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Strega Waterfront
Category: Restaurants Italian Italian [Edit]
One Marina Park DrBoston, MA 02210
Neighbourhoods: Waterfront, South Boston
- Nearest Transit:
-
Northern Ave Opp Federal Court House (4)
Court House Station (inbound) (SL1, SL2, Silver Line)
Court House Station (outbound) (SL1, SL2, Silver Line)
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Valet
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Romantic, Classy, Trendy, Upscale
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
69 reviews for Strega Waterfront
Review Highlights
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"Creme brule, amoretto cake, and more - all top notch." In 4 reviews -
"...filled ravioli with a cream sauce made from crab meat." In 5 reviews -
"Caprese salad was as fresh as can be." In 3 reviews
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68 reviews in English
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Review from Jason C.
Boston, MA
1/31/2012
I had an incredible time at this restaurant! I celebrated my anniversary here and didn't have a single regret. The atmosphere was great, the food was great, and the waiter was very knowledgeable.
I went to Strega (meaning Witch, also an Italian drink) early afternoon Sunday. My girlfriend and I were the only people there for a while, so of course I told her I rented the place out for her. But serious I had a great experience here, I would highly recommend this establishment to family and friends. -
Review from William L.
Charlestown, MA
2/16/2012
Maybe between its location, the constant adds during Phantom Gourmet, and the price my expectations were inflated. The valet was slow, disorganized and unfriendly. Our server was attentive but I felt a bit like I was buying a used car. The food was average Italian and certainly doesn't stand up to other restaurants in the price range. Our antipasto was tasty, our calamari was lackluster and a bit overcooked. The lobster ravioli were flavorful and stuffed with lobster, they looked like they had been made by a child though. The sauce was OK and wouldn't make the top ten the neighborhood across the harbor. The sea bass special was cooked well, but was to be served with "roasted cherry tomato's" I got three along with an equally anemic serving of bland mashed potatoes. With desert I requested some port, and was offered a choice of only three fairly run of the mill varieties. For a restaurant who's wine list reads like the Odyssey I guess I expected more.
I guess that was the overall experience I had at Strega Waterfront, I expected more. If you're looking to be treated "like a celebrity" as Nick Varano says go to a Boston staple or one of the up and coming Cambridge Restaurants. If you want something from Nick Varano go to his sandwich shop on the corner of the North End. Its Great. -
Review from Jeff F.
1/3/2012
Rolled in here this past week and may come back to post up at the quasi-sports bar, but probably won't be back for dinner. Here's the rundown:
Pros
- could be option if you need somewhere on the Seaport
- also a good option if you need a good option for a private room - seemed like they could accommodate a room for 10 or 40
Cons - keep in mind this is in comparison w/ average Italian food in BOS
- food ranges from good (burrata app) to mediocre (Frutti di Mare was more of a flavorless Zuppa di Pesce)
- most of the food was average gnocchi, mushroom Pappardelle, etc..
Not sure why people pumped on Strega - my best guess is that it's new... -
Review from S. M. S.
Boston, MA
5/6/2012
Hope you like watching TV while you eat because the only thing odder than the inconvenient location of this restaurant is the frickin' 300 TV's blaring Times Square-scale baseball in your face. Food was North End Italian (boring).
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Review from Eve S.
Norwood, MA
4/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
At first, the decor and ambience seem straight out of a NJ mob movie, and you wonder if it's all a little too... Italian kitsch. But it all makes sense once you taste the food and experience the service. Strega does home-style Italian proud. I'll definitely be hosting my most finicky Italian foodie family and friends here in the future.
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Review from Johanna D.
Cambridge, MA
3/22/2012
Went here during lunch for restaurant week because I've dying to try it. Looking at their menu though I was confused as to why none of the restaurant week options were actually on the menu (and we had to specifially ask for the restarant week menu). I opted for the meatball which came with ricotta for an appetizer and I must say it was absolutely to die for! Melt in your mouth veal as the main ingredient and the ricotta a perfect compliment. Then I had sausage and broccoli rabe risotto which was also really tasty and a good lunch choice. My boyfriend decided to order off the regular menu and got a caprese salad and a Strega burger. He really liked it but it was nothing to write home about. Tiramisu is a must! Overall, solid choice.
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Review from Rick B.
Needham, MA
3/14/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great Italian food. Excellent service. Valet parking better than garage.
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Review from Barry G.
