Overall Papa Razzi is consistently ok Italian food however it is not the greatest and never will be for a few reasons. First off, this location sits in Wellesley Falls area of downtown Wellesley off Route 9 and is tucked away to the right near the river, hardly noticeable and is quite a large location. Place was very crowded since it was Saturday, parking lot is very large and interior here is decorated quite nice with cool light fixtures etc. The entrance and hostess station here is an odd setup which leaves very little room for waiting patrons and is adjacent to the seating so cold drafts enter the dining room and tables are set up in the walking path of patrons entering. Thought that was strange. The service here started off slow but picked up quite a bit and the two managers visible in the dining room checked in on us on two occasions which was decent. Menu here is standard selection of Italian dishes, standard appetizers and entrees. Extensive wine and cocktail lists and even a small menu for the kids. We started out with fried mozzarella which was delicious and opted for the Veal Scallopini and Filet. Food was served timely, waitstaff here was ok, our server could of been a tad bit friendlier and was all business but it was fine. Entrees came out hot, servings were a bit skimpy and biting into the red potatoes which were overcooked and the very limp broccoli and then taking a bite of the small piece of veal scallopini I was not overly impressed, it was just ok, a bit overcooked and tough and I was a bit surprised that this was the same food as the delicious fried mozzarella we just finished. Filet was just average as well which I was surprised at and it had areas of tough pieces. Dessert was served as brownie sundae with gelato and it was equally not that great, very hard brownie and sauces that tasted like they were from a jar. In all the meal was just average and there is probably a reason you don't see too many of these chain locations open anymore. The food is just not up to par with other nearby Italian restaurants scattered all over Boston and Providence. Sadly, I suspect this location will end up closing, and is only overly crowded because it is not near many other restaurants in this area. read more

Terrible service and terrible good! I didn't even take a picture as I normally do. We are definitely not going back.

I ordered a beet salad this afternoon at the bar in Wellesley. After I had taken a few bites I observed a long curly black hair in it and brought it to the bartender's attention. The bartender was professional and polite and referred to the hair as "disgusting," and then placed my order for a pasta plate instead. The bartender was responsive, the lobster pasta was tasty which is my reason for two stars, but I was taken aback that I did not hear from manager regarding the incident or that I wasn't offered a complementary plate because of my experience, as it was gross. I tipped Connor $10 which was more than 20% because, it wasn't his hair, but I would never return there, or any paparazzi again and I told him that because of the incident. We consumers have to make clear statements about what is acceptable, and hygienically up to par. read more

Everything about this restaurant is a 5!!! Chicken picatta was delicious, drinks were great! 6 of us dined and not one complaint!

Part 2 Redemption- I've tried this place 2 more times - not on a holiday and it was lights out awesome. Best Gluten Free Chicken Parmigiana around! Go hungry, their non holiday menu has something for everyone. Wine selection has some decent selections by the glass. If only they consistently had more Gluten Free desserts I would have given 5 stars. Nice atmosphere, a range of dress code. Polite waitstaff and you don't feel rushed. I'll be back. Free valet parking, which is nice. Gluten Free menu, even better. We had GF antipasto and GF mozzarella for appetizers. Both were good. The GF bread is a little odd and looks like mini burger buns, not too bad though. Keeping in mind that it was Mother's Day, the place was packed. We unfortunately were seated by windows and a door to a patio. It was a little chilly until they opened the door several times and then it was downright cold. Our waitress was very friendly and a accommodating. She said that they could prepare veal scallopini GF. Unfortunately when a hostess delivered the meal it was Veal parmigiana and she was a bit defensive when it was pointed out to her. She stated that is the way it is prepared there. (Almost got the vibe of take it or leave it.) I had the GF chicken parmigiana. It was pretty good but they said they pan fry it and it had a strange fishy flavor to it. Almost like they had cooked fish in the skillet right before. The manager came by to check on us but by this time we were all set with the funky tasting food and the freezing air from the door on a rainy 40 degree rainy night. read more

