Bistro 5

Name: Bistro 5
Address: 5 Playstead Road, Medford, MA, United States, 02155
Telephone: (781) 395-7464
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.8

4.8

2151 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Make a booking

2 people

16 Feb 2025

19:00

Booked 10 times today

Experiences are available.

Good for special occasions
Neighbourhood gem
Great for fine wines

Bistro 5 is located in Medford, MA just minutes from downtown Boston. "A quintessential neighborhood spot" boasts The Boston Globe.
Chef/Owner Vittorio Ettore and his team serve the finest Italian fare with French and Spanish influences while focusing on farm-fresh local ingredients. The ever changing Chef's Tasting Menu keeps Boston's most distinguished palates returning time and again for seasonally fresh dishes that embody the warmth and richness of Chef Vittorio's own hospitality.
Bistro 5 also offers a full bar and extensive cocktail and wine list featuring unique wines at exceptional values.
The restaurants 2 dining rooms are richly appointed and can accommodate parties of up to 100 guests, making Bistro 5 the perfect venue for your next office party, family gathering, or special event.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Italian, European, French
Hours of Operation
Dinner Tue–Thu 17:00–21:00 Fri, Sat 17:00–22:00
Phone number
(781) 395-7464
Website
http://www.bistro5.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive Chef
Vittorio Ettore
Catering
Bistro 5 caters to a spectrum of events from casual cocktail parties to formal sit down dinners. We provide innovative cuisine to please any palate using the freshest, local ingredients, and professional service. For more information, complete the form on the private dining page at www.bistro5.com or call to speak to our event coordinator.
Private party facilities
At Bistro 5, our personal service approach ensures we execute every detail of your event beyond your expectation. Bistro 5 has the heart and personality of a local favorite but also boasts the sophisticated Northern Italian fare found in a destination dining experience.

Location
5 Playstead Road, Medford, MA 02155
Area
Medford
Cross Street
High Street
Parking details
There are several places to park your vehicle. 1. On High Street in West Medford Square, meters until 7pm 2. Along the commuter rail on Playstead Road, metered until 7pm. 3. Municipal parking lot behind Bargain Spot Liquor Store; in West Medford Square on the opposite side of High Street.
Public transit
From North Station you can take the commuter rail on the Lowell Line outbound one (1) stop to West Medford. We are directly across Playstead Road from the train platform to the right of the bank. It is approximately 11 minutes from North Station.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

Dine Out Boston
US$55.00 per person
23 Feb 2025 - 15 Mar 2025
3 - Course Menu $55 Wine Pairing $30 Menu will change throughout Dine Out Boston to feature our finest dishes and latest creations APPETIZERS Calamari Organic Greens Beef Carpaccio Involtino DINNER Gnocchi Tagliatelle Bolognese Maine Lemon Sole Stuffed Chicken DESSERTS Creme Brûlée Flourless Chocolate Cake

Offers

Two-Buck-Tuesday Oysters Only $2 Every Tuesday
Multiple dates available
Tue - Thu - 17:00 - 20:45,Fri - Sat - 17:00 - 21:45
Enjoy $2 local oysters every Tuesday, while supplies last only!

Popular dishes

Calamari*US$18.00
Semolina, sweet and spicy tomato chutney, lemon aioli, pickled shishito peppers
Beef Carpaccio*US$18.00
Black truffle coulis, crispy parsnips, pickled lemon zest, pecorino cheese
BurrataUS$16.00
Roasted pear, endives, frisée, castelfranco radicchio, caramelized almonds, vincotto
Golden BeetsUS$15.00
blue cheese crumbles, endives, walnuts
Organic GreensUS$14.00
Radish, rainbow carrots, pecorino crotonese cheese, white balsamic & basil

Handmade Pasta

GnocchiUS$28.00
organic "fat moon mushrooms," herbed crumbs, truffle oil, parmigiano
Spaghetti ChitarraUS$28.00
spanish octopus, smoked poblano, cherry tomato, crispy capers, olive crumbs
Tagliatelle BologneseUS$29.00
beef & pork ragu and shaved parmigiano

