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Alex's Washington Gardens Reviews List
Alex's Washington Gardens
Made from scratch, family recipe Italian cuisine in Highwood since 1932, and at it's current location since 1982. Serving a selection of Fresh Seafood delivered daily including our very popular Prince Edward Island Steamed Mussels. Also, we offer some of the best thin crisp crust pizza, which was the first pizza served on the North Shore at Scornavacco's since 1944. All the classics are here, homemade pastas, hand carved and pounded out chicken and veal parmigiana, limone, piccata, and of course lasagnas, meatballs, and of course homemade desserts.
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78 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Rating Breakdown 78 reviews
5 stars
(39)
4 stars
(27)
3 stars
(7)
2 stars
(4)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(64)
- fit for foodies(30)
- kid-friendly(18)
- good for groups(17)
- hot spot(11)
- vibrant bar scene(10)
Alex's Washington Gardens Reviews List
Review 1 for Alex's Washington Gardens
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Two people able to share an excellent dinner. Mussels were outstanding."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 2 for Alex's Washington Gardens
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Classic Old School Italian
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We went to Highwood in search of one of the town's well known, family run, traditional Italian restaurants. Alex's Washington Garden was exactly what we were looking for. Delicious food, prepared from old world family recipes. Excellent service. Warm, attractive, decor. This neighborhood restaurant, with many regular customers made a point of welcoming us as first time diners with a special appetizer. The pizza, salad, white beans and just about everything else we ordered was delicious. We had an all round great dining experience."
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 3 for Alex's Washington Gardens
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We enjoy the wonderful food,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We enjoy the wonderful food, excellent service and generous portions."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem
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Review 4 for Alex's Washington Gardens
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
very good food at very affordable
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"very good food at very affordable price. a bit noisy but tolerable.
again - just plain good food - good italian place. have been several times.
good pizza as well - tend to forget that they make a good pie."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 5 for Alex's Washington Gardens
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
our favorite restaurant, consistent
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"our favorite restaurant, consistently great !"
Dined on 04/16/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 6 for Alex's Washington Gardens
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
What my wife and I love about
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"What my wife and I love about AWG, in addition to the great food, beverages, and service, is how easy and willing the staff is to accommodate special requests. If they have the ingredients in the kitchen, AWG will do it's best to make exactly what you want. A wonderful neighborhood establishment!"
Dined on 04/16/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 7 for Alex's Washington Gardens
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
We have been to Washington
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We have been to Washington Gardens many times, but never on a Friday night. We had reservations but the place was so busy, crowded and noisy. We sat on a main aisle and watched as staff rushed back and forth barely missing each other. Dinner was rushed. We hadn't finished our salads when the server brought out the main entree. She even apologized for rushing us as she plopped the plates down. Never again on a friday night."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2005
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 8 for Alex's Washington Gardens
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
One of our favorite dinner
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"One of our favorite dinner spots!
Food & Service always fabulous!"
Food & Service always fabulous!"
Dined on 03/30/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 9 for Alex's Washington Gardens
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Outstanding salmon dish.Pasta
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Outstanding salmon dish.Pasta great - as usual."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 10 for Alex's Washington Gardens
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Terrible - stay away
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"All of us had terrible meals. Food was basic at best, lacked any creativity or taste. Very disappointing especially given the price point. So many better options - stay away. Server was very nice."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2012
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Review 11 for Alex's Washington Gardens
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The best pizza and chicken
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The best pizza and chicken parmiagiana !!!! Great service !!!! Pasta is delicious too !!!! Great drinks !!!!"
Dined on 03/23/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 12 for Alex's Washington Gardens
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Yes, eat here
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"After arriving, even with a reservation we still waited for about 25-30 minutes. So the first impression wasnt favorable;however once the food arrived and the hunger pains subsided we enjoyed this restaurant very much.I was skeptical going to an Italian restaurant without an Italian name so I was pleasantly surprised how good the food was. I recommend this restaurant and we will be sure to return. Lets face it on a weekend night during prime-time 30 minutes isnt long to wait for a great meal. The owner/hostess was very pleasant & hard working. She made our visit comforting and pleasurable."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 13 for Alex's Washington Gardens
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
AWG consistently provides
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"AWG consistently provides delicious food and wonderful service in a friendly atmosphere."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 14 for Alex's Washington Gardens
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
This place has always been
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This place has always been one of mine favorites,Sat night it was not. It was very crowded
and we were seated a half an hour after our reservation. My veal was tough and I sent it back,they were out of the Proseco that I always order,I tried another wine selection that I did not like which they took back with no problem and no charge. My friends Pork Chops were fair.
They took my meal off the bill and paid for a dessert. the management tried to make it right. I would give another try,most likely but was very dissapointed."
and we were seated a half an hour after our reservation. My veal was tough and I sent it back,they were out of the Proseco that I always order,I tried another wine selection that I did not like which they took back with no problem and no charge. My friends Pork Chops were fair.
