I went to Bricco with some friends during a short trip to Boston. We were seated upstairs and we started our meal with cocktails. I ordered the Espresso Martini, which I learned the restaurant is famous for and after tasting it I understand while. I want to put the disclaimer that I am allergic to nuts, so I didn't have it how the restaurant traditionally prepares it (using Amaretto) but it still tasted excellent. The Espresso Martini was perfectly balanced between bitter and sweet and the had the perfect amount of foam on top. For my meal I got the Shrimp pasta with Zucchini. The shrimp was tender and the noodles were cooked to a perfect al dente. The zucchini added a nice contrast to the rich tomato sauce and helped make the dish feel light even though it was a bowl of pasta. My only complaint that the restaurant is very dim especially upstairs. Some people at our table joked that they might need to use their phone flashlight to read the menu, so if you are someone who struggles to see in dimly lit places keep that in mind. read more

Bricco - Shrimp and Zucchini Pasta - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

The building has 2 floors with bathrooms on both floors. The restaurant was dimly lit at night. They did give some complementary bread. I ordered the Farfalle Tartufate (lobster pasta with truffle) and Bricco's brodetto (variety of seafood) as they were recommended online. However they fell below my expectations. The lobster was overcooked so it was on the rubbery size. The pasta was undercooked and hard. The pasta portion size was tiny like an appetizer for the cost of $34 for 5-6 pieces of pasta. The swordfish in the brodetto was pretty hard and I found some sand in my clams. The salmon was also very expensive for the small portion size. For appetizers I did like how they wrapped the lemon in a net so the seeds wouldn't fall out. The mashed potatoes were also nice and creamy. The zucchini flowers were good but pretty expensive for just 2. read more

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My first Dine Out Boston 2026 Winter visit: Bricco, awarded "Best Espresso Martini" in Best of Boston 2025. The award went to the cocktails; when it comes to dishes, while the portions were generous, the quality was relatively ordinary. Table Bread: The bread was a bit hard and prickly in mouth. Three sauces were served: cannellini purée was purely bean-flavor, light and understated; pesto had a rich nutty aroma and a subtle garlic aftertaste; roasted garlics were soft and delicate with a gentle garlic flavor. My personal favorite was the pesto--the most fragrant and layered. Meatballs: The meatballs were large, firm, and somewhat chewy, but not quite up to the claim of "Boston's best from certified Angus beef" on the menu. The tomato sauce was average. The ricotta's moist texture, light milky aroma, and the Parmigiano's firm texture and rich fermented aroma were the biggest pluses of the dish. The Crostini was excessively crumbly, jarring whether paired with the meatballs or used to clean the plate. Honestly, I was already feeling full by this point... Risotto: Best of the meal, 4.5 stars on its own. The tomato sauce was different from the meatballs; it was authentically Italian, with a crisp, refreshing acidity. Biting into the cherry tomatoes released a burst of flavor-- be careful, for those who can't handle sourness. The rice was perfectly cooked, firm yet tender, each grain separate. The seafood, including scallops, squid, shrimp, and salmon, was all very fresh, firm, and bouncy. It was the first time I'd seen salmon in risotto; thankfully, the fishy taste was well removed, otherwise, the combination with the tomatoes would have been a disaster. Blueberry Cheesecake: The blueberries were practically nonexistent. Think of it as a New York-style cheesecake topped with white chocolate. It was extremely thick and creamy, like ice cream, but also incredibly sweet, making my mouth and throat feeling smothered. I had to alternate between a bite of cake and a sip of ice water to barely finish it. P.S. The lighting was so dim I couldn't see the food at all. Holding a DSLR camera in one hand while using a light in the other was exhausting. read more

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We were able to enjoy Bricco as part of a food tour. It was a fantastic experience. The staff was so friendly and welcoming to our group. We visited the counter service section. It was clean neat and organized. It was a smaller area, so the 15+ of us, had to take turns standing, looking at the counter offerings. I can't wait to return to purchase the fresh baked bread...Looked and smelled sooo good!!! read more