Dinner

Faroe Island Salmon*US$30.00
Blood orange emulsion, strawberry rhubarb compote, fennel orange and pea tendril salad, red lentil
Grilled ChickenUS$28.00
Parsley-lemon marinated chicken, romesco sauce, radish and rosemary potatoes
Veal Milanese*US$31.00
Herbed-panko, watercress, gooseberries, roasted rainbow carrots, vincotto, shaved parmigiano
Grilled Steak*US$32.00
100% grass-fed strip loin steak, yucca fries, red pepper chimichurri, charred broccoli, winter salad
Bistro Burger*US$19.00
Grass-fed beef, provolone, apple wood smoked bacon, homemade brioche bun, and hand-cut fries (vegetarian burger available)
Tasty VeganUS$28.00
Red lentils and romesco, roasted cauliflower, radicchio & watercress

House Cocktails

$14

Hemingway
house made spiced rum & falernum, almond, cloves, fresh pineapple concentrate, celery bitters; all infusions are made in house
El Bandido
blanco tequila infused jalapeno, muddled cucumber, house made pear & cardamon puree, lime; all infusions are made in house
West Medford Buck
teeling irish whiskey, lemon, spiced honey, ginger, almond, ginger beer
Bistro Daiquiri
privateer new england white rum, giffard lychee liqueur, lychee & butterfly pea flower syrup, lime juice
Gracias a Mezcal
mezcal artisanal morales, fresh grapefruit juice, honey, red pepper flakes, tonic bitters, chili oil
Gin Thyme
gin lane infused with lemon thyme & coriander, angelica botanical liqueur, passion fruit, kaffir lime leaves, juniper berries, orange bitters; all infusions are made in house
Faleena
el luchador blanco tequila, agavero, agave reduction, lime, salt & lime zest rim
Fraise du Bois
vodka infused with madagascar vanilla beans, strawberry, rooibos, suze, lemon; all infusions are made in house
Sangria Rosada
nerello mascalese rose, apple brandy, luxardo maraschino, guava nectar, ginger ale

New Standards

$14

Vieux Carre
sagamore rye, ansac v.s. cognac, benedictene, carpano antica, bitters
Aviation
bully boy gin, crème de violette, luxardo maraschino liqueur, lemon juice, tonic bitters
Caipirinha
aguaviva artisanal cachaca, muddled lime, granulated sugar
White Negroni
barr hill gin, suze gentian liqueur, lillet blanc, celery bitters
Paper Plane
knob creek bourbon, aperol aperitif, braulio amaro, lemon juice

Beers

Draughts

maine brewing co. 'Lunch' (me, 7%)US$13.00
Zero Gravity 'Green State' Lager (vt, 4.9%)US$11.00
Cambridge Brewing 'Amber Ale' (ma, 4.9%)US$11.00
Faces Brewing Co. 'Progression' ipa (ma, 7%)US$13.00

Bottles / Cans

Fiddlehead IPA (vt, 6.2%)US$12.00
Brooklyn Brewing amber lager (ny, 5.2%)US$10.00
Saison Dupont (Belgium, 6.5%)US$14.00
Allagash 'White' Wheat Ale (ME, 5.2%)US$11.00
'O'Haras' Irish Nitro Stout (Ireland, 4.3%)US$10.00
downewast cider (ma, 5.1%)US$10.00
Bud Light, Lager (4.2%)US$6.00

Wines by the Glass

Whites

Sager & Verdier, Sancerre, FranceUS$15.00
Rahana, Grillo, SicilyUS$14.00
Bisol, Jeio, ProseccoUS$13.00
Corte Pitora, Pinot Grigio, Delle VenezieUS$13.00
Anno Unno, Verdicchio, MarcheUS$14.00
Raeburn, Chardonnay, Russian River ValleyUS$14.00
Nicolas Potel, Macon-Villages, FranceUS$13.00
Paul Buisse, Sauvignon Blanc, Loire ValleyUS$14.00