We had a great dinner at our pre-Covid 19 standby, Papa Razzi Wellesley. If Donald Trump allows Dr. Fauci to do his job, maybe we'll inch our way back to normalcy, and not have to jump through all of the hoops that we currently do, to have a meal out. This was our first meal out, since restaurants were allowed to open their dining rooms for in-room dining (vs dining in their parking lots). We realized how much we missed an occasional dinner out, without children, in tow, and without sitting in a parking lot (but, we tried to do our part by supporting local businesses). Our night out was really, lovely. Our meals were spot on, delicious, hot, and nicely presented. Our servers were attentive, and seemingly glad to be working in an air conditioned environment, at the height of a seemingly hot, balmy summer. This is a time when local businesses, and their staff need customers, to make a go, in this Covid 19 disastrous economy. At Papa Razzi Wellesley, the staff is taking exhaustive measures to make their guests feel welcome, and deliver an excellent meal. Please make an effort to support local businesses. Papa Razzi Wellesley is employee owned. read more

We went to a seminar held at this location and while I realize that these sort of events order from a caterer type of a menu with smaller and simpler items still I would expect them and the service to be indicative of the quality of the establishment. The service was apathetic at best - certainly below that of the service one might expect in the main cabin of a domestic flight. My spouse requested some tea - now we realize that tea or coffee wasn't included in the package our hosts had purchased but our server said she would ask. She never got back to us. We had to eventually track her down and she told us "sorry, no drinks provided" (other than water. Fine - she could have said I can get you done tea but it will cost you extra. When she was serving the food my spouses order came out at least 5 minutes after mine. Keep in mind that all the food was preordered. Next, my chicken dish was unusually salty. I've read in other reviews that this seems to be a constant issue with dishes. I have no idea how this continues to be an issue. The chocolate cake though was delightful. I'd think that management would see events like these as an opportunity to build their customer base. I was looking forward to trying out Pappa Razi but unless these issues could be addressed I fear it's just an over priced version of a second rate Bertucci's.. read more

Amazing authentic Italian cuisine I love their free breadsticks and oil to start. Everything on their menu is so fresh and delicious. Great portion sizes and service! read more

Coming for years, and now only when we are desperate for takeout. No more! ...inedible veal scallopini , burnt paper thin pounded veal with crusted burnt crumbs and burnt broccolini and potatoes! Lemon " piccata" sauce making all inedible ! disgraceful to send it out the door for takeout especially paying these prices for burnt food that you can't even eat because it is so bad! read more

This place is terrible. This was not our first choice for dinner but we settled. The restaurant we originally planed for the night was closed because of the big snow storm. We went out for dinner because my boyfriends brother was deploying over seas. We were a party of eight and had made a reservation so I'm not sure why they were unprepared for our party. It looked like a well functioning restaurant until you sit down and realize there is a ton of staff standing around but none of them are doing anything. The kitchen staff was dancing around in plain sight of patrons and it was uncomfortable to watch while not being served. We had one server and he couldn't care less about our table. He was very slow, sloppy and inaccurate at keeping drinks on the table. None of the food came out at the same time and mine sadly got cold while waiting for everyone else. Worst was that someones food wasn't made at all and we waited while the kitchen staff danced around and slowly made his meal. I ordered a very simple chicken piccata. It was small and the chicken was over cooked. The saddest part of this is that it is a chain restaurant. If you want to pay a lot of money for an Italian dinner. Go to an authentic restaurant, not this sad pathetic excuse for a restaurant. read more

