Ristorante Ravesi

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  Stopped in here for dinner on a Wednesday with my dad and sons before picking my wife up at the airport.  Ample parking across the street and a nicely decorated interior, although no natural light.
  
  Although not very busy on a Wednesday night, there was no dedicated hostess but one of the staff seated us promptly at a table laid out with cloth linens and set for upscale dining.
  
  The waiter was nice, served our drinks quickly, and took our order for the Antipasto Ravesi.  One of the owners told us they were out of roasted red peppers and would substitute extra rabe instead.  No problem.  The appetizer included 4 pieces of primo sale cheese, the rabe, and a small amount of olives and marinated mushrooms.  At $17.95, I wished we had opted for the calamari.
  
  I ordered the chicken piccata ($17.95) with sides of vegetable (carrots) and pasta.  The piccata was nice and lemony, with tender chicken medallions, artichoke halves, and just the right amount of capers.  The pasta with marinara was cooked perfectly and the sauce (even for a fellow Italian) was spot-on.  The carrots had an interesting smoky type flavor and seasoning that I couldn't quite pinpoint,
  
  One son ordered the margherita pizza, which looked like your classic Neopolitan or NY style pizza, typical for the Italian-influenced neighborhoods of East Boston and Revere.  Pizza looked very tasty with large slices of tomato.  My 9 year old showed his approval by enjoying half the pizza.
  
  The other son got chicken fingers and fries.  No surprises here.  Three large pieces of deep fried chicken and typical fries.  Server could've been nice to offer ketchup but did not.  My 6 yr old didn't seem to care.
  
  My dad ordered the pasta primavera, which he raved about.  So I assume he enjoyed it.
  
  Positives:  
  
  Everything seemed to be cooked perfectly, with exceptional flavor, and using fresh ingredients.  Nice selection of Italian favorites.  Hip decor.  Free parking.
  
  Negatives:
  
  The waiter could've offered to refill our drinks, and the wait time to get our entrees was about 45 minutes.  Far too long a wait on a night that wasn't busy at all.  Antipasti Ravesi appetizer price was obscene.

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  Posted on 07.03.13 Vincent T.

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  My wife and I go out to eat once a week.  Ravisi's food and atmosphere are fantastic.  If you go on Friday or Saturday you will get to meet Sal he is the host on the weekends.  My wife had the mixed fish grill, and I had the
  papadelle Ravisi both were outstanding . The server Amelia was very attentive without hovering.  Better than the North End with ample parking across the street.

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  Posted on 06.29.13 Bob L.

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  OMG...I had lunch at RAVESI today and I can't stop thinking about their pizza...Ravesi restaurant is where Maggio's once stood. I have not been in this part of Revere for sometime and was surprised to see Maggio was gone and Ravesi in its place.  I was with my niece and her friend, having come from Charlie's Cleaners after an alteration I offered to buy lunch...I was curious.
  
  Inside the restaurant was refurbished, contemporary chic, and very clean.  It was not crowed being 1pm on a rainy Thursday afternoon.
  
  Our waitress was very friendly and attentive. I ordered the Chicken Caesar Salad, my niece ordered the Fish & Chip Sandwich and her friend ordered the Buffalo Chicken Pizza...when I saw the pizza I could not resist taking a bite which lead to a whole slice.
  
  I thought  the pizza would be a personal size but it was plenty big for 2 to 3 people to share...and it was de.lic.ious! I am still thinking about their pizza. I am first generation Italian, I know Italian food and pizza...we always had homemade Italian food growing up and it spoiled us for when we ate out.
  
  The crust of Ravesi's Pizza is the closest I have experienced to Pizza like my mother made or that I had while in Italy. Ravesi's Buffalo Chicken Pizza had a nice hot bite with delicious flavor...I can't wait to return to try their Marietta pizza with fresh tomato, mozzarella and basil.
  
  I was equally impressed with my entree, the Chicken Caesar salad came with a large piece of sliced grilled chicken, the chicken was flavorful and tender, the romaine lettuce was fresh and tossed with just enough fresh Caesar dressing, parmesan cheese and croutons...it was a generous portion that I could not finish, there was enought left to take home.
  
  I did not taste my niece's Fish & Chips sandwich. The fried fish was lightly battered and the French fries looked really good too. She left nothing on her plate. On the ride home my niece mentioned having her H.S. graduation reception dinner at Ravesi...next year.
  
  For our three entrees and one soda,  the bill totaled $37.82...a very good value in my opinion.
  
  I look forward to returning to Revesi, to experience more of what they have to offer...it's my new recommendation to anyone who asks me where to go for really good Italian food. YOU HAVE TO TRY THEIR PIZZA.
  
