“Fun place with history! Definitely worth the visit. Been here twice and the food is great, service is iffy, but it’s always busy. Space is tight.Kid-friendliness: Have high chairs available, space is just tightWheelchair accessibility: No“
“Lovely atmosphere; we were there after dark, nice dim lighting. Food delicious (chicken piccata, seafood linguini, veal parm, lobster ravioli). The ravioli was one of my best meals during our few days. The noodles that came with veal/chicken were weird & too dense/gummy. A veggie would’ve been better. Quite pricey as everything in North End. Have to be in that vaca spending mindset.“
“Right in the heart of the North End, Mamma Maria's is among one of the many fabulous Italian restaurants. We got there as soon as they opened but had a reservation. It filled out after about a half hour and had enough space in between tables. The menu was not too extensive but filled with home runs. We started with the carpaccio and it was our first time trying it. I liked the flavor but wished we got to try the burrata as well. The bread came with a pesto sauce that was an excellent snack while waiting for dinner. For our main dishes we got the Rabbit Pasta and the Pasta Con Sugo. Both hit the spot on a cold winter night; the staff came with pepper and cheese which I think is a nice touch. And for our anniversary they gave us some dessert I had never heard of. It was actually good and it rounded out a solid night. The service and staff was attentive and quick and we were filled up and satisfied in under and hour. Overall, it was solid Italian food and quality waiting staff but I feel there are better options for Italian in the North End“
“Came as a group of nine on a Thursday evening with a reservation for 8:30pm. We sat at a long high-top table and ended up ordering as groups of four and five people to make splitting food easier.My group of four split a charcuterie board and two pizzas, the Salsiccia and Margherita. I personally don't eat a lot of cheese outside of pizza so I only ate the pizzas, meats, and the complimentary bread. I preferred the Margherita pizza, but both had great texture and flavors. We ended up getting a refill on our bread at some point as well.They have a large drink selection, and I opted for the Sippin' Easy non-alcoholic drink. It was super tasty and I would've happily ordered a second.Our server was friendly and patient as our group of nine was all over the place with deciding what we wanted.I personally wouldn't choose to come back just because I'm not a huge charcuterie person, but I'll say this is a good spot for hanging out with friends or family, or even for date night.“
“Another outstanding evening at Bar Mezzana. This time we chose their “Roman Trattoria” prix fixe experience, which was not only delicious — served with thoughtfulness and friendly enthusiasm — but thoroughly satisfying. (They kindly accommodated a substitution due to a dietary issue.) I think because we had a later reservation on the last night, we were the beneficiaries of open bottles of wine that needed drinking. No complaints! Consistently one of Boston's best.“
“First time at Tonino. Chitarra (spaghetti variation) with clams was tasty, with a generous portion of clams. Eggplant ricotta pizza was also good. Pizza bianca was similar to focaccia -- basically bread -- with dips, not toppings. Caponata dip was fine. Trevisano (radicchio) salad was skimpy with an unremarkable dressing. We didn't try desserts. The small space is attractive but crowded, with tables cheek by jowl. Long wait for the pasta and pizza.“
“We went to Carmelina's for lunch today and were lucky enough to walk in and get a table for two. Within minutes there was a lineup at the door. This was one of the greatest Italian restaurants we have ever eaten at in North America. (we are Italian and yes, we've been to Italy - so yes...it's a big deal) The WOW factor was off the charts and eight hours later I am still dreaming of the Sunday Macaroni. Great cocktails and amazing atmosphere. We travelled from Canada to catch a Bruins game. Will return 100% on our next trip out. THANK YOU!“
“Galleria Umberto in Boston's North End is a testament to the incredible value and quality one can find in the city's bustling culinary scene. With prices that defy expectations, this eatery stands out for delivering fantastic food without the high costs typically associated with dining out.The menu is a delightful exploration of fried foods, offering a variety of dishes that are both comforting and satisfying. Each item is crafted with attention to detail, ensuring a delightful taste experience from the first bite to the last. The focus on quality is evident, making every indulgent dish feel completely justified.An interesting feature of Galleria Umberto is its limited operating hours. This unique aspect adds a special charm to the dining experience, making each visit feel like a timely opportunity to enjoy something extraordinary. It's a small challenge to align your day with their schedule, but the reward is an unforgettable meal that proves well worth the effort.Galleria Umberto is a standout choice for anyone looking for great food at an unbeatable price in Boston. It embodies the joy of discovering a place where the value exceeds expectations, serving up dishes that satisfy both the palate and the wallet. Whether you're in the neighborhood or making a special trip, stopping by is a decision you won't regret. Your taste buds—and your budget—will be pleasantly surprised.Wheelchair accessibility: Not accessible“