They took my meal off the bill and paid for a dessert. the management tried to make it right. I would give another try,most likely but was very dissapointed."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2011
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Review 15 for Alex's Washington Gardens
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Alex's is a long-time favorite
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Alex's is a long-time favorite of mine. It never disappoints!"
Dined on 03/08/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 16 for Alex's Washington Gardens
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our favorite restaurant. Best
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Our favorite restaurant. Best pizza in the world."
Dined on 03/06/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 17 for Alex's Washington Gardens
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
The chicken was very average
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The chicken was very average in taste, the vegetables bad, sauce mediocre. The waitress was a step above terrible."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2009
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Review 18 for Alex's Washington Gardens
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
One of the best restaurants
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"One of the best restaurants in Highwood - will definitely be back."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 19 for Alex's Washington Gardens
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
What a neighborhood Italian
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"What a neighborhood Italian restaurant should be. Great food & service."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 20 for Alex's Washington Gardens
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
You'll keep returning to this place
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The moment you walk into this place you know you're somewhere special. The Mussels Diablo are out of this world and I will not eat mussels anywhere else. I'm almost crying with joy as I'm devouring these. The alfredo sauce is so succulent, you'll wonder why you ever settled for anything less and know you will now compare all sauces to this one. The portions are generous from salads to pasta to meat/seafood dishes. The staff treat everyone like royalty, they're friendly, smiling and laughing because they obviously love their jobs. Diners are in jeans or suits or dresses for romantic meals, group dinners, young and old, couples and families. The pizza is hands-down a favorite among the locals as well. This is my go-to place all the time."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 21 for Alex's Washington Gardens
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Don't bother!
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Thought this would be a nice place to take my wife for Valentines Day. Huge Mistake! We were the only ones there in the dining room and all here is a tv going on in the kitchen. Then they sit a family of five, with a baby and two toddlers next to us. The whole restaurant was empty and they sit them right next to us. I normally don't mind, but it was Valentines Day and my wife and I wanted a nice romantic night. I ordered the chicken parmigiana, what I normally order at Italian rest., and it was the worst one. The chicken was seemed to be sliced in 1/8" slices and breaded. The breading was thicker then the chicken. There is more to talk about, but not enough room."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
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Review 22 for Alex's Washington Gardens
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great food. Had to keep asking
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great food. Had to keep asking for waitress and then when we finished the meal she brought us the check without asking us if we wanted coffee or dessert!"
Dined on 02/09/2013
2005
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 23 for Alex's Washington Gardens
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our favorite Italian restaurant,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our favorite Italian restaurant, consistently great."
Dined on 02/05/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 24 for Alex's Washington Gardens
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Was not blown away. It was
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Was not blown away. It was good but had better"
Dined on 01/18/2013
2005
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Review 25 for Alex's Washington Gardens
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Two many masters...
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our overall Gardens experience has suffered of late. The transition between old and new owners has been strained for customers and staff alike. We arrived promptly for our reservation and had to wait while the host fumbled around for our table -- and we are regulars for years. Then one of our entrees was wrong. The last time we ate there we experienced the same problem, waiting over 10minutes for one of our entrees while the owner was more concerned with asking all at our table to stand up and move our chairs so they could move our table! Very strange and a little of off putting. I think things will settle back to normal once Victor takes over."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 26 for Alex's Washington Gardens
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Everyone treated us like we
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Everyone treated us like we were in their home as a guest. The service was great. The food was very homemade tasting."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 27 for Alex's Washington Gardens
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food and service as
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great food and service as always!"
Dined on 02/02/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 28 for Alex's Washington Gardens
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Awesome food every visit and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Awesome food every visit and Friendly at,ops here!"
Dined on 01/28/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 29 for Alex's Washington Gardens
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good food, good drink, good value
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had not been to Alex's Washington Garden in several years. When I looked at the menu online (which had been updated) I was pleasantly surprised. The food was delicious and reasonably priced. Drink pours were some of the best of the North Shore restaurants ( a criterion of ours!). Food Portions were Generous. We loved the grilled calamari and mussel appetizers. Fish and salads were fresh and beautifully presented. My husband and friend loved their veal and chicken parmeseans.. The decor is "local" basic and some areas of the venue are loud(on a Friday night). Service was a bit rushed, but we plan to return."
Dined on 01/25/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 30 for Alex's Washington Gardens
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
First time we have been there,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"First time we have been there, but our group all agreed we would come back. Other reviews were positive, but no one mentioned the pizza, which was the highlighted the meal. Very accommodating staff, great service & no sure why there were complaint about the booths as they were fine.
We knew we were off to a good start went the bartender gave us his "A" list menu items and he was spot on!
The only ding of the review was the small size and spacing of the restaurant, but based on everything else, it would not be a deterrent to go back.
Take your friends here...they will be impressed with the food, fun and did I mention how reasonable the prices were."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2004
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 31 for Alex's Washington Gardens
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Consistently great food and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Consistently great food and friendly service at a Highwood landmark."
Dined on 01/25/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Alex's Washington Gardens
Based on the average of (47) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
1 out of 1 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic