This is one of the best places I've been to in MA. The owner is incredible and hilarious. She handles everything and you get a homemade Italian meal (5 courses) for $35/person. She makes everything on the spot but will tailor it to your preferences/dietary restrictions. We got bruschetta, then meatballs, then a salad, then the eggplant rigatoni, and a delicious desert at the end. I can't rave enough about this place. It really shifts the traditional eating-out experience in a spontaneous and creative way. read more

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Honestly can't believe this is a real restaurant. Wouldn't be surprised to see it on Kitchen Nightmares with Gordon Ramsey. First red flag was our check-in host was also our waitress. But we didn't realize until later...she was also our chef, sou chef and prob dish washer! It's a one man show lol! The next weird thing was the menu. There was a "surprise" course where you don't know what you'll get. I'm adventurous so went with that. What I didn't know was it just means she'll throw together whatever is leftover in the pot from yesterday and heat it up for you. The food was 90% awful, not fresh, reheated leftovers. Then we were leaving, no desert thanks. She insisted we have desert, cannolis. We tho if he they were comp lol, but when the bill came...there is no bill! She just gives you the total lol. Pretty sure we paid for desert and the awful food. I don't know how this is an over 4 stars. read more

Terrible experience, she kept us the whole night, she put on the old stereotypical show, slowest service, mediocre food, the bill ended up being $250 absolutely not worth it. read more

The best matcha we've had!! The chai was also great! Everything we ate was delicious! read more

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(I do not give 5-star reviews) A hidden gem on the north-shore. The owner greets you, seats you and feeds you without breaking a sweat. A customized daily menu... excellent custom drinks! She just ran out of what we wanted off the daily menu but after 2 questions whipped up one of the perfect lunches for the occasion! Perfect sandwich reflecting what we originally ordered + mood of the day and best pasta salad I may have ever had. Re-reading this review it sounds cheesy fake, but was actually my experience. Unavoidable tight seating inside, but sat on great sidewalk high tops. Perfect warm weather spot. *** Be prepared! Cash or Venmo only. *** (Again... I don't usually give 5-star reviews.) read more

Cafe Avellino - Italian Near Me - Swampscott, Massachusetts

Great cozy little Italian place to get some food and coffee. Owner was so very kind and welcoming. We got Cappuccinos and they were delicious. Will definitely stop by again. Thank you! read more

MUST VISIT. Theresa was an incredible host and chef ‍ We had such a good meal it was impossible to remember to photograph before we dug in. She hosts only a few families an evening and we were so lucky to experience it. Wow, incredible evening and culinary adventure. We will be back soon! Every bite was 10/10. read more

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One of THE best meals out I've had in a very long time! Highly recommend the vegan / plant based dinner improvisation - you will NOT be disappointed! Great for all - vegan & carnivore alike! So many amazing courses, the freshest ingredients, delicious & beautifully presented dishes prepared with amazing attention by Teresa. What a treat tonight was!! read more

I called when I saw they have vegan options and said I would like something to eat on the beach. The woman on the phone suggested arrancini balls and caprese salad - all vegan. The vegan cheese was so fresh, and everything was delicious! The box to carry our food to the beach was just right. The door says they can make anything on their menu vegan! read more

Cafe Avellino - Vegan arrancini and caprese salad - Italian Near Me - Swampscott, Massachusetts

This is where you come for family style Italian when you want to be treated like family. Make sure you call for reservations since it is a tiny spot and only has a handful of tables. The owner and chef Theresa never forgets customers and when you walk in, she will make whatever she feels like on that day. If you don't like something she makes, she has some other options for you. Be prepared to be treated like family when you come to visit, you may arrive the first time as a stranger, but you will leave as family. The restaurant itself is very small, but you'll get to enjoy the company of random strangers around you, who also feel like they are part of your extended family even when you're meeting them for the first time at dinner. read more

Such an amazing and special little place! Cannot recommend it enough. One of the best meals I've ever had! Everything was delicious. Great service and such an impressive one-woman show!! Teresa makes you feel right at home and serves up a unique and delicious menu. Cannot wait to go back! read more

I'm new to town and have been looking at Cafe Avellino for some time as I prepared to move to Swampscott. My girlfriend and I stopped in for lunch today and could not have had a better experience. Theresa possesses a world view and culinary perspective that work in concert with each other to provide diners with an experience - not just a meal. Her positivity and confidence in herself is shown in every item that comes from her kitchen. I could comment on the individual dishes (we had two different panini sandwiches), but each individual experience will be different. Their menu is improvisational and changes with each day. Trust Theresa with your time and you will not be disappointed. She cooks from the heart and it shows in every part of her restaurant. Everything from the greeting, to the service of her staff (we were lucky to have Emma, who was fantastic!), the food, and the conversation was among the best I have seen in a restaurant. We will be back on a regular basis, for certain. read more

