Delfino Restaurant

This restaurant was excellent! When we walked in, it was packed. The only 2 seats were at the bar. It was fun to watch the kitchen at work from the bar seating. The teamwork to prepare each dish was fascinating to witness. We ordered the caprese with prosciutto. It was delicious. The tagliatelle carbonara and bolognese were both amazing as well. We skipped dessert but would definitely come back here to try other dishes. The stuffed pork chop look really yummy as well. The portions were extremely generous. I had enough leftovers for another meal. The service was professional, friendly and attentive. 5/5 all around!

ALWAYS a fantastic meal!! we have been coming here for years. They have been in business for over 40 years. They have their own garden on the rooftop of herbs. Tonight I had the sirloin with mashed potatoes and the fresh vegetables. My husband had the Bolognese, which is always a winner with Veale in it. For appetizer, we had fried oysters with a coleslaw.. It was not your regular coleslaw.!!! For dessert, chocolate bread, pudding with a huge helping of homemade whip cream! Unbelievable look at the pictures Can’t say enough about this place.

Sat n stools, by kitchen to watch the magic happen. Love coming here. Small restaurant, suggest reservations, or get there when they open. Same Chef and kitchen staff, and our waitress have been there forever. Linguine with seafood combination choices, 4 sauces, boulonase delicious, all other menu items look wonderful as we watched them go out. Our ceasar salad was so fresh and properly dressed. Wine list with solid choices, good price points.

Update: I went again tonight with my mom and we both enjoyed everything. We shared the special salad which exceeded expectations. I got the pasta dish again. We got tiramisu to share and both really enjoyed it. Small but busy delicious Italian spot. Apparently it's the place to go for a birthday since there were 5 other birthdays besides my friends' just while we were there. The prices are fair for such exceptional quality. I've been quite privileged with dinning experience in New England, New York, many states between the east and west coast. Having a high maintenance grandmother I wouldn't refer her to just any place I've been and enjoyed but when she's in the area looking for a good Italian restaurant THIS is where I would send her. The fried oysters were melt on your tongue perfectly balanced salty, briny, and fresh. The clam linguine was great. And the lobster ravioli that my friend ordered was devine. They really take their time with the quality of pasta here. Oh and also the olive oil they serve for dipping your bread is a great oil, it's not some weak tasteless oil. It's got a nice peppery note.

The food was all very flavorful and quick. The service was great with our waiter being very kind and knowledgeable. We also enjoyed the atmosphere and found it romantic with the dimmed lighting. I would definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone wanting Italian food. The pricing is very fair and the food is delicious!

This was my first time visiting this place. We sat at the bar and that was a great experience because we had a front row seat to watch the cooks making the food. They all worked flawlessly together making various dishes. We had the bruschetta and antipasto plate for appetizers. We then ordered the Figgy Piggy and Pasta carbonara. All of the food was soo flavorful. I would highly recommend this place and will be back.

The heart of Roslindale beats here. Lively restaurant with delicious food, a community feel, and the sense of a family history in its staff. Justin the waiter served us perfectly. Great place for being with friends and family alongside others doing the same. I advise making reservations and being on time for them.

Quality of dishes here were generally great, prices were very reasonable. I expected more from their Seafood Linguine but our choice of pink sauce didn’t wow us. Our favourite dishes were the Fried Calamari & open faced Lobster Ravioli.

Let's start by saying that every aspect of our food was excellent. Five of us had four appetizers and five entrees, all unique, fresh, and served at the proper temperatures. It was the service that made our evening. One of our party was a rambunctious five year old boy. Our server keyed in on him immediately; she provided materials to keep him occupied, always served him first, and made it possible for everyone to enjoy our meals. She really knew her business. I wish that I knew her name, but alas, I've forgotten it. I hope that her manager might be able to identify her with the following info: She has a big smile and a great personality. We were sitting in the front window on Friday, 6/21/24, early in the evening. We left her a nice tip, but she also deserves kudos from her boss! Our daughter lives within walking distance of the restaurant; we'll certainly return!

