Italian Restaurants in Boston, MA

1. Antico Forno

There's no denying that Antico Forno is home to a well-prepared variety of rustic dishes. From brick-oven pizzas to terra cotta pot plated entrees to good old bread and olives, Antico Forno takes pride in their delicious offerings and proudly sits on the list of top ten Italian restaurants around the world. The restaurant features a mom-and-pop atmosphere while also being lively and loud.

There are no gimmicks when it comes to Antico Forno. At the heart of this restaurant are the beloved traditional Neapolitan pizzas, baked in a wood-fired brick oven, that make Antico Forno a North End mainstay. Entrees to try include the saltimbocca di pollo and the linguine al frutti di mare, which have helped earn Antico Forno the billing of "The Most Authentic Italian Restaurant" in Boston.

93 Salem Street, North End, Boston, MA 02113, Phone: 617-723-6733

2. Carmelina's

Opened in 2012, Carmelina's serves up traditional Sicilian comfort food with their own unique Mediterranean twist from the heart of Boston's famous Little Italy. The restaurant is run by Executive Chef Damien DiPaola, who transforms his family's old but delicious recipes into modern Italian gastronomic delights with the help of Chef di Cucina Michael Hollenkamp.

The open kitchen in Carmelina's is reminiscent of a mother's cooking space, while the dining area is incredibly homey with family photos hanging from the walls. Carmelina's offers you a relaxing and intimate dining experience while you enjoy a feast of inspired and fresh food. Pasta lovers can tuck into the frutti di mare, calamari and mussels, or the tonno con pesto Siciliano e fusilli, while show-stopping entrées include the pesce pistachio and stuffed center cut pork rib chop.

307 Hanover Street, Boston, MA 02113, Phone: 617-742-0020

3. Giacomo's

You know a restaurant's good when it's got a line that stretches down the block and around the corner. That's exactly what visitors can expect when dining at Giacomo's in Boston's North End, also known as Little Italy. Giacomo's is a no-reservations, cash-only kind of eatery with chalkboard menus hanging around the establishment displaying all kinds of meat, sauces, and homemade pastas on offer.

The fra diavolo sauce is particularly popular with Giacomo's regulars, while house specials like the zuppa di pesce will have your taste bud's singing. They also have an extensive appetizer menu as well as chicken or veal marsalas and parmigianas. Though the food is absolutely spectacular, don't expect to sit around and linger once you've finished eating: Doing so may result in a long look or two from the wait staff and the many people eager to get in.

355 Hanover Street, Boston, MA 02113, Phone: 617-523-9026

4. Mamma Maria

There are two reasons that Mamma Maria is a top pick for large parties in the North End. First, they've got a reputation for great service, and second, they have a penchant for stand-out food. Founded in 1973, Mamma Maria sits on a small hill overlooking the city in America's oldest public square - North Square.

The restaurant has five private dining rooms perfect for private events, a quiet space that is both upscale and down to earth, and a menu to die for. Whether you're at Mamma Maria for a private event or a dinner date, the suckling pig risotto is a must-try. Dishes like the veal porterhouse, short rib, rabbit pasta, and osso buco are also fantastic options for lunch or dinner.

3 North Square, Boston, MA 02113, Phone: 617-523-0077

5. Nebo Cucina and Enoteca

With a traditional yet novel menu, Nebo Cucina and Enoteca is the brainchild of the Pallota sisters, who were inspired by the family recipes of their mother and grandmother. Carla, who also happens to be the restaurant's chef, and Christine actually grew up in Boston's North End, making the neighborhood the perfect choice for their restaurant.

Capturing the true essence of dining in an Italian home, Nebo has a strong menu of traditional favorites. For example, the light and unbelievably creamy burrata makes a perfect starter alongside the smoky cozze (skillet-roasted mussels). Meanwhile, the golden Milanese or the popular zucchini lasagna are great options for a main course.

520 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, MA 02210, Phone: 617-723-6326, See the Map

6. Panza

If you're looking for a fantastic traditional Italian dinner in the relaxing atmosphere of Boston's historic North End area, then a trip to Panza is exactly what you need. The perfect spot for a dinner out with the guys, a girl's night, or a date, Panza is eager to please with their extensive menu and quality ingredients. Choose between season specials or pick from house favorites for an enjoyable meal.

Bestsellers at Panza include signature dishes like the seafood risotto, Veal Panza, and chicken parmigiana. The pasta menu has 14 varieties on offer, with the potato gnocchi Bolognese, beef and veal tortelloni, and tarragon fettuccine and grilled lobster tails guaranteed to be crowd pleasers. Don't forget to take a look at the extensive wine list to enjoy the perfect accompaniment to your meal.

326 Hanover Street, Boston, MA 02113, Phone: 617-557-9248

7. Prezza

Impressive and nostalgic, Prezza brings a contemporary spin to North End classics, making it a mainstay in Boston's culinary scene and a perfect anniversary vacation idea. Led by Chef Anthony Caturano, Prezza is all about tradition. In fact, the restaurant is named after an ancient Italian town from which Chef Anthony's grandmother hails. Additionally, Prezza's cuisine is based on this town's food, taking peasant-style Italian cooking and updating it by adding Mediterranean flavors to the mix. While the menu is in constant flux to make way for impressive seasonal dishes, there are definitely a handful that are distinctly Prezza. For example, adventurous eaters should definitely try the octopus carpaccio. Meanwhile, those who want something a little more traditional will certainly enjoy every bite of Prezza's black truffle gnocchi.

24 Fleet Street, Boston, MA 02113, Phone: 617-227-1577

8. Quattro

A contemporary grill, pizzeria and rosticceria in the heart of Boston's Little Italy, Quattro features a casual dining atmosphere with great food made with ingredients sourced locally in surrounding neighborhoods. One of Quattro's major draws is its rotisserie, which regularly roasts spectacular legs of lamb, ribs of beef, whole chickens, and pork loins. Additionally, Quattro features artisan pasta that is made by hand just a block away in DePasquale's Homemade Pasta Shop. Meanwhile, pizza lovers will go gaga over Quattro's creative pizzas, which are baked at 900 degrees in a wood-burning Marra Forni brick oven flown in from Naples. Dinners are made complete with various small plates on offer. Heading to Quattro for lunch? Try one of their roast meat paninis for something quick and satisfying in the middle of your work day.

264 Hanover Street corner Parmenter Street, North End, Boston, MA, Phone: 617-720-0444