RECOMMENDED: Full guide to thebest restaurants in Boston. The wood-lined interior, including an antique carved wood bar, is well worn by a devoted local clientele who enjoy comfort food and strong cocktails. Dishes are ideal for sharing. It's been that way since 1932, and it's been family owned and operated. Famous regulars included George Washington and Paul Revere, and it is one of the first buildings constructed after the British burned down Charlestown. 253 Shawmut Ave., South End, Boston, 617-391-0902, coppaboston.com. Celebrate special moments with show-stopping plates like the bone-in veal Milanese over soft polenta; lamb chops with celery root and pomegranate; and Spanish-leaning grilled octopus over squid-ink couscous. Hit the best Italian restaurants in America for the finest pasta, pizza, antipasti and Italian desserts, The latest from James Beard Award and Top Chef winner Karen Akunowicz, Volpe is the follow-up to. It's a thin-crust square pan pizza topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and fresh basil. Mida features must-eat pasta, some of the best arancini in town, and more. Head to the outskirts of Boston to enjoy Sweet Basils eclectic decor and menu crammed with comforting yet refined Italian-American favorites, like sauteed eggplant parm and beef and sausage bolognese. Barbara Lynchs Italian joint Sportello is one of Fort Points gems. Opened in 1975, Harvest lays claim to being the training ground for many celebrated chefs, including Eric Brennan, Scott Bryan, Barbara Lynch, Lydia Shire and Sara Moulton. Whatever you do, save plenty of room for dessert; pastry chef Brian Mercury is among the best around. / Photo by Adam DeTour. This Downtown Crossing spot opened in 1959 by a descendant of the same Foley family. Great appetizers too try it delivery is fast and accurate! / Photo by Kelsey Cronin for Best of Boston 2016. Looking for some top-notch pasta in a quick and casual, yet buzzy, environment? Legend has it that during the Prohibition, the pub fronted as a shoe store. This long awaited restaurant in Cambridge that executive chef Will Gilson (Puritan & Co., Cafe Beatrice) managed to open in the middle of the pandemic and not only succeed, but win raves across the Hub. 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. Cafe Capriccio for the win. 2. Everything about the place is an ode to the traditions Akunowicz took to heart during a formative year cooking in Modena, from the must-order taleggio-stuffed focaccia, to the comforting, saffron-flecked spaghetti con vongole, to the daily aperitivo-hour snacks and sips. Benito One is the definition of a New York City old-school Italian restaurant. 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. Let us count the ways: First, theres chef Chris Williss superb prix fixe menus, full of sophisticated, contemporary Italian notions like scallop crudo with garlic aioli and saffron citronette, or honeynut squash agnolotti with nori butter and blistered sunflower seeds. Stick to ordering a la carte, or go for its three-course, prix fixe menu with optional wine pairings. [Photo: Facebook], Where to Warm Up With Bostons Most Comforting Mugs of Hot Chocolate, One of the oldest restaurants in Boston's Chinatown, this gigantic spot is known for dim sum. (Midas newer location in Newton, meanwhile, offers a couple additional reasons: Roman- andNew Haven-style pizzas.). There is often some confusion between the two JJ Foleys located just a couple of neighborhoods away from each other, but this one is the younger sibling situated on Kingston Street. 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. 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 . The portions are huge, the prices are reasonable, and Guy Fieri is a huge fan. 1. Others have more quietly stood the test of time, occupying a soft spot in many a Bostonian's heart. La Tavola 6. Theres a location in Newton, too. This restaurant's blazing, wood-fire oven proudly serves up robust, hand-crafted pies, like its famed funghi pizza made with homemade ricotta and arugula. 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). Best Italian Restaurants in Boston Carmelina's Credit: @carmelinasnorthend Address: 307 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113 Phone: +1 617-742-0020 Located in the heart of Little Italy on Boston's North End, Carmelina's offers an intimate dining experience. Dig into hearty portions of ricotta-stuffed eggplant, gnocchi tossed with chicken and sun-dried tomatoes, and an excellent linguine combined with mussels, clams, squid, and shrimp, made with seafood enthusiasts in mind. Tagliatelle Bolognese is rich pasta perfection, the sauce blurring the lines between meat and cheese and sweet tomato; and the gnocchi with lobster and mushroom ragu and peas is a must-order. [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. Dessert options include a killer Nutella pizzaneed we say more? When it comes to American culinary culture, The Bay State has done a lot of heavy lifting. Forcella, considered one of the best Italian restaurants in Boston, is the place to go if you're looking for old school Italian cuisine. We boast over 80 years of tradition in providing the