We showed up at 6:15 or so without a reservation and it was completely packed; they do have 4 walk-in seats at the back, though, so we waited 15 minutes or so and were able to sit. It was a bit loud, and dark, but still quite intimate. They serve unlimited Iggy's bread with oil, which was well received as we were starving. We ended up getting the Eggplant Bruschetta as an appetizer, with the Bolognese and Meatballs as our mains. The Bruschetta was pretty good, with the grilled sourdough adding a really nice flavor. The meatballs were soft and really tasty, and the tomato sauce was pretty good with chunks of tomato. The Bolognese was also good; particularly creamy and porky. The portions are also huge, and not that expensive. If we're in Roslindale, we'll probably come back (but try to make a reservation first!)

This was our first time dining here after hearing about it from people for many years. We made a reservation for 6:30 and at 6:20 we got a call from the restaurant asking if we were coming. We were parking on the street and were confused why they would call, but proceeded to the restaurant and arrived on time. We were seated quickly and order an appetizer (arancini special) which was good and a veal parm and polpetta. Both were also good. The portions are large - we each brought 1/2 home. Our waitress was very nice and helpful. It's a small, well appointed restaurant - less than 15 tables I believe and a few bar seats overlooking the kitchen, so I would definitely suggest a reservation. It is a little far from where we live but I would definitely consider returning.

This restaurant was excellent! When we walked in, it was packed. The only 2 seats were at the bar. It was fun to watch the kitchen at work from the bar seating. The teamwork to prepare each dish was fascinating to witness. We ordered the caprese with prosciutto. It was delicious. The tagliatelle carbonara and bolognese were both amazing as well. We skipped dessert but would definitely come back here to try other dishes. The stuffed pork chop look really yummy as well. The portions were extremely generous. I had enough leftovers for another meal. The service was professional, friendly and attentive. 5/5 all around!

My husband and I have been twice now, and both times were delicious! The first time we got seated at the bar/kitchen which was entertaining but very loud. I had the excellent spinach and cheese ravioli (made vegetarian without chicken stock- glad I asked!) and it had great texture and flavor. I've also enjoyed the arugala salad with gorgonzola and pear dressing as well as garlic broccoli rabe. My husband liked the caprese burrata salad, antipasta, veal, and bolognese with homemade pasta. The chocolate bread pudding was soft and light, and the tiramisu was not bad. The ambiance is a a little old school, but we had great service and the portions are HUGE.

Terrific Italian food. Every dish I've enjoyed here has been excellent. Each meal begins with wonderful bread and tantalizing marinara.

10/10 open faced lobster ravioli!! Would recommend ordering the pan seared scallop as well. The porcini mushroom was good, but I didn't love the plum tomato sauce pairing. Linguine with shrimp and scallop in fra diavolo sauce was too fishy for my preference. Would not recommend ordering that.

The food was very delicious and far better than majority of the north end spots. Papperdelle, veal parm, chicken parm, chicken and shrimp pesto were all on point! The tiramisu was decent too..i would give it 3/5 Service was a little rough to start. Clearly it was a busy Friday night and they were backed up. ( we got seated 20 min after my reservation) Tableside service was good though when we got seated. Ambiance was decent as its a nice cozy restaurant

Great service, staff, ambiance and most importantly....food. A hidden gem that belongs in the North End but happens to be on the outskirts of the city in Rosi Square. Great for a casual date night or family gathering.

Nice place. Got the broccoli rabe pasta dish. It was okay, I'm glad they offer a vegetarian pasta option. Place was busy and service was fine. Not great. I'd come here again. Wish the bread came with butter or oil or something. Just dry bread was weird but maybe I have no culture.

Truly no need to go to the North End if you're near the Roslindale area!! The wait staff were attentive, the restaurant was cozy and bustling, and the food was absolutely delicious. My partner and I had not gone out for Italian food since our trip to Italy, and we were not disappointed! They don't take online reservations, but you can call them at 3:30 the day of! We walked in for a later dinner around 8, and only waited a few minutes if you don't mind.

The restaurant was small but intimate. The ambiance was nice They serve bread and they have the olive oil on the table and parmesan and you can request pepper flakes and mix your dip for the bread. The pear salad was good. The duck with the cherry demi glaze is soooooo.......delicious, my friend got the open faced lobster ravioli which looked delicious. Price range is affordable average to higher end depending on what you order. Staff and service is also excellent.

