(Interested in Akunowiczs take on Southern Italian fare? Filtered by. Situated right at the start of the Longwood neighborhood, Bar Cino serves thin-crust, grilled pizzas that are theatrically cut tableside with scissors (life hack, right?). For first-time tourists and lifelong Massachusetts residents alike, the following spots are certain to provide visitors with a memorable perspective on the rich history of the Bay States capital city. See our, By submitting your email, you agree to our, Where to Eat Excellent Italian Food Around Boston, Sign up for the It's nice to know that our forefathers had priorities. It's known for its classically-prepared burgers, hot dogs, and fries, among other plates, like fried seafood. Thename of this little Italian restaurantGrottosuits it perfectly. An exclusively Italian wine list complements the menu, and guests looking for something stronger can opt for a number of classic Italian aperitivi. Stick to ordering a la carte, or go for its three-course, prix fixe menu with optional wine pairings. An exclusively Italian wine list complements the menu, and guests looking for something stronger can opt for a number of classic Italian aperitivi. Because of its close proximity to the Financial District and loads of office buildings, this place attracts the after-work crowd throughout the week, as well as students from nearby colleges on the weekends. Where to Find Bostons Heated Patios, Igloos, and Yurts, 11 Sheltered Patios for Outdoor Dining in Boston When it Rains. Head to Allston and get settled in the cozy, laid-back dining room at local favorite Carlos Cucina Italiana. Fans of modern, coastalItalian cuisine have been making the trek to this hot spot tucked within South Ends Ink Block complex. There is often some confusion between the two JJ Foleys located just a couple of neighborhoods away from each other, but this one is the younger sibling situated on Kingston Street. Also recently sold to a local developer, Amrheins will hopefully survive any impending changesbut thats still very up in the air, so get there while you can. Amiccis of Little Italy Photo: Brian Cicioni ], RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Boston. And, of course, this South End joint (and its sister space in Newton) expertly executes classic Italian cocktails, like the Negroni. Its small, moody dining room is surrounded by exposed brick and shelves of wine, with locally sourced artwork and crystal chandeliers bringing brightness to the otherwise dark space. Its a lot of a good thing. The Boston Cream Pie was reportedly created here around the turn of the century, along with the restaurants famous Parker House Rolls. Lydia Reichert and the team behind suburban hotspot Sycamore have opened another Newton eatery: a sophisticated pizza place that pays homage to her larger than life grandmother named, you guessed it, Jinny. All of the eatery's pasta is rolled fresh onsite, just like Akunowicz learned in Emilia-Romanga. Visit Website. What are people saying about italian restaurants in Boston, MA? Salumeria Italiana. With over 90,000 establishments offering Italian-style dishes here in America, there are endless options to consider when craving the flavorful, savory tastes of "The Boot." In order to help find the best Italian restaurants in Boston, Stacker looked at the rankings and ratings provided by Foursquare , which considers user check-ins . Laid out in this map, there are restaurants and pubs from the whole range of "classics." Amid all the (many, many) other Italian joints in the neighborhood, Prezza has remained a singular standout for more than 20 years, even as Caturano has expanded with two North Shore restaurants, called Tonno. The spacious Back Bay restaurant serves coastal delights including a half dozen crudos, grilled Scituate lobster and an excellent selection of spritzes. Though recent renovations have completely changed the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotels dining room and bar (and for the better, at that), a restaurant has occupied this space overlooking Copley Square since the hotel opened in 1912. 4. Its been a family-friendly (and just plain friendly) favorite for more than 45 years thanks to homestyle fare like calamari Veneziana (sauted with roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, cherry peppers, and olives and smothered in a sweet tomato sauce), and house-made fusilli with garlicky broccoli rabe. Also worth noting: Bricco is one of the best late-night dining options in the North End, serving delicious dishes until 2am on weekends. By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. This rare restaurant has everything. First dubbed the Calamari Cafe when it was founded in 1973, The Daily Catch continues to turn out some of the freshest Sicilian-style seafood dishes in Boston. On the non-frozen food front, Cabots also serves breakfast all day, in addition lunch and dinner. But dont forget the pastas: The cavatelli is a must. La Locanda. Guy Fieri memorably devoured lobster ravioli at Rinos Place in East Boston. See the best Italian restaurants in America. The chef behind the restaurant, Ken Oringer, is a James Beard award-winner, serves Barcelona style small plates (both hot and cold) including anchovies, olives, smoked eggplant, and garlic shrimp. 