50 Best Italian Restaurants near Charlestown

“Do yourself a favor - skip over the Boston restaurants and head straight here. I’ve been coming for years and the food never disappoints. The service is great. And there’s gluten free on Monday - what more could you want!? Fabulous.“

“Came to an empty shop for a quick lunch: chicken parm sandwich (wanted an eggplant parm, but only eggplant pizza was available which is strange because ingredients in a restaurant are generally multi-dish). Service was as expected.

Sandwich was generally well built, good bread, good size ($18 may be a bit steep, but there was plenty of meat) , right amount of cheese and not too heavy on the sauce. Two unexpected negatives stood out: low salt and chicken was too cool for a sandwich.

The low salt is very unusual, I feel like the cheese was changed and sauce never adjusted (and I am not one of those eating a bag of chips before the sandwich).

Cool chicken (colder than what you would expect from a dense parm sandwich) after 5 minutes in a bag is very strange. Sauce was warmer.“

“Had an amazing meal here tonight. Everything was fresh, delicious and imaginative. Alana who served us was an absolute delight and Stefano and Simon had the kitchen operating on all cylinders. Thank you all for making our meal so special! ❤️“

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

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

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

“I had not been in almost a year and I forgot how amazing Giulia is. The Service was outstanding. the food was phenomenal and the atmosphere was perfect. Oysters/Corn Pasta/Foccacia/.......just perfect right down to the panacotta! Thank you very much TEAM GIULIA!“

“First time in the city and this was an amazing dinner for us. The food is delicious.“

“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.“

“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 🍕.“

“We accidentally met Chef Lester earlier in the day; ironically, we already made a reservation for my birthday dinner later that day, before this introduction. He mentioned the Pumpkin Risotto special and said when we returned to ask for him. The food was excellent and he personally came to our table to check on us. He then had our server bring us a beautiful platter of desserts, topping off an outstanding experience and birthday celebration! I will definitely be back!“

“Wonderful experience at Rossetti. Our first time there. The service is outstanding and the food to die for. Best Italian restaurant I have ever eaten at. Love love love this place. Try it you will not be sorry.“

“Ciao…I love them so much. Their food never fails to amaze me. Owners are amazing, shout out *Edson and Marvin*. Will be eating here again!!🙌🏽“

“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“

“My husband and I went to Il Ponte in Woburn for the first time tonight. Let’s just say it will not be the last. From the moment we walked in right up until we walked out the door it was an incredible experience. We both had cocktails: a Cabernet and falling for you and both were amazing. The bread/focaccia with garlic and oil was a fantastic start to the meal. We got the octopus and a bruschetta to start and they were flavorful and cooked perfectly. My husband had the braised short rib over saffron risotto and he said it was delicious and fork tender. He said the flavor was like nothing he’s ever had and the saffron risotto was incredible and cooked perfectly. I got the special which was a crusted swordfish with asparagus risotto and it was, hands down, the best swordfish I have ever eaten. It was crusted so lightly and the swordfish was cooked to perfection. The portion was so big that I took half home. We don’t usually order dessert but when the server said “pistachio gelato” they reeled me in. My husband got bomboloni and couldn’t stop making all the faces and sounds…it was to die for. Before we finished the owner was making rounds at the tables thanking everyone and making sure we enjoyed our meals. I would give Il Ponte a 20/10 rating. We will absolutely be back again. If you get the opportunity….do not sleep on Il Ponte.“

“A quintessential North End Italian experience. Small and intimate without being claustrophobic. Great food. Easily shareable portions. Noise level loudish but expected. Attentive service without being overwhelming. Second floor location gives you a perspective of being hidden. Watch the stair rail — you can get pinched. Would absolutely dine there again.“

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

“Outstanding menu that changes seasonally and with specials. Service is superb! Especially Christina. We love to visit and eat here with goid friends. Never a bad meal. A plus! 10 stars! All quality food! Worth every penny. Love pans cota too!“

“Amazing food and service with authentic Italian hospitality!“

“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!“

“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!“

“My favorite restaurant we live in Southern NH I will only go there to eat in Boston just there yesterday for Lunch , Food and Service is outstanding we also had our daughters wedding there. Staff and food was amazing service is very professional no other place I rather be while visiting Boston will always come back“

“Always delicious food, sophisticated atmosphere and friendly service. Appetizers and entrees are large enough to share and all are executed superbly. The two bars are fun to eat at although there are quieter tables as well. The staff couldn't be friendlier and if you go more than a few times, they will know your name! This is my neighborhood "go to" for upscale mediterranean food.“