Rose

Whispering Angel, Cotes du Provence, FranceUS$16.00
Prestige, Côtes du RhôneUS$13.00

Reds

Famiglia Bruno, Barbera d'Alba, PiedmontUS$15.00
Querceto, Chianti ClassicoUS$13.00
Gaierhof, Pinot Nero, TrentinoUS$14.00
Daou, Cab Sauvignon, Paso RoblesUS$15.00
Imma, Nebbiolo, PiedmontUS$15.00
La Linda, Malbec, ArgentinaUS$13.00

What 2,151 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.6Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Bistro 5 is a "hidden gem" known for its imaginative, exquisite dishes and welcoming service. The restaurant offers a diverse menu, including seasonal and special tasting menus by Chef Vittorio, praised for creativity and accommodating dietary needs. With a "calm elegant ambiance," it's perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.

2,151 Reviews

M
Michael
Greater Boston
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had a great time Bistro5 on Valentine’s Day. As expected they were packed so and everyone was working hard, great vibes. Service was friendly and courteous. We went for the special tasting menu with wine pairings. There were two choices for each course so we had one of each and everything was excellent. This is one of few places I’ve been that I would be comfortable putting myself in the chef’s hands.
Is this helpful?
J
John-Michael
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Great experience with the valentine tasting menu. Little busy and chaotic, with additional tables set up for the day, but worth it for a special occasion nonetheless.
Is this helpful?
N
Nancy
Greater Boston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Food was excellent and the ambience was perfect. A little noisy but expected for Valentines Day on a Friday night. Definitely will go back!
Is this helpful?
M
Madelyn
Greater Boston
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We have been going to Bistro 5 since it opened. The food never disappoints - they have the BEST fried calamari period. We celebrated Valentines Day last night. The good and service was excellent!!! Highly recommended.
Is this helpful?
M
Mark
VIP
Greater Boston
93 reviews
5.0
93 reviews
Dined on 5 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We totally enjoyed the RED DINNER. One of the best meals both of us ever had at a restaurant.
Is this helpful?
M
Martin
Greater Boston
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on 1 February 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food: beef, sole, and steak But noisy in the bar section
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n
nancy
VIP
Greater Boston
38 reviews
5.0
38 reviews
Dined on 25 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This is always just fantastic! Well worth a quick trip out of the city or for locals. Love it!
Is this helpful?
R
Rhoda
Greater Boston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 17 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fantastic experience all around. Great service, food, and ambiance for a special occasion dinner.
Is this helpful?
R
Randy
Greater Boston
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on 17 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Lovely as always. Great food, calm elegant ambiance, friendly staff.
Is this helpful?
P
Phyllis
Greater Boston
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 10 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This is a small neighborhood establishment. The tables are small and close but still private. When filled, the noise level is high - mostly because everyone is enjoying themselves. The food was exquisite, far beyond my expectations, without any pretention. Kudos to the chef. He was able to accommodate my food allergies without me noticing a plate with gaps where something else would have been. My only question is why haven't I been here before? It most certainly won't be long before I am back. A real gem.
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FAQs

Bistro 5 offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (781) 395-7464.

Bistro 5 is rated 4.8 stars by 2151 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

