Canestaro's

We got the mussels appetizer, chicken cacciatore special and the veal marsala.

Pros: The atmosphere is a laid-back and the place was bustling, but we were able to get a seat on a Friday night. The service was friendly and the long menu has something for everyone. The mussels were ok. The vegetables in my pasta were fresh and not super-soggy.

Cons: The garlic bread they brought out was cold. The chicken in my pasta was breaded and fried, the veal was breaded and fried, though it doesn't say say on the menu. Neither of us found our dishes that tasty. I'm not a food snob... but for a $15 pasta dish i expect something that tastes better than a TV dinner.

Supposedly their pizzas are good, but I'm not sure I'd go back to find out.

For this price range in this neighborhood, the thai place is MUCH better.

Pros: friendly service, extensive menu

Cons: overpriced and not that delicious

Posted 10/02/09

Just steps from Fenway Park is A GEM OF A PLACE! Canestaro, I have loved it for years, but am surprised that some people still haven't discovered it. It's just around the corner from Fenway Park on Peterborough St (where Park Drive starts). They have a nice dining room, small bar & a great outdoor patio, plus a parking lot in the back. The food is wonderful -- great pastas and, I would say, the best Pizza in Boston. Ingredients are very fresh, sauces are homemade -- try the spinach gnocchi in tomato basil cream sauce -- it is to die for!

Pros: Delicious pastas. Lovely outdoor patio.

Cons: A little hard to find - tucked away on quiet Peterborough St

Posted 06/22/09

The place has great food!!! The place is in a quiet out-of-the-mainstream location, yet a 3 minute walk to Fenway Park and Beacon St. Make friends with Tom out back and get there a bit early and you will have an excellent parking location for Fenway events - and only $25 (be sure to add a few bucks for Tom). Spaces are limited. When you leave you can shoot down Park Dr and avoid event traffic.
The one BIG problem is the speed of service. Never plan to eat there before a Fenway event unless you give yourself 2+ hours. On some nights, if you order sandwiches and pizza only, you can get out of there in 45 minutes. But on most they are challenged to turn the table over in less than and hour and a half. It took us over two hours to eat and get out of there for the Neil Diamond concert. Good thing we got there at 5 PM for an 8PM concert to assure a parking space.

Posted 09/09/08

I was in town for business, the first time to Boston, and wanted to try some of the local pizza. The Fairmont Copley recommended Pizzeria Regina, but after reading the very mixed reviews, looked further and found this highly recommended spot. The cab driver had a bit of difficulty finding it (be sure to mention it's in Fenway), but it was worth it! The aroma of roasted garlic is heavy in the air outside. The crust is just thin enough and chewy, not doughy. There are so many combinations available - I had spinach with mushrooms and pesto, my colleague had meat lovers PLUS roasted garlic, onions and romano, YUM!! I have had Chicago pizza and New York pizza, and this was a great rendition of the Boston version. The ambience was just nice enough, not lunch counter-ish, and jeans are appropro. Must try the Boston Cream Pie for dessert.

Pros: Fresh, variety

Cons: Little hard to find

Posted 10/21/06

I came to this restaurant before a red sox game just hoping to fill my stomach so I didn't get ripped off inside Fenway with their prices. Lucky for me I stumbled into the right place, just a block away from the park on Peterborough St. I had hands down the best pizza of my life. The dough must be a restaurant secret, because I've never had anything like it. I got the Caprese Pizza before the game which had the freshest tomatoes. I went back after the game to take home the BBQ chicken pizza which was like nothing I've ever had before. Now I go here before every game. And to top it all off there is parking out back which is optional for customers just $20. I have to pay $50 for parking around the corner! This place is a must try, and they said they deliver. I wish I lived closer!

Pros: Ambience, quality of food and price

Cons: It isn't located in my home town

Posted 08/07/06

Canestaro is a "Best of Boston" for us, whenever we go out for pizza or pasta. it's a great place to go with co-workers.

Canestaro has a small, local and comfy feel to it (16 Peterborough Street is in the Fenway neighborhood). The food at Canestaro is very good.

The service was exceptional. Our waitress made us feel like we were old friends. She offered the right
amount of suggestions and descriptions of the shared appetizers, pizza and toppings, and the gourmet pasta entrees. She checked back to make sure that everything was perfect, and it was! Our waitress made us feel like we were her most important table.

There are exceptional values for wines, shared appetizers, entrees and desserts. We also like the outside patio. Portion sizes are quite generous. Two days later, we shared a gourmet Supreme pizza. Wow!! We will definitely recommend it to others.

Pros: Gourmet Pizza & Pasta, Free Parking, Inexpensive

Cons: Hidden side street

Posted 02/10/05

We discovered this nice little hideaway on our way to a Red Sox game. Surprisingly, not crowded with only an hour to go before gametime. It's located on a quiet residential street off the beginning of Park Drive (opposite The Fens).

The menu features a good variety of appetizers, fresh salads and gourmet pasta dishes. Everything was priced under $16!

We finished with an international coffee and tiramisu for dessert. Highly recommended.

Pros: Free Parking, Inexpensive, Romantic too

Posted 02/11/04

I love this Fenway restaurant, from the nice decor to the pretty waitresses to the great food. You can tell everything is fresh and made to order, from the suberb flavors of every single dish. I know, I think I have tried them all. Great date place, without the big bucks! If the weather is bad, they do free delivery. But you want to go to the restaurant and try it.

Pros: Inexpensive, Free parking, Great dishes

Cons: Hard to find

Posted 12/09/03

I've tried most of the pizza around Fenway Park, and Canestaro's is by far the best. Fast service, and good food at reasonable prices. If you are going to the Red Sox it is only a couple extra blocks of walking then most of the regular haunts, but it is well worth it.

Posted 04/06/03

Living in the Fenway area, my future wife and I like to call this place "our spot". We love the neighborhood/family feel of the place not to mention the food is great too. From the sandwiches, pizzas and entrees, to the ever changing specials, there is a dish for everyone.

Pros: Employees, Food Selection, Outdoor Seating

Posted 01/30/03

Simply put, Canestaro's is the best in boston by far.

Posted 07/26/02

I live in Back Bay and always order pizza from Canestaros. Their non-pizza dishes are also delicious. Delivery service is always consistent-30-45 minutes and the drivers friendly. The thin crust pizza is absolutely wonderful--not greasy. The salads are fabulous as well. Someday I'll venture over and have dinner at the restaurant itself, but if for some reason you can't make it over there or if you are just looking for a great place to order take-out, Canestaro's is it!

Posted 06/11/02

Great place to go before a Sox game. Great Pizza and cute atmosphere. A little out of the way but worth it

Posted 05/22/02