14 best Italian restaurants in Boston

What is it? This dark, suave neighborhood pioneer of alta cucina remains one of the North End’s see-and-be-seen spots—especially when it comes to those coveted, front window seats overlooking Hanover Street.

Why go? The varied menu is a crowd-pleaser, featuring scores of familiar Italian American comfort food as well as more creative, seasonal plates. 

We love: Don't sleep on the signature stuffed zucchini blossoms app, rich with truffle ricotta cheese, or the Ricotto Pillows entree with wild mushrooms. The Pappardelle with wild boar is divine. Bricco also has one of our favorite Espresso Martinis in town. 

Address: 241 Hanover St., Boston 02113

Opening hours: Mon-Thurs, Sun 4-11pm; Fri 4-2am; Sat noon-2am

What is it? Have a craving for Italian classics with a modern twist? Look no further than Geppetto in East Cambridge. Tucked within the Cambridge Crossing complex, this restaurant serves up serious Italian flavors in novel formats, thanks to celebrated chef-owner Will Gilson.

Why go? Guests looking to go big can indulge in the larger scale shareable feasts, like the swordfish kebabs, which are lightly smoked for added depth and topped with multi-herbed pesto. The beverages here are just as impressive as the plates; Choose from a deliberately curated wine list that includes lesser-known Italian varietals, or opt for one of the cocktails on tap, including a negroni and the now ubiquitous espresso martini.

We love: Make the most of your visit by starting off with one of the eatery’s incredible crudos, like the chili-drizzled tuna topped with fresh slices of pear and lardo (a buttery, melt-in-your mouth Italian salumi that makes each bite absolutely luxurious), before digging into some dishes of house-made pastas.

Address: 100 N First St, Cambridge 02141

Opening hours: Tues-Sat, starting at 5pm 

What is it? Right in the heart of SoWa-mere steps from the vibrant weekly Sunday Open Market-you can escape the hustle and relax at the city's newest Italian Riviera inspired restaurant, patio and bar. Note: Peep the recognizable lighted bubble staircase kept from the former (and sorely missed) Cinquecento.

Why go? Where to begin - the hand-rolled pastas, the steak selection, the beautiful outdoor space. The main dining room and two-story grand atrium with a 20-foot olive tree overlook the sprawling al fresco dining patio anchored by a large full service Cabana Bar and towering field stone fireplace.

We love: Order the Giardiniera Fritta, complete with vegetables from the local SoWa farmers market; and the Cioppino - local fish and shellfish seared and steamed with a velvety tomato lobster brodo poured over it. And the free lot parking is a unicorn in the neighborhood.

Address: 500 Harrison Avenue, Boston 02118

Opening hours:  Lunch: Sat and Sun starting at noon; Dinner: 4-10pm

What is it? Brick walls and candlelight keep this Cambridge restaurant's vibe romantic and rustic. Take a seat at the communal table for a truly European dining experience.

Why go? Chef-owner Michael Pagliarini and his staff pamper their guests with friendly, professional service and killer pastas, which are prepared daily. The all-Italian wine list pairs well with the menu, much of which has been inspired by the chef’s travels to Italy.

We love: With a menu that bobs and weaves with chef’s favorite ingredients, we have loved dishes such as duck wing and potato tortelli, artichoke and potato pansoti, and house made lamb sausage.

Address: 1682 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge 02138

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 5:30-9pm; Fri-Sat 5:30-10pm

What is it? Located in Boston's North End, Quattro effortlessly merges traditional Italian flavors with a buzzing ambiance. Under the expert guidance of a third-generation pizza maker from Naples, the kitchen at Quattro boasts an unparalleled expertise in crafting pizzas that will have you coming back again and again.

Why go? From the moment you step inside, the warm and inviting atmosphere sets the stage for a night out to remember. Each bite of the crispy, yet delightfully chewy crust, topped with the freshest ingredients and classic combinations, transports you to the streets of Naples in the heart of Boston.

We love: You had us at brick oven pizza - the Exotic Mushroom and the Neapolitan Pizza Fritta are on top. The pasta dishes are also sublime. Try the Pasta e Fagioli with Short Rib and the Gnocchi Sorrentina.

