From historic North End to charming Cambridge, Boston is full of top-tier Italian restaurants. Enjoy everything from red sauce classics to upscale coastal dishes with a New England twist at these best Boston Italian restaurants.
Dig into classic dishes like lasagna and rigatoni alla vodka at a vintage South End charmer. Sample pillowy gnocchi while enjoying peak waterfront views in the city’s historic North End. Dine on refined Italian American fare at a Cambridge stunner.
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Discover 9 amazing Italian restaurants in Boston for your next meal.
For an all-out feast at one of the best Italian restaurants in Boston: MIDA (East Boston, Newton, South End)
You’ll get a knockout Italian meal at all three MIDA locations, thanks to James Beard Award-nominated chef-owner Douglass Williams. South End’s rustic-chic gem sits under one of Boston’s signature brownstones, and at every spot, you’ll find thoughtful favorites like bucatini all amatriciana and classic pasta puttanesca. Bonus points for a carefully curated wine and amaro list, perfect for special occasions and everyday toasts.
For modern Italian fare with a New England twist: Geppetto (Cambridge)
Located in The Lexington, Geppetto reimagines Northern Italian cuisine using premium New England ingredients like foraged mushrooms, cheeses, and cured meats. The stylish, industrial-chic space is ideal for sharing the restaurant’s standout pastas like lobster spaghetti or made-for-sharing dishes like Sicilian crudo and crusty sourdough topped with salted cod, peppers, and arugula.
For a refined Italian-inspired escape in one of the city’s most gorgeous spaces: Pammy’s (Cambridge)
One of Boston’s most beautiful restaurants, Pammy’s impresses with Greco-Roman decor and hearty Italian American dishes from co-owners Pam and Chris Willis. A 14-seat communal table lined with flower vases, a gorgeous tiled hearth, and a scene-stealing stone sculpture of Demeter—the Greek goddess of harvest—set the stage for a showstopping, choose-your-own-adventure meal starring dishes like gochujang lumache with bolognese sauce and lobster gnocchi.
For wood-fired Italian dishes in a rooftop greenhouse-like setting: Terra at Eataly Boston (Back Bay)
Located on the third floor of beloved food emporium Eataly, Terra is where you go for wood-fired Italian small plates in a stunning rooftop setting. Grab a seat in the rustic-chic dining room lined with potted plants and vines or on the lush patio with twinkling lights and Prudential Building views for a feast of Italian pastas and elegant grilled dishes like oysters and wagyu. Bonus points for a lively brunch.
For a romantic atmosphere steps from City Square Park: Prima (Charlestown)
From the moment you step under the bright red awning and into the warm yellow glow radiating from the dining room, Prima delivers romance worthy of any date night or celebratory occasion. Red velvet and leather-topped chairs form cozy enclaves around dark wood tables, ideal for digging into fried mozzarella and caviar, elegant pastas, and luxe, made-for-sharing steaks like a dry-aged Florentine.
For a sultry lounge with throwback Italian dishes: The Red Fox (North End)
Hidden under a Wells Fargo through a small door marked only with “restaurant,” The Red Fox is a sultry, mid-century-inspired lounge. Settle into one of the plush red velvet booths to sip on classic cocktails like a negroni or dig into elegant antipasti like prosciutto and zeppole with honey. The dinner menu pays tribute to North End’s Italian American roots with reimagined classics like lobster ravioli and orecchiette with pistachio pesto.
For coastal Italian dishes with a New England twist: Porto (Back Bay)
Stylish Porto brings Italy’s Mediterranean coast to the Back Bay. Grab a seat on the Amalfi-inspired patio, complete with hanging string lights, or enjoy a meal at the lively oyster bar in the industrial-chic space with exposed beams and wooden accents. Expect coastal-inspired Italian dishes with New England ingredients, like seafood platters, shrimp puttanesca, and seared branzino. Don’t miss the pre-symphony prix fixe dinner.
For classic Italian dishes in a charming space: Tony & Elaine’s (North End)
For red sauce classics, head to Tony & Elaine’s. Spanning two floors and over 50 seats, this retro Italian eatery is located in the city’s iconic North End. The red-and-white-checkered tablecloths and red booths create a peak old-school vibe for digging into favorites like spaghetti and meatballs, rigatoni alla vodka, and lasagna stuffed with sausage, meatballs, and short rib.
For standout pasta in Boston’s historic North End: Bricco (North End)
Historic North End has no shortage of Italian restaurants. But Bricco stands out for its cozy, throwback vibe combined with exceptional food and service. Dig into standout dishes like ricotta with truffle butter or pappardelle with red wine-braised wild boar paired made primarily with the highest quality imported Italian ingredients. A stellar Italian-leaning wine list and late-night dining options make this a go-to for locals and tourists alike.
From old-school favorites in historic North End to upscale and coastal-inspired destinations in Back Bay, the best Italian restaurants in Boston have top-notch food for every mood and occasion.
Indulge in exquisite housemade pastas, or dig into reinvented Italian dishes prepared with freshly butchered meats and fresh New England seafood. Whether you’re looking for comfort food or modern takes on the classics, reserve a table at one of the best Italian restaurants in Boston with OpenTable ASAP.
