Beyond the North End: Italian Gems Across Massachusetts
Everyone knows Boston’s North End has incredible Italian food—but the state’s most memorable plates aren’t all in plain sight. From cozy Cambridge trattorias and wood-fired North Shore pizzerias to farm-fresh Berkshires pastas, these spots prove you don’t need to brave Hanover Street crowds for a world-class meal. Handmade tagliatelle, pillowy gnocchi, perfectly charred Neapolitan pies—this guide highlights the Italian destinations locals swear by and savvy diners drive for. Bookmark it, grab your friends, and get ready for a pasta-filled adventure worth every bite.
Photo Credit: Tonino
669A Centre St - Jamaica Plain
Inspired by the cozy trattorias and aperitivo bars of Rome, Tonino celebrates the comfort of scratch-made Italian cooking. The menu highlights simple, soulful dishes that make the most of every ingredient. A true neighborhood gathering place, it invites locals to relax, share, and savor together.
Photo Credit: Via Cannuccia
1739 Dorchester Ave - Dorchester
This hidden gem brings the flavors of Rome to Dorchester with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. By day, it doubles as a charming breakfast spot with fresh pastries and breads; by night, it transforms into a welcoming trattoria serving authentic Italian fare. Warm hospitality and old-world flavors make it a favorite community hangout.
Photo Credit: Contessa
3 Newbury St - Back Bay
Set atop The Newbury Hotel with sweeping views of Back Bay, Contessa is Boston’s crown jewel for elevated Northern Italian dining. Guests are treated to luxurious pastas, refined crudos, and wood-grilled specialties in a glamorous rooftop setting. It’s a dazzling destination where timeless elegance meets modern culinary artistry.
Photo Credit: SRV
569 Columbus Ave - South End
Boston’s first Venetian-style bacaro, SRV is renowned for its cicchetti (small bites), freshly milled pastas, and made-to-order risottos. Its all-Italian wine list and stylish, neighborhood vibe bring a taste of Venice to the South End. Perfect for sharing plates and sipping cocktails with friends, SRV redefines modern Italian dining.
Photo Credit: Giulia
1682 Massachusetts Ave - Cambridge
Giulia blends spirited Italian cooking with warm hospitality in an intimate Cambridge setting. Handmade pastas, vibrant seasonal dishes, and a lively yet cozy atmosphere keep it one of Greater Boston’s most coveted tables. Every meal feels like a heartfelt celebration of Italian tradition.
Photo Credit: Bar Enza
1 Bennett St - Cambridge
Bar Enza brings a modern “Neo-Trattoria” vibe to Harvard Square with floor-to-ceiling windows and an elegant, light-filled dining room. Chef Tony’s coursed menus feature family-style antipasti, fresh pastas, and Italian classics prepared with refined technique. Guests can choose from an outdoor patio, spacious dining rooms, or private spaces for a truly custom experience.
Photo Credit: Toscano
47 Charles St - Beacon Hill
52 Brattle St - Harvard Square
Toscano faithfully recreates the rustic flavors of Tuscany, from handmade pastas and house-made sausages to wood-grilled meats kissed by oak and hickory. A 1,000-bottle temperature-controlled wine room showcases Chianti, Brunello, and other Tuscan greats. Seasonal ingredients and rare imports make every dish a rich expression of Italian tradition.
Photo Credit: La Morra
48 Boylston St - Brookline
La Morra captures the essence of Northern Italy with handmade pastas, Barolo-country wines, and a warm neighborhood atmosphere. Chef Josh Ziskin brings a year of Piedmont training to each plate, while sommelier Jen Ziskin curates a dynamic wine list of small Italian producers. Together they create an intimate dining experience beloved by locals and destination diners alike.
Photo Credit: Rino's Place
258 Saratoga St - East Boston
A humble East Boston favorite since 1985, Rino’s is famous for its fist-sized ravioli, tender veal, and rich house-made sauces. Chef Anthony DiCenso, raised in Italy, keeps tradition alive with daily specials crafted “until it’s done right.” Loyal guests return for hearty plates, friendly service, and that unmistakable red-sauce comfort.
Photo Credit: Maggiano's Little Italy
4 Columbus Ave - Downtown
Located in a historic Boston building, Maggiano’s serves classic Italian-American dishes inspired by generations of family recipes. Generous portions, polished service, and a lively atmosphere make it perfect for celebrations or casual lunches. Signature pastas and comforting favorites capture the spirit of a true Sunday dinner.
Photo Credit: Fox & The Knife
28 W Broadway - South Boston
James Beard Award–winning Chef Karen Akunowicz channels her time in Modena, Italy, into vibrant handmade pastas and bright antipasti. The high-energy enoteca embraces the spirit of aperitivo, pairing bold flavors with an outstanding amaro and cocktail program. It’s a stylish yet welcoming spot to gather, sip, and savor South Boston’s most talked-about Italian plates.
