Good bot. This minimalist, mid-price, Italian diner is a fun and fantastic place to experience the cooking of lauded chef Barbara Lynch. Chef-owner Josh Ziskins seasonal, northern Italian cuisine exudes rustic, refined comfort. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions. Locke-Ober was the fourth oldest restaurant in Boston prior to its closing and, in its heyday, it had a reputation as a clubby men only spot that was rumored to be frequented by working girls, like Yvonne, a supposed lady of the night whose portrait hangs in the main dining room. When you visit, youll find a relaxing pub vibe with dishes ranging from traditional New England breadcrumb-topped baked haddock to spicy salmon tacos. Original fixtures and features are paired with whimsical touches, and the lights are low for a suitably debauched atmosphere. Monica's Mercato. In any case, don't miss out on Lynchs signature tagliatelle bolognese and be sure to close your meal with the creamy, hot-and-cold musings of a traditional affogato. Opened in 1931, Cantina Italiana is the oldest restaurant in the North End of Boston. It all began with founder Jimmy Wilson: This Boston local spent half a century as the town crier, andupon retirementopened Bell in Hand Tavern in 1795 to keep the free-flowing conversation alive. (201) 447-3999. If available, get the pappardelle with wild boar, but a diner cant go wrong with any of the options, from beef neck tortelli to squid ink linguine with cuttlefish. MARLOW'S FAMOUS HUMMUS Creamy Hummus, Crisp Veggies, Toasty Seasoned Pita, Extra Virgin Olive Oil. 4. We strongly suggest you get the celebrated pepe e cacio, a reinterpretation of the Roman classic cacio e pepe that the Foxes sprinkle with pink peppercorns and goat butter. Trattoria Il Panino, Bostons self-proclaimed original trattoria, is practically a North End landmark. See our, By submitting your email, you agree to our, Soak Up Boston's History at These 25 Classic Restaurants and Bars, Sign up for the Not modern, I'm talking a spaghetti and meatballs, we live in Maverick Square and it's absolutely fine. They offer a big selection to fest on and the dcor is like you are in your relative's kitchen. Its claimed that John F. Kennedy proposed to Jackie in the dining room in the early 1960s, and even the kitchen staff has seen its share of notorious figures from history (Malcolm X and Ho Chi Minh both worked there). Rich in history, tourists and locals stroll by famous sites, like the 1680 Paul Revere House and the Old North Church, and enjoy the Little Italy of Boston, packed with restaurants, coffeehouses, pastry shops and old-school delis. This modern enoteca is as much on a mission to foster a sense of community in South Boston as it is to create innovative, Italian-influenced food. ago. It's known for its classically-prepared burgers, hot dogs, and fries, among other plates, like fried seafood. Grab a seat at the gorgeous bar and tuck into cheeses from the mozzarella bar, Sardinian culurgiones and of course, a cool negroni. Photograph: Courtesy Fox & the Knife/Brian Samuels, Bostons first Venetian-styleosteria and wine bar, SRV (Serene Republic of Venice) balances its focus between modern interpretations of cicchetti and spectacular pastas. For more than 10 years, this Dorchester Italian spot from hometown chef Chris Douglass has been a neighborhood go-to for casual comfort food, cheffy side dishes, and pizza. 020 7700 7161. Aqua Pazza is yet another solid Italian offering from Frank DePasquale's North End empire (Mare, Bricco, Trattoria il Panino) and is focused on fresh, simple and straightforward Italian cuisine reminiscent of the fare you might find on the Amalfi Coast. We were there for about 2 hours and the whole staffmore. You will leave Royles nightly dinner parties feeling full, and in more ways than one. Ask a random person in Chicago to name a classic Italian restaurant, and there's a good chance they'll say La Scarola. Old school Italian joint with quality food. [Photo: Facebook], Boston's Best Desserts, According to Local Pastry Chefs, This North End cafe and bar opened in 1929 as the first Italian cafe in Boston. Dishes are ideal for sharing. ], RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Boston. [Photo: Facebook], Buffalo Sauced: 9 Ways to Keep the Football Flavors Going, A bakery that, in addition to sweet treats and breads, also sells Italian pastas, sauces, and pizzas. The spacious Back Bay restaurant serves coastal delights including a half dozen crudos, grilled Scituate lobster and an excellent selection of spritzes. / Photo by Pat Piasecki. Finally, theres the option to take home canned sauces and bottles of house-made Meyer limoncello. You're welcome, world. Amongst the traditional, home-cooked items that could come across your plate: meatballs, veal cutlets, calamari braised broccoli rabe, carbonara and pesto. There are around 70 different flavors being scooped, with dozens of toppings to choose from. Benito One is the definition of a New York City old-school Italian restaurant. Nosh on handmade pastas, like its renowned lumache with bolognese and gojuchang, and strike up a conversation with your dining neighbors at the vintage communal table. Bostons first Venetian-styleosteria and wine bar, SRV (Serene Republic of