Tuscan Grill

Doesn't Recommend

Iken

Joined 2 years ago

As an Italian and a chef. I expected a lot from this place. I was not so much disappointed in the food as in the pretentiousness; there is a false friendliness and an ambiance of artificial sophistication. All 4 times I have been, the food has been consistently fine, but each time when I asked for 'gluten-free' offerings, it was as if it were the first time the server had heard of such a thing. We kept returning out of nostalgia, since it was where we had our first date. My boyfriend was someone well-known and his romantic notion was that we always go back to "our" table, the only semi-private one in the room, a table for two next to a little screen. However, our server disgusted me by touching him on the arm and flirting openly with him. While I couldn't blame her for being enamored with him, it was completely unprofessional. Because we were returning and very good customers, and my date liked to leave very large tips, upon arrival I always had knowing glances cast my way. However, at a crucial juncture in the relationship, of which I made the restaurant aware, when I made a reservation for our "special night" and called twice to ensure that we'd have the little table, I was given a false promise. We arrived, and not only had they not reserved the table I asked for, they failed to reserve any table. It was his last birthday celebration, and sadly, they failed to bring the desert for him I'd carefully mentioned. They did not hold our table, forgot the desert, and never apologized or made up for it. Imagine a business being honored with returning customers and doing nothing, absolutely nothing to maintain that relationship. One night in particular we had such a mediocre meal that I tried to make up for it with drinks and coffee. The espresso arrived before the desert, (this is an Italian restaurant?), was cold, and when I asked for another to be made hot, the waitress, while acquiescing, did not remove the first order from the bill. In short, the food is fine (not extraordinarily fresh, tasty, or organic, which would warrant the prices,) the service ranges from barely acceptable to truly bad, and the atmosphere is loud and arrogant. Not a place for a romantic time of any sort, unless it turns you on to watch your date being pawed by your otherwise upscale-looking server. A culinary success at most times, but as an overall total experience, a bit of a disappointment. We gave it four solid tries and felt that was more than fair.

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shockedoncitysearch

Joined 5 years ago

what's that guy's problem?. Honestly the previous reviewer ( you know the one who had the potty mouth), has got to get a life! He really had to come home from supposedly eating at the Tuscan Grill and write 5 reviews? Honestly.

1.) if you were so disappointed why did you not say anything to the server, hostess, manager? (there was no mention you did) and if you HAD... I think that you would have written about it. Hmm, sounds like you made just a *tiny** bit up, if not everything.

2.) do you really miss your creative writing class that bad?

3.) Even if you are very descriptive, you can't keep your writing out of the gutter, which shows your low class, and no one likes a loser.

Now run along to your miserable life.

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nikki10

Joined 6 years ago

Why go. An unbelievably noisy experience. The food is variable, but can be quite fine. The waitstaff is varible, but can be quite terrible. Best to go on a very off hour. Think Sunday at 5 PM. Or preferably, Waltham has 2 other really unique italian restaurants. So unless you're 25, and thrive on annoyance, why go?

Doesn't Recommend

lairdwd

Joined 6 years ago

noisy, cramped and bad food. Cannot recommend this place. Very noisy and cramped. Pasta and fish dishes were dull. House wine was along the line of the $3.99 a bottle variety (not 3 buck chuck either) at $7 a glass. We ordered a tuna tar tar for an appetiser that was totally nasty. When we suggested to the waitress that we were not happy with it, no offer of a refund was brought up. I expect better from a 3 dollar sign restaurant.

Save your money, you can do much better elsewhere

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leshommes

Joined 7 years ago

Very good dining experience. Crowded place on a Saturday night, but very courteous staff with knowledge of food and wine.

We first had a boar sausage very tasty and well spiced, then the pasta Bolognese and the short ribs, both delicious. The waitress recommended a red wine special which brought us back to Italy. Very good experience i recommend to every one.

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Eric Grossman

Joined 10 years ago

This well-guarded secret serves up some of the best Northern Italian cuisine this side of Florence.. The Scene
Ever popular with suburbanites and in-the-know gourmands, this secretive Waltham hot spot churns out exceptional Italian fare. Diners sit in close quarters--the restaurant can get quite noisy when packed--to get a taste of the open kitchen's award-winning fare. The handsome, well-stocked bar is a perfect place for a romantic date. Knowledgeable, jeans-clad servers add to the casual atmosphere.

The Food
The menu changes seasonally, but the overall tone is constant: hearty Tuscan cooking (homemade pastas and rustic wood-grilled steaks and chops). The house specialty, a fantastically succulent spit-roasted pork loin, is a year-round favorite, as are hand-stuffed raviolis and authentic bruschetta. Portions are large (pastas are available in half-orders) and dishes like pancetta-wrapped cod with basil gnocchi can easily be shared. Intricate desserts come as a surprise. Cakes and tarts are available for those with room, while refreshing homemade strawberry gelato is a lighter option.

Doesn't Recommend

lka

Joined 8 years ago

Lousy Vegetarian Food. This came recommended as a good vegetarian place, but we were extremely disappointed with the options available. We had a vegetable platter which comprised of mashed potatoes, butternut squash, boiled spinach and broccoli. There was little salt and no spice, just plain boiled stuff. The chef should be ashamed to be presenting such a bland dish as an entree. We also had ravioli with butternut squash stuffing which was too sweet for an entree. We left the restaurant with a half filled stomach and a queasy after taste. Tuscan Grill is certainly not value for money.

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jer1625

Joined 9 years ago

Good Stuff. Kind of stumbled on this gem by accident. I must say, it was just what we were looking for! Great atmosphere, friendly and knowledgeable (from wine through dessert) and amazing food. I was most impressed with the portions. A pleasant amount of food for the money, unlike most other pricey restaurants in the area. We had the Venison and "Hanger" Steak. Both were cooked to perfection and perfetly paired with starch/veggies and a fantastic glass of red wine. We look forward to our next night out at the Tuscan Grill!