I’m going to keep this post relatively short because there isn’t that much to say about Rialto. The restaurant had no personality. Everything – food, décor, staff – was so muted and boring. The dining room has very low ceilings, dated faux-suede sage booths, and light yellow and white drapes on the walls…neutral and nothing more. The staff was very amateur, and our waitress couldn’t even describe the food. The only word she seemed to know was “beautiful”…that was her main response to our questions on various items on the menu. Um, thanks.
Heirloom Minestrone Soup - On the bland side. The fresh, clean flavor of the peas were the only thing that stood out.
Wavy Black Ink Risotto with Clams – the most successful dish of the evening despite the clumsy presentation. The razor clam was fresh and meaty, while risotto had a fantastic briny, shellfish flavor and depth.
Seared Salt Cod Gnocchi – the ratatouille was nice, but it didn’t compensate for the extremely dry gnocchi. The cod had this strange gummy saltiness to it, and I couldn’t eat anymore after a few bites.
Slow Braised Rabbit Leg & Grilled Rack Over Polenta - the rabbit was very tender, but there was a sweetness to sauce that I found to be too cloying. I would have much preferred a savory sauce/preparation.
Pistachio Olive Oil Cake, Toasted Almond Panna Cotta, & Chili Chocolate Sorbet – I really enjoyed the almond panna cotta and wished they would have just served that for dessert. The pistachio cake was topped with really sour pistachios…bleh. The chili chocolate sorbet was interesting, but didn’t really go with the rest of the plate.
Overall, my experience at Rialto wasn’t particularly good or bad, just ho-hum. It received a few awards several years ago, but my meal leads me to believe that the restaurant is now past its prime. I was bored and uninspired.
BITE METER: Rialto – 2.0 bites (out of 5)
Heirloom Minestrone Soup - On the bland side. The fresh, clean flavor of the peas were the only thing that stood out.
Wavy Black Ink Risotto with Clams – the most successful dish of the evening despite the clumsy presentation. The razor clam was fresh and meaty, while risotto had a fantastic briny, shellfish flavor and depth.
Seared Salt Cod Gnocchi – the ratatouille was nice, but it didn’t compensate for the extremely dry gnocchi. The cod had this strange gummy saltiness to it, and I couldn’t eat anymore after a few bites.
Slow Braised Rabbit Leg & Grilled Rack Over Polenta - the rabbit was very tender, but there was a sweetness to sauce that I found to be too cloying. I would have much preferred a savory sauce/preparation.
Pistachio Olive Oil Cake, Toasted Almond Panna Cotta, & Chili Chocolate Sorbet – I really enjoyed the almond panna cotta and wished they would have just served that for dessert. The pistachio cake was topped with really sour pistachios…bleh. The chili chocolate sorbet was interesting, but didn’t really go with the rest of the plate.
Overall, my experience at Rialto wasn’t particularly good or bad, just ho-hum. It received a few awards several years ago, but my meal leads me to believe that the restaurant is now past its prime. I was bored and uninspired.
BITE METER: Rialto – 2.0 bites (out of 5)
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