50 Best Italian Restaurants in Boston

“Very good pizza, especially the pepperoni one, we were very well served by Gigi, very friendly and attentive.
The only thing that bothered us a little was the hostess, a bald guy with glasses, who welcomed us at the entrance to the restaurant, seemed uncomfortable with our presence, constantly looking at our table suspiciously. We were dressed the same as everyone else and our behavior was the same as everyone else there, so I really don't know what the reason was.
Other than that, great service and good food.“

“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“

“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“

“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!!!“

“We tried pizza Bianca, the famous salad and pasta with aged balsamic, and finally the ricotta cheese cake. Everything was vey good. The favorite dish was the pasta. I scored it 4/5 because I think the food portion was small. But definitely one of the best Italian dishes in the area! 👌“

“Grilled Clams make it so worthwhile“

“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.“

“Awesome spot with great ambience and service. The iberico secreto was particularly memorable, and the cocktails were great - creative and not too sweet. My only suggestion would be for more frequent personal plate clearing between shared plates - but we could have asked and I’m sure they’d have obliged.

Dietary restrictions: Very accommodating for gluten free; several DF/GF options though limited - and expected.“

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

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

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

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

“We booked Table for our daughter’s graduation dinner. It was perfection. The food was delicious and plentiful, and atmosphere and service were top notch. High quality across the board. They made us feel like welcomed and important guests! I highly recommend! All 16 people in our party raved about our experience at Table. It was a lot more than a dinner- it was an event and experience we will always remember!“

“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.“

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

“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.“

“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!!!“

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

“Bostons Top 50 for sure! Went 3x’s in a week, twice for dinner and once for breakfast. Every dish from the appetizer to dessert was delicious! The flavors, fresh ingredients and presentation are exceptional. The staff were super friendly and service was top notch! Can’t wait to go back. Cheers Via Cannuccia !“

“Loved it! Uptown downtown with flare.“

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

“This is my first time here. I'm pretty easy going when it comes to what I want to eat. I eat because I'm hungry, and I just want it to taste good. I ordered the Emperor sandwich because it sounded good. I don't really get impressed by food, but this is possibly the best sandwich I've had.“

“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.“

“Amazing food and service with authentic Italian hospitality!“

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

“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!“

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

“My second review went less than a week. Got takeout tonight. The food is fabulous. Staff is wonderful. There was a mess up with the toast app. They quickly fixed it. I got to sit at the bar and talk to the bartender. Really nice guy. The food is so flavorful. Usually my wife says I can cook better than the food we eat at most restaurants. (I love to cook. Both grandfathers were chefs in Boston) She can’t say that about this one. The chefs there do a great job. Love to get some of the recipes though.“

“Gigi’s had everything we were looking for in a cozy dinner date spot! The atmosphere struck the perfect balance between intimate and lively, with soft lighting and chic decor that made us feel at home the moment we walked in. Whoever handled their interiors really nailed it—modern, comfortable, and full of character.

For dinner, we tried the Chicken Parm and Rigatoni alla Vodka, and both dishes were absolute winners. The Chicken Parm was perfectly breaded, juicy, and covered with just the right amount of rich, flavorful sauce. The Rigatoni had this creamy, dreamy vodka sauce that we couldn't get enough of! Each bite was packed with flavor, and you could tell that quality ingredients were at the heart of everything on the menu.

Gigi’s is more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience. Both the chef and designer deserve applause for creating such a memorable place!“

“Amazing! What an experience to find this family-friendly (yes, they have a kids menu thank goodness!), inviting atmosphere, social staff, and delicious food! Everything was incredibly fresh and the staff were beyond welcoming and accommodating. We felt like we were dining with folks we’ve known for years. The bruschetta was fresh along with the pink penne vodka and kids meals. We felt so full but beyond grateful to find BenCotto!“

“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.“

“Delicious approach and amazing pizza! Service was spectacular!“

“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!“

“Very nice staff and delicious food“

“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!“

“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!!!“

“Absolutely the perfect spot for a date night! The atmosphere is low-lit and intimate, service is amazing, and the food superb. The spaghetti and meatballs arrived piping hot and I was able to take leftovers to last me two more days. Forget the North End…perfect Italian lives in Beacon Hill!“

“Fabulous!!! Very creative menu“

“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! :)“

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

“Omg this place has the best meatballs in the north end order Chanti“

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

“North End -Boston. Amazing food! Quick service! You won’t be disappointed! If there is a wait… stay! You will be happy you did! Can’t wait to get back!“

“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!“

“Awesome pizza.. huge slice“

“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.“

“Wait staff was very attentive and kind.“

“High energy and lively place with an extensive menu and good wine list. The Gluten Free selection is outstanding. The food was great with lots of things to share. It can be loud when it's busy.

Dietary restrictions: Gluten Free menu was one of the best I have ever seen.

Kid-friendliness: There is not a dedicated menu for kids but the kitchen prepared some good food for them. The booths are more conducive to kids than the tables.“