50 Best Italian Restaurants near Newton Centre

“They made a slight mistake with our order initially but made up by giving us 2 free items and discounting 20% off. They go above and beyond for their service and their food truly was amazing. Best Italian food I’ve had in a while. Bolognese was so good. A hidden gem in “

“We got very fortunate and grabbed a table as soon as we came in, it was Marathon Monday. Order the mushroom pizza and the kale and nappa cabbage salad. Both came very quickly, and was delicious. Our server, Israel, was amazing. Very knowledgeable and caring. He was fantastic. A great place for food....enjoy“

“Pammy's in Cambridge offers a culinary journey that delights the senses at every turn. From the moment you step inside, the warm and inviting ambiance sets the stage for an exceptional dining experience. The menu is a celebration of seasonal ingredients and inventive flavor combinations, expertly curated by the talented chefs. Each dish is a work of art, beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. Standout dishes include the handmade pastas, perfectly cooked meats, and inventive vegetable creations. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the dining experience, from the impeccable service to the thoughtfully selected wine list. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to indulge in outstanding cuisine, Pammy's is a culinary gem not to be missed in Cambridge.“

“Delicious place to eat pizza ? they have lots of options. Is always crowded, you might have to wait like 30 min to get in if you go there on the weekends. The place is kind of old but pizza is delicious ?Vegetarian options: Pizza is mostly cheese and crust, they have lots of vegetarian options“

“Amazing experience here! Every single person who worked there was so friendly and personable. The food was unbelievable and we will definitely be back! My 8 year old son said it's his new favorite restaurant! The eggplant parm and aranchini were the real stars!!“

“the best Sicilian pizza and Arancini in America the USA ❤️ I've been coming here since my teenage years back in the 1980s ❤️ Thanks again Ralph and Paul the nicest people very friendly from your friend domenic ❤️ 5 stars A+ always ...“

“Had to make a reservation two months in advance, but happy to report that Tonino was well worth the wait! The interior is lovely—very cozy with classy decorations.The pizza is available for take-out, but the pasta is only available for dine-in, so we tried as many pastas as we could stomach. Unfortunately, the special advertised on the wall wasn't available, so we ended up getting:- Taleggio Cappelletti ($26): This dish only comes with 8 cappelletti, so the portion size is more akin to an appetizer, but this was my favorite of the pastas that we ordered. Rich, cheesy filling with a subtly sweet sauce. Delicious.- Lumache ($26): Second favorite. Very al dente (borderline crunchy; too al dente for my friend, but I liked the bite). Some tangy notes from the creme fraiche. Portion size was better than the taleggio cappelletti, but I wish there were more or larger cuts of mushroom.- Chitarra & Clams ($28): Wouldn't get this again. Very peppery, and the flavor didn't pack a punch like the other two pastas. Chitarra wasn't al dente, and the clams were quite small. Breadcrumbs were good.- Tiramisu ($14): Also available for take-out but had to get it because it's their signature dessert. I was in heaven. The mascarpone was runnier than that of other tiramisus that I've had, but I liked it like that. Very smooth and creamy. Loved the sporadic bits of salt too.There were two servers who waited on us throughout the night. Both were friendly. There's complimentary still or sparkling water, which was a plus. 5% kitchen appreciation fee, which is higher than the usual 3%.Overall, highly recommend this place. I think it is my favorite Italian place in Boston now!“

“We were absolutely taken to a new level of gastronomic excellence at Mamma Maria's! The restaurant is in a beautiful historic building and the space is an experience in and of itself. We were treated like family and the flavors of each dish were heavens above our previous experiences. You must absolutely make a reservation here to enjoy all of your the hard work and feel like a king for a few hours.“

“The food overall was excellent. The fried calamari starter with those Italian peppers mixed in was a welcome surprise. The focaccia bread was really good and fresh served with a high-quality olive oil. I had the chicken parmesan with vodka sauce (#1). The sauce was fresh and bright and had just the right amount of bite from vodka (which is usually missing). My wife had the carbonara and she said it was good but carbonara traditionally doesn’t have cream in it and she would’ve liked a more egg forward traditional carbonara. That said, the pasta was cooked very well and there are several other great things about the restaurant. The Chef and owner was extremely attentive, even seeing us on the stairwell on the way out a half hour later asking about the meal, very impressive.“