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Wonderful Italian food with cute staff and a vibrant North End atmosphere. The portions are a little bit on the smaller side for my liking, but the food is tasty and comes out quickly. It is not a messy but a rather fun endeavor. As someone who thoroughly enjoys Italian cuisine this is one I highly recommend, but also suggest getting here early because people fill up the joint quite quickly. Sorry that this review is shorter than most I write, but I think the food here speaks for itself in its quality. read more

Bricco - Pappardelle al Cinghiale - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Such a great experience. This was our second time coming in just for a drink, and once again it did not disappoint. The bar is large and comfortable, which makes it easy to pop in and grab a drink even on a busy night. The cocktails are definitely on the pricier side, but absolutely worth it. I ordered the Hot and Dirty Martini, and it was incredible. They chilled both the glass and the olives beforehand. It was such a unique twist on a classic dirty martini. It was icy cold, perfectly smooth, and had just the right amount of strength. My cousin and fiancé both got the signature espresso martinis, and the chocolate-dusted rim was to die for. I'm not even an espresso martini person, and I still thought it was amazing. We loved the complimentary bread served with three spreads. The roasted garlic clove was my favorite. We also ordered a charcuterie board, which was excellent and tasted super fresh. Overall, a fantastic spot for cocktails and light bites. I'd love to come back and try a full entrée next time! read more

Bricco - Bricco's Famous Espresso Martini - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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We visited the restaurant yesterday, and from start to finish, it was an exceptional experience. Our server, Emilio Bechara, was the highlight--warm, professional, incredibly attentive, and genuinely sweet throughout the evening. His knowledge of the menu and wine pairings was outstanding, and his recommendations perfectly matched both our flavor preferences and the dishes we ordered. The food was spectacular, and our favorite dish by far was the zucchini flower. The service was equally impressive. We grew up accustomed to a very high standard of hospitality, and that level of care is hard to find nowadays, but this experience absolutely delivered. Our water glasses were never empty, wine was always refreshed at the right moment, bread never ran out, and every course arrived and was cleared with perfect timing and efficiency. The restaurant itself struck a perfect balance--intimate without feeling cramped, lively without ever becoming too loud. We especially loved the exposed kitchen, which added a sense of confidence, pride, and authenticity to the entire experience. The Italian-inspired interior made the atmosphere feel warm and welcoming and added beautifully to the evening. This was a very special day for us, and the entire staff helped make it unforgettable. Thank you for giving us an experience we will remember and cherish forever. read more

Bricco - Dessert - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Bricco is one of those North End spots that feels classic the second you walk in cozy, lively, and exactly what you want from an old-school Italian restaurant in Boston. As someone with a gluten allergy, I was really impressed with how accommodating they were. They offer gluten-free pasta options and the staff was knowledgeable and reassuring about modifications, which immediately made me feel comfortable ordering (always a huge win when dining out). I had the gluten-free penne with vodka sauce and it was so good, perfectly cooked pasta (not mushy or falling apart like some GF pastas) and the sauce was rich, creamy, and full of flavor without being too heavy. You wouldn't even guess it was gluten-free. I also tried the duck, which was cooked beautifully tender, flavorful, and felt a little elevated compared to your typical pasta dish. The overall vibe is warm and energetic, great for a date night or dinner with friends. Service was attentive without being rushed, and everything felt thoughtfully prepared. If you're in the North End and need gluten-free options but still want a true Italian dinner experience, Bricco absolutely delivers. I'll definitely be back next time I'm in Boston. read more

Went and got two sandwiches. The chicken parm. Very good and huge. Would I say amazing, no. But solid sandwich. The porchetta is another story. Wow great sandwich!! Definitely will be back. read more

