Mare

This is my second time coming to Gigi!…read more Every time when I'm in Boston it will be a tradition from now on. Our server, Leo, was very friendly, and he helped us pick what to get. We ordered their special of the day: the fried zucchini tempura, cod, and veal vodka spaghetti, as well as the rice meatballs, regular meatballs, and the alla vodka rigatoni. Everything tasted phenomenal. The setting was so cozy and it's always a wonderful time in this space. Make sure to book a reservation, because it's impossible to get a walk in table, even on a rainy day!

Last night, my friend and I tried Gigi for the first time for dinner!…read more Definitely super busy on a Saturday night so I highly recommend making reservations. They have indoor seating & outdoor "patio" seating. We started off the meal with drinks! We ordered the limoncello spritz & the pistachio martini. The limoncello spritz tasted refreshing & like a sparkling lemon/limeade with a hint of honey. The pistachio martini was very creamy & tasted sweeter at the end of each sip. We shared two appetizers: the arancini and the calamari fritti. We LOVE calamari & always end up ordering it at every restaurant we visit that has it on their menu. We liked the presentation but wished that the calamari was crispier. The batter is thicker + unseasoned & was fried lightly. The two sauces definitely helped here. We enjoyed the arancini much more than the calamari, though that's not to say the calamari was bad haha. The arancini was just a better bite! I loved that they were crispy, cheesy, + quite flavorful. I highly recommend getting the arancini appetizer. As for entrees, we each ordered a pasta. We did the rigatoni alla vodka & chitarra alla vongole. I'm a big fan of white wine pastas with clams & have to say this one was GOOD! Very flavorful actually, while still tasting light. The sauce had a smokey garlic flavor that I really liked! They gave a lot of clams too, so I was pretty happy with my choice in ordering this dish. The rigatoni alla vodka is perhaps their most popular dish and what our server suggested instead of getting the bolognese. We thought it was just okay. It doesn't come with any protein, just pasta + sauce but it wasn't memorable. I'd say, maybe try the other pasta dishes they have before getting the rigatoni alla vodka. Overall, it wasn't a great meal! The highlights for me were the arancini and the chitarra alla vongole. I think I would come back again to try more dishes & although service was a bit slower (with how busy it was), our server was kind & helpful! Prices were on par with other Italian restaurants in/out of the city. Parking: street parking

Inferior

Burrata 10/10

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Inside/Decor

Carmelina's

4.5(4.5k reviews)

0.1 mi•North End

Attentive service and food is outstanding. We are repeat visitors to Carmelina's whenever we are in…read morethe North End. We made reservations months in advance and chose the 11:30 time as we had a tour booked for 1pm. Chefs kiss to Carmelina's for having an amazing restaurant and ambiance.

Great food and delicious excellent customer service and the drinks were yummy. Parking was a pain…read morebut still Im happy to give it 5 stars.

Bolognese

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Grazie @foodieauthority Spicy Shrimp

Giacomo's Ristorante - Boston

4.1(4.5k reviews)

0.2 mi•North End

You might accidentally walk past this cute Italian ristorante...and you would regret it. I walked…read morearound the area for a while before settling at a table by the window in Giacomo's. I was quickly greeted and informed that they were cash-only dining. But fret not, for just inside the doorway is a perfectly placed ATM. It took only a few seconds for me to pinpoint the exact item on the menu that my stomach was craving and my eyes fixed upon...Antipasto for an appetiser and chicken Marsala for the entree. The antipasto dish arrived very quickly and was a beautiful layout. Of course I desired to save some room for the entree but ended up eating about 3/4 of the appetiser before it arrived. The chicken marsala was absolutely perfect, still steaming on the plate as she placed it before me. I told myself I would only eat half the dish and take the rest back to my hotel for snacking later. However, my taste buds are not allow me to stop feasting on this Italian delicacy. If you're ever in the area, don't worry about the other Italian restaurants in the downtown, although I am sure that they are well and good, but Giacomo's is well worth your consideration. My only regret is that I only have one more night here to try another one of their delectable dishes.

Wait wasn't too long on a Friday night…read more I enjoyed the texture of the fusilli and it certainly was a hearty bowl of pasta. Beyond that though, nothing remarkable. Portion size was decent although prices are not cheap (just entree alone will be minimum $30). They specialize in seafood so the only protein options that weren't seafood were chicken or veal. There weren't too many apps that caught my eye, particularly lacking veggies. Service is on the ruder side. They automatically add 20% tip to your bill.

More menu

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Open dining room

Isabella Ristorante

4.5(717 reviews)

0.1 mi•North End

Isabella is tucked on a small street in the North End and the space is cozy with roughly a dozen…read moretables. My party of three made a last minute reservation last Friday night, just 2 1/2 hours before closing. We arrived an hour later and were immediately seated. We experienced excellent service from beginning to end. Delicious Italian cuisine, from the appetizers to the entrees. Thank you for the meal and can't wait to return!

