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Ristorante Saraceno, Boston, MA
Ristorante Saraceno, Boston, MA
Ristorante Saraceno, Boston, MA
Ristorante Saraceno, Boston, MA
Ristorante Saraceno, Boston, MA

Ristorante Saraceno

4.5
4.5
1336 Reviews
$30 and under
Italian
Top Tags:
Born out of our love of fine wines and traditional food, Ristorante Saraceno Italian/Napoletana style cuisine has become the premiere location for fine dining in Boston’s Historic North End. After traveling the Italian regions and sampling different cuisines, we decided to make our way back home and bring Napoli’s best to Boston. Our biggest challenge was finding the right, high-quality ingredients for the dishes we wanted to serve. We are dedicated to offering only the finest and freshest foods. We have also taken great care in assembling a team of only the best chefs and experienced kitchen and dining staff. Come and taste the experience yourself.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 29 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    Italian
  • Hours of operation
    Daily: 11:30am - 10:00pm
  • Phone number
    (617) 227-5353
  • Website
    http://www.saracenos.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Joe Catinella
  • Catering
    No
  • Private party facilities
    Please call us at (617) 227-5888 for more information.We do have private rooms for large events
  • Location
    286 Hanover Street, Boston, MA 02113
  • Neighborhood
    North End
  • Cross street
    Hanover Street
  • Parking details
    We gladly offer our customers parking validation for up to three hours. We also have valet parking outside of the restaurant.
  • Public transit
    The closest train stations to us are Haymarket, Aquarium, and North Station. We are approximately half a mile from each of these stops.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wine

Featured in

What 1,336 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

1,336 Reviews

  1. AGF74

    New York Area

    15 reviews

    3.0

    15 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    Not the in the top 5 meals I have had in the North End, still the atmosphere was lovely and cozy and the food was good.

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  2. JeffG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Very good food and excellent service. Menue has excellent selections

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  3. Gags

    Greater Boston

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Saraceno is our go-to in the North End - it NEVER disappoints. Consistent, expert food prep and service is what we experience every single time. Chicken cacciatore is outstanding; tried Veal pizzaiolo this time and can't wait to go back for more!!

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  4. OpenTable Diner

    New Orleans

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server was very knowledgeable and helpful in recommendations. Our food was excellent!! Maybe on e I’d the best meatballs I ever had. The Lasagna… WOW!!

    Is this helpful?

  5. ReneeC

    Greater Boston

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We've been here several times. Never a bad meal. Staff is amazing.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Stephanie

    Montana

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful dinner, great atmosphere! Highly recommend!

    Is this helpful?

  7. MichaelA

    Las Vegas

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    An enjoyable meal. We were not rushed even though restaurant became very busy.

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  8. MichelleB

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 12, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience3
    The food wasn't great for the price. The wine list is also quite limited. I would not go back here given all the other great place in the north end.

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  9. BrianM

    Greater Boston

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A wonderful experience with great food and wine. Staff is very professional and friendly. Looking forward to our next visit.

    Is this helpful?

  10. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Small, intimate location. The food is excellent and there is a large menu for anyone to find a favorite Italian meal. Servers are friendly and efficient.

    Is this helpful?

  11. Parker

    Greater Boston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Went for a last minute date night with my wife. The service was excellent and they went out of their way to take care of some special needs we had (my wife is pregnant). The atmosphere was fun and the price was extremely reasonable for the food and experience we had. Will go again!

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  12. ChristianW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Magical restaurant. Highly recommend for traditional Napolitan eats

    Is this helpful?

  13. MeganE

    Houston

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 4, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Lovely restaurant in the North End. Beautiful place with prompt and attentive service. Food was delicious and we enjoyed a great meal.

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  14. DavidD

    Greater Boston

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As usual, Frank and his staff did an outstanding job on a special birthday for our family!

    Is this helpful?

  15. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    21 reviews

    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful and romantic restaurant with great food. The ambiance was the best for a nice quiet evening out

    Is this helpful?

  16. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I’ve been going there for years and it is a special spot to celebrate my lady friend’s birthday.

    Is this helpful?

  17. Eathappy

    Washington DC

    32 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Best fish I have ever eaten in a restaurant - Chilean sea bass with capers, wine, olives, tomatoes. delicious! Fantastic service. We will be back!

    Is this helpful?

  18. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience2
    The food is pretty outdated and overdone. The basement room is dark, claustrophobic and overall not a nice place.

    Is this helpful?

  19. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really good and real Italian cuisine with a very fun atmosphere that night with a Italian singer singing 2 Italian songs for the restaurant!

    Is this helpful?

  20. RobG

    Greater Boston

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a great meal & a great experience! We plan to return!

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  21. Chickie

    New Orleans

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Perfect day...windows wide open nice breeze, food was amazing!

    Is this helpful?

  22. AlayneS

    Greater Boston

    12 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall2food3service3ambience3
    The food was good, although the veal in the dish I ordered was tough and overcooked. However I won't go back because I won't ever use again the women's bathroom downstairs, where most of the tables are located. The bathroom is where the food comes out from the kitchen and the waitstaff works on it, and is a small cramped bathroom with 2 stalls but no doors on the stalls - just a half partition - and since the toilet is facing forward, if someone enters the bathroom and a waiter or person waiting for the toilet is standing outside, you can be seen half-undressed while getting dressed and/or sitting on the toilet. Very embarrassing!