Great meal! This is the second time we've eaten at Bricco in the last 3 years and it did not disappoint. We took our friends who were traveling with us. We had a 6:16pm reservation for a Saturday night in September and the place was super busy. We checked in and got seated right away - upstairs. I knew my wife wouldn't be happy with having climb the stairs but what was nice up there was that it was much less noisier than the main level. Alex was our server and she was fun and great. We started with drinks and the included bread. Two of us had wine and two of us had Old-fashioneds. They muddle their fruit here. Not my preference but it the drinks ended up being 'okay'. The bread was soft and the spreads offered were tasty. We ordered our dinners as follows: - Beef Short Rib on Mashed Potatoes (I subbed the potatoes as polenta was standard) - Sea Bass on a Potato Cake - 8oz Beef Tenderloin Filet - Salmon - Side: Creamed Parmesan Spinach - Side: Roasted Brussels Sprouts - Side: Gnocchi with Lobster My Beef Short Rib was amazingly tender and tasty. My wife's Sea Bass was probably the best her or I have ever had. The preparation was unusual and amazing. My friend's Beef Filet was so tasty and tender - likely Prime grade. I did try my friend's wife's Salmon but she enjoyed it. We were too full to try any of Bricco's dessert but had I had room, I was considering their Bread Pudding. In our experience, reservations are a must for dinner at Bricco. If you're going all out, each ordering their own meal and some sides, it's going to be $$$. Knowing that going it - it was an amazing meal. read more

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Great Boston Restaurant with Downtown vibes. Small but had plenty of seating and the bar is much larger than it looks (wraps around both sides). SERVICE: Great from start to finish. We asked if we could grab a table without a reservation and they found us a spot right away at the bar. Our bartender talked us into their famous espresso martini - which was fabulous if course HIGHLT RECOMMEND! FOOD: Superb! We had the Duck and the Sea Bass. Both came out perfectly cooked and tased delicious. I was visiting, but will come back next time I am in town! read more

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My boyfriend and I ended up going to Bricco for a much needed date night! I feel like it didn't disappoint. (The only disappointing thing about the North End is the parking situation...). To start, we got the squash blossom and Caesar salad. My boyfriend said he wished there was more dressing on the salad, although personally, I thought it was perfect. And the squash blossom? Honestly one of the best appetizers I've ever had. Tempura fried to perfection, the truffle ricotta filling was well seasoned, and I loved the root vegetables on the side and all the sauces. Absolute perfection! The biggest let down was the pasta sadly. It's homemade which is always a plus, but it wasn't cooked fully. So it was kinda hard and really chewy. As my boyfriend says, "I like al dente. Not dente!". It was delicious but yeah, that is kind of pathetic that they can't cook a perfect pasta. The service was good. Quick, friendly... and all the food came out extremely fast. Again, maybe too fast on the pasta haha. But overall, everything was quick and good! Can't complain! I don't know if I'd come back for the pasta, but definitely the appetizers. read more

Everything was absolutely delicious! If you come Wolmar Ceolin was the most wonderful server. This restaurant took us back to being in Italy. On top of that , the ambience felt very intimate and special . read more

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solid find on Hanover Street in the heart of the North End. The menu mixes classic Italian favorites with a few hearty steak options, so there's something for everyone. It's a busy spot, so a reservation will save you some waiting time. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming -- comfortable enough for a casual get-together but still carries a touch of romance. Service was friendly and attentive, and the bar is well stocked. Definitely worth a visit if you're in Boston and want the full North End dining read more

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Bricco is as good as you'll get for Italian food in the North End of Boston. My family was in town visiting and I was fortunate enough to get a reservation in this no nonsense, classic Italian atmosphere of a restaurant in Bricco. Service is straightforward yet great, my noodles were cooked to a perfect al dente, and the wine list was extensive which led to a perfect Montepulciano to go with our meal. We were thoroughly impressed, but I have to dock it one star for the ridiculous cost of everything. Maybe I'm a bit biased given the value and quality I received in Italy in July. Bricco is a must visit. read more

We love Bricco, it's our go to spot in the North End. We also really appreciate that they take reservations, which makes planning our evening in the city much easier! The food is to die for, and the atmosphere and service are also great. You can't go wrong with anything on this menu - but we ALWAYS get the zucchini flowers - just trust me. read more

