ITA101

My wife and I had dinner reservations at ITA101 last Saturday evening (Sept. 23, 2023) at 8:00 PM. We've been to ITA101 many times and have never left doubting the quality of our meal. On this particular evening we shared the octopus (delicious) and ordered the same two entrees, Spaghetti Norma. Since the order size was medium to large we decided to bring home the remainder of the meal. On Sunday, my wife heated her leftovers. To our disbelief, my wife bit into a piece of wood almost breaking her tooth. How in the world could wood be found in a plate of spaghetti? Isn't there anyone in the kitchen who checks the plates before they are given to the diners. Very disappointing and I don't intend to recommend the restaurant to anyone.

Had dinner reservations for 4:30pm. Not busy at all. Left by 6 and more people showed up but not crowded. Food came out a little slower than expected but our server was kind and attentive. The restaurant is clean and modern however there were about 3 flies flying all over our faces and food so that was super annoying. For apps we started with the octopus. The flavors were phenomenal but the octopus was a little tough. The portion is also tiny for comparable prices at other places. The 2 pasta dishes we got were delicious. Really love the homemade pasta texture and taste. Both dished were seasoned well and full of flavor. For the cacio they went a bit overboard with the cheese. Ended up clumping into a large pile. For dessert we got the apple cake which was awesome. Wish it came with more whipped cream. While we were eating dessert, a table next to us ordered a fish dish. It came out with such a pungent smell of fish it almost killed our dessert appetite. I'm not sure what it was but no fish dish should smelling that fishy it was crazy.

If you want truly want authentic Italian food, this is the place to go. I promise you, my Italian husband almost shed tears (which is very unlike him) as he said the food brought him back to Italy when he last tried a dish like this. We have been searching for so long for true Italian food and have finally found it. We are so grateful. The staff is wonderful and the restaurant is intimate and comfortable. Thank you for a wonderful meal and dining experience.

Great authentic Italian byob restaurant with a fixed menu and rotating dishes. Had no trouble finding a parking spot on the street nearby. All the pasta we tried was delicious, especially the cacio e pepe. A little pricey but worth it as it's hard to find a similar place outside the city. Will be back to try a different regional menu.

Our party of 4 enjoyed a pasta tasting menu. All 3 selections were delicious. Our server was very polite, friendly, attentative, and informative. The ceiling had sound proofing, however when the dining room filled, it was difficult to hear the conversation at your own table. The ambiance was pleasant, and decor was tastefully designed.

Excellent service and food, although a little on the rich side. All depends on the order and we ordered big! The stuffed foccacia bread was truly amazing, but it was too much for just 2 people. Would be better for 4 so that you don't fill up for dinner. I got the cacia de pepe which was excellent, but very very rich. My husband got the braised short ribs and loved them too, bit again, very rich. My suggestion is to split a few entrees to be able to taste more items, and don't fill up on the appetizers!! Overall, lovely place in the heart of downtown Medford.