“I have been to MIDA a couple times now, this location along with the Newton location. Normally I get the paccheri bolognese or the rock shrimp carbonara, with the north shore fruit to misto to start, which is their calamari. This recent visit, I tried the short rib lasagna and arancini. All of the food was solid, per usual... I will say the pasta was a little too al dente and the temperature of the food did not arrive to our table hot but more so warm. Otherwise, the flavors are always spot on and amazing; I just wish the food was more hot. Our server was kind and super helpful. If you are not in the mood for any alcoholic drinks, you can never go wrong with their shirley temple. This location gets pretty packed for dinner time, but the wait for table is never too long. I recommend coming here if you are in the mood for Italian and do not want to go the North End and struggle with finding parking.“
“I don’t eat Italian food often because I don’t know how to order. So most time I order scampi or lasagna. In Mario’s I didn’t see lasagna on the menu. The lady with a big smile when we walked in came to assist. She said lasagna is such a popular dish in her restaurant so she does not need to put it on the menu but she will make me one. It was the best one I ever had. I love the sauce so much. It tastes smooth but not sour. Usually I’ll have some stomach upset after I eat tomato sauce dishes. But this time I didn’t have any problem. I even went to bed right after dinner without any issues. Love the place. Love the service. Love the atmosphere. If you’re traveling in Boston and stay near the airport, this place should be on your list to visit for your meal.“
“Such a fun place for cocktails and apps. I brought some friends who were visiting from out of town and for that area, which is mostly sports bar and pubs, this is a hidden gem! My friend rolled the dice and the drink did not disappoint. We will definitely be back for a girls night!“
“1. CASH ONLY ESTABLISHMENT. there is an atm down the street but it’s an inconvenience finding this out at the end of your meal.2. Food is good- it’s what you’d expect from a diner.3. Very very small. Maybe about 30 seats in house total with tight walking quarters. Went around 7:45 am on Christmas Eve and there was no line but just about every table was taken.4. Friendly staff :)Wheelchair accessibility: Is not wheelchair accessible“
“We’ve been several times and it’s always absolutely incredible. This time, we sat at the chefs table and had so much fun watching the chefs create each dish! It was my husband’s birthday and we were greeted with custom menus wishing him a happy birthday, such a nice touch! Our server was phenomenal, as were the food and drinks. You really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but the house made ricotta and branzino were the stars of our most recent visit. This is one of our favorite neighborhood spots and we can’t wait to come back again soon!“
“This best spot for date night and hosting out of town guests! We absolutely love this place and never get tired of coming for dinner. They always have amazing specials and the staff is always so friendly. The first time we came here we had just moved back from the west coast and we left feeling like family. Everything from the apps, wine, and homemade pasta dishes are great. I love their bolognese personally and my husband is a huge fan of chicken parm. Highly recommend checking Euno out next time you’re in the north end.“
“A notable destination for Mediterranean seafood fares in the heart of Back Bay.Recently took a visit for dinner. Set against a backdrop of a modern lounge vibe, complete with high ceilings, Porto seemed like an ideal spot for date nights. As advertised, their menu featured a blend of Italian pasta and Mediterranean seafood dishes.We started off our meal with the Crispy Calamari. It was a decent appetizer that aligned with the typical offerings of a modern Italian restaurant. Its seasoning was a tad overbearing, but it still set a nice tone for the meal.From their pasta selections, we opted for theWild Mushroom Mafalde and the Wild Boar Cocoa Pappardelle. The Pappardelle boasted a tender boar ragu with umami from Manchego, but it unfortunately suffered from a lack of cohesion. The pasta itself was slightly undercooked and lacked depth in flavor, failing to fully harmonize with the ragu. On the other hand, the Mafalde was enjoyable. The combination of garlic butter and Aleppo pepper introduced a welcomed acidity, and the interplay of textures between the al dente Mafalde and the succulent mushrooms was particularly satisfying.The highlight of the evening was the Seared Bronzino. Unlike many other Branzino dishes I've tried in Boston, which often fell flat in flavor, Porto’s rendition was masterfully-seasoned. Each bite struck a perfect balance between salinity and the sweet nuances of the squash purée.While Porto may not be the best Mediterranean spot in Back Bay, its seafood offerings, particularly the Seared Bronzino, make it worth a return visit. The pricing, given the quality and ambiance, also doesn’t feel too excessive. Recommend giving them a try if you’re looking for an upscale romantic venue with great food and atmosphere.Parking: Prudential public parking garage“
