Seemor
Ciao SomervilleAMust Try
688 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02144
· Restaurant
· 4.8/5 Google (173 reviews)
Takeout
Top-tier Neapolitan-style pizzas with creative toppings and strong pastas in a small, cozy Ball Square spot; expect limited seating, occasional waits, and slightly premium pricing for quality.
Why it gets an A for overall quality
Ciao Somerville exemplifies grade A standards through exceptional food quality—blistered crusts, balanced sauces, and creative Neapolitan pies that consistently impress—paired with warm, proactive service. Reliable execution across dine-in experiences and strong community loyalty cement its standing as one of the region's finest neighborhood pizzerias, despite modest space constraints during peak hours.
Restaurant Summary
In Ball Square, this small, modern room hums with a cozy neighborhood energy: the oven blazes in plain view, staff greet you warmly, and pies land fast with leopard-spotted crusts. One diner put it simply: "The crust had a lovely chew and the sauce tasted sun-ripe." On busy nights the wait can stretch, but the team keeps the vibe warm and attentive. The cooking leans creative Neapolitan rather than strict minimalism: funghi with truffle cream, corn with ricotta and bacon, and a bright shrimp spaghetti that overperforms for a pizza-first spot. Salads and cannoli round it out, and specials appear now and then. Dine-in excels; takeout can risk a soggier pie, especially with high-moisture toppings like burrata. For families, it is an easy fit. The menu has kid-friendly staples like margherita and customizable cheese pies, plus simple salads and a cannoli dessert. Staff will make a plain cheese pizza on request, and there is a vegan pie for different diets, though the room is small and can feel tight at peak times.
At a Glance
- Exceptional Neapolitan-style crust and balanced sauces
- Creative pies (corn, funghi, nduja) and surprisingly strong pastas
- Limited seating and peak-time waits up to an hour
- Takeout pies can get soggy, especially burrata
- Friendly, proactive service that fixes mistakes
What Sets It Apart
- wood_fired_oven_in_view
- creative_neapolitan_pies
- housemade_pasta_in_pizzeria_setting
What People Love
- Chewy, blistered crusts from the wood-fired oven
- Inventive toppings that still feel Italian
- Warm service that goes the extra mile
- Pasta quality that surprises for a pizzeria
Points of Concern
- Soggy or undercooked takeout reported occasionally, especially with burrata toppings
- Small, sometimes cramped space with waits at peak hours
- A few notes about overly salty seasoning on certain pies
- Pricing is higher than basic slice shops, though quality matches
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$42-60 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Order a salad (Caesar or Beet) to start, split one creative and one classic pie for balance.
- For lighter spend, share one app and one pizza; for fuller meal, add cannoli over Nutella pizza to keep costs down.
- If sensitive to spice, request light Calabrian peppers on Salsiccia.
Perfect For
- Casual date night with wine and a couple of pies
- Group of friends sharing creative pizzas
- Takeout when you want quality over speed
- Loyalists of the Chelsea original seeking a closer option
Location Insights
Area: Lively neighborhood node near Tufts with mix of students, families, and food-focused locals.
Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked streets; typical urban caution at night.
Nearby: Ball Square eateries, cafes, and bars; near Green Line stations and residential streets.
Union SquareUnion Square in Somerville is a lively and rapidly evolving neighborhood known for its eclectic dining scene, artsy vibe, and community-focused atmosphere. It attracts a mix of creative types, young urbanites, and families, with many independent restaurants, cafes, and bars contributing to a dynamic social environment.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–21:00
Tuesday11:00–21:00
Wednesday11:00–21:00
Thursday11:00–21:00
Friday11:00–22:00
Saturday12:00–22:00
Sunday12:00–21:00
Available: Takeout
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