A great but small restaurant (10-15 tables) in the north end of Boston…read more We had a lovely lunch/dinner, around 2 PM on a Saturday , so it was not crowded. We had the pear blue cheese salad, which was delightful! For main courses, our party had the veal roll which they accommodated us by serving it with a side of gnocchi instead of potato. This was a delicious mean course. The lobster ravioli was terrific. The vodka sauce was perfect. The tutti de Mari was full of delicious fresh seafood, including clams, mussels, calamari, shrimp.... Unfortunately We were too full for dessert.

The wine wall at Isabella Ristorante.

Eggplant Parmesan

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Little Italy on a beautiful Boston night.

Piattini

4.0(1.2k reviews)

1.6 mi•Back Bay

I'm definitely a pasta connoisseur and this place is AMAZING! Stumbled upon this place and i'm…read morealways in the mood for Italian so I knew I had to try it. It was such a beautiful day outside leading me to decide to sit on the patio. Great decision. It's covered with umbrellas and a few wire patio tables. The chairs are actually quite comfortable. I decided on the Rigitoni with vodka sauce (one of my favorite pastas) It was absolutely amazing!! My boyfriend got the scampi and it was full of amazing flavors. I've never had a scampi be so flavorful! I love that there was a hint of lemon. I add the breaded chicken cutlet to my pasta and it was a great choice. We had dinner positions and it was enough for leftover, which might I add heat up very well due to the high quality of the food. We were also offered bread with oil and it was the perfect mix of soft and chewy from the crust. 10/10 food. The atmosphere is very classy with a hit of casual sense to it. Our server was very kind and attentive. We will definitely be coming back before we leave!!

I wanted to love this restaurant - the service was so friendly and attentive. This may have been…read morethe particular dishes I chose , but unfortunately, the food was just okay I ordered the shrimp scampi and Brussels sprouts. The sprouts had too much balsamic reduction on it which was cloying, and the garlic aioli didn't have a distinctive taste. Together it was too much sauce and the sprouts were generally overcooked, the mushy texture that makes people dislike them. The shrimp was cooked perfectly but the seasoning was on the bland side and too little sauce. It did have a nice brightness on the lemon and butter. The pasta had good texture (freshly made), but not enough flavor. The place was quite busy on a Monday night, but I don't think I'll return.

Inside

Tuna Crudo

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Raffaela's Tiramisu (~$12)

Krasi

4.6(594 reviews)

1.8 mi•Back Bay

A very popular, long-established Greek restaurant in Boston. Last time I walked in and was told…read morethere would be a two-hour wait, but this time I made a reservation and finally got to enjoy a delicious meal! Tiropita Rolls: Very straightforwardly delicious. The bread was warm, soft, and airy, with a rich aroma of butter and cheese; the spread was a rich blend of honey butter, and olives, sweet and delicious, perfect as an appetizer. Tzatziki: A slight disappointment. The cucumber and Greek yogurt spread was surprisingly heavy, a bit cloying, and the pickled kumquats weren't as sweet as I expected, but rather had a slightly bitter taste. The pita bread was thick and soft, probably better suited for dipping in soup--like Bourdeto--than for the spread. Bourdeto: The tomato fish soup was a pleasant surprise. The freshly caught grouper of the day was thick and tender, lightly seared to create a crispy crust. The broth was a vibrant, tangy tomato base, with onions, fennels, and red peppers contributing a sweet, layered flavor. Trahanas, fermented wheat and dairy, added richness and a smooth texture to the soup. The broth also had a slight spiciness, making it incredibly comforting on a chilly autumn day. Portokalopita: The dessert that elevated the entire meal. A traditional Greek orange phyllo, the cake, made from crumbs of phyllo pastry, becomes incredibly soft and moist after being soaked in orange syrup. Every bite was bursting with rich orange sweetness and fragrance, followed by a slightly bitter orange zest--perfectly balanced. Paired with Manouri cheese ice cream, the creamy flavor was incredibly rich and creamy, creating a harmonious and layered flavor profile.

Krasi is a classic, high-end Greek restaurant with an excellent food and drink selection. It was a…read moregreat choice to catch up with friends and celebrate after a difficult med school exam! We chose to sit outside; it was a chilly fall evening when we went last year, but we got some lap blankets which was a nice touch, so brownie points for service. My friend and I split the pastitsio (meat pasta dish), kotopoulo (a chicken dish), louza charcuterie, and tiropita (halloumi rolls). The rolls were stuffed with halloumi and were dense in the best way possible. Coupled with the louza charcuterie, the appetizers were a hit. The two entrees were small but mighty - they were packed with rich meats but also featured microgreens, herbs, and other tangy, bold flavors that really balanced the dishes. We got some glasses of Greek orange wine that I can't remember the name of but it paired excellently with the food per our waitress's recommendation. Overall, a solid Greek option if you're in Back Bay! But definitely make a reservation if you can.

