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Italian Restaurants in Boston For Your Next Pasta Craving

Boston is the capital and most populated city in Massachusetts. It’s one of the state’s most visited cities and features several top places to visit, like Fenway Park, Boston Common, and the Boston Marathon route.

osso buco steak at boston italian restaurants

While the city is mainly known for its sports events, history, and culture, Boston’s food scene thrives and attracts visitors from around the world.

So whether you’re looking for the perfect restaurant for an inmate dinner for two, a small quaint family restaurant, or a vibrant place to have drinks with the girls, Boston has it all.

Here’s my list of best Italian Restaurants in Boston to try the next time you visit the area.


Coppa Enoteca

253 Shawmut Ave, Boston, MA 02118
Phone: 617-391-0902
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Coppa Enoteca is a cozy, intimate Italian restaurant that provides indoor and outdoor dining. This neighborhood favorite is located in Boston’s South End.

It is owned and operated by two James Beard award-winning chefs, Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette.

While the restaurant offers a seasonal menu that changes regularly depending on the season, the housemade pasta, pizzas, and famous Italian small plates always feature fresh, seasonal ingredients that highlight Boston’s local flavors.

Coppa is open seven days a week and offers takeout and delivery. Reservations can be made online for indoor seating only, while the expansive outdoor dining is available first come and may be limited due to weather.

I love the outdoor seating, but if you don’t have time for a full dining experience, this restaurant also offers deliveries.


SRV

569 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA 02118
Phone: 617-536-9500
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SRV is one of my favorite Italian restaurants in Boston. SRV stands for Serene Republic of Venice. As indicated by the name, this is a Venetian-style joint with authentic foods that have a modern twist.

The restaurant is in the historic South End of Boston and is not to be missed. Chefs Michael Lombardi, Ted Hawkins, and Jim Cochener specialize in the following items:

  • Petite plate cuisine
  • Pasta made of house-milled flour
  • Made-to-order risotto

The best part? This stunning restaurant has a classic wine list and various specialty cocktails. In addition, private dining for corporate events or special occasions with family and friends is available.

I recommend making a reservation as the times I’ve gone, it’s been fairly busy.


Bar Mezzana

360 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02118
Phone: 617-530-1770
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If you’re in the mood for sleek, upscale cuisine, Bar Mezzana is the place to be. Located on Harrison Ave, this South End Boston restaurant features an Italian coastal flare complete with homemade pasta and an award-winning Crudo menu.

Chef Colin Lynch and his partners take the traditional Italian cuisine to the next level while delivering an exquisite wine and cocktail list paired specially with your meal. Indoor and outdoor seating is available, and reservations are recommended.

Bar Mezzana provides the best service and hospitality whether you’re looking for an elegant dining experience for two or need a place to host a private event.


Giulia

1682 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: 617-441-2800
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Located near Harvard University in Cambridge, the Giulia restaurant highlights the old-world charm of Italy while providing a one-of-a-kind Italian experience featuring the best Italian cuisine like handmade fresh pasta.

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Reservations are required for parties of up to six guests for indoor and outdoor dining and can be made 6 months in advance.

You can reserve the Pasta Bar for larger parties, a beautiful custom-made pasta table that seats 7-12 guests.

You will enjoy an elegant family-style meal while enjoying the best southern hospitality. The desserts at this restaurant stand out.

If you get a chance to go, I recommend the cherry cobbler with goat cheese or the strawberry shortcake with whipped mascarpone.


Sorellina

1 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02116
Phone: 617-412-4600
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Open nightly for dinner, Sorellina provides an elevated Italian experience serving the most sophisticated Italian-Mediterranean cuisine.

This upscale, modern restaurant is located in the historic Copley Square and provides the perfect setting for an elegant dinner for two or a top-notch place to host a private event.

Valet parking is available for a fee, and public parking is only a short walk from the restaurant. Reservations are highly recommended.

I love going here to celebrate special occasions as I love the delicious food and stunning venue.