“This restaurant is amazing, my favorite in Boston. We loved the meatballs, ragu, the NY strip steak, the panna cotta, and the cocktails. The steak was cooked perfectly, the sauce and accompaniments really make the dish shine. The service is impeccable, with new dishes between each course, timely service, and all around professionalism. I’ve gotten the orchiette pasta before and this time it wasn’t as I remembered - it had a bit of a charred flavor. We mentioned this, and we had a replacement dish in no less than 90 seconds. Truly impressive! The manager, Tyler, is an absolute delight, and apologized personally. He also brought us a lovely wine pairing with our pana cotta desert, which also included a candle and congratulations card, as I was celebrating that evening. I feel you really cannot go wrong with this restaurant, everything is impeccable and so worth it.“

“You can roll a D20 to get a mystery drink, and the concotuons we got were very good but wild. One was the spiciest drink ive ever had. The food here is fantastic, but the plates are small. The restaurant itself is even smaller, so you'll need a reservation to eat.100% would go again.“

“A past Boston local first introduced me to Giulia by donning it the only Italian restaurant they’d go to on that side of the water. So there’s that. Not only did they very kindly fit us in on a Friday night, the food and service was absolutely excellent. Top notch food and drink, great vibes. Will absolutely be back. Special shout-out to their incredible co-owner who very kindly sent me my Project Paulie hat I left there by accident. You guys are the truly the best! THANK YOU!“

“This was such a fun and adventurous activity! The food was delicious, and it was exciting guessing what you were eating. The drinks were excellent, and the servers and host did a great job. The atmosphere looked wonderful, dark room, with small colored lit faux candles.“

“Love love love. They give you bread immediately upon arrival. Cozy atmosphere with wonderful Italian wine selections. The meatballs are unlike any meatball I have ever tried with a hint of garlic, melt in your mouth texture and fresh, no frills tomato sauce. I got the Gorgonzola penne and bolognese and everything was delicious served in a cool sauce pan. Recommend reservations after 6 on weekends.“

“Always a delicious meal prepared and served by a great team. If you like watching how the magic happens, book the chef's counter. And order the crispy chickpeas to start--delicious. We had a toasted farro pasta with deliciously earthy mushrooms and the wild boar bolognese. The fennel salad and chicken liver mousse were scrumptious.“

“We had an absolutely phenomenal time at MIDA!! The Caesar salad, the spacatelli al pesto, and the tiramisu were particularly incredible, and the whole team was so kind and welcoming! Absolutely the best place for date night and to celebrate my birthday ? “

“Very authentic Italian food. Neapolitan influence to be specific. Generous portions. Good wine and amaro list. Very nice staff (made authentic carbonara & amatriciana for me upon request). Ragu' alla Genovese, gnocchi alla Sorrentina and zucchini blossoms are amazing and definitely unmatched. Bravi! See you again tonight.“

“This was a really good restaurant. Very authentic Italian cuisine. Food was all amazing. Jeff, our waiter was the nicest most cordial man I've ever met has a very sociable personality. He gave us good recommendations on what to order and was very accommodating. You could close your eyes and point to any random dish on this menu and you will NEVER be disappointed. Would definitely recommend this place to anyone.“

“Buono! You feel the warmth of this BYOB establishment the minute you walk through the door. The owner (Brazilian w/North End restaurant experience) greeted everyone picking up take out or arriving for their reservation. Staff, including the owner, worked as family to take orders, deliver and turn over tables to ensure every request was met. They made an effort to ask and remember our names as we said goodbye (reminded us of the Cheer's intro song). We took it as a sign that 'ran' is in their name and ran to take the first available reservation @ 4:00pm. The restaurant was full by 5:30pm. Given the hard surfaces it's loud, but reminiscent of childhood memories of dinner with my Italian neighbors. We enjoyed warm bread out of the oven w/olive oil & herbs, arancini sampler (one spinach & one bolognese) that were approaching baseball size, short rib gnocchi special & chicken marsala. The red sauce is absolutely delicious, the short rib melts in your mouth and the marsala sauce is one of the best I've had w/tender chicken. Portions are generous. We each took half of our entree home, but ended the evening by sharing an airy, creamy, delicious dessert named after the owner's daughter, Isa, w/coffee.“

