With a vibrant Italian community in the state of Massachusetts, you don’t have to travel far to find some of the finest Italian cuisine in the U.S. From restaurants with authentic, old-time Italian atmospheres to eateries serving up mouthwatering, homemade cannoli, you’re going to find genuine Italian fare in the Bay State. Here are our 14 favorites.
With one restaurant located in Boston’s North End and another in its South End—as well as one located in Melrose—Giacomo’s Ristorante, there are plenty of opportunities for you to enjoy some authentic Italian-American food. The service is exceptional and the portions are large—so arrive hungry!
Featuring Italian comfort food, Via Italian Table feeds its guests in the midst of rustic Italian charm. You can even dine on their patio year-round. Talk about romance.
Dine at your own table or at a communal table at Giulia. Enjoy classic Italian dishes made with fresh pastas in a cozy, rustic setting. Be sure to have the crostini as an appetizer. Your server will tell you how the chef is preparing it that day.
For truly authentic, high-end Italian fare, a visit to Mamma Maria is a must. Served in one of five spectacular dining rooms, it feels like you’re eating in a private club. Fine food and ambience are in great abundance here.
For family-friendly Italian fare, check out Chateau Waltham Restaurant. Known for their red sauce, it’s also important to save room for dessert. Their cannolis are out of this world.
Featuring products that come straight from Italy every week, Gran Gusto serves up fresh Italian fare every day. In addition to their fine pastas, their pizza is also something to write home about.
Known for their artisan bread, Tuscan Kitchen’s owner studied various Italian cuisine while in Italy. Featuring traditional pasta dishes and seafood that is fresh daily, there is something for everyone—including wood fired pizzas—in their traditional Italian atmosphere.
For family-friendly Italian fare, be sure to visit Mario’s Italian Restaurant. In addition to their classic pasta dishes, you can dine on pizza and calzones. If you want wine with your lasagna, however, you’ll have to engage in Mario’s BYOB policy, as there is no bar on site.
If you want to eat Italian food at a really chic restaurant, then Sorellina is the place for you. Make your reservations well in advance, however, as their Italian-Mediterranean fare is in high demand. The décor is contemporary, and you’ll want to dress up a bit to avoid feeling out of place.
Serving up big flavor in a small restaurant, La Morra features wood-fired Tuscan style entrees as well as more traditional Italian dishes. For a taste of Northern Italy without even leaving Massachusetts, this is definitely the place.
Family owned and operated, Agostino’s prepares its fresh pastas and Italian desserts on a daily basis, offering only the finest to their customers. And if someone in your party isn’t craving Italian food, they have burgers and prime rib on the menu, too.
Incorporating local, fresh vegetables into their menu when possible, Lucca serves its guests a bevy of Northern Italian favorites. This is an excellent choice if an intimate table for two is what you have in mind.
Just imagine indulging in classic Italian fare with Frank Sinatra in the house. That’s the feel inside Luciano’s. The upscale eatery even has live music in the lounge.
For high end dining at its finest, check out Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse. Splurge on aged cuts of choice beef or stick with traditional comfort Italian fare. Be sure to stop into their to-go shop for something to take home.