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!“

“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“

“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.“

“My wife loves Italian food, but has a very select amount of things she will like. She is lovely and particular. So instead of going to a shiny glitzy hyper priced place I went looking for a hole in the wall type place that prided them selves on the details of the food not the details on the walls. I found that perfect place! It was exactly what I was looking for. Food was amazing service was very genuine and were the perfect compliment to the food and the experience. If your looking for the wow factor when you walk in the door, pay more for that elsewhere. If you want the wow factor when every bit its your tongue, this is your spot! Highly recommend. We live an hour away on the north shore, but will defiantly be making our way back. Thank you!“

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

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

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

“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“

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

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

“Stopped by here during a work trip and can 100% say I will be back! thank you guys for the amazing food and service!!“

“Everything was amazing. Delicious dirt martinis. The stuffed meatball appetizer was to die for. We had a chopped Italian salad that we split for the table of four. It was perfect. I got the scallop risotto, it literally melt in your mouth amazing. I can't wait to go 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.“

“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.“

“We went to Sorellina yesterday (Saturday night) at 5:30 pm as that was the only reservation I could get at one of the top restaurants in Backbay Boston. Boston has some good restaurants but getting reservations on a Saturday night if you don’t have one is going to take a miracle.
Sorellina is an Italian-Mediterranean restaurant and it is also a one of the romantic places to dine with beautiful ambience. They are known for their fresh pastas and seafood.
Their service is impeccable and they really go overboard with it.
The food was amazing as well. We tried the tuna tartare, the oysters for appetizers. We shared the mafaldine a mushroom pasta for primi, and the veal chop Milanese for entree. Just one thing was that the veal was a bit overcooked.
We tasted the non-alcoholic Negroni count-me-in and the Guinness zero stout which were almost like the real thing.
Most of all I was impressed by their wait staff and their service so we gave them a very big tip.
I am sure I will return here for another meal.“

“Amazing food and service with authentic Italian hospitality!“

“Definitely worth the hype. The food is exceptional. Pizza Bianca with the tomato relish is delicious bite and the bread is so perfect, the pepperoni pizza with hot honey is probably the only thing we ate that you can skip but it's still really good, clams and guanciale is cooked to perfection and the sauce is addicting, the bucatini with chilli anchovy butter is one of my favorite dishes I've had, perfect chew and flavor. The sausage cavatelli was a delicious change of pace again a perfect cook on the pasta, finally the taleggio signature dish, absolutely delicious, if you're going with a group I'd probably get it as a shared plate because it is so so rich. Service was also stellar“

“10/10!! Such a cute place. Love the open concept to where the patrons can see the kitchen in action. Great wine and even better food!! We started with the herbed flatbread and the burrata appetizer. So. Good. For the mains we got the ricotta gnocchi and lobster pasta and the baked fazoletti and shot rib dishes. Phenomenal!!! Everything was balanced perfectly and tons of tomatoey goodness. A North End must!“

“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!“

“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 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!!!“

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

“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.“

“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!“

“First experience at LFG and wont be our last! Food was ON POINT! So much food and everything was delicious ! Fantastic gluten-free options and super mindful of allergies/safety. Michelle our server was fantastic and accommodating and helped us celebrate our daughter’s birthday. LFG has a whole new meaning! Let’s flipping go (LFG) to Lla Familia Giorgios (LFG)!“

“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! :)“

“Husband and I went to Maggiano's for the first time today. The food was fantastic and the portions are huge. Our waitress Marisa was very attentive and made sure we had everything we need during our meal here. Highly recommend and we can't wait to come back!“

“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! 💕“

“Great place to have date night. Very nice“

“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!“

“First time here. I was recommended by a good friend. Called for a rest for 6 and was accommodated by the gentleman answering the phone. Celebrating my son’s birthday. From the moment I stepped in, greeted by Massimo “welcome to my home” I knew I was in the right spot. Thank you Massimo, Russell and your staff. The Italian ride did not disappoint. Cannot wait to return and try other options. Continued success to you—see you soon.“

“DELICIOUS food & wine, good service“

“Su buen servicio y la comida es deliciosa.“

“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!“

“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.“

“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.“

“Excellent food and service“

“Incredible place with incredible food and drinks! I love going to the original location in the North End, but this exceeded expectations. Luana, specially, was a fantastic server! Would highly recommend this location! Great food, drinks, and service!“

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

“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.“

“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.“

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

“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.“

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

“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.“