  Oh...I almost forgot, they bring a basket of warm, fresh, crusty Italian bread to the table with butter...absolutely yummy.

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  Posted on 06.13.13 Linda G.

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  The new look is awesome, from what I've heard about it before it's fair to say it did a 180!  I came in for a family function.  Our waitress (name is slipping my mind) was fantastic.  It's small and cozy, awesome lanterns were hanging for some mood lighting and the bar was spacious.  Great food too, we did a buffet style but from that sampling I would say if I was ever back that way I would want to check out the menu offerings.

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  Posted on 05.11.13 Cristina C.

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  Would have given 5 stars except for the bread being brought with neither olive oil for dipping nor butter. When I asked for one or the other, the waiter did bring both, though.
  I had the veal marsala and then the creme brûlée, and both were excellent. If I'm ever in the area again, I'll be sure to eat there again!

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  Posted on 05.08.13 Margaret S.

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  I cannot recommend this place at all. Horrible service. My wife and I went early on Saturday afternoon when the place was empty, only 2 other couples. The staff tried to sit us next to the door and my wife asked to be moved. They then sat us on the edge of the dining room next to the bar. My wife asked to be moved again, this time explaining nicely that she wanted a table that was quiet and relaxing. As the staff and us looked at an empty room, the host said "sorry everything else is reserved". Seriously, the whole place is reserved? My wife again said she wanted to relax after a 24 hour shift. Then the waitress sarcastically asked "what do you do for work?" As if my wife was lying. To which my wife replies "as a hospice nurse". At that point I snapped and said we were leaving and bringing our business elsewhere. We went to Volare on Broadway and had an incredible meal. This place needs an adjustment up front or some training. Either way, We'll never know because we are done with them. We work too hard to not have a relaxing dinner and have to explain ourselves to the staff.

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  Posted on 03.24.13 Rich S.

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  Went for the first time last night. One word,horrible. I ordered eggplant parmigiana, nothing fancy. After waiting almost an hour for our dinners (by the way we didn't get appetizers so this wait was unnecessarily long) my plate arrived. During this whole wait our waitress didn't check on us once...and when she did it was after I told another waiter there was hair in my sauce. I waited another 15 minutes for another plate (I was starved,or I would have left) and got another extremely salty, garlicky mess with the end pieces of the eggplant u can't even eat. I apologized and told them to just take it off the bill because I just couldn't eat the food...I don't understand why the sauce had to have huge chunks of garlic and salt ...it was disgusting. I was so aggravated by the end of the dinner, I also noticed other customers walking out or STILL waiting for their meals as I left. Don't go,waste of money

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  Posted on 03.24.13 Makenzie O.

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  I wanted to like this place, I really did because the people who run it are really nice. I gave it a second chance tonight and it was worse than the first time. The service was horrible and the staff is unprofessional. Everyone from the host to the waitress to the manager kept telling us that they were short staffed tonight.  So they gave us a drinks on the house and they were awful.  I couldn't bear to sit there and wait and wait and wait for a meal that I knew was also going to be bad so we ended up walking out, which is a first for us. The food is okay and this place would be worth going to if only they could get their act together.

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  Posted on 03.23.13 Deborah F.

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  I hate to only give this restaurant this rating, but it so did not live up to expectations.  That said, I will give them another chance because the front of the house so obviously cares and customer service is paramount.  First odd thing is that the prices on the online menu and at the restaurant are different, a little lower that what you see online.  That said, we were charged $2 more for a Caesar salad than what the menu listed (maybe because we split it?).  $12 for a chopped romaine heart with packaged croutons and, yes, a very good dressing and plenty of grated cheese (no anchovies available) seems a bit much - would have been dramatically improved with homemade croutons.  I ordered the lobster ravioli and was looking immensely forward to it and ended up doing something I *never* do - sent it back.  The ravioli pasta was so dense there was no way they could have been properly cooked.  These weren't tender, they were inedible, albeit in a very tasty sauce.  I was offered another dish (but not a menu to choose it from), so went with what was in front of me and got the same as my husband, the veal parm, which was very good and was comped - an unexpected gesture.   We had taken a friend out and he ordered the veal saltimbocca and said it was meh and the sauce had been messed up (separated I think).  A seafood chowder beforehand, however, was very good.  Wine list prices are excellent and a White Star pinot noir at $21 was very good.
  
  Startup woes perhaps?  We were fans of the old Angelo's in both of their prior East Boston locations and expected a lot.  Maybe we will give them a few months and let them work out the kinks.  The owner, general manager, maitre'd and waitress all exhibited much concern about that dish that went back and did much to alleviate a meal that didn't go as well as hoped for.

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  Posted on 02.24.13 Laura C.