Address: 246 Hanover St., Boston 02113

Opening hours: Mon-Thurs, Sun 11am-11pm; Fri and Sat 11am-2am

What is it? Situated between Central and Harvard Squares, this hip trattoria has a slightly retro feel thanks to the amber glow of its globe lights and double-sided fireplace. For husband and wife team Chris and Pam Willis, who live right up the street, Pammy’s is an extension of their living room. The menu applies global ingredients to Italian preparations and creating fantastically flavored fusion food.

Why go? Nosh on handmade pastas, like its renowned lumache with bolognese and gojuchang, and strike up a conversation with your dining neighbors at the vintage salvaged communal table. Sexy cocktails, including its draft aperitivi, are not to be missed.

We love: All reservations are for their Choose-Your-Own Adventure Prix-Fixe Menu, where you’ll choose three dishes from dishes that have included Ora King Salmon Crudo, 48-hour Beef Tongue, Pork Milanese, and Lasagne Bianca. An A La Carte version of the menu is available daily in the Bar & Lounge. 

Address: 928 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge 02139

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 5-9:30pm (Bar: Last call 10:30); Fri-Sat 5-10:30pm (Bar: Last call 11:30)

What is it? Chef Karen Akunowicz, inspired by her time living and working in Modena, is the powerhouse behind Fox & the Knife. This modern enoteca is as much on a mission to foster a sense of community in South Boston as it is to create innovative, Italian-influenced food.

Why go? All of the eatery's pasta is rolled fresh onsite, just like Akunowicz learned in Emilia-Romanga. Not to mention, this is a culinary adventure grown from serious experience - Chef Akunowicz was the Executive Chef at acclaimed Boston eatery Myers + Chang which helped propel her 2018 win for James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef: Northeast.

We love: We strongly suggest you get the celebrated pepe e cacio, a reinterpretation of the Roman classic cacio e pepe that the Fox kitchen sprinkles with pink peppercorns and goat butter.

Address: 28 W Broadway, Boston 02127

Opening hours: Mon-Sun 4:30-10pm

What is it? This is Boston’s first Venetian-style osteria and wine bar. SRV (“Serene Republic of Venice”) balances its focus between modern interpretations of cicchetti and spectacular pastas.

Why go? Creative small plates feature fresh ingredients, with flavors that pop thanks to microgreens and garnishes grown nearby. Meanwhile, its rich pasta dishes—not to mention its risi e bisi—keep regulars coming back for more. An exclusively Italian wine list complements the menu, and guests looking for something stronger can opt for a number of classic Italian aperitivi. 

We love: As SRV specializes in cicchetti (small bites), pasta made fresh from locally-milled flour, made-to-order risotto, you can’t go wrong with any of these dishes.

Address: 569 Columbus Ave, Boston 02118

Opening hours: Mon-Wed 5-9pm (bar until 10 pm); Thu-Sat 5-10pm (bar until 11 pm); Sun 4-9pm (bar until 10 pm)

What is it? The latest from James Beard Award and Top Chef winner Karen Akunowicz, Volpe is the follow-up to Fox & the Knife, and focuses on southern Italian cuisine.

Why go? The South Boston spot gives Akunowicz a chance to serve dishes that don’t fit into the Fox & the Knife concept, and she’s able to create and sell fresh pasta in the larger space.

We love: Grab a seat at the gorgeous bar and tuck into cheeses from the mozzarella bar, Sardinian culurgiones and of course, a cool negroni. Try the Corn & Basil Doppio Raviolo, the Casarecce Al Nero with lobster, chili crisp, and squid ink or the Grilled Lamb Sausage with smoked eggplant.

Address: 170 W Broadway, Boston 02127

Opening hours: Mon-Sun 5-10pm 

What is it? Prezza has been serving authentic Italian cuisine in Boston's North End since owner/chef Anthony Caturano was just 25 years old. He combines the urbane sophistication of a downtown steakhouse with the intimacy of the trattorias that surround it—which is exactly why you’ll likely find as many back-slapping businessmen at the bar as you will couples canoodling in the booths.

Why go? Stemming from Caturano's Italian roots, there are expertly wood-grilled proteins that compete for attention with delicate, hand-made pastas, and a refined wine list ensures that there’s a fitting vintage to pair with every dish (they have more than 6,000 bottles of wine).

We love: “Gravy Sundays” includes specials that offer you traditional tastes like Cheese cannelloni and meatballs, Chicken Parmigiana and Veal Saltimbocca. The Aperitivo Menu also allows you to stimulate your appetite before your main meal with small bites like Spicy Sopressata, White Anchovy Crostini and Creamy Parmigiana Polenta.