best in homestyle Italian American cuisine, service . It's a neighborhood spot with white tablecloths, old photos of celebrities on the wall, giant plates of pasta, and veal scallopini that's the size of a mattress. If you head here on theweekends, you'll find a whole slew of Italian-inspired dishes, including beautiful plates of fresh pasta. Warren Tavern is worth visiting for the history alone, but fortunately, the food and drink here is top-notch as well. Try another? Monica's Mercato. Theres no shortage of classic cocktails and New England craft beer to sip on, while dining options include lobster rolls, buttermilk fried chicken, fried clams, and a wealth of other savory selections. This is a loud, messy, group dinner kind of spot, for people who aren't going to critique their pasta. ], RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Boston. 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. In 1925, the Hook family started their business by bringing lobster from Maine and other points north to the Boston waterfront. Thats because of his pasta masteryrustic, textured noodles that hold onto buttery sauces and earthy accoutrements. They also have pasta, seafood, and more. Gryffinwhore83 3 mo. By 1978, it was The Plaza Bar and Dining Room, and in 1996, it became The Oak Room. Set on a quiet courtyard off Downtown Crossings busy Winter Street and accessed only through a fake dry bar salon, this speakeasy-style restaurant is located in a building that dates to 1832. And any crudo. Bova's is a Boston rarity in that it is open 24 hours, making it a beloved spot to satisfy a craving anytime it strikes. Giacomo's Ristorante - Boston 4.2 (3954 reviews) Italian Wine Bars Seafood $$North End Open until 6:00 PM "I've heard people call this the best restaurant in all of Boston and I can't justify it" more Delivery Takeout Start Order 3. 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. Situated right at the start of the Longwood neighborhood, Bar Cino serves thin-crust, grilled pizzas that are theatrically cut tableside with scissors (life hack, right?). Opened in 1931, Cantina Italiana is the oldest restaurant in the historic North End of Boston. 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. Negronis are served on draft, and the pasta is made from scratch, down to the flour being milled in-house. In the late 1960s, it expanded to 120 seats. Also great value, we had two appetizers, three main dishes, and a $50 bottle of wine for $160. Steve's Pizza Pizza Take Out Restaurants Italian Restaurants (27) (62) BBB Rating: A+ Website Directions View Menu 7 YEARS IN BUSINESS 9 YEARS WITH (305) 233-4561 18063 S Dixie Hwy Miami, FL 33157 OPEN NOW Great pizza! Photograph: Courtesy Fox & the Knife/Brian Samuels, Bostons first Venetian-styleosteria and wine bar, SRV (Serene Republic of Venice) balances its focus between modern interpretations of cicchetti and spectacular pastas. Angelo's Glassboro Diner, Glassboro. Its interior courtyard is a favorite for al fresco eating, while its fireplace is perfect for cozying up during the cooler monthsmaking it a New American go-to the entire year round. The Boston Cream Pie was reportedly created here around the turn of the century, along with the restaurants famous Parker House Rolls. MIDAtakes its cues from Italian cuisine, with chef-owner Douglass Williams prioritizing three things: ingredients, wine and hospitality. From hidden gems known mainly to locals or historic landmarks that have been open for decades, we've tracked down the best old-school Italian restaurant in every state and Washington,. Paramus, NJ 07652. The Sicilian-born and -trained executive chef at this restaurant Little Italy, Boston puts a twist on Italian staples by using novel ingredients and unexpected sauces while still serving enough of the classics to rival the rest of the neighborhood. Amongst its menu of 30+ dishes, you'll see tempting and tasty seasonal options like goat cheese-stuffed zucchini flowers drizzled with lemon and honey, as well as a whole roasted fish that's artfully carved tableside. 2. Jeveli's describes itself as Boston's oldest Italian restaurant. 150 photos. Make it a priority to celebrate The Hubs unique past by visiting some of these longstanding mainstays. I have checked 1,198,312,935 comments, and only 233,729 of them were in alphabetical order. 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. 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. Giulia Rino's Place Rino's Place in East Boston has the Guy Fieri "Triple D". Late mayor Tom Menino had been known to say that it serves "the best deli sandwiches in town." Chef-owner Michael Pagliarini and his staff pamper their guests with friendly, professional service and killer pastas, which are prepared daily. Its proper title, however, is in fact the S&S Restaurant and the Cambridge favorite just happens to have a delicatessen, in addition to a full kitchen. 