782 Tremont St., South End, Boston, 617-936-3490, midaboston.com. Recommended for Italian because: Da Vinci Ristorante is one of Boston's most unique restaurants as it blends Italian with Indian creating something amazing. But also any other pasta dish. Amrheins is the oldest restaurant in South Boston and claims lineage back to 1890. The latest from James Beard Award and Top Chef winner Karen Akunowicz, Volpe is the follow-up to Fox & the Knife, and focuses on southern Italian cuisine. Monica's Mercato 299 reviews Closed Now / Photo courtesy of La Famiglia Giorgios. By 1978, it was The Plaza Bar and Dining Room, and in 1996, it became The Oak Room. keep regulars coming back for more. Gryffinwhore83 3 mo. Welcome to Tommy's Tavern + Tap | Restaurant + Bar + Pizzeria. Boston arguably has one of the best Italian food scenes in the country between the cozy streets of the North End, the chic trattorias scattered around the South End and all the neighborhood spots your group chat swears by. Tagliatelle Bolognese is rich pasta perfection, the sauce blurring the lines between meat and cheese and sweet tomato; and the gnocchi with lobster and mushroom ragu and peas is a must-order. Dont ignore the lumache, served with a Bolognese sauce thats kicked up with spicy Korean gochujang. 1682 Massachusetts Ave., Porter Square, Cambridge, 617-441-2800, giuliarestaurant.com. 131 Brighton Ave., Allston, 617-254-9759, carloscucinaitaliana.com. Chiapparelli's Restaurant 4. [Photo: Cal Bingham], Built in 1947, South Street Diner is the city's only full-service restaurant open all night, seven days a week. This beloved old-timer first appeared on Hanover Street in 1931 and. 020 7700 7161. 2. See our, By submitting your email, you agree to our, Soak Up Boston's History at These 25 Classic Restaurants and Bars, Sign up for the The building itself dates to 1714, predating both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, yet it wasnt placed on the Historic Register until 2003. Fans of Schlows dearly-departed Via Matta can enjoy old-school chicken parm or rigatoni with spicy fennel sausage ragu. You're welcome, world. (Midas newer location in Newton, meanwhile, offers a couple additional reasons: Roman- andNew Haven-style pizzas.). Especially known for its ice cream sundaes and classic diner fare, the space itself hasn't changed much since it opened and the hope is that it never will. It has quickly established itself as a standout, thanks to elegant crudos, shareable feasts (such as pork chop Milanese swabbed with caper-and-lemon brown butter), and a fantastic house made pasta program overseen by Tony Susi, whose Sage restaurants were important forerunners of Bostons contemporary Italian scene. Colman Andrews. The business experienced a major fire back in 2008 but has since rebuilt. 48 Boylston St., BrooklineVillage, 617-739-0007, lamorra.com. 3 Newbury St., Boston, 617-536-5700, thenewburyboston.com/dine/contessa. [Photo: Rachel Leah Blumenthal], 18 Essential Sandwiches in Greater Boston, Where to Eat Chicken Parm Sandwiches in Boston, 1903 marks the start of this popular restaurant. Salumeria Italiana 332 reviews Closed Now Speciality Food Market, Italian - "The Best Italian Sandwich!" "The best of the best stocked Italian food." 2022 2. / Photo by Pat Piasecki. Come hungry; portions tend toward gigantic. Panza 326 Hanover St, Boston, MA Guest rating 4.2 Panza is a traditional Italian restaurant that is known for its authentic fare with dishes like chicken parmigiana. / Photo courtesy of Prezza. Meanwhile, its rich pasta dishesnot to mention its risi e bisikeep regulars coming back for more. , and focuses on southern Italian cuisine. Come along for the ride! It's cozy dining at this small. 