Pizza and More at Café Rialto

Overview: Since it opened on Washington Street in Roslindale Village last spring, Café Rialto has been a fixture in the neighborhood. Offering sandwiches, salads, calzones and its specialty, pizza, at a value, the restaurant has gained popularity among locals. The entrance of Café Rialto was even reported to have accidentally collided with a Chevy Cavalier this summer, boosting its notoriety.

Drinks: More than 20 bottled beers ($3.25-$4.50, with the exception of $9 Duvel) and a handful on tap are available ($2.50-16.95, depending on size and flavor). Red Bridge, a gluten free brew, and Original Sin cider make the list, both at $4.50. Red, white and sparkling wines are served by the glass ($6-$10) and bottle ($19-$31). Soft drinks ($1.75-$2.75) include various sodas, juice, coffee, tea and hot chocolate.

Appetizers: Standard Italian appetizers top the menu: fried calamari ($8.75), stuffed eggplant ($8.50) and caprese ($8). Fried pickles ($5) and sweet potato fries ($4) add variety to the list.

Entrées: Small and large salads include Greek ($4.25/$6.25), black bean ($5.75/$8.75) and tomato & cucumber ($3.75/$5.75) with several dressing options and added chicken ($1.50/$3) or shrimp ($3). Sandwiches are served cold or grilled with fries (with generous substitution options). They include turkey and goat cheese (with avocado and spinach, $7.50) and chicken parmesan (served on garlic bread, $9.50). Small and large pasta dishes offer ziti, linguini or gluten free (for an additional $1.25/$2.50) options. They include unblended pesto (with the ingredients used in pesto, $7.75/$11.50), chicken and broccoli alfredo ($6.75/$10.50) and shrimp in a white wine sauce ($8.75/$12.50). Calzones include eggplant ($9) and steak and cheese ($11.50); or create your own ($8.25 + $1 per topping).

Pizza: Café Rialto is best known for its pizzas, served in both small and large sizes, made with homemade, all natural pizza sauce. The owner recommended the spinach, garlic, artichoke hearts and goat cheese pie (served without sauce, $11.25/$15.25). Another specialty is the prosciutto di parma and pineapple (also served white, $11.75/$15.75). The kitchen also allows customers to create their own with an array of toppings (basil, feta, salami, onion, eggplant, etc., $7.75 + $1 per topping/$11.75 + $2 per topping).

Kids Menu: The four options for little diners include pasta with marinara sauce ($4), chicken fingers with fries ($6), mac and cheese ($5) and grilled cheese with fries ($6).

Dessert: The regular dessert menu is comprised of pineapple or banana pizza ($6), tiramisu ($6) and semifreddo ($6.25). Summer dessert specials include an ice cream sundae (with vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, whipped cream and cherries, $4.50) and root beer float ($4.95).

Atmosphere: Offering dine in, take out and catering services, Café Rialto has a mix of identities. It simultaneously exudes the air of a sub shop, sports bar and sit down pizza joint. Two television screens hang in front and back corners, with an old black and white photo of the famous Rialto Theater nestled between the two on the wall. The space is minimalist, but with local artwork in the front to warm up the entrance.

Service: Friendly yet low-maintenance. When I showed up mid-week for table service, only one other party was in the restaurant. However, the sandwich and salad I had ordered seemed to take an inordinate amount of time for a slow night. Luckily, I was in no hurry and kicked back to a silent episode of NCIS airing on both TVs that night. On a separate occasion, I called for a take out order of pizza. The chef gave several helpful suggestions in the midst of indecision, catering to my particular taste.

Contact: 4197 Washington Street, Roslindale Village
              www.facebook.com/pages/Cafe-Rialto/113024685375785
              617-323-1505

Hours: Mon–Thurs, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
           Friday, 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. 
           Saturday, noon - 11 p.m.

Price: $$