“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.“

“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!“

“Hands down the best in Davis. Don't think twice about going to eat here! 10/10 atmosphere 10/10 staff 10/10 food 10/10 drinks Don't believe me? Go and see for yourselves! :)“

“Wow, wow, and wow again! What a treat that my dear friend and I happened upon this GEM! At first glance it doesn’t look like much from the outside, but when you step inside it’s like entering a whole new world. It is elegant and beautiful, a fantastic combination of fine dining with an atmosphere like coming home. Such a quaint spot with the best quality Italian food I have ever had. Cristiano was the kindest server on the planet, so attentive, and so welcoming! As a worker in the food service industry, I was blown away! First off, drinks. To our surprise, Arancini has a BYOB policy (SO COOL! People had brought their own bottles of wine, which Cristiano offered to open and put on ice). Other than that, they offer your typical sodas, some juice, and a variety of sparkling and still water options. Let’s talk food. Right away, they bring fresh, warm, house-made bread, with fantastically seasoned dipping oil. Other than that, we started off with the Caesar salad and the friend mozzarella appetizer. The Caesar salad (despite it being just about the most basic thing that someone can order) was so well put together. It had just the right amount of dressing, and fresh grated, high quality parmesan cheese! The mozzarella app was quite possible the tastiest thing I have ever put in my mouth. Oh my god, it just about dissolved in my mouth. Imagine the best mozzarella sticks you’ve ever had in your life, but the cheese is so high quality and it is freshly battered and friend minutes before it is brought to your table. Never frozen - just made hot and fresh for you to eat. Don’t even get me started on the marinara sauce. Again, clearly house-made and so fresh. I could’ve had it as a soup! For a main meal I had the most delicious fettuccini Alfredo. The sauce was TO DIE FOR. The pasta was perfectly cooked (I didn’t know pasta could even taste like that ). I asked for chicken in the pasta and… oh. my. god. I have no words. I mean I can attempt to describe it but I won’t do it justice. Tender, JUICY, and you KNOW it’s authentic because the chicken was battered in egg. I was drooling before I took a single bite. I also added broccoli and it was SO PERFECT. The whole meal, it was just the best food I have ever had I swear. PLEASE give this place a shot! You’ll probably want a reservation because I don’t think there are more than 10 tables there! It’s small but mighty. Thank you Cristiano for making this experience incredible!“

“Su buen servicio y la comida es deliciosa.“

“Grilled Clams make it so worthwhile“

“Being 100% Italian also the food was amazing! They started us off with real EVOO to dip Our bread in with salt & pepper you can tell the EVOO was straight from Italy. I started with the arancini special which was sausage and saffron sitting in a white creamy sauce that was absolutely delicious. Then it was a toss up on my pasta dish between lobster raviolis and wild mushroom pappardelle I went with the lobster raviolis in a pink sauce. I never finish my food and I ate ever single ravioli. The portion was good enough for me and the proper way to eat a pasta dish so you don’t have left overs or waste. The pink sauce was creamy and delicious (I even dipped my bread in it at the end). Then I went straight for the dessert and ordered affogato (gelato with espresso) wow amazing not too sweet and not too bitter from the espresso perfect blend. Then my friend and I still were not ready to leave so I ordered a espresso martini and again amazing only advice I would give them is shake the martini more to make it foamy And that was my first experience at Gusto’s I give it a 10/10 Oh and the pizza looked really good that will be my next outing.“

“Exceptional Italian food. Extremely pleasant and generous offerings. Strongly recommend to family and friends.“

“Excellent food and service“

“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!!!“

“Went here on a friday evening and place was absolutely packed - highly recommend reservations because you'll be lucky to get a table otherwise.

Ambiance was better than expected. You wouldn't be able to tell by looking from the outside but the inside is a classy well lit spot with tons of seating a spacious bar area. Great spot for dates, friends, and family.

Service was so-so. Could tell they were busy and trying their best. Maybe hire more servers?