Atmosphere

Giouvetsi

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Dips (tzatziki, kopanisti, taramosalata, sourdough)

Mida

4.3(63 reviews)

2.7 mi•Fenway

Moody, classy interior that's perfect for a night out !…read more Spacious with plenty of seating (had no trouble making a last minute reservation) and great service all-around. Ordered the sausage pizza and mushroom pappardelle. 10/10 pizza--crispy crust with spicy peppers that balance out the sausages. Not to mention, most of the pizzas had reasonable prices for this area. Pasta was very mild (great if you're looking for a 'butter noodle' vibe) but personally wish it had more flavor. Highly recommend overall and would be a great choice for groups !

Wow! This kitchen is on fire! We were happy to find Mida open on the 4th of July! We were in Boston…read morefor a week and had some excellent food and this was our favorite restaurant of the trip. The service was amazing from the kitchen. We had a food party and shared all items. Pizza, fritto misto, braised beef on cauliflower puree ( no picture it was so good I forgot) Caesar salad and meatballs (also forgot to shoot a picture). Food was absolutely amazing. One note that I would normally score down on service when I order a drink before dinner I should at least get the drink and be able to consume it before all the food comes! Mida missed an opportunity here in timing the food and lost some liquor sales as a result. We gave this feedback to our server. Food was totally worth it and the vibe of the space was nice. Thanks Mida for a greata meala!

Inside

Sausage pizza + Mushroom pappardelle

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Inside

SRV Boston

4.4(658 reviews)

2.0 mi•Symphony

Back in July 2020, I returned to SRV and decided to try the Arsenale tasting menu, a chef-curated,…read moremulti-course shared experience. Since it was summertime, we were able to sit outside in the courtyard out back. I had been to SRV before and had no idea this space was even there. It was tucked away, relaxed, and a great setting for dinner. I was pleased with just about everything that came to the table. There was one dish that simply wasn't doing it for us, but we didn't complain or ask for anything different. Then something happened that really stood out. The chef came out herself and mentioned that she noticed we barely touched that particular dish. She asked if she could send us something else instead. Sure enough, she did. That immediately took the service to another level. We never had to say a word. She noticed, cared enough to ask, and made sure we left happy. Looking back on this July 2020 visit, the food was creative, the courtyard was a nice surprise, but that level of attention from the chef is what I remember most. It turned a great dinner into a memorable one.

We stopped in for an early dinner before the theater. We had reserved seats at the counter but…read moredecided the bar was more comfortable and ate there instead. The restaurant is quite large and was nearly empty during our visit, but it was early. Beware if you sit at the bar as it can be hot as there's a small heating grill on the back of the bar that emits a lot of heat. The curated menu includes cicchetti, or individual bites, along with first courses, pasta, fish, and other proteins. Despite the variety, I found it surprisingly difficult to find something appealing. We shared the zucchini, served over radicchio with ricotta and chipotle. It was heavier than expected, and the combination of flavors felt muddled rather than cohesive. For our main course, we both ordered the hake, served with fennel, onion, and pine nuts. As with the zucchini, the presentation felt somewhat awkward and unrefined, and the individual flavors did not come through as distinctly as we had hoped. The highlights were the friendly service and the Spring in a Bottle nonalcoholic sparkling rosé. Overall, however, we were underwhelmed and would not return.

Bar Interior

Lobster risotto

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Outside

The Salty Pig

4.2(2.1k reviews)

1.5 mi•Back Bay

If you want great service you need to come here and ask for Liana. I've come here many times and…read moreshe has been my server a couple of times always with a smile and extremely overattentive making sure that my experience is great. Also the food is amazing and their expression Martinez are great. Right across from the back bay station this is a must come to spot for small or large groups. They're charcuterie broad and brick oven pizza are very fresh and great for large groups. The atmosphere is spacious great table tops available for single or large groups. I personally like the bar with their TV and wine selection on display.

