Restaurants
The Top 10 Italian Restaurants in Boston
Any town that has it’s own Little Italy has to have some great Italian cuisine and Boston is no exception. Here in Boston that area is called the North End. The North End is one of many Boston-based IWalked Audio Tours. On IWalked’s 2-hour audio tour of the North End we explore: Copps Hill Cemetery, the narrowest home in Boston, the infamous robbery of a Brinks Security office, 40-50 waves of molasses destructing the town, Paul Revere’s home, the Old North Church, the Italian mafia, the tale of Sacco and Vanzetti, and more. But before you get started on walking, you’ll probably need some sustenance. Thus, IWalked Audio Tours proudly presents our Top 10 Italian Restaurants in Boston:
1. Terramia Ristorante – Good ahead and look up top Italian restaurant on almost any list for Boston and this is one, if not “the” top pick on nearly every list. Opened in 1993, this place only seats 39 individuals. Do not fret though on patrons “hogging” that choice table all evening, as Terramia does not serve coffee nor dessert (common amongst many restaurants in the North End) so turnover is more timely.
Website: www.terramiaristorante.com
Address/Phone: 98 Salem Street, Boston. (617) 523-3112
Hours: Mon-Thur, Sun 5pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 5pm-10:30pm
Prices: $$$$
Accept Credit Card? Yes
Accept Reservations? Yes
2. Carmen – If you thought Terramia Ristorante was quaint at 39 seats, you’ll be in pure heaven at Carmen. Quaint doesn’t even begin to describe this 9 table romantic haven. Carmen is rated high on Zagat and a number of other lists.
Website: http://www.carmenboston.com/home.html
Address/Phone: 33 North Square, Boston. (617) 742-6421
Hours: Tues-Thur 5:30pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 12pm-3pm, 5:30pm-11pm; Sun 3-10pm
Prices: $$$
Accept Credit Card? Yes
Accept Reservations? Yes
3. Via Matta - Located in Back Bay, this is our highest ranked non-North End selection and for good reason. Not only do people come here in droves for the food but for the bright modern ambience driven via its brightly lit rooms. Who says you have to eat Italian in a small, dark space?
Website: www.viamattarestaurant.com
Address/Phone: 79 Park Plaza, Boston. (617) 422-0008
Hours: Mon-Sat 11:30am-1am
Prices: $$$
Accept Credit Card? Yes
Accept Reservations? Yes
4. Pomodoro –Notice a common theme amongst our top Italian selections? Pomodoro’s intimate setting of 8 tables continues to fuel the fires of Boston romantics. While planning that intimate dinner, however, don’t forget to hit the ATM machine first as cash is required.
Website: www.pomodoroboston.com
Address/Phone: 319 Hanover Street, Boston. (617) 367-4348
Hours: Tues-Fri 3pm-11pm; Sat-Sun 11am-11pm
Prices: $$$$
Accept Credit Card? No
Accept Reservations? Yes
5. Prezza – Prezza is named after a small ancient town in Italy where the chef’s grandmother was born. Integrating the best of Italy’s Abruzzi region with other Mediterranean regions, Prezza is well-reknown for both its food and extensive (900+ varities) wine list.
Website: http://www.prezza.com/
Address/Phone: 24 Fleet Street, Boston. (617) 227-1577
Hours: Sun-Thur 5:30pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 5pm-10:30pm; Bar Open 4:30-Close.
Prices: $$$
Accept Credit Card? Yes
Accept Reservations? Yes
6. Rialto – Located within the Charles Hotel, you’ll enter Rialto via a “white stone paved path inspired by an ancient Roman road.” Boston Magazine’s top pick, be sure to enjoy the rotating 4-course regional menu. Diners may order either fixed price or ala carte.
Website: http://www.rialto-restaurant.com/home
Address/Phone: 1 Bennett Street, Cambridge. (617) 661-5050
Hours: Mon-Sat 5:30pm-10pm; Sun 5:30pm-9pm.
Prices: $$$
Accept Credit Card? Yes
Accept Reservations? Yes
7. Giacomo’s – Keep the credit cards at home, for as they state on their website, “We like dead presidents.” Giacomo’s is obviously a popular joint, as based upon personal experience and numerous online reviews, you can likely expect about a 30-minute wait for seating. (Giacomo’s does not accept reservations.)
Website: www.giacomosblog-boston.blogspot.com
Address/Phone: 355 Hanover Street, Boston. (617) 523-9026
Hours: Mon-Thur 5pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 5pm-10:30pm; Sun 4pm-9:30pm.
Prices: $$
Accept Credit Card? No
Accept Reservations? No
8. Mamma Maria – Located along the Freedom Trail, and just a block from the Paul Revere house, comes to Mamma’s for their simple (1 page) but elegant menu. Located within an 1820 row-house you’ll enjoy fine cuisine and spectacular views in one of five distinct areas within the restaurant.
Website: www.mammamaria.com/
Address/Phone: 3 North Square, Boston. (617) 523-0077
Hours: Mon-Thur 4pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 4pm-11pm
Prices: $$$
Accept Credit Card? Yes
Accept Reservations? Yes
9. Taranta – Taranta describes their food as a Southern Italian cuisine with a Peruvian blend. Opened in 2000, Taranta is one of the few certified green restaurants in the world for its eco-friendly design.
Website: http://www.tarantarist.com/v5/index.html
Address/Phone: 210 Hanover Street, Boston. (617) 720-0052
Hours: Mon-Sun 5:30pm-10pm
Prices: $$$
Accept Credit Card? Yes
Accept Reservations? Yes
10. Teatro – When in the theatre district, this is your “only” option for supreme quality Italian. While the dress code specifies casual, you may want to be conscious of other diners likely headed to a show (in case you tend to feel under-dressed). Our choice here is the thinnest pizza in town.
Website: http://www.teatroboston.com/#/home
Address/Phone: 177 Tremont Street, Boston. (617) 778-6841
Hours: Tues-Thur 5pm-10:30pm; Fri-Sat 5pm-11:30pm; Sun 4pm-10pm
Prices: $$$
Accept Credit Card? Yes
Accept Reservations? Yes
And, “just in case” you have trust issues with IWalked’s selection of Top 10 Italian Restaurants in Boston, we’re providing some second opinions:
1. http://www.10best.com/destinations/massachusetts/boston/restaurants/italian/
2. http://www.northendboston.com/dining-restaurants.htm
3. http://citysbest.aol.com/boston/best-dining/italian-restaurants/
4. http://www.bostonmagazine.com/best_of/detail/best_of_boston_2009_italian/
5. http://local.yahoo.com/MA/Boston/Food+Dining/Restaurants/Italian+Restaurants
6. http://boston.citysearch.com/listings/boston-ma-metro/italian/82075_11279
7. http://topoftheheights.cityvoter.com/winners/top-of-the-heights/3497/great-meals/italian
8. http://www.foodieview.com/restaurants/boston/best/italian
9. http://www.squidoo.com/best-restaurants-north-end-boston
10. http://www.guidespot.com/guides/bostons_best_italian_food
11. http://www.zagat.com/Search/Results.aspx?Ne=1118&N=120+4294964965&VID=8&Nf=LatLong|GCLT+42.358299,-71.060302+20&Ns=Frontmatter+Number&Ln=Italian+Tops+-+Boston