50 Best Italian Restaurants near Newton Centre

“Molto bene! The decor was bright & cheerful, with yellows and whites. The owner’s daughter was friendly, fun, upbeat and managed a very busy & very loud restaurant with grace and patience. She was our server. The food was exceptional. I got meatballs (homemade) and spaghetti. I’m a homemade meatball chef at home and these were delicious! My husband’s braised beef and mashed was delicious, too. Looking forward to coming again!“

“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!“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

“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“

“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.“

“10000/10 experience. Go for the food, stay for Maddie the bartender. She was kind, funny and attentive. While the pasta shined like the stars, the burrata and squash salad was the belle of the ball. We cannot wait to come back and dine again.“

“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!“

“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🥰“

“Grilled Clams make it so worthwhile“

“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! :)“

“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! 💕“

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

“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.“

“Only gets better with time. Jan 2026 • Family Still remaining one of the top best Italian restaurants around. The stellar staff customer service is amazing. The ambiance, decor and most gracious familial atmosphere is refreshing. The food is superb as always. We were seated in the private round dome room which is magical. Salvatore and his crew served us with grace, kindness and humor. Bravo!!!“

“One of my favorite restaurants in the area for a night out with friends, especially when we are meeting partway between Boston and western suburbs. The food is really delicious, the drinks are great, and the service is attentive. It can get a little loud, but you can definitely still have a conversation. Don’t miss the focaccia and ricotta, but the pizza and pasta are also always outstanding. So are the salads. This place is just really solid.“

“DELICIOUS food & wine, good service“

“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“

“Excellent people exc food great prices!“

“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!“

“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!“

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

“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.“

“Very nice staff and delicious food“

“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.“

“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.“

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

“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“

“Restaurant atmosphere and decor was beautiful, mirorring a true Italian resataurant. All wait staff were extremely kind and attentive, especially Mary Beth. The food was delicious as well, and I highly recommend the Chicken Parm, and house made pastas. We will definitely come back soon!“

“I don 't mind our entree being served mere minutes from sitting down at our reservation time. However I'm annoyed when bread is taken off the table while I am still eating . I literally had to hang onto my plate before it was attempted to be picked up. Nobody beats the quality of the food, but SLOW DOWN Toscano!“

“Had a great experience at Gigi! We sat at the bar and Mike was both our server and bartender. He was fantastic. The food was absolutely delicious and every recommendation he made for food and drinks was spot on. You can tell he really knows the menu and cares about the experience. If you go, definitely sit at the bar and ask for Mike. We will for sure be back.“

“Came in jan 2026- we had made reservation reservations for five of us however these were ultimately not necessary because there’s only one other group here- our waitress did clarify that it is slower in the winter and on weekdays. In terms of the food, I thought it was a good balance between meats and veggies, and the portions were great, and we all left full and content. Highlights from me were the octopus and the salad.“

“Su buen servicio y la comida es deliciosa.“

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

“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.“

“Family style dinner which is nice because you get to try a couple of things. The chicken parm was huge and delicious! I would also recommend the arancini and we also split carbonara which was good but not as standout as the chicken parm. Everyone there was super friendly! We went on a Monday so it was pretty quiet but still a really nice vibe.“

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