50 Best Italian Restaurants near Lexington

“nice place, good meal and quick service“

“I have been coming here for fifty years even when I have lived far away. High quality food, reasonable prices, friendly staff. It is a vestige of the Lexington of my childhood.“

“Nice place for in between fast food and sit down dining.

Walk in, order at the counter, and find a table. Get your own water, utensils, and napkins and they bring the food to you.

Food was very nice overall. Good value as well. Chicken and gnocchi in red sauce was super spicy, but it might've just been my serving“

“I recently had my daughter’s birthday party catered by Nick's Pizza, and I couldn't be more thrilled with the experience! Marcos, went above and beyond to ensure everything was perfect.

The jalapeño and onion pizzas were a massive hit with the adults. The flavors were fantastic, and the crust was perfectly crispy.

Marcos was incredibly helpful throughout the process, making ordering easy and stress-free. The delivery was timely, and the presentation was excellent. I highly recommend Nick's Pizza for any event.“

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

“This was one of the finest dining experiences we’ve had. We’ve heard about Giulia for months now, reputed as one of, if not the best Italian restaurant in Massachusetts, which meant we had extremely high expectations going in. Combined with the difficulty of getting a reservation due to the popularity (with many nights waiting at 12am sharp hoping that I refreshed fast enough), and finally we had secured a reservation.

The food is heavenly. We ordered the erbazzone and grilled rosemary flatbread for appetizers, and both were so delicious— especially the erbazzone, which was probably the tastiest appetizer I have tasted. I still crave it as I am writing this, and my girlfriend feels the same way. The flatbread was also amazing, though the erbazzone trumps almost anything from the night.

My girlfriend ordered the vegetarian bucatini, and I ordered their famous wild boar pappardelle. Both pastas were excellent, though not as standout as the appetizers. It was really nice to note that they deducted the price for the vegetarian pasta from 28 (which would include meat) to 18, which we really appreciated.

Finally, we ordered the yogurt panna cotta with beach rose, toasted coconut and winter citrus for dessert. Oh my god, this is the greatest food I have tasted in eons. My girlfriend thinks it’s the best thing she has eaten (and we’re both very judgy with food!). Neither of us had thought we would enjoy anything rose-flavored so much, with the taste recurring with each bit of saliva, slowly dissipating with time. It is as if rose bloomed in our mouth, slowly melted to our tongues, and withered away as we bit away and let it wither. The sweetness gave way for the rose, and the rose enhanced the coconut and yogurt tastes. We should have ordered another one.

Overall, this was probably one of the top three meals in my life, and certainly best in the New England area. I HIGHLY recommend everyone to go, and honestly it might even be better to just order their appetizers and desserts without pasta. Their pastas are good, but the appetizers and desserts are on a whole different level. 11/10 experience. Also cute seatings outside on a beautiful afternoon. A shame we forgot to take pictures of the appetizers and desserts because they were SO GOOD. Keep in mind the portion size might be a bit smaller than you would like, but in my opinion it adds to the experience. I hope they get a Michelin recommendation at least, if not a star this year.

Hope this helps to anyone contemplating on securing a reservation!“

“First time at IL PONTE! Definitely not our last time. Luigi made our experience one to remember with his expertise in making the best drinks and food recommendations. Brianne welcomed us on a crowded Friday (even though it was only 5:30) and accommodated us - a party of 2. 10 out of 10. Food was the best Italian food we’ve ever had. Staff was so welcoming and kind. Will be back again soon - on a Tuesday or Friday - because Luigi is the best! Thank you for a great experience ❤️“

“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!“

“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!“

“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!“

“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.“

“Su buen servicio y la comida es deliciosa.“

“Wonderful food, perfect ambiance and amazing staff! Robin was an incredible waitress and gave great recommendations while charming our kids. We all got something different and all meals were delicious. We wish we lived closer so we could come back often!“

“We had a large group. (13 people) And we had a reservation. They were able to take us early and it was easy to make a reservation, good service and delicious food. For the number of people, the food and drinks came out fast and everyone enjoyed their meal. I look forward to making another reservation soon for another meeting. Hopefully we'll be able to do dinner there sometime to see the different menu.“

“As has always happened when visiting here, the service was stellar, the food was perfectly prepared, and the attention to detail was spot on. Our server, Linda, was informative with answers to our questions about various courses, the wine recommendations from the sommelier, Jan, were perfect, and the desserts were scrumptious. The hardest thing to do at Il Capriccio is choosing which of their delightful selections one is going to dine on, so my companion and I almost always end up ordering meals as a team and then sharing!“

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

“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! :)“

“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.“

“Great atmosphere. Excellent service. Delicious tiramisu & raspberry cheesecake. Very tasty watermelon strawberry sangria. & the absolute BEST chicken limone with fresh pasta!“

“We had a bridal event, and everything was wonderful. The restaurant was beautiful. The food was amazing - including fresh, homemade pasta. Our server, Nick, was excellent and attentive without being disruptive. He event brought non-alcoholic champagne so the children could join the toast, which made their day. Everything was perfect. I would highly recommend this location.“

“Stella’s is absolutely incredible- even the arancini held up during a short drive home! It was incredibly easy to place my order online and loved the happy hour appetizers so I could try two. I was able to try the arancini which were so creamy and crisp and the meatballs which were so flavorful. The chicken parm was served with a garlic sauce for the pasta which I never would have chosen, but absolutely loved!“