“I’ve been to so many breakfast places in Boston, and this is by far the best I’ve been to. I wouldn’t recommend any place else. The food was cooked excellently, yet fast, the service was great, and even though the restaurant itself is a bit snug, it makes it perfect for a cozy and homey feel. Love love love!“

“We tried takeout from this place! My favorite pizza from now on. You can definitely see that the dough and pasta is house-made. My daughter 's kids pizza was perfect too. I'm hoping to eat at the place one day- heard their cocktails are good too.“

“This best spot for date night and hosting out of town guests! We absolutely love this place and never get tired of coming for dinner. They always have amazing specials and the staff is always so friendly. The first time we came here we had just moved back from the west coast and we left feeling like family. Everything from the apps, wine, and homemade pasta dishes are great. I love their bolognese personally and my husband is a huge fan of chicken parm. Highly recommend checking Euno out next time you’re in the north end.“

“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!!!“

“Every single thing we ate was delicious! The scallops were perfect, which I rarely get the chance to say. The steak was amazing. The appetizers, from the burrata to the oysters were all fresh and delectable. The drinks were on point, the service top notch, it's a beautiful spot with three different, equally as comfortable dining areas. Have been twice now, and will definitely be back when we are in the area.“

“Last night, went to Prezza for the first time. Was excited because I love its sister restaurants,Tonno Gloucester and Tonno Wakefield.Short walk from North Station and the Garden! Beautiful restaurant! The staff are superb! Polite and friendly and on point! We had the meatballs, tuna crudo, and crispy shrimp ? for appetizers. Fabulous! No pictures. We ate them too quickly. For dinner, we ordered crispy pork, tomahawk veal chop and tagliatelle Bolognese. So good! For desserts we had flourless chocolate cake and a special bread pudding in whiskey sauce! Great restaurant for a date or a chance to catch up. Tables are not on Top of each other and restaurant is quiet compared to other great North End spots!“

“An absolute gem! Our dining experience was nothing short of exceptional. The ambience was delightful, setting the perfect tone for a memorable evening. The service was impeccable, with attentive staff ensuring every need was met promptly and courteously.As for the food, it was simply divine. We indulged in a feast of flavors, from the savory deep dish pizzas and succulent shrimp cocktail to the refreshing Caesar salad and flavorful meatballs. The hash browns were a delightful addition, adding a crispy texture to the meal. And let's not forget the cocktails and wine, expertly crafted and perfectly complementing our dishes.Overall, I cannot recommend this restaurant enough. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for an extraordinary dining experience, this place truly delivers on all fronts. A definite five-star destination!“

“I had a great experience at Lilly's. Unfortunately, I now have medical restrictions with some of the things I can eat. I grew up with an Italian family from downstate New York, and sometimes it is hard to not be able to eat my favorites when eating out.The team was able to accommodate my requests, and gave me a fantastic meal. I talked to Matthew there, and he helped me out a lot as well! Thank you to the staff there for truly listening to the customer, and for making quality food. I'll be back when I can!“

“Delicious from start to end! I have eaten at many places in the North End and Piccolo Nido is the best by far. The food is exactly what you hope to get - authentic Italian prepared simply and with the best quality ingredients. No wonder most of their diners were Italian! We shared the veal Parmesan and gnocchi entrees and it was sheer perfection. The owner graciously sent over homemade tiramisu for us to try and it was probably the best I have ever tasted. The waitstaff was lovely and attentive and we appreciated how welcome they made us feel. Will definitely be back soon.“

“Having dined at Basil Restaurant last night, I must say the ambiance was top-notch. The dim lighting and cozy seating made for a pleasant atmosphere. However, the service was a bit slow, as it took quite some time for our food to arrive. Nonetheless, when the dishes finally made their way to our table, they were delicious. I particularly enjoyed the basil-infused pasta, which was bursting with flavor. The prices were reasonable considering the quality of the food, but I do wish the portions were a tad larger. Overall, Basil Restaurant offers a decent dining experience with room for improvement in service efficiency.“