Our group of 16 was genuinely excited to dine at The Salty Pig in downtown Boston, hoping it would…read morebecome a regular spot on our list. While the kitchen delivered a solid meal, the service was so profoundly disappointing that it completely overshadowed the food. The culinary side of things easily earns a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars. We ordered a wide variety of items to share, and the highlights included: * The Pizzas: Creative flavor combinations with fresh, high-quality toppings and fantastic crusts. * The Bucatini Pasta: Perfectly cooked and packed with rich flavor. * The Asparagus Appetizer & The Chicken Milanese: Both executed well, flavorful, and cooked to a high standard. Unfortunately, the front-of-house experience was uniformly horrible. For a large party, hospitality can make or break the night, and our server missed the mark at every single turn: * Argumentative & Dismissive: He actively argued with our host regarding an appetizer that had been ordered in advance. When asked about vegetarian substitutions for a sold-out pasta dish, he curtly replied, "Pasta with butter is all we can do"--despite the fact that we could clearly see a wide variety of fresh vegetables being used right on their pizzas. * Inattentive: Dirty dishes piled up on our table, and when we politely asked for them to be cleared, he claimed he needed to get help and walked away completely empty-handed. Our drink orders were rarely checked on or refilled. * Rude to Guests: He displayed visible attitude and put-off body language whenever anyone asked a simple question. This peaked when he was outright rude to one of the young women in our party who simply wanted to put her order in a bit early because she had to leave before the rest of the group. It is a real shame because the ingredients and the kitchen's output are genuinely good. However, between the hostile attitude and the lack of basic service standards, we unfortunately won't be rushing back.

Interior

Pork pate, manchego cheese, olives

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Sippin' easy (w/ alc)

MIDA

4.2(719 reviews)

2.1 mi•South End

Great food, lovely ambiance, and awesome waitress! Perfect GNO or date night spot…read more I really liked both of the entrees we ordered. - - The lasagna was a hearty, comforting bite. Adding short rib as the protein gave the classic dish a unique but welcome twist. I was a fan! - The rock shrimp carbonara was al dente (and made with bucatini!!) and covered in the perfect amount of creamy sauce. No notes there. Also huge shout out to our waitress (who we unfortunately did not get the name of). She helped us pick a delicious wine, and made our night a bit more entertaining.

Was excited to try this place because of all the reviews but I have to admit I'm confused…read more The highlights of our night were our server Daniel, their olive oil, and the deconstructed, wacky tiramisu. Daniel was super friendly, checked on us a lot, and offered a lot of suggestions including a red wine that is now my boyfriend's favorite. The free bread they give you came with some of the best olive oil I've ever eaten. Lastly, The tiramisu is not like any I've tried before but I honestly really liked it. It was super fresh and the espresso they pour over it is delicious. The rest of the food was meh. -North Shore Fritto Misto: 4/5, average squid:pepper ratio, fried well so they were not too chewy, great sauce. -Foccacia: 3/5, fluffy and soft but pretty boring unless you dip it in your pasta sauce. -Lasagna: boyfriend 4/5, me 2.5/5. I thought it was really salty and all I could taste was rib, no other components. Important to note though this was not my entree and I only had a few bites. -Bolognese: 1/5, the pasta cooked so well gave this a point otherwise the sauce was super thin, there was like no meat, and all I could taste were scallions.

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Inside

ARANCINI

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Arancini

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23 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Calle J.

3 years ago

While the food offerings at Mare Oyster, including the delightful oysters and pasta, along with the charming fireside ambiance, were undoubtedly impressive, my overall experience was significantly tainted by the terrible service. The first hiccup occurred at the host stand when one of the hostesses dropped a glass at my feet. Unfortunately, the incident went unacknowledged, and I received no apology despite the ensuing chaos with shards of glass scattered around. Opting for a cozy spot near the fires, we faced an extended wait for our server's greeting. Despite being promised that the door allowing frigid air in would be closed, no action was ever taken to remedy the situation. Upon ordering wine and oysters, we were almost finished with our meal by the time our server returned. It was then that we had to request essentials like silverware, napkins, plates, and a reminder about the promised bread. As we enjoyed our main course, I desired another glass of wine, but our server was notably absent. While I understand the challenges of a busy restaurant, there were only two other tables occupied, and at least three servers, including ours, were seen socializing and watching the Celtics game at a bus station, pointedly avoiding our attempts to catch their attention. Despite our patience, we eventually had to flag down someone for assistance. Seeking resolution, I requested to speak with the manager. However, this encounter further soured my experience. When explaining our dissatisfaction with the service, the manager failed to acknowledge or apologize for our perceived grievances. Instead, he swiftly took our bill, swiped it, and declared that nothing could be done because we had consumed everything and appeared content. To add insult to injury, he suggested that we could express our dissatisfaction through the tip. This final interaction was the proverbial icing on the cake for me. The complete lack of acknowledgment or attempt to address our concerns by the manager solidified my decision-- I will not be returning to Mare Oyster. read more

Santanu S.

Elite 26

640

781

1 year ago

Mare's service was exceptional. The water glasses were constantly refilled without being asked, which was a nice touch. Both my entree and dessert selections were off the menu. The entree was a lobster pasta dish in a spicy tomato sauce. The sauce was flavorful, but lacked the heat. The lobster would have been in its shell if the waitress had not asked the kitchen to remove it. I was excited about the chocolate soufflé but was disappointed to find out they did not have any for the day. Instead, they offered a chocolate lava cake, which was an equally chocolatey substitute. Many restaurants offer lava cakes, and Mare's is no exception. The lava was thick and rich, and it was perfectly complemented by the scoop of vanilla ice cream. Unfortunately, Mare's only has two single occupancy restrooms, one for men and one for women. This can lead to long waits, especially on busy nights. Since the men's room doesn't have a urinal, both restrooms could be gender-neutral to help reduce the wait time. read more

Joe M.

