16 Best Italian Restaurants in Cambridge

“This was one of the finest dining experiences we’ve had. We’ve heard about Giulia for months now, reputed as one of, if not the best Italian restaurant in Massachusetts, which meant we had extremely high expectations going in. Combined with the difficulty of getting a reservation due to the popularity (with many nights waiting at 12am sharp hoping that I refreshed fast enough), and finally we had secured a reservation.

The food is heavenly. We ordered the erbazzone and grilled rosemary flatbread for appetizers, and both were so delicious— especially the erbazzone, which was probably the tastiest appetizer I have tasted. I still crave it as I am writing this, and my girlfriend feels the same way. The flatbread was also amazing, though the erbazzone trumps almost anything from the night.

My girlfriend ordered the vegetarian bucatini, and I ordered their famous wild boar pappardelle. Both pastas were excellent, though not as standout as the appetizers. It was really nice to note that they deducted the price for the vegetarian pasta from 28 (which would include meat) to 18, which we really appreciated.

Finally, we ordered the yogurt panna cotta with beach rose, toasted coconut and winter citrus for dessert. Oh my god, this is the greatest food I have tasted in eons. My girlfriend thinks it’s the best thing she has eaten (and we’re both very judgy with food!). Neither of us had thought we would enjoy anything rose-flavored so much, with the taste recurring with each bit of saliva, slowly dissipating with time. It is as if rose bloomed in our mouth, slowly melted to our tongues, and withered away as we bit away and let it wither. The sweetness gave way for the rose, and the rose enhanced the coconut and yogurt tastes. We should have ordered another one.

Overall, this was probably one of the top three meals in my life, and certainly best in the New England area. I HIGHLY recommend everyone to go, and honestly it might even be better to just order their appetizers and desserts without pasta. Their pastas are good, but the appetizers and desserts are on a whole different level. 11/10 experience. Also cute seatings outside on a beautiful afternoon. A shame we forgot to take pictures of the appetizers and desserts because they were SO GOOD. Keep in mind the portion size might be a bit smaller than you would like, but in my opinion it adds to the experience. I hope they get a Michelin recommendation at least, if not a star this year.

Hope this helps to anyone contemplating on securing a reservation!“

“Su buen servicio y la comida es deliciosa.“

“First time at Geppetto, from start to finish it was an excellent experience while celebrating our anniversary. The staff was attentive, professional and friendly; our waiter Brian was very knowledgeable of both food and wine options and very engaged throughout the evening. The fried mozzarella starter was delicious as were the two pasta dishes we chose from the very appealing menu options- spicy lobster spaghetti and that evening's special, pasta with black truffle and a delectable cheese sauce. Looking forward to returning to Geppetto.“

“The best meal- great service- Beautiful atmosphere And warm friendly hostess“

“Small hole in the wall but Fire pizza!“

“We had a large group. (13 people) And we had a reservation. They were able to take us early and it was easy to make a reservation, good service and delicious food. For the number of people, the food and drinks came out fast and everyone enjoyed their meal. I look forward to making another reservation soon for another meeting. Hopefully we'll be able to do dinner there sometime to see the different menu.“

“Absolutely amazing experience! This is a must try for all.“

“Delicious!!! You should, definitely, eat here!“

“One of the best pizza spots in the entirety of MA. Wonderful, caring owner and stuff who are generous in their food and wisdom. The whole wheat here is incredible. It’s the only pizza my wife and I can eat and feel amazing about afterwards. Sauce flavor is outstanding. Ingredients are fresh. Beauty’s is 10/10 every time.“

“I recently hosted a private party at Gran Gusto in Cambridge to celebrate a very special occasion, and I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect experience. From start to finish, the staff was incredibly kind, accommodating, and attentive to every detail. As a vegan, I was blown away by how thoughtfully they crafted an entirely plant-based buffet menu just for the event. Every single dish was absolutely delicious—flavorful, fresh, and beautifully presented. In addition to the vegan fare, the team went above and beyond to provide gluten-free options for a couple of celiac guests, making sure everyone could enjoy the celebration without worry. The warm atmosphere, exceptional service, and mouthwatering food made the evening truly unforgettable. I’m so grateful to the Gran Gusto team for helping make my celebration so special. I highly recommend them for any event—or even just a night out. They’re a gem in Cambridge! The only bad thing? Time flew by way too fast—because everything was so magical and beautiful. ✨“

“I recently visited Monteverdi for Drinks on the patio and then more drinks and Dinner, and can I just say I have not experienced Cambridge like this before! From the moment I walked in, I was blown away by the stunning waterfront views - it’s the perfect backdrop for any meal inside or on the patio. The staff was beyond exceptional, making us feel right at home with their warm hospitality and attention to detail. Now, let’s talk food! My friend ordered the Rigatoni Bolognese, and it was hands-down one of the best they've had - perfectly seasoned with a rich blend of beef, veal, and pork, and she said the locally made pasta was just to die for. I ended up just getting the the Warm Marinated Olives since I am a light eater, but they were also a fantastic vegan option that's full of flavor and the perfect snack for someone like me. And the drinks that kicked off the evening, as well as during dinner (we maaay have had a round or 2)?! Let me just say, the VELO Vodka Espresso Martinis were the ideal pairing for everything we got - a smooth and rich cocktail that’s just as classy as it sounds. And it's also a locally made (& women owned) Vodka company! If you’re looking for outstanding food, drinks, service, and ambiance, Monteverdi is a must-visit. I can’t wait to go back!“

“In town for the weekend with friends and we loved this place! Pizza, Marsala and Chicken Parmigiana were all delicious. And we couldn’t leave without tiramisu. Definitely recommend!“

“Superb, authentic Italian cuisine with great pasta entrees and delicious appetizers. Especially enjoyed the warm artichoke hearts in lemon butter and the cacio e pepe. Servers were welcoming and professional. One of our best Italian meals in a long time.“

“We decided to give this place a try since it was within walking distance of our hotel and my son is a very picky eater. The food was delicious! My son got a 4-cheese pizza and I got a pasta dish with chicken, veggies, and a creamy tomato sauce (I forgot the name). The portions were huge (enough for 2 or 3 meals), and the service was very friendly. Highly recommend!“

“Absolutely wonderful experience! I went here with my parents for their anniversary and we had a great time. Wonderful drinks, delicious food, really great service. Highly recommend!
As I always mentioned in my reviews when relevant, going here supports a small local business; the best kind of business!“

“I had such a positive experience dining at Toscana for dinner recently. In the past, I had come to Toscana for work-related events. Recently, I had a lunch meeting with a friend at Toscana and had a positive experience. When a friend wanted to connect for dinner in Harvard Square, I thought Toscana would be a good choice. The food was delicious and service was excellent. Tomás, our server, was warm, kind, and attentive. The entire staff was welcoming and genuine. I had a delicious risotto dish and my friend and I shared an amazing tiramisu as a dessert. We had a lovely evening, and I talked to my husband about visiting again soon. A beautiful evening in a warm, welcoming environment with great food and attentive service. Toscana is a great place to gather in Harvard Square for delicious food and a nice environment!“