il Casale Cucina Italiana and Bar

02/10/10

Forget the North End

by JustinCanCook , Citysearch Contributor at Citysearch

If you're willing to make the drive to Belmont (there's ample parking around), you will be rewarded by a meal that will make you wonder why you fight the north end crowds.

Il Casale is the second restaurant by the chef/owner of Dante in Cambridge. This reconditioned firehouse pumps out simple italian classics, done perfectly.

I swear we tried almost everything on the menu last night. highlights were the chicken liver bruschetta, the arancini (really crispy, with a little mozzarella inside), and the SO SIMPLE but SO DELICIOUS pasta with a basic tomato sauce.

The pastas are about $10 for a 1/2 portion and $18 for a full, main courses are in the $20 range. Well worth it.

• Pros: Fantastic food, great prices
• Cons: in Belmont

10/24/09

Neighborhood Italian, Upscale

by Septemberin Brockton at Citysearch

We've been to Il Casale four times. Twice we (2) sat at the bar for dinner and twice we brought friends and ate at the tables. The atmosphere is lively neighborhood and upscale. The food is creative & well prepared. The staff is calm and friendly. Recently we have chosen on five occassions to dine with freinds elsewhere because of the inordinately long wait from the time you order until the time you receive the food. Each time we waited a minimum of 45 minutes, one time it was 75 minutes. Even at the bar, which is usually a bit quicker, I waited 45 min just for a bowl of tagliatelle with sauce. (None of the other entrees were complicated nor did anyone ask for special considerations.) The kitchen is just plain slow, and by the time the meal comes, people are on edge and very hungry despite the apps. I wanted this place to be my new favorite, and as evidenced by my several return visits, I gave it a good try, but the wait has turned me off. Other people have had the same experience and it is a shame; after all, eating a meal is what you're there for, and a too-long wait is just not worth it. My regrets.

• Pros: Yummy food and generous drinks
• Cons: Tooooo long wait for food

09/12/09

worst meal i have EVER had in my life!

by kaddawg at Citysearch

The food was too too salty and the meat was like a leather shoe. I used their get one free coupon so maybe that is why???

What a waste of time..never go to this restaurant!!!!

Stay away!!!!

• Pros: none
• Cons: overall gross!

09/06/09

Great food! Great staff

by hsmom21 at Citysearch

The food was delightful. My daughter's ravioli was well seasoned as was the sauce. My husband's fish was fresh and tender with a subtly flavored sauce that enhanced the flavor of the meat without hiding it. The desserts were all wonderful, but especially good were the fried dough with chocolate sauce - like donuts only much better! The staff was helpful and prompt, at several points going out of their way to make sure our dining experience was a good one. The food is not Michelin star quality - but it was still delicious and it ranks among the best Italian restaurants I've been to in Boston.

• Pros: great food, friendly staff, unique decor
• Cons: they would not tell us how long the wait was when we called

07/31/09

Great Flavor, small portions

by foody1234567 at Citysearch

Il Casale is a great addition to Belmont Center. It is in a converted fire station. The decor is nice.And the food is extremely tasty but for the price the main courses are extremely small. I had the sea bass which was extremely tasty but not more than half a Starbuck's Biscotti. My husband and father had the veal saltimboco and the three veal loins were each the size of a silver dollar. We went hungry left barely satisfied. Was busy but the noise did not bother us. Do not think would go back. For a true Italian Gem with good portions and reasonable prices, Tremonte in Woburn has one over on Il Casale.

• Pros: Melt in your mouth meatballs! Moist Sea bass!
• Cons: Extremely small portions