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    Monica's Trattoria

    3.6 (645 reviews)
    PriceyItalian, Seafood, Bars
    Closed 4:00 pm - 8:30 PM
    Updated 1 month ago

    Monica's Trattoria Photos

    Business Info

    MONICA'S TRATTORIA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Intimate
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Monica's Trattoria

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    Espresso Martini-YUM

    Always a great spot. Came here during a blizzard and they were open. I've kept coming back since!

    Chicken Parmigiana alla Vodka
    David G.

    Amazing food. Great suggestions from our server. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Beautiful place.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] A must when in the North End

    Pistachio Martini
    Kimbery W.

    First time here was August of 2023, came with my family for my birthday and we had a delicious meal and a wonderful time. Since then I have been back 4 times, with 3 of them being since March. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The bar area is where we sit usually and it is decorated so beautifully and I love all the old pictures of Monica and her husband and family members.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The service has always been top notch and each time I have been to Monica's our bartender has been Matthew. He is absolutely fantastic! He's personable, friendly and makes an unbelievable Martini too! His family should be so proud of him for doing such a good job and representing his family so well. Next trip into the North End we will be visiting Vinoteca DiMonica but stopping by to see Matt for a drink first!

    espresso martini
    Pete W.

    About time we tried Monica's Trattoria and it lived up to their reputation of top tier Italian. I get their homemade subs across the street quite a but so this was a highly anticipated visit. Eating here felt special. There's a lot of people here that want you to have a great experience and are very personable. We were helped in picking our appetizers and the food was delicious. The pasta was al dente and the ragu and ricotta combo was incredible. It's a tightly packed, vibrant, and comfortable restaurant. Dimly lit and the ultimate date spot. If you like Bricco you'd like Monica's.

    Chicken parm with spicy vodka gnochhi Perfect carb loading meal while visiting for the marathon

    Parmigiana alla vodka
    Matthew H.

    Months after someone raved about this restaurant to me, I finally had the chance to stop by for a Sunday dinner with two friends. We had reservations for 6pm, and when were arrived the restaurant was indeed quite busy, but we were seated after just a short wait. I ordered the parmigiana alla vodka which was quite good! The pasta was really nicely cooked to a great texture (I prefer my noodles on the harder side) and the sauce was tasty - rich and not too heavy. Chicken had a nice overall flavour, but the breading was a bit soggy and at times it just felt a little sloppily prepared in terms of consistency throughout. My friends had the spaghetti alla carbonara and the fettuccine al nero con capesante. Carbonara was delicious - pancetta was really flavourful and complemented the creamy sauce - but was a tad too salty overall. Fettucine was also great - the squid ink pasta was well-prepared (and certainly looked fantastic) and the scallops were a highlight of the dish. Service, however, was lacking. Our server was not very attentive to us, and it took ages for us to get anyone's attention, be it to order, ask for water, get the cheque, etc. Overall, though, not a bad experience, and while I think a bit pricey for the quality and quantity of food, I think I could see myself coming again to try some of the other yummy pastas on their menu!

    Quattro formaggi ravioli! $26
    Kent V.

    Came here with high hopes and the food was good but for these prices we expected better service! The people filling our waters probably asked us if we wanted refills every 5-10 mins and looked miserable. Hostess that took us to our table looked underage and not wanting to be there. Other people coming around giving us bread didn't look happy either. I get it....times are tough with finding workers but these all looked either related or connected to the owner/manager perhaps? The 4 cheese raviolis was really good though! I enjoyed the sauce and it was not too heavy. Just the right amount of food. Others in my party had the Fettuccine al Nero di Seppia con Capesante and the Frutti di Mare con Fettuccine Nero. We all enjoyed our dishes...it was good Italian food but not amazing. The drinks were good and strong. Liked their old fashions! With so much competition in the area, I think the next time we come back, we will try another restaurant out. Took about 15-20 mins to flag someone down to get the bill.

    Table / without reservations near bar
    Joanne T.

    Had the best time here this past weekend. My boyfriend and I came to Boston for the weekend and we're excited to try this place out after reading some blogs online. It was exactly was we were looking for - amazing Italian food. I had ordered the gnocchi dish and it was phenomenal. My boyfriend had a chicken parmigiana dish and it was fantastic too. We had Cabernet on the side which was great as well. Overall the food was 10/10. The staff was kind. The ambiance inside was cozy and very festive for the holidays. And we were happy to have snagged a table without a reservation. If you plan on coming, I suggest reserving a table. Will return back here in the future for sure. Loved it!

    Calamari Fritti
    Em B.

    Spent almost 4 hours here the other night for dinner. We were told it would be a 30 minute wait for an outside table, and we could come back or sit at the bar. We sat at the bar and started with drinks, I had the red sangria which was very sweet and strong, and he had a spritzer. I loved their ghost margarita. When we were seated about 35 minutes later, it took another hour to be able to order our appetizers, and we had to ask the bus boy to send a waiter over. He was the nicest and most attentive of all the staff. We watched him speak to the hostess on our behalf, and it still took another 15 minutes for someone to take our first course order. I asked for grilled calamari as an appetizer and they said they couldn't make it, so I ordered the Fried Calamari with the Deep Fried Zucchini Blossoms, which didn't have much zucchini in them. I wouldn't have ordered these again. My date and I ordered the Seafood Fradiavolo and the Spaghetti and Meatballs substituted with penne. They were both very good, but I did ask them to replace the clams with shrimp, and they gave us 3 shrimp which were on the smaller side. It took a long time to be seated, a long time to be offered food, and more of a wait to receive the food. Dessert wasn't even an option after arriving here at 5:30 and leaving at 9:30. They ended up being able to serve us the grilled calamari only when it was ordered as the Seafood Fradiavolo, and I would have not ordered the Fried calamari if they were able to communicate that. Presentation was nice, but the service was inattentive and a little negligent. Maybe they need better management. I wouldn't return for food based on this experience, but maybe I'd stop by for a drink at the bar.

