Located in the North End, this is a tiny restaurant that's perfect for a date. Today the landmark still has its old-school charm. Opened in 1931, Cantina Italiana is the oldest restaurant in the historic North End of Boston. 556 N State, 3008, NJ-17. "Got great reviews so we made a reservation. When it comes to American culinary culture, The Bay State has done a lot of heavy lifting. Benito One is the definition of a New York City old-school Italian restaurant. If you're down to travel just outside the city for the sake of impeccable pizza and pasta (and you should be), be sure to make this Chelsea spot your top stop. Durgin-Park Restaurant. SRV (which stands for Serene Republic of Venice) is a bacaro and wine bar serving Venetian-inspired cuisine in the South End. There are also gluten-free pastas and pizzas. The Absolute Best Italian Restaurants in Boston Thrillist, 2022 Top 10 Most Visited Italian Restaurants in Boston Lyft Restaurant details Book a table Giacomo's Ristorante - Boston Italian, $$, North End 4.4 4.0 The 4 best Italian spots in Boston Hoodline, 2020 The Absolute Best Italian Restaurants in Boston Thrillist, 2022 Restaurant details 3. Visit Website. Monica's Mercato. Cuisine Type: Italian Operating Hours: Monday - Saturday: 11AM - 10PM; Sunday: Noon - 10PM photo source: TripAdvisor It is named for Dr. Joseph Warren, a patriot killed at the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775. Related: American Restaurants That Revolutionized the Way We Eat 7 / 52 Mindy M./Yelp Regina lays claim as Boston's oldest pizzeria, and their brick-oven, thin-crust pizza is legendary. [Photo: Facebook], In a space that originally housed the Federal Reserve, Bond is now a cocktail bar that nods back to its history with original doors and a pastry kitchen that is located in the bank's old vault. Rich in history, tourists and locals stroll by famous sites, like the 1680 Paul Revere House and the Old North Church, and enjoy the Little Italy of Boston, packed with restaurants, coffeehouses, pastry shops and old-school delis. Theres the street-facing cicchetti bar, the standing-room space to order small bites (for a small price) such as orange-and-herb-marinated olives, pork and beef polpette, and our favorite, baccala mantecato (salt cod spread on jet-black bread with herbs and garlic). Jeveli's Restaurant Year Established: 1924 Original Owner: Pasquale Jeveli Location: 387 Chelsea St. All come with salad and bread, plus one or two pastas, an entree like chicken marsala or eggplant parmigiana in the larger meals, and a dessert. See: lasagne with rabbit and crispy polenta, the signature tagliatelle Bolognese, and the wood-grilled hen under a brick. Why do we love Pammys? ago. Youll find fresh baked naan, pizzas (the lamb is an underrated gem), housemade ravioli, brick chicken and dumplings are still on the menu, and of course, theres a dover sole special on Friday night. This one dates back to 1947, first opening as the Blue Diner. It's definitely one of the best Italian restaurants in Boston for those looking for tasty and inventive seafood dishes. Nosh on handmade pastas, like its renowned lumache with bolognese and gojuchang, and strike up a conversation with your dining neighbors at the vintage communal table. Grab a seat at the gorgeous bar and tuck into cheeses from the mozzarella bar, Sardinian culurgiones and of course, a cool negroni. As you may assume from the name, succulent seafood is the norm around here, with Fried Oyster Rolls, New England Clam Chowder, and Baked Stuffed Clams found on the menu. The kitchen is lovingly committed to using only the best seasonal and regional ingredients, which means that its on-point menu is almost constantly changing. / Photo by Erik Jacobs. Probably the best is Mama Maria's in the North End. Where Bostons Top Chefs Like to Dine Out, Where to Eat and Drink in Cambridges Central Square. This minimalist, mid-price, Italian diner is a fun and fantastic place to experience the cooking of lauded chef Barbara Lynch. (201) 447-3999. 348 Congress St., Fort Point, Boston, 617-737-1234, sportelloboston.com. Dishes are ideal for sharing. More than a decade in, the menu at this South End enoteca is still consistently creative and well-executed, from the blistered pizzas to the hand made pastas (such as a fusilli with fennel sausage, seared escarole, and a white bean ragu). Stick to ordering a la carte, or go for its three-course, prix fixe menu with optional wine pairings. Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. The South Boston spot gives Akunowicz a chance to serve dishes that dont fit into the Fox & the Knife concept, and shes able to create and sell fresh pasta in the larger space. It has everything to do with warm, welcoming service, and the generous portions of Italian cuisine, like thick ribbons of pappardelle with shrimp and arugula, and a hearty take on bruschetta, which tops grilled sourdough with eggplant tapenade, goat cheese, and cherry tomatoes. The Warren Tavern has been in its current location on Pleasant Street (near the Bunker Hill Monument) since 1780. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! Another fun fact: the toothpick's first use in restaurants was also here. While youre at it, dont miss the, and, if history is your thing, walk off the calories with a stroll along the, Though recent renovations have completely changed the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotels dining room and bar (and for the better, at that), a restaurant has occupied this space overlooking Copley Square since the hotel opened in 1912. Giulia is serving some of the best fresh pasta in the city. Its tough to throw a stone in Boston without hitting a venue that checks those boxes, but for a little added historic flair, head to J.J. Foley's Cafe. By Jillian Hammell Published on 2/4/2022 at 5:48. [Photo: Facebook], 70+ Restaurants Opened Around Boston in Winter 2017, Warm Your Winter-Worn Soul With These 13 Hearty Potato Dishes, While this bar, which first opened its doors all the way back in 1654, tends to attract the younger residents of the city, it's hard to pass up a pint at the bar that was frequented by John Hancock and Paul Revere, where it's said that his plans for his infamous ride were overheard. Chef Jose . Drinks and food were delicious! Boston Italian. Note that clicking the link below will block access to this site for 24 hours. While the pizza is obviously the main event here, its menu also includes a bunch of Sicilian-influenced bites, including caponata, fava bean dip and marinated squid salad. 721 W. Grand Ave, Chicago. Chefs Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette recently added an Italian-inspired restaurant to their fantastic local line-up (Coppa, Toro, Little Donkey), and were so glad they did. (This, unfortunately, is no longer true, and diners will have to settle for things like half-priced hotdogs instead.) 24 Fleet St., North End, Boston, 617-227-1577, prezza.com. Chef-owner Josh Ziskins seasonal, northern Italian cuisine exudes rustic, refined comfort. / Brian Samuels Photography, This Southie stunner from James Beard Award-winning chef Karen Akunowicz produces soulful fare from its open kitchen that earned it three-and-a-half stars in our pages, as well as a Food & Wine Best New Restaurant nod. Situated between Central and Harvard Squares, this hip trattoria has aslightly retro feel thanks tothe amber glow of its globe lights and double-sided fireplace. If available, get the pappardelle with wild boar, but a diner cant go wrong with any of the options, from beef neck tortelli to squid ink linguine with cuttlefish. Meanwhile, its rich pasta dishes. It's cozy dining at this small. Located in Charlestown, this beloved pub dates back to 1780, and counts Paul Revere, Ben Franklin, and even George Washington as some of its most notable patrons. 28. alphabet_order_bot 3 mo. [Photo: Facebook], Named from its original owner, Henry Marliave, a French immigrant from Paris, this restaurant opened its doors in 1885. Fox & the Knifes saffron-tinted spaghetti with clams. One Huntington Ave., Back Bay, Boston, 617-412-4600, sorellinaboston.com. The wine list tends to favor Northern Italian and French bottles, with an emphasis on lesser known producers. / Photo by Isara Krieger. In addition to serving as a local landmark, the family-run Santarpio makes a pretty amazing pizza that garners regular praise from locals and tourists alike. The gelatoaround 20 flavorsand sorbetto make for a classic afternoon pick-me-up, a tradition straight from the old country. The Old School pizza at Tavolo, topped with green pepper, red onion, and pepperoni. Stop by anytime because its open 24/7. Fresh, house-made pastas may include decadent dishes like duck egg raviolo or lobster paccheri. Though its only operated under this name for 24 years, the diner goes back several decades and is one of the Worcester Dining Companys original no-frills dining cars. You always had to rub the Buddha's. But the house-made pastas, vibrant salads, and even well-composed fancy toasts are also works of simple perfection. 