My wife and I have been to the other Papa Razzi's in the Boston area and have always left satisfied and happy. The service has been great and the food very good. The Wellesley Papa Razzi is a completely different story. This could be one of the worst restaurants we've ever been to. The service at the bar was absolutely horrible and the food wasn't much better. We got two pizzas to share which took 30 minutes to appear and when thy did they were both ice cold. The bar tender had asked if we'd like these pizzas reheated and we politely asked for new ones. The new ones didn't taste much better. We could barely get the attention of our servers. They were more interested in watching the game, socializing with each other and I assume their regulars. My wife and I will never go back to this location (there is a phenomenal location in Framingham - about 15 min away) and I'd recommend everyone to avoid. read more

Picture this: two suburban girls are starving, returning from a disappointing trip to the mall. They ask their GPS navigational system to lead them to a local restaurant and, much to their chagrin, the exit is closed for construction. Lacking any direction with blood sugar levels so low they can no longer sing along to their Britney Spears CD, they spot Papa Razzi on the left hand side. Relieved, they pull into the parking lot and go inside. After sitting down and deciding on pasta, they are amused by the waiter's struggle to feign an Italian accent. They devour the bread sticks as soon as they are placed on the table, one slathering on butter, the other dipping them in hot peppered olive oil. After the drinks are served, the waiter brings out their salads. The lemon and olive oil dressing works well with the parmesan cheese. Their only complaint is that the lettuce is broken up so small that it is difficult to fork with grace. When the pasta arrives, one girl's is perfect with eggplant, tomatoes, garlic and mozzarella, while the other one's pasta isn't cooked enough. She does not complain, however, until they walk out of the restaurant. She was too shy to send it back. As expected from suburban girls, they do not order dessert and over tip the waiter who, one of them has discovered, is wearing a mouth apparatus and was not trying to speak in an accent after all. They giggle as they walk back to their car, plug their navigational system back in and blast Britney for the ride back home. read more

Normally, Papa Razzi has great, fresh Italian food and wonderful service. I think this location may have been having an off night. My husband and I had dinner here after a long, tiring day of moving. We explained this to the waitress and also that we were extremely thirsty. Unfortunately, we had to flag her down for even one drink refill. My husband ordered soup, and it came out with his spaghetti and meatballs. The waitresses looked shocked when he explained he wanted the soup as an appetizer. I had the mushroom tortelloni, which were fresh and tasty. But the whole meal was so unpleasant it overshadowed the food. . read more

Usually I go here with coworkers at lunch time and sit at the bar so that we can be in and out quickly. The food is good, and when we sit with the bartender as a captive audience we can have a decent lunch in a quick amount of time. Today we sat at a table and I was surprised by the difference in service. I'm not really ever a fan of rude waitresses giving me attitude on my lunch break, and she never smiled and treated us like we were going to run out on the bill. We aren't teenagers, we are a group if young professionals. Maybe splitting the check made her nervous, but I will probably pass the next time my group decides to go. I wish I had stayed at the office and eaten at my desk. read more

Food is always excellent. Gil always takes great care of us. Chicken Parm A+ always. Love that Newport Restaurant group owns it now. Gary the manager is always around. Can't wait to see/try out the new patio area. Dustin and Irving at the bar do a great job. Thanks for being consistently good. read more

Always have great food and service here. Only issue I've ever had is the parking situation. Always some sort of issue it seems whether it's valet clogging up the tiny entrance or the oblivious local Newton/Wellesley drivers. read more

The frist time I went here was a couple of years ago and I found the restaurant rather average. Last night I returned for a private function and was more impressed. We started with a cheese platter and bread with olive oil then had a choice of beef fillets, eggplant or chicken. I had the chicken which was not Peter Lugar's but still good. Dessert was a choice of two cakes, both of which were good. Both were moist and flavorful. The servers were friendly and the room we had the function was very nice and private but it did take a while to get coffee at the end of the meal. So overall 3.5. read more

Great place. Been coming here since it opened. Every time it's a treat. The chef should win an award and the servers are delightful. There bread is unlike any other place. I always eat so much I don't think I'll have room for the main. Then I see my main and take a bit and suddenly I'm starving again and gobble up every last bite. read more