11 years ago

We had our concierge call for reservations which were confirmed and we were told our table was ready. We arrived to a hostess that didn't have our name in the computer and then told us that she did have a table but it was given away (very matter of factly). When I asked to speak to the manager I was given a long pause followed by a lengthy private conversation between her and the manager before finally being approached. The manager was unapologetic/rude and seemed very annoyed. We were eventually shown to a table after I voiced my frustrations about the situation. The waitress was kind and the fish was fresh. All could have been fine with an apology from the manager and a glass of wine sent to the table (or some minor gesture) but the management's unprofessionalism almost completely ruined an otherwise acceptable meal. read more

Flavio A.

11 years ago

"Birthday I took the family for a special birthday night for my daughter. She just graduated from college this last June. We started with a glass of champagne and had to wait twenty minute as the oldest daughter was stuck in traffic, however the staff was very gracious acontinue pouring. The food and service is flawless. Wolmar you are superb We had a memorable night and the food quality made it exceptional. It is mostly a fish restaurant but my wife selected chicken as her main dish. Everybody was happy to share this wonderful night together and the restaurant server a nice birthday platter to my daughter Visited October 2015 read more

Ellie MJ K.

1 year ago

We had a disappointing experience at Mare. The service was extremely poor--our server was inattentive, and we waited an unusually long time without any check-ins. We eventually had to flag down someone from the host stand just to get basic service. Only the runner server assistant was attentive with providing water consistently. While the food itself was decent, it simply wasn't worth the frustrating experience. With so many great dining options in the North End, I'd recommend choosing another establishment that values both quality and hospitality. read more

Ana R.

9 years ago

We had our best dining experience at Mare Oyster Bar in Boston. The server Rosario Apuzzo was attentive, and had great suggestions to complement our meal. The food was delicious, everything we ordered was perfect. The dessert platter was superb, and Rosario even surprised us with an extra dessert and Limoncello for our party. If you ever are in Boston, we highly recommend. The Lobster mashed potatoes were to die for, and the caviar service was incredible. Thank you for a perfect evening, and to Ricardo who attended to our table, you are the BEST! read more

Emmanuel M.

3 years ago

Came in for a late dinner with a group of five. The place was okay, with nice vibes, but no one took our order for nearly 15 minutes and the place was not too crowded. We shared some foods: bibb salad, calamari, seafood soup, gnocchi, crab cocktail, lobster, and a lot. Received the food after 25 minutes, it had generous portions but our pasta was overcooked and the salad was a bit bland. Overall, not worth the long wait. read more

Ginger L.

9 years ago

This was my second visit and both times really liked the atmosphere and the service. Both Rita the manager and Anna the hottest were super polite, friendly and courteous. The bar is a great place to sit and enjoy a cocktail with an appetizer. The meal itself was good, but could have used a bit more seasoning and spices. I will definitely go back and try it again!! read more

Bobby M.

9 years ago

Outstanding food !! Very beautiful restaurant we came in with 4 ppl with out reservation the management was very accommodating. The service was impeccable I think his name was Corey very polite and accommodating I would recommend this restaurant to all my family and Friends definitely will be back soon !!! read more

Adina B.

10 years ago

We went for dinner in Mare ,we have a good time ,the food was amazing from the appetizer to desert,good selection of the wine and great ambiance,everything was perfect .,great service read more

Maria T.

7 years ago

Excellent food. Good service.. wonderful location, but tight squeeze. We met the chef outside and he walked us into the restaurant. An amazing experience. Pricey but worth it. read more

Sean W.

2 years ago

The food was fantastic. If you're unsure, get the pappardelle.A little turned off that they charge for refills of soda water from the bar's soda gun. And $3.50 at that! read more

Franny S.

7 years ago

We love it here. Seafood and pasta are delicious. Service a little unfriendly but easy to overlook because the food is so good!

Sarah K.

285

10 years ago

Great food but terrible service. Very disappointed with the quality of service and will not go back because of it.

Xu L.

3 years ago

一家非常不错的意大利餐厅，三种生蚝的口感差不多，很新鲜，总体过得去，主菜龙虾饺子和龙虾意面非常好吃，值得推荐，酒单非常差，只有意大利酒和美国酒，价格比较离谱，基本都是市场价的2-3倍，性价比非常差，建议想喝口儿~还是啤酒吧

Gabor M.

6 years ago

Thank you Lucca for an outstanding birthday experience! Stellar service! Delicious food! Delightful ambiance!