7. [Photo: Facebook], Where to Find $1 Oyster Deals Around Boston, If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. The ravioli is made to order, and no meal is complete without a plate of crispy calamari for the table. 210 Hanover St. Boston, MA 02113. Adding a business to Yelp is always free. Don't miss it! The business experienced a major fire back in 2008 but has since rebuilt. (Midas newer location in Newton, meanwhile, offers a couple additional reasons: Roman- andNew Haven-style pizzas.). Italian restaurants in America today are many and varied, and much more authentic and/or regionally focused and/or contemporary in style than they used . First, it was the Copley Caf. First, it was the Copley Caf. Giulia Rino's Place Rino's Place in East Boston has the Guy Fieri "Triple D". Plan out dinner here well in advance; reservations are difficult to snag. Swing by Foxs brand-new, one-block-away sibling, Bar Volpe.). Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions. Dj vu! 3 Newbury St., Boston, 617-536-5700, thenewburyboston.com/dine/contessa. Compare. 131 Brighton Ave., Allston, 617-254-9759, carloscucinaitaliana.com. The building itself had been built before then, in the early 1700s, and it served as a dress goods business. Colman Andrews. We boast over 80 years of tradition in providing the best in homestyle Italian American cuisine, service . Where to Attend a Feast of the Seven Fishes Dinner Around Boston. On the non-frozen food front, Cabots also serves breakfast all day, in addition lunch and dinner. Cafe Gia Ristorante 3. In Manhattan's Little Italy, multiple dining rooms and seating capacities over 100 are the norm. Just order the whole menu at Bar Mezzana, which features coastal Italian cuisine. You'll often find owner James Bari seated outside this small eight-table restaurant which dates back to 1968. This Inman Square icon actually opened in 1919 and its fondly called the S&S Deli by many locals. 9. An exclusively Italian wine list complements the menu, and guests looking for something stronger can opt for a number of classic Italian aperitivi. Not modern, I'm talking a spaghetti and meatballs, we live in Maverick Square and it's absolutely fine. Anthony Francos Pizzeria & Ristorante. Here, the toppings go underneath the sauce, supposedly baking more flavor into the dough. And, of course, this South End joint (and its sister space in Newton) expertly executes classic Italian cocktails, like the Negroni. Iconic, North End restaurant and bar with an old world decor, serving traditional and updated Italian-American and southern Italian fare since 1931. . Trattoria Il Panino, Bostons self-proclaimed original trattoria, is practically a North End landmark. You will leave Royles nightly dinner parties feeling full, and in more ways than one. Tucked away in Beacon Hill, this underground eatery is the epitome of intimate. Dessert options include a killer Nutella pizzaneed we say more? Hailing from Newport, RI, this eaterywhich is part of the employee-owned Newport Restaurant Groupfeatures a large, social bar that's perfect for enjoying highly shareable, Italian-accented plates. This is a review for italian restaurants in Boston, MA: "Being spoiled as a child by my dad's side of the family who is Italian I am very picky when it comes to eating Italian food in restaurants. Its impossible to cover Bostons oldest restaurants without shining a spotlight on Union Oyster House. Chef Colin Lynchs oft-changing crudo preparations are where to start at this coastal Italian-inspired stunner. Here are 13 of Boston.com readers' favorite gone-but-not-forgotten restaurants: Aku-Aku Cambridge "The pu pu platter at the Aku-Aku in Cambridge (Fresh Pond). Food-wise, Casa Romero offers a plethora of decadent dishes like huitlacoche-loaded Jumbo Shrimp and Mole Poblano Enchiladasand the restaurants cocktail list is no slouch either. REENADED . Amongst the traditional, home-cooked items that could come across your plate: meatballs, veal cutlets, calamari braised broccoli rabe, carbonara and pesto. Come along for the ride! This historic buildingwith the low ceilings to prove its agemay have hosted the likes of Paul Revere, Benjamin Franklin and President George Washington, and today, its a must-see local favorite. Warren Tavern is worth visiting for the history alone, but fortunately, the food and drink