My experience at Bricco last Thursday night was 10/10, exceptional. The places was packed at 7 pm on a Thursday, I don't know why I was surprised by that but every single restaurant in the North End was packed. I walked into a few other places before coming here and there was no room at the bar anywhere. I was dining alone so I just needed one seat at the bar, when I walked into Bricco it looked packed but it was my last ditch effort before saying screw this rain and this night and going back to my hotel to eat at their restaurant. Luckily there was one spot at the end of the bar that I was able to squeeze into right next to the service station, which wasn't a problem for me at all. The bartender, I didn't catch her name but she was lovely. Not chatty, not rude, just the perfect combo. I don't drink so I ordered a water and I know that can be a bummer for bartenders but she didn't make a face or act disappointed so I appreciated that. I did not know what to order from the menu I wanted it all, everything sounded amazing. I ended up going for the insalata mista, presentation was stunning, taste was perfect. I ordered the octopus, which had a ginger and jalapeno crust and came with potatoes and string beans. Honestly, there are no words. It was the best octopus I have ever had in my life, I didn't want the dish to end. Seriously cooked to perfection, I don't know how many times I've used the word perfect in this review but that's what it was. Then I ordered the carrots because, health and these were not your average carrots. Again, perfect. Not buttery, not salty, just DIVINE. Everything was so good, it was the perfect amount of food for one person. I loved everything about this place, highly highly recommend to anyone and everyone. read more

Bricco - Incredible meal. Octopus, roasted carrots, salad misto. - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

This was a recommended restaurant, it was good. The expresso martini was amazing and highly recommend trying- it is like a dessert with the cocoa powder rim. We had the charcuterie board, gnocchiti with added meat ball ($6 extra for a meatball), and the lobster gnocchi. The lobster gnocchi was good but it was not overly impressive but the meatball was delicious. The restaurant was SO dark- we asked for the lights be turned up and more candles for the table because we needed a phone flashlight to see the menu. I think I would come back for the martini but might want to try another restaurant in the north end for pasta. read more

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Incredible Italian food, service was great too! Their homemade pastas were so good. Try the arancini balls.

All of our food was delicious but the portions were really small. We had a reservation for 3:30pm and we didn't get appetizers, we just ordered entrees and we did not get served until 5pm. The service was incredibly slow, we had a train to catch at 5:55pm and it was cut really close. I get it was busy but it felt like they forgot about us because when we asked how much longer due to our train it came shortly after so that was disappointing. The drinks were good and our server was informative of the menu but just the lack of urgency and slow service made me give 3 stars. read more

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My wife loved the lobster and truffle pasta. I agree that's it's great. Make sure you combine every ingredient in every bite - it's a burst of flavor you've never had before. The agnolotti was very good but relatively speaking it's a one note flavor profile. Our server Wolmar was very attentive and entertaining and he convinced me to try an upscale wine that was fantastic. The interior is super charming. Definitely worth a repeat visit. read more

Bricco - Great wine! - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Such an amazing restaurant!!!! The food was amazing- I got the farfalle: 10/10. The sauce was to die for. Everyone else at my table loved their meals as well. A standout was the ricotta pillows! Make sure you order an espresso martini!!!!! Best espresso martini I've ever had. Our waiter was great! Very knowledgeable on the menu and super friendly! We sat upstairs and the ambiance was lovely- dimmed lights and not too loud, but not too quiet. Will definitely go again on my next visit to Boston! read more

