was curiously decorated with two full plates of food, a half consumed bottle of wine... and no patrons? They had, evidently, left in quite the huff... likely because of the slow service.\r \r Having some experience with this, we politely asked our rather harried server if something had gone awry. (He was the only person we saw during 2.5 hours... he was the host, server, bus boy and telephone operator.) He conceded the other server had called in sick, the chef had a broken ankle, and the kitchen assistant spoke only a smattering of English (hardly an indictable offense but certainly limited his ability to help). So, the slow service was no fault of our intrepid waiter but, if judging by the previous reviews, does seem to indicate the owners or management isn't taking as active an interest in the restaurant as they may have in the past.\r \r Oh... the food. It was great! I had the beef carpaccio and my partner had a great chicken dish. Selection of appetizers was limited, but of good quality. The wine list was small but respectable, as well. We plan on going back, but only when we're in no hurry. Note to management: Get it together, give your server with the slightly unruly hair a raise, and pray he doesn't leave. He never complained, but if I were in his position I'd have walked out. As customers, we nearly did. Pros: Food, Value, Friendly Service Cons: Slow service (absentee management???) more

I have no idea when this restaurant was last reviewed but this week the bread was dry, the olives were out of a can, and the service was horrible. I would advise against the garlic bread (oil soaked dry bread with garlic). The only thing that is left of the old restaurant is the price. Pros: Romantic Cons: Stuffy, Horrible food, Horrible service more

We used to go here alot but last week we called ahead to see if they had a certain dish we wanted and if we could bring our own wine, I called TWICE and was told no problem and they had the dish we wanted but when we got to the EMPTY restaurant they did not have the dish we asked about AND wouldn't let us open our own wine! They lied to just get us into the place. I won't EVER go back! Cons: bad service, bad service, bad service more

I go here every year for my birthday and my husbands birthday (can't beat free dinner on your birthday). So authentic, quaint and romantic. And by authentic, I mean don't expect chicken parm or meatballs... the food is authentic from the Firenzi region... The spinach gnocci melts in my mouth... and the bread and olive oil YUM. A couple years ago they had a special... pumpkin and sausage penne that was the best dish I've ever eaten and every time I go back I prey they have it - I wish they'd bring it back. Great ambience..... LOVE THIS PLACE. Pros: romantic, food, service Cons: non more

Two vacations in Florence made me an instant snob when it comes to Tuscan food. The North End suddenly lost its cred. Then Firenze opened up. I don't know how Andrea does it (the key to good Italian food is ingredients whose quality just doesn't exist in the US), but his dishes are as good as any trattoria in Florence! Try the ""Firenze"" appetizer for a tasty sampling. The bistecca Fiorentina is a huge steak served with roasted potatoes and greens and is NOT cooked to your specs. Andrea knows the traditional way to cook things and doesn't suffer picky eaters! Pastas and gnocchi are fantastic, there's a good wine list, and the staff are friendly. Reserve on weekends. Pros: Authentic, Wine, Romantic Cons: Parking more

Firenze is one of my favorite Boston restaurants--and (lucky for me!) it still seems to be an undiscovered gem. Tucked in the basement of a Coolidge Corner side street, it's tiny and a bit dark--but the food is out of this world. The grilled bread and the spinach gnocchi are my personal must-haves, but I try to go with friends who will order a selection of the other appetizers and entrees, so we can have some of everything! The staff are also always warm and welcoming, and ready to make suggestions or small talk. It is a bit expensive, but you're paying for quality. (And it's still less than many not-as-good spots in the North End!) Check it out--you won't be disappointed! Pros: Amazing food, Wonderful staff more