This location has been bad over the years for food quality. Went there last night. Ordered pizza and eggplant parm. Pizza had a bad taste from the cheese they used. It was too salty and undercooked as well. The eggplant parm would have been fine but was also too salty. Breadsticks and focaccia are always good. I wont return to this location. read more

The service was excellent and professional as the server seated us and we ordered. If you have allergies this is an excellent example of great service because it is a from scratch kitchen meaning all of their food is made by them so there is no "may contain". After you order the manager will come to check on you and tell you how the food is coming. I do recommend this to anyone with or without allergies. read more

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I've done take out from Papa Razzi twice since they reopened from their renovations. They may have paved paradise, but they didn't put up a parking lot - "free" valet parking (you should still tip) is available, but that's not helpful for takeout orders. Otherwise, there's no easy parking. I was told that I could (illegally) park at the CVS across the street by the hostess, but that seems dodgy at best. Both times the food was just okay - not outstanding, way too salty, and overpriced. The second time, food that was supposed to be picked up at 7:15 wasn't ready until 7:35...so I missed the first half-inning of the Sox game. I got a free chocolate torte for my wait - a nice gesture, but not really what I wanted. Also, a medium-well steak came out completely rare - easily fixable by grilling it a little at home, and it's not surprising that the steak was undercooked, given that our order wasn't ready on time. read more

I'm working my way through the menu and enjoying the challenge. Food hasn't disappointed me in fact it's really good. Fresh and tasty - a chef that cares. MA isn't home turf but I fly in from Colorado every 3-4 months. Sometimes finding a place that's home away from home is the best medicine. Here at PaPa Rizzy - I'm trying to work Razzi into right. Epic fail I know. So here's my take I've been here solo, in groups and take out. Solo it's completely comfortable to sit at the bar. I've had great conversation with the employees and those sitting on the stools next to me. In groups at the table the staff attention was spot on. Take out I cared to make it home unspilled and managed to do so. Success I've worked through about 5 pies, 3 plates of pasta veal and Osso Bucco just tonight -Fall off the bones fantastic I didn't eat that all tonight -thank very much for playing. I've been here at least 8-9 times. AND now I find out about your frequent foodie card. Thanks you owe me 600 dollars in points. Great wine selection and nothing to whine about. It's a home run and obviously the Red Sox must all eat here because they're off to such a fantastic start. Power food for movers and shakers or those who just want to pull up a friendly stool. It's 4 stars based on food because 5 stars has it's price but 5 stars for the home its provided me. Cheers has grown up and now serves food. Lol read more

I have to admit that I am utterly mortified that I have yet to review Papa Razzi. Why? Well, I have been here maybe 500 times (not exaggerating - I'm a VIP member at the back bay restaurant group). Since I was old enough to eat, my parents would take me here.. it's right around the corner from our house in newton. They serve my favorite meal on the planet (seriously, check my yelp review - the Scalloppine Di Pollo is my last meal on earth). Let's talk about this favorite meal of mine: the Scalloppine di Pollo. A beautiful piece of chicken breast pounded thin, smothered in Italian breadcrumbs, sauteed to perfection, topped with a perfect lemon caper sauce. And for that touch of freshness, a tomato salad w/ balsamic dressing. Oh, and you need more? How about some delicious roasted red bliss potatoes on the side. Literally, it's heaven. I probably have to order some today. In all honestly, I love the Papa Razzi in wellesley. The other locations I really don't care about... but this place has always felt like my go to spot. Sure, I have had bad experiences here.. and every time I stray from my fav meal.. I always regret it.. but I always come back. I also had my college and high school graduation parties here. They have a great private room with patio.. and both events were really fun and the food was great. I know when you think of fine dining, Papa Razzi doesn't come to mind.. but think again, fellow yelpers... think again. read more