Karin P.

3 years ago

Visiting from NY, and got the recommendation for Mare from a tour guide. the food was amazing!

Mayra D.

5 years ago

They turned on a fire pit outside in 90 degree weather, if you want to eat in hell come here.

Gerard F.

111

9 years ago

Host with the mustache is an a** Made a reservation through open table and they ignored it read more

Ann F.

11 years ago

Run don't walk to this place - Food EXCELLENT!!!!! New location - FANTASTIC!!!

Mare - seafood - Updated October 2026

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Everyone has had lobster ravioli. But you haven't had the lobster pillows. They are light, the…read moresauce is fresh and the fumet adds that seafood taste. Also the arancini are on point

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If you are looking for an authentic Italian experience in the North End without the tourist-trap…read morefeel, Assaggio is the spot. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was warm, inviting, and smelled absolutely incredible. The Food We started with some wine and dove straight into the mains. The Carbonara was rich, creamy, and executed perfectly, exactly how you'd hope for in Boston's Italian district. We also ordered the Lasagna, which was a massive portion of pure comfort. You can tell the pasta is fresh and the sauce has been simmering for hours. The Service What really took our night from great to unforgettable was our waitress, Alina. She truly went above and beyond for us. She was attentive, knowledgeable about the menu, and had such a bright energy that made us feel like regulars. It's rare to find service this genuine and seamless! Pro Tip: Definitely make a reservation if you're heading there on a weekend, as it fills up fast! Bottom Line: Amazing food, cozy vibes, and world-class service. We will definitely be back and asking for Alina's section!

I'm not saying I'm a Pasta Carbonara connoisseur... but I've eaten enough Carbonara to know when…read moreI've been personally offended by one. Sadly, the Carbonara at Assaggio was, without question, the worst I've ever had. The sauce tasted like it came straight from the "Just Add Water" collection, the pancetta seemed to have skipped the whole "meeting the frying pan" step, and the seasoning apparently called in sick that day. It also took about an hour for a few simple pasta dishes to arrive, which gave us plenty of time to lower our expectations. The portions were surprisingly small--perhaps to match the amount of seasoning. As for the service... let's just say the automatic 20% gratuity felt less like a convenience and more like a witness protection program for the waitstaff. Overall, if you're looking for authentic Carbonara, keep looking. If you're looking for a memorable experience, congratulations--you've found one.

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3.6

(259 reviews)

Davio's Seaport is one of my absolute favorite restaurants…read more The room is beautiful... elegantly appointed, filled with natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows, and blessed with wonderful views of the waterfront. During the day it feels bright and airy. At night, the entire room glows. Combine that with fantastic service, chow, and libation... and it's really hard to beat. I've been a fan of Davio's and its owner, Steve DiFillippo, since his original location on Newbury Street back in the 1980s. While I've enjoyed the other locations that have followed... all serving the same excellent food... the Seaport location possesses a setting that's truly special. And don't overlook dining at the bar here... it's one of my favorite things to do in Boston. Tonight, our dinner for seven was perfect. We got things started with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot and a terrific selection of appetizers... Chopped Romaine Salad with green beans, chickpeas, egg, tomatoes, Niman Ranch bacon, blue cheese... Tuna Tartare with avocado, citrus ponzu, and Davio's signature herb pasta chips... Oven-Baked Lump Crab Cake with whole-grain mustard sauce... and an assortment of Davio's famous Spring Rolls, including Philly Cheesesteak, Chicken Parm, and Buffalo Chicken. Everything was excellent. One of the highlights of any meal at Davio's is the complimentary popovers... absolutely amazing, and a wonderful tip of the hat to the legendary Anthony's Pier 4 that once occupied this area of the Seaport. The pastas were outstanding and perfect for sharing. Favorites included the Spaghettini with fresh basil and San Marzano tomatoes, Hand-Rolled Potato Gnocchi with organic mushrooms, basil, and truffle butter, and the Braised Beef Short Rib Caramelle with balsamic butter and crispy Parmigiano... truly amazing. Entrées included the Atlantic Miso Salmon, the 12-ounce 55-Day Prime Aged Strip Steak, and the Free-Range Chicken with creamy potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and lemon butter. And whatever you do... save room for dessert. Every one we tried was impressive. Service from our waiter Kevin was off-the-charts great. He understands that great service isn't just about taking orders... it's about creating the best possible dining experience for his guests. We were also very thankful to Tim, the manager, for helping make our evening so special. After all these years, this visit reaffirms why Davio's continues to set the standard for dining in Boston. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

We sat at the bar. Would have been 5 stars but first bartender we had was not very attentive. She…read moregave us the drink menu but not the food menu - even though we were having dinner. Then Michelle started helping us and she was FABULOUS. She gave us both the bar food menu and regular dinner menu. Super friendly and helpful. 5+ stars for her! The food was good and portions were good. BF ordered the burger on the bar menu and said it was delicious. My gnocchi bolognese was also good. They have complimentary popovers which are so yummy. Noise level just above average but the restaurant was pretty busy. All in all - a wonderful experience mostly due to Michelle. This was the best dining experience we had in Boston.

