Best of Boston: Top 10 Italian Restaurants
- February 20, 2021
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Antico Forno
With an old-world vibe, Antico Forno provides an authentic Neapolitian experience. With a wood-burning brick oven, this North End restaurant serves up pizzas with fresh roasted garlic, a variety of cheeses and san marzano tomato sauce. You can also try dishes like Linguine Con Vongole with garlic white wine sauce, clams, cherry tomatoes, baked in parchment paper. You’’ love the old-world charm of this restaurant, and the authentic Neaplolitian recipes.
Coppa
A cozy corner enoteca in the South End, Coppa is known for its creative small plates and their contemporary take on Italian cuisine. Their seasonal menu reflects local and regional flavors. Try the Nostrano Pizza with tomato, salami, Calabrian chili and wildflower honey, or the Cavatelli Con Pollo with semolina pasta, slow-cooked broccoli and chicken sausage topped with parmesan.
Carlo’s Cucina Italiana
Traditional Italian Cuisine in the unexpected town of Allston, Carlo’s Cucina Italiana serves dishes like homemade fusilli with sausage and broccoli rabe sauteed in a garlic and oil sauce. The Chicken Saltimbocca is also a favorite, topped with prosciutto and fontina cheese in a sage cream sauce. The atmosphere is cozy, friendly and no-frills, making this a perfect casual Italian dinner. 131 Brighton Ave, Allston, MA 02134 / (617) 254-9759Carmelina’s
A beloved North End spot with Italian staples, with hearty portions. Your Italian Grandma would definitely approve of your choice to dine at Carmelina’s. Recognized as Yelp’s top 100 places to eat, you know that the foodies also love this place. The Bronx Tale is a great choice, with Mimmo’s meatballs and Sulmona sausage, slow cooked tomato sauce, tossed with rigatoni. You can also try dishes like the Colorado Lamb Shank, with slow braised fall off the bone lamb shank with white wine jus and gnocchi.
Fox & the Knife
Italian food with an inventive spin, come to Fox & the Knife for the inventive cocktails, handmade pastas, and antipasti dishes. Start with the Fett’unta, grilled bread with olive oil and the Insalata Cicoria with fried almonds, sunchokes and pecorino. Then, try the Tagliatelle Bolognese with wild boar, thyme and parmigiano. For a more classic dish, try the Pepe E Cacio with bucatini, goat butter, and pink peppercorns. Classic cocktails like negronis grace the menu, along with creative cocktails like the Slow Ryder with rye, spiced pear, cranberry, and black walnut bitters.
Giacomo’s
Authentic Italian fare in the North end, Giacomo’s serves the classics in a cozy, dimly-lit space. With house-made pastas at competitive prices, you can try Lobster Ravioli or Fettuccine with Swordfish and Tuna in a pesto cream sauce. With a seafood-forward menu, you’ll love the dishes served with fresh herbs, and slow-cooked in garlic-butter sauces. 355 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113 / (617) 523-9026Giulia
A contemporary, open space in Cambridge, Giulia is the perfect spot for a special occasion. The restaurant serves up pappardelle with wild boar, taglioni with sea urchins, and new york venison with celery root bravado. For dessert, try the olive oil cake with pear sorbetto and watermelon granita, or the chocolate terrine with hazelnut gelato and vincotto.
Mamma Maria
Authentic Italian Cuisine in a converted-Boston townhouse, this restaurant is a North End staple. Mamma Maria has a seasonal menu with regional New England influences like Lobster Agnolotti Pasta with Maine lobster, and finished with wild mushrooms. For something decadent, you can also order the Suckling Pig with fig jam, gorgonzola dolce, toasted farro and tri color local beets. 3 N Square, Boston, MA 02113 / (617) 523-0077Pammy’s
An industrial rustic-chic interior with an open-floor plan, Pammy’s describes themselves as a “New American restaurant inspired by the feel of an Italian neighborhood trattoria”. The restaurant is owned by a husband and wife team, with a commitment to bridging old world charm with inventive flavors. Here, you can try the Lumache with bolognese sauce and gochujang or the Tortellini with bone marrow brodo, celery root and young ginger.