Boston’s North End is famous for its plethora of Italian restaurants and old-world romance. Tourists flock to the quaint, brick street enclave in search of authentic Italian fare, and more often than not, they find it. However, the North End isn’t the only spot in the city for expert Italian cuisine. From Beacon Hill to the South End, it’s clear that Boston has a love affair with pasta. By Karen Hofreiter
Logic would dictate that a hockey star would be more likely to open a sports bar than an upscale Italian restaurant. But, creating and owning a Tuscan villa that served authentic Italian fare was hockey legend Ray Bourque’s goal—and he scored. Tresca, meaning “intrigue,” has quickly become one of Boston’s best Italian restaurants. Step inside, and you will immediately feel the warmth of the adobe-colored walls and dark wood bar. The softly-lit, semi-formal dining room is located on the second floor, where the talent of Chef Jason Tucker is showcased. The menu includes dishes like Crespelle al Forno (chive crepes stuffed with wild mushrooms and truffled ricotta) and Linguini con Gamberoni (linguini with garlic shrimp and lemon-thyme butter). For a truly romantic evening, the private balcony can be reserved during the warmer months.
Taranta may be surrounded by the traditional Italian restaurants of the North End, but this bold restaurant is anything but traditional. The cuisine—southern Italian with a Peruvian twist—is a daring and racy fusion of Latin and Mediterranean flavors. And, it works beautifully, thanks to the magic of chef and owner Jose Duarte. Expect such unusual dishes as Calzoncini Fritti (trio of mini calzone stuffed with leeks and mozzarella, beef tenderloin and baccala) and Fusilli Avellinesi al Cartoccio (artisan fusilli baked in parchment paper with onions, pancetta, roasted tomatoes and smoked sweet peppers). The atmosphere is both rustic and romantic, with exposed brick walls and velour banquettes. If you are looking for something a little different, this is the place to go.
Avg. price/pp: $20-25
Sasso 116 Huntington Ave, Boston, (617) 247-2400 Hours: dinner daily until 1:30am; bar daily until 2am
Sophisticated and sassy, Sasso impresses with its airy atmosphere and regional Italian fare. Twenty-foot windows make up three sides of the restaurant, giving patrons an unobstructed view of bustling Huntington Avenue. A separate bar and lounge reside on the fourth side of the restaurant, and the center of the room is occupied by an enormous marble staircase leading to the mezzanine dining room. Chef David Ross plates exquisite entrees made with fresh, locally-produced ingredients, and the menu changes with the seasons. Look forward to dishes like Crudo Misto (yellowfin tuna with blood orange and zabaglione, scallop melon ceviche and kampachi) and Cinghiale (ricotta pyramids and braised wild boar with a tomato ragu), and be sure to take advantage of the extensive wine list. Please note that reservations are strongly recommended.
If you are looking for a five star meal with three star prices, check out cozy Grotto on Beacon Hill. The subterranean dining room has an intimate feel, with exposed brick walls, dim lighting and eclectic paintings. The best part about Grotto, however, is the three course dinner, offered nightly, for $34. Choose an antipasti, entrée and dessert from several options listed on the menu, like the black truffle soup, potato gnocchi and short ribs, and banana bread pudding. All menu options are also available ala carte.
Avg. price/pp: $22-35
Giacomo's 355 Hanover St., North End, Boston, (617) 523-9026 431 Columbus Ave, South End, Boston, (617) 536-5723 Hours: M-Th 5-10pm, F-Sa 5-10:30pm, Su 4-10pm
If you prefer your food prepared just the way you like it, head to Giacomo’s, where diners become the chefs. At this lively, cozy eatery (with locations in the North and South End), patrons mix and match fresh pasta, seafood, and sauce (pesto, red, scampi, fra diavlo, lobster red with bechamel). The result is a generous portion of Italian done your way. While waiting for the main course, don’t miss out on the fried appetizers, like the crispy calamari and hot pepper chips.
Dining at Sorellina is the ultimate indulgence, but the luxury is worth every penny. It is quite plausible to qualify this Italian-Mediterranean restaurant as perfect, from the stunning atmosphere to the unparalleled food. The chic, contemporary décor is all black and white, with back-lit murals and soaring columns. Chef Jamie Mammano is responsible for creating the menu of exquisite fare that is extravagant without being fussy. It’s impossible to recommend just a few dishes, since you can’t go wrong with any of them. However, a few personal favorites include the arancini rice balls, maccheroncelli (kobe beef meatballs in a Barolo sauce), and the pistachio-crusted halibut with maitake mushrooms and wild leeks.
Avg. price/pp: $27-40
Teatro 177 Tremont St., Theatre District, Boston, (617) 778-6841 Hours: Tu-Th 5-11:30pm, F-Sa 5pm-12:30am, Su 4-11pm
If you are looking for a pre-theatre nosh spot, head to the sleek and dramatic Teatro restaurant. Enjoy modern Italian fare under the arched mosaic ceiling, or have a seat at the front bar. Delicious dishes include the white cheese pizza with hot peppers, spinach and marscapone ravioli, and mustard-glazed Atlantic salmon with warm beets and fava beans. Consider dropping by after the show for a little dessert—perhaps a gelato or the Teatro rum cake.
Avg. price/pp: $20-30
Terramia Ristorante 98 Salem St., North End, Boston, (617) 523-3112 Hours: Su-Th 5-10pm, F-Sa 5-10:30pm
Named Boston’s best Italian restaurant by Citysearch and AOL Cityguide, this charming trattoria serves classic Italian fare with a creative spin. Loyal and enthusiastic patrons are never disappointed with the fresh and flavorful dishes, such as Maine lobster fritters with crispy vegetables in a balsamic honey glaze, cinnamon poached pear, arugula and endive salad, and grilled calamari with a shaved fennel and citrus reduction. With its stucco walls and wood ceiling beams, the atmosphere is warm and inviting. Terramia happens not to serve coffee or dessert, which gives you an excuse to satisfy your sweet tooth at one of the North End’s many cafes.
Award-winning chef Anthony Caturano heads this neighborhood Italian restaurant known for its hearty, bucolic fare. The relaxed dining room, decorated in neutral tones, is suitable for both business and pleasure dining. Savor such expert entrees like wood-grilled flatbread with chopped clams and pecorino cheese, parsnip ravioli with duck confit and mushroom duxelle, and grilled pork chop with Tuscan bean salad and spinach with romesco. If you are a wine lover, you will especially appreciate Prezza’s comprehensive, carefully selected wine offerings from the 8,000 bottle collection.
Vinny T’s is for those with big appetites or a reputation for plucking little bites from the plates of everyone at the table. This casual and lively restaurant encourages sharing and is conducive to family-style dining, which makes it a great choice for families and large groups. The menu has something to please everyone, and each dish comes in single, double and triple sizes. The apple, walnut and gorgonzola salad is a refreshing starter and goes nicely with the warm focaccia bread and roasted elephant garlic clove in olive oil that are brought to every table. Pasta dishes run the gamut, from ravioli to fettuccine to ziti, but don’t forget to leave room for a little (or lot) of the tiramisu!
The Top List of Best Italian - Boston, MA