50 Best Italian Restaurants near Chestnut Hill

“Five Stars. The food delicious and nice and hot. The service Five Stars, Chuck the manager, servers, Izzy and Ashley Five Stars....professional and accommodating. Terrific restaurant.“

“The food was delicious, great pasta and pizza, tons of flavor, and the crème brûlée très lèches cake for dessert was so special and delicious. We celebrated a birthday and the service was kind and quick. They even gave us celebratory prosecco and sang happy birthday to my friend. Would definitely go back!“

“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!!“

“Stopped in on a Thursday night with the family, no reservations, and waited about 35 minutes for a table. Totally worth it.

We ordered two pizzas, the burrata salad, and a charcuterie board, and everything hit the mark. The pizzas were perfectly cooked, great crust and flavor, the burrata was fresh and creamy, and the charcuterie board was exactly what you’d hope for—quality meats and cheeses done right.

Food came out quick, service was friendly and efficient, and the overall vibe was casual but lively.

Bottom line: food was mad good, everyone left happy, and I’d absolutely come back.“

“We loved everything about this restaurant. We had a great table in the window, our server was so knowledgeable and her recommendations were outstanding and the food, the food!! We had a mix of meals, seafood, pasta, special truffle course, and the chocolate cookies. Every single bit was delicious. We will definitely be back - if we can get a coveted table!“

“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“

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

“my wife, kids and I enjoyed the "Gnocchetti", (Red wine braised short rib, root vegetables, Parmesan) "Fettucinne", (Black truffle butter, wood fire roasted mushrooms, asparagus, shallots, Parmesan) & "Pollo Arrosto", (Roast chicken breast, bacon, mozzarella, pesto) on Sept 28th 2025 & this made our day! I really recommend the Gnocchetti!! I had never had this and our server took the time to explain it to us. I glad he did bc when we come back this will be my favorite. Thank you for the food,service, & the experience! we will definitely be back.“

“My wife and I ate there recently the meal was phenomenal. I had the double cut veal with a mushroom demi. The veal was so tender and juicy, it was the best I have ever had. My wife had the seafood alfredo and has not stopped talking about it since. Staff was friendly and very knowledgeable about the menu. The chef even stopped by the table to check in on things. He gave me a couple of techniques on how things were put together. An exceptional experience from the moment I walked in the door. Thank You to everyone who made it happen!“

“Amazing food and service with authentic Italian hospitality!“

“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.“

“10000/10 experience. Go for the food, stay for Maddie the bartender. She was kind, funny and attentive. While the pasta shined like the stars, the burrata and squash salad was the belle of the ball. We cannot wait to come back and dine again.“

“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!!!“

“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!“

“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!“

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

“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!“

“Grilled Clams make it so worthwhile“

“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“

“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! :)“

“Probably one of the best meals ever. From oysters to bread pudding! So amazing! A burst of flavor in every bite! Go out of your way if you have to , you won’t regret! 💕“

“One of my favorite restaurants in the area for a night out with friends, especially when we are meeting partway between Boston and western suburbs. The food is really delicious, the drinks are great, and the service is attentive. It can get a little loud, but you can definitely still have a conversation. Don’t miss the focaccia and ricotta, but the pizza and pasta are also always outstanding. So are the salads. This place is just really solid.“

“If you ever find yourself in Boston, do yourself a favor and visit Jen’s place. Jen is an incredible woman, hard working, dedicated, and truly passionate about what she does. She built her business with the kind of diligence and professionalism that can only come from someone with deep Italian roots and a genuinely kind heart.
From the moment you walk in, you can feel her warmth in every detail. The food is unforgettable, her meatballs are rich and comforting, and the cannoli are some of the best I’ve ever tasted. But what truly sets this restaurant apart is the atmosphere Jen creates. Strangers sit together at the same table, share a meal, laugh, talk, and by the time they leave, they already feel like new friends. It’s a beautiful experience, one that stays with you long after the evening is over.
I loved every moment I spent in Boston at her restaurant, and I’m deeply grateful for Jen’s generosity, her spirit, and the love she puts into her work. Thank you, Jen, for making your restaurant not just a place to eat, but a place to feel at home.
Laura Laureto.“

“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.“

“Quaint location on second floor looking down on Hanover St. and full of tradition. Sport celebrities decorate the wall. Red sauce was brilliant with well developed, flavor profile. Owner Massimo Tiberi oversees the operation personally and makes all feel welcome.“

“DELICIOUS food & wine, good service“

“Extraordinary food. We had beet salad that was extraordinarily goid. Then a delicious bouillbaise, and finally budino for dessert. Each dish was incredibly good. The greeter and waitstaff were friendly and professional. We liked the decor and surroundings. Could not have been a more positive experience. Perfect. And I don't say that lightly.“

“An absolute must if you have not been. Food is beyond incredible and service is very kind. I recommend 2 orders of chicken croquettes, shrimp toast, and ricotta gnocchi. Girlfriend had the spirit free “Ferrari” which was delicious and would be great with a mezcal. Will definitely be returning.“

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

“Excellent food and service“

“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.“

“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!“

“Beautiful interior and food was amazing. The staff and bartenders were very attentive as well.“

“Very nice staff and delicious food“

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

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

“Amazing food and good service. I will go back.“

“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.“

“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 in on a Monday night to celebrate a birthday. It was a party of 4, my husband, 2 kids and myself, my toddler didn’t eat anything so technically 3 people were enjoying dinner. The food was fantastic, an excellent ,well balanced dish in every course of the evening. The highlight though was our attentive,kind and most importantly for me is knowledgeable server. Anytime I asked a question he would immediately give accurate details of the drinks or any other item on the menu. So David, thank you.
However upon arriving we were the first reservation and the only guests there for about 20 min, we were seated in front of the kitchen door/ server station. It seemed odd because you have such a big and beautiful space, why sit us at the loudest table possible? The back servers and servers were non stop taking about their personal life and whatnot. They were speaking Spanish so they must of thought we wouldn’t understand, but we heard and understood every word, so did my kids. On top of that, the most inappropriate music for a fine dining restaurant. Reggaeton Karol G- seriously? I came here for dinner to avoid the apple bees vibes with my family.
Our appetizers were removed from the table while we were still eating and we couldn’t finish them, same as our entree. My husbands meal was removed while he was still had food in his mouth. Plates were taken away one by one as oppose to all at once when everyone is done. After all that a beautiful $420 check for a party of 3, it wasn’t not worth the money. Maybe we’ll try again in the future and request a different area of the restaurant“

“Restaurant atmosphere and decor was beautiful, mirorring a true Italian resataurant. All wait staff were extremely kind and attentive, especially Mary Beth. The food was delicious as well, and I highly recommend the Chicken Parm, and house made pastas. We will definitely come back soon!“

“The experience was great from start to finish. Our server, Peter, was very friendly and knowledgeable about the wine list and menu. He helped us make some great choices which we loved. Our dinners came in a very timely manner. Our chicken and raviolis were delicious and plentiful. It was our first time there but definitely won't be our last.“

“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!“

“Su buen servicio y la comida es deliciosa.“

“Came for one drink and ended up having dinner here because of the atmosphere. The bartenders were so down to earth and the esthetics were Instagram worthy! The food was great, we had the skewers and calamari for dinner the lobster raviolis 10/10.
Recommend for a nice Friday night out. Drinks I had the espresso martini but the sangria was the special of the week! 👌🏾👌🏾“

“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.“