11/22/2011 3 Check-ins Here
So after you read my review, you might think 'ok, why did he give it a 4 not a 5'
well, it is a combination of TW) visits - thats why!
So I have frequented the Hanover St location many times. Love the small cozy atmosphere, the staff, and the FOOD!
So of course, waterfront should be good to right?
well, the food, yes, amazing!
I will chronicle my two visits.
Over the summer, during the SC playoffs (GO BRUINS!), after w couple hours at Luckys we went over to Strega to meet friends. Jam packed, shoulder to shoulder, HUGE TV's showing the game, and good strong drinks. Fun, nice place, but a little to crowded for my liking (it is why we left Luckys)
Went again last night, just for dinner. Much different scene (as you would expect). about half capacity, a lot quieter, and more enjoyable (I am there for the food now, not the bar)
I was there with 5 other people,and we got a LOT of food.
- pumpkin ravioli appetizer - top notch!
- mozzarella, tomato and prosciutto? Just as good (such creamy cheese - the waiter said they import it twice a week from Italy)
- Fried and grilled veggie platter - also great!
The meals were amazing as expected. Sirloin, stuffed pork, awesome! sides are great
Desserts? We ordered too many. Creme brule, amoretto cake, and more - all top notch.
THIS is what good dining should be. great food, not thinking of calories, washed down with some Mcllelen 12 year and great atmosphere
ther eis a lot more room than the hanover st location, and especially the higher ceilings make it seem bigger.
I like the location, I love the food
5 stars for going out for dinner
-1 star for the over crowded bar atmosphere later at night (hey, not their fault, popularity is good!) -
Review from Morgan D.
9/15/2011
Amazing, Lavish, Delicious...the important ingredients for a superb meal.
I can hands down say, this is one of the best, if not the best, dining experiences of my life.
Went here for one of my best friends birthdays, there were a total of 9 girls and it was fabulous. We started with bottles of wine and great appetizers. The food and service were pristine. The owner came out and bull-shited with our table...very also, down-to-earth guy. He sent over 2 bottles of champagne for us. He was truly fantastic and treated us like family.
From what I hear, reservations are very hard to get so it was awesome that we got to experience this great meal. Everyone was dressed to the 9's, so I probably wouldn't come in jeans.
We stayed here for 3 hours (a dream come true of mine, I love dining out and hate to be rushed) and it was worth it!! We definitely payed a pretty penny our meal, but you pay for what you get and what we got was excellent! -
Review from Michael W.
Shrewsbury, MA
2/15/2012
Great food and for a place that attracts a fair amount of tourist types....the menu is a lot more than veal parm and a pound of pasta. Very innovative menu that still specializes in the classics. Authentic food, outstanding staff and a beautiful looking restaurant. Highly reccomended!!!!!
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Review from Melissa D.
Boston, MA
9/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Insert commercial pun right now: "To die for." Strega waterfront is located on Fan Pier (inbetween the Moakley Courthouse and ICA). Valet is provided but there are plenty of parking lots around. Strega has outdoor seating and inside has the dark tones of an Italian steakhouse.
Since you need to make reservations about a month in advance, we chanced it but they were fully booked. The crowd was an older setting and people got dressed up. We felt uncomfortable in our jeans and summer tops. We sat outside, a bit chilly but they have heat lamps. As we waited for a couple more people, my friend tried out the Limoncello Martini and the Espresso Martini. The latter was a better cocktail.
We were disappointed that they didn't have a great selection of appetizers but I settled with the Caesar salad. Heads up the salad is a good starter for 2 people with fresh cut slices of parmesan and a mound of romaine and dressing.
However, the entrees won us back with so many delicious choices to choose from. Orders were placed for the Fettuccine Strega (scallops and shrimp in a cream sauce), Gnocchi Sorrentina (potato dumplings with buffalo mozzarella), and Alla Romana (chicken breast with sun dried tomatoes). Great ingredients like fresh made pasta, off the boat scallops, chicken cooked to perfection.
Entrees range from $27-$45 and cocktails about $12 each. You are going to spend a little more but the atmosphere and food won our votes to come back. -
Review from Adam M.
Boston, MA
9/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
Despite a new locale and a fancy decor, Strega still leaves a bit to be desired in terms of keeping up Boston's ever improving culinary scene. With many classic dishes that conjure up memories of grandma's kitchen, Strega offers something that everyone can enjoy, however, doesn't really come close to delivering something truly special. The scallop appetizer was not seared enough (barely seared at all), however, the eggplant was nicely prepared and not soggy.