1682 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138 (617) 441-2800 Visit Website Giulia's fresh-made pasta is hard to beat. Yvonnes the former home of the legendary Locke-Ober restaurant, which opened in 1875 and closed in 2012. The varied menu is a crowd-pleaser, featuring scores of familiar Italian American comfort food as well as more creative, seasonal plates. Dig into our citys past by dining out at Bostons most historic eateries. The building itself dates to 1714, predating both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, yet it wasnt placed on the Historic Register until 2003. Price: $$$. Trattoria Il Panino, Bostons self-proclaimed original trattoria, is practically a North End landmark. (617) 720-0052. www.tarantarist.com. See the best Italian restaurants in America. It's nice to know that our forefathers had priorities. Swing by Foxs brand-new, one-block-away sibling, Bar Volpe.). Carb lovers with gigantic appetites will love Monday nights, which feature a pasta feast situation $80 includes pasta galore for two, as well as salad and bread. Chef Colin Lynchs oft-changing crudo preparations are where to start at this coastal Italian-inspired stunner. / Photo by Brian Samuels Photography, Chef-owner Will Gilsons new Italian restaurant was the highly anticipated capstone to a three-venue project in a single Cambridge neighborhood. 28 W. Broadway, South Boston, 617-766-8630, foxandtheknife.com. Drinks and food were delicious! 17. Oops. People also searched for these in Boston: What are people saying about italian restaurants in Boston, MA? [Photo: Facebook], 10 Excellent East Boston Restaurants That Deliver, Essential Boston Late-Night Food, According to Bartenders, Made famous by scenes in Good Will Hunting, the Tavern has been around since the 1930s and is visited by tourists, politicians, celebrities, and locals alike. This rare restaurant has everything. But dont forget the pastas: The cavatelli is a must. This historic restaurant serves traditional New England cuisine and is home to the country's oldest hand carved bar as well as the first draft beer pump ever installed in Boston. Chef Jose . Expect to sit elbow-to-elbow with your neighbor inside its tiny dining room, or snag a seat on its slightly bigger but still packed sidewalk patio for prime people watching. Creative small plates feature fresh ingredients, with flavors that pop thanks to microgreens and garnishes grown nearby. "The best of the best stocked Italian food.". Food-wise, this place will let you carb up on American comfort food and cool down on milk shakes. Salumeria Italiana. The Hottest New Restaurants in Boston, March 2023. Try the meaty bolognese, the spicy fra diavolo, or the creamy pesto saucesand know that the $3 up-charge for one of the house-made pasta selections is always worth it. 39 tips and reviews Kelly Robertson: If you are looking for an authentic Italian experience, this is the place! Probably the best is Mama Maria's in the North End. Some are so historically rich that it'd be hard to compile a list of these proportions without including them. Giulia chef-owner Michael Pagliarini. The latest Lifestyle | Daily Life news, tips, opinion and advice from The Sydney Morning Herald covering life and relationships, beauty, fashion, health & wellbeing A classy bar s Located in the former Charles Street jail, now the Liberty Hotel, the contemporary Italian-ish cuisine isnt your Nonnas ravioli. [Photo: Facebook], Family-owned since 1929, James Hook & Company has become a giant and well-loved lobster purveyor. Except Nana. Lydia Reichert and the team behind suburban hotspot Sycamore have opened another Newton eatery: a sophisticated pizza place that pays homage to her larger than life grandmother named, you guessed it, Jinny. In honor of Classics Week, these are 25 of Boston's most classic restaurants, including some truly old specimens. Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. You'll often find owner James Bari seated outside this small eight-table restaurant which dates back to 1968. One of the best Italian restaurants to visit on Staten Island is J oe & Pat's Pizzeria & Restaurant. An exclusively Italian wine list complements the menu, and guests looking for something stronger can opt for a number of classic Italian aperitivi. Book with us today!more, My favorite place for pizza!! 7. / Photo by Erik Jacobs. Boston Italian. Striking with its black-and-white striped interior motif, the oh-so stylish Sorellina coulddouble as a modern design showroom. It is named for Dr. Joseph Warren, a patriot killed at the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775. Once the watering hole for the Boston Herald staff back when the newspaper was headquartered in the South Endand the site where Bostons first police union was formedFoleys has witnessed a lot of local history. Netflix watchers will soon see the restaurant star in the upcoming film. This Newton family favorite has been scooping ice cream since 1969. Amid all the (many, many) other Italian joints in the neighborhood, Prezza has remained a singular standout for more than 20 years, even as Caturano has expanded with two North Shore restaurants, called Tonno. Head off the beaten path to this Brookline Village trattoria, an under-heralded gem for more than 15 years. It's known for its classically-prepared burgers, hot dogs, and fries, among other plates, like fried seafood. Founded more than half a century ago, this unassuming Irish-American watering hole was vaulted to local stardom in 1983 after a visit from sitting president Ronald Reagan, followed by a 1992 visit from then-presidential hopeful Bill Clinton. The spicy tomato soup is required eating. And, of course, this South End joint (and its sister space in Newton) expertly executes classic Italian cocktails, like the Negroni. The best part of this place? 