50 Best Italian Restaurants in Boston

“My husband and I had dinner last Sunday night. It was a beautiful experience with impeccable service. I am going to remember my quail dish for a very long time. Highly recommend“

“This resaurant is by the Copley pla e mall. Really nice vibe inside. Staff was super friendly. Love that they come with the bottle of wine and then serve you onbthe spot. Applaud themnfor that. Rhe meatballs with taiasted bread is a great app. But the Margherita & Bianco pizza were amazing. The dough, marinara and chesses were top notch.. Highly recommend their 🍕.“

“Quality ingredients. A sublime attention to detail. Balance in salty, umami and heat. The broccoli Caesar is a must have along with the homemade ricotta. I sat at Chefs counter and got wonderful attention from everyone. Amazing!“

“The Dungeon Master Roll the Dice“

“The second we walked in we were met with amazing service. The staff is super pleasant, and helpful. They were able to accommodate a dietary restriction in my party with ease and enthusiasm. Every single dish in the chef’s tasting was fantastic. The food was full of flavor and the portions were a good size. I would come here any time any day, Chef/Owner Jen came to check in on us and chatted with us and was super nice. Love this place. Come here for a great time.“

“10/10–same rating I would give Sarma! The mortadella app was fantastic (honestly I didn’t think I liked mortadella but this stuff melted in your mouth!!), and the cappelletti was unlike anything I have had before! The panna cotta was so special (we ordered all three desserts and they all were amazing!)! Everything was great!“

“I attended an event yesterday at this amazing Restaurant. The atmosphere is so inviting, the drinks were delicious. Food was absolutely scrumptious. And the staff all so kind and friendly. I highly recommend stopping in for a cocktail or dinner, you won’t be disappointed!!!“

“Had a lovely dinner at Grotto during our time in Boston. We had the chicken parmigiana pasta and the pasta bolognese — both were full of flavor and really satisfying. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, the service was friendly, and prices felt fair for the quality. A great little spot for a relaxed Italian dinner.“

“Grilled Clams make it so worthwhile“

“Wonderfully perched atop the Newbury, views of the Public Garden. Chic, delicious, always an incredible time.“

“What amazing food! Salvo took such good care of us. Recommended fabulous dinners and made us a specialty cocktail. Highly recommend!“

“This place had the best chicken Parmesan we had ever eaten. I’m so glad we stumbled upon this place that was not too far from our hotel. Our waitress was so kind and attentive.“

“Excellent dinner here!! Loved everything we ordered and would easily come back. Would highly recommend the bucatini with eggplant, the grandma bread, and the miso chocolate brownie gelato. All of the pastas were super fresh and homemade. Loved being able to share everything. Would probably pass on the mozzarella sticks next time.“

“Food delicious!! I told them they stole my sauce and meatball recipe! Best meatballs ever“

“The pizza was fantastic and the atmosphere was great. Regina's North End“

“Amazing food! We had the octopus appetizer, lobster pasta, and sea bass. All the proteins were cooked perfectly and great flavor. Everything was served at a great pace. Prices were reasonable, especially compared to other restaurants in the area will definitely come back and would recommend to anyone looking for a good meal in the North End.“

“This place was expensive but it was also delicious and beautiful. I walked in off the street to eat in the Lounge because the upstairs was full until 9:30. The lounge was lovely. My server was attentive and the food was comforting yet new. Drinks were delicioso. I ordered the padrona martini, tuna crudo and clams and rigatoni, and was happy with my choices.“

“Great Italian food. Felt like I was back in Italy eating Street Food. Amazing Quick, Cheap and delicious!“

“Café Lavazza, nestled within the bustling atmosphere of Eataly, offers a delightful escape for coffee aficionados. The café perfectly embodies the Italian coffee culture, providing patrons with a rich selection of espresso-based drinks that are consistently well-crafted. The baristas showcase their expertise by pulling the perfect shot of Lavazza coffee every time, resulting in drinks that boast a harmonious balance of boldness and smoothness.Aside from the coffee, the pastries and light snacks on offer are equally impressive, tempting visitors with a taste of authentic Italian flavors. The ambiance is lively and welcoming, capturing the essence of a traditional Italian café. The only drawback some might find is the place being a bit crowded, particularly during peak hours, which can sometimes impact the overall experience.All in all, Café Lavazza at Eataly is a must-visit spot for those seeking to immerse themselves in a true Italian coffee experience without leaving the city.“

“This place is amazing!! The customer service was top notch!!“

“Good tacos good pizza service staff 💯“

“Pazza is AMAZING! Great service and the food is incredible. Highly recommend!“

“My wife and I have enjoyed the Restaurant scene in Boston privately and professionally for over thirty years. Right now Aqua Pazza is my absolute favorite spot in the city! Aqua Pazza is kicking on my all three important points. Food, service and ambiance. Simply, I love the place!!!“

“Ab-so-lutely wonderful! If there is one Italian restaurant you go to in town, please, please, please, make it Via Cannuccia. Cannot recommend them more heartily. Everything was delectable, and of course there are favourites, but honestly it'll be hard to find anything you don't like here. Truly magnificent, great chef, warm staff, lovely environment, outstanding dishes, and an experience to remember. Bravi tutti.“

“By far the best, authentic Italian food in the North End. We have dined at several restaurants but the service, ambience and food is the best! They make their own pasta and sauces daily. I cannot recommend Casarecce enough. Delicioso.“

“Perfect place for Mothers Day when Valet is a must!“

“I had an amazing experience and can’t wait to go back🥰“

“Excellent food that was perfectly seasoned. I highly recommend Porto for anyone who enjoys well-made food. Our server Kenneth was as professional as any I have met. He was there to serve us, but not someone hovering around or rushing us to finish up. I highly recommend Porto to anyone looking for an excellent meal. We plan to return soon.“

“Stopped by Davios on my way out of logan. Food was pretty good. Had the burger which was very filling if you're hungry. The bartender Diego was awesome! Friendly knowledgeable and hilarious. I'll be stopping in again and again just for the great service!“

“By far the best food and atmosphere! Cheryl was our server and was simply outstanding! The portions are huge and the food is fresh and inspired!“

“Amazing food and service with authentic Italian hospitality!“

“Wonderful food and great service in an amazing setting!“

“My husband & I had a lovely lunch there this afternoon. Our first time there. Will certainly be back. Thank you so much for your hospitality.“

“Very nice staff and delicious food“

“The quality and presentation of the food was top notch. We were incredibly impressed by the dining room layout and staff. If you are looking for a place to propose to your significant other… this is NOT the appropriate place. As I mentioned the food was the finest I’ve ever had; however, the music was terrible. We felt like we were in a 1990’s discotheque. The music was loud, very heavy beat and not remotely romantic. We did mention to our waitstaff and they attempted to get it turned down to no avail. No coffee or dessert available either. I understand space is limited; however you have two of the finest dessert businesses well within walking distance. Even if you only carry two desserts. I would still go back there for the food with the hopes of different music…even soft jazz would be acceptable.“

“Made reservations last minute and was able to get a reservation the morning of .

Restaurant is located on the second floor in a cozy environment that can get loud depending on what time you have reservations.

Gentleman at the door was very welcoming and showed us to our table right at the window looking outward to the street which was great people watching from an elevated location. Restaurant was packed and I would recommend reservations be made .

Cocktails to start were a good generous pour and well prepared : Negroni was quite good.

Appetizers we got a side of grilled asparagus and the figs stuffed with goat cheese and wrapped with prosciutto and a drizzle of balsamic glaze . The figs were delicious and the perfect accompaniment for the cocktails . Asparagus was just okay , a bit too stalky for my preference.

Main dishes were the Pesto with pancetta topped with burrata made with Gluten Free pasta . Well prepared flavorful and heavy on the pesto which we prefer . Nice to see they offer all their pasta dishes with a GF option . The other main was their Tagliatelle Bolognese da Abruzzo which was a hearty ragu slow simmered with beef , veal and pancetta topped with freshly grated Parmesan. I really enjoyed this .

Overall we left satisfied with the entire experience despite being loud and a bit cramped in due to the small size of the upstairs restaurant .

I would possibly come back but would want to try other Italian restaurant options in the neighborhood for comparison purpose .“

“The most delicious Italian restaurant! We will absolutely be back!!! Thank you for having gluten free options as well! Everyone enjoyed their pastas and appetizers! The server was so nice and his recommendations were amazing! What a wonderful find! We will recommend to all our friends!“

“Wow. This is the kind of place where I’m sitting there thinking, “now this is 5 stars.”

