Trattoria Sablone’s

It’s closed now, but that isn’t a surprise. Meals were too expensive, stale bread, small portions and cramped seating. Hopefully if they reopen in another location they will learn not to charge Boston prices in small towns.

We were big fans and enjoyed going there — but sadly, they are out of business as of 7÷10÷10.

Decided to try this place because it was one of the WEEI «Half Price Deals» where you spend $ 50 and get $ 100 of value to spend a the restaurant.
This review is for Tuesday, August 18^th, 2009
We arrived about 7:30 pm. No wait to seat us. Had maybe 3 people sitting at the bar and a family in the back eating. They weren’t very busy.
The waitress took the drink order, mentioned the specials, but didn’t mention their prices.
We decided on the Fried Zucchini sticks for the app.
The appetizer didn’t take long to come out, but the drinks were nowhere to be found. Had to remind the waitress to get them. The sticks? Appeared to be «processed» as opposed to freshly breaded and then fried. Pathetic for a «true» Italian restaurant.
Another 10 min goes by and she comes back to take the order and handles that well.
The bread also comes out at this point. A bit late, but it’s very good.
The entrees come out and it seems we didn’t get the salad’s first. So she has the nerve to ask if we still want them. Hello? Just get em.
Changes to the menu (substitutions) cost extra… why? I don’t know… guess charging per drink wasn’t enough?
Anyways, the food? I had the Alberto Vitello (Veal Parm with linguini). It was excellent. The «salad» A few pieces of lettuce, some «house» dressing, and a wedge of tomato.
As others have mentioned, no salt/​pepper/​grated cheese on the table, and when asked, the waitress seemed annoyed to have to get it.
Even though the drinks are priced PER DRINK, to get refills, we all had to ask.
In all, if the service was better… I might have gone with a 4 star… but the service was pathetic. And it didn’t seem to bother the waitress that we were annoyed. She got a tip, but it was less than 5%. I usually do 15% for decent service.
Overall, I’d go back if I knew the waitress who was working wasn’t going to be that night. Or maybe do take out? ;)
Parking is at a premium in front. Their sign mentions parking in the rear, but there is no rear entrance, so you have to walk around. Not sure how big the parking in the rear was since we found a spot in front.

I’ve been here a bunch of times but last night was the last time. As with many Marblehead restaurants, you get charged for the «privilege» of eating in Marblehead, but the food is exceedingly sub-​par and the prices are outrageous. The portions are small, entrees come with a tiny salad, and last night I got chicken marsala ($ 20) which comes with a side of pasta and nothing else. I asked for a veg instead and they said there’d be an extra charge. I figured 1 – 2 dollars. Turns out it was $ 4 for a yellowing plate of plain broccoli. The marsala is ok but not great. Refills on soft drinks (in this case, fake iced tea from a gun — classy!) are not free, and they charge $ 2.25 per glass.
Service is decent (though note to waitress: potatoes is NOT pronounced «ba-​day-​does»), but the Marshalls left-​overs décor leaves much to be desired. Clearly they think they’re offering something high end that justifies the prices, but they are mistaken. Another way mediocre restaurant in town that will soon close. When someone finally opens a decent restaurant here, hopefully people will appreciate it. I don’t mind paying if the quality of the food is good. But this isn’t it.

The front of this place is so small, tucked next a convenience store, that you really might miss it. I really enjoyed the food. The caprese appetizer was good. I had the chicken, broccoli, ziti (what’s new?) and I enjoyed it. They could have put more than 3 pieces of broccoli though — I was a little sad about that. Portiions are big, but not overflowing like many Italian restaurants. Prices are reasonable. I liked the lobster ravioli, though the sauce was a little bland. My dad enjoyed his seafood fra diavolo. He has also had the salmon there & liked it. Service was good and our waitress was very friendly.