Appetito

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

One of Newton Center's most acclaimed restaurants serves a lengthy, upscale Italian menu in casual, noisy environs.. In Short
Nestled in the heart of Newton Center, Appetito spares moneyed suburbanites in search of upscale Italian fare the trip downtown. The restaurant's cramped, homey interior works best on weekend mornings, when a sunny, casual brunch (mango-papaya cinnamon crepes) is served. Popular starters include a gigantic platter of plump mozzarella, roasted red peppers and colorful tomatoes bathed in pungent balsamic vinegar. Entrees feature modern spins on rustic Italian fare (mushroom gnocchi with truffle oil).

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masstyger

Joined 7 years ago

Great brunch- service not great. We went here for Sunday brunch and got some attitude from the waitress who sat us. If it was because she had no one in her section and was about to go home, she was out of luck bc the place got really crowded around 1 PM. The food was really great- especially anything w/ the focaccia bread. My dish did come out missing something that had been included on the menu, which I thought a bit strange. Our service in particular was pretty bad (she even forgot to return my card to me after she ran it), but I saw other waitresses who were more on the ball, and they helped with our table as well. Prices were really fair, especially considering how wonderful the food was. A great place for brunch or lunch!

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johndsouza

Joined 8 years ago

Good food... or were we just fortunate. We went there on a Sat night (11/5/2005) with no reservations and were seated in less than 5 minutes. the place IS cramped, the menu IS Italian, but isn't that what drives the hordes to the North End?

I picked the pork Chops with banana and date chutney. It was AMAZING.

Overall our dining experience was good enough for me to go there again, if we ever plan to eat in the area.

We weren't handed a dessert menu, and the waitress (helpful, btw) recited the dessert list :-) I had the creme brule (sp?). Loved it but for the fact that it was garnished with shredded coconut.

Definitely worth more than one visit. I'll try a weekend brunch the next time.

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bkmr

Joined 8 years ago

good place. tried this place, thinking of italian, but was mediterranean, good food. tried some chicken variety with mashed potatoes and salad. will try again this place even though I have no opinion. Got free coke for my honesty :-) as it was not charged in the bill.

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newtonnurse

Joined 8 years ago

Nice (but not quiet) little place in Newton. I've driven by this place a hundred times but never went. Tonight, a friend and I decided to give it a try. The caesar salad is lovely...crisp and garlicky. The calamari was tough, but well seasoned. We had a seafood pasta that was okay, and that chef was able to alter the sauce for my companion who did not eat tomatoes. The service was terrible, and the noise level was over the top. Even for a Saturday night. When asked if the music could be turned down (we were seated directly under the speaker) the waitress said she would, but we still couldn't hear her when ordering the specials. It's nice, and certainly a decent find outside of Boston, but don't go for a romantic date!

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scogs

Joined 9 years ago

Good for the burbs. I went to school near appetito and was pleasantly surprised to find this place. I had always gone into the north end during the big dig and it was a nightmare. This place has good food, and surprisingly good brunch! I have never had a problem with the service. It is very cute inside as well

Doesn't Recommend

cmorgan2

Joined 10 years ago

Never again.. The food was mediocre and the service was horrendous. The place was half empty so we thought that we would receive decent service. Much to our dismay the server completely ignored us the entire night to the extent that I had to actually go up to him and ask him for our check. I consider myself to be a patient person, especially since I myself was once a server, but this type of treatment is unacceptable. We were so upset by the whole experience that we will never go back again.

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banningw1866

Joined 11 years ago

Great food in Newton Center.. This is a great place to try if you are in or around Newton Center. The place has good food, service, and atmosphere. It is a good restaurant for a date, lunch, or even a group.

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vasya

Joined 11 years ago

The Best Food. I went there yesterday to celebrate an aniversary as I had a gift certificate. I was kind of cautious since I have been hearing very average reviews. We came at about 6pm and as luck would have it happened to be there on the first day they added and changed their menu. Appetizers: Mussells were good, but nothing out of the ordinary. My tuna sashimi was also very good, and very well presented with cocunut wasabi and shavings of sweet potato chips on top. Entrees: Pork was the most wonderful I've had and so was the duck roasted in honey/mango/cherry/raisin sause....WOW. Desserts: We tried three types of mouse and creme brulee. They were very very good. Unfortunatelly very hard to enjoy after such a large meal. Service: very good