“Very delicious food. We had the lobster ravioli, the scampi and the bolognesa and it all fell quite like authentic Italian. Portions were very decent and desserts were also great, especially the tiramisu. Service was attentive and friendly, but of the waiters used the chance to promote the night club he works at which seemed a bit strange …“

“Great pizza in a modern brick atmosphere with some reasonable pricing. Bonus is they do slices as well as fresh sandwiches and salads. I would rate the large and tasty slices as being above Upper Crust's and their ingredients appear to be top notch.They do a "2 slice free drink" special.Service appears to be friendly with regulars/neighbors and professional/straightforward with all others. Bathroom on site too.Vegetarian options: Veggie sandwich, salad, and pizza options.“

“I went on a date to Sorellina, and it totally lived up to my up-scale restaurant expectations. The place had this classy vibe that commanded respect, from the décor to the overall ambiance. Everyone seemed to be having a good time, enjoying the light music and the buzz of conversation. The service was very attentive to our every need.For dinner, I ordered the saltimbocca, which was veal wrapped in prosciutto, served with maitake mushrooms and truffle whipped potatoes. It was cooked to perfection and super tender, but I couldn't help thinking that the portion could've been a bit more generous, given the price.My date went for the Mafaldine, a pasta dish with shiitake and oyster mushrooms, black truffle butter, and Parmigiano. She couldn't stop raving about how amazing the mushrooms were and how this dish easily became one of her favorites.No doubt, I'll be heading back to Sorellina for more. But next time, I'll be keeping a closer eye on portion sizes and the price tag.“

“Viale is amazing! We had a large party and had to add a couple of people at the last minute on a busy Friday night and they were very accommodating. Additionally, our server was very friendly and helpful and made the experience even better. The food was also very good; I would especially recommend everyone try to arancini appetizer.“

“This was my second visit to prima to celebrate a special event with my daughter on a miserable rainy Thursday night. The restaurant was packed and initially thought we would need to wait an hour for a table . We proceed to the bar where we were seated almost immediately! Darren was our bartender. He was pleasant and attentive. Our food was brought quickly and was absolutely delicious ! Scott the manager introduced himself as a table had become available and I appreciated that personal introduction. After our yummy meal, our bartender surprised us with a complimentary dessert to celebrate our special night . I was so impressed!! Again another wonderful experience at Prima!!“

“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“

“The food was top notch. We did have a loud party next to us which was not the restaurants fault and a server was slow to bring a glass of wine. Otherwise, it was truly a special meal. I like the new location and regret not having returned sooner!“

“Toscano is my family's favorite gathering place. We have visited both the Harvard Square location and the Charles Street location. Toscano provides an atmosphere of relaxed elegance and outstanding service. Guests are made to feel special with plenty of attention to service and yet time to have quiet conversations during the meal. The menu is always topnotch and the servers provide detailed info to assist with selections. Toscano is everything you could want for a memorable night out.“

“Everything about Jinnys is perfect! From the food to the drinks to the staff! Unique pizza combinations that need no substitutions - and they really don't even allow them! I love this Newton Centre staple. The menu changes based on seasonal ingredients but there are a few constants - so there is always a reason to come back and try something new!“

“Huge portions, you must get the house prepared fettucine if you are offered a pasta option. The staff was very friendly and being our first time helped us pick out great options for dinner (she told us about the fettucine). We were sat quickly. Only unfortunate thing is the door bringing so much outside cold air in to the small restaurant, they do try hard to cut down on the cold air by keeping a curtain pulled to try to block it as best they can. Can't wait to go back.“

“This is a cash only restaurant. There's only around 20 seats but we were able to walk in on a Sunday around lunchtime.They'll serve you bread as soon as you sit down. The house salad is super fresh and the veggies are crispy. Greater starter if you're wanting some greens. The black pasta and linguines are also good choices to order. They are served in the same pan used to cook the dish! The seafood platter was decent but not worth the price in my opinion. I'll probably just stick to the noodle/pasta dishes going forward.“

