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“

“The food here was actually pretty delicious and came out quickly, which is great when traveling through the airport. The drinks, however, were extremely pricey for what you get. Service was timely, but not very attentive — we asked for waters and never received them.

Overall, if you’re in a rush and want a solid meal before your flight, I’d recommend it. But if you have extra time at the airport, there are probably better dining options available.“

“I think this might be my perfect neighborhood nice dinner spot. I'm going to go back and have wine next time.

Also, they really like adding soybeans to stuff that doesn't need soybeans. I'm not sure what's up with that. Kinda weird.“

“Giulia was amazing. Fantastic service, incredible food. From cocktails and the semolina cake sfizi which was the perfect small bite to start to the three desserts we shared around the table (affogato, orange blossom panda cottage, strawberry semifreddo) that generated debate over which was the favorite, every bite and every sip was thoroughly enjoyed. I will tryntonget a reservation every time we make it back to Boston!“

“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!!!“

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

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

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

“June 2026
Absolutely outstanding brick oven pizza! We ordered five different pizzas and a charcuterie board for a group of eight, and we destroyed every last slice. Crisp, delicious, and bursting with flavor. Highly recommend this place.“

“We sat at the bar which is separate from the restaurant. Comfy chairs, good street scene. Attentive service and nice lighting.
The squash blossoms were a unique and yummy app. The lobster gnocchi had nice chunks of lobster.
A great experience all around.

lighting.“

“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.“

“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!“

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

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

“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“

“The hype around this restaurant was insane. After weeks of trying, I was able to snag a reservation 30 days out and as the date got closer, I was sure I was in for a hell of a let down.

It was actually quite the opposite. We had a reservation for 2 at 8:30 pm and were seated within 10 minutes of our arrival (we arrived 15 minutes early). The restaurant does a great job of staggering their seating so the kitchen can properly flow and doesn't get backed up.

The atmosphere was really nice, warm and enjoyable. My wife and I were able to talk the whole time. The waitress was very kind and friendly. She kept us entertained and ensured our anniversary dinner was special. The drinks were really good and the food was ridiculous. Everything we had was amazing and I would be hard pressed to identify a dish I would consider not ordering to be able to taste something different.

This place is definitely worth the hype and am hoping I can snag another reservation in the months to come.“

“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.“

“Amazing food and service with authentic Italian hospitality!“

“A regular go to restaurant........fortunate to have locally“

“Great food and service! Our waiter, Sebastian, was super accommodating and friendly. I got the Black Bass which was super flavorful. My girlfriend and I were celebrating our anniversary and they wrote happy anniversary on our dessert plate in chocolate syrup.“

“Great place to have date night. Very nice“

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

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

“Grilled Clams make it so worthwhile“

“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!“

“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.“

“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.“

“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!“

“By far our favorite restaurant anywhere. Amazing food, oustanding service and attentative staff. My wife and I have tried a lot of different meals at Tresca and have loved them all. No matter what you order, you will not be disappointed. Chef Rich does an amazing job!“

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

“Just ordered some yummy chicken bowl AMAZING! Hands down the best food I’ve had in a while!“

“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)!“

“Amazing! Every bite was delish! First visit and will be back for sure!“

“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!“

“Took my 9 year old son here today for lunch When we were done, he said “Daddy, this is the best pizza I’ve ever had!” My 9 year old is a major pizza snob“

“Had no idea what to expect when a friend booked the reservation and it was amazing. Food was so good and we were all fighting over the family style leftovers when it was time to leave. Such a great atmosphere for a large friend group dinner and the perfect spot for great food and service. Thank you again!“

“It matches the hype. The Sicilian Pizza is…perfect. There’s not enough superlatives to do it justice and if there were, even then it wouldn’t reach hyperbole. Craziest thing of it all is the pricing. Four slices, arancini, and a drink for $16.00? How? In today’s economy how are they keeping the price this low? Also amazing. Just go. Don’t think about it, don’t pass go, don’t collect $200…go get your dang perfect slice.“

“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!“

“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! 💕“

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

“I’m not an adventurous drinker, but my husband is and we loved the idea of a mystery cocktail! He rolled the dice and now we’re hooked. I don’t drink alcohol, but Tuane helped me through and we brainstormed together for a delicious mocktail. When the mystery drink arrived she was so knowledgeable about it!
We’re definitely coming back soon. Thank you, Tuane!!“

“The delivery is always speedy and the steak tips NEVER disappoint. So good🤤🤤🤤“

“DELICIOUS food & wine, good service“

“This’s our second time back at this place! We’re out of State and this has become a stable for us. The fish was favorable. The pasta and the artichokes were delicious. After the first bites, they both open up to a rich and well balanced flavor profile. Not sure about the tomato sauce infusion into the gnocchis though but still tasty.“

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

“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 held our wedding reception at Bar Volpe and it was truly perfect. Mo was extremely communicative, easygoing and helpful during the planning process. The whole staff was attentive, friendly and professional throughout the night. Our guests' allergies and dietary needs were looked after seamlessly. The food and drinks at Bar Volpe are unbelievable. Everything is fresh, created with care and presented beautifully. A huge shout-out to the bar tending staff who took such good care of us and even whipped up specialty shots for us in the middle of the evening. The absolute gem of the night was Mo springing into action when it was discovered our baker got the wrong date and realized no came was coming. Mo got in her personal vehicle to drive way across town to find us a cake and resolve the issue. The best part was she coordinated with our family so I (the bride) was none the wiser and could enjoy the evening. So thoughtful, so resourceful!
I can't say enough how stunning the space, service, and dining experience is at Bar Volpe. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! We'd do it all again in a heartbeat.
Our deepest gratitude and admiration,
Kelly and Ben“

“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.“