Fox & The Knife

28 W Broadway, Boston, MA 02127
Phone: 617-766-8630
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Fox & The Knife is a family-owned and operated Italian Enoteca and restaurant located in the heart of Boston on West Broadway.

Chef Karen Akunowicz puts her heart and soul into every dish as she draws inspiration from when she lived in Modena, Italy.

The restaurant provides a warm, inviting atmosphere while serving the finest Italian cuisine. Each meal is prepared with the Italian culture and delivers the most refined wine list to please any palette.

In my opinion, the Fox & The Knife restaurant is one of the best contemporary Italian restaurants in Boston.

Nothing beats their Lasagna Verde and Dirty Chai Affogato!


MIDA

782 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02118
Phone: 617-936-3490
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You can’t visit Boston without dining at MIDA. This quaint neighborhood Italian restaurant is owned and operated by Chef Douglass Williams.

Named one of the top10 best chefs in America in 2020, Chef Williams puts a little piece of himself in every dish. 

Hence, the restaurant’s name – MIDA, which means “he gives me.” Indoor and outdoor dining is available, and reservations can be made online or by phone.

Parking is also available in the Stanhope Garage, located only one block from the restaurant. If you require a private event, MIDA provides an in-home and corporate catering service with a customizable menu.

I’ve used their catering services before, and it didn’t disappoint. The food was exquisite, and the service was friendly.


Pammy’s

928 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139
Phone: 617-945-1761
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Located between Cambridge Central and Harvard Square, Pammy’s is a cozy yet sophisticated restaurant that highlights the culture and cuisine of the Italian trattoria.

The restaurant features a dual-opening fireplace wrapped in white ceramic, central to its chic vibe.

Pammy’s restaurant provides a unique dining experience by developing an a-la-carte style menu where guests pay a fixed fee and receive a three-course meal.

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I recommend trying the Ricotta Caramelle and the Lamp Chops. Reservations for parties of six or less can be made up to 30 days in advance and can be booked online.

Unfortunately, no reservations can be made for parties of six or more.


Prezza

24 Fleet St, Boston, MA 02113
Phone: 617-227-1577
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Prezza is one of Boston’s North End premiere Italian restaurants. The restaurant serves exquisite Italian cuisine and provides the finest wines from Italy to California.

Guests can choose from over 6,000 bottles to pair with their meal. Along with their traditional menu items, this authentic Italian restaurant provides nightly specials that are simply mouth-watering.

Guests always receive:

  • Top-notch service
  • Delicious Italian food with the freshest ingredients
  • A complete dining experience for all occasions

You don’t need a reservation for Prezza. I love the extensive wine collection as there’s always something new to discover.


Rino’s Place

258 Saratoga St, Boston, MA 02128
Phone: 617-567-7412
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Located in East Boston, Rino’s Place is a respected pillar of the community that has been family owned and operated for 24 years.

Featured on Fox 25 morning show and The Food Networks Diners, Drive-In, & Dives, Chef Anthony DiCenso has turned this small family business into a thriving Italian restaurant.

Among other delectable dishes, the famous red sauce and ravioli are homemade to order and the best I’ve ever tasted.

Rino’s Place is open Monday through Friday for dine-in and takeout, and the specials change daily for lunch and dinner.

The atmosphere is more laidback, and the paninis are also exceptional!


Sportello

348 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210
Phone: 617-737-1234
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Sportello is one of the best Italian restaurants in Boston to host private events. The restaurant provides a sleek modern design featuring U-shaped counters and an open kitchen.

While it doesn’t have a private space in the restaurant, groups of 50 or more can reserve the entire restaurant for their special event.

The restaurant is casual yet sophisticated. The pasta is handmade, the service is second to none, and the wine list is exquisite.

Sportello delivers a complete dining experience. I recommend trying out their ravioli with black garlic!


Carmelina’s

307 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113
Phone: 617-742-0020
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Carmelina’s is located on Boston North End, in the heart of Little Italy. It provides a small, intimate dining experience whether you’re enjoying a much-needed date night or a night on the town with your friends.

Chef DiPaola has taken some of his family recipes and put a modern twist on the traditional Sicilian cuisine.

