Boston, Massachusetts' capital and the most populated city, is one of the most famous and visited towns in the state. While the city is known for its culture, rich history, and sports events, its food scene is worthy of praise. When it comes to mouth-watering dishes, Italian food is the world’s best, as it has an incredible history of outstanding flavors, and Boston is known to offer some of the yummiest. The city’s iconic North End is the most praised region for serving the best Italian cuisine. Whether into spaghetti and meatballs, antipasti, or cannelloni, here are the 10 Boston restaurants serving up the best Italian food.

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10 Al Dente

Nestled in the heart of Boston’s North End, Al Dente serves authentic Italian cuisine from all corners of Italy. From chicken to incredible seafood to a wide variety of pasta, the restaurant’s menu is top-notch! Having been dubbed names such as ‘’worthwhile destination,’’ North End home cooking,’’ and ‘’gourmet greatness,’’ Al Dente guarantees an unforgettable culinary experience to every traveler who steps their feet into the restaurant and orders an Italian dish. Its open kitchen lets tourists witness the preparation of the superb dishes. The place is cozy and casual, allowing visitors to have a relaxing dining experience in North End.

  • Opening Hours: 11:30 am – 10:00 pm (Sundays to Thursdays), and 11:30 am – 11:00 pm (Fridays & Saturdays)
  • Address: 109 Salem Street, Boston, MA 02113
  • Contact: 617-523-0990

9 Bacco

Located a short walking distance from Paul Revere's house and the Old North Church, Bacco is recognized as the most romantic restaurant in the city. The Italian cuisine served in this restaurant is both classy and regional and comes with a modern feel. The design of the structure is incredible, from the mahogany ceiling overlooking The Freedom Trail to a beautifully decorated floor and a vibrant bar on the ground floor. The menu is extensive, and include Antipasti, Insalata, Pasta I Riso, Contorni, Pollo, among others.

  • Opening Hours: 5:00 pm – 10: 00 pm (Tuesdays to Thursdays), 4:30 pm – 10:30 pm (Fridays), 3:30 pm – 10:30 pm (Saturdays), 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Sundays)
  • Address: 107 Salem St, Boston, MA 02113, United States
  • Contact: +1 617 624 0454

8 Antico Forno

Antico Forno is home to tasty Italian Cuisine, with dishes ranging from pizzas to terra cotta. The restaurant makes it to the list of 10 world's best Italian restaurants, thanks to their delicious offerings, quality service, and a wide variety to choose from. The atmosphere is home-like but also vibrant and loud. Also based in North End, Antico Forno is a must-visit restaurant. Best recognized for its brick-oven pizzas, Antico Forno serves other entrees, including Saltimbocca di Pollo.

  • Opening Hours: 11:30 am – 10:30 pm (Mondays to Thursdays), 11:30 am –3:30 /10:30 pm (Fridays & Saturdays), 11:30 am – 3:30/10:00 pm
  • Address: 93 Salem St., North End, Boston, MA 02113
  • Contact: (617) 723-6733

7 Carmelina’s

Launched in 2012 at the center of the North End, on Hanover Street, Carmelina’s offers travelers traditional Sicilian comfort food with a unique Mediterranean twist. Run by Damien DiPaola, who is the executive chef, the restaurant has transformed from old but tasty family dishes to modern Italian cuisine serving seafood, a variety of pasta, and more. The menu has frutti di mare, mussels, calamari, Siciliano e fusilli, among others. The restaurants have an open kitchen and a beautiful dining space with stunning family photos hanging from the walls.

  • Opening Hours: 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm, daily
  • Address: 307 Hanover Street, Boston, MA 02113
  • Contact: 617-742-0020

6 Davio’s

Situated in Park Square, Back Bay Area in Boston, Davio’s is one of the city’s most impressive restaurants serving the best Italian cuisine. The outdoor dining space packed with white tablecloths is where visitors take their meals. There are veal chops, and handmade pasta served in the dining room. Actually, every dish is made by hand, and they use the best ingredients. The restaurant was purchased by Steve DiFillippo at the age of 24 in 1985 and made several changes to the menu, the beautiful space, and the wine list. He transformed the then locally owned family restaurant into a popular destination offering the best Italian food.

  • Opening Hours: Lunch 11:30 am – 3:00 pm (Mondays to Fridays), Dinner 3:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Sundays to Tuesdays), 3:00 pm – 11:00 pm (Wednesdays to Saturdays)
  • Address: 75 Arlington Street, Boston, MA 02116
  • Contact: Phone 617.357.4810, FAX: 617.357.1997

5 Giacomo’s

Giacomo's provides incredible variations when it comes to traditional Italian dishes. It is a family-run restaurant located in the North End. The food eatery is a bit different from other restaurants in that there are no reservations for dining, and the menus are always displayed around the establishment, showing the available meat, sauces, and homemade pasta. They only accept cash, but the appetizer menu is extensive. The taste of the food served here is second to none! When done dining, it is important to leave the premise, or else the staff and the other visitors looking to claim a space in the food eatery will keep staring.

  • Opening Hours: 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Sundays-Thursdays), 12:00 pm – 10:30 pm (Fridays & Saturdays)
  • Address: North End, 355 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02116
  • Contact: (617) 523-9026

4 Bar Mezzana

Recognized for its delicious homemade pasta and Crudo, Bar Mezzana offers visitors a mix of New England's and coastal Italian cuisine. It is located in Boston's South End and has some of the yummiest vegetarian and vegan options. The restaurant was started by a couple, Colin and Heather Lynch, along with Jefferson Macklin, their partner.

  • Address: 360 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02118
  • Contact: 617-530-1770

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3 Mamma Maria

Mamma Maria makes it to the best restaurant serving Italian food because their dishes are delicious and has a reputation for quality service. Nestled on a small hill in North Square, the oldest public square in the U.S., this restaurant was founded in 1973. Its five dining rooms are excellent for holding private meetings and events and come with an incredible menu, offering a variety of Italian dishes. Some of the must-tries are rabbit pasta, short rib, and osso buco - and are best served for dinner or lunch.

  • Opening Hours: 5:00 pm – 9:15 pm (Sundays to Thursdays), 4:30 pm – 9:3-0 pm (Fridays & Saturdays)
  • Address: 3 North Square, Boston, MA 02113, Phone: 617-523-0077
  • Contact: (617) 523-0077

2 Prezza

Prezza has been offering authentic Italian cuisine at the city's North End and has now become a premier destination for fantastic dishes, incredible wine, and family gatherings. The restaurant. Now serving a mix of Mediterranean and Italian food is one that no visitor would want to miss. The menu is extensive and is bound to satisfy every guest's interest in authentic Italian food.

  • Opening Hours: 4:30 pm – 9:00 pm (Sundays to Tuesdays), 4:30 pm – 10:00 pm (Wednesdays to Saturdays)
  • Address: 24 Fleet Street, Boston, MA 02113
  • Contact: 617-227-1577

1 Sorellina

Sorellina comes with a fantastic mix of Italian-Mediterranean food, featuring a sophisticated service, incredible Italian wine lists, and a modern-inspired aesthetic. Situated in the heart of Copley Square, the restaurant’s dining space features a unique modern design with a great deal of comfort guaranteed to its guests. The food preparations at Sorellina are based on the best season’s offerings. The extensive list of wines follows the same pattern, with a mix of contemporary and classic selections.

  • Address: 1 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02116
  • Contact: 617-412-4600