We only shared an entree so likely will need to return to get a better sense as to the scope of the menu, however, the Pappardelle Emiliana was well cooked, but the sauce definitely needed more seasoning. Despite high quality ingredients, the sauce was semi-tasteless and could have been much better with minor adjustments.
All in all, Strega will definitely thrive in its new locale and the great view, however, will need to pick it up on the innovation side to compete with some of the up and coming chefs in Boston's culinary scene. -
Review from Itch S.
Boston, MA
11/12/2011
Not just dinner but a complete experience. Phil greeted us, Bruno waited on us and everything else fell in place. It was difficult to decide amongst so many choices. I wanted to go the full Italian course with Appertif, antipasto, primi pasta, secondi, insalata, desert, expresso, grappa.... and I did. Bruno accomodated my request for small arrabiata pasta as a primi, which was not on the menu, without hesitation. Great. Mozzarella in the Caprese was great. Ossobucco was so good I almost thought it was manufactured (I know that doesn't make sense). Creme brulee was great but was strange that I was given a dinner fork with which to eat it (fahgetaboutit) - but hey it helped me savor it longer.
Everything going on around us, the interesting crowd, the regulars and even the staff were entertaining to watch. I noted that many of the movies showing on the multiple video screens had the same actors at different stages of their careers on simultaneously. Chazz Palminteri, of course DeNiro. Hey and it was a full moon viewed out the window. Hey nothing about the place was cheap but it was all good stuff. -
Review from Tey H.
Boston, MA
7/8/2011
Strega is more nightclub than restaurant. The food despite steep prices is just average. And be sure to ask the prices of the specials or be surprised by a $45 bland chicken. Nothing really stands out. Pork chops ok, but not flavorful, tortelloni was average.
The bar scene is amusing. Mob movies play continuously which is fun for 10 minutes. Most bizarre is when the TVs behind the front bar stopped ESPN and began scrolling Chairman Mao sized photos of . . . the owner. Laughed our asses off at that bit of ego. Waitresses are gorgeous but unless one of them fits inside a ravioli, we are going elsewhere. -
Review from Tracey F.
Boston, MA
8/21/2011
Saturday night I met my friend, Barbara for dinner at Strega. We decided on 7.00pm as we both know the Waterfront is a little nuts these days and virtually impossible to get a reservation by just doing a walk-in.
I arrived at Strega a little early, around 6.45pm and it was already a scene. Welcome to the new Southie - its crazy! The Waterfront (Seaport, Liberty Wharf, Fan Pier etc) area is buzzing with excitement and fun.
The atmosphere is rich with the money-crowd, in-crowd, tourist crowd and of course me and Barbara. An amazing people watching scene to behold. It also does seem to be working a little bit of the "Sopranos" feel of slighly over the top, but kind of fun. The restaurant is quite impressive with a higher-end, contemporary decor with huge murals of people like Al Pacino. They do have a lovely outside dining area, which feels a lot more casual.
The bartender very nicely recognized me and welcomed me back. Considering I have only ever been to Strega once before, this was lovely. She was absolutely crazed all night but made time to check in on everyone (with a constant smile) to make sure they were okay.
Our bartender delivered a basket of bread and olives soaked in garlicky olive oil while we checked out the menu.
I ordered a glass of Fume Blanc and we decided to share the Portobello al Forno - Baked stuffed mushroom cap with homemade ricotta cheese and spinach served with spicy San Marzano tomatoes.
Our appetizer was wonderful - an enormous Portobello loaded with fluffy, creamy ricotta cheese with lightly spiced tomato sauce. It was like a mini homemade lasagna without the pasta with some sauce left over so we could wipe up our plates with bread.
I remembered from the last time I was at Strega that even though they don't put it on the menu, you can order half portions of the pasta dishes, which is exactly what we did with the Risotto don Pietro - Portabello mushrooms, fresh chicken and baby spinach and the Fettuccini Strega - Jumbo shrimp, deep sea scallops and baby spinach served in a creamy Strega sauce.
I started with the Fettuccini Strega. Plump, juicy diver scallops that were so tasty over a delicious creamy, rich sauce with perfectly made fettuccine.
We then swapped plates so we could try each other's dish. The Risotto was a little different from the usual, creamy heavy risottos I have had in the past. It was fresher, a little more al dente and very appetizing - the mushrooms were meaty and the spinach added a lovely summer flavor to the dish. Just one thing... there was absolutely no chicken in the dish. We actually didn't even notice until we had both finished and then realized it.