“A very well run restaurant! All the employees I encountered were welcoming and friendly. (Thanks to the hostess for charging my phone). The bartenders were great, made good drinks and good conversation. I only had the meatballs and cured meat small plates. Both were delicious.Good drinks, food and humans.I’ll be back!“
“Excellent meal and super quick service. Actually amazed on how a small place got meals done so quick. Have not been to north end since pre covid and had no idea what to pick. Just happened to pick here as it was available on open table. It was definitely the right choice. Table was waiting for us in a totally full restaurant. BTW it says they validate parking at sister restaurant form parking but did it right at the table. Walk from garage is a straight shot of maybe 5 blocks. All easy!“
“Came on a Friday night and was packed so while we came a little early couldn’t be seated until our reservation time. Once we got seated the waiter explained today’s special but we went with the pear salad with blue cheese, chicken parm, talligatele bolognese which all were spectacular. The talligatele was handmade and so chewy and the tomato bolognese sauce was the perfect acidity and sweetness. The wine was more than half full and recommended by the waiter. Love this place!“
“I went on a date to Sorellina, and it totally lived up to my up-scale restaurant expectations. The place had this classy vibe that commanded respect, from the décor to the overall ambiance. Everyone seemed to be having a good time, enjoying the light music and the buzz of conversation. The service was very attentive to our every need.For dinner, I ordered the saltimbocca, which was veal wrapped in prosciutto, served with maitake mushrooms and truffle whipped potatoes. It was cooked to perfection and super tender, but I couldn't help thinking that the portion could've been a bit more generous, given the price.My date went for the Mafaldine, a pasta dish with shiitake and oyster mushrooms, black truffle butter, and Parmigiano. She couldn't stop raving about how amazing the mushrooms were and how this dish easily became one of her favorites.No doubt, I'll be heading back to Sorellina for more. But next time, I'll be keeping a closer eye on portion sizes and the price tag.“
“Superb service, excellent meal. Table of four able to speak to each other without yelling over music or other patrons (because no one was yelling over music.) Music was present but did not dominate the room. Delightful reccos from our server, didn't wait for anything, no one hovered, but nothing was missed. Bravo to the staff!“
“I love this place- as does everyone I have taken here! Start with that it is off the Main Street, which gets one to take a walk through the beautiful North End. Then, it's not touristy. Instead- it's like finding a small restaurant in Italy. It's quiet, but feels like home. The menu isn't large, but the food is always spot on. Whether it's appetizers, pasta, meat or fish--- always great. Last time I asked them to accommodate my restricted diet and Pino (the owner) served up an amazing meal! Maria was our waitress and she was great, and as an Italian born local, was able to give us some great details about the area and perspective as well.I highly recommend this place -- and can't wait to go back!!“
“This little place has some of the best most affordable Italian cuisine on the North side of Boston! I was visiting Boston for the first time and decided to go here for my anniversary dinner! The chicken limon was delicious cooked perfectly a top a bed of homemade pasta with artichokes and spinach. The stuffed mushrooms were delicious and the lobster clam chowder was delectable ?“
“We had dinner reservations for 7:30 pm, but our event ended early. Despite the restaurant being packed, they were able to seat us one hour early. A pleasant surprise.Our server, Jhoan, was attentive, friendly, and quick. A true asset to the business. The meatball appetizer was fantastic. Soft and flavorful. My expresso martini was ordered dark. I often get it overpowering with alcohol but this was made correctly. My wife and I ordered two typical dishes, fettuccine alfredo and chicken parmesan. It's rare that we both eat off both dishes because the meals were that good! And the servings were enough for leftovers. Jhoan also provided a complimentary sample crème brûlée .Even though the restaurant is located over an hour away, this just became our new favorite Boston restaurant.“
“Really enjoyed this restaurant. Order the Salmon and it was cooked to perfection not too dry, I had it with mashed potatoes and Daniel recommended to pair my meal with the Pinot Noir. Next time you come to here ask for Daniel he’s the best!“
“Excellent food. Second time we have gone and excellent both times. We were seated near a loud party which contributed to one lower score on noise level. We are already looking at menu to decide what we will eat at Arya the next time we are in Boston.“