My husband likes to joke "We drove all the way from Texas to eat here!" We did drive from Texas, and I am glad we ate here. We are in town for work and will be here a few more months. We came directly after work, with my son and his gf, not knowing we needed a reservation. I was told about this place from a coworker and I hadn't checked Yelp. Friday night at 6:15 without a reservation. We walk in and are greeted by Stephen, who I later discover is the owner. He didn't make us feel bad (I already did for the inconvenience), but instead gave us a warm welcome, checked his dining area and his book, and promptly seated us, telling us to take all the time we need and enjoy ourselves. This is some of the best food I have ever put in my mouth. I had no idea calamari was so tender. The seafood, the sauce, the pasta, the bread, everything was amazing from start to finish. The atmosphere was welcoming. It was like a small neighborhood restaurant where everyone can talk over the dinner table. Everyone was eating, chatting, and smiling. Our server was prompt, polite, and knowledgeable. He did everything right. Delfino was one of the highlights of this trip and I will never forget it. I don't have a single complaint. Stephen made us feel welcome like family. Thank you Delfino.

LOVE!!! Hidden Gem in my backyard. You have to arrive early or willing to wait, it's worth it. I sometimes tell my friends from Boston not to go just because I don't want to wait in line. The food and the experience is worth the wait.

This is a hidden gem in Rozlindale Village. The food is Gorgeous. Everything from the warm crusty bread, the appetizers the entrees -- everything is packed with flavor and fresh ingredients. It's a tiny plane where you can see the chefs working hard in the kitchen-- I like that. The people serving the tables are fantastic. I'm really impressed by how quickly they bring out the dishes and they are all made to order and excellent quality. Because it's a tiny place and very popular, you need a reservation. Even with a reservation you may have to wait a little bit, like -10-15 minutes--but it's worth it. You will get seated and treated well. Happy to support this great local place!

Helpful tip: Make reservations! There's a reason why this place is popular. Also if you want take out you have to order early. Review: The vibes are immaculate. The food is on par to Italian food you'd find in north end of boston. Unfortunately the place is pretty small so it'll get packed pretty fast. I made reservations for 6:30 and luckily I did because it was packed. There's tons of street parking around (and a parking lot across I think) so parking isn't too much of a worry. This is definitely a must try.

Really can't take good food and great service for granted. I love the tiramisu more than life itself.

I'm fairly certain they make their own pasta from scratch. There is no way pasta can taste so good unless it's home made. We don't go often but when we do food and service is always excellent. They are really good about fitting you in when they can. Great place on par or better than North End. Hidden gem !

The food was sub par. Mashed potatoes were cold. The seating was way too tight. Service was ok.

Saturday night went with my wife and another couple. Had a great meal. The server. I forgot her name but blonde woman with braids was incredible. Young woman with old school charm. I drove in to make a last minute reservation in person. The owner grudgingly gave us a 5:30 after I promised we would eat quickly. But he's a character and added positively to the meal. It's one of the few places that doesn't disappoint. I had my chicken parm and as large as it was finished. All in all great evening.

The consistent quality here for so many years is remarkable. The most perfect calamari I've ever had. Pasta, meat, and seafood entrees were all done excellently, and presented very nicely. If you're lucky enough to dine there when they have the veal chop special, don't think twice (it's way more than all right). A very good and reasonably priced wine list. Friendly and efficient service. It's a small crowded room that somehow manages not to be loud and feels comfortable.

100000/10. Delfino's is our favorite place to get Italian food. The atmosphere is quaint but sophisticated and the food is PHENOMENAL. The bruschetta...I mean come on!! I'd eat that for my meal and be satisfied! The service is always great here. Must try.

The North End is for the burbs (or birds). Real Bostonians know this is the joint for good Italian fare.

Such is a cute spot!! all of the food was great and the staff here is amazing. I would definitely come again. Parking wasn't too hard to find and the portions are big!

