Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse — Restaurant in Foxborough

The bread, the drinks and the atmosphere is the only thing that saved Davio's from a 1 star.

This was our first time eating at Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse. We had a 6:00pm reservation for two of my husband and I first year wedding anniversary. When we arrived, we were seated promptly and were given water and bread within a few minutes of sitting down. Our waitress came to take our drink order and then came back with our drinks while also taking our food order (we placed our food order around 6:20-30ish). After our waitress took our food order, that was the last time we had an interaction from our waitress until she came around with the dessert cart to ask us if we wanted dessert. We did not receive our food until 7:30-7:40pm, we waited over an hour for our food with no communication from our waitress in regard to checking in on us, updates on timeliness of food coming out, or even an apology for the long wait. Once our food came, my husband and I were thoroughly disappointed. While my husband’s braised short ribs were good, my meal of the chicken, creamy mashed potatoes and asparagus in a lemon butter sauce was lukewarm. The asparagus and mashed potatoes were lukewarm to cold and could tell it was sitting under the warmer until both meals were ready. The lemon butter sauce was cold to the touch. The only part of the meal that was hot was the chicken and the part of the mashed potatoes that the chicken was sitting on top of for plating. We were hungry from the hour or so wait that sending it back would just add more waiting to our dining experience. When it came time to dessert, we both decline because at this point it was already 8:00pm. The waitress asked if we were celebrating anything, to which we replied no because we did not want to disclose it was out anniversary because of the experience we had that evening and wanting to just have the check to leave. We then had to wait for our waitress to finish bringing the dessert cart to a few other tables before she came back to us where we had to ask for the check.

With the evening, we had, this was not a good first experience nor a first wedding anniversary dinner that commemorated the event. I had heard good things about this steakhouse when I use to work at Pat’s Place but was very disappointed and will be sharing my experience with friends and family, along with my connections in the culinary and hospitality industry as I have a background in hospitality and food. I was very disappointed in the evening we had and would have to take a lot for me to come back to this...

Wonderful Food, Wonderful Customer Service

Davio’s is a great place for a special meal, especially if one (like me) is allergic to wheat. They have wonderful gluten-free options while satisfying that steak-house craving. The soups and salads are superb, the special appetizers are excellent (I had the glute-free lobster gnocchi one night, and the lollipop lamb chops another), and the mains never let us down (steak, and cod on risotto). Also the cocktails are wonderful - I especially like that they have Keel Vodka available for martini’s. Keel is a local vodka with a lower alcohol, which is nice if one wants wine with dinner. And, most importantly, the customer service is great.

A cautionary tale for all who enjoy dining out - if you are not happy with a meal or service - let the management know via a simple talk, a call, or an email. We went to dinner on a Sunday and our main took over 2 hours to arrive at our table, which we promptly had packed to take home (we were exhausted and no longer hungry). We paid our check (with a healthy tip, because it was not fault of the waitstaff), and left. I wrote to the management then next day, with a copy of my receipt, and an explaining the situation. I asked for nothing in return other than a response. I like Davio's, and I’m happy they are doing well, but I want to assure that my future meals are excellent even if it’s a busy night. I mistakenly assumed the glitch was that the kitchen could not keep up with individual diners as well as larger groups in scheduled events. I received a prompt response to my email and spoke to the general manager who told me that actually a lot of staff had called in sick with the flu/allergies that day. Even so, she acknowledged the lack of attention we received - with such delays, someone in management should have come to the individual tables to offer an explanation. She invited us back to make things right. We did return a few days later and had a wonderful meal. Obviously she’d spoken to the staff - as all were very attentive. And she comp'd us a few items off our meal, as a thank you for reaching out. The lesson: Never assume and never write a bad review before telling management about your concerns - it’s the kind thing to do, and the right thing to do.

We will be back at Davio’s soon - the rose wine flights are a nice...

Davios- Foxhorough, MA

This is a grandiose, well decorated fine dining establishment. When you walk in and take in all its splendor you get a sense that tonight's dining experience will be quite spectacular. Promptly greeted and seated for my online booked reservation. My server this evening; Katherine is extremely friendly and professional. Knows her craft and with passion paints a mental picture of each dish...

There's not a person that walks by that doesn't make eye contact with a smile. And even look like you have a question and the approach you offering assistance. There's a person for everything; freshly grated Parmesan, ground Pepper, de-crumbling between courses and flatware changes… Yes tonight we feast!

First to come out of the kitchen are two scrumptious and warm house baked Popovers served alongside a dish of soft butter. If this is any indication of the cuisine here my taste buds are already starting to dance. Dare I say they are as delicious as the ones my wife bakes on special occasions?

For the soup, a Lobster Bisque… Just the right consistency with some chunks of Lobster and Micro Greens in the center for garnish.

My next course… The Braised Veal Agnolotti, Black Truffles and Parmigiano. Amazing! Rich in Flavour, nicely plated and leaves you wanting for more. Had it not been for the main dish that was coming next I'd have ordered another- Wow.

And for the main this evening… A Pan Roasted Maine Lobster done in a Lemon Tarragon Butter served over Horseradish Mashed Potatoes and Sautéed Green Beans… Another amazing dish. Not sure how they do it but each and every dish I had this evening was spectacular!

The dessert…Two handcrafted Cannolis served over fresh fruits. Not just fresh but like they were picked moments before after ripening to peak ripeness… Apples, Blueberries, Kiwi, Mango, Pineapple, Raspberries and Strawberries in a Citrus Bath…Add in my signature Cappuccino… It bears repeating… Wow!

This has been an amazing dining experience every inch of the way! Whodathunkit?! In Foxborough of all places. I will definitely be back next time business takes me to Foxborough. If you enjoy fine dining like I do, you'll absolutely...