With its rich culture and diverse neighborhoods, Boston is one of the best food destinations in the United States. Of course, the Boston cream pie and clam chowder are already on the list of foods to try when you visit this buzzing city, but visitors also come for the eclectic range of Italian restaurants, especially in the North End which is lauded for its Italian heritage. It might be daunting to choose the best Italian restaurants while visiting Boston, but we have got you covered. Whether you want big bowls of pasta or the best veal in the region, not to mention the extensive list of fine Italian wine, fret not - we have come up with a list of the best Italian Restaurants in Boston, Massachusetts below.
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1. Eataly Boston
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
When it comes to creativity and food innovation, Eataly Boston knows how to do it best. Located smack in the middle of Prudential Center, this sleek and modern Italian food emporium and restaurant is a one-stop-shop for buying and relishing Italian food. The complex is composed of numerous food outlets, cafes, stores, bars, and fresh production counters - all accessible in a convenient place. Enjoy the lively ambiance with your family and shop for the best Italian products. There are also hands-on cooking classes for those who are interested in creating some creative menus.
Eataly Boston
Address: Prudential Center, 800 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02199, United States
Website: Eataly Boston
Opening hours: 9am - 11pm (daily)
2. Terramia Ristorante
Find your way to the rustic-chic Terramia Ristorante on Salem Street in the North End of Boston if you want to dine in a pleasant setting inspired by Italian charm. The interior of this restaurant is adorned with stucco walls and beamed ceilings that emphasize its rustic elements. Meanwhile, the furniture, linens, and candlelights add a more chic character to this setting. Order your bruschetta or veal and pair it with a good glass of wine. If you’re vegetarian or gluten-sensitive, you’ll find a special section on the menu that caters to this.
Terramia Ristorante
Address: 98 Salem St, Boston, MA 02113, United States
Website: Terramia Ristorante
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 5pm - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 5pm - 10:30pm
3. Coppa Enoteca
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you’re thinking of eating at Coppa Enoteca in the South End, then make sure to get your name on the waiting list. In the meantime, stroll around until you get a place available. Well, this is what the locals normally do. Many prefer to wait only because of the top-notch dishes ranging from pizza to salumi and pasta. Highly recommended is the spaghetti carbonara with egg and pancetta. The cozy and friendly setting also scores well, which is why it is one of the few places that has gotten so much attention.
Coppa Enoteca
Address: 253 Shawmut Ave, Boston, MA 02118, United States
Website: Coppa Enoteca
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 12pm - 10pm; Fri: 12pm - 11pm; Sat: 11am - 11pm; Sun: 11am - 10pm
4. Trattoria Il Panino
Trattoria Il Panino offers a conducive environment for diners who want to enjoy a decent Italian menu in a friendly yet private setting. Located on the buzzing North End Boston, this Italian restaurant organizes special events like birthdays or formal diners, besides offering excellent Italian dishes. Our recommendations are no doubt the cacio e pepe and caesar salad. The staff is always welcoming and very attentive to details.
Trattoria Il Panino
Address: 11 Parmenter Street, 280 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113, United States
Website: Trattoria Il Panino
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 2am
Boston Tour Guide
Naim Benmayor
As a Boston tour guide, I have the added experience of being a world traveler. For many years, I frequently visited Europe, Asia, and Latin America on business. During this time, I also organized tours of the USA, Europe and Asia for my business clients. I now bring this passion, excitement and expertise to the Boston area.By exploring the globe, I was exposed to various cultures, and this uniq... Read more
5. Rino's Place
It’s no wonder that Rino’s Place has been featured on shows like ‘The Food Network’s Diners’ or ‘Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives’ for its excellent Italian food in East Boston. By simply tasting the huge serving of ravioli and red sauce, you’ll come to understand why it is popular among the locals. There is a range of dishes that keeps on being reinvented - one of the many reasons that make diners keep on coming back. But most of them prefer to go with classic dishes, which can be paired with a glass of delicious wine.
