Bistro 5

Medford's favorite spot for upscale Italian fare provides suburban couples with a reason to avoid heading into Boston.

(781) 350-3205

5 Playstead Rd (at Route 60)
Medford, MA 02155 42.4214 -71.1324

bistro5.com

Reviews & Ratings for Bistro 5

4.5 Star Rating: Recommended

15 reviews

What users are saying:

Write a review

Showing 1-10 of 15 reviews

Was this review helpful?

0 Yes / 0 No

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

Contributor

July 28, 2008

Is this fish or chicken what I have here?, that is what I said to myself and the tuna encompassed my tongue. I could not tell what it was because the food had horrible quality and taste. The lack of attention made my meal distasteful and it ruined my day, I would not recommend this to anyone. This place ruined my taste for tuna for the rest of my life.

Write comment on this review

Was this review helpful?

0 Yes / 0 No

2 Star Rating: Below Average

by mia345

May 06, 2008

Atmosphere inside was nice. Food overated and overpriced. I am not one for "fancy" food. We left hungry and disappointed. Waitstaff was prompt and attentative as they were not very busy. Overall if you like gourmet food I'd rate it a 3 on a scale 1 to 5. I much prefer the Cafe Escadrille in Burlington for special occasions or The Salem Wood Cafe in Malden for a more casual dinner.

  • Pros: Atmosphere, Easy to get to
  • Cons: Food just average - portions small

Write comment on this review

Was this review helpful?

0 Yes / 0 No

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

by holten

March 18, 2008

Went here for rest week - Winter as I thought the menu looked great & I was not disappointed. We were pleasantly surprised at how romantic & intimate the interior is compared to the exterior! The portions were more than adequate, the eggplant & goat cheese appetizer was melt in your mouth yummy! The wine menu was filled with wonderful Italian wines and we were very pleased to see our favorite Chianti Classico wine on there. Overall it was an excellent dining experience & one we will repeat again soon!!!

  • Pros: ambience, food, value
  • Cons: parking

Write comment on this review

Was this review helpful?

0 Yes / 0 No

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

Contributor

March 16, 2008

My first trip to Bistro 5 I was blown away by the food & the experience. Chef Vittorio Ettore is extraordinary & he pays attention to the details that often get lost in a resturant. Great food is paired with terrific wine options and a wait staff that is knowledgeable & service oriented.

On this first trip when my dining companion sent back his meal to be cooked a bit further - Chef Ettore himself came out to explain what had happened. This lead to a wonderful and lovely discussion with the Chef & a lasting impression of excellence that I think about to this day.

If Bistro 5 were located in downtown Boston it would be at least twice as much and you could probably not get a reservation. Thankfully though this great spot is in a tucked away location in West Medford.

Write comment on this review

Was this review helpful?

0 Yes / 0 No

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

by lhq

March 03, 2008

This is the kind of place you go if you want to hold hands. Intimate, neighborhood bistro with fabulous food -- I've never been disappointed.

  • Pros: food, service, ambiance
  • Cons: no casual bar area if you want to eat by yourself and catch the ballgame

Write comment on this review

Was this review helpful?

0 Yes / 1 No

1 Star Rating: Poor

by tditty

March 04, 2007

I have now had a first after many years of seeking our fine dining. My party of 5 arrived on time for our 8:15 reservation and they kept us waiting 35 minutes while at least 3 other parties, that arrived after us and of comparable size were seated including 2 parties that had reservations at 8:30. After a lack of consideration and feeble explainations we left

Write comment on this review

Was this review helpful?

0 Yes / 0 No

by Contributor

July 07, 2006

In Short
Bistro 5's seasonal menu of modern Italian fare has made the restaurant a favorite of Medford residents and couples looking to celebrate a special occasion. The comfortable dining rooms and well-chosen wine list add to the atmosphere. Those looking for an extra-special dining experience opt for the chef's tasting menu, while regular diners enjoy dishes like lobster "cappuccino" (fortified lobster bisque with truffled cream) and seared free-range chicken with prosciutto and polenta.

Write comment on this review

Was this review helpful?

0 Yes / 0 No

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

by petitgourmand

October 23, 2005

Another great find outside the city! Bistro 5 is not in a particularly trendy or upscale town, but the food, wine and service are EXCELLENT. I always get the calamari appetizer---it is deliciosly different and very light. The entreés are always in season and perfectly prepared. The pastas, meats and fishes are always topped with amazing sauces. The servers (Angus is our favorite) are always friendly and helpful. This si definitely worth a trip to Medford!

Write comment on this review

Was this review helpful?

0 Yes / 0 No

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

by rhymom

April 29, 2005

My daughter is a college student at Tufts University in Medford. Over the years, when we visit we usually go to Boston. We were surprised when we learned about Bistro 5. It's right in Medford, not far from Tufts and the food is superb. The Italian menus offer high quality, fresh ingredients put together in an interesting way; I think this restaurant is a great find. People don't expect this caliber of food in Medford.

Write comment on this review

Was this review helpful?

0 Yes / 0 No

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

by bostonoffice

March 16, 2005

good italian, surprisingly strong wine list, prices aren't the cheapest around but are fair considering the portions

Write comment on this review

Advertisement

Things To Do Nearby Bistro 5

brought to you by Visa

Bistro 5

5 Playstead Rd (at Route 60)
Medford, MA 02155

Recent Reviews In Medford

3 Star Rating: Average

Colleen's Ice Cream & Sandwich

61 High St, Medford, MA

4 Star Rating: Recommended

Tom Yum Koong Restaurant

11 Forest St, Medford, MA

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

Bob's Italian Foods & Catering

324 Main St, Medford, MA

Advertisement