Even before covid, paparazzi would de-prioritize take out orders. 50% of my 8 orders were cancelled after waiting 2 hours. They refuse to talk to the delivery people who ask for an update. How do I know? Well, half of my takeout orders were cancelled. We do not have time to place an order somewhere else tonight so I drove to paparazzi in Wellesley. I saw the driver ask for status and the person in front actively ignored him. He told me they think drivers are garbage and do not deserve any respect. I told the driver to go and I'll wait for the order. So, if you want to get a wildly incorrect estimate, wait all night, and then get your order cancelled, all while humiliating an essential worker - go for it ! read more

A chain trying to be upscale and overcharging for mediocre food. Not impressed, and reminded me why I avoid most chains in the first place, especially "Italian" ones (the parents took the boy and I out to eat, so it wasn't our choice). The boy's steak and greens were both incredibly bitter tasting. My panko-crusted shrimp was bland, and the accompanying risotto was watery and flavorless and devoid of the lemon or asparagus promised in the description. The dining room was loud and chaotic, and the waitress was competent but very unsure of herself. Also, I got the wrong leftovers (fortunately it was someone else in my party's, unfortunately I did not discover this until today's lunch). On the plus side, I liked the cocktail I had (Blueberry Lemonade) and the fresh moz covered in prosciutto app (although how do you mess that up?), as well as the warm starter focaccia. And the parents seemed to enjoy their own meals just fine (pasta with sausage and chicken picatta- I tried the pasta, and was not impressed at all). Really though, for these prices I know I can get an amazing meal elsewhere at a local, non-chain restaurant, so there's no reason to ever come back here unless the parents are footing the bill. And even then, I think I'll put up a fight (how can I not when Italian places like La Morra are similarly priced but soooo soooo much better?). Blech. read more

Average Italian food, too pricy, and service is nothing extraordinary. Garlic! They do have gluten free options which is nice. Bar is full. Parking lot is busy. Takeout is 40min. Lots of garlic! read more

Amazing Father's Day brunch! The food was scrumptious, drinks delicious and the staff knowledgeable and thoughtful! Will definitely be back!

Service is good. The waiter was super friendly and kept making jokes with our table. He kept helping us refill our glasses with rose. At the end, he made a rose and some other things with our napkins just for kicks The food was decent. I got the risotto and it tasted fine, but there was also burnt spaghetti in my plate. We got to sit outside and enjoy the nice weather on an evening in June. Definitely a few lively tables around us, but most certainly still quieter than sitting inside. Overall, decent food and a good experience. read more

I like Papa Razzi. Every dish I have had there has been great. Most recently I had raviolis stuffed with ricotta and lobster meat (they didn't skimp on the lobster meat either, which was awesome) in a lobster and cheese cream sauce. So good. Also, their marinara is really delicious. I have had mixed experiences with the waitstaff though. On one trip a waitress practically scoffed at getting me lemons to go with my water and on another trip our waitress had drink refills on the table before my glass was even empty. The only consistent complaint I have is the portion size. For the price, portions could definitely stand to be a little bigger. I mean c'mon, give me enough so I have some leftover for lunch the next day. read more

I've been going for years. Papa Razzi never surprises but never disappoints. The menu has plenty of variety but the pastas are favorites of my gluten-friendly friends. My best bets are the gnocchi and mushroom ravioli. The atmosphere is warm and inviting. It manages to be large enough for short waits without overwhelming. read more

I just love their food. They have a perfect amount of flavor, and I feel like a lot of Italian restaurants make their food somewhat bland. Whenever my family goes here and the four of us order something different, we always love every order on the table! read more

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If you're looking for consistency and personal attention this place is for you. This has been our family's go-to place for Italian for years, and it seems to improve with age. I have never had a sub-par meal, and they always greet me by name. I have also hosted events in their private rooms where the buffet was exemplary and the servers very accommodating. Make sure you introduce yourself to the "take out" hostess, and she'll always greet you by name and make you feel wonderfully at home. read more

