Tempo
Waltham, MA 02453
Phone: (781) 891-9000
- Price:
- $$$
- Cross Street:
- Maple Street
- Hours:
- Sun-Wed 5pm-12am, Thu-Sat 5pm-1:30am
Editorial Review for Tempo – by Citysearch Editors
The Scene
With the atmosphere of a downtown bistro (high celings, modern accoutrements) and a varied menu of accessible comfort fare, Tempo provides suburban diners with a thoroughly contemporary dining destination. With no separation between the yawning bar area and the airy dining space, noise levels can reach prohibitive levels. Attentive servers cheerfully recap the daily specials and deliver creative house cocktails from the bar.
The Food
Tempo's far-reaching menu of familiar American bistro favorites includes everything from Kobe beef burgers and grilled pizzas to braised short ribs and pan-seared duck breast. Most starters are large enough to share; an "oversized" stuffed artichoke, filled with savory spinach dip and served with crunchy pita chips, provides enough for four. Entrees range from the low-key (vegetable lasagna, porterhouse veal chop) to the high-brow (pan-roasted spicy whole lobster, roasted Cornish hen with orange-chipotle glaze). Fruity homemade sorbets and rich chocolate cake provide a sweet finish.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
When to GoLive music is featured Fridays and Saturdays, starting at 8:30pm.
What to DrinkIn addition to the wine selection the restaurant also boasts a decently-priced martini list.
User Reviews for Tempo
02/28/2008 Posted by GINNY176
I am a weekly, if not more frequent customer at Tempo. I think of it as my "Cheers" restaurant because it is a place where everyone does know your face, if not your name! Beginning with the receptionists and including the bartenders and waitstaff, the people are friendly and actively trying to make the dining enjoyable. The food is marvelous. I know that the chef/owner shops himself for the food, frequenting the wholesale fish market every day and the local farmers markets all summer. At Tempo, I particularly love the perfectly fried clams, the succulent butternut squash raviolis and the thin-crusted wild mushroom pizza for appetizers. Each easily serves 2. The salads are spectacular. I go often with a friend who thinks that the week is not complete without a Tempo pear, pistachio and gorgonzola salad. The entrees are delicious and always large enough to pack a lunch from the leftovers. Our favorites are the chicken and artichokes, the Brandt steak (which is almost double the price if you order it in Boston restaurants), and almost any of the creative and totally fresh fish offerings. The veggies that come with the entrees are varied and always compliment the main course. (I also savor the macaroni and cheese and the au grautin potatoes). Desserts are lovely, and like the entrees beautifully presented. I'm almost salivating writing this review! To me the food is of high quality and excellent value. Generally, when we go to a different restauant at the urging of friends, we are slightly disappointed and think that we would have had a more delicious meal in a place with great energy if we had gone to our favorite place, Tempo!
Pros: Fun and friendly venue
Cons: Can be a bit loud but I heard they are currently addressing this
10/25/2006 Posted by lovelymissb
Good food, great drinks, great service, but can be very noisy and the tables are far too close together. Great for after work.
Pros: great service, good foosd, great drink menu
Cons: can be very noisy, tables too close together, rather pricey
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