Half portions are absolutely the way to go for me. I could not imagine having a full portion of these pasta dishes as I would be eating it for the next three days. Also, sharing dishes is the way to go if you are on a bit of a budget. I love that we can do this more and more in the more high-end restaurants. -
Review from Abhirup D.
Boston, MA
10/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is expensive, but for the money you dish out, they sure treat you like an Arabian prince. I went to Strega Waterfront for a corporate dinner, and as soon as i walk in you are greeted by the collage of celebrity photos, each of who I am sure enjoyed the experience as much as I did.
The food was great. I had the rack of lamb special. It was amazing. Presentation, flavor, taste, everything was awesome! My gin and tonic was nicely made as well, except for the copious amount of tiny ice cubes, but that was overshadowed by the glamor of the waiters/bartenders.
The ambiance was a little ridiculous - they had giant screen TV's playing Rocky and a bunch of Italian Mafia and Gangsta movies, but it all added to the experience.
I would be mostly inclined to take my girl to that place and treat her to a luxurious dining experience, and I highly recommend you do too.
The place is the bomb. -
Review from T G.
Boston, MA
11/10/2011
The three stars are for the excellent service (despite the rude man who confirmed my reservation by phone) and the wonderful ribeye special. Three stars is generous! Other than the ribeye, the food was mediocre - boring Caesar salad, bland fried calamari with blander sauce, under seasoned scampi and just a decent chocolate cake. With just two glasses of wine, dinner for 2 adults and 2 teenagers (squished at a tiny table which was really only big enough for 2) was over $300 with tip. Thanks for not mentioning the special prices! Would that have been rude? And valet was $10 despite the website's free valet parking claim.
I don't mind an expensive dinner when it's worth it, but we experienced very little value here unfortunately. -
Review from Barry L.
Woburn, MA
7/23/2011
Called Strega to make a reservation, but they said they were Completely booked up till 9:30 pm. So I clicked on Open Table on Stregas website an was able to easily make a 6:30 dinner reservation, with plenty of other times open. WTF????
Got there and the place is half empty. So we decide to order app and amscray.
But then we're told to sit in the patio, it is a $25 minimum for food.
Waiter was excellent but what's the deal? -
Review from Darien G.
Darien, CT
2/14/2012
Had a business lunch here recently, and I thought it was excellent.
Upon entry, you get surrounded by photos of famous people posing with somebody (must be the owner / founder?) so you immediately know there are people that frequent the joint much cooler than you are.
Decor is ok, but what is the deal with TVs everywhere? I get that the bar area wants to have a lot of TVs, but it's a bit tacky to have them in the dining area. That's about the only negative thing I can say though (but hey, I get to answer the "Has TV?" question in the affirmative, if only they KNEW just how many TVs!)
Menu is extensive, and it's always a good thing when you reach each item and sort of nod your head in agreement. By the time it was my turn to order, I had it narrowed down to about one of four dishes.
Their home made pasta is superb. The sauces are beautiful. The quality of the ingredients is obviously a priority as well...
Portion size is a bit strange. Everybody in our group thought the portions were WAY TOO big, but that's a tough thing to complain about in the grand scheme of things.
There's nothing they don't do well, and I look forward to a return visit soon. -
Review from Saba N.
6/16/2011
I love the location of this place, honestly.. you can't beat it. beautiful view. The restaurant is a little tacky, but I kind of like it. And it's Strega, what do you expect?
My biggest complaint is that I ordered this tequila/grapefruit drink (which normally I love)... and it was genuinely garbage. 12 dollar garbage.
But, that being said, the lunch I had was Delicious. I think it was a little over priced for dinner, but I would definitely come back for lunch. I had a prosciutto parma panini (say that 3 times fast) and I was super impressed. Plus, it was $13 bucks. Not bad for a nice, Boston lunch.
Definitely would go back.. but overall not amazingly impressed. It was good. And that's about it. There aren't a ton of places on the waterfront though, so it's a really good option for those who want a nice view and to impress. -
Review from Lo-an L.
San Francisco, CA
As the wind carried me into the massive entrance of Strega, I realize that I might not be able to spot my date in the sea of suits at the bar. Oodles and oodles of older gentlemen nursing their 12-year-old scotch looking at me as a sacrificial lamb. While I backed away slowly trying not to look them in the eye and scouring the place for a familiar face, my date waved his hand up in recognition and came to rescue me before the herd attacked.
