Bocca Bella Cafe & Bistro

It’s a 3.5 star review really. A rather average taste for everything including undercooked broccoli and chicken in a starched sauce. Solid espresso, good service. I think the place’s strength is in appetizers due to interesting cold cuts, pickled veg and ample servings. Il tiramisu, pero è un cento grammi (letteralmente) di disastro. Top layer half dry, serving is in the photo below and the flavor is metallic (for whatever reason). My first attempt to make that in a common dorm kitchen of Umass with a hand whisk was better. Will be back since it’s my local within the walking distance but will play it safe with a burger, appetizers and coffee.

Wait staff is very friendly, menu was well explained and we were not hurried. Appetizers were very good particularly the calamari, fresh and crispy. Eggplant was seasoned perfectly and my Burger was cooked perfectly. Tomatoes like out of the garden, onion crisp and lettuce that was very moist. Pasta and sauce were yum!

Sweet cafe and bistro with the charm of Italy We decided to walk over to this charming little spot in the Auburndale section of Newton while visiting our son and his friend. There's ample street parking and a lot across from the restaurant. Charming first appearance outside with three wrought iron tables and chairs with umbrellas that were nicely flanked with pots of lovely flowering plants. Once inside to the left and in front of you is the bar area with a few tables at the window and perhaps 6 seats at the bar. To the right and straight back is the seating for approximately 30. Brick walls, nice lighting and a very friendly atmosphere. It reminded me of a lovely cafe in Siena. The boys opted for burgers, Turkey w lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese and homemade cranberry relish and The Portabella (Vegetarian) with Grilled portabella, grilled vegetables, Brie cheese. You can request gluten free bread. It was casual plating served with a bag of chips and a zesty garlic pickle. My Mediterranean Salad was fabulous and I mean it! Ice cold and crisp romaine lettuce with a generous scoop of hummus, tabbouleh, artichoke hearts, olives, yalanchi grape leaves, eggplant salad, roasted red peppers, wedges of lemon and yummy grilled wheat syrian bread. I will definitely order this again! Our waitress was very kind and efficient. We happened to be there on the night of the bartender Anthony's birthday! So it was cake for everyone! Such a nice crowd too. They have a case at the end of the bar with all their delightful homemade desserts - cannoli's, tira mi su, cakes, cookies! Next time we'll have to try a few. Their dinner menu changes nightly so go with an adventurous palate and prepare to be delighted. Looking forward to the next mouth watering meal...