Totally agree with some other reviews...Most restaurants in the area that claim to be top notch…read moreItalian end up being a disappointment. I like dishes that are new and unique, carry the same passion I have for cooking and include the ingredients that I enjoy. I have seen quite a few reviews for Vivacino in No. Andover, all were good. The prices are a little elevated from your norm but the food preparation, quality, service and all-around food experience explain that. I would rather go out less often and enjoy a great experience, than go out more often and eat subpar food. Firstly, of all nights we picked New Years Eve to go with no reservation! But we thought we'd give it a shot. We were greeted by I'm assuming Richard the Owner General Manager and a lovely young lady who let us know what we already knew, they were packed with reservations. Richard did inform us that the bar had two available seats at the end and my husband said we'll take it. I was shocked because he never sits at the bar. But it was an end seat for him and he must have really wanted to try this restaurant. We sat down and were greeting by bar waitress Toast B who gave us menus. She was super friendly and pleasant. She let us know the specials of the evening. After looking at the menu, I asked her if I was crazy, I thought I saw Chicken Piccata and Veal Parmesan on their online menu. She said they did have it, those were on their other menu of items carried over from Buono. My husbands not too adventurous, he just wants his Veal Parm or Chicken Parm and is very critical of it, since that's all he gets. We ordered drinks and a basket of freshly baked bread and oil was brought over. Delicious. We didn't order appetizers, just went ahead ordering our entrees. I figured it would be quite a while, with the restaurant being so full. But shockingly, our meals came out really quick. My husband couldn't believe how huge his veal was! And he said it was super tender. I tasted his sauce and it was over the top delicious, and I never order red sauce. He got Penne with his entrée. I had asked for Chicken Piccata, which comes with roasted veg, but asked that the veg come on a separate plate. Good thing I did as I got a HUGE plate of roasted veg, which hubby would have never helped me eat if the Piccata sauce was all over it. The veggies were perfectly roasted, and the potatoes in it were perfectly charred and cooked. Carrots, zucchini, summer squash and potatoes in a slight bit of seasoned olive oil. The service was here was perfect. No screw ups here as with some other restaurants, the dishes came exactly as we asked. The chicken was very tender, and the sauce was exactly what a Piccata sauce should be. Deliciously lemony and buttery. Disappointingly, we were too full for dessert, but will def try the dessert next time there. The pistachio cake looks delicious! I am already planning my next adventure. I was thinking of asking if they could do the Saltimbocca with Chicken. The grapes in it, reminded me of the sausage dish I make from Anna Rossi with fennel and grapes. The sirloin looks phenomenal, as does the Chicken Broccoli and Penne, and the Caramelle. Next time for sure. The grilled Shrimp in Amaretto sauce (I'm assuming was a special?) looks out of this world also, as does the grilled sausage appetizer. I have to say the entire experience was enjoyable. Food, service, ambiance, all of it. Especially on a busy holiday night. If you haven't tried Vivacino and enjoy really unique and good food, TRY IT. And when I say unique, I don't mean strange ingredients you will never eat. They take everyday ingredients to a whole new level, one that is worth every penny you pay.

Ironically, I have been very hesitant about visiting Italian places since moving to Boston. Despite…read morehaving quite a vibrant Italian food scene, especially towards the North End, most of my visits to Italian establishments have proven to be a disappointment. One would feel like Nona's tired or Nona doesn't want to feed you or Nona doesn't want to have anything to do with you. Obviously, that's not what ANY good Nonas ever do since they want you to have the very best. So one may ask what's truly going on? Is it the same issue with other cuisines where the food quality is not properly preserved or because there is no standard to uphold anymore? It reminds me of someone who once said to me that those who care deeply about any cuisine have moved on to NYC and other food-centric areas. All that's left are those who send out food to customers who either don't know or don't care. Perhaps, there is some thinly veiled truth to this statement. I've been acquainted with Chef Nimesh for a few years and know his deep passion for Italian food. In prior locations where he was based, there were always limitations to how much he was allowed to express his art and understanding of the cuisine. So while he was throttled over there, here in Andover after taking over a dying business, I'm able to witness just how good his expression of Italian food is. Every dish I ordered tonight were things I knew he was particularly passionate about. Yes, the whole menu is well designed...but I'm talking about things I knew he would choose to serve in particular until the world ends. Signature dishes on his take of Italian cuisine. I loved every bite. I truly savored and enjoyed it. So much so that I'm willing to just make the drive up to Andover just for a meal any given day. Mind you, the place is well designed, clean, and upscale. You can thank his business partner, FOH extraordinaire for bringing that side to life. The staff working here are great and the wine selection is immaculate. You will definitely enjoy your visit here. Absolutely recommend this spot for anyone wanting a great and non-pretentious Italian food experience!

Finally found a place with good cakes. We ordered a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. Cake…read morewas moist, not too sweet. Napoleon and rum pastry were on the sweeter side.

Great peanut butter frosted brownies, cannolis, oreo cupcakes, cannoli chips & dip - everything…read moreI've ordered from here has always been fantastic. One of my favorite bakery places to go to. Friendly staff as well.

I enjoy the Cookie Monstah for the variety of cookie and ice cream flavors they provide. They have…read moreoften have seasonal flavors so there is always something new to try. The quality and portion sizes of both the cookies and ice cream are good. Clean and bright interior with plenty of seating. Service is quick. The reason I don't give this place a 5 star is that the prices keep creeping up. Within this year, according to my email receipts, the price of a cookies and cream has gone from $6.00 to $7.50. Pretty significant price increase over the span of less than a year. For that reason I typically come here once a month.

If you need to gain weight, come to this place!! All jokes aside, these cookies are GOOD. Too good…read moredammit.