Bricco - Farfalle Tartufate - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Was in Boston for the weekend and Bricco came highly recommended by a girlfriend and wow, it did not disappoint! (coming from someone who doesn't really write reviews for anything unless the experience really warrants one!) First off, the wraparound bar that opens to the outside on both sides is such a vibe. I showed up around 6:30 on a Friday, the place was buzzing, and luckily snagged a bar seat! (couldn't really tell ya anything about getting a table, but an older couple walked in before me and they were told about 10-15min wait for a table) Started with an espresso martini (yes, they really are as good as everyone says). Then came the free bread and caesar salad, that came with two little fried cheesy balls that were unexpected, but a very pleasant surprise For my entrée, I was torn, so I asked Glenn, one of the bartenders (absolute gem, by the way). He recommended the pancetta-wrapped scallops and oh. my. god. Life-changing. Perfectly cooked, so flavorful, and honestly I could've eaten twenty of 'em if I wasn't already full after the three on the plate! When I closed out, Glenn had me try the bottled version of their espresso martini and it was just as delicious as the fresh one! Already planning to have some shipped to South Carolina! Ambiance/outfit notes for the girlies: the restaurant is dark and stylish, so you can lean casual or dress it up, truly. Either works! Think sundresses, jeans and a cute top, linen sets, sandals, wedges, even sneakers. You won't feel out of place either way, but "casual cute" definitely fits the vibe. All in all: great atmosphere, stellar cocktails, amazing food, and bartenders who know their stuff. A must if you're in the North End! read more

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Bricco was so good! We loved the variety of pastas and meats! The service from Wolmar was amazing! So attentive! And to boot, he was a hoot! So funny! Marcel, the manager, was also very kind! He made sure our dinner exceeded our expectations. Highly recommend this place for the food, ambiance, and service! read more

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Best Italian food in Boston, maybe the U.S. We used to come here 20 years ago when we lived here and I'm glad to say - it's every bit as good as I remember. I had the Burrata with prosciutto and cantaloupe and a breaded, deep fried veal chop stuffed with prosciutto and mozzarella with a twice baked potato. Wife had grilled octopus and veal ossibucco. Daughter had tuna tartare and meatballs. Amazing all the way around. read more

We were bringing family and out of town guests that wanted Italian. We had been here before and knew this is a great place to take them in the North End. We had a party of seven so they sat us upstairs against the back wall. Normally I would not care for this location but it was good as we had family members who could not hear well. The waiter was helpful in picking out wine as he asked price points we wanted and country, he suggested from there, I started with an amazing salad and because I am gluten free he suggested that gnocchi was what I could have. However the previous visit I was told I had many more options and could switch out the pasta. However the gnocchi was very good. Bricco is still a top choice read more

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What a lovely experience having dinner at Bricco! The dimly lit, romantic ambiance is perfect for an intimate date or a get-together with good company. Overall, the food was good, but the portions were small, and for the price, the taste was underwhelming. Papparadelle al Cinghiale (wild boar pasta) - 6/10 Ricotta Pillows (mushroom pasta) - 8/10 Classic Spaghetti Pomodoro - 6/10 Caesar salad - 7/10 - The dressing tasted strongly of anchovies The staff was pleasant to engage with, there were no adverse events. read more

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Another spot we checked out in North End - their house bread offering is great - the bread itself is not to write home about but it comes with 3 dips - roasted garlic confit, olive oil, and pesto cream - all delicious. Not a lot of veggie options but they were accommodative of customizations. We got a farfalle primavera with red sauce and a pumpkin tortellini. The pumpkin tortellini was good but the serving size was tiny. The farfalle was clearly handmade pasta, they were huge. The primavera sauce was lovely - very cherry tomato forward. The waiting staff was friendly and the restaurant is reminiscent of formal, dimly lit italian restaurants. Comparing Bricco with Prezza (since they both are in North End and we got basically the same dishes at both), I would say Prezza wins hands down. Although my dishes were delicious at both, I was charged nearly $10 more at Bricco for the same quality and dish (pasta, red sauce, and a couple of veggies!) Additionally, the serving sizes were far better at Prezza given the same tiering of the dishe styles (e.g stuffed pasta). I would give Bricco another chance since it was overall a fabulous meal, but hoping they manage their prices better for vegetarian guests! TDLR: Good but pricey! Great house bread + starter dip read more

Bricco - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

This place is everything that everybody says as long as it is 10 out of 10! They made me literally the best Italian sub I've had in my life and I dream about it as I'm back here in Michigan! I can't wait to go back read more