Venice) balances its focus between modern interpretations of cicchetti and spectacular pastas. The 15 Most Romantic Restaurants Around Boston. [Photo: Facebook], Named from its original owner, Henry Marliave, a French immigrant from Paris, this restaurant opened its doors in 1885. Planning a self-guided tour of Bostons Freedom Trail? The Old School pizza at Tavolo, topped with green pepper, red onion, and pepperoni. One of Cambridges hardest reservations to secure is a seat at chef Michael Pagliarinis first solo spot. [Photo: Yelp], Where to Eat After Midnight in Greater Boston, Since 1969, Cabot's has been a beloved Newton icon. If you head here on theweekends, you'll find a whole slew of Italian-inspired dishes, including beautiful plates of fresh pasta. Still open on Atlantic Aveand still family ownedthis spot offers casual dining (think picnic tables) and New England seafood favorites, like lobster rolls, clam chowder and whole cooked lobsters. Asian FusionBreakfast & BrunchSaladCharlestown, Locally owned business, we specialize in Restaurant, Culinary Programming, Catering, Food Truck and Community Outreach. (Midas newer location in Newton, meanwhile, offers a couple additional reasons: Roman- andNew Haven-style pizzas.). Second-generation chef-owner Anthony DiCensos lobster-stuffed ravioli is a menu standout, but the house-made potato gnocchi, linguine with calamari and marinara, eggplant Parmigiana over house-made rigatoni, or really anything on the menu will hit the spot. It has quickly established itself as a standout, thanks to elegant crudos, shareable feasts (such as pork chop Milanese swabbed with caper-and-lemon brown butter), and a fantastic house made pasta program overseen by Tony Susi, whose Sage restaurants were important forerunners of Bostons contemporary Italian scene. Meanwhile, its rich pasta dishes. First, it was the Copley Caf. MIDAtakes its cues from Italian cuisine, with chef-owner Douglass Williams prioritizing three things: ingredients, wine and hospitality. The reality is, it takes a lot of hard work and something truly special to keep an eatery up and running for decadesif not more. South Street Diner has retro-cool cred. Netflix watchers will soon see the restaurant star in the upcoming film. 48 Boylston St., BrooklineVillage, 617-739-0007, lamorra.com. Compare. Chiapparelli's Restaurant 4. [Photo: Facebook], The Eater Boston Beer Heatmap: Where to Drink Now. Mario's Restaurant. Where: 1704 Washington St, Boston, MA 02118. Something went wrong. Best Dining in Boston, Massachusetts: See 243,993 Tripadvisor traveller reviews of 3,080 Boston restaurants and search by cuisine, price, location, and more. This once grand, red-brick Victorian building on West Broadway is edged with copper facing and black paintwork. 24 Fleet St., North End, Boston, 617-227-1577, prezza.com. Bostons dining scene can be ever-evolving and, over the years, weve seen plenty of restaurants come and go. I had the lasagna- a staple I try first at every newmore, I was happy with the service it's there style of Italian food. Opened in 1931, Cantina Italiana is the oldest restaurant in the historic North End of Boston. Then theres the superlative vino and outstanding cocktails that flow at the bar (where a la carte ordering is allowed), thanks to wine director Katie Hubbard and bar manager Rob Hicks. [Photo: Rachel Leah Blumenthal], 18 Essential Sandwiches in Greater Boston, Where to Eat Chicken Parm Sandwiches in Boston, 1903 marks the start of this popular restaurant. Fox & the Knife is the brainchild of chef and owner Karen Akunowicz (of Top Chef and Myers + Chang fame). If you'd rather take your Italian carbs in noodle form, definitely check out its list of inviting and inventive pasta dishes, like its campanelle with chorizo bolognese or spaghetti with shrimp and serrano chili scampi. Theres a location in Newton, too. This historic buildingwith the low ceilings to prove its agemay have hosted the likes of Paul Revere, Benjamin Franklin and President George Washington, and today, its a must-see local favorite. (No reservations; walk-ins only.). The Marina at the Wharf / Restaurant, Pub & bar, Seafood, Italian. Geppetto, a Cambridge newcomer from the Puritan & Co. team, draws inspiration from northern Italy and beyond while emphasizing New England ingredients, so watch for dishes like pumpkin agnolotti with wild mushrooms and a pork chop Milanese. By 1978, it was The Plaza Bar and Dining Room, and in 1996, it became The Oak Room. From hidden gems known mainly to locals or historic landmarks that have been open for decades, we've tracked down the best old-school Italian restaurant in every state and Washington,. Visit Website. 112 Salem St., North End, Boston, 617-367-6711, lafamigliagiorgios.com. This cozy family-owned venue has been in operation since 1909, providing visitors with ample opportunity to enjoy a refreshing pint of Guinness served at a pre-Prohibition bar. Morgan Ione Yeager restaurant SRV $$ More elevated than your typical neighborhood joint, yet. Theres the street-facing cicchetti bar, the standing-room space to order small bites (for a small price) such as orange-and-herb-marinated olives, pork and beef polpette, and our favorite, baccala mantecato (salt cod spread on jet-black bread with herbs and garlic).