“Best Italian pasta I ever tried!!!“

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

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

“DELICIOUS food & wine, good service“

“This was our first visit. The restaurant has plenty of natural light, space and free parking in back. Our meals were delicious and the portions are very generous! I especially enjoyed the peach panzanela salad and chicken marsala. The service was on point. We will be back!“

“excellent friendly service, delicious food, awesome date place.“

“Enjoyed a delicious brunch here today - they also serve their regular menu all day. Staff was friendly, beautiful space.“

“5 out of 5 stars for Josephine! Dined on a Sunday evening around 6pm without a reservation. Both the food and our server were great and I love that they have martinis on draft. We ordered a chicken Caesar salad, sausage rigatoni, and hot honey/pepperoni pizza. The salad was chilled and crisp, perfect for a hot day and the rigatoni and pizza were both delicious and substantial portions. Looking forward to going back!“

“Just had food delivered for my birthday last night for the first time. Absolutely amazing quality taste and presentation. My husband and I are both disabled so not going out much. We felt like we experienced being there. Delicious!“

“Went in for my birthday dinner. Service was great and the food was fantastic. Will definitely be back again.“

“Was there for the first time for Valentine's Day. Food was delicious and our waitress was very attentive. We look forward to returning again soon!“

“Great place, great staff and amazing food. Their pizza is as good as it gets.. But it’s tough to decide with so many great offerings.“

“A classic spot for consistent, delicious Italian American dishes.

I went to Fiorella’s with my aunt and cousin, who had both been there many times. The food is great, pretty typical Italian American dishes with a few less common additions, and everything tasted fantastic. They also have a good wine menu, great cocktails, an impressive selection of mocktails.

Our server was amazing! Jamie went above and beyond and truly gave us some of the best service I’ve ever experienced. She was friendly, patient, knowledgeable, and understanding.

I will definitely come back!“

“Spiga is our absolute favorite restaurant!! We've come a dozen times and it is always the best meal! This particular time, I made a reservation for Father's Day but I accidentally booked it for a week prior - the manager was so incredible and could hear the desperation in my voice, so squeezed us in and made it work by his own kindness, even though the restaurant was fully booked. Our waiter was amazing - the service was incredible from beginning to end and our meal was absolutely delicious and so freshly homemade as always! We cannot wait to come back, thank you Spiga!!“

“Excellent food and service!!!“

“Thank you for a nice chicken parm dinner. It was very good and a nice portion. I'll be back!“

“This is the best Italian restaurant around and it is hard to find something more authentic. Love this place! The atmosphere is classy yet fun and the food is absolutely fantastic! Also the cocktails and wine selection are wonderful. You really can't go wrong. The owner, Mario, is so nice and he has a great staff. They also do wine dinners every few months, which are so much fun!“

“One of our favorites! Delicious authentic Italian dishes! Awesome mixed cocktails!“

“We ran into this place on complete accident. Amazing staff and food! 🍕 Highly recommend! Go pack go! 🧀“

“Enjoyed a delicious brunch here today - they also serve their regular menu all day. Staff was friendly, beautiful space.“

“Excellent food & service!“

“Delicious!!! You should, definitely, eat here!“

“Superb restaurant, one of my Top Three Favorites.“

“Excellent food and cocktails! Service was wonderful. The bartender, Bernie, is wonderful! She makes the best Old Fashion I have ever had. It’s a small neighborhood “hole in the wall” vibe. Definitely worth trying.“

“I recently hosted a private party at Gran Gusto in Cambridge to celebrate a very special occasion, and I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect experience. From start to finish, the staff was incredibly kind, accommodating, and attentive to every detail. As a vegan, I was blown away by how thoughtfully they crafted an entirely plant-based buffet menu just for the event. Every single dish was absolutely delicious—flavorful, fresh, and beautifully presented. In addition to the vegan fare, the team went above and beyond to provide gluten-free options for a couple of celiac guests, making sure everyone could enjoy the celebration without worry. The warm atmosphere, exceptional service, and mouthwatering food made the evening truly unforgettable. I’m so grateful to the Gran Gusto team for helping make my celebration so special. I highly recommend them for any event—or even just a night out. They’re a gem in Cambridge! The only bad thing? Time flew by way too fast—because everything was so magical and beautiful. ✨“

“We all had something different and everything was equally delicious. We started with a Caprese salad (amazing) and then each had a different pasta dish - including spaghetti with mussels. The sauce was slightly spicey (as advertised) and SO GOOD! The chef’s specials were perfect.

We enjoyed the relaxed interior and could comfortably converse in the cozy and authentic space. The chef checked in on us multiple times and the waiter was friendly and attentive.

We HIGHLY recommend this local gem!“

“Great service and delicious food“

“Absolutely amazing experience! This is a must try for all.“

“Delicious meal! A wonderful birthday dinner, I had Clams and Linguine and it was delicious. The clams were sweet and huge, the linguine was cooked perfectly. The tiramisu was delicious too. Service was quick and kind. The atmosphere gives off sport bar but better vibes.

My mom is gluten free and they accommodated all her allergies perfectly. The gluten free bread and penne (they only offer penne gluten free) was cooked well and tasted good!“