Italian restaurants in Massachusetts
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A
Osteria Rustico
Open only for breakfast and lunch, this family-run Italian joint is one of Boston’s best-kept secrets. But those in the know keep coming back for more – staff seem to know everyone by name, or at least by favorite sandwich. Seating is in short supply, but everything is available for take-out. Pastas, salads and subs are all highly recommended: you can’t go wrong with a simple antipasto or a panini ‘Rustico’ (prosciutto, mozzarella and tomato).
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B
Grotto
Tucked into a basement on the back side of Beacon Hill, this cozy, cavelike place lives up to its name. The funky décor – exposed brick walls decked with rotating art exhibits – is emblematic of the innovative menu (which also changes frequently). Pastas, seafood and steaks are served with an unexpected twist. Spaghetti and meatballs is a tried and true favorite thanks to an ‘insanely fabulous tomato sauce.’ Reservations recommended.
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Giacomo’s Ristorante
Customers usually line up before the doors open so they can guarantee themselves a spot in the first round of seating at this North End favorite. Enthusiastic and entertaining waiters, plus cramped quarters, ensure that you get to know your neighbors. The cuisine is no-frills southern Italian fare, served in unbelievable portions. The specialty of the house is Zuppa di Pesce ($50 for two), chock full of shrimp, scallops, calamari, mussels and lobster. Cash only.
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D
Ivy
Ivy is the rare place that manages to combine all the elements: chic, urban décor; cool but unpretentious vibe; and excellent, innovative food and drink. All this, and it won’t break the bank. The menu is mostly small plates – pastas, salads and seafood – meaning more piatti to sample and share. Afterwards, all guests receive a complimentary scoop of organic gelato – a fine finish to your meal.
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E
Via Matta
Via Matta tries to recreate your finest memories of Italy – the ambience, the romance and of course the flavors. Sample the chef’s whims in the tastefully trendy dining room or better yet in the dark, sexy caffe. The latter serves pizzas, bruschettas and other small plates late into the night – a perfect place to stop for a bite after the theater.
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F
Carmen
Exposed brick walls and candlelit tables are good for romance; interesting and exotic menu combinations are good for culinary indulgence. The innovative menu offers a selection of small plates providing a fresh take on local seafood and seasonal vegetables; mains such as pork roast and seared tuna sit alongside classic pasta dishes. Reservations recommended.
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G
Ristorante Fiore
Come to Fiore - not for anything so special out of the kitchen, but for the fabulous roof deck (the only one in the North End). It's a wonderful place for a cocktail on a warm summer evening. The menu offers all of your favorite Italian standards, most served with Fiore's signature homemade pasta: you'll certainly be sated if you decide to stay for dinner.
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Ristorante Damiano
If you can’t stomach the thought of a huge plate of pasta and a bottle of wine, head to this contemporary Sicilian café for piattini (small plates) and wine by the glass. It’s a small space, but the large windows and open kitchen make it modern and convivial, especially compared to the old-fashioned eateries on Hanover St.
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H
Antonio's Cucina Italiana
Antonio offers all the charms of your favorite North End eatery: the cramped quarters and scrumptious southern Italian fare are straight from Hanover St, without the crowds. Huge portions and friendly service are reminiscent of eating in the kitchen of your beloved Italian aunt. This neighborhood favorite is little known off of Beacon Hill.
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L'Osteria
This family-run ristoranti typifies the mouth-watering magic and Old-World charm of the North End. It's nothing fancy, but the service is friendly and the southern Italian fare is always delicious. Generous portions guarantee that you will have leftovers for lunch. The basement is sort of drab, so it's worth waiting for a table upstairs.
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J
Scampo
Celeb chef Lydia Shire has done it again. Her latest masterpiece – on the ground floor of the Liberty Hotel – is a trendy and tantalizing restaurant buzzing with energy. The menu is mostly Italian, but it draws on exotic flavors from around the Mediterranean. To see how it’s done, take a seat at the bar and peak into the open kitchen.
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K
La Morra
The sleek interior at La Morra is the setting for equally sophisticated dining, featuring small plates of antipasti and homemade pastas. A daily changing prix-fixe menu offers wine pairings to complement the three-course meal. The staff is pleasant and professional, though service can be harried when the place gets hopping.
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L
Pomodoro
This hole-in-the-wall on Hanover is one of the North End’s most romantic settings for delectable Italian. The food is simply but perfectly prepared: fresh pasta, spicy tomato sauce, grilled fish and meats, and wine by the glass. Credit cards are not accepted and there’s no restroom, but that’s all part of the charm.
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Rom’s
Rom’s is a roadside institution that seats 500 and serves big portions of traditional Italian-American fare (and drinks) for moderate prices. Locals flock to the all-you-can-eat buffets (Friday night and Sunday morning). It’s across the street from the Sturbridge Plaza shopping center.
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M
Trattoria Il Panino
In sunny weather, the café tables in the courtyard of this traditional trattoria are the place to be. On dreary days, the cozy candlelit dining room will warm you up. Pasta and shellfish are the specialties but the menu covers a lot of ground, including sizzling steaks.
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N
Trattoria Toscana
On a residential street in the heart of the Fenway, this tiny trattoria welcomes all comers as if they are old friends, serving up Tuscan wines, rich soups and delicious pastas. The tantalizing aromas and intimate atmosphere delight the neighborhood crowd at this hidden gem.
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Bottega Fiorentina
A tiny, self-service storefront, this place boasts ‘the best sandwiches outside of Florence.’ But the bottega offers much more. Daily specials – ranging from lasagna bolognese to pumpkin tortellini to baked stuffed zucchini – are a surprising bargain ($6 to $8).
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Mulino’s
This family-style trattoria serves big portions of robust Italian mains. It’s part of the classy triune that includes the more upscale Brasserie 40-A on the 1st floor and the Bishop’s Lounge – with smoking deck – on the 3rd floor.
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P
J Pace & Son
For fresh cheese, olives, pasta and meats, stop in to see the neighborhood Italian grocer at J Pace & Son. Order your sandwiches, salads, soups or calzones at the counter and take your lunch to the pleasant plaza.
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