Address: 24 Fleet St, Boston 02113

Opening hours: Sun-Wed 4-9pm; Thu-Sat 4pm-10pm

What is it? The main vibe of this South Shore landmark spot is mangia. The scene is vibrant and friendly, the plates heaping with overflowing pastas and sauces. 

Why go? The team at The Venetian know the best place is sitting around the table with family sharing a meal, so expect plates heaping with traditional Italian favorites. There's nothing but flavor when you grab a bite of their well-known Rigatoni Alla Vodka, House Parmigiana, and Chicken Marsala.

We love: The crazy sparkles of the holiday fill up the restaurant during its famous Holiday Pop-up, which starts seating for the season on October 1 and runs through January 31, 2026. The 360-degree installation of lush winter greenery, nearly 6,000 overhead ornaments, lights and holiday flare is legendary. 

Address: 909 Broad St., Weymouth 02189

Opening hours:  Mon-Thu, Sun 5-9pm (Bar until 10pm/11pm on Sun); Fri and Sat 5-10pm (Bar until 11pm)

What is it? With seafood-centric dishes on its menu (and a sister restaurant in Gloucester), Chef Anthony Caturano’s Wakefield spot relies on only the freshest ingredients and special catches right from the local harbor.
 
Why go? There’s a gorgeous outdoor patio, and the menu is a nod to all the Italian dishes you could ever want. Italian for “tuna,” Tonno features the country’s coastal dishes, such as Spicy Octopus "La Plancha” and Cioppino" (fish stew), along with traditional classics landlubber favorites like Chicken Parmigiana, Veal Milanese and Sunday Sauce on spaghetti with meatballs and sausage. Want to try just little bits and bites? Order off the Petite Portion menu.
 
We love: Nonna’s Family Dinner is a must. This family style take-out only feast allows you to set up your kitchen like Nonna would approve, with heaping portions of Chicken Parmesan, Meatballs, Rigatoni with Plum Tomato Sauce, Caesar Salad, Garlic Bread and more.

Address: 175 North Ave., Wakefield 01880

Opening hours: Sun-Thurs 3-9:30pm; Fri-Sat 3-10pm

What is it? Aqua Pazza is yet another solid Italian offering from Frank DePasquale's North End empire (Mare, Bricco, Trattoria il Panino) and is focused on fresh, simple and straightforward Italian cuisine reminiscent of the fare you might find on the Amalfi Coast.

Why go?  The romantic dining room is filled with wine bottles and crates, and gold curtains frame floor-to-ceiling windows that provide ample opportunity for people-watching.

We love: Amongst its menu of 30+ dishes, you'll see tempting and tasty seasonal options like goat cheese-stuffed zucchini flowers drizzled with lemon and truffle honey, as well as a whole roasted fish that's artfully carved tableside. Caviar service is always appreciated.

Address: 135 Richmond St, Boston 02109

Opening hours: Thu-Sun 5-11pm

What is it? Located atop The Newbury Boston, this elegant eatery serves more than just comforting Northern Italian fare—it also serves looks in a major way. The inside of this glass-enclosed, rooftop sanctuary seems like it’s a lush garden patio situated on a Tuscan hillside. But if you’re able to pry your eyes away from the beautiful interior for a minute, you’ll also see that this restaurant offers unreal views of the surrounding Back Bay.

Why go? Take a seat on one of Contessa’s plush chairs, order yourself a selection of salumi and a plate of fresh pasta, and raise your negroni to the cityscape before you. The menu’s classics include Piemontese carpaccio, feasts of antipasti, signature pizzas, tortellini en brodo, ricotta gnudi, and traditional bistecca Fiorentina.

We love: While the sweeping Back Bay views and Neoclassical-meets-Art Deco decor are something to behold, the menu is the main star of the show. The Squash Carpaccio is a signature favorite, while the Spicy Lobster Capellini and Corn Ravioli are excellent follow up dishes as you eat your way through Italy.

Address: Rooftop, 3 Newbury St, Boston 02116

Opening hours: Breakfast/lunch Mon-Fri 6:30-11am, 11:30am-2:30pm (Bar open until 5pm); Brunch: Sat, Sun and Mon holidays 7am-2:30pm (Bar open until 5pm); Dinner: Sun-Wed 5-10pm (Cocktails served until 12am) Thu-Sat 5-11pm (Cocktails served until 1am)