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  My wife and kids visited the newly opened restaurant last week before taking in a movie. We love our appetizers and weren't  disappointed with our choices. The Insalata Di Baccala, Calamari Fritti tossed with cherry peppers and the antipasto raffael were just like my aunt makes them. I could have ordered the appetizers only and would have been completely satisfied. I only am treated to this type of food on Christmas eve. "Family tradition"  My Kids split the Margherita pizza. It looked great although I did not try it. My wife is very picky and I was happy to report there was no complaints from her. She had the Vitello Saltimboca. It was very tender and the veal melted in your mouth. I ordered what I usually do, Filetto al forno "baked haddock" and was very satisfied with the freshness and portion size! The fish was fresh and tasty. The bread was freshly baked and was served hot. We left with a couple of slices and leftovers and were very happy with the service. I will definitely be returning, especially for those appetizers!!

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  Posted on 01.31.13 Richard F.

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  Wow... Just not good..... From start to finish poor service and poor food
  Now I like my food hot but when your sauce comes out on a cold plate and is still way to hot to eat and to the point of being scorched (and the pasta is completely mush) ....and my caprese salad was on a hot plate which actually helped with the underripe ice cold tomatoes ...but not enough....... I was hoping...this was my second try....... Just moved to the area and wanted to find a good local place...... This is not it.

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  Posted on 01.26.13 Timothy O.

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  I have been to Ristorante Ravesi on quite a few occasions since it opened back in December and the food that I order, whether it be lunch, dinner or dessert, has never failed to satisfy my craving for top notch Italian food.
  
  My first visit there, I enjoyed an amazing bowl of the Penne Aglo Scoglio.  This is a spicy pasta dish that contains pieces of seafood.  Now, when I typically go to Italian restaurants, I am hesitant to order seafood pasta dishes because it's usually a whole lot of pasta and very little seafood.  That did not happen here.  There was indeed a heaping portion of pasta, but there was also a very ample amount of seafood, more so than in any other Italian restaurant that I have ever had the pleasure of dining in.  I am not the type to typically take home leftovers but I had no choice here, as I was unable to finish the meal.  Not only did I have a satisfying dinner that night but I had a wonderful lunch all set to go for the next afternoon.
  
  On my next visit, my girlfriend and I were just looking for a quick late night dinner.  We did not want anything too filling.  So we split a Caprese Salad and ordered a Buffalo Chicken Pizza.  The salad was very good, with the fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and a pesto sauce that just brought the whole thing together.  The pizza was also very good.  Rather than give you the dressing on the side that typically accompanies any buffalo chicken dish, they actually cook it into the pizza!!!  This only adds to the amazing flavor of the pizza in itself.
  
  My girlfriend was there recently and ordered a pasta dish that had sausage and broccoli rabe.  She brought it home and I enjoyed her leftovers for lunch the next day.  Even a day later, it still tasted absolutely perfect.
  
  On my most recent visit, just this past week, I enjoyed a wonderful cup of minestrone soup.  I followed that up with a herb marinated grilled chicken breast, served with a salad and a side of pasta in marinara sauce.  Not your typical Italian pasta dish and I still enjoyed every bite.
  
  Of course, no visit to an Italian restaurant is complete without a cappucino and a dessert.  While the cappucinos here are no different than the cappacinos that you can get at any restaurant, the desserts are absolutely amazing.  One dessert that I have enjoyed here, on more than one occasion, is the pineapple sorbet.  It is served in a small, half pineapple shell, with whipped cream, toasted almonds and a raspberry drizzle.  I cannot get enough!  It truly is the perfect ending to any dinner there.  
  
  The service/waitstaff is reasonable.  I believe that, with this being a new venture, they are still trying to get their feet wet and there are still a few kinks they need to work out.  But the owner, Angela Ravesi, was a wonderfully gracious host who checking in on us a few times to make sure everything was to our satisfaction.  You can really tell that she is pouring her heart and soul into making this a successful venture.  And kudos to Chef Giuseppe Ravesi and his father Angelo for cooking up what I believe to be the best Italian food that I have ever had the pleasure of eating.
  
  The only thing missing is the alcohol.  Angela informed us, as we entered the restaurant, that they have been approved for the liquor license but that it has not yet been received and that therefore they would not be able to serve us alcohol.  Even with this little hiccup, the restaurant was packed.  So obviously they must be doing something right.  The restaurant has actually been packed on most occasions that I have been there.  Imagine once they actually get their liquor license (which we were told would be arriving shortly).  The place may become nearly impossible to get into for dinner without a reservation.  If that's not the signs of a fine dining experience, I don't know what it.
  
  Kudos to Angela, her family and all the staff at Ristorante Ravesi.  I know that we will continue to go back every chance that we get.

