Rialto
Cambridge, MA 02138-5707
Phone: (617) 661-5050
- Price:
- $$$$
- Cross Street:
- Eliot Street
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri 5:30pm-10pm, Sat 5:30pm-11pm, Sun 5:30pm-9pm
Editorial Review for Rialto – by Eric Grossman
The Scene
Adjunct professors and foreign dignitaries (in town visiting their kids at Harvard) jockey for tables with hotel guests to sample Chef Jody Adams's acclaimed, Mediterranean-tinged cuisine. Adams, who mans the open kitchen whenever her busy schedule allows (she's a frequent guest on national TV shows and at international cooking conventions), offers patrons a sophisticated, sleek dining room in which to celebrate birthdays and book sales. Professional waiters help to navigate the menu's ins and outs.
The Food
Adams, a former winner of the James Beard Award for Best Chef in the Northeast, fills her seasonal menus with intriguing combinations of flavors and textures, often yielding delicious results. Fresh seafood is dotted throughout and served with a twist; tuna tartare is served with briny sea urchin vinaigrette, while seared sea scallops come drizzled with hazelnut brown butter. The best is saved for last: Desserts, especially the lemon chiffon cake with lime-yogurt mousse, astound.
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Insider Tips
ParkingAvoid the struggle to find parking in Harvard Square: Leave your car in the Charles Hotel garage ($8 with the restaurant's validation stamp).
User Reviews for Rialto
08/20/2008 Posted by WillLinch
My wife and I were in a party of four at 7:00 p.m. 16 Aug for "restaurant week" None in the party wanted to cause a commotion so we didn't complain. None would would return. As I wanted to try something new, I opted for the Fisherman's Soup and the Spinach & Cheese Ravioli. The soup was too salty to to try more than a few spoonfuls. The 5 or 6 thin revilli were tasted only of salt . The bread and wine were excellent. My friend and I volunteer at a prison and often have lunch prepared by the residents. Prision food is far superior to Rialto, How do they get away with it ??? WPL
Pros: Good wine
Cons: food and pretty wait staff
09/30/2007 Posted by travelgirl727
Yes, this place is very expensive, but if you want to treat yourself to a great meal with fabulous service you will get your money's worth. I went there with my family to celebrate a birthday and everyone loved their food. The waitress was excellent and was able to answer any question about the menu--she knew her stuff. The amibiance is nice and it is quiet so you can have nice conversation without shouting. I've been to many expensive restaurants and this is one of the few where I wouldn't mind shelling out the big bucks--it is worth it. They also give you delicious biscottis with the check. If you have some occasion and want to really treat yourself, I would try this place. The menu changes all the time as well, so you will never get bored.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
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