here is top-notch as well. J.J. Foley's is equipped with a pretty sizable beer list, but dont miss out on its dinner menuon a rainy day, nothing quite compares to a serving of Duck Poutine Fries paired with a healthy dose of Shepherds Pie. The atmosphere is laid back, and you can almost picture old fishing boats pulling up to the dock full of fresh catch back in the day. Mida features must-eat pasta, some of the best arancini in town, and more. This cozy family-owned venue has been in operation since 1909, providing visitors with ample opportunity to enjoy a refreshing pint of Guinness served at a pre-Prohibition bar. Angelo's Taverna This Newton family favorite has been scooping ice cream since 1969. Yvonnes the former home of the legendary Locke-Ober restaurant, which opened in 1875 and closed in 2012. If you're a human and see this, please ignore it. If you head here on theweekends, you'll find a whole slew of Italian-inspired dishes, including beautiful plates of fresh pasta. I highly recommend the Chickenmore, I've had Italian food in Italy most recently, so I was searching for something to fill my longingmore, It's one of those old school large portion Italian American spot with old school Italian Americanmore, Old school Italian joint with quality food. Asian FusionBreakfast & BrunchSaladCharlestown, Locally owned business, we specialize in Restaurant, Culinary Programming, Catering, Food Truck and Community Outreach. The reality is, it takes a lot of hard work and something truly special to keep an eatery up and running for decadesif not more. Also worth noting: Bricco is one of the best late-night dining options in the North End, serving delicious dishes until 2am on weekends. 12 Excellent Allston Restaurants That Deliver. Spotlighting New England cuisine in a modern way, Harvest has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions. The chef behind the restaurant, Ken Oringer, is a James Beard award-winner, serves Barcelona style small plates (both hot and cold) including anchovies, olives, smoked eggplant, and garlic shrimp. Sicilian staples like arancini mingle with classic Italian-American dishesFettuccine alla Carbonara, Veal Milanese, and Eggplant Parmigiana, to name a fewand all dishes pair perfectly with a glass of Mediterranean wine, a pint of local beer, or one of Cantina Italianas many martinis and spritzes. Weve got the best red sauce joints, fine dining and weeknight carb spots around. The Absolute Best Italian Restaurants in Boston From historic red sauce joints in the North End to new openings with pizza, pasta, and more. Perfect for pizza and a ballgame on a weekday afternoon, this family-owned classic gets packed on weekend nights. Taranta is one of the most unique Italian restaurants in the North End, and probably in all of greater Boston. The South Boston spot gives Akunowicz a chance to serve dishes that dont fit into the Fox & the Knife concept, and shes able to create and sell fresh pasta in the larger space. Fans of Schlows dearly-departed Via Matta can enjoy old-school chicken parm or rigatoni with spicy fennel sausage ragu. Go here for piles of tortellini with ham and cream, spicy penne arrabbiata, and views of bustling Hanover Street from the restaurants coveted year-round, heated patio. 16-18 Highbury Cor, London N5 1RD, UK. We uncover the best of the city and put it all in an email for you. If you'd rather take your Italian carbs in noodle form, definitely check out its list of inviting and inventive pasta dishes, like its campanelle with chorizo bolognese or spaghetti with shrimp and serrano chili scampi. Built in 1855, the hotel saw a slew of famous visitors, like Dickens, Emerson, and Kennedy and people who later became famous also worked there, like Ho Chi Minh, who was a baker, and Malcolm X, who was a busboy. / Photo provided. Note: Map points are not ranked; they are in alphabetical order. Trattoria Il Panino 1102 Italian $$North End Closed until 10:30 AM "phones and activating the flashlight feature. These are only the best to get you started and keep you coming back. We already have this email. via Strega. As the name suggests, though, co-chef-owner Jamie Bissonnette is a snout-to-tail masterso go ahead, please order the Italian grinder. Share one of the pear-, gorgonzola-, and prosciutto-topped pies, try the eggy chitarra carbonara, or indulge in the chili-flaked meatballs to discover why it remains a hit with so many regulars. This Brookline mainstay tends to lean in the direction of northern Italy, based on owners Josh and Jen Ziskins time in Italys Piedmont region. 