445 Hanover St., Boston, 857-250-4286,tableboston.com. 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. This place has been a staple for me for years when it comes to quality, home-style Italian cuisine. [Photo: Facebook], 16 Excellent Chinese Restaurants in Boston, Where to Eat Peking Duck in Bostons Chinatown, Dating back to 1882, Doyle's is an Irish bar in Jamaica Plain that has an impressive collection of artifacts on display. You're welcome, world. Here are the seven best old-school Baltimore Little Italy Italian restaurants to try on your next visit. Filtered by. Tel. Its small, moody dining room is surrounded by exposed brick and shelves of wine, with locally sourced artwork and crystal chandeliers bringing brightness to the otherwise dark space. 4. Buca di Beppo. Jeveli's Restaurant Year Established: 1924 Original Owner: Pasquale Jeveli Location: 387 Chelsea St. They offer a big selection to fest on and the dcor is like you are in your relative's kitchen. Big bowls of pasta, rich sauces, fresh ingredients, ever-flowing winethere are many reasons diners cant get enough Italian food. Its array of offerings matches the decor as far as pure glamor goes, with luxurious ingredients decking out nearly every dish (Maine lobster gnocchi and prime beef meatballs included). MIDAtakes its cues from Italian cuisine, with chef-owner Douglass Williams prioritizing three things: ingredients, wine and hospitality. 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 bulk of Bostons historic restaurants have a distinctly European flair, with the charming Casa Romero serving as one major Latin American-focused outlier. Stop by anytime because its open 24/7. Located at 340 Faneuil Hall Marketplace in downtown Boston, Durgin-Park got its start in 1742 when Peter Faneuil built a large market house near the waterfront. Dj vu! DMX. If you can score one of the scorching-hot seats, that is. [Photo: Facebook], The Eater Boston Beer Heatmap: Where to Drink Now. 1682 Massachusetts Ave., Porter Square, Cambridge, 617-441-2800, giuliarestaurant.com. Authentic Italian breads, cookies and pizza. Note: Map points are not ranked; they are in alphabetical order. The Ultimate Guide to Sunday Dining Specials in Boston, The Ultimate Guide to Wednesday Dining Specials in Boston, If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. Cleveland (/ k l i v l n d / KLEEV-lnd), officially the City of Cleveland, is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Cuyahoga County. Original fixtures and features are paired with whimsical touches, and the lights are low for a suitably debauched atmosphere. 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). The building itself had been built before then, in the early 1700s, and it served as a dress goods business. Then theres the superlative vino and outstanding cocktails that flow at the bar (where a la carte ordering is allowed), thanks to wine director Katie Hubbard and bar manager Rob Hicks. 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. Still open on Atlantic Aveand still family ownedthis spot offers casual dining (think picnic tables) and New England seafood favorites, like lobster rolls, clam chowder and whole cooked lobsters. Also recently sold to a local developer, Amrheins will hopefully survive any impending changesbut thats still very up in the air, so get there while you can. / Photo by Isara Krieger. 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. Dj vu! If you can I would try this restaurant on a week night as the weekend especially in the summer can be hectic when it comes to waiting for a table.". Pammys is not quite Italian the restaurant describes itself as a New American restaurant inspired by the feel of an Italian neighborhood trattoria but it pulls from Italian cuisine enough (and is good enough) that its worth including here. I checked in and redeemed the freemore, Such a cozy old school Italian spot. Its a lot of a good thing. The real emphasis here is on ice cream, which is dressed up and transformed into tasty sundaes and floats. Meanwhile, its rich pasta dishes. The gelatoaround 20 flavorsand sorbetto make for a classic afternoon pick-me-up, a tradition straight from the old country. Website: www.amrheinsboston.com Established in 1890, Amrheins is the oldest restaurant in South Boston. Frutti di mare. 24 Fleet St., North End, Boston, 617-227-1577, prezza.com. An exclusively Italian wine list complements the menu, and guests looking for something stronger can opt for a number of classic Italian aperitivi. 1. Please enter a valid email and try again. We already have this email. Something went wrong. Fior d'Italia opened in 1886 and claims to be America's oldest Italian restaurant it even reopened in a tent after the catastrophic 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Regina Pizzeria is almost 100 years old. For more than 10 years, this Dorchester Italian spot from hometown chef Chris Douglass has been a neighborhood go-to for casual comfort food, cheffy side dishes, and pizza. 