Forcella

4.0

(150 reviews)

Great location. Cute romantic restaurant. Staff was polite and attentive. Menu is not your…read morequintessential Italian style as most might be familiar with...but had a good amount of authentic and unique Italian dishes. Wife a gluten free seafood/pasta dish and loved it. I ordered bolognese and was very happy. Vs other locations, portions are on the smaller side (or really normal portions). Overall, we were very happy with everything here. We would not hesitate to eat here again.

I walked in for a late lunch. Lots of people were getting sangrias and cocktails. Fun! I had the…read morefusilli fruitti di mare. Excellent entree. I will return here when I need that sangria and fusilli fruitti di mare again.

Davio's

3.9

(761 reviews)

This place was so good! And much, much better than the other Italian place just around the corner!…read more My party got the baked chicken/mash/brussel sprouts, gnocchi, butternut squash tortellini, and the chicken pasta. All SO good. You get free bread and butter upon sitting down and the bread was popover style bread. We got the butter cake and raspberry ice cream for desert which was really good too. My only problem was the service was kind of meh, as it was hard to get our waiter to come over for drink refills. But overall the food was really good and the inside was nice looking, with an open kitchen type of style and table and booth options.

My filet was incredible, one of the best steaks I've had. Mac n cheese was good but nothing…read morespecial. Personally wasn't a fan of the mocktails, and the dessert was too sweet for my liking. Our server was very nice and accommodating to requests. The place was nice, your typical higher end restaurant, although our table was a bit wobbly.

Ostra

4.4

(707 reviews)

•$$$$

Ostra, one of a kind!…read more Ostra is part of the Columbus Hospitality group which has many other restaurants including Mistral, Sorellina, Moo to name a few. These restaurants are all very high-end and excellent including my favorite Ostra. When you walk you can't help but stear at how gorgeous the decor and atmosphere is. It will transport you to another place maybe Spain or Portugal but you decide; It doesn't even feel as if you are in Boston. As a seafood driven restaurant, but still offers plenty of other options for those meat lovers. We have eaten here plenty of times and have always had an excellent meal which brings us back again and again. Plus, they are perfect location in the heart of the Theatre district. Think: Dinner + show = check! We came here before a comedy show (use Parkwhiz or Spot Hero) for parking btw. We did not have reservations on a busy Saturday evening but the kind Manager/Host was gladly to seat us just as long as we were finished by 730pm. Awesome :) We weren't that hungry so we each ordered a glass of wine and my husband had their Chicken dish which was plentiful for both of us to enjoy. I ordered their Snow Pea salad which was just ok. I wish I ordered someting else but the bread and fries kept my tummy happy LOL. One thing I will mention is they bring you their homemade chocolates with the check. OMG! I asked if I could have double for our show because they were soooo delicious they put other Chocolatiers in Boston to shame. I can go on and on here about Ostra, but I think you already know how I feel about this restaurant. You have to come here if you haven't already. Make it a special date night or anniversary etc because it can get expensive but also well worth it. Cheers~

We were there to celebrate a birthday and they did a great job of recognizing the special occasion…read morewith a card and complimentary dessert with a candle on it (which i think is rare these days) The food was actually very good and I loved the fact that when we told them we were sharing things, they portioned them out in separate plates. We got the following items: Hamachi Crudo: Really fresh and flavorful Crisp Snow Pea Salad Ricotta Gnocchetti: This was surprisingly the best dish of all. Roasted Local Monkfish "Saddle": This was my first time trying Monkfish and I liked the way they grilled it. A bit bland but overall a good dish The only negative about our experience was how crowded and noisy the place was. For an upscale dining establishment, there are way too many tables shoved in a space which causes too much noise and you are really close to people.

Nautilus Pier 4

4.0

(217 reviews)

Nautilus is always a hit. Seated immediately upon arrival and offered water. Our cocktails (mine…read morewas the blackout barbie) were quick to arrive. The waiter was not much help in suggesting a wine (just suggested the most expensive and then every single one down the menu). Food was delicious and came out as it was ready. We had a wide variety of plates to share but highlights as always included the blue crab fried rice and the dumplings.

