Via Lago
1845 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA 02420
(781) 861-6174
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A good number of restaurants in the Boston area specialize in catering, but there are some that have such a successful catering operation that the restaurant end of their business often gets overlooked. A classic example of this is Via Lago, a combination Italian market/cafe/restaurant/catering spot in Lexington that is certainly well known to people from that town as well as Bedford, Winchester, and Arlington who have dined on their food at various events. But ask these folks about Via Lago's full-service restaurant and many of them will scratch their heads, unaware that Via Lago is also in the restaurant business. But indeed it is, and it actually is quite a nice dining spot.
Located on the western end of Lexington Center, Via Lago sits within a rather plain looking block of businesses that is just far enough away from the heart of the center to go unnoticed. The interior of the place has a bit of a split personality, with the front housing a modern and sleek dining area. Murals of urban scenes adorn the walls, while one long bench seat on the right side faces an attractive bar area to the left. Hanging blue lights and the use of black and white colors throughout the room add to the slightly chic vibe. Seating itself is a bit tight in the dining area, as the long, narrow room doesn't lend itself to an abundance of space. In back of the dining room is a brightly lit Italian market/deli area where people can purchase items such as salads, pre-made meals, sauces, frozen pasta, and baked goods (including some truly remarkable breads, with the walnut-raisin being this writer's favorite).
The dining section of Via Lago has a bit of a split personality, as by day it is closer to a cafe, while at night, it becomes more of an upscale restaurant. The lunch menu includes popular (and reasonably priced) takeout dishes such as soups (tomato rice is very good, but not always available), salads (including a terrific Caesar), and sandwiches, as well as a few Mexican plates (burritos, tacos, etc.) and a handful of pasta dishes. Dinner is where Via Lago starts to get a bit more interesting, with such entrees as the oven-roasted chicken in a mouthwatering gravy with an unusual (and outstanding) cornbread and sausage stuffing. Lamb sirloin and boneless short ribs are also offered, and for seafood lovers, the pan-seared sea bass filet with carrot-ginger puree is an intriguing option. A number of pasta options are also on the menu, with the pastas being homemade, fresh, and delicious. Sandwiches are also offered at night, with the Cubano being an excellent choice--it is made with shredded marinated pork that is as tender as can be, and also includes Cuban relish and pickles mixed in. Desserts are a must, with the cookies and cream being a positively sinful dish that could be a meal in itself.
Lexington isn't typically considered a top dining destination (especially when compared to neighboring Arlington and Waltham), but this historic northwestern suburb of Boston does have some good restaurants, with Via Lago being near the top. Its main business may appear to be catering, but don't overlook the restaurant part of Via Lago, as it is indeed a very nice place to go, especially when the sun starts going down.
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