Frank DePasquale is recognized as a restaurateur with significant involvement in the North End of Boston's culinary scene. He is associated with several restaurants in that area.
4
Stopped in for a snack and drink - good experience overall
Why it works:
- Staff works hard. They are attentive, well practiced, and it’s obvious. The bartender is a cocktail making machine. I don’t know how she does it. She must average at least 3 cocktails a minute (and they’re not gin and tonics, these things have 3-5 ingredients and a process to them). If you think that’s not crazy think about doing that for the whole evening nonstop. There’s some David Goggins in that blood..
- complimentary bread w pesto, olive oil, and olives. A nice touch
- oysters were fresh and good
- allow you the taste test wines before making selection.
- hot food looked fantastic (but no time to sample)
Why I don’t need to be back so soon:
- prices a little high: Pasta $30+. Cocktails min $18.
- great ambiance/beautiful outdoor area w opening btwn inside & outside, but there’s a TV at the bar and it’s playing infomercials. I can’t knock it too much bc for some reason all 200 Italian restaurants on Hanover St have TVs. It must be a requirement by the city of Boston or a cultural staple. But any hope for refined decadence is lost when there’s a TV. And if it’s set on commercials.
Overall was a positive experience and no one should be disappointed
An Exceptional Culinary Surprise: Five-Star Service, Pristine Oysters, and Authentic Italian Hospitality.
As someone with deep personal ties to Italy—having an Italian wife and extended family there—I am naturally drawn to Little Italy when seeking out a quality meal.
I am incredibly meticulous about where I dine; I rigorously analyze restaurant feedback to filter out inauthentic ratings and typically refuse to visit anywhere without a stellar, five-star consensus.
Mare Oyster Bar completely exceeded my high standards and delivered a wonderfully surprising, top-tier experience.
We started with a fantastic volume of pristine oysters—which are always my preferred go-to—but despite Mare being a renowned seafood restaurant, I decided to branch out and try the Brick Chicken for the first time in my life. It was exceptionally prepared and absolutely delicious.
Our waiter, Paolo, elevated the entire evening. He is a consummate professional who looked after our group flawlessly. The highlight of the meal was his tableside preparation of the Tiramisu, which was executed with such skill that I specifically asked for his permission to capture it on video. With his highly likable demeanor and sharp, professional attitude, I have no doubt Paolo is destined for a steep career rise in this industry.
I must also extend my sincere gratitude to the manager, Fabiano. My gorgeous wife, Betta, and I are planning a trip back to Capri soon, which holds incredible significance for us as it is the exact spot where I proposed to my soulmate of 30 years.
Fabiano, I will definitely be calling you before we travel to get your family's details so we can personally say hello in Capri, and perhaps even book a stay at their hotel.
A massive thank you to Paolo, Fabiano, and the entire team for an unforgettable evening. Grazie ragazzi!
Fantastic service by Fabio and delicious seafood at this restaurant. The swordfish was cool to perfection along with the mashed potatoes. The lobster ravioli was flavorful too. The Italian red wine recommendation was smooth and light. It was very good. We will return here for another visit. I highly recommend this restaurant if you want some outstanding seafood and service.
Ok first of all ...our was not just a " dinner" ....since the first dish it became a meal experience, every dish was amazing , we had oysters, seafood tower , ink squid pasta ,e crab meat cake for entree everything was so damn good...our server Antonio and the Manager Fabiano made our experience way more than 5 star....and the restaurant itself is amazing ,it felt like being in Capri for real...we only missed seafront and a beach
Thank you for the cannoli at the end of the meal, another amazing dish
We will go vist again on our next trip to Boston
Andrew🇮🇹 and Myha🇻🇳 from Ottawa 🇨🇦 Canada
One of my favorite experiences of the food and ambience in Boston. The oysters were amazing, as well as other dishes. Definitely coming back next time I am in town