Cute pastry shop! Hard to to choose so many great selections. Croissants, Cheesecake slices,…read moreMacorons, and other delectable! We chose a Seasonal Cheescake Slice, caramel; and it was excellent. For drinks they only have drip coffee. No teas, no espresso, no bottled waters. There are several tables to sit and enjoy your selections.

Parking Off street and metered lot available…read more Food Absolutely delicious, always Service Staff is so welcoming and nice, always happy to answer any questions about menu items Ambiance No matter what season, such a great vibe inside and out

I live in Canada and wanted to send my brother who lives in Andover something for his birthday…read more After looking online for cookie deliveries I came across Cookie Central. These baked goods are made and delivered fresh rather than a lot of other delivery services which have cookies with tons of preservatives in them and aren't fresh Things I liked: Personalized experience - you can email the owner and work with her to create a customized gift basket of goodies Hand delivery - she called to set up a delivery time with the recipient to ensure safe/timely receipt of the cookies Quality - delicious and fresh baked goods! Good price! No high delivery fee either I will definitely contact cookie Central for other occasions when I won't be there in person to celebrate with someone

Wow! If you need decorated cookies this is the place to get them. I put in my order with Michele…read moreonly a week in advance and she was so awesome! She fit my order into her busy schedule and I couldn't be more happy with what we received. I ordered 2 dozen decorated sugar cookies for my sister's baby shower and they came out beautifully. (I snapped a photo of a couple of them). The packaging was wonderful as well, each cookie wrapped individually with a ribbon. If I ever need cookies for an event again I will definitely return! Thank you Michele!

I've ordered twice from here, once for Ms Rachel themed cupcakes for my daughter's first birthday,…read moreand again for another birthday occasion. The customer service is so great! I love ordering from here!

The cake was positively spectacular. My sons had a very specific request for a Squid Game themed…read morecake for their birthday and Andover Bakeshop did not disappoint! The cake was delicious and moist as well - I couldn't have asked for a better quality in taste and the buttercream was delish (we opted for chocolate cake with an Oreo filling). The only downside was that I didn't receive a quote as to what the cake was going to cost in advance, which has not been my experience at any other bakery that I've ordered a custom cake from. I called ahead and walked through the specifics of what I was looking for, then emailed to confirm the order, but I wasn't aware of the price tag until I went to pick up the cake. I also initially submitted a cake order inquiry via their Facebook page, which went unanswered. That feature should be turned off entirely if they don't respond to social media inquiries, or at least have an auto-response to indicate how to order.

Look for the adorable little red truck outside and you've arrived at Fatties!…read more It's such an interesting concept, they sell savory and sweet items all in a ball like shape. There are a couple breakfast "chubbies" with things like eggs, cheese, and sausage. There's a Mac n' cheese chubbie, snd 3 flavors of Fatties (aka cookies). Drinks and ice cream are also available, I ordered a Nutty Buddy fattie and it was warm and delicious! I did have 1/2 and saved some for the next day but I think it's best when it's warm (as all cookies are!). I would've loved it if they had more than three flavors to choose from since they also offer cookies by the dozen, and it would be more fun to have a bigger variety in your box, but regardless, what they do have to offer is yummy.

Definitely need to eat them when u get them, I waited a day after to eat mine and think they would…read moreof been way better. Cute little place and make them all in-house. The Mac n cheese savory option I think would have been really good when I got it, was really good re heated. The cookie was good but ahhh. Idk just think they would b better for sure when u buy them. Would go again tho.

Ordered some mini whoopie pies and other yummy treats from Topsfield Bakeshop last summer for my…read moreson's graduation party! They were a huge hit! Philip, the coordinator was easy to work with and helped with flavor suggestions, etc. I highly recommend them!

Adorable bakery! This place is so warm & inviting the minute you walk through the door. The decor…read moreis really cute and there are a few cozy seating areas. The girls behind the counter couldn't be nicer or friendlier! My husband and I got the following: cinnamon rolls, oreos, a chocolate chip & s'mores whoopie pie and a latte to share. All were great but I think the s'mores pie and latte were my favorite! I would definitely recommend checking this place out for a sweet treat! ;)

My favorite ice cream spot on the east coast! Been coming here for many many years and it is…read morealways delicious! Some of the best ice cream in the north east. I had a scoop of cookie-dough and butter pecan. This photo captures more than just dessert--it's a mood. The butter crunch and cookie dough soft-serve, nestled in a rustic brown paper cup with a crisp green stripe, looks like the kind of indulgence that doesn't ask for permission. Topped with chopped nuts and paired with a classic white spoon, it's a visual promise of texture: creamy, crunchy, and chewy all in one bite. Verdict: This picture nails the balance between indulgence and atmosphere. It's not just a treat--it's a snapshot of seasonal joy, nostalgia, and the kind of small pleasure that makes a day memorable.

Legendary? Yes, if you're local, I'd agree with that assessment. this is definitely good quality…read moreice cream, rich and dense and strongly flavored. They have a great mix of classic and specialty flavors. Prices are above average, but I would still consider it competitively reasonable. They do note in several places that their fresh raspberry ice cream is slightly more expensive. Butter Pecan is one of my go-to flavors, so I had to try it. But I'm also pretty fussy about it. There's 2 types of butter pecan. One is the more yellow/buttery flavor, and the other is more beige-colored with more of a butterscotchy flavor. Theirs seems to be more of the latter - still delicious, but not my personal favorite style of that flavor. But any quirky opinions on the butter pecan were blown away with the Black Forest ice cream. Oh my, that was delicious, with the dark sweet cherries and all those chocolate chunks. But beware if you have dental work, the cold chocolate chunks will be rock hard. If you have any concerns, let them melt a little bit, in the cup/cone or in your mouth, before biting into them. A lot of my local friends frequently mention why they enjoy coming here. I can see why.