I used to eat at Delfino's every other week. Their food was always excellent and their chocolate bread pudding was to die for! The service was excellent and the waiters very accommodating. I have not been back since Covid hit, but I am sure I will get back there in the near future. I believe one can place an order for takeout also. If you have never been to Delfino's, you are missing a real treat. If you have never been to Delfino's, you must try it. You will not be disappointed. I'll have to get back myself! I'm actu getting hungry reviewing this popular restaurants.

We love Delfino and last night we had our best meal ever: halibut and roasted vegetables in a delicious sauce, spinach salad with a lemon shallot dressing and chocolate bread pudding. (Let's not forget their delicious bread and olive oil.) The service was great, as always. Truly our favorite restaurant.

This was our first time here and it was wonderful service! The food was incredible, would recommend the bolognese and any of the seafood dishes. Christina was our server and she was so sweet and helpful. Great, cozy ambience, this is a must visit restaurant when in Boston!

Went there for dinner with my wife: It was her Birthday and we happened to be in Roslindale. Nice quaint place with a Small Kitchen Bar: We sat there. The food was outstanding and we watched them prepare it. The service was very good: Fast and efficient, not hovering. Although we are rarely in that area: If we are again, we will make a point to return.

We had a reservation and got there 5 min late. We were ok waiting as we knew we were late. The waiter kept saying that the reservation was for 5pm making us feel bad. I am not going to a restaurant to get lectured. The owner asked what happened and I quickly explained that we weren't complaining, but the host wasn't being nice. A few minutes later and the owner was able to sit us. We had a lovely dinner with friends and the food was great. The calamari and mussels appetizers were so good!!! It if wasn't for the host I'd give this place 5 stars.

Everything I have eaten in this restaurant has been if not the best then very close to it and the owner is a good guy as well. Been in business in Roslindale for a long time and I rank it as one of the best if not the best italian restaurant in the area. Never had any problems with the service and although the seating is tight you need to go here and you will not be disappointed.

The Best Italian cuisine, I have visiting Delfinos for few years and they never disappoint, Chef Noel and his crew always excel and prepare meals to perfection, the management and the entire team always step to the plate to enhance the dining experience.... Thank you Team Delfinos... Rene Chew

I met two friends for a fantastic dining experience. Defino is a cozy, intimate restaurant in Roslindale Square. I enjoyed linguini frutti di mare fra diavolo and it was outstanding. Menu prices are reasonable and the place was packed on a cold rainy Saturday night. Choosing entrees was tough because there are so many great options. The nightly specials were all tempting as well.

This place is a best kept secret. I had the smaller seafood plate and along with a salad fed 2 people. Last time 4 of us had the seafood dish for two but it was a lot and fed 4 of us. Linguine and calamari in garlic sauce was to die for. The service was welcoming. Cannot wait to take my family here when they come in from out of town. Easily one of my favorite places to eat. It can get packed so try to book ahead if you can.

North End quality (or even better) without the prices! This cozy Rozzie spot is a must if you're craving Italian food that tastes just like Nonna cooked it. There are affordable bottles of wine! Hoorah! We picked a Cabernet Sauvignon ($28) that paired great with all of our meals. To start, our table shared the large antipasto plate ($17) which featured a variety of meats, cheeses, artichokes, olives, and peppers. We wish they had explained what everything was when they brought it out though since we couldn't figure out what types of cheeses we'd been given. This selection went great with the complimentary crusty bread and olive oil on the table. It was hard not to just fill up on these! For dinner, I ordered the bolognese ($20), and I regret nothing. The wide, al dente pasta was cooked perfectly, and the meaty mix of beef, lamb, and veal was so flavorful with the red sauce. It was truly comfort in a bowl. My only complaint is how the night started. The host seemed pretty frazzled when I explained that not everyone in my party of 5 had arrived yet. He was asking questions like how they were traveling, if I knew where they were, etc. because we couldn't be seated until the whole party was present. Then, when a friend and I were standing in the front, he asked if we could go across the street to get a drink while we waited. He just didn't make me feel welcome at all and made it seem like we were a burden to him. Honestly, he was really stressing me out, and it made me not really want to return after going across the street to wait for the rest of our group. I am glad I did come back and eat there, but it wasn't the best first impression. On the other hand, the server at our table was lovely. He explained the specials and was very patient with us. He even split up the payment on our cards according to our specifications! We truly appreciated this service, and it helped make up for the host. Overall, great quality of food at affordable prices! Just make sure you're entire party arrives together, and you should be golden.