Nothing but greatness from Nautilus Boston!…read more First time here at this excellent and beautiful restaurant in Seaport on the waterfront. Our server Jonathan was excellent. It was quite busy due to the tall ships on a beautiful and sunny Saturday afternoon, but I was happy to have made reservations a week prior. This restaurant is known for an eclectic Asian seafood cuisine, but they also have a few meat options such as a duck breast which was recommended for larger parties to share. Since it was just the two of us, we did have some cocktails which I thought were OK not great. What we did enjoy were the Japanese fried chicken, I highly recommend this and it was perfect for two people to share. The pan roasted dayboat scallops were also delicious but a little bit on the salty side, and the roasted beet salad was also good, but lacked some savory notes. Due to the unexpected wait, they actually comped our dessert which was very nice of them. Overall, I did enjoy this restaurant and really liked the view of the tall ships. I think if we decided to come again, we would probably come back on either a weeknight or maybe in the fall/winter. It can be pretty expensive as well but I do feel this restaurant is of quality. Cheers

Casarecce

4.3

(501 reviews)

I just had the best chicken parmigiana I've ever had in my life…read more I've been living for 23 days in the Boston area and have had a lot of Italian food. We were a little nervous as they weren't busy like some other restaurants in the North End, but my family and I were pleasantly surprised with how just solid food the food was! They make their pasta fresh in-house and it's just amazing. Their chicken parmigiana was not dry or overcooked. Their spaghetti and meatballs was classic but not basic tasting. We had 4 of us eating dinner and it was all so good! Their menu isn't very big but they rocked everything we ordered. PLUS - they are one of few places in the North End that are actually pretty handicap accessible. There's a ramp to go in the front door (most have a ledge or stairs) and the restroom is on the same level, not downstairs like other places. My child is in a wheelchair so we take note and appreciate the efforts.

This is a cute place in little Italy in Boston and a great spot if you are looking for a small,…read morecozy dinner. This place had some of the best Italian food I have had. I had the mushroom ravioli and it was delicious. So fresh, so flavorful and the pasta was delicious. The staff was attentive and helpful. We ate here on a Friday night and had a reservation which I highly recommend as it was packed. We had to squeeze by folks to get to our table and the back of my chair was hitting the person behind me. It made for a high energy environment with a lot of hustle and bustle, but if you are looking for a quiet, intimate dinner than this may not be the place. Overall though the food was really good and I still think this is a solid option in Boston.

Strega

3.1

(935 reviews)

Service | History | Salmon…read more Service - Solid service from start to finish. Everyone was knowledgeable about the menu and comfortable answering questions or making recommendations. The staff clearly knows the food and the restaurant's history. Service was attentive and professional without feeling overly formal. History - One of the coolest parts of the experience. This is one of the oldest family-owned restaurants in Boston's North End, and that history is part of the atmosphere. The walls are filled with photos featuring a who's who of celebrities, athletes, politicians, and other notable visitors. It gives the restaurant an authenticity that's hard to recreate and makes it feel like a true neighborhood institution. Salmon - I went with the salmon, and it was a solid choice. The fish was cooked well, had good flavor, and the sides paired nicely with it. Nothing overly complicated--just a well-executed dish and a good option if you want something lighter than the traditional Italian choices. Pro tip: Parking is extremely limited. Give yourself extra time to find a garage or street parking, or take public transportation or a rideshare. Pro tip: Make a reservation. This place is popular and can be difficult to walk into during prime dinner hours. The bar only has about six seats, so there isn't much last-minute flexibility.

Condensed version: 7pm reservations made and confirmed on…read moreOpen Table. Wife's birthday. We arrive at 7:00pm exactly Told by hostess (she was nice but VERY stressed), that they are running a little behind. We wait for 30 minutes plus (great people watching). Checked in w hostess. She said she was trying but running behind. At 7:35pm a waiter/manager comes out to the sidewalk and speaks with two groups (4 people and 2 people). People waiting on reservations outside are growing more impatient. 7:45pm, Group of 4 given a table ahead of another waiting party. Words of clear unhappiness exchanged between customer waiting with reservations and two young hostesses. One hostess say, "our manager told us to sit the other people first". At the same time (now 7:55pm), the same waiter/manager (tall, shaved head), sits the above party of 2 (friends/relatives, etc), that didn't reservations, and arrived much after us. Reminder, we had a 7pm reservation. The North End was packed, all restaurants within eye shot had outside lines. Note, my wife is in a walking boot w broken foot. At 8:10pm the hostess, clearly unhappy and embarrassed, offers us seats at the bar. We could not accept this offer as it was too crowded, and the bar seats would not have worked for my wife (no foot rest). I finally went across the street to Cantina Restaurant. I explained my current predicament and embassament (remember it was my wife's bday), quite loudly and expressively to the manager/owner. He was so gracious. He said, come over we will get you in. We went over to the Cantina restaurant, and were seated immediately (they were also packed). Our meal was amazing. Drinks were excellent. Staff was great. Note: Stega had the audacity to call at 8:20pm. Never going back....like, ever. To bad, their food is good, but not that good. Any thoughts Strega management/owners???????? Crickets...

Ristorante Euno

4.1

(378 reviews)