“Long story short, I door-dashed this establishment because the ratings were phenomenal, but surprise surprise doordash said delivered but it never showed up. I called and spoke with Barry who took the time on a busy Friday night to straighten things out, I reordered but accidentally selected take out instead of delivery. So I said screw it and I ubered to pick up my order and ate it there. When I arrived they knew who I was (probably because of my strong southern draw), Barry and the freaking adorable lady at the register were ridiculously friendly and gracious and went out of their way to make things right.... most important sidenote...this was one of the best pizzas I've had in a long time. Not to mention that arancini, the garlic bread and the tiramisu were spot on. Thank you Barry and your team for an amazing experience... if in Boston, hit this place up. You won't regret it.“
“Our server was excellent and the food was great. The hostess, however, was surprisingly and extremely rude. She mocked us for not understanding the process (though we'd never been at the restaurant before). It very much made the evening distasteful from the start. In the countless times I've been to a restaurant in my life, she was by far the rudest host I've encountered. Unfortunately, I think I'm unlikely to return given this, despite the excellent food and service after we were seated.“
“One of my favorite restaurants in the North End! The service is efficient and the waiter was very attentive. The apps were unique and plentiful. The entrees were so tasty and great quality. The pistachio martini is a great after dinner drink/dessert! 10/10“
“Highly recommend The squid ink pasta puttanesca was a delightful symphony of bold flavors, with the brininess of olives and capers perfectly complementing the rich, savory squid ink sauce. Paired with impeccably cooked fried calamari, the dish achieved a harmonious balance of textures. Each bite was a culinary adventure, leaving me thoroughly satisfied.“
“Very good pizza. My girlfriend and I split a large which was a great size for 2 people. Broccoli side dish was so great! Very nice that you can 1/2 and 1/2 the pizzas. We split a cheese and the goat cheese/arugula/red peppers. Both were lovely. Service was very nice and attentive. Only down side was that the restaurant was freezing cold and we were on the opposite side of the door.“
“Fantastic food and cocktails! Everything at bar volpe is phenomenal especially the in house pasta. I’ve never had anything from Bar Volpe or it’s sister restaurant Fox and the Knife that I didn’t love. Highly recommend ordering lots of plates to share.Parking: You will have to find street parking. It’s near a T stop though so I recommend taking that if you can.“
“My wife and I ate at this restaurant for the first time after getting back into Boston from a cruise. We ordered an appetizer, an entree for each, and dessert. Each course was delicious and the service was excellent - very friendly and professional. We couldn’t ask for better. We would highly recommend and will return on our next trip to Boston.“
“First date night in boston here with my boyfriend. The pasta was delicious and the bread with cheese was yummy. Drinks were good too, and the server I wish I could remember his name. You could tell he loved his job and attending people. 100% recommend this place if your visiting boston.“
“Lilly’s is my favorite restaurant in Boston! Everything about it is perfect. The food is great, it comes out super fast, and I can always just walk in and order and find a seat at the counter. Plus, the staff is so warm and welcoming (looking at you, Jose!) I come here at least weekly and sometimes more. You should too! But not on the nights I’m there.“
“I’ve dined in a couple of times in 2023 at the bar. It was good then, especially dessert! Haven’t been in yet for this year. Would like to see if anything had changed since the closure of the other Barbara Lynch restaurants, but excited for my next visit!“
“Wonderful staff which that was very helpful of offering suggestions from a nice variety of Entrées and main courses. The ambience is warm and open with large windows over looking the lights of Boston. The grilled octopus was out of this world as was the beef Capacio with its wonderful truffle sauce. The Dover soul was beautifully prepared and deboned table side into moist strips of white fish with a light butter and lemon sauce. Also, enjoyed the unique serving of tiramisu for desert, which was also prepared table and was a great way to finish off the meal. Was a great place to celebrate our anniversary, and greatly appreciated the great service and food.“
“Great casual spot. Although the pasta dishes are quite plain (ex. if you order gnocchi with pesto, your dish will just be gnocchi with sauce, no garnishes, etc.) they are really delicious, and taste homemade. The prices are also very reasonable, especially since the portions are huge. I think 2 people could split all of the pasta dishes and be quite satisfied still. Also, the staff were super kind. You can order takeout from here but there are a few tables available, and the staff do bring everything to your table if you decide to dine-in. Great choice for a laid-back but home-y and yummy meal.“