253 Shawmut Ave., South End, Boston, 617-391-0902, coppaboston.com. Second-generation chef-owner Anthony DiCensos lobster-stuffed ravioli is a menu standout, but the house-made potato gnocchi, linguine with calamari and marinara, eggplant Parmigiana over house-made rigatoni, or really anything on the menu will hit the spot. The Kennedy family were Union Oyster House regulars (and have a dedicated booth), among other well-known diners, and the future king of France lived on the second floor in exile in 1796. Try another? Bostons dining scene can be ever-evolving and, over the years, weve seen plenty of restaurants come and go. Other menu must-eats include farro risotto, spaghetti cacio y pepe with Rhode Island clams, and a whole roasted lemon-scented chicken. For a taste of as much of the menu as possible, try the prix fixe menu with optional wine pairings. Chef Jose . Thats because of his pasta masteryrustic, textured noodles that hold onto buttery sauces and earthy accoutrements. [Photo: Facebook], 10 Excellent East Boston Restaurants That Deliver, Essential Boston Late-Night Food, According to Bartenders, Made famous by scenes in Good Will Hunting, the Tavern has been around since the 1930s and is visited by tourists, politicians, celebrities, and locals alike. "The best of the best stocked Italian food.". Thanks for subscribing! Best Italian restaurants in Boston Photograph: Courtesy Geppetto 1. Heading to your local pub for some much-needed gossip is one of humanitys favorite pastimes, and at the Bell in Hand Tavern, this time-honored tradition has been enjoyed for centuries on end. Opened in 1926 by Luigi D'Auria, this Thacher Street spot has been run by the Polcari family since 1956, and now has several outposts in New England. And any crudo. The seafood inspired menu utilizes fresh ingredients, including in-season produce from the Copley Square Farmers Market. 1682 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138 (617) 441-2800 Visit Website Giulia's fresh-made pasta is hard to beat. 39 tips and reviews Kelly Robertson: If you are looking for an authentic Italian experience, this is the place! Hit the best Italian restaurants in America for the finest pasta, pizza, antipasti and Italian desserts, The latest from James Beard Award and Top Chef winner Karen Akunowicz, Volpe is the follow-up to. Locke-Ober was the fourth oldest restaurant in Boston prior to its closing and, in its heyday, it had a reputation as a clubby men only spot that was rumored to be frequented by working girls, like Yvonne, a supposed lady of the night whose portrait hangs in the main dining room. This is a review for italian restaurants in Boston, MA: "Amazing old school italian restaurant look, feel and taste! Creative small plates feature fresh ingredients, with flavors that pop thanks to microgreens and garnishes grown nearby. [Photo: Facebook], Where to Eat Excellent Pizza Around Boston, Family-owned and operated since 1968, this self-proclaimed "number one sandwich shop in the world" prides itself on its piled-high pastrami sandwiches. Tuck into this friendly and inviting spot for a classic parmigiana or the signature house-made bombolotti pasta with North Atlantic lobster tail and shrimp in a spicy fra diavolo sauce. Go with friends and get at least one of each cicchetti option (Venetian small plates), but also try some of the creative pasta dishes, such as paccheri with lobster, tomato, and chili, or the strozzapreti with pork, parsnip, and black truffles. There are around 70 different flavors being scooped, with dozens of toppings to choose from. Dishes are ideal for sharingfrom the North Shore fritto misto and Waygu beef bresaola, to the handmade ricotta gnocchi cacio e pepe and smoked short rib lasagna. We uncover the best of the city and put it all in an email for you. Once youve hit the final destination, take it one step further with a quick stroll from Bunker Hill Monument down to the iconic Warren Tavern. Dinnertime visitors should be sure to grab a seat at the barBostons oldest hand-carved bar, to be precisefor some local craft beer, while early risers can head in for some decadent breakfast fare, with Peanut Butter-Stuffed French Toast, pillowy Buttermilk Pancakes, and savory Eggs Benedict all gracing the menu. Fresh crudo and cocktails at Bar Mezzana. The kitchen is lovingly committed to using only the best seasonal and regional ingredients, which means that its on-point menu is almost constantly changing. (617) 720-0052. www.tarantarist.com. Carmelinas, open for a decade in Bostons North End, has a menu inspired by Sicilian fare, including quite a bit of seafood. Anthony Francos Pizzeria & Ristorante. Its interior courtyard is a favorite for al fresco eating, while its fireplace is perfect for cozying up during the cooler monthsmaking it a New American go-to the entire year round. [Photo: Facebook], A Harvard Square classic since the 1970s, Harvest has had a slew of top culinary talent pass through the kitchen. Perfect for pizza and a ballgame on a weekday afternoon, this family-owned classic gets packed on weekend nights. It's been that way since 1932, and it's been family owned and operated ever since. This minimalist, mid-price, Italian diner is a fun and fantastic place to experience the cooking of lauded chef Barbara Lynch. Aqua Pazza is yet another solid Italian offering from Frank DePasquale's North End empire (Mare, Bricco, Trattoria il Panino) and is focused on fresh, simple and straightforward Italian cuisine reminiscent of the fare you might find on the Amalfi Coast.