Viale

Viale Restaurant Review:

Viale occupies the former Rendezvous space in Cambridge's Central Square. It's an unobtrusive spot (blink, and you may miss the exterior sign). Owners Mark Young and Greg Reeves completely renovated the interior that now shines with gleaming hardwoods, dark wood chairs and comfortable booths. The Mediterranean- and Italian-inspired fare features meats and pizzas cooked on a wood-fired grill. There’s also a craft beer and organic wine selection. Start off with a glass of French Chardonnay or a Riesling from New York to pair with a fried calamari pizza topped with hot peppers and chili oil. Sweet honey-glazed lamb ribs with dates are worth a mention, as is the rabbit pappardelle made with fresh, pillowy pasta. Mains include a tender hanger steak, thick pork chop with sweet-and-sour rhubarb and a Moroccan spiced monkfish. For dessert, we like the crisp apple crostada with cider caramel served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.