IN THE KITCHEN Paul Winshman opened Quattro with a focus on the neighbors down the street. South Street in Hopkinton is home to several corporations, including the global headquarters for EMC. Quattro is aimed squarely at these employees, with a decor and menu tailored for business meetings.
The name of the restaurant is a nod to the New England climate. “We were inspired by the four seasons of New England,” Winshman said. “Instead of doing weekly or monthly adjusted menus we do seasonally adjusted menus.”
This year, following the infamous winter of 2015, the spring menu waited until mid-April, just like the real spring. “We normally switch on the calendar,” Winshman said. “But given the fact that we had two feet of snow in the parking lot, we felt it was inappropriate.”
Advertisement
The LocALE The restaurant, which recently celebrated its second anniversary, is located in a retail center at the intersection of South and West Main streets, close to Interstate 495. The interior space is warm and elegant, with original artwork on the walls and comfortable seating. Options include small booths that allow for privacy and tables for larger parties, and in warmer weather, the restaurant has a patio with outdoor seating. The site has ample, free parking and is accessible to people with limited mobility. “The overall atmosphere of the restaurant is [intended] to give you the feeling of being in a metropolitan establishment,” Winshman said.
On the Menu The approach here is fine dining Italian, and the house specialties include a range of homemade, grilled flatbreads ($13 for half; $19 whole), as well as traditional favorites, such as shrimp and scallop risotto ($27). The menu blends what you might find in a city restaurant with options that appeal to suburbanites as well. A children’s menu is available on request.
Advertisement
The night we visited for dinner, I opted for the baked haddock Maria ($23), while my friend chose the jumbo shrimp scampi ($26). The fish and shellfish were perfectly cooked, although the lobster-based sauce for my entree was a bit mild. My friend’s son, who is 11, chose spaghetti with meatball on the children’s menu. We all shared an appetizer of lobster ravioli ($13).
The wine and mixed drink selection at Quattro is broad but not exhausting, with draft beer choices as well as signature martinis. The service was exceptional the night we visited. The waitress created a small-scale dessert for my friend’s son, a brownie sundae, and she was attentive throughout.
Quattro, 22 South St., Hopkinton, 508-435-4500, www.quattro-hopkinton.com
Mary MacDonald can be reached at marymacdonald3@aol.com.