16 Feb 2025

19:00

Booked 10 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

5 Playstead Road, Medford, MA 02155

Additional information

Cross Street
High Street
Area
Medford
Hours of Operation
Dinner Tue–Thu 17:00–21:00 Fri, Sat 17:00–22:00
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Italian, European, French
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
There are several places to park your vehicle. 1. On High Street in West Medford Square, meters until 7pm 2. Along the commuter rail on Playstead Road, metered until 7pm. 3. Municipal parking lot behind Bargain Spot Liquor Store; in West Medford Square on the opposite side of High Street.
Public transit
From North Station you can take the commuter rail on the Lowell Line outbound one (1) stop to West Medford. We are directly across Playstead Road from the train platform to the right of the bank. It is approximately 11 minutes from North Station.
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Vittorio Ettore
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.bistro5.com/
Phone number
(781) 395-7464
Catering
Bistro 5 caters to a spectrum of events from casual cocktail parties to formal sit down dinners. We provide innovative cuisine to please any palate using the freshest, local ingredients, and professional service. For more information, complete the form on the private dining page at www.bistro5.com or call to speak to our event coordinator.
Private party facilities
At Bistro 5, our personal service approach ensures we execute every detail of your event beyond your expectation. Bistro 5 has the heart and personality of a local favorite but also boasts the sophisticated Northern Italian fare found in a destination dining experience.

Bistro 5

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dine Out Boston

Two-Buck-Tuesday Oysters Only $2 Every Tuesday

Calamari

Grilled Chicken

Grilled Steak

Small Plates To Share

Marinated Olives

Pickled Vegetables

Eggplant Dip, Roasted Garlic & Goat Cheese

Octopus, White Beans, Chorizo, Tomato, Paprika

Whipped fresh ricotta, sour dough, fat moon mushroom preserve, sea salt

Appetizers

Calamari*US$18.00

Beef Carpaccio*US$18.00

BurrataUS$16.00

Golden BeetsUS$15.00

Organic GreensUS$14.00

Handmade Pasta

GnocchiUS$28.00

Spaghetti ChitarraUS$28.00

Tagliatelle BologneseUS$29.00

Dinner

Faroe Island Salmon*US$30.00

Grilled ChickenUS$28.00

Veal Milanese*US$31.00

Grilled Steak*US$32.00

Bistro Burger*US$19.00

Tasty VeganUS$28.00

House Cocktails

Hemingway

El Bandido

West Medford Buck

Bistro Daiquiri

Gracias a Mezcal

Gin Thyme

Faleena

Fraise du Bois

Sangria Rosada

New Standards

Vieux Carre

Aviation

Caipirinha

White Negroni

Paper Plane

Beers

Draughts

maine brewing co. 'Lunch' (me, 7%)US$13.00

Zero Gravity 'Green State' Lager (vt, 4.9%)US$11.00

Cambridge Brewing 'Amber Ale' (ma, 4.9%)US$11.00

Faces Brewing Co. 'Progression' ipa (ma, 7%)US$13.00

Bottles / Cans

Fiddlehead IPA (vt, 6.2%)US$12.00

Brooklyn Brewing amber lager (ny, 5.2%)US$10.00

Saison Dupont (Belgium, 6.5%)US$14.00

Allagash 'White' Wheat Ale (ME, 5.2%)US$11.00

'O'Haras' Irish Nitro Stout (Ireland, 4.3%)US$10.00

downewast cider (ma, 5.1%)US$10.00

Bud Light, Lager (4.2%)US$6.00

Wines by the Glass

Whites

Sager & Verdier, Sancerre, FranceUS$15.00

Rahana, Grillo, SicilyUS$14.00

Bisol, Jeio, ProseccoUS$13.00

Corte Pitora, Pinot Grigio, Delle VenezieUS$13.00

Anno Unno, Verdicchio, MarcheUS$14.00

Raeburn, Chardonnay, Russian River ValleyUS$14.00

Nicolas Potel, Macon-Villages, FranceUS$13.00

Paul Buisse, Sauvignon Blanc, Loire ValleyUS$14.00

Rose

Whispering Angel, Cotes du Provence, FranceUS$16.00

Prestige, Côtes du RhôneUS$13.00

Reds

Famiglia Bruno, Barbera d'Alba, PiedmontUS$15.00

Querceto, Chianti ClassicoUS$13.00

Gaierhof, Pinot Nero, TrentinoUS$14.00

Daou, Cab Sauvignon, Paso RoblesUS$15.00