17. Overall, Genesio ranks as one of the best traditional Italian restaurants in the Boston area -- outranking many of Boston's highly regarded, heavily advertised and promoted Italian restaurants. 1. Food-wise, this place will let you carb up on American comfort food and cool down on milk shakes. Ask the friendly, knowledgeable staff for suggested wine pairings. One of the younger entries on the list, East Coast Grill opened in Inman Square in 1985 and is known for its seafood not to mention its fiery fare, especially on its popular "Hell Nights." [Photo: Facebook], Family-owned since 1929, James Hook & Company has become a giant and well-loved lobster purveyor. The Boston Cream Pie was reportedly created here around the turn of the century, along with the restaurants famous Parker House Rolls. The Hottest New Restaurants in Boston, March 2023. Down in the deepest southern reaches of Dorchester, one of the nations most unsung political stomping grounds exists in the form of the Eire Pub. Bostons North End is famous for its fantastic Italian fare, but in terms of history, theres no beating Cantina Italiana. This dark, suave neighborhood pioneer of alta cucina remains one of the North Ends see-and-be-seen spotsespecially when it comes to those coveted, front window seats overlooking Hanover Street. Located in the former Charles Street jail, now the Liberty Hotel, the contemporary Italian-ish cuisine isnt your Nonnas ravioli. It is the last true dining car in Boston proper, making it a local landmark. While Boston is certainly fresh-faced compared to places like Damascus, Athens, or Xi'an, this centuries-old city is a veritable senior citizen by U.S. standards. If all youve ever wanted in life is to have an Italian family welcome you into their home and shower you with food, you need to get yourself to Nappis and fast. This was "EASILY The BEST Italian Restaurant I've been to in my entire 24 years of life 07/30/1998. Landing a table at Contessa is one of the toughest gambits in townbut as our own restaurant critic discovered during his visits, its absolutely worth the effort. Oops. Laid out in this map, there are restaurants and pubs from the whole range of "classics." Chiapparelli's Restaurant 4. Post up at the large communal counter for a front row seat to all of the kitchen action, or grab a bite to-go and find a bench along the channel for a waterside picnic. There are so many ways to love this instant South End classic. Geppetto. Creative small plates feature fresh ingredients, with flavors that pop thanks to microgreens and garnishes grown nearby. 39 tips and reviews Kelly Robertson: If you are looking for an authentic Italian experience, this is the place! Seafood, American, Italian. Monica's Mercato. When you visit, youll find a relaxing pub vibe with dishes ranging from traditional New England breadcrumb-topped baked haddock to spicy salmon tacos. This beloved old-timer first appeared on Hanover Street in 1931 and currently serves as the oldest operating restaurant in the entire neighborhoodan admirable feat for an area so flush with historic landmarks and businesses. For a taste of as much of the menu as possible, try the prix fixe menu with optional wine pairings. Try another? Opened in 1926 by Luigi D'Auria, this Thacher Street spot has been run by the Polcari family. This Medford restaurant is known for its total lack of menu and for cooking incredible meals based on what you love to eat and what they have in the kitchen. The family is now looking to expand their business in the Waterfront by adding a residential tower and restaurant. In 1827, Eldridge Park bought the place with his partners, John Durgin and . Its amari menu is vast (order a custom flight to try a range), and its focaccia is irresistibly cheese-stuffed. Stoll's casual Pizzeria Delfina is next door, serving some of the best thin-crust pizzas in town. Make it a priority to celebrate The Hubs unique past by visiting some of these longstanding mainstays. Located in South Boston, where it has been for over a century, Amrheins boasts the oldest hand-carved bar in America as well as the first draft beer pump in Boston. newsletter, 3484 Washington St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130, Where Bostons Top Chefs Like to Dine Out, Where to Eat Dumplings in and Around Boston. "Stocked with the best olive oils, pastas and other specialty products.".