Relieved and thirsty, I settled myself at the bar and we ordered up a house-customized martini for me and, you guessed it, a 12-year-old scotch for him. It was a mindless Tuesday and the bar is already buzzing with older gents after work and traveler's crowd. Mental note, tell all the single ladies where the men are hiding in this town.
The strawberry filled martini with vodka and prosecco did wonders of calming my nerves while being around some power suits. As conversations around me swirl from day trading to vacation hot spots I find my stomach grumbling in anticipation for some delightfully fresh carbohydrates.
When the host finally came over to announce that our table was ready, we finished our drinks and made our tipsy way to a cozy booth. I sat there and drank in the atmosphere with it's high ceiling, huge windows overlooking the waterfront with it's ominous dark clouds and the brave souls that would want to take a romantic stroll on a windy evening such as this.
A deliciously fresh breadbasket was placed before us with tons of olives filled olive oil for our dipping pleasure. Our waiter came over to recite the special which I listen to half heartedly as I munch on the bread and wait to order my bowl of linguine alla vongole with fra diavolo sauce.
A nice bottle of Cabernet set the mood as my date educate me on how 2005 was a great year for cabs..... Caprese salad was as fresh as can be. The tomatoes and basil taste like they just got hand picked on a beautiful August evening... No complaints from me as I sat there satisfied with my salad and my wine.
The pasta was amazingly fresh but the clams were a bit sandy and chewy. I was thinking how I should have ordered the lamp chops and then without saying anything, a lamp chop magically appeared on my plate (not magically, just a generous fella who shares). The chops were brilliantly juicy with just enough rosemary to flavor.
My night was complete. Great wine, fresh pasta and a fella who shares his chops; what more can a gal ask for...
Well, I could have done without the couple 2 booths away who just proposed... but c'est la vie.Listed in: Places that sweeps me off my…
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Review from Christa R.
Boston, MA
8/1/2011
I tried Strega for the first time this past Friday night. We had reservations, but had to wait probably 20 minutes to be seated. We sat awhile before our server came over, but we didn't mind much. This place has a very, very nice decor. I liked how they had t.v screens with my favorite mob movies playing which was really cool. The location is nice, but it was a lot further back than I had thought so I couldn't find it right away. The server came over with warm bread and olive oil with all different types of olives, which was SOO good!!
We got the calamari as an appetizer which we all enjoyed it was delicious. All of our entrees were excellent, I had the CASARECCI DI MARINA, which was eggplant with fusilli w/ tomato sauce. It was amazing!! My sister had the fettuccini strega, which was shrimp and scallops w/ pasta in a cream sauce. She loved it, I tried it too and I thought it was delicious. Our friend had a dish with mushrooms and pasta in a creamy sauce, I can't remember what it was called but it was good, lol. The food was amazing we enjoyed it!! They lose a star for making us wait for our table, and it took quite awhile for our server to greet us and for our drinks to come. Our server was really nice though, and it was a Friday night they were super busy. -
Review from Kyle R.
Boston, MA
8/29/2011
The meatballs were amazing, as was the bread with oil and olives to start. The Peroni was delicious as well.
Went with the scrimp scampi. the shrimp was fresh and tasty but the pasta lacked flavor although it was cooked perfectly.
Sat outside because it was a nice day. The interior dining room is beautifully designed. amazing architecture! very solid wine list and the rest of the menu looked good.
Will try again for sure -
Review from Bill B.
Newington, CT
12/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
I ate there last night, mouthwatering surf & turf, lobster is seasoned to give it nice flavor, filet was excellent, the decor is by far Boston's best it is Chic & Hip by refreshing. Service was top notch
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Review from Linda P.
Milton, MA
2/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Without a doubt, this place is beautiful and located in a perfect location next to the water.
However, the service was horrendous. Just because my friends and I were not dressed to impress does NOT mean that we should be treated any differently. Our waiter tended to the tables next to us more often - to an older well-dressed couple. Our water stayed empty for long periods of time and the waiter was short with us when we asked for recommendations for dishes.
The food was mediocre - I was not impressed. -
Review from warren w.
