Svend E.
Yelp
My friends and I had delightful experience at this restaurant. We came on a Sunday evening, and the place was fairly empty. The waiter did suggest that we sit at a table by the window, which, as another reviewer pointed out, might be a tactic for attracting passersby, but he was entirely amenable when we opted to sit in the corner near the open kitchen. The open kitchen, by the way, is a classy touch.
This place achieves the right tone in terms of ambiance and service. Quaint, warm, fairly upscale in appearance but casual in mood- indeed, like an authentic Italian trattoria. The music is pleasant, quiet, and uninvasive. The waiter, a man in his fifties or sixties, originally from Sicily, is friendly but unobtrusive. The owners never actually spoke to us directly but rather stayed in the kitchen; perhaps they realized that their sometimes peevish personalities (according to other reviewers) were discomfiting patrons and relegated socializing to the waiter(s).
The food, though not exceptional, was very good (four Yelp stars) and authentically Southern Italian. This is definitely the most authentic Italian restaurant in Cambridge, if not one of the most in the greater Boston area. The wine selection is pretty good, and prices are relatively affordable compared to restaurants of comparable quality. In terms of desert: The tiramisu's pretty good, but not extraordinary, as one reviewer raves; the cappucino, however, is- surprisingly- exceptional.
The only thing that irked me a little: When the waiter described the specials, he didn't quote the prices, and some of the dishes, of course, were the most expensive they offered; if you're interested in trying one of the specials, make a point to inquire about the price.
A good place for a romantic dinner date, an evening of conversation with a small group of friends, or to bring a relative for a birthday. Not a good place to bring children, or for a raucous crowd.