Rino's Place
Address: 258 Saratoga St, Boston, MA 02128, United States
Website: Rino’s Place
Opening hours: Mon: 4pm - 9pm; Tue - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri: 11am - 10pm; Sat: 3pm - 10pm; (closed on Sun)
6. Mario's
It’s not hard to understand why this family-friendly restaurant has won over so many hearts. Styled with red bricks, this little Italian eatery boasts a warm, welcoming atmosphere where every corner spells coziness. As you walk in the place you’ll instantly be greeted by the co-owner Ursula, which will surely make you feel at ease. The menu is filled with traditional and contemporary Italian dishes. Whether you choose their lasagne with meatballs or fresh pasta, each bite will make you ask for more.
Mario's
Address: 347 Chelsea St. East Boston, Ma 02128
Website: Mario’s
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11:30am - 2pm, 5pm - 9pm; Fri: 11:30am - 2pm, 5pm - 10pm; Sat: 5pm - 10pm (closed on Sun)
7. Giacomo's
If you’re heading to Hanover Street, then a stop at Giacomo’s is a must. The reason is so obvious: simply look at the long queue of hungry patrons lined up at this Italian restaurant. And the wait is so worth it. This eatery specializes in delivering delicious Italian seafood. Scallops in white cream sauce, shrimp, or fish - you name it, they can serve it. And to top it off, the lively atmosphere makes it just the right place to dine with a bunch of friends.
Giacomo's
Address: 355 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113-1910
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 4:30pm - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 4:30pm - 10:30pm; Sun: 4pm - 9:30pm
8. Bar Mezzana
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The modern and sleek Bar Mezzana is where you’ll get the chance to sip one of the best cocktail renditions (think chilled Negroni, Spritz or Amari-based cocktails) in Boston’s South End neighborhood. And you’ll also get a thoughtfully curated list of fine wine which you can pair with delicious Italian dishes created by the passionate Chef Lynch. The highlight here is no doubt its fresh pasta, which is pretty much famous in this area.
Bar Mezzana
Address: 360 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02118, United States
Website: Bar Mezzana
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 4:30pm - 12am; Thu - Sat: 4:30pm - 1am; Sun: 11am - 12am
9. Sportello
Styled in sleek, contemporary interior design with two U-shaped counters along with an open kitchen, Sportello delivers a fine Italian dining experience like no other. From its impeccable service to its mouth-watering dishes, every little corner of this trattoria-inspired restaurant reflects the Italian spirit. Chef Barbara Lynch has put all of her efforts into creating typical Italian dishes in a whole new way. Her menu is composed of dishes like fresh pasta, crispy salads, and simple soups. While Cat Silirie, the wine director, has taken inspiration from northwestern and central Italy to bring the best wine list that perfectly complements these dishes.
Sportello
Address: 348 Congress Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210
Website: Sportello
Opening hours: Sun - Wed: 11:30am - 10pm; Thurs - Fri: 11:30am - 11pm
10. Lucca
Dining at Lucca is all about the flavors and the taste. Located in the North End, this Italian restaurant gets its ingredients from local farmers and fishing communities on the East Coast, making sure that they create each dish with the freshest products. But that’s not all there is to this eatery. They actually have an extensive selection of over 500 wines coming from Italy and California to pair with your preferred dish. Whether you wish to have a fine dining experience with your partner or you want to celebrate an event, this restaurant makes your wish possible in an opulent setting that comes with a solid mahogany bar.
Lucca
Address: 226 Hanover St. Boston, MA
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 5pm - 1am; Sat - Sun: 12pm - 1am
Enjoy the best Italian cuisine in Boston
With a wide presence of Italian restaurants in Boston, it can be challenging to choose the best place to eat. We have come up with a list of the best Italian restaurants to choose from. Check out these eateries while you’re in Boston.
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