Concord, MA
3/16/2011
Easy to get to location; took advantage of the valet parking; gave him my keys and look over and there are about 5 spaces available on the street.! In we go, catch up with our good friend and it's dad's night out with the ladies. I don't love 1/2 moon booth type seating. One person has to take a leak and 2 of us get up. Not for four of us anyway but there we are and I think the crew likes it. I say nothing. Water is delivered promptly with a large basket of bread, the most delicious olives and I'm checking out the the crowd. Mostly men; looks like just after work and with a mixture of couples as the night progresses. We arrived at 7:00.
Recommendations from previous yelper experiences has my daughter all over the lobster ravioli or better known to we Italian wannabes as Lobster Aragosta! Ha! This was first challenged by a hearty plate of calamari with a very delicous marinara sauce and more than just an appetizer. Order this and stop. I went for the Taganino (rhymes with Menino) and not exactly as described in the menu. Somebody forgot the crostini. I kept eating; kept doing my best to get to the bottom; but there was no bread at the bottom of the delicious little necks and mussels. The sauce was described as spicey by not so. One diner, Auntie, enjoyed the Rollatini (eggplant perfectly rolled and the most wonderful of all textures and taste.) She then got after the Papparadele Funghi Sevatici a creme based, truffle infused, mushroom dish that was perfect on this cold evening. She loved it.
Got to tell you about Auntie's bloody mary. She's not much of a drinker. "please may I have a bloody Mary with very little vodka?" Out it comes. Now she also doesn't care much for spicy. This Mary is beyond hot mixed with far too much pepper and really for most undrinkable. Another is brought to the table as a replacement. She hopes watered down! Nope. Sits sits there loneyl with ice melting looking for a new home.
Our other friend the Panda was engrossed in a fusili dish known to most Italians as Casareci Di Marinara a perfect dish for this discerning vegan who loves tomato, and eggplant baked together.
The wine was a very dry and tasty G. Travaglini Gattinara 2004 that also was priced sort of fairly and affordable for our host who was footing the bill (Auntie).
Vincenzo was our server. He was attentive, funny, and personable. I would ask for him again without question. The atmosphere is upscale, and I think a taste of what the waterfront in the Seaport area will become. This will be a very busy spot 12 months a year. A cool yet small bar with a great display of tv's and a hostess or two in dresses short enough to have me take the pictures of the wife and kids out of my wallet!
Why the 4....Oh I can't do it I'm changing it to 5. Did not like the booth, where was my crostini, and a sure could have used a spoon for my clams!? Oh, I could have said something, but I was the guest and trying to be on my best and well....... -
Review from Iris M.
Cambridge, MA
6/28/2011
Great location by the waterfront, oh!, and a 10 minute walk from my job!
The restaurants seems to be a meeting place for execs in the area, as well as large family gatherings and couples looking for a special night out (a guy proposed to his fiance that night). Anyway, we went here for a friend's birthday in May and it was a really chill spot. A bottle of champagne was sent to the table, we had loads of sweet drinks, the rolls were fresh, I finally got to see A Bronx Tale, tried a couple of the appetizers (tomato basil mozarella and eggplant).
Honestly, I can't remember the exact dishes that were ordered, but the night was that good and it left a feeling of deep satisfaction. What I did taste, left me wanting to come back in the very near future. -
Review from Ambrose C.
Boston, MA
Finding a decent place to eat in the Waterfront area might be a little hard. I decided to eat at this really upscale place with my family after hearing about the really good reviews. The food I ordered is from the Restaurant Week menu but the appetizer and the entree should be on the regular menu. Here is what I got for my dinner:
Prosciutto Bocconcini e Peperoni - This is mozzarella cheese wrapped with Italian style ham. Peppers are put as garnish. This was the antipasto.
Ravioli Aragosta - This is lobster filled ravioli with a cream sauce made from crab meat. The dish only had 4 pieces.
Tiramisu - This was a cake with tiramisu flavor and it was the dolce.
My mother ordered the Thursday special, which was the Porchetta. This dish is a pork loin, with mashed potatoes, asparagus and peppers, despite the conflicting description on the menu. My father ordered the Linguine Alle Vongole. This is pasta with clams doused in a scampi sauce.
The bread was actually pretty good, fairly crusty and chewy. They provided some olive oil, and it was pretty good as well. I ate a couple of olives, brought back some memories of eating aceitunas in Spain.