Food - pizza was alright. Not amazing like others raving on here but it wasn't bad either. One of them was lacking flavor and the other was undercooked.“

“This is a hidden gem! We stopped here randomly while traveling home from Boston. We got zucchini pillows and beet salad for appetizers. They were fabulous and flavorful! For dinner we got gnocchi and chicken parm. Probably the best we have ever had! Delicious and good size portions. We had tiramisu for dessert. It was excellent! Great meal start to finish. Our waitress, the owner's daughter was personable , sweet, efficient and great to talk to. We will DEFINITELY be back!!!!“

“Very nice staff and delicious food“

“Amazing food and great customer service! Put this place on your To Go list in Boston!“

“We went there tonight. The food was delicious. The staff were amazing. We loved everything about this place. Thank you for a wonderful dinning experience. We will definitely be back.“

“Our favorite place. One is met at the door with a smile and a perfect evening begins with kind efficient service and delicious food . They changed what I thought was a perfect dish and elevated the pasta with mushrooms to sublime. Looking forward to our return very soon.“

“The hubby wanted to take me to lunch for my upcoming birthday..for our age and for our wallet we always go to lunch vs dinner...we are now already home with the pups in our jammies..so great...now as a self proclaimed foodie, I have wanted to try the food at Alma Nove at the Hingham Shipyard for many years...I am also a huge Wahlbergers show fan...adored their mom Alma on the show and her pal Phyllis...the show is so much fun..binge it if you haven't seen it..anyway...the weather today didn't look too spectacular for a waterfront restaurant but the blue skies showed themselves as we were eating inside...such a terrific location..the shipyard has been revitalized in the last 15 years or so...lots of shopping and dining destinations including the original Wahlbergers Burger Joint...I love this stuff...Dave is like ok whatever...but our experience was lovely..I will say however that my husband and I don't quite fit in the Hingham vibe...and it has a vibe..no shade but it kind of carries an air about it...the people I mean...lol...but we ignored all that and for sure enjoyed lunch..even Dave said how delicious it all was...our server...nice..we typically enjoy banter with our servers...he wasn't about that...all business and he gave us excellent service..but I do have the sense that more than likely the staff has high hopes of gaining maybe a walk on role on Blood Bloods with Donnie or maybe a handshake from Marky Mark when he comes through from time to time...hope for them it happens..fingers crossed...😉..about the food...great bread..seemed homemade but simple..fresh..served with butter that had black specks on it..turns out it was a black salt..interesting..a few drafts for Dave from Mayflower Brewery in nearby Plymouth and I had a lovely Pinot Noir...bottled water on the table..big fan of that..I ordered the Pan Seared Shrimp and Scallops served over a sweet potato risotto , topped with haricot verts(fancy greenbeans), toasted marcona almonds and truffle honey and my date had the Butternut squash Tortellacci with pan seared chicken topped with sage brown butter sauce, pecorino romano, apple cider gastrique and fried sage and chives..wow..we are styling here in the Shipyard...every bite was spot on and a perfect serving for lunch..we enjoyed all of it..dessert..well.of course..they have an in house pastry chef so that's a given for me..chose the Banana Bourbon Bread Pudding..when he returned he also brought a small chocolate dessert..like cake in a jar with whipped cream and a candle...he said they heard someone was celebrating a bday...we never said it so all I can figure is I posted that we were there for my bday and had tagged the restaurant...great social media connection if that was the case...we shared them and they were fabulous...took some photos around the place..ran into folks the hubby knew from Hull..absolutely highly recommend Alma Nove..those that aren't familiar with the background. ..The famous Wahlberg Brothers Donnie and Mark have a brother Paul who is the chef and owner of Alma Nove..named for their precious mom Alma and Nove in Italian means nine..there were 9 Walhberg kids..5 stars from me for Alma Nove.. Open daily for lunch and dinner. .I believe they have live music on Sundays and in the nice weather their outside patio overlooks Hingham Bay...a must try❤️ Mark has famously said their brother Paul is the most talented in the family...I believe that is spot on...“

“Another amazing dinner at Toscano. We had Caprese and another salad, eggplant Milanese, pasta dish, and a special filet mignon with truffle cream that was outstanding. Our waiter Alex was incredibly attentive with great attention to detail and knowledge of the menu. Can't wait to come back.“

“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.“

“Great food and great service! I even got gluten free chicken parm and spaghetti which was excellent! They have a wonderful food and drink menu. Our server Jess was was excellent as well. The manager Nick greeted us when we came in and found us a great table by the window. So the bottom line is, this is a great restaurant and I'm so happy we found this little gem! We will be back!“

“Love coming to gigi’s for italian food in the south end!
Recommend the rigatoni alla vodka & arancini !!
Cannot mix and match dishes, (but i wish you could get the chicken parm with the vodka sauce, the vodka sauce from the rigatoni alla vodka is delicious :) )“

“Another wonderful family lunch today! Thank you Chris and the Carlo’s Cucina family. My second visit in three weeks. We’ll definitely be back! My new favorite dining spot on my visits to Allston, from the Cape. 👍🍽️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Mark N.“

“went for first time today so good I am sure it will be the first of many visits“

“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.“

“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.“

“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!“