50 Best Italian Restaurants near East Boston

“Went for some pizza. Order at the counter got three slices to split with hubby. Proper pepperoni-pepperoni pizza with burrata and hot honey (my favorite one) Cheese and Milanese- cheese pizza with chicken cutlet and red peppers. We also wanted to try the arancini- made with prosciutto instead of ground beef. You can take it to go but we decided to stay and eat. Beautifully decorated. The owner Stefano was so nice and checked on us to see if we needed anything. As we were leaving we stopped at the gelato counter and got a gelato to go. I had the oreo. Soooo good! We will be back!“

“I had the chicken Caesar salad, and it was very good. I think the price is too high, but it is the airport so everything is very expensive. At the end of the day, it was delicious with a generous portion of chicken. A great lunch. Also, the self order tablet works very well and there is a written menu as well so you can determine what you want before you self order. They also have a dine in option.“

“March 8th we had a retirement party catered from Stevie and gang at Sammys. Cold Cut Platter Assorted Calzone Chicken Boccoli and Ziti Sausage Potato Pepper and Onion Garden salad and dressing. Delivered to Saugus!!! Hot. Fresh. On time. Cost effective. Tasty!!!! Plentiful, we ran out of nothing with 50 adults, mostly men. 5 star job. ☆☆☆☆☆ Will use for the next gathering as well. Thanks All, Steve Passariello“

“Always a great place, amazing staff and the food never disappoints once you can get a table. That is the only problem, because they are so good, they are always busy.. Make sure to ook your reservation early, at least a week or two inadavnce.“

“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.“

“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!!🙌🏽“

“Service was impeccable and the food was generously portioned and absolutely delicious. Our party had the veal, chicken and eggplant parmesan as well as the bolognese, each of us sampling each other's selections and agreeing they were the best we'd had. Looking forward to returning!“

“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.“

“Amazing food and service with authentic Italian hospitality!“

“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.“

“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.“

“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!“

“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!“

“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!“

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

“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.“

“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! :)“

“This is a tad bit late but better late than never. I had the absolute luxury of dining here on September 26th for a birthday celebration, and from the moment we stepped inside, the entire experience felt nothing short of extraordinary. The host greeted us with a warmth and polish that immediately set the tone, seating us without delay as if they had been expecting us personally.

The ambience was a perfect balance of elegance and comfort—soft lighting, thoughtful design, and an atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve discovered something special. The food? Spectacular. Every dish arrived looking like it belonged on the cover of a magazine and tasted even better. The service flowed with effortless grace, attentive without ever being intrusive. Even the aesthetic details—the table settings, the décor, the vibe—were crafted with intention and charm.

Hard to believe it was my first time, because it delivered on every expectation and then exceeded it. After walking by countless times, I’m almost embarrassed it took me this long to step inside. This place is not just a restaurant—it’s a reminder that some experiences are worth slowing down for. A definite re-do, and easily one of the most memorable meals I’ve had in a long time.“

“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.“

“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.“

“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“

“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“

“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!“

“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 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.“

“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“

“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...“

“Amazing day @Novara for lunch !“

“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!“