Danielle Sonia & I had dinner at Cafe Avellino and it was absolutely delicious. Teresa Sirignano provided some of the best service and hospitality we've ever had. The food, drinks and service was top notch. If you haven't been here please check them out !!! #FlavorTown #selfcare read more

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Even though I'm just visiting Teresa makes me feel at home! Loved by my family I discovered her wandering on my own! I learned later about all the connections and that my cousin brought me here once in the past. I'm present to how fun it is that the menu changes! Service is amazing making it an adorable gem to visit! Thank you read more

I had the best caprese panini of my life. The bread is homemade and the ingredients are so fresh. The owner chatted with me the whole time and made me feel so welcome. This is an unassuming GEM of a cafe. MUST VISIT read more

Beware, the Owner/Chef will absolutely talk your ear off. And you'll be back for more. Expect to be surprised.

Service and Avocado Toast was awesome. Also got a iced coffee and it was just how I like it. Definitely a spot you need to check out! Great selection of cannolis if you're in for a treat. read more

Cafe Avellino - Italian Near Me - Swampscott, Massachusetts

A small, warm welcoming little cafe and bistro with wonderful homemade food, a simple casual ambiance and a delightful , friendly owner and chef read more

Just had a wonderful six course dinner there for less than $140, the owner, Teresa, is such an exceptional host and cook. Can't wait to go back there again and have more home cooked Italian fare. read more

If this is what they can do with avocado toast (see picture) I'm all in. Presentation was beautiful, the food was super fresh and good and the flavors are all distinct and wonderful. I don't usually write reviews on the first visit but this was exceptional. I'll definitely be back to cover the rest of the menu. I finished with a pistachio cannoli which was excellent. Teresa, who is warm friendly talkative and Italian at her very roots, makes everything. She grew up in the North End and learned her cannoli making skills working at Mike's Pastry. read more

Cafe Avellino - Special Avocado Toast - Italian Near Me - Swampscott, Massachusetts

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If I could give Cafe Avellino more than 5 stars, I would. Stumbled upon this gem while searching yelp for Vegan options. I called to confirm and was instantly drawn to Teresa's energy. The restaurant is small and intimate. We were greeted by Teresa who remembered I called. I had never been to an improv restaurant nor had I ever heard of one so I was thrown off when the only thing on the dinner menu was drinks, appetizers, and a note that says "family style dinner, my way." She asked about allergies/diet restrictions and got to cooking. We had the Mini Arancini which were vegan and the Garlic Bruschetta to start... TO DIE FOR! next came the food we didn't have a say over. Let me tell you, Every. Single. Thing she served was AMAZING!!! so much love in everything. The Cannoli!!! Better than the tourist traps in the North End. Teresa treated us and everyone else there like she had known us for years. She treated us like family. If you are in a hurry during dinner, Cafe Avellino is not for you. Everything is prepped and cooked on the spot. Nothing is pre-prepped. Guaranteeing everything is as fresh as possible. We are still in awe of our entire experience here. 10/10 recommend. read more

Had dinner last night with a large group of girlfriends at Cafe Avellino in Swampscott on Humphrey Street. Teresa is a joy with Class A service and hospitality from her and her staff. Fantastic people - such a welcome vibe. The food was out of this world and the courses simply kept coming. Nothing was rushed, a fabulous relaxing enjoyable atmosphere. Avellino's is a hidden gem on the North Shore (at least it was to a few of us who never even heard of it before.) If you don't want to go all the way to the North End spend your evening (or lunch or brunch) in this wonderful local restaurant. Could not have asked for a nicer evening with friends. Definitely plan to go again and recommend to every foodie we know. Thanks Teresa! read more

The coffee, food, and atmosphere at Cafe Avellino are all terrific, but the owner Teresa is a local treasure. You will definitely enjoy your time here. read more

So glad to have discovered Cafe Avellino. We came for Mother's Day takeout dinner. When we called ahead I spoke with Theresa, Chef/Owner. She was super accomodating (and quite a character). We placed our order and arranged to pick it up the following day. The food was ready shorlty after we arrived. Had a quick laugh with Theresa and then off to take the food home to hungry wife. Long story short, she was thrilled. Portions were large, food was fantastic. We had a lovely dinner. It was splendid. Worth going out of the way to get! read more

Phenomenal! Cute, quant, friendly and delicious. The owner was amazing at getting us food after she was crazy busy and running out of food. Sangria was fresh made, arancini were vegan and you wouldn't even know it and the bruschetta was bursting with flavor read more

Not only is Teresa a friendly person, but she makes EXCELLENT cannoli. Alisha and she had me laughing and smiling while I waited. I'll definitely be back! read more

This restaurant has a very short menu at lunch, but it's very well executed. My avocado toast with egg and potatoes was perfect. Hubby enjoyed his fried eggplant and mozzarella salad. My freshly made cannoli with pistachios was excellent. Hubby liked his anisette biscotti, too. The outdoor seating was comfortable. We liked that we could park our bikes next to the table. Our waitress was pleasant. The cook or owner came out to ask how we liked our meal read more