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  Posted on 01.21.13 Steven D.

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  Formerly Angelo & Son's from East Boston.  The best seafood restaurant in all of Boston, and you get home made pasta and a fabulous Fra Diavlo gravy as a bonus.  The Octopus appetizer was the most tender I have ever enjoyed.  The mixed grilled seafood platter was more than enough to share, and the prices very reasonable.  Do yourself a favor and enjoy great Sicilian style seafood.  They are waiting for their liquor license, but should have it by Feb.

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  Posted on 01.16.13 Barbara L.

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  I wanted to take my mom out for her birthday somewhere close to her home. I saw an awesome groupon deal to this restaurant that recently opened at the location of recently closed longtime local fav Maggio's.
  I called in advance to inquire if they were open yet,their hours and ask if the coupon could be used once I purchased that evening.  Angela,who answered the phone by name(that's rare) answered all  my questions politely.
  The renovations were very nice,tastefully done and very open and roomy. We just arrived after 2 large parties had left and had the waitstaffs full attention.  
  
  Though the liquor license hasn't cleared yet(not unusual for ma),my mother doesn't drink and I was driving so we had delicious lemonade in tall chilled glasses.
  Fresh bread variety and butter and iced water brought immediately.
  The fried calamari was fresh and not only came with the usual marinara and lemon but also tartar sauce and you can have them tossed with cherry peppers,yum!
  
  Our entrees came with not just a soup or salad choice but both! We opted for the lentil soup to go for my hubby,he said it was very good.
  We had house salads with caesar dressing,presented nicely with fresh parmigiano
  cheese. Both my mother and I had thought we were ordering caesar salads and didn't notice till I was already putting the dressing on and inquired of the waitress. She apologized and got me croutons at my request without a blink.
  
  My mother had the eggplant parmiggianna that she said was scrumptious,just the right amount of food for her. 2 eggplant cutlets over penne.
  I had the vitello tosca,veal medallions battered in egg and fried with in a lemon sauce.  I had to ask because my veal medallions were plated alone,without the pasta and on the dry side,so the egg was the main flavor.  The waitress then brought out a small bowl of penne w/red sauce and the owner got me more lemon sauce then all was perfect.
  We finished with a cappuccino for me and the pineapple sorbet,sans the raspberry sauce because moms allergic.  The presentation was beautiful. The sorbet was in a small pineapple half with toasted coconut and whipped cream. The sorbet was so creamy and flavorful without have a bite to it. Wish I ordered one of my own,lol..
  I recommend this restaurant and support local businesses.  Get the groupon while you can $50 of food for $25! Made it that much nicer.
  The owner,who is the gal who answered my call indulged us in general conversation and about her restaurant and family businesses.
  We wish her well and will help spread the tasty word.

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  Posted on 01.07.13 Christina A.

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  My wife & I ate at "Ristorante Ravesi", tonight. It's brand new, just 3 weeks new. They don't have their liquor license yet, but it'll arrive soon. It's a very nice building, spacious with plenty of free parking. As good as any Italian rest. we've ever eaten at! By that we mean Boston's North End and Providence too. Check it out!
  
  We started out with the the appitiser:
  Insalata di Calamari marinated calamari salad with garlic olive  / Very unique and delicious!
  
  We both had very nicely presented and portioned house salad, fresh and done right.
  
  I had NE Clam Chowder.  It was thick & creamy with fresh hand cut clams, scrumptious! My wife, Andrea had the "Minestrone", she loved it.  
  
  My wife is Italian and her family are some of the most talented traditional Italian home cooks there are.  Because of this she often will hesitate to eat-out Italian, assuming she'll be disappointed.  She agreed with me that this is one of the best Italian Restaurants we've ever eaten at.
  
  I, Bill, had Eggplant  Parmiggiana, over penne rigate / Done perfectly, a large portion that will be tomorrow's lunch.  Not sure I'll be able to finish it in 2 meals.
  
  Andrea had the "Vitello Romana": tender veal medallions topped with sliced mozzarella.
  Her exact word "perfect"
  
  The beautiful young owner was a delight to meet and speak with.  She is passionate about her new business venture and is doing a superb job at it.  She is extremely knowledgeable of the Italian Cuisine and the Culinary magic that came from her kitchen.  This of course comes from her proud heritage and her lifelong exposure to the family-owned and run restaurants.  We are pleased that we have gotten here  while the Restaurant is still new and the lines, that will form, have not yet started!
  
  They have a generous on-line coupon deal going on now, search for it, you wont be disappointed!
  
  We'll give this  Restaurant  4 stars, only because we have only been here once.  If it is the same after returning several times, it'll easily get 5 stars.

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  Posted on 01.07.13 Bill S.

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