Orfano - Boston

We were really looking forward to coming here based on the reviews and James Beard finalist nomination. The restaurant is beautiful and whimsical, and the staff seating us in a comfy booth was very friendly and nice, but unfortunately that is where the positives ended. The food was both very ordinary but at the same time was so covered in creamy/cheesiness that we felt sick after eating such rich food. Even both salads they offer were covered in gloopy creamy dressings, and showered in mountains of cheese. The garlic bread which we were so looking forward too was probably the best part, but even that was vaguely stale in texture and not anything special. The clams in garlic broth were a little tough and hard to eat, and the mains felt like we were eating at a chain Italian restaurant. The service was slow and somewhat indifferent. We came in excited and left feeling disappointed and vaguely ill.

A MAZ ING!!! The setting stunning and comfortable. The staff knowledgeable and friendly perfectly attentive. And the FOOD O M G!!! Everything exceptional. Mind blowingly exceptional. I have probably talking to more people about the ceasar salad in the last day than I have talked about any meal ever. Flat out flavor bomb. I don’t know how they did it and I love to deconstruct what I eat and try and recreate. I’m this circumstance I’m fine with not knowing and just enjoying the experience. And osso buco marinara?!? Mind blown….. if you are a foodie (and based on some of the a hole reviews some obviously aren’t) you HAVE to check this place out. We will be back from CT just for dinner well worth the trip.

I was so looking forward to this meal. I'd become a fan of Tiffani Faison from watching her in cooking competitions, so when I was going to be in Boston for my birthday, I chose to celebrate at Orfano. The service was decent, but aside from the meatballs, the food was a huge disappointment. The meatballs were tender and flavorful, but only three come in the order. The garlic bread was cheesy, but not at all garlicky. We ordered the osso buco and lobster bucatini. The osso buco was overdone and tough. The bucatini was limp like pasta out of a can, and the sauce was bland. Giving two stars for the meatballs. Wish I'd gone to the North End instead.

Decided to stop at this restaurant based on Capital one dining restaurants recommendations and am glad I did! Even though Orfano does not have a display to call your attention from the outside, the interior design is quite astonishing. Me and my fiancé sat at the bar and the customer service we got was top notch, and it's very rare to find places where you feel like the staff truly care about your experience and service while dining. Drinks were absolutely phenomenal! Just superb and on point. We also shared the pasta bolognese, and it was just very tasty and a bliss. Highly recommend this establishment.

This restaurant is phenomenal. The decor and ambience is very nicely done. I felt very comfortable and classy. The food is delectable. Many other reviewers complain that the garlic bread wasn't free but if you want free bread go to bertucci's. I do not know many restaurants that give out garlic bread for free. The service and staff are all top notch and very kind and accommodating and the space is clean.