Ristorante Saraceno - Boston

We made reservations well in advance here for Christmas Eve as it was among the handful of North End restaurants we had not yet tried. We arrived five minutes early only to learn our reservations had apparently been given away although there were two inviting-looking empty tables, each for two, in front where you walk in. We were never afforded an explanation. We were instead, traipsed on what seemed to be an endless journey, down not one, but two flights of stairs, descending into a very stuffy, mal-odoured basement where I was certain we were going be seated in a broom closet.. As it turns out, I was not that far off. We arrived at a table just outside a basement door where I could hear dishes being washed. It was a table shoved into a corner of what appeared to be a dark hallway used to store things. In fact, I think the broom closet would have been a step up...phrases like bottom-run patron, second-class citizen, and unimportant come to mind when thinking about this experience. Can't say anything about food, but what I can say is -- Casarecce has been crossed of our list of places to try.

After many years living in Texas I was able to return to Boston to enjoy a day-after-Christmas respite. Despite the horrible recent reviews I found Saraceno to be exceptional. Greeted at the door without waiting we were taken into the quaint and very quiet downstairs, close to the kitchen where we enjoyed the comings and goings of the staff. One wonderful attribute of this tiny area with four tables, surrounded by floor-to-ceiling racks of wine, was the attention of Uma, our table captain. Uma was everpresent - we wanted for nothing all evening. The food was exceptional - veal pizzaiola and Ravioli al Formaggio. The veal was fork tender and the sauce bright and flavorful. The smooth cheese ravioli were huge and cooked to perfection with a wonderfully meaty bolognese. The wine list, while compact, is varied and rich with plentiful wines from most regions in Italy. We chose a beautiful Barolo to accompany our meal. I still give Ristorante Saraceno my unconditional must-try recommendation.

Where do I start? Not only an old world rustic charm but upon entering, the owner Frank makes you feel like family. Great food homemade on premises with prices extremely reasonable. Never disappoints and have never heard a negative word about the place. Waitstaff is attentive and warm! You want good food,great portions and be made to feel right at home? SARACENO IS THE PLACE 👍👍

We made reservations well in advance here for Christmas Eve as it was among the handful of North End restaurants we had not yet tried. We arrived five minutes early only to learn our reservations had apparently been given away although there were two inviting-looking empty tables, each for two, in front where you walk in. We were never afforded an explanation. We were instead, traipsed on what seemed to be an endless journey, down not one, but two flights of stairs, descending into a very stuffy, mal-odoured basement where I was certain we were going be seated in a broom closet.. As it turns out, I was not that far off. We arrived at a table just outside a basement door where I could hear dishes being washed. It was a table shoved into a corner of what appeared to be a dark hallway used to store things. In fact, I think the broom closet would have been a step up...phrases like bottom-run patron, second-class citizen, and unimportant come to mind when thinking about this experience. Can't say anything about food, but what I can say is -- Casarecce has been crossed of our list of places to try.

After many years living in Texas I was able to return to Boston to enjoy a day-after-Christmas respite. Despite the horrible recent reviews I found Saraceno to be exceptional. Greeted at the door without waiting we were taken into the quaint and very quiet downstairs, close to the kitchen where we enjoyed the comings and goings of the staff. One wonderful attribute of this tiny area with four tables, surrounded by floor-to-ceiling racks of wine, was the attention of Uma, our table captain. Uma was everpresent - we wanted for nothing all evening. The food was exceptional - veal pizzaiola and Ravioli al Formaggio. The veal was fork tender and the sauce bright and flavorful. The smooth cheese ravioli were huge and cooked to perfection with a wonderfully meaty bolognese. The wine list, while compact, is varied and rich with plentiful wines from most regions in Italy. We chose a beautiful Barolo to accompany our meal. I still give Ristorante Saraceno my unconditional must-try recommendation.