Italian food is a favorite among many, myself included. Whether you are headed to the North End of Boston, or Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, there seems to be endless possibilities for all palettes. As much as I enjoy a plate of my great-aunt’s al dente rigatoni and gravy, true Italian food is so much more. Yet, I continue to ask myself “What makes Italian food Italian?” True Italian food requires using the freshest ingredients combined with a unique simplicity all while considering regional traditions. Tomasso on Route 9 in Southborough creatively combines the freshest seasonal ingredients in a manner that stays true to regional Italian traditions, but the chef leaves room for creatively modern enhancements.
Tomasso provides its customers with an experience that is unique to the area, in that their focus is to use suppliers that treat the food sources with care and responsibility. Additionally, the bar and dining room are designed to allow diners to be side by side, creating an atmosphere that has a more comfortable family feel. This seating design also allows for the staff to educated, both formally and informally, about the food as well as the extensive wine selection available. Tomasso offers a 100% Italian wine selection, and is considered an important element of the dining experience. Since the staff believe that wine is an important element in the Italian dining experience, the wine selection allows for many price points and flavor profiles that will pair with any menu selection.
The menu at Tomasso is designed in a way that differs from other local Italian eateries. First, the menu is seasonal, allowing the chef to introduce new flavors on a regular basis. The dinner menu is designed in the traditional Italian style by offering multiple courses, including a antipasti e insalate, pasta, secondi, pasta, and finally pizza. The chef also offers a three course lunch menu, which allows for a salad option, pasta, and dessert. This lunch selection allows guests to get an idea of the offerings on the dinner menu, but at a fraction the cost.
The food at Tomasso is truly exceptional, and there are few restaurants in the area that compare to the quality and style of food. Having been to Italy several time, I can vouch for the authenticity of the food at Tomasso. Once seated, we were offered a basket of house made breads, and a description of the specials for the evening. The wine list was explained, and suggestions were made. We started with the anitpasti course which included fresh mozzarella with grilled focaccia bread, and a arancini dish. We decided to share both a pasta dish and main course (secondi), which included “Orecchiette alla Barese” made with “little ear” pasta, broccoli rabe, house made crumbled sausage, ricotta, and chile flake. The main course was “Pollo alla Parmigiana” with crispy chicken cutlets, pomodoro, fresh local mozzarella, panzanella salad, and Grana Padano (cheese). Tomasso provides its guests with a culinary experience that is authentically Italian.
Located at 149 Turnpike Road, Southborough, MA 01772, Tomasso affords its Metrowest customers dining experience that stands up to the more well known Italian eateries in the North End in Boston and Shrewsbury Street in Worcester.