Boston's Best Italian Restaurants
Taranta
210 Hanover St.
Boston, MA 02113
(617) 720-0052
www.tarantarist.com
Taranta is one of the most unique Italian restaurants in the North End, and probably in all of greater Boston. Chef Jose Duarte expertly combines traditional dishes from Southern Italy with influences from his native Peru. The result is simply exquisite, including dishes such as yucca gnocchi, espresso coffee crusted beef tenderloin, and mango cannolis! In addition to being one of the best restaurants around, Taranta is also one of the only eateries in Boston certified by the Green Restaurant Association. Eco-minded foodies and green living enthusiasts can support the restaurant's cause by eating at Taranta next time they are craving some amazing Italian food.
Nico
417 Hanover St.
Boston, MA 02113
(617) 742-0404
nicoboston.com
Nico has the best calamari in Boston - hands down. There are literally hundreds of restaurants to choose from when strolling Boston's North End, but Nico is definitely worth your attention. You will find this intimate, romantic restaurant toward the end of the ever-bustling Hanover Street, near Boston's Waterfront. Inside you'll be treated to soft candlelight and all of the warmth and wine you have come to expect from the best Italian restaurants in the pasta game.
Daily Catch
2 Northern Ave.
Boston, MA 02210
(617) 772-4400
thedailycatch.com
Daily Catch is perfect for fans of food from Southern Italy. Specializing in Sicilian cuisine, Daily Catch is one of the most popular Italian restaurants in Boston. The eatery has two locations, but the one in the Fort Point District on Northern Avenue is definitely the one to head to; it has many more tables, leaving you less likely to encounter a wait. Plus, the venue has gorgeous harbor views and outdoor seating. However, if you want the real, authentic experience, head to the Hanover Street location in the North End. The meals are served right in the cooking pan! The downside is that the North End location only has four tables and does not take reservations, so you may have to wait outside for a while before there is space for your party inside the restaurant.
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Figs
42 Charles St.
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 742-3447
toddenglishfigs.com
There can't be a list of the best Italian restaurants in Boston without including a pizzeria. Figs has delicious thin crust, free-form Sicilian style pizzas with creative ingredient combinations. The pizza bistro is most famous for its wood-fired fig and prosciutto pizza, which is the perfect combination of sweet and savory. Figs also has a Red Sox pizza, which is perfect for Boston sports fans (and meat lovers). Figs has two locations in Boston, one in Charlestown and one on Charles Street in Beacon Hill. In addition to pizza, Figs also serves up a variety of pasta dishes, including a really great take on pasta carbonara.
Antico Forno
93 Salem St.
Boston, MA 02113
(617) 723-6733
www.anticofornoboston.com
Antico Forno is another North End favorite. Located on Salem Street, this restaurant has been a neighborhood destination for years. Why dine at this venue when there are so many to choose from? Antico Forno is affordable! Unlike many of the other Italian restaurants in the North End, Antico Forno has a number of amazing dishes for under $20. It is also a large restaurant for the neighborhood, so it's great for larger groups, birthday parties, and celebrations of all kinds.
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