DMX. Located in the North End, this is a tiny restaurant that's perfect for a date. Tucked away down an alley off Brattle and Mount Auburn Streets, Harvest remains one of the top dining destinations not only in Cambridge, but also the greater Boston metro area. This modern enoteca is as much on a mission to foster a sense of community in South Boston as it is to create innovative, Italian-influenced food. / Photo by Adam DeTour. 50 Best Italian Restaurants in Every State | Cheapism.com Filtered by. Celebrate special moments with show-stopping plates like the bone-in veal Milanese over soft polenta; lamb chops with celery root and pomegranate; and Spanish-leaning grilled octopus over squid-ink couscous. 14 Best Italian Restaurants in Boston 2023 - oakandrowan.com Go here for piles of tortellini with ham and cream, spicy penne arrabbiata, and views of bustling Hanover Street from the restaurants coveted year-round, heated patio. A meal at Toro is meant to be shared, so bring your friends. Its amari menu is vast (order a custom flight to try a range), and its focaccia is irresistibly cheese-stuffed. It all began with founder Jimmy Wilson: This Boston local spent half a century as the town crier, andupon retirementopened Bell in Hand Tavern in 1795 to keep the free-flowing conversation alive. There are around 70 different flavors being scooped, with dozens of toppings to choose from. In a city like Boston, there are so many restaurants and pubs that can boast standing the test of time but "classic" can mean many things. The Ultimate Guide to Sunday Dining Specials in Boston, The Ultimate Guide to Wednesday Dining Specials in Boston, If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. Ghosts or no ghosts, the ground level of this Rococo-inspired gem offers expertly brewed espressos and cappuccinos, as well as a remarkably good hot chocolate. Monica's Mercato 299 reviews Closed Now 28. alphabet_order_bot 3 mo. Drinks and food were delicious! The ravioli is made to order, and no meal is complete without a plate of crispy calamari for the table. In the modern era, guests are welcome to stop by for classic pub fare like Fish and Chips or Baked Mac n Cheese with a crisp lager in hand. Southie has undergone some seriously massive changes over the past few decades (were looking at you, Seaport), but one venue in particular has remained largely frozen in time. Mario's Restaurant 191 Italian $$East Boston Closed until 11:00 AM "Hidden in plain site old school Italian restaurant. [Photo: Rachel Leah Blumenthal], John F. Kennedy in the Boston area, mapped, A North End classic for tourists, locals, and celebrities, Pizzeria Regina opened its doors in 1926 and has since expanded to numerous locations throughout the state, from stand-alones to mall food court outposts. The Omni Parker Houses restaurant is steeped in history and has hosted many famous guests. [Photo: Cal Bingham], Built in 1947, South Street Diner is the city's only full-service restaurant open all night, seven days a week. The pastries include cannoli, limoncello cake and tiramisu equal to any dessert in this Italian neighborhood. Why do we love Pammys? My friend was told about this restaurant in the late 1990s by a nice Italian guy she was dating. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions. Chefs Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette recently added an Italian-inspired restaurant to their fantastic local line-up (Coppa, Toro, Little Donkey), and were so glad they did. Giulia is serving some of the best fresh pasta in the city. Good bot. Ranked #98 of 3,083 Restaurants in Boston. In those days, it served as a dining hall for merchants, fishermen and businessmen. [Photo: Rachel Leah Blumenthal], 16 Restaurants to Try in Downtown Crossing, These 170+ Patios Are Officially Open for 2017, It's hard to have a list like this and not mention the Omni Parker House. Opened in 1929, this European spot in the North End is Bostons oldest Italian caf and sits atop a supposedly haunted basement-turned-cigar bar. 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. This cozy family-owned venue has been in operation since 1909, providing visitors with ample opportunity to enjoy a refreshing pint of Guinness served at a pre-Prohibition bar. Brick walls and candlelight keep this Cambridge restaurant's vibe romantic and rustic. Famous regulars included George Washington and Paul Revere, and it is one of the first buildings constructed after the British burned down Charlestown. Best Italian Restaurants in Boston's North End - Travel There's a whole host of old-school dishes on offer here, from the breaded veal to the grilled lamb liver, but the obvious choice is the bolognese, which is meaty, peppery, and as deeply savoury as a pint of soy sauce. The varied menu is a crowd-pleaser, featuring scores of familiar Italian American comfort food as well as more creative, seasonal plates. 