il Casale Cucina Italiana and Bar
Rustic Italian Cuisine in Historic converted Fire Station
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Message from il Casale Cucina Italiana and Bar
Il Casale is located in a historic building, a converted fire stationa and will offer rustic Italian cuisine in a casual environment. The 130-seat space will have an open kitchen, wood-burning grill, large communal tables, and outdoor sidewalk seating. It is the first restaurant in Boston to feature a fire pole. Il Casale is the ideal setting for a small function or private party or dinner to celebrate any occasion.
Editorial by Citysearch
Brothers Damian, Dante and Filippo de Magistris have turned Belmont?s old firehouse into a chic, but comfy, neighborhood haunt with a street-side bricked patio and an eye-catching white marble bar top. Floor-to-ceiling olive-colored drapes divide the bar from the restaurant and, along with reclaimed barn wood tables, add warmth to the cavernous interior. Eclectic pastas and traditional meat and seafood dishes are accessorized by appetizers--like crisped arancini with a rich porcini risotto or ruchetta salad with arugula, buttery Apulian mozzarella and piquant wine-soaked bread. Await the knockout desserts, especially the fritelli, a fluffy ricotta doughnut with a bitter chocolate fonduta.Key Points
- Catering
- Outdoor Dining
- Bar Scene
Latest reviews from Citysearch.
We've been to Il Casale four times. Twice we (2) sat at the bar for dinner and twice we brought friends and ate at the tables. The atmosphere is lively neighborhood and upscale. The food is creative & well prepared. The staff is calm and friendly. Recently we have chosen on five occassions to dine with freinds elsewhere because of the inordinately long wait from the time you order until the time you receive the food. Each time we waited a minimum of 45 minutes, one time it was 75 minutes. Even at the bar, which is usually a bit quicker, I waited 45 min just for a bowl of tagliatelle with sauce. (None of the other entrees were complicated nor did anyone ask for special considerations.) The kitchen is just plain slow, and by the time the meal comes, people are on edge and very hungry despite the apps. I wanted this place to be my new favorite, and as evidenced by my several return visits, I gave it a good try, but the wait has turned me off. Other people have had the same experience and it is a shame; after all, eating a meal is what you're there for, and a too-long wait is just not worth it. My regrets.
Pros: Yummy food and generous drinks
Cons: Tooooo long wait for food
Posted 10/23/09
The food was too too salty and the meat was like a leather shoe. I used their get one free coupon so maybe that is why???
What a waste of time..never go to this restaurant!!!!
Stay away!!!!
Pros: none
Cons: overall gross!
Posted 09/11/09
The food was delightful. My daughter's ravioli was well seasoned as was the sauce. My husband's fish was fresh and tender with a subtly flavored sauce that enhanced the flavor of the meat without hiding it. The desserts were all wonderful, but especially good were the fried dough with chocolate sauce - like donuts only much better! The staff was helpful and prompt, at several points going out of their way to make sure our dining experience was a good one. The food is not Michelin star quality - but it was still delicious and it ranks among the best Italian restaurants I've been to in Boston.
Pros: great food, friendly staff, unique decor
Cons: they would not tell us how long the wait was when we called
Posted 09/05/09
Il Casale is a great addition to Belmont Center. It is in a converted fire station. The decor is nice.And the food is extremely tasty but for the price the main courses are extremely small. I had the sea bass which was extremely tasty but not more than half a Starbuck's Biscotti. My husband and father had the veal saltimboco and the three veal loins were each the size of a silver dollar. We went hungry left barely satisfied. Was busy but the noise did not bother us. Do not think would go back. For a true Italian Gem with good portions and reasonable prices, Tremonte in Woburn has one over on Il Casale.
Pros: Melt in your mouth meatballs! Moist Sea bass!
Cons: Extremely small portions
Posted 07/30/09
Beautiful room in an old firehouse, delectable food, charming bartender. Dare I say? Very New York!
Pros: amazing tagliatelle alla bolognese
Cons: teensy bit loud
Posted 06/18/09
There is something about an open kitchen that i just love in a restaurant. Il Casale did such a great job renovating the old firehouse to convert it into an Italian restaurant. This is certainly a welcome addition to Leonard Street. The bar is roomy and comfortable. We enjoyed a cocktail before being seated. The waitress seemed very knowledgeable about the menu and the food was terrific!
Posted 06/04/09