Gaetano's Ristorante — Restaurant in Stoneham

I gave it 2 stars for the food only because mine was amazing but read on as to why I didn't give it a good review despite what others reviewed highly for....

Came on a Friday afternoon 230pm-345pm. Not busy. Walls dirty at our table. Service mediocre not very attentive but nothing bad. Calamari great. (I don't like eggplant much so I didn't try that appetizer.) Chianti braided short rib was amazing the plate was cleaned off (minor issue on preference was asparagus too big and undercooked ever so slightly but it's my opinion and not negative). Then... the filet. The actual filet was sour. Can't even describe it because I never in my life encountered it but it literally tasted like eating old soured chunks of parmesan cheese. Texture was rubber and displeasing even to the eye before you took that nasty first bite. Table manners set aside.. meat got spit out into a baby wipe (I have a child so it was handy as to not use their washable napkins). Foul foul meat. Waitress took it back and offered a new plate or something else. Went with some other kind of steak. By the time it came out we needed to go so it was wrapped up... (fussy 3 year old) But the bill came and we were charged for the other meal... we were under the impression that it was complimentary because the filet was foul. Waitress told us the chef even tried it and agreed it was inedible and would be reported to the vendor.

They asked my partner for a dessert but didn't even ask if I might be interested. She didn't even look at me when asking him. Just walked away and returned with the bill. Weird.

FYI to parents that come with kiddos, the chicken tenders and fries meal was fine. fries seemed crisp and light which is always a plus! Just do not expect to change your child in their restroom, it's a tight squeeze & very dark with no changing table. We had to ask for the drink and ice cream that came with the kids meal.

While my meal was delicious, after the experience I wouldn't recommend it nor probably return.

Bill was $180....

If I could give this place a zero, I would. The redeeming quality of the whole experience was that the calamari appetizer was good and I enjoyed the rolls that they left for us in between our 45 min of appetizers and dinner.

This is not the first time we visited Gaetano's, but it most certainly is our last. The first time was with our couple friends, and we enjoyed ourselves. Not the best Italian food that I've had, but I enjoyed the quiet atmosphere, the drinks, and the extremely pleasant hostess. This was pre-renovation.

Our second experience was horrid. We decided to go with my Mother-in-Law, since she mentioned that she loved the restaurant, and we wanted to see the newly renovated Gaetano's. We arrived about 15 min before our reservation, and they wouldn't seat us. Understandable, since we were early. However, there were several tables open, and remained open throughout our dining experience.

When we finally sat down (about 15 min after our reservation), we waited about another 15 for our waitress to take down our drink orders, and then another 15 to actually get them. By this time, we're starving and immediately order appetizers. After the appetizers, we wait another 20 min to even get our main entrees taken down. I had to flag down another waitress to get our waitress' attention and by then, she was abrupt, rude, and very unpleasant. She then disappeared for the rest of the evening, and we were brought our food by another of the wait staff. I had ordered the special of ravioli, and it was cold, and looked like it had coagulated be cause it sat out for too long.

I've never written a review before, and I have never complained at a restaurant before, to ask for comp from the hostess and management. But Gaetano's was special. Please save your money and go to a restaurant that is...

What an incredible dining experience we had at Gaetano's Friday night! I'd heard wonderful things about this restaurant, so we finally decided to check it out. We had a large party (8 people) so I made a reservation in advance. They seated us in the "Atrium." (Great atmosphere! Very festive and cozy with the lights and decor...) Our waitress came over immediately. Her smile lit up the room, and she introduced herself as "Francesca." She was warm and bubbly, and I knew right away we were in good hands. Having been a waitress for 20 years myself, I can always tell when someone enjoys their job. Francesca is one of them. She was relaxed and attentive, efficient and professional. She gave us suggestions on what to order, and even asked the chef to make me a special vegan dish, which was DELICIOUS!!! (I always appreciate when a server goes out of their way to accommodate my needs.) The bussers were also friendly and efficient. They brought us water and bread as soon as we sat down, and were always nearby to refill our glasses. I want to note that ALL of the staff in this restaurant worked as a team. It was insanely busy, but we never felt crowded or rushed. The restaurant has an easy vibe to it- a cross between "FRIENDS" and "CHEERS." LOL The food was outstanding. It arrived in a timely manner, and we all enjoyed our entrees. Francesca's suggestions were perfect, and she made us laugh and smile whenever she stopped by to make sure we were okay. Seriously, her energy and work ethic are an asset to Gaetano's. We will request her service the next time we make a reservation- which will be soon. I give this establishment FIVE STARS for exemplary service from start to finish!!! THANK YOU FOR A GREAT EVENING WITH MY FAMILY. We...