14 Best Italian Restaurants in Cambridge

“The food and drinks were excellent. 5:30 reservation right when they opened-probably wouldn't do that again. Everyone got sat at the same time and made for a long wait. Didnt get drinks until 5:52. Total dining time was 2 hours. Found street parking but I can see where this wouldn't be as possible during busier times of year. Bar is first come first serve and people start lining up around 4:30.“

“We had dinner here for two on a Saturday evening. The vibes inside are warm and lovely. The staff were all very pleasant and our waiter was very knowledgable on the menu.

We got a couple of the pastas for entrees that were good, but weren't too impressive. The real standout for us was the mussels toast appetizer. The flavors were well balanced and complex. Overall a great dining experience.“

“Su buen servicio y la comida es deliciosa.“

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

“The food is fantastic, and the service was fast and attentive. The pumpkin cappelletti is my favorite thing on the menu! The ricotta stuffed garlic bread was also amazing, great spot for a date or a nice dinner with friends. Our server Brian is a star 🌟 I am looking forward to dining here again soon.“

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

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

“Alfredo's Italian Kitchen, holding down a prime location on Cambridge Street, is, in my highly trustworthy recommendation and based on the frequent, genuinely satisfied murmurs from local patrons and dinner companions, the quintessential neighborhood Italian spot that consistently delivers authentic, comforting flavors without any unnecessary pretense, truly excelling where it matters: the food and the hospitality. Everyone I’ve spoken with consistently praises the generous portion sizes, the perfect balance of classic red sauce dishes and excellent specials, and the kind, attentive staff who treat every diner like extended family, emphasizing that the restaurant successfully maintains that rare, old-school feel of a truly reliable, family-run kitchen. I’ve learned from their narratives that the atmosphere is one of warm, lively comfort and dependable, high-quality cooking, making it an exceptional, high-value choice for a casual weeknight dinner or a satisfying celebration with loved ones. My subjective conclusion is that Alfredo's Italian Kitchen is an irreplaceable fixture of authentic, quality Italian-American dining - a mandatory stop for pasta lovers - so do yourself a favor and go enjoy a huge plate of their phenomenal spaghetti!“

“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. ✨“

“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!“

“We have been to Pulcinella three times recently, which is saying something since I usually want to go somewhere I haven't visited for a while. This is a quiet "neighborhood gem." The food is good. I have been ordering the mixed salad and the frutti di mare pasta. They have been very good at listening about my wife's food allergy and confirming the details about ingredients and preparation. It is amazing how many restaurants are not good at that.“

“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!“

“We go to Amelia's fairly regularly and always enjoy our meal there! The food always comes out quickly and is delicious, and the service is great. This time around we went with our favorites, Caponatina and Arancini as starters, Bolognese and Pappardelle as our meals, and a Tiramisu for dessert. We even had some leftover pasta!“

“The food was great; however, one surprising aspect was the way the service was handled. The server repeatedly asked if we were done eating in order to clear our plates. They first asked once, we said no. The second time I said it was fine to take the plates, and even the third time, they asked my friend if she was done. I found this a bit rude, as it felt like we were being rushed to finish and leave. I understand if there were people waiting to be seated, but it was a Tuesday night with plenty of available tables and no one waiting at the door. Generally, servers can gauge if someone is finished by cues such as placing cutlery on the side of the plate. In our case, the cutlery wasn't placed that way, so we were clearly still eating. I think the service team could benefit from training on reading guests' cues more effectively, so that diners don't feel rushed unnecessarily.“