I've been a fan of the North End for 25 years. This was our first experience dining at Bricco. We enjoyed a wonderful evening of superb service from Alexa. Her wine and food suggestions were excellent. Our entrees were the Fettuccine Carbonara and 7-Spice Brick Chicken, both absolutely delicious. The atmosphere is North End cozy. Definitely worth a return visit. read more

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Went for the espresso martini as advised by a few locals. Good but nothing life changing. read more

Bricco - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Really loved it here. Bricco has a great reputation and rightfully so. They seated us early and the service was friendly and prompt. The bread service was on point. The ricotta pillows and espresso martini are equally excellent. It's genuinely one of the best espresso martinis I've had. Be sure to get a reservation if you're visiting on a weekend, otherwise it'll be an uphill battle to get in. Looking forward to returning! read more

Food was horrible. Service sucked and ambience was less than desirable Start off with the bread and tasteless spreads, it tasted stale and they had no flavor. Broccoli, so over cooked and Flimsy that it had no taste. The lobster pasta, I couldn't find the lobster and the eggplant lasagna, why bother. Soggy, tasteless and horrible. Avoid this place. read more

The best Italian sandwich you will ever have. I used to live in Revere for a few years back in 2014 and I came back to Boston for a day trip after all these years. This was first stop because I missed the best sandwich in the area. I took my panino with me on the road back to Jersey and ate it for dinner. It was so delicious. If you are ever in the North End this is the spot for a truly authentic Italian sandwich. read more

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Very spot for a pre or post dinner drink! Their martinis are always delicious. Bar is two sided and has plenty of room. Also be sure to check out their market located on the side alley in the back. read more

Bricco - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

The atmosphere, the food quality, and the espresso martinis were all amazing! The waitress was nice and got the job done. The pasta was fresh and cooked perfectly. The bread with the 3 dips was delicious. They were able to accommodate a table of 8, which can be challenging at some of the small places in the North End. read more

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Food is great, the bartender is very attentive, nice place to have a relaxing dinner. read more

Bricco - Meatballs - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Bricco is Boston's Best (at least in my eyes)! Our first time here and wow were we impressed. The North End has so many Italian restaurants to choose from but Bricco definitely stands out for sure. They are one of the first restaurants you see when walking down Hanover Street (from Faneuil Hall), they have a gorgeous bar (some spots do not have one at all), they have friendly staff, especially the bartender we had, a spectacular and premier wine menu for both BTG and bottle and incredible Italian food that makes you want seconds. Bricco is just one of the many restaurants that this restaurant group owns. They also own Assaggio, Aqua Pazza, and Quattro, to name a few. We only shared the meatballs since we weren't all that hungry and they were delicious. I had a few glasses of their Montepulciano which was fantastic and super smooth. We shared their award-winning Espresso Martini for dessert. Bricco should be on your "restaurant bucket list" as your next date night spot for sure. I also would recommend reservations, especially on the weekends. Or you can always eat at the bar too if they have room. Cheers to Italian food in the North End! read more

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Tucked away in a zen like ambiance this spot won't disappoint. Wine bottles hang by their extremities above aged bar tops and tables aligned closely amongst the organized hustle and bustle. Pasta of the gods. Perfectly cooked and service that will change your life. Outstanding. Pull up & stay Eatin! read more

Bricco - Fresh shrimp pasta - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Bricco is a great Italian restaurant. The taste of the food was amazing and the service was friendly and attentive. We were in Boston for a night and were looking for a good meal. A local recommended Bricco as one of their favorite go to spots. The restaurant was full, but we were able to get a couple of seats at the bar. The bartender was friendly and gave good service. The food was incredible. -- We started with bread, garlic, pesto and seasonings (10/10). -- For appetizer, we had CAB Dry Aged Beef Carpaccio with arugula, parmigiano and truffle essence (8/10). -- For the meal, we had another appetizer - Octopus which was dry roasted with ginger & jalapeño crust and served with purple potato and string bean salad. This was amazing (10/10). -- For dessert we had a Deconstructed Tiramisú. Very good (9/10). I highly recommend Bricco. Fantastic food. read more

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