10 Best Italian Restaurants In Boston, Massachusetts

Heyleena
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 4 min read
italian restaurants in boston

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.

Why Trust Trip101?


Over 50,000 articles reviewed and published by our experienced team

Over 50 years of combined experience researching, writing and reviewing travel articles

Over 40,000 hours spent on research and fact-checking from credible sources (last year’s data)

Optimizing content from data-driven insights collected directly from users on our platform

Focus on authentic and up-to-date information by collaborating with local guides, global travelers and other industry experts

Long-standing partnerships with credible brands like Airbnb, Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, GetYourGuide, Viator, RVShare and more

Full disclosure on any partnerships or sponsored content

Trip101’s team of writers, editors, and content managers oversees the publication of all travel content, including destination guides, accommodation recommendations, and travel tips. They have extensive experience in the travel industry and no content, written or visual, gets published without a review. Many of our team’s work has also been featured in Travel+Leisure, National Today, The Indian Express, The Telegraph (India), Robb Report, The Adventure Handbook, Tripoto, Korea Tourism Organization, and Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Some of them are also members of professional organizations like the Society of American Travel Writers and the International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance.

Each member of the team follows Trip101's methodology and strict editorial guidelines to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and relevance.

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)

Visited this place?

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

Visited this place?

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

Visited this place?

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

Visited this place?

Boston Tour Guide

Naim Benmayor

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)

Visited this place?

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)

Visited this place?

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

Visited this place?

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

Visited this place?

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

Visited this place?

10. Lucca

Pork Chop
Source: Photo by Flickr user ayustety used under CC BY-SA 2.0

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

Visited this place?

Enjoy the best Italian cuisine in Boston

Spaghetti carbonara - Trishhhh
Source: Photo by user Trishhhh used under CC BY 2.0

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.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History


Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

Heyleena is a passionate travel writer who enjoys writing travel articles for people who seek to explore new places in a more conscious way. From travel guides to recommended vacation rentals, get...Read more

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Register Here
0 Comments
Explore Boston
Looking for accommodation?
x
Good things are meant to be shared!
Back to top
Visited any of these places? Click this button to activate our "Add a Tip" feature to share your experience.
hotels with rooftop pool in boston ma

13 Best Hotels With Rooftop Pool In Boston, Massachusetts - Updated 2024