“An authentic non-pretentious Italian eatery in the North End. You’ll feel welcomed and even the local customers are welcoming you as you enter the place. I had the chicken parmigiana sandwich and it was one of the best sandwiches I have ever eaten! Well worth seeking out. You won’t be disappointed Dino has been doing this for 24 years! ???“

“Tiny pizza shop in Cambridge. Cash only but they have an ATM inside.We ordered three slices of the Sicilian and a large half pepperoni and half pineapple pizza. The pizza was great. Love the taste of the bread and also the quality of the pepperoni was great. The Sicilian pizza was good but not as good as the pepperoni/pineapple.We'll be coming back as this was an overall great dinner.Parking: Street parking on multiple street around“

“This little place has some of the best most affordable Italian cuisine on the North side of Boston! I was visiting Boston for the first time and decided to go here for my anniversary dinner! The chicken limon was delicious cooked perfectly a top a bed of homemade pasta with artichokes and spinach. The stuffed mushrooms were delicious and the lobster clam chowder was delectable ?“

“With attentive service and a warm atmosphere, it's the perfect spot for a romantic date night or gathering with friends. Don't miss the chance to indulge in the culinary delights of Bar Volpe – it's a true gem waiting to be discovered.“

“Okay, so we had a party of nine and the hostess seemed overwhelmed and annoyed by our large party but accommodated us. Not gonna lie, stopped in here because of proximity to our destination and because Portnoy gave it an 8.5 on OneBite. Needless to say we opted for a small 'Roni. Pizza was up quicker than I could finish a pint of cool, cold Peroni. Definitely a solid pie; wicked crispy bottom and crust and the sauce and cheese were fresh and tasty. Service was shaky (maybe they were understaffed or short a body) but $48 for 4 drinks and a pizza in Boston felt fair enough on the wallet.“

“When you first walk in and see a plethora of celebrity photos on the wall, that has to be an indication of a stellar restaurant. The owner takes care of you from start to finish with an authentic Italian dining experience. To start, we got the meatballs. They were advertised as the best in Boston and I have to say they're in the conversation. For dinner, we got the lobster gnocchi and carbonara. Both equally delicious and came with the perfect sauces to dip bread in. We were in and out in under an hour. They do give you an option of sparkling water but I prefer that gritty city water. I enjoyed my time at Arya and will be returning soon to try other homemade dishes.“

“If you're looking for a small, intimate venue, with prompt and timely service along with a delicious menu; consider Forcella in the Northend!! I dined on the inside so my review is based on that perspective, as they have outdoor option as well. The pasta was perfectly cooked. I tried the bolognese and carbonara dishes; I couldn't decide which one I enjoyed more. Great wine options and reasonably prices. They don't have desserts nor coffes; but overall a great experience and would recommend. I suggest making a reservation early and be comfortable in small places. Enjoy!!“

“Got takeout. Good food takes time, so be patient-- The wait is worth it. The lobster raviolis $29 were stuffed with lobster. The sauce was delicious with perfectly cooked portobello mushrooms. Spumoni $13 was delicious as well. The mini ciabatta that accompanied the entree was crispy on the outside and soft & chewy on the inside--perfect. The restaurant was packed on a Mon evening. Definitely check this place out. You won't be disappointed.“

“Welcome and friendly service, the pasta is perfectly cooked and the accompaniments are delicious. The pesto sauce is a bouquet of flavor and the shrimp pasta a watercolor of taste and texture.The service is fast, attentive, excellent value for money ?, very pleasant time ?“

“This is a hidden gem in back bay. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere from the moment you walk in the door. We ordered the burrata, the risotto, and the tiramisu. While the burrata was good, we wouldn't order it again. However, the risotto was to die for. The short rib was tender and complimented the creamy risotto perfectly. The tiramisu, while not made in house, is a must order for dessert. Furthermore, the service was incredible and everyone was so friendly. My only complaint about the atmosphere would be the noise. The music was turned up very loud and I would wait for the break between songs to truly talk.“