Went for the first time on a valentine's day. Vegan menu was absolutely amazing. The owner is the best and i honestly fee as though she has become a friend! We will be having them cater our wedding! Try it you will not be disappointed! read more

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Such a friendly staff! A small and mighty team (so you need to wait a bit longer) but great for a quick brunch. You can tell the owner really values community. Would definitely come again. read more

This is such an amazing little place I found- beautiful atmosphere- music- delicious food made by the owner-good variety of coffees. I got the Nutella latte my friend got the strawberry smoothie both were excellent. read more

Cafe Avellino - Baked goods - Italian Near Me - Swampscott, Massachusetts

Amazing food. One of the best traditional Italian meals ever! Not crowded and casual which I liked as well.

Omg , just had brunch there Tracey and Beth omg omg omg. love in everything. Food , staff , and of course JD and Daddy. we can not even begin to tell you what an experience this was. First timers, long clients now. Thank you girls and remember whatever your doing it is working read more

My first time stopping in here. I connected with Teresa immediately. The food was fabulous and plated perfectly. I'll be a regular from now on! read more

This is literally like going to your Italian sisters house and sitting down at her table for dope, scratch made classic Italian dishes. The menu changes daily and is well worth the mystery of not knowing what's she is cooking until you get there. And just like your sisters house if you jerk out she will let you know real quick! Haha! read more

Came here for breakfast. Very friendly atmosphere, but a bit pricey and skimpy on portions. Solid food but nothing special read more

Cafe Avellino - Breakfast sandwich, portobello mushroom, arugula and goat cheese - Italian Near Me - Swampscott, Massachusetts

We were intrigued in trying this restaurant especially when we found out about the family meals special. We ordered the chicken and broccoli family meal. Being the first time ordering from this restaurant I needed directions in finding it. I parked in front of a restaurant that was not Cafe Avellino so I walked down the street and found it. Talk about a hole in the wall. I think I saw 3 tables for sit down and a small bar with 2 chairs. I found it quite charming but had/have to wonder how they have room for live entertainment. Anyway, I think it was the owner that was behind the counter. She was very nice. We receive a large loaf of garlic bread and she made a salad for for two when we ordered for one. Everything was very good and for a great price. I can see why it has such a high rating. We would give it more than four stars but we can't do fractions of a star. read more

What a gem. The people are so gracious and kind, the food tastes great, and it is so small you might miss it otherwise, so make a point to come by. Can't recommend this place enough for a great pasta dish, a glass of wine, and a sense of neighborhood belonging. They went as far as to sing some lullabies with guitar accompaniment for my daughter, which may have activated some of her shyness but I thought it was really great. Can't wait to come back here. read more

Spent the day in Marblehead/ Swampscott and decided to stop in to this cute cafe. Outdoor seating was nice, waitress was doing her best. No menu, waitress orally gave us 3 options to choose from. No bathrooms. Whatever, we understand it's Covid and small businesses are doing their best. However, even despite COVID, the food we were given was inexcusable. Almost $9 for a paper plate of toasted bread, and we were given no choice of sides. I could've made this at home with leftovers from my fridge. Really disappointing read more

Cafe Avellino - Mozzarella Basil Panini - Italian Near Me - Swampscott, Massachusetts

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Nice place. Very welcoming. Got the eggplant. It is amazing. Cooked to perfection. Got some tasty treats to go. Looking forward to the next visit. read more

Cafe Avellino - Delicious eggplant - Italian Near Me - Swampscott, Massachusetts

Let's talk about Cafe Avellino and it's owner and chef Teresa. First off, she's amazing and this tiny little local cafe has amazing live music when the dining room is open. I have been dropping in for years less often than I would like actually! During quarantine you can still call to order food for pickup and Teresa will make you anything you want Vega nixed with a days notice. I walk there with my family and consider Teresa a friend after all the times I have come. One day she came out with a little puppet for my toddler! She is the reason you come back and so is her vegan bolognese! She had a vegan Valentine's dinner this year that was priced better than most places and soooo good. We chat with others every time we are there and make friends and acquaintances and it feels like a cafe should. It's warm, friendly, magical, a second home, a place to read or chat, to listen to music and sip coffee, to eat a perfect portion of eggplant and savor it over moonlight. It's also across from Fisherman's beach so head to the beach and grab some coffee and an eclair on the way, then drop by at lunch for paninis. It's really just a perfect gem that everyone will love. I cannot wait until you can go sit outside and smell the sea again and sip an espresso or maybe a Nutella latte. Go drop by the screen door and ask for something to pickup for dinner you will not regret it. read more

Cafe Avellino - Vegqn bolognese! Soo good! - Italian Near Me - Swampscott, Massachusetts