As for my dishes, the presentation of the appetizer was really impressive. The ham and cheese were really tasty and the balsamic vinegar was pretty good as well. The peppers were decent. As for the lobster ravioli, the presentation was not really impressive, but the ravioli was tasty and chewy and the sauce was decently good. Did not detect much meatiness in the lobster though and I thought it was probably the most disappointing dish. As for the other dishes, I sampled the pork loin and the clams. The pork was dry and not so tender to my liking. The clams though were decently good.
As for the dessert, I thought it was the best part of the meal and a great finisher to the meal. The cream, the sweetness, along with the fresh cool softness of the cake, gave my tongue and palate a great feeling of euphoria. I'm talking about the kind of euphoria that you get as if you are standing at the Piazzale Michelangelo on a beautiful afternoon in Firenze, Toscana and you get kissed by a really gorgeous girl that you really want to spend time with often. Yeah, the tiramisu is that good, but probably not as good as tiramisu from the bakeries and cafes in the North End neighborhood, and maybe not as good as tiramisu from a decent cafe in Firenze.
Service was pretty good, the server was very attentive, and replaced our forks and knives every time we finished a dish. He always made sure our glasses were filled with water and we had enough bread. Interior is really comfortable. I think you should wear something nice, maybe a Kenneth Cole collared shirt and some nice slacks by Armani. Restrooms are really clean, and strangely, there is a flat screen TV above the toilets so you can conveniently watch TV while "taking care of your business". This place is open until 2 AM, so it's not a bad choice after a night out in the city.
Overall, this place is not high on my recommendations for great Italian cuisine in Boston, but it is a pretty good choice for something upscale, if you don't mind splurging a little and if you do not want to walk far after spending a really long day at an exposition at the Institute of Contemporary Art museum nearby. It's also a pretty good choice for a dinner appointment as well, but the location kind of sucks since this area in Boston is a little boring. -
Review from Bart v.
Downtown, Boston, MA
1/8/2012
Great Italian experience on a food and wine level. The pastas with fish are very good and I recommend having prosciutto as an appetizer. Staff is very friendly. From the outside it looks like a sportbar, but the restaurant has great boot-seating. Bring your wallet!
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Review from Roseanne B.
Millbury, MA
8/17/2011
I went here during Restaurant week and it was delicious!!
The freshmade bread and olives is a great way to start the meal. I had the shrimp scampi, which was cooked PERFECTLY. Not too garlicky, and the pasta was perfect. Will definitly go back. -
Review from Marissa S.
Salem, MA
3/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
Beautiful location, awesome atmosphere, good food. What else do you need for a good restaurant?
A friend suggested we go here, so there of us made a reservation - which I would HIGHLY recommend. We went on a Wed night and there were no tables without a reservation. We were seated and placed a drink order. In general the restaurant is expensive. Martini's are $12-$14 and entrees are $21-$45.
The one thing I didn't like about the atmosphere is that in the bar area there are huge tv's and lots of them. It's almost like a sports bar. The other thing is that the service is okay. Just okay. We found ourselves asking a few times, "where is our waiter?" and one time had to ask someone else to find him. But, the food was awesome. It was very good. I had the tortellini and it was delicious.
One other very cool fact is that they have complimentary car service that will take you wherever you want to go! how cool is that? I have a feeling this place is going to be hot, hot, hot during the summer since it is right on the water. Def. worth a try! -
Review from David P.
Boston, MA
12/6/2010
This restaurant will receive awards! Only open for a few months we chose Strega Waterfront for a birthday dinner. Excellent! Not only were the atmosphere and staff superb but each person in our party of 6 raved about every course. Our group, having lived in Boston for 10-14 years each, has not complimented in unison like this in a long time!
Calamari was light and cooked to perfection. My veal Voldostana was tender and seasoned to perfection.
Parking was a cinch (Sunday evening - plenty of open meters) but valet service was available. -
Review from Bess M.
Boston, MA
12/5/2011
I went to Strega on Thanksgiving and I felt right as I walked in the door they rolled out the red carpet for me and my family. Not only was the food fabulous but the service was EXCELLENT!
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Review from Amy T.
Acton, MA
11/13/2010 1 Check-in Here
What a fantastic night! Strega provided a fabulous experience from start to finish. I have a hard time with places that seem to be trying too hard (from the pretentious host to the bored waitstaff), but Strega didn't have any of that. Not a single snotty attitude, or blase person to be found! Everyone was friendly and accommodating
The bar is great. Lj (our bartender) was not only great at taking care of our large group, but did it with a genuine smile and pleasure.