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    8 months ago

    Good Thai food with the usual choices. Nicely presented with colorful plates. Try the Fresh rolls, green curry & pad Thai.

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    2 years ago

    The food. The food was generous and amazing. The staff was attentive. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The atmosphere was incredible[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

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    2 years ago

    Our favorite go to especially with our kids. They always welcome our entire family and the food is delicious.

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    Page 1 of 17

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    Giacomo's Ristorante - Boston

    Giacomo's Ristorante - Boston

    4.1
    (4.5k reviews)
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    Let me get the one negative I have about this place out of the way - NO AC!…read moreIf you happen to want to try Giacomo's, make sure it isn't humid or overwhelming hot like how it was for my family and I, otherwise you will be suffocating. I felt horrible for the chefs in the back and the staff who were working amidst the flames in that heat for hours, wow. However... given the circumstance and the appropriate weather, Giacomo's might just be one of the most scenic and atmospheric spots in all of Boston's Little Italy in the North End. I can promise you, if you're looking for good quality Italian food with no fillers in portioning or shortcuts in meal quality and preparation - Giacomo's is for you. Some of the best bites of food I've had in recent memory from any place I've been to period! The joint and the staff have such class and professionalism, it's an experience all to itself. I will be back next time to sample more of their delicious and famous seasonal menu items and wine pairings. Cash only spot as of right now and I'm unsure if they plan on changing it, so be mindful of that.

    **Cash ony/ First come first serve**…read more Delicious Italian food, note the portions are large. Ordered bruschetta, meatballs and clam chowder for apps, clam linguine, lobster fra diavolo and penne bolognese - and everything was really good. Sauces are made in house and you have the option to pick your pasta, sauce and seafood option or select from an extensive menu. Food was flavorful and came out piping hot. Service was friendly and efficient. We were seated downstairs and ambiance was casual. Cash only and they have an ATM machine inside. First come first serve, lines can look imidating but moved pretty fast. Overall, if you are looking for delicious Italian food Giacomo's is a solid option.

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    Frutti di Mare Linguine
    Frutti di Mare Linguine
    Open dining room

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    Open dining room
    The Daily Catch

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    We ordered two fish and chips, one traditional lobster roll and one chicken wrap. The fish is so…read morefresh and delicious. Lobster roll is also very tasty compared with our favorite one at Key West. Fry is good too. Love this place. Will come back!

    I ended up eating at the original Daily Catch on Hanover Street every single night I was in Boston…read more It's that good. I can't get enough of their monkfish Marsala, usually ordered with the black squid ink pasta. There's always a line out front, and it's worth the wait. When I had the chance to bring a colleague at the end of the trip, he ordered the same dish and loved it. This is not a fancy place and it isn't trying to be. It's seriously good Italian seafood with epic portions. Go easy on the bread they bring with olive oil and spices because the plates are huge. I can rarely finish a full meal after an appetizer, so I usually just order the main. I'm excited they now have a location in Pasadena, California, which is convenient for my work travel. I can't wait to try it. PRO-TIP: there are a couple other locations nearby. Same good cooking. If you don't want to specifically eat in the original location, then it may be faster to pivot to Daily Catch Takeout Window at 331 Hanover Street, two doors from the original or the full service Waterfront site at 65 Atlantic Avenue which is an 8 to 12 minute walk from the original location through the North End streets.

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    The best meal I had in Boston. Get their world famous Lobster Frav Diavolo!

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    Row 34 - Seaport

    Row 34 - Seaport

    4.2
    (2.1k reviews)
    1.1 mi
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    Popped in for some oysters and AC. Crushed 3 different kinds. Don't remember what they were called…read more Kinda tasted all the same but I also put a tablespoon of horseradish on them all. Waiter told us which ones his favorites were but I also don't remember what he said. Was pretty cooked from all the comicon people walking around outside.

    Trendy, energetic, and an incredible dining experience! Row 34 was such a fun spot! The restaurant…read morehas a really trendy atmosphere, and the energy was fantastic from the moment we walked in. But what really stood out was the service. Our wait staff was incredibly attentive without ever being overbearing, and the whole experience was truly out of this world. I started with the Golden Tide, which was a delicious combination of pineapple and orgeat flavors. Refreshing, tropical, and a great way to kick things off. For appetizers, I ordered fresh raw oysters and the scallop ceviche, I honestly don't know much about choosing oysters, so my waitress basically gave me a mini oyster class and I was impressed by how knowledgeable she was! She explained the differences between oysters, including how some are creamy and briny while others are much saltier, almost like taking a bite straight out of the ocean. Such a cool experience and something I genuinely appreciated. And that scallop ceviche? Hands down, the BEST ceviche I've ever had. The scallops were incredible, and I loved that they served it with root vegetable chips instead of the typical tortilla chips. Sweet potato chips added such a unique flavor and texture. Absolutely delicious! For dinner, I had the sumac-crusted tuna with haricots and assorted vegetables, and it was fantastic. The tuna was flavorful, beautifully prepared, and paired perfectly with the vegetables. Between the food, the atmosphere, the energy, and especially the knowledgeable and attentive service, Row 34 delivered a dining experience that I'll definitely remember. This is exactly the kind of restaurant that makes dining out feel like an experience rather than just a meal.

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    Great ambiance for a date
    Great ambiance for a date
    Local Caught Jonah Crab
    Local Caught Jonah Crab
    Warm Buttered Lobster Roll

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    Monica's Trattoria - italian - Updated August 2026

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