Looking for some top-notch pasta in a quick and casual, yet buzzy, environment? At Time Out Market Boston, the James Beard Award winner's Italian Kitchen presents a menu full of simple, honest dishes such as “Mimi’s famous meatballs” with whipped ricotta and spicy tomato basil sauce, and baby artichoke salad with market greens, mint and chiles. Fans of Schlow’s dearly-departed Via Matta can enjoy old-school chicken parm or rigatoni with spicy fennel sausage ragu.
Conventional wisdom has long held that anyone seeking the most stunning plates of pasta and pizza in Boston can simply head over to the city's iconic North End and hope for the best. But the best Italian restaurants in town can also be found off the beaten (and objectively touristy) path, serving red sauce specialties and comforting carb-filled classics throughout all parts of the city. Whether it's a cozy, casual trattoria, modern pizzeria or regionally-focused eatery, this handy guide covers them all. And, in true Italian spirit, don’t forget to enjoy a nice glass of vino at one of the best wine bars in Boston before (or after) you dig into your lasagne, gnocchi or spaghetti.
RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Boston