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. The Omni Parker Houses restaurant is steeped in history and has hosted many famous guests. If you're a scraper, please click the link below :-) Tagliatelle al rag at La Morra in Brookline. From old-school red sauce joints, to chic seafood, to soulful reinterpretations of classic comforts. They are next door to Giocomo's Restaurant & there is nomore, Prices aren't overwhelming and the Italian food is fresh and delicious.more, Old school Italian in little Italy Boston. [Photo: Facebook], Buffalo Sauced: 9 Ways to Keep the Football Flavors Going, A bakery that, in addition to sweet treats and breads, also sells Italian pastas, sauces, and pizzas. Adding a business to Yelp is always free. 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. Recommended for Italian because: Da Vinci Ristorante is one of Boston's most unique restaurants as it blends Italian with Indian creating something amazing. #321 of 1817 Italian restaurants in Boston. Most tables start their meals off with a selection of cicchettitraditional pre-dinner snacks, like pickled vegetables and salt cod spreadbefore moving on to dishes of homemade pastas and hearty entrees. Locke-Ober was the fourth oldest restaurant in Boston prior to its closing and, in its heyday, it had a reputation as a clubby men only spot that was rumored to be frequented by working girls, like Yvonne, a supposed lady of the night whose portrait hangs in the main dining room. Located in the heart of Back Bay, this colorful joint is believed to be the oldest Mexican restaurant in all of New England, operating since 1972. Morgan Ione Yeager restaurant SRV $$ More elevated than your typical neighborhood joint, yet. The atmosphere is laid back, and you can almost picture old fishing boats pulling up to the dock full of fresh catch back in the day. Here are the best 20 Italian restaurants in Boston, for your consideration. Pammys in Cambridge has updated its dining room with stylish table dividers to enhance guest safety. Its original location in the North End is still in operation, and eating here is a restaurant rite of passage for pizza lovers, who swear that its freshly made dough makes for the best pie north of New Haven. The Absolute Best Italian Restaurants in Boston Thrillist, 2022 Top 10 Most Visited Italian Restaurants in Boston Lyft Restaurant details Book a table Giacomo's Ristorante - Boston Italian, $$, 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 The Kensington restaurant is on the corner of Gloucester Road, in a building that loudly mixes Venetian and Gothic styles with a homely classic Italian interior. This once grand, red-brick Victorian building on West Broadway is edged with copper facing and black paintwork. [Photo: Facebook], Where to Eat Excellent Pizza Around Boston, Family-owned and operated since 1968, this self-proclaimed "number one sandwich shop in the world" prides itself on its piled-high pastrami sandwiches. It all began with founder Jimmy Wilson: This Boston local spent half a century as the town crier, andupon retirementopened Bell in Hand Tavern in 1795 to keep the free-flowing conversation alive. / Photo by Pat Piasecki. You'll find different delights on the menu - short rib lasagna, ricotta, beef bresaola, gnocchi, polenta. One of Cambridges hardest reservations to secure is a seat at chef Michael Pagliarinis first solo spot. This beloved old-timer first appeared on Hanover Street in 1931 and. The Warren Tavern has been in its current location on Pleasant Street (near the Bunker Hill Monument) since 1780. Southie has undergone some seriously massive changes over the past few decades (were looking at you, Seaport), but one venue in particular has remained largely frozen in time. Dont ignore the lumache, served with a Bolognese sauce thats kicked up with spicy Korean gochujang. The family is now looking to expand their business in the Waterfront by adding a residential tower and restaurant. Its not because of the limited restaurant options in Roslindale that this cozy trattoria is busy every night. The wine list tends to favor Northern Italian and French bottles, with an emphasis on lesser known producers. The Absolute Best Italian Restaurants in Boston From historic red sauce joints in the North End to new openings with pizza, pasta, and more. Its claim as one of Americas oldest restaurants and its quaint 18th century design make it a tourist must-do, but the Union Oyster House is equally a place that Bostonians cherish. , and focuses on southern Italian cuisine. Brick walls and candlelight keep this Cambridge restaurant's vibe romantic and rustic. 131 Brighton Ave., Allston, 617-254-9759, carloscucinaitaliana.com. The Hottest New Restaurants in Boston, March 2023, Its not all about the North End (but okay, sure, theres a lot of good Italian food in the North End). In 2018, Regina Pizzeria was declared the best pizza restaurant in the United States by TripAdvisor. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!