0 Followers
Massimo Ristorante
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Massimo Ristorante
8.3
Old-school Italian with warm service across from the Lesher Center, serving generous pastas and veal with steady execution. A reliable pick for pre-theater dinners and relaxed date nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Frutti di mare, Osso buco (when offered), Zabaglione
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Long-running supper-club energy with generous portions and hospitality.
Who should go: Fans of classic Italian comfort and service
When to visit: First seating Fri–Sat for smooth pacing
What to order: Frutti di mare; veal; zabaglione
Insider tip: Use the Lesher Center garage across the street for easy parking.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking available directly across the street in the Lesher Center garage; limited metered street parking nearby fills quickly on event nights.
Dress code: Smart casual — button-downs or nice blouses fit right in; jeans are fine if paired with polished shoes.
Noise level: Moderate — lively on weekends but you can still hold a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially before theater showtimes.
Weekday lunch: Typically seated immediately except during downtown business rush hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple pastas and salads can be prepared meat-free on request.
Vegan options: Limited — some pasta sauces and salads can be adapted, but confirm with server.
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free pasta is available upon request and handled separately in the kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the candlelight, booth seating, and attentive pacing make it a comfortable, low-pressure setting for conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? You can sometimes walk in early on weekdays, but reservations are strongly recommended for weekend dinners and pre-theater times.
Is it kid-friendly? Mostly adult-oriented, though older kids are welcome; no kids’ menu, but staff can simplify pastas for younger diners.
Best For
Better for: More traditional and romantic than Il Fornaio or Original Joe’s — ideal for those craving a quieter, old-school Italian vibe.
Skip if: You’re looking for trendy, modern Italian or a quick meal — this is a linger-and-enjoy kind of spot.
Massimo Ristorante
8.3
Old-school Italian with a seafood lean, plush booths, and a low-lit bar that reads classic date night. Portions are generous, service is warm, and the kitchen handles pastas and veal with steady execution.
Must-Try Dishes:
Frutti di Mare Linguine, Veal Piccata, Tiramisu
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Classic, candle-glow Italian with a seafood focus downtown.
Who should go: Fans of vintage Italian supper-club energy
When to visit: Fri–Sat first seating for smoother pacing
What to order: Frutti di mare; osso buco (when offered); zabaglione
Insider tip: There’s a public garage across Locust—validate and stroll in.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking available at the Locust Street public garage directly across from the restaurant; street parking fills by 6pm on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy—collared shirts and dresses fit the low-lit, classic vibe; jeans are fine if paired with nicer shoes.
Noise level: Moderate—soft background music and conversation hum, easy to talk across a table for two.
Weekend wait: Expect 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially between 6:30–8:00pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; business crowd turns over quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several pasta and salad dishes can be made vegetarian upon request.
Vegan options: Limited—can accommodate simple modifications like olive oil-based pastas or grilled vegetables.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free pasta available; kitchen is careful but not a fully separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, intimate booths, and classic service create a romantic but unpretentious setting that’s ideal for a comfortable first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins are accepted, but reservations are strongly recommended on Fridays and Saturdays. Early or late seatings offer better chances for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—it’s better suited for adults or older teens; no dedicated kids’ menu and ambiance leans formal.
Best For
Better for: Massimo excels at traditional Italian seafood and classic hospitality—it’s the choice for couples who appreciate old-school charm over trendy flash.
Skip if: If you’re after modern small plates, loud energy, or a patio scene, opt for nearby Melo’s Italian Table or Montecatini instead.
Massimo Ristorante
8.2
Downtown stalwart with a classic Italian-seafood leaning menu and spacious dining rooms. Families appreciate the broad menu, dependable service, and comfortable pacing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Linguine Frutti di Mare, Veal Piccata, Tiramisu
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Decades-deep local fixture bridging Italian classics and seafood.
Who should go: Families wanting a broad, classic Italian menu
When to visit: Weeknights after 7pm for calmer dining room
What to order: Frutti di mare linguine; veal piccata; tiramisu
Insider tip: Request the quieter Locust Room when booking larger groups.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated public garage access directly behind the restaurant via Locust Street, free for 90 minutes with validation. Street parking fills quickly after 6pm, and valet service is not offered.