The dishes are comfort food at their best. I highly recommend trying the Ahi Tuna Arrabbiata and the Mushroom Rigatoni – you won’t be disappointed.


Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse

Multiple Locations
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While Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse has several locations, Boston’s Black Bay is now open for indoor dining.

The restaurant is spacious and elegant and serves only the best Italian food. With a focus on grilled Italian cuisine, the freshest ingredients are used to prepare your meal.

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Whether you’re in the mood for a mouth-watering aged steak or a simple handmade pasta dish. This modern restaurant has something for every taste.

Private dining is available for all occasions and can seat 15 to 100 guests. Each private dining room has its own look and vibe, but the elegance remains the same.


Galleria Umberto

289 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113
Phone: 617-227-5709

Galleria Umberto is one of Boston’s hotspots for authentic Italian pizza. Located on Hanover Street, this restaurant provides dine-in and takeout if you need to grab a bite to go.

When I visited, I tried the Vegetarian pizza. Although it sounds simple, this pizza was one of the best I had ever tasted.

The service was top-notch, and the atmosphere was charming, quaint, and comfortable. This spot is the perfect place to go with your family or for a casual lunch date.


Geppetto

75 N First St, Cambridge, MA 02141
Phone: 617-945-1349
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Geppetto is an Italian-inspired eatery. While Chef Gilson draws inspiration from the Italian culture, every dish is served with a modern twist without losing the traditional Italian flavors.

The pasta is housemade, the seafood is local, and the meat is always freshly butchered.

If you’re in the mood for authentic New England Italian-inspired cuisine, Geppetto is the restaurant to visit. I recommend starting with the fried Mozzarella; the cheese melts in your mouth every time.

As delicious as the food is, the decor also makes this restaurant worth visiting. Bold colors and busy artwork will keep your eyes occupied as you dine on delicious Italian food.


From elegant, modern Italian restaurants to small, quaint pizza takeout, Boston offers some of the best Italian cuisines.

These restaurants focus on the complete dining experience, serving only the freshest ingredients and top-notch service.

When visiting Boston, make sure to give these fantastic restaurants a try – you won’t be disappointed. And Italian isn’t the only cuisine Boston does right! The city has amazing Indian restaurants, too!

Do you have a suggestion for the best Italian restaurants in Boston? Make sure you leave a comment, and I’ll check it out!

Why Trust Us?

When it comes to local restaurant recommendations, we pride ourselves on being a reliable and trustworthy resource. Our suggestions are not just based on our personal experiences, ensuring a more authentic and well-rounded perspective, but also on extensive online research. We diligently searched the internet and reviewed 6 credible sites and blogs, including Bostonmagazine.com and Boston.eater.com. 

We compiled all the findings in one location and sorted them by the frequency of mentions to ensure you receive top-notch recommendations. We strive to present you with a curated list of establishments that truly stand out, allowing you to enjoy the best dining experiences possible. 

Interested in the sources we consulted? Check out the list of all 6 sites we referenced below this paragraph, offering transparency and an opportunity for our readers to explore further. Our commitment is to deliver trustworthy and unparalleled recommendations, helping you make informed decisions on your culinary journeys.

https://www.bostonmagazine.com/restaurants/best-italian-restaurants-boston/
https://boston.eater.com/maps/best-italian-food-boston
https://www.timeout.com/boston/restaurants/best-italian-restaurants-in-boston
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g60745-c26-Boston_Massachusetts.html
https://www.cozymeal.com/magazine/little-italy-boston
https://www.travelawaits.com/2879688/best-italian-restaurants-in-boston-north-end/

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Written by Brian Nagele

Brian attended West Virginia University, then started his career in the IT industry before following his passion for marketing and hospitality. He has over 20 years experience in the restaurant and bar industry.

As a former restaurant owner, he knows about running a food business and loves to eat and enjoy cocktails on a regular basis. He constantly travels to new cities tasting and reviewing the most popular spots.

Follow him on LinkedIn, Instagram, Quora, Google Guide and Facebook.