The South End is home to many amazing local favorites for dining. With a nice blend of old and new eateries, patrons can choose between sticking with what they know or dining at the areas newest hot spot. Since I’m always up for a challenge for my sister’s birthday her best friend and I surprised her with Cinquecento!
Now, if you haven’t been to this new addition…
Stop Everything and check it OUT!
Business hours for dinner are 5pm to 11pm Monday thru Wednesday and 5pm to 12am Thursday thru Friday. As their site states, Cinquecento offers, “this edgy community [South End] a contemporary, casual and energetic Roman Trattoria, perfect for a spontaneous night out or your go-to spot for dinner and brunch”. Agreed! This restaurant definitely fills the void of an Italian cuisine meeting scene. Affiliated with the fabulous Aquitaine Group, this new addition since November 2012 is as aesthetically pleasing as its sister restaurants with not only a main dining room and bar but a private function room equipped with a bar. With on street parking and a free parking lot adjacent to the restaurant patrons can drive in knowing they won’t have to fight for parking or pay a ridiculous fee.
I heard the brunch here is fabulous (I will try it soon), served from 10am to 3pm Saturday and Sunday. I can’t wait for the patio in the summer!
Dinner menu items start from $8 and go as high as $30.50 not including sides that start at $6.50 and salumi (cured sliced meats) starting at $5.25. Cocktails are either $10 or $11, beer is between $4 and $28, while Amari (Italian liqueur with bitters) range from $6 to $11.
To get our party started we began with the Cozze in Brodo. This appetizer consisted of Steamed Mussles, Red Onion, and Basil marinated in a Spicy Broth. For my main I got the Bucatini alla Carbonara containing Pancetta (pork belly), Pecorino (Italian cheese from sheep’s milk), and Black Pepper. My sister had the Vitello Milanese con Gorgonzola e Rapini or Fried Veal with Gorgonzola Cream and Broccoli Rabe. Her best friend tried the Taglaiata alla Fiorentina; Char-Grilled Bavette (fan-shaped cut) Steak, Toasted Sage Oil, Garlic Spinach & Roasted Potatoes. Since I had to get a cocktail due to the occasion I drank the Autunno, made with Vanilla Bean Infused Apple Cider, Rye, and Fresh Lemon Juice.
First out was our drinks and I loved mines. It wasn’t too harsh and I loved that you were able to taste the rye within as well as the vanilla notes.
Following our whistle wetters were the yummy mussels. These we’re some of the yummiest mussels I’ve had mainly because of the spicy sauce they were swimming in. The nice and thin broth definitely made this appetizer stand out!
In a reasonable amount of time our entrée’s arrived. For a busy Friday night the wait was not long. My carbonara was lovely! I’m so glad I didn’t add chicken; the pork was plenty meat for me. The cheese clung and melted throughout the pasta, distributing nicely through each bite.
I had a bite of my sister’s veal and her friend’s steak. The veal was nice and lean! I enjoyed how the young beef was breaded.
The steak was delicious on it’s one but was fantastic when combined with the toasted sage oil. Two thumbs up!
To end our “tour di roma” for dessert we went with the Lemon & Riccota Torta which I wasn’t too excited about…but then I changed my mind. This treat contained a Ricotta Pound Cake with Lemon Crema & Blood Orange Sciroppo (syrup). First bite and I fell in love! The pound cake was light, while the cream and syrup both were refreshing additions, turning the traditional everyday pound cake into a celebratory dessert. Great choice made by sissy.
I’m glad that not only did my sister enjoy her Birthday present but we were able to bond over good food and conversation in a new, sleek atmosphere. Shouldn’t that always be the case? Maybe I’m just fat, ha-ha. Xo.
Cinquecento
500 Harrison Ave.
Boston, MA 02118
617-338-9500
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