50 Best Italian Restaurants near Melrose

“It’s our 1st time here food atmosphere and wait staff were awesome me and my husband celebrated our anniversary there tonight we shared mozzarella marinara and a Caesar salad and we both got the chicken broccoli and ziti in a garlic cream sauce ugh so delicious the only thing that bothered me and my husband a little was the loud noise from everyone talking other than that everything else was amazing we are def coming back“

“After many years of walking by, I finally went in for dinner tonight. I was very happy with the experience. Friendly staff and excellent food. I will definitely return!“

“Fantastic service - great food! Have never been disappointed.“

“Alfredos Italian Kichen is a great place to order or eating. People are friends. Fresh clean food all the time. Price is good too. I love Alfredos Italian kichen. All my friends love too.“

“Literally the best food i’ve ever had in my entire life. I came here for a trip with one of my best friends and we both agree that we should have saved this for last, because the meal we had really set the tone of all other food for remainder of trip and nothing measured up to this place, fortunately we came back the last day of our trip! I mean I dream about this food, I look back at the photos of the food, I get flashbacks daily of the food here. I wish I could’ve packed this shop up and brought it back to my city. Only downside- I know for a fact, they would be packed out every night out here. Im crying right now, I need to go back!“

“I'd been trying to find pizza I just craved since moving from Melrose to Stoneham 8 months ago. So far the leader is very good, but no delivery or open on Sunday. Then I saw a post from my favorite Petrones here and discovered that they'd deliver to me. 30 minutes later my pizza and a side of grilled chicken were on the way, ordered through the website and delivery app. A given time of 6:20 was exact! The driver came to my door like an old friend, in a clean Petrones golf shirt, even offering to bring it inside for me. Perfection! The crust was both crispy and chewy. With a unique slightly salty finish, which is delightful. Very generous toppings, well balanced across the pie. Their cheese blend is biteful yet has that long string satisfaction. I opted for alfredo over their signature red sauce and wasn't disappointed, although I'd like more garlicky taste--easily solved next time. The side of grilled & chopped chicken was very tasty and will be awesome on tomorrow's lunch salad. I was very pleased by the generous portion. I'm thrilled to have Petrones back on my speed dial. The ordering app was clunky although it did give real time updating. I think calling will be less annoying. Thanks for the great food. I knew they'd changed hands since I moved but the food quality was definitely unchanged! Yay“

“I've lived on the Melrose/Stoneham line for many years ago have never eaten here before. I got a small steak and cheese with extra cheese. Delicious!! It's pretty big for a small. They brought it right to my table. This place has been here for 44 years, wow! Their prices are excellent too! I will definitely be coming back again. While it slowed down a bit, I got to talk to an employee for 10 to 15 minutes. He was really nice. They know their regulars and are very personable. Come and try this place. You will not be disappointed!!“

“Best pizzeria,subs, Salad's,DOWN to amazingly scrumptious CALZONE'S OUR favorites-Chicken parm&The Steak&Cheese are absolutely delicious..The PIZZA'S ARE ALL FABULOUS!YOU GOTTA TRY EM OUT �%� BEST!“

“With a lot going on around the house (and the heat) we order a decent amount of delivery. Lisa’s is definitely the go to place for me. The problem is choosing what to order. Because everything I’ve ordered has been fantastic. Tonight’s choice was the avocado chicken panini for me, delicious. Some of our favorites are meatball subs, BLT wrap, antipasto salad and any of the pizzas. Ooh and the onion rings !!“

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

“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.“

“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!!🙌🏽“

“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.“

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

“We accidentally met Chef Lester earlier in the day; ironically, we already made a reservation for my birthday dinner later that day, before this introduction. He mentioned the Pumpkin Risotto special and said when we returned to ask for him. The food was excellent and he personally came to our table to check on us. He then had our server bring us a beautiful platter of desserts, topping off an outstanding experience and birthday celebration! I will definitely be back!“

“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.“

“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!!!“

“Arya is a GEM, the owner and staff are phenomenal and wonderful people. The menu is FANTASTIC. I booked a reservation for 6 on a Saturday night for a special occasion. I am a total moron and somehow thought it was for 6:30 - showed up and obviously the table was no longer available. Met Mossimo and explained it was our fault, and in particular MY dummy mistake. He was so kind and found us seating, the staff was incredible, the food was amazing, and this place has loyal customers for life. Could not recommend more strongly and emphatically!“

“What I meal. Would love to go back and try more options. The best I thought was this porchetta flatbread with heirloom tomatoes and pesto. The meat melted in your mouth basically. Everything else was great including the seafood pasta special, mushroom pasta and roasted veggies. Couldn't pass up on the roasted fig ice cream either which was also spectacular.“

“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🥰“

“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.“

“Amazing food and service with authentic Italian hospitality!“

“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“

“Always delicious food, sophisticated atmosphere and friendly service. Appetizers and entrees are large enough to share and all are executed superbly. The two bars are fun to eat at although there are quieter tables as well. The staff couldn't be friendlier and if you go more than a few times, they will know your name! This is my neighborhood "go to" for upscale mediterranean food.“

“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!“

“The second we walked in we were met with amazing service. The staff is super pleasant, and helpful. They were able to accommodate a dietary restriction in my party with ease and enthusiasm. Every single dish in the chef’s tasting was fantastic. The food was full of flavor and the portions were a good size. I would come here any time any day, Chef/Owner Jen came to check in on us and chatted with us and was super nice. Love this place. Come here for a great time.“

“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“

“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!“

“Grilled Clams make it so worthwhile“

“Su buen servicio y la comida es deliciosa.“

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

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

“Excellent food and service“

“Delicious food. The bread/dough for the panini and pizzas is light and airy and very delicious. Plenty of toppings on the pizza with large potions for the price. Also have gelato with lots of authentic flavors. Best pistachio gelato I've ever had.“

“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!“

“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.“

“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.“

“Food, drink’s & service are all amazing!“

“Very nice staff and delicious food“

“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!“

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

“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.“

“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! :)“

“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.“

“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!“