Carlo's Cucina Italiana — Restaurant in Boston

Poor service tainted our experience at Carlo's and will keep me from coming back.

We came around 7 on Saturday evening and was told the wait was 30-45 minutes. Totally understandable. We went across the street to grab a drink and came back to check in with the hostess exactly 30 minutes later. She told us it would be a bit longer but should not by too much.

I checked in with her again about 10 minutes later and she told me there were a two tables in front of us but we were be up soon. Another few minutes go by and about four tables finish up at once. She told us that one of those was ours as soon as they were able to clear it off and reset it. Great!

A bus full of a sports team pulls up and gets off - turns out they had a reservation but were late and their tables were given away. Well, the hostess decided to bump everyone who had been waiting and give those tables to the sports team. I get that they had a reservation but they were late and people, like us, had been waiting for almost an hour at this point.

I checked in with the hostess one more time - she told me that there was one table in front of us and that we were next after them. She seated the table in front of us and I was prepared to get seated promptly with my party. Hostess comes outside and calls another table of four.

I decided to confront the hostess, explaining how we had been waiting, what she told us and how we were supposed to have been the next table. She promptly argued with me, saying that everyone has been waiting, the team had a reservation and had to be seated and how we were supposed to be more understanding - absolutely, incredibly rude.

A few minutes later we were seated. I was so turned off by this place already, despite the wonderful things I had heard about their food. The food and ambiance was good - our waiter was great too. But the experience with the hostess completely tainted the visit.

The hostess did not check in on us during our experience dining with them nor was anything comped from our bill - I figured maybe she would at least attempt to right the wrong. Silly me.

Because of this experience I will NOT be returning to Carlo's. If I want North End-quality food in Boston I will stick with going to...

Let me first say that the food was very tasty and in general we enjoyed ourselves. We went on a Saturday and it was extremely crowded. The table we got was right next to the door and every time the door opened we got a gust of wind. I was dreading as the sun went down and the night got cooler. That alone would stop me from every going in the winter. Secondly, as stated before, it was extremely crowded and so loud that me and my friend could not hear eachother from across the table. I recognize this is a space problem but it really destroyed the ambience of the entire experience. I felt as if I were on top of the people at the next table and not in a fun way. this leads to the other issue which is actually the largest. I got the chicken Parmesan and it was delicious it came with a side of ziti. The first issue is that they brought the chicken before the ziti so I had to wait, no biggie I’m patient BUT the table next to me ordered the chicken Parmesan as I well. I got my ziti first in a very tiny bowl I didn’t think anything of it until the table next to me got there’s and it was in a much much larger bowl. The size difference was noticeable. There was a moment where they looked at mine and I look at there and we made eye contact. It was awkward. I know that mine was smaller as well because two at the other table got a chicken parm and they were brought out the same much larger bowl so it was definitely just mine. I recognize they were just busy and probably rushing but that left a terrible taste in my mouth. I paid the same amount and ultimately got less. I would probably never go back but I don’t think it’s a terrible place but they need to either look at expanding or better schedule their tables ( they also don’t do reservations for parties under 6 which is a real nuisance and probably adds to that overwhelming feeling). I ultimately give it a 3/5...

Carlo’s in Allston, MA is one fine Italian restaurant. Food is excellent and the prices are affordable less than $25.00 per item. Both quality and quantity are superb. I am sure it is not noticed by many, because it is a very small place in a crowded neighborhood with limited parking on the street. I looked up on google and made reservations for 5:30 PM on a Saturday for a family of 5. Once we stepped in and being seated in a small corner, one Ms. Cecilia came to us with a big friendly smile on her face and made us very comfortable and homely. She is an excellent waitress who served us with total interest and empathy. Since there were 3 strict vegetarians in our group, we had little choice. Ms. Cecilia went through the menu and explained the ingredients and made some suggestions. We ordered accordingly. Every single person in our party is totally satisfied with the quality and the quantity of the food and drinks. I myself tasted Eggplant permigiana and Melanzine cristiano (with eggplant and spinach). Both are very delicious and sumptuous. Every one in our party usually satisfied with 1/4th of the quantity. But I myself could not even leave any crumbs in the plate. It was so delicious. I was told that Cecila’s husband has been working in that restaurant he was 14. Finally he acquired the restaurant and now Mr. Bryant and Cecilia are the proud owners of the restaurant. I should add this to my review: Not only Cecilia, but I noticed that all other staff in the restaurant are very family friendly and entertaining all the guests with a personal friendly touch. Next time if I happened to be in the Allston vicinity, I sure will make it a point to go and eat at that restaurant. Since I did not meet Mr. Bryant(he was busy in the kitchen), next time I will make it a point to meet him and congratulate and thank him for his service to...