Little things make a difference in a Resteraunt. We were served wonderful warm bread at the start of our meal. A little later I asked if we could have more warm bread. The waiter brought the bread & it was cold. I asked what happen to the delicious warm bread you served us before. The waiter replied "the chefs to busy to warm your bread now". We were disappointed because it is a little thing but the dinner turned negative because of this & the lack of respect we felt hearing "the chefs to busy to warm up your bread this time". read more

Ate here a few weeks back on a Saturday evening. Was headed to the movies and needed a quick bite beforehand. Arrived just before 6pm and was seated right away. There were 3 of us. Glad we got here early as the place was packed within 30 min with a wait. Our waiter was just fantastic. I even made a point of telling the manager so. I had the veal parm and it was beyond yummy. I also had a glass of white wine and shared dessert. Plenty of parking available. Just get here early if you don't want to wait for a table. The place is pretty big inside though. I hear they have a patio in the summer. Can't wait to come back then and sit outside with a glass of vino!! Will definitely be back. read more

What a terrific dinner and great time last night! The friendliness of the hostess, service, and food is hard to beat. Leslie was our waitress and I'll always ask for her. Her patience, knowledge of wines, flexibility with the menu are all skills hard to find. I had Veal Milanese and didn't want the arugula. A perfect meal delivered with a substitution of lettuce and it was 5 stars! read more

Papa Razzi is a staple from my childhood. I used to always go with my family to the one off of Route 2. My sister, cousin and I would get our own table and think that was pretty cool. So anyway, I can't help but to feel some nostalgia when I come to any of their locations, now that they've popped up all over the Commonwealth. Probably the best chain restaurant all around - service, food, and atmosphere. This one is down the street from my office so I met a relative for dinner the other night. I think the waitress was new, nervous or both because she messed up a couple times. But it wasn't a big deal, and the manager was so apologetic, and comped the meal - which was nice and he didn't need to do that. Though I'm glad he did. Either way though, I'd come back. Their foccocia bread is so good, and the 5 layered chocolate cake - YUM! read more

Overall, a solid Italian restaurant with good food, a decent wine list, and helpful and attentive service. The place was crowded on a Saturday night, and we were seated near the open oven kitchen. It got almost too warm, which is a drawback. The decor is colorful, trying to create almost a carnival feel, which fails at accomplishing, but at least it's cheerful. Ordered the caesers salad and the veal parmigiana. I really liked the salad because the croutons are made with homemade foccacia, and are garlicky and crisp. The veal was tasty, covered with marinara sauce and some melted mozzerella. The mussels were also well done, large in size and in a yummy tomato sauce. My friends like the lobster ravioli here, which has a fancy name, and I think their only disappointment is that the portion is so small. Overall all, I thought the portions for the other pastas and entrees were generous. My friend ordered the salmon, which I am not sure I would try - it looked plain. I wouldn't say anything was over-the-top special about this place. Mostly the dinner was nice because of friends, and the food and service only added to a good experience. read more

This is my favorite of all the Papa Razzi. Everything just seems to taste better in this one. I am a real fan of the back bay restaurant group of which this is one of their places. Everything is made fresh to order. One of my Favorite items is the Rigatoni con Luenga ! You wont be disappointed read more

Visited a number of Papa Razzi locations and this one stands out. Beautiful decor, excellent service and the food just seems better. Very large location with nice little bar (yeah for Wellesley changing the rules to allow). Parking is tough as this is always jammed. Nice place to meet someone as convenient to highway. read more

Cool place for lunch and to watch a game. Service is a bit slow, so tell them you are on lunch break so they will speed things up. I tried the "wine flights" with Artem F. and the spicy and the chiantis were great. We ordered a salad, some eggplant appetizer that was over cooked and burnt, so we sent it back, and the pasta de mar. The portions were a good size and we split the small version of the pasta special. It was ok, nothing to write home about, but not bad. read more