Photo Credit: Bar Volpe
170 W Broadway - South Boston
Also from Chef Karen Akunowicz, Bar Volpe celebrates southern Italian cuisine with ethereal pastas and dishes kissed by a wood-fired grill. Guests can take home freshly made pasta and sauces from the in-house pastificio or linger over rustic plates in the sleek dining room. Fire-driven flavors and expert technique make this Southie restaurant an instant classic.
Photo Credit: Novara
556 Adams St - Milton
Set in a beautifully converted historic movie theater, Novara pairs show-stopping design with authentic Italian flavors. Industrial-chic interiors and a sleek marble bar set the stage for handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and classic cocktails. It’s a suburban gem that rivals Boston’s best North End spots.
Photo Credit: Fioritaly Trattoria
417 Salem St - Medford
Chef Gabriele Ascione draws inspiration from his Ischian roots to craft refined, soulful Italian dishes. Every recipe celebrates the flavors of Naples and the island of Ischia, using carefully sourced ingredients to honor family traditions. Warm service and authentic flavors make this Medford trattoria a standout.
Photo Credit: Ciao! Pizza and Pasta
59 Williams St - Chelsea
Chelsea’s first wood-fired pizzeria, Ciao! brings authentic Neapolitan pizza and handcrafted pasta to a once underserved neighborhood. Their perfectly charred pies use imported Italian ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes and Fior di Latte mozzarella for true Naples flavor. Beloved by locals and food critics alike, it’s a must-visit for some of the best pizza in Greater Boston.
Photo Credit: Wood + Fire Neapolitan Pizzeria
35 Essex St - Melrose
Wood + Fire serves authentic Neapolitan pies baked in a blazing 900º wood-burning oven for that signature airy crust and smoky char. Using “00” Caputo flour and other imported Italian ingredients, every pizza delivers a true taste of Naples. Pair your pie with Italian pastries, craft beer, or wine for a cozy North Shore dining experience.
Photo Credit: Toscana Forno
139 Lynnfield St - Peabody
Toscana Forno brings the warmth and flavors of Tuscany to life with rustic Italian dishes prepared in a blazing wood-fired oven. The menu showcases handcrafted pastas, perfectly charred pizzas, and seasonally inspired plates made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Whether you’re savoring a Neapolitan-style pizza, enjoying a glass of wine at the bar, or sharing small plates with friends, Toscana Forno offers a cozy yet vibrant dining experience that blends traditional Italian craftsmanship with modern flair.
Photo Credit: Amelia's
217 Washington St - Stoughton
Offering a menu reminiscent of northern Italy’s trattorias, Amelia’s highlights farm-to-table ingredients in a relaxed yet sophisticated setting. An extensive wine list, craft cocktails, and fine single malts pair beautifully with tender steaks, fresh pastas, and homemade desserts. The spacious dining room—finished in dark mahogany, reclaimed oak, and stone walls—creates warmth and understated elegance. Whether gathering with family or celebrating a special occasion, polished service and a welcoming staff ensure a memorable experience.
Photo Credit: Alma Nove
22 Shipyard Dr - Hingham
Founded by Executive Chef Paul Wahlberg, along with brothers Mark and Donnie, Alma Nove blends flavors of Italy and the Mediterranean with a touch of coastal New England. Named after the Wahlberg family matriarch, Alma, and her nine (nove) children, the menu features antipasti, specialty pastas, fresh seafood, and wood-grilled chops. Walls of glass frame waterfront views, while a wraparound patio offers sunshine by day, colorful sunsets at dusk, and a firepit at night—perfect for lunch, dinner, or cocktails.
Photo Credit: Pasta E Basta
26 Main St - Amherst
At Pasta E Basta, the name says it all: it’s all about the pasta—and nothing else compares. This welcoming trattoria focuses on house-made pastas crafted daily, paired with rich, flavorful sauces and classic Italian accompaniments. From silky fettuccine to pillowy gnocchi, every dish highlights the simplicity and beauty of fresh ingredients. With its warm, casual atmosphere and dishes meant for savoring and sharing, Pasta E Basta invites you to slow down, gather around the table, and experience pasta perfection.
Photo Credit: Red Rose Pizzeria
1060 Main St - Springfield
What started as a 15-seat spot in 1963 is now a 400-guest landmark where Springfield gathers for unforgettable pizza. Red Rose’s scratch-made dough—crafted daily in 200-pound batches—anchors pies loaded with the signature “house recipe” topping of pepperoni, sweet peppers, and gooey mozzarella. Still run by the Caputo family, the menu stretches from crisp salads to classic Neapolitan entrées, earning decades of awards and a devoted following that spans generations.
Photo Credit: Mazzeo's Ristorante
1015 South St - Pittsfield
Since 1988, Mazzeo’s has set the standard for Italian dining in the Berkshires, blending fresh ingredients, timeless recipes, and polished service in a setting that’s both elegant and inviting. House-made pastas, hearty entrées, and decadent desserts shine alongside a carefully curated wine list. Perfect for date nights, celebrations, or business dinners, every visit delivers the family warmth and refined touch that keep guests coming back.
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Updated September 2025