Delfino's blew me away! So accommodating, great service and amazing food. On our way to the holiday pops and a perfect send off. We'll def be back. TY

Several weeks ago, my friend and I had dinner at this Italian restaurant. For appetizers, we got the littleneck clams and bruschetta to share. The littleneck clams came with pieces of chorizo sausage, cherry tomatoes, and arugula in a garlic white wine sauce. The clams were very fresh and the sauce was so good that we used the complimentary bread to soak up the rest of the sauce. The bruschetta consisted of grilled sourdough bread with eggplant spread, goat cheese and cherry tomatoes. It was so good! There wasn't even the need to eat the complimentary bread. For entrees, we got the clams and scallops scampi with linguine. The portion was huge and it was very delicious. For dessert, we shared a chocolate bread pudding. Omg, it was truly phenomenal! It was so light and not too sweet. Literally, it melts in your mouth! Reservations are highly recommended since the place was packed even on a weeknight. A real nice gem!

This is the real deal. Excellent Italian food, exemplary service, intimate ambiance. I highly recommend!

If you don't know already what have you been waiting for? Make a reservation. It's great old school red sauce joint.

This place is unbelievable! Took my girlfriend here for her birthday she's known about the place but my first time. Let me tell you, it was one of the best meals I've had in a long time! Had to make reservations weeks in advance and now I know why. It's small but very cute and warm atmosphere. I'm still thinking about the veal saltimbocca I ordered there. For the quality of food and service you receive it was crazy how affordable it all was. For a bottle of wine, appetizer, and 2 entrees it came to about $115. I thought they messed up the check bc the food was amazing and it felt like we were at a 5 star restaurant. I would highly recommend this place if you're looking for a new spot to take someone on a nice occasion. Can't wait to go back and try everything else on the menu

First time going there and I absolutely loved it! The food was fantastic. We went for lunch myself, my daughter,and a friend for her birthday! I particularly love that there was a round table with very comfortable chairs. It felt like I was in my own living room having a dinner party..

Stopped in Saturday night without a reservation and Michael seated us immediately. We were so glad we found Delfino. The service was excellent and the atmosphere had a very neighborhood-casual vibe. Had the Arancini which was light and delicious. Probably rivals the Arancini we've had in Italy. Also the Linguine Fruitti di Mare was superb. Easily shareable and very generous on the seafood. Fra Diavolo brought just the right amount of spice. They serve complimentary bread. Easy street parking. The server's name I forgot, but he looks just like Tom Holland. Very attentive server and memorized all the aspects of the daily specials. You rock! Please patronize this lovely neighborhood restaurant. Support local businesses!

We have only gotten take out here from covid but the food it fabulous. The people on the phone are so friendly and nice as well. Portions are huge and reasonably priced. Appetizers: the calamari is our absolute favorite, and a huge portion, the flavors combined with the banana peppers are incredible. The side salad was a pretty good size and we were able to dive it up to share into 3 small portions. They also give you complimentary bread which is incredibly fresh and my husbands favorite. Entrees: All their noodles and pastas are so freaking delicious. I can't pin a favorite, once again you can't go wrong. The open faced lobster ravioli had a delicious cream sauce (and i am not big into cream sauces but would totally order this). The bolognese was hearty and comforting to my soul and tummy. The chicken Milanese was fabulous and simple. All these were good leftover too! Dessert: MUST ORDER THE TIRAMISU, if you don't do this your order is not complete (you are welcome)

Our first time at Delfina and it was good. I'll try other dishes before giving up. We had the Littleneck clams appetizer and I had the frutti di mare with scampi sauce. Both dishes lacked salt - but that was not the worst things about them. The clams were not cleaned at all and every bite was full of sand. It ruined the meal completely. One expect to have the start sand particle in all seafood but not like this. Please Delfino spend a little more time and energy cleaning the clams !

