Categories: Local & Entertainment; Eat & Drink

A Guide to Boston, Italian-style

By jilliancyork
updated 3 months ago

Just like the Irish, Italians have made a huge impact on Boston. From the famous North End (which, most of the time, feels like Italy itself) to the numerous festas held throughout the year, and the multitude of societies dedicated to keeping Italian tradition alive, Boston could very well be more Italian than New York (hey, our pizza's better - you know it)

Italian Boston

Like the Irish (and, well, many other ethnic groups), Italians have made a serious mark on Boston. And not just in the North End (although that certainly adds a bit of credibility, doesn’t it?)

Between 1880 and 1920, over four million Italians emigrated to America. Many of them settled in Boston (and the majority of those in the North End), with Italians of particular regions sticking together: Calabrians with Calabrians, Sicilians with Sicilians, and so forth. Although the North End had, up until that point, been an Irish community, it quickly gave way to Italians, and to this day remains a vibrant Italian community in Boston.

Giacomo's Restaurant

355 Hanover Street, Boston, MA 02113

Ohhh Giacomo’s. Your lobster ravioli haunts my dreams. Your chicken parm beckons me from across town. And you’re not expensive – how can this be?! You are evil, Giacomo’s, you are just plain evil.

Massimino's Cucina Italiana Restaurant

207 Endicott St, Boston, MA 02113

The wine list, the portions, the coziness, the cuisine – AH! Consistently rated as a five-star, this is the kind of place you want to go for a cozy date night. The service is great without being obtrusive and you can certainly down a few appetizers while you wait for the main course.

Sabatinos Italian Kitchen

1443 Commonwealth Ave, Brighton, MA 02135

So I live about as far from the North End as you can get (unfortunately). Therefore, I was lucky to discover Sabatino’s. Barely a hole in the wall, with uncomfortable bench seating, you wouldn’t think much of this place were you to just stroll by. But order the pesto chicken tortellini special and you’ll get it. Order ANYTHING and you’ll get it. Sabatino’s is special.

Comellas

1844 Centre St, West Roxbury, MA 02132

In case you’re as far out as West Roxbury (or um, you live there), check out Comella’s. It may not be North End, but it’s not North Carolina either.

Prezza Restaurant

24 Fleet Street, Boston, MA 02113

So Prezza is expensive. Moving beyond that fact, you must eat here. The wine list – book, rather – is unbelievable and not one meal on the menu will disappoint you. You probably want to wear elastic pants when you come here – get some sneaky ones, or a skirt (even better!)

Mike's Pastry Inc

300 Hanover Street, Boston, MA 02113

Mmmmmmmm. That’s really all I need to say, but I’ll say this also: cannoli. And: espresso. There’s always a line out the door. Always.

Anchovies

433 Columbus Avenue, Boston, MA 02116

With nightly lasagna specials and a bar that just begs to be sat at, Anchovies is the kind of place that makes the South End. It’s completely laid-back, with no frills, and plenty of beer and pasta dishes. My kind of spot.

Ristorante Toscano

41 Charles St, Boston, MA 02114

Get this: Affordable Italian on Beacon Hill. Really? Yes, really. Last time I was here, the server pulled out my seat, refilled my water glass multiple times, and basically was more attentive than you could ever expect in the (cough) North End. So you’d think the food wouldn’t be as authentic as a payoff? Wrong. Authentic to the nines.