Our waiter was fun, well-informed and we ended up feeling like he was part of our dinner party (in the best way possible). He added so much to an already pleasurable dining experience.
The food was delicious and all nine of us liked our food (not an easy accomplishment). The antipasto platters were delicious and the bread was phenomenal (they basically had me at the bread basket). They serve you bread that is so moist, with a side of olives in olive oil that is so good, that had I been alone, I would have eaten enough to make myself sick.
The atmosphere was a great mix of classy and fun. Very nice decor and added a little wink wink Italian flare with Old Blue Eyes watching us from the wall on our left, DeNiro watching our back, and the Italian American film classics on the TV.
There was one tiny little minor issue. The creme brulee (my favorite dessert) was not brulee. It was more of a pot du creme. A minor detail I would have no problem overlooking and will not deter me from returning as soon as I can.
Thanks Strega! -
Review from Rachel R.
Melrose, MA
3/18/2011
I went here with a friend from work yesterday during restaurant week. I had never been here before but my friend had, so she suggested the place. The atmosphere and location are very nice. It is bright and sunny and very close to the water. The seaport district is really getting some great places!!
They brought a basket with lots of warm, freshmade bread, and olive oil with all different kinds of olives. This was delicious!!! I started out with the Minestrone Soup for my appetizer and it was very flavorful and full of veggies. My friend has the prosciutto e melone(melon wrapped in prosciutto), which was three large pieces of melon wrapped in lots of prosciutto! She said it was great!
For my entree I had the Pollo Parmagiana. It was a very tasty piece of chicken, with breading, topped with homemade red sauce and cheese, and a side of penne! Delicious!!! And a great portion, especially during restaurant week!
My friend had the polpette with paccheri... which was homemade veal and mushroom meatballs with house made paccheri pasta... it looked amazing! we both finished our plates.
For dessert, it was tiramisu for both! Excellent!
The service was amazing here, and I beleive all of the servers are actually Italian. Sometimes the service can go downhill during restaurant week but Strega definitely kept it upscale! So happy I tried this place. I will definitely go here again! -
Review from Pauleena M.
Boston, MA
11/6/2011
drinks were so expensive! If you plan to go, definitely go nicely dressed! I went very causal and felt out of place. Service was ok, not impressed. Busy that night so I am being rational. Didn't try food, maybe next time. I would go back some day..
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Review from Andrew S.
Boston, MA
2/19/2012
It's a nice atmosphere, but tries to be too many things at once. The dining area is elegant with great details, but has TV's along the wall showing classic italian/mob movies (a gimmick from their North End location). It just detracts from the classy establishment it's trying to be. The sports bar, sorry, "lounge", portion wasn't separated and as a result the entire restaurant was way too loud. We were on the opposite side of the restaurant and were constantly straining to talk across a 3 ft table. The food was "meh"; admittedly we ordered on the cheaper side of the menu ($20+) but you shouldn't have to order a $35+ entree to get decent food at a "high-end" restaurant. Overall it was ok, and my date liked it but it was nothing special and doesn't live up to the hype. If I go back I'll know to have much lower expectations. Bottom line: service, initial appearance and prices of a high-end restaurant but the food and atmosphere of a "wanna-be" establishment.
BTW: drinks are way over priced (prices not on the menu). $7 for a 12oz bottle of Sam seasonal in a glass. -
Review from Sugartime X.
Boston, MA
1/11/2012
atmosphere, service and food was all good....just over priced and portions so so Or I'd give it a 5 star
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Review from Rachel P.
Boston, MA
7/15/2011
I'm actually really surpised that this place got so many good reviews. I think people are just being nice. Other than the atmosphere and free valet - this place is terrible. The chicken I got was completely overcooked and dry like it had been sitting there for 5 hours. They brought me another dish and it was the same way. Super disappointing for a $25 entree.
Then we got Tiramisu for dessert. Starting eating it and it was pretty good until we tried to take a second bite and realized it was completely frozen in the middle. Really Strega? You're a "high-class" Italian restaurant and you are serving me a frozen piece of Tiramisu? Disgusting. Not to mention how awkward it is when the owners walk around bothering people while they are eating...I'll never be back here. -
Review from Christine L.
Dedham, MA
11/4/2011
This place is amazing. The location is great and the restaurant itself is so beautiful inside. The food is seriously phenomenal. I ordered shrimp and I can safely say I had no idea shrimp could taste like that. If you go here, you need to get the shrimp. To die for.
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