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. Salumeria Italiana 332 reviews Closed Now Speciality Food Market, Italian - "The Best Italian Sandwich!" "The best of the best stocked Italian food." 2022 2. With the warm weather in full swing, be sure to stop by for a refreshing margaritaor threeenjoyed on Casa Romeros sunny patio. / Photo provided. 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. Inside the sleek space, youll find a stellar take on fried mozzarella encased in kataifi (traditionally seen around Greek pastry), served with stracciatella; and incredible, inventive pastas made in-house by chef Tony Susi, whose Sage restaurants were pioneers of modern Italian in Boston. What are some highly rated italian restaurants in Boston, MA? 25 Best Italian Restaurants in Boston, MA - VacationIdea [Photo: Facebook], Family-owned since 1929, James Hook & Company has become a giant and well-loved lobster purveyor. Anthony Francos Pizzeria & Ristorante. Opened in 1926 by Luigi D'Auria, this Thacher Street spot has been run by the Polcari family. Boston Italian Food Restaurants: 10Best Restaurant Reviews "Great subs!". Tagliatelle al rag at La Morra in Brookline. Fortunately for Bostonians and lucky visitors whove flocked to our city, there are a bevy of establishments that are deeply rooted in our local history and that offer a wide variety of cuisine to sample. The food is outstanding in every way. The wine list tends to favor Northern Italian and French bottles, with an emphasis on lesser known producers. Best Italian restaurants in Boston Photograph: Courtesy Geppetto 1. Its claimed that John F. Kennedy proposed to Jackie in the dining room in the early 1960s, and even the kitchen staff has seen its share of notorious figures from history (Malcolm X and Ho Chi Minh both worked there). Promo. Try the meaty bolognese, the spicy fra diavolo, or the creamy pesto saucesand know that the $3 up-charge for one of the house-made pasta selections is always worth it. The 13 Best Places for Authentic Italian Food in Boston - Foursquare Creative small plates feature fresh ingredients, with flavors that pop thanks to microgreens and garnishes grown nearby. Netflix watchers will soon see the restaurant star in the upcoming film Dont Look Up, featuring Cate Blanchett and Tyler Perry. The menu is inspired by her time spent living in Modena, Italy, and features dishes like wild boar Bolognese and Milanese di maiale. This restaurant's blazing, wood-fire oven proudly serves up robust, hand-crafted pies, like its famed funghi pizza made with homemade ricotta and arugula. 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. Need we say more? As you may assume from the name, succulent seafood is the norm around here, with Fried Oyster Rolls, New England Clam Chowder, and Baked Stuffed Clams found on the menu. newsletter, 3484 Washington St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130, Where Bostons Top Chefs Like to Dine Out, Where to Eat Dumplings in and Around Boston. [Photo: Facebook], Where to Warm Up With Bostons Most Comforting Mugs of Hot Chocolate, One of the oldest restaurants in Boston's Chinatown, this gigantic spot is known for dim sum. 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. Oldest North-end Italian Restaurant in Boston - Tripadvisor Monica's Mercato. Note: While pizza is probably Americas favorite Italian offering, dedicated pizzerias dont appear on this map; theyve got their own. The atmosphere is laid back, and you can almost picture old fishing boats pulling up to the dock full of fresh catch back in the day. Doyle's is also the first bar to serve Sam Adams beer. 14 Best Old-School Italian Restaurants In New York City Also worth noting: Bricco is one of the best late-night dining options in the North End, serving delicious dishes until 2am on weekends. 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. Chef Anthony Caturanos rustic, peasant-style dishes, like grilled littleneck clams with sausage, braised short rib, and the singular raviolo di uovo have stood the test of time in the crowded North End. In honor of Classics Week, these are 25 of Boston's most classic restaurants, including some truly old specimens. Its all about the lobster paccheri, folks. Fortunately for Bostonians and lucky visitors whove flocked to our city, there are a bevy of establishments that are deeply rooted in our local history and that offer a wide variety of cuisine to sample. Come hungry; portions tend toward gigantic. Come along for the ride! Take a seat at Giulia's communal table for a truly European dining experience. 