Dress code: Smart casual—button-downs or nice blouses fit best; jeans are acceptable if paired with polished shoes or a jacket.
Noise level: Moderate—steady dining room buzz but still easy for table conversation, quieter in side rooms after 8pm.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; book ahead for parties over four.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately except during Friday business rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—numerous pastas and salads are naturally vegetarian, and kitchen can omit meat sauces on request.
Vegan options: Limited—2–3 customizable pasta or vegetable entrées; confirm with server for dairy ingredients.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free pasta available upon request; cross-contact possible but staff is careful and informed.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—classic Italian ambiance with candlelight and attentive but unhurried service makes it comfortable for a low-pressure first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually possible on weeknights, especially before 6:30pm or after 8:00pm. On weekends, reservations are strongly recommended for groups or prime hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—kids are welcome, especially in earlier seatings. Staff provide booster seats and adjust portions; older children fit in well with the calm atmosphere.
Best For
Better for: Better for families and mixed-age groups seeking traditional Italian fare with seafood options and consistent service.
Skip if: Skip if you’re looking for modern small plates or outdoor seating—the focus here is classic dining-room formality.
Massimo Ristorante
8.2
White-tablecloth Italian with a small outdoor terrace and attentive service. A long-running choice for anniversaries where classics and pacing matter.
Must-Try Dishes:
Osso Buco, Lobster Ravioli, Cioppino
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Classic Italian service with terrace seating off Locust Street.
Who should go: Anniversary and milestone diners
When to visit: Weeknights after 7 pm for a calmer scene
What to order: Osso buco; lobster ravioli; cioppino
Insider tip: Request terrace tables when reserving; limited outdoor seats go fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking is available along Locust and Cypress, with limited spaces after 6 pm. The Lesher Center garage nearby usually has open spots during dinner hours.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning upscale—collared shirts and dresses fit the scene; business attire common for evening guests.
Noise level: Moderate indoors; terrace tables are quieter and better for conversation.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for terrace seating.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; easy walk-in for smaller parties.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several pastas and salads are meat-free, and the kitchen is flexible with modifications.
Vegan options: Limited – 1–2 items can be adjusted; call ahead for confirmation.
Gluten-free options: Yes – gluten-free pasta available on request, and knowledgeable staff handle cross-contamination carefully.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – the intimate lighting, professional service, and small terrace make it ideal for a romantic first impression without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights, but weekends and holidays book fast. Walk-ins are rarely seated outdoors without prior booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially – best suited for adults and older teens. No children’s menu, though staff will simplify dishes if requested.
Best For
Better for: Polished service and classic Italian pacing that feels refined compared to newer, trend-driven spots nearby.
Skip if: You prefer casual or modern Italian, or want a lively bar scene—this is more about conversation and tradition.
Massimo Ristorante
8.3
Old-school Italian white-tablecloth service with a steady kitchen turning out classics. It’s a go-to for anniversaries and private dining, with generous portions and attentive pacing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Osso Buco Milanese, Lobster Ravioli, Cioppino
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Classic Italian fine dining with white-tablecloth polish.
Who should go: Anniversary and milestone celebrants
When to visit: Weeknights after 7 pm for a calmer room
What to order: Osso buco; lobster ravioli; cioppino
Insider tip: Reserve a booth and ask about off-menu specials.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Public garage parking is available across Locust Street, with validated options at some nearby lots; limited metered street parking after 6pm.
Dress code: Upscale attire recommended—smart casual minimum; jackets common on weekends.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation-friendly even during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–60 minutes without a reservation; reservations highly advised.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins often seated immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—numerous pasta and salad options available upon request.
Vegan options: Limited—some pastas and salads can be modified; call ahead for accommodations.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free pasta and bread options offered with advance notice.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—intimate lighting, attentive pacing, and polished service make it a strong choice for a romantic first impression.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible early in the week or before 6pm, but weekends and holidays require reservations to avoid long waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly geared toward children; best for teens or older, though high chairs are available upon request.
Best For
Better for: Ideal for classic Italian fine dining and special occasions where white-tablecloth formality and old-school service shine.
Skip if: You prefer trendy, modern Italian or casual small-plate formats; try Va de Vi or Montecatini instead.