Bricco
Italian · Boston · $$$
4.4(1,920)
Italian · Boston, MA · $$$
Frank DePasquale presents Mare, Italian for ‘sea’ , which has quickly become this city’s most acclaimed seafood restaurant with accolades such as “One of the Top 80 Tables in the World” by Conde Nast Traveler and “Go to List” Food & Wine.
“We reserved a table for our 34th anniversary. We arrived a bit early on a Saturday evening and were graciously seated immediately at a lovely table on the patio. Our waiter was friendly, helpful and quite knowledgeable about the menu. The oysters were as good as any I have had anywhere and every bit as fresh as oysters I've eaten sitting next to the docks in Wellfleet itself. Really superb. Service overall was impeccable, magically balanced between invisible and somehow knowing exactly when something was wanted. We had three kinds of oysters (all fabulous), then the surf and turf app and the fried zucchini blossoms (both excellent), followed by the truffle crusted tuna (reportedly amazing) and risotto filled with fresh and delightful seafood. Highly recommend the hot and dirty martini as well. Delicious!”
“An Exceptional Culinary Surprise: Five-Star Service, Pristine Oysters, and Authentic Italian Hospitality. As someone with deep personal ties to Italy—having an Italian wife and extended family there—I am naturally drawn to Little Italy when seeking out a quality meal. I am incredibly meticulous about where I dine; I rigorously analyze restaurant feedback to filter out inauthentic ratings and typically refuse to visit anywhere without a stellar, five-star consensus. Mare Oyster Bar completely exceeded my high standards and delivered a wonderfully surprising, top-tier experience. We started with a fantastic volume of pristine oysters—which are always my preferred go-to—but despite Mare being a renowned seafood restaurant, I decided to branch out and try the Brick Chicken for the first time in my life. It was exceptionally prepared and absolutely delicious. Our waiter, Paolo, elevated the entire evening. He is a consummate professional who looked after our group flawlessly. The highlight of the meal was his tableside preparation of the Tiramisu, which was executed with such skill that I specifically asked for his permission to capture it on video. With his highly likable demeanor and sharp, professional attitude, I have no doubt Paolo is destined for a steep career rise in this industry. I must also extend my sincere gratitude to the manager, Fabiano. My gorgeous wife, Betta, and I are planning a trip back to Capri soon, which holds incredible significance for us as it is the exact spot where I proposed to my soulmate of 30 years. Fabiano, I will definitely be calling you before we travel to get your family's details so we can personally say hello in Capri, and perhaps even book a stay at their hotel. A massive thank you to Paolo, Fabiano, and the entire team for an unforgettable evening. Grazie ragazzi!”
“Fantastic service by Fabio and delicious seafood at this restaurant. The swordfish was cool to perfection along with the mashed potatoes. The lobster ravioli was flavorful too. The Italian red wine recommendation was smooth and light. It was very good. We will return here for another visit. I highly recommend this restaurant if you want some outstanding seafood and service.”
“Absolutely amazing food, oysters were fresh and tasty! Homemade pesto for bread was delicious. Squid ink pasta with clams was out of this world! Interesting cocktail menu, lot of spicy drinks! 100% recommend to anyone for an amazing seafood experience!”
“We visited Mare Oyster Bar last night and had mixed feelings overall. The vibe out back near the fire pits was definitely a highlight — nice atmosphere and a great spot for drinks. The cocktails were excellent, especially the martinis and the Mare Inferno tequila drink. Unfortunately, the food didn’t live up to the setting. The appetizers were just okay, and the trio crudo was bland and oddly warm. The surf and turf tasted good but was plated in a way that didn’t really make sense. The two pasta dishes (mushroom truffle) were solid but not memorable. The biggest disappointment was the grilled veal chop. At $62, I expected a generous cut, nicely seared and cooked with care. Instead, it was small, lacked any char, and was overcooked — more boiled than grilled. For the price point, it really missed the mark. Mare has a nice atmosphere and great drinks, but the food quality and execution didn’t match the experience. We won’t be heading back for dinner.”
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