It came to light because at some point we heard that 1) they had won a James Beard award (which is on display right up front), and 2) the Culurgiones (Sardinian stuffed pasta) were to die for.

When we arrived, we immediately appreciated the level of service provided - for example, our coats were taken and hung up. The wine menu is also authentic Italian - I ordered a Nebbiolo rosso.

As a party of two, we split an antipasto, a primo, and a secondo. First was an excellent burrata. Second was the famed Culurgiones (pictured) - so pillowy and tasty. Third was the roast half chicken. This was the best roasted chicken we’d had in quite a while. So juicy and well seasoned.

We finished with the tiramisu (tasty, well-presented, and bigger than we thought) and the cannoli (comes with two).

The atmosphere was lovely and so was our server, Paige.

Looking forward to coming back sometime!“

“I’m from Texas and this has been hands down, one of the best restaurants/ bars that I can recommend. We have stopped at multiple places, enjoying incredible food and drinks… but none have matched this place. Not only are the drinks amazing, the food incredible.. (which I highly recommend the Choco Frito being the most tender and flavorful octopus that you will taste. I promise you will never have anything else like it.) but more importantly has been the staff here! Entirely welcoming, friendly and treat you immediately as family. I will absolutely make sure to come back to this specific location in the future!“

“Food was good I have had better at Delfinos. The sauce was not as flavorful as I remember and the place has old school charm but looking dated. I will go back but if I had to choose between Amelia's or Delfinos I would choose Amelia's. Just saying. Food as good or a little better. Amelia's is much cleaner too.“

“Fabulous!!! Very creative menu“

“at first when we walked in, I felt really under dressed and like everyone was staring at me like I was a bum :( But, our waiter made us feel at home and was super friendly! He made it worth it. And the food...get outta here! So good!!!“

“Delicious food. Great atmosphere. Wonderful service. Thank you for the hospitality.“

“I highly recommend Pasta Tana’s for anyone looking to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine. The Chicken Piccata was exquisite, with perfectly tender chicken and a deliciously tangy lemon-caper sauce. The Fettuccine Alfredo was equally impressive, with its rich, creamy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. I also love that you can order through text! :)“

“This restaurant has the BEST Italian food, service, and atmosphere. The owner, Frank, is WONDERFULLY welcoming and charming! This restaurant was the highlight of our trip to Boston.“

“Delicious casual meal. All about the food. It's fantastic.“

“Amazing experience!!! The food was really good, flavorful, and well-prepared. The ambiance was romantic and cozy, perfect for a date night. Special thanks to Sarah for being so kind and helpful to me and my husband. She really made us feel welcome!“

“Exquisite Culinary Experience at Matria

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Matria, an exceptional Italian restaurant nestled within a luxury Intercontinental hotel. As someone who has witnessed the journey of Executive Chef Jeff—from his early days as a line cook at Blue Ginger to his current role—I am filled with pride and admiration for the incredible talent and dedication he brings to this establishment.

Matria exudes an atmosphere that is both exotic and undeniably beautiful. The outdoor space, reminiscent of a Parisian terrace, offers breathtaking views of the ocean, creating an ambiance that is truly one-of-a-kind. It’s not overdone with flowers everywhere, but rather, it strikes a perfect balance between elegance and natural beauty.

The culinary offerings at Matria are nothing short of spectacular. The Matria Salad is a standout—romano beans, tomatoes, olives, charred cabbage, basil, pickled red onion, and chopped salami, all brought together with a sublime green goddess dressing. The olives, in particular, are a revelation. For those seeking a heartier option, the Piedmont Ribeye (16oz) is an absolute must-try. Cooked to perfection, it embodies the rich, robust flavors that are a hallmark of true Italian cuisine.

Matria is more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience. The combination of stunning views, an enchanting ambiance, and world-class food makes every visit unforgettable. Whether you're seeking a romantic evening or a memorable gathering with friends, Matria delivers an exceptional dining experience that is sure to impress.“

“Had lunch here and the service was fantastic,food was excellent and the vino was just as good. Highly recommend for a lovely comfortable casual experience 5 🌟“

“Wow!!! So happy to have found this cozy diner. We went to Boston to celebrate a 70th birthday & they went out of their way to make it special! Delicious food and great service!“