See Cristina R's review :) I was one of the later (I was on time!) people and when I saw how upset she was because the host was asking random questions and saying to go across the street without saying why (there really isn't any standing room and once I arrived that was clear) I almost didn't want to go back. But I begged to because the menu looked so good and the food smelt so good. Our server was great and a lot of fun -- making jokes at the 'meetaversary' comment -- and everything was timely. I had pasta with mushrooms and red sauce and was happy to have it for lunch the next day (to the dismay of my jealous coworkers wondering what the delicious smell in the kitchen was).

My boyfriend raved about this place forever, finally gave it a go this holiday season. The staff was so nice, the decor inside was festive with a mix of some great homely italian paintings. We absolutely devoured all of our food! The portions were large but we couldnt stop, the fra diavlo pasta and the veal parm are some classics that they do right. Happily returning soon!

We called for availability and was told they could seat us if we arrived in 10 minutes. We hit traffic and arrived in 15 minutes. When we arrived, they told us they couldn't seat us because we were late. We went to the Italian place next door.

Small Italian restaurant is located in the heart of Roslindale Square and if you blink you will miss it! Only parking is street parking but if you can't park right out front you will mostly likely find something as you drive around the square. This place books fast so make sure to make a reservation before you arrive! When we walked in we were warmly greeted by staff and escorted to our seats at the bar. The bar seats were great because we got to watch the cooks work their magic in the kitchen as we were enjoying a nice glass of wine with our steamed mussels. Mussels were cooked perfectly in a delicious white sauce. For the entrees we ordered the bolognese and the linguine frutti di mare, which were absolutely amazing! By the time we were done with our plates we had no room left for desert but we saw a waitress delivering a beautiful chocolate bread pudding to a table and couldn't say no! The pudding was out of this world good so make sure to get it especially if your a chocolate lover! Overall the experience was everything we expected from the reviews and more! Enjoy folks!

This was by far the worst experience of my life especially as it occurred on my deceased mom's birthday. My mom died ten years ago and Delfino was one of her favorite spots as we often took her there for birthdays and/or Mother's Day. To commemorate her birthday this year, my sister and I decided to go to Delfino's for dinner. I called the day prior for a reservation at 5pm. On the day of, I enter the restaurant around 5:05 and wait at the desk/podium. Michael (the host that I am used to) came and I told him that I had a reservation for 2 at 5pm. He told me to wait for his boss. As I am waiting, three gentlemen walk in and are standing behind me. The owner 'boss' comes greets one of the gentlemen in that group of 3, greets them by name and asks if they had a reservation, the one addressed says no. The owner 'boss' proceeds to tell them to follow him completely disregarding that I was there and never acknowledging me at all. The other two patrons of the party was clearly comfortable and apologized that I was ignored and not acknowledged. When the 'boss' returns to the podium I told him that I had a reservation and was I ignored because my sister hadn't arrived yet. I told him that I had in fact been standing there before the three gentlemen. He was clearly frustrated with my question and rudely said that I could be seated as he slammed his pen on the podium. I was seated and as I waited for my sister, knew that this blatant disrespect was because of the color of my skin! I was completely disregarded and not acknowledged. I waited for my sister and once she arrived we both decided to leave. I left a 20 dollar tip for the stale bread and water that neither of us touched. Because you know the assumption is black people don't tip. Delfino used to be a gem in Roslindale and sadly the prejudice and bias of their leadership/ownership disproportionately affected me. There was no apology as to why I was ignored, in fact I was met with frustration. And I had made a reservation. As far as I'm concerned they should have had a sign that said 'blacks not welcomed except of course if you work there'. That's exactly how I felt. I will not be returning to Delfino and will not refer them to anyone as I have in the past. I have had many colleagues go there from acute medical centers and prestigious colleges in the city. This negative review will resonate . Beyond poor service the blatant disregard made me feel less than and undervalued. It's sad that in 2023, that's how I get treated in a restaurant. Don't go there!

Went last night for the first time, with friends. Service was very attentive, and we all loved our dinner choices. This is really topnotch Italian food. Kudos to the food! The noise level, however, is very high and makes conversations tough. The ceiling is high. I wish Delfino would make an effort to do some noise abatement. Lots can be done to help in that regard.