    1 person found this helpful

  23. Tony

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Food was good, noise level on first floor was so loud. Could not converse at our table.

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  24. FoodGivesLife

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience2
    It was very noisy and hard to have a conversation. My risotto was very salty and seemed more like rice with mushrooms in it instead of a nice long-cooked risotto. The service was excellent though and the people very nice.

    1 person found this helpful

  25. juju

    Greater Boston

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Excellent food and more reasonable prices for the quality of food and services than other restaurants in the north end. It was very busy on a Sunday night but the service was very good anyway. There were several families and the menu could accommodate the kids as well as the adults.

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  26. Skip

    Greater Boston

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience1
    The food was mediocre at best. Cramped seat in basement. Had to sit parallel to wall to fit. Servers were very busy and hard working. I can make better food at home!

    Is this helpful?

  27. Tiffany

    Tampa

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall3food3service1ambience3
    This place was recommended to us by a friend, so we decided to try it out. They seated us downstairs in the basement, but in between two hallways, one leading to the bathroom and other seating, and the other was to the kitchen I assume. We had a perfect view of who was going in and out the bathroom… Our entrees took about an hour and a half to get to us, not sure if we’ll be back.

    1 person found this helpful

  28. Fisherkat

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    We went as a family of four and had an incredible visit. The food was fantastic! The service was great. We were in the bottom floor of the restaurant, which had great ambiance. We happened to be seated next to a large (loud) party but not the restaurants fault! Highly recommend!

    Is this helpful?

  29. Steph

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Phenomenal dinner!!! Everything from food to service to live music was fantastic

    Is this helpful?

  30. SydneyW

    Orange County

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    My sister and I went out for dinner here and had a fantastic time! Our server was Juan and he was the absolute best!! He realized we weren’t in a hurry to eat and leave and respected that, which we truly appreciated. We had the risotto and gnocchi which were both delicious! We finished off the meal with the tiramisu, which was the perfect way to top it off. While the meal was delicious, Juan really pushed it over the top with amazing service. Would definitely recommend this restaurant!

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  31. ChristinaL

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    All 3 of us got different dishes and loved them all.

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  32. SheaF

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    My wife and I have been going there for nearly 20 years on occasions. This year we introduced our three children (16, 14, and 12) and everyone loved it! Among us we had veal parm, chicken piccata, shrimp with spaghetti over red sauce, spaghetti carbonara, and rigatoni with olive oil - everything was excellent and portions were generous that we took home leftovers for another great meal the next day! Service is top notch, the hospitality even of a stranger at a nearby table was phenomenal… he spoke only Italian, I spoke only English and yet we both could understand each other’s appreciation for the food and the service. He even had a glass of his Merlot sent to our table! On our way out we snagged a photo with the owner who put his arms around us like we were his own. There are many great eats in the North End as you know, but at Saraceno’s you’ll find a home.

    1 person found this helpful

  33. Brian

    Greater Boston

    3 reviews

    1.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Terrible experience- had to sit on the basement and the food took 45 minutes to come out. Just an awful place to go for a “nice” meal out

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  34. Sara

    Austin

    17 reviews

    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I want to be buried in their bolognese sauce. Amazing food!

    1 person found this helpful

  35. Anuska

    Greater Boston

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience2
    We were in the basement which was a little cramped and very loud. The food was good and our waiter Eduardo did a wonderful job.

    Is this helpful?

  36. Mary

    Washington DC

    30 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    Saracenic came highly recommended…could have been in Italy, any town, any street…very authentic! Frank the owner greets you at the door in his fine Italian leather slip on slippers…all the stereotypical Italian stories wrapped up into one afternoon meal! Prices were a little high for portions, bread was outstanding! My problem was with the dover sole and accompanying penne pasta was the fresh garlic was absolutely overwhelming! It should have been light with garlic…there must have been 5 large mined cloves which totally overwhelmed the dish…such. Shame…I was afraid to ride back home in an Uber for fear I would knock out my partner and the driver…I will try again but will tell them no garlic… And who needs dessert with mikes pastry right next door!!

    1 person found this helpful

  37. TxazAg

    Las Vegas

    8 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience3
    Extremely loud - could not chat

    Is this helpful?

  38. ChrisC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Like being welcomed into their home. Everyone greets you.

    Is this helpful?

  39. Brendans

    Greater Boston

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and service. We enjoyed our experience!

    Is this helpful?

  40. StevenC

    Brisbane

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Never a disappointment for the past 36 years of dining! Personally supervised by Frank himself.

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers

  • Physical distancing

    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables

  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Ristorante Saraceno offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (617) 227-5353.

Ristorante Saraceno is rated 4.5 stars by 1336 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 29 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Ristorante Saraceno

286 Hanover Street, Boston, MA 02113

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Hanover Street
  • Neighborhood
    North End
  • Hours of operation
    Daily: 11:30am - 10:00pm
  • Cuisines
    Italian
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    We gladly offer our customers parking validation for up to three hours. We also have valet parking outside of the restaurant.
  • Public transit
    The closest train stations to us are Haymarket, Aquarium, and North Station. We are approximately half a mile from each of these stops.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Joe Catinella
  • Additional
    Banquet, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wine
  • Website
    http://www.saracenos.com/
  • Phone number
    (617) 227-5353
  • Catering
    No
  • Private party facilities
    Please call us at (617) 227-5888 for more information.We do have private rooms for large events

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