“Visited for the first time and tried the carbonara pasta. Very impressive and very fresh. It was really busy but I received my food within 12-15 minutes. The Tiramisu was the BEST I ever had. I would definitely return to try other menu items. NeighborhoodGem that makes it feels like we have a little bit of the North End in Dorchester!Ps, John was a great waiter.“
“Casa Razdora is almost a local secret and easily the best Italian I can find outside of the North End. Their specials are amazing, especially the Ribeye Steak and Cheese. Give them a try and you won't regret it, food is fresh, just allow for the cook time!“
“While in Boston for work 2 years ago, we ate at La Famiglia Giorgio’s and we all loved it. We are back again and couldn’t wait to come back. It truly is the best Italian food I have had from any restaurant. The staff is wonderful and such a great atmosphere. We had a team from another organization join us this year and they loved it as much as we did! Thank you La Famiglia Giorgio’s for an incredible meal with friends! We will definitely be back the next time we are in Boston.“
“I had the dover sole and oysters. The oysters were delicious, the sole a little bit over cooked and without any garnish other than the butter blanc. Great atmosphere, but not sensational food.I think if I were to come back I would stick with italian cuisine classics.“
“This is a great Italian restaurant. The service here was great, they were very nice and professional but not too uptight. The food did take a little longer, however I went with a big group so that is to be more expected. Pricing was on the higher end but it was a nice restaurant and the food was definitely worth it.“
“Fantastic dinner! Husband, kids, and I got there 30 minutes before our reservation but they were able to accommodate us which was so appreciated as it was pouring rain outside. The drinks, the apps, the meals and the desserts were all top notch. I especially loved the short rib gnocchi app and the beef Wellington. My son said that eating the beef Wellington was like looking at art with his mouth.Kid-friendliness: Fantastic that they offer a children's menu for the younger or pickier eaters.“
“I stopped by Boston for a conference and just happened to find out this place across my air B&B. I order a pancake platter and meatballs. I love it! And the servers are really nice too. Katlyn and Matthias are welcoming me starting from the first minute I step into the property! I hope I will have a chance to comeback revisit it again.“
“We absolutely love the Grotto! We make it a point to make a reservation when we go to Boston. The chicken parmesan is one of my favorite dishes of the many Italian restaurants we have been to. The tomato sauce is incredible, so I imagine that the spaghetti and meatballs would be great as well. My wife is obsessed with the carne dish and made sure to order it again this time arouund. Unfortunately, the risotto had some issues with taste and consistency this most recent visit, but Grotto deserves five stars because all of the food is delicious and the wait staff was receptive to our feedback about the risotto. We also got the sweet potato ravioli as a starter, which was very good, but does have a strong bacon-y or salty, fatty flavor to it if you have an aversion to that. The staff has always been very friendly and we expect to keep coming back on future trips to Boston!“
“Our dinners were seasoned with a lot of spicy which the menu/ingredients did not specify. Although we enjoy some spicy in our food, we would have chosen something else if the server would have indicated so since the dish description on the menu did not. The music was so very loud and we could not hear ourselves talking, while heading out we walked out with 3 other couples we did not know who made the same comment. We could not hold a conversation over the loud music.“
“I keep forgetting about this restaurant. I haven't been here in years. Decided to bring my mom for lunch last dinner. We had the short ribs with whip mashed potatoes and carrots. This is actually dying out week so we had a three course meal. It was delicious. The stuffed mushrooms was delicious as well. My drink was a peach cobbler martini and it was very strong but delicious.“
“Ticks all boxes first restaurant we came to in Little Italy and it was greatGreeted warmly sat straight away and service efficient throughout the meal.Couldn’t have got a better Gluten Free Pizza for my wife so thanks guys just perfectFood top quality“
“Very homey atmosphere in a small dining room. CASH ONLY policy. Food is legit homemade italian with massive portions. Everyone, I mean everyone gets a to-go-box for take home. I ordered the house-made tortellini with prosciutto and peas in a cream sauce and did not have to eat again for a day. Parking is hard as its in a residential neighborhood and they will NOT seat you until everyone in the party is there. There is NO room to wait inside, so plan accordingly. But...all that is a minor inconvenience to get authentic homemade italian food. Wine is very affordable and service is attentive. Just GO!“
“Amazing experience here! Every single person who worked there was so friendly and personable. The food was unbelievable and we will definitely be back! My 8 year old son said it's his new favorite restaurant! The eggplant parm and aranchini were the real stars!!“