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. Its impossible to cover Bostons oldest restaurants without shining a spotlight on Union Oyster House. MIDAtakes its cues from Italian cuisine, with chef-owner Douglass Williams prioritizing three things: ingredients, wine and hospitality. Giacomo's Ristorante - Boston 4.2 (3954 reviews) Italian Wine Bars Seafood $$North End Open until 6:00 PM "I've heard people call this the best restaurant in all of Boston and I can't justify it" more Delivery Takeout Start Order 3. Keep in mind that if you come by Fat Hen on a Tuesday or Wednesday, this place is strictly serving wood-fired pizzas. [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. Ask a random person in Chicago to name a classic Italian restaurant, and there's a good chance they'll say La Scarola. 9. Italian Restaurants in Boston. The 15 Most Romantic Restaurants Around Boston. And no, it's not the best Italian food you'll eat in London. We uncover the best of the city and put it all in an email for you. If you head here on theweekends, you'll find a whole slew of Italian-inspired dishes, including beautiful plates of fresh pasta. On the non-frozen food front, Cabots also serves breakfast all day, in addition lunch and dinner. 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. The restaurant is cozy with tiny, cozy rooms, decorated in old world style. It's been that way since 1932, and it's been family owned and operated ever since. In 1934, it became the Merry-Go-Round Barcomplete with a miniature merry-go-round, whose tracks are still visible. Loved it!". And the North End doesnt have a patent on the stuff, either there are excellent options all around the city. Read more about the Thacher Street eatery's history at Boston.com. Try the hot antipasto plate (eggplant rollatini, stuffed mushrooms, baked clam, and . [Photo: Facebook], Boston's Best Desserts, According to Local Pastry Chefs, This North End cafe and bar opened in 1929 as the first Italian cafe in Boston. See our, By submitting your email, you agree to our, Where to Eat Excellent Italian Food Around Boston, Sign up for the September 16, 2021 2:00 pm. 8 tips and reviews Al S: One of the better bakeries in the North End. Then theres the superlative vino and outstanding cocktails that flow at the bar (where a la carte ordering is allowed), thanks to wine director Katie Hubbard and bar manager Rob Hicks. 7. They are next door to Giocomo's Restaurant & there is nomore, Prices aren't overwhelming and the Italian food is fresh and delicious.more, Old school Italian in little Italy Boston. One of the best Italian restaurants to visit on Staten Island is J oe & Pat's Pizzeria & Restaurant. Try another? Thanks for subscribing! Located at 340 Faneuil Hall Marketplace in downtown Boston, Durgin-Park got its start in 1742 when Peter Faneuil built a large market house near the waterfront. The reality is, it takes a lot of hard work and something truly special to keep an eatery up and running for decadesif not more. 713 Reviews. "Stocked with the best olive oils, pastas and other specialty products.". 1682 Massachusetts Ave., Porter Square, Cambridge, 617-441-2800, giuliarestaurant.com. If all youve ever wanted in life is to have an Italian family welcome you into their home and shower you with food, you need to get yourself to Nappis and fast. Mida features must-eat pasta, some of the best arancini in town, and more. Jeveli's describes itself as Boston's oldest Italian restaurant. It's been that way since 1932, and it's been family owned and operated. Its array of offerings matches the decor as far as pure glamor goes, with luxurious ingredients decking out nearly every dish (Maine lobster gnocchi and prime beef meatballs included). Stop by anytime because its open 24/7. [Photo: Facebook], Celebrating its 50th year, this fine-dining restaurant, situated on top of the Prudential tower, offers stunning views of the city. This one dates back to 1947, first opening as the Blue Diner. newsletter, 1682 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138, 928 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139, 1918 Dorchester Ave, Dorchester, MA 02124. 020 7700 7161. Then there are chef Michael Lombardis bold pasta dishes, made with grains milled in-house; and pastry guru Meghan Thompsons outstanding dolcibest enjoyed in the twilight on the secluded back patio.