Panza

Food: linguine with clams in white sauce, hubby had chicken parm and DD had spaghetti with marinara…read moresauce. The linguine sauce was just ok but not better than my local place in Las Vegas. I loved that it came with fresh delicious baked bread and olives. The olives were a nice twist. Service: was fantastic. We were running 10-15 minutes late for our reservation and I called and they said no problem. We arrived and it was absolutely packed and they honored our reservation. I really appreciated that! Ambiance: lots of intimate tables close together. We got the added treat of being serenaded by a lovely duo that sang a few operatic songs. Very impressive! Not sure I'd be back when there are so many places to try and food was just ok.

We actually had reservations down the street but got hungry early and the other place wasn't open…read moreyet. So we canceled there and swung in Limoncello on a whim. Safe to say we are glad that we did. The entire experience top to bottom was stellar. Greeting at the door, service throughout, food, atmosphere. Got the scallops to start with along with a Caesar to share. I ordered the rosette al montasio ed olio di tartufo and my mom ordered the veal piccata. My pasta dish also happened to be the special of the evening. Unlike anything I've ever had and unlike anything I likely will have again. The most melt in your mouth homemade pasta rolled with prosciutto, mushrooms and montasio cheese, baked and finished in a tomato cream sauce and truffle oil. Three huge rosettes! I could only eat one and a half, even though I wanted more. My stomach simply wouldn't let me. If you're a wine lover, they had the most lovely collection and could direct you to anything you are looking for. I liked that this restaurant was around the corner from the main strip of North End so it wasn't quite as hectic.

Interior

Chicken Parmesan

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Exterior

Cafe Amaro

4.3(89 reviews)

0.0 mi•North End

Most amazing pizza in Boston and even Italy. We had the fig and prosciutto pizza. WOW!read more

Very disappointing experience. To be clear, I understand that bringing outside food into a…read morerestaurant is generally not permitted, especially when they sell desserts themselves. My issue was not the policy, but how it was handled. We walked in carrying a Mike's Pastry box in plain sight, placed it on the table, and ordered two amaros and a Coke. The waiter greeted us, saw the box, and never mentioned the policy. We then opened it and began sharing a cannoli with our 3 year old son while staff could clearly see us. A few minutes later, a large group walked in. I heard the person who appeared to be the manager or owner comment to the staff that we were "three people for two tables and only two amaros." Shortly afterward, our waiter was instructed to tell us we could not eat the cannoli. Had someone simply told us when we arrived that outside food was not allowed, we would have gladly put it away or gone somewhere else. Instead, nothing was said until after we had ordered and our son had already started eating. The staff later explained that this happens frequently because Mike's is directly across the street. If that is the case, communicating the policy when customers arrive carrying outside food seems like a simple solution. The policy is completely reasonable. The communication and customer service were disappointing.

Kitchen area

Prosciutto and Fig pizza

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Broccoli rabe pizza

Bricco

4.0(1.6k reviews)

Decent, not bad, so many options here in Boston, this was a rec from the rental car guy haha…read more Espresso martini was bomb probably best thing we got 9/10 strong and flavorful Berry cocktail was ok, 7/10 prob would skip next time Ricotta pillows were good! Wish it had more protein solid 8.5/10 Filet minon valid, 8.5/10 Oysters were yummy wish they gave more haha 8.5/10 Fries were delicious and crispy Cheesecake was ok! The food took SO LONG. I won't lie. We got here around 7:45/8 and didn't get our food until like 9pm. Parking is TERRIBLE after 6pm omg. Permits or $40+ valet only, their website has parking garage suggestion tho so we did that!!! Overshoot your time to avoid a late fee

Bricco missed several marks and will not be added to my list of locations to return to…read more We made a reservation for later in the evening knowing that we wanted to experience the "must try" espresso martinis and notated in the comments that we were coming for drinks. When we pulled up our reservation to confirm the time, we found that it had been cancelled without any communication at all. After calling the restaurant to see if something had happened, the host commented that the manager decided to cancel because we had notated we were coming in for drinks. No where on the website or OpenTable app does it say this is not allowed. Nor did the manager reach out via text or call to confirm or follow up before cancelling. We had already decided we would be getting appetizers and possible dinner as well so they did allow us to rebook when we called to inquire. The waiter was attentive and the waters were kept filled which we appreciated. It is worth notating that the Ceaser salad is not a traditional salad and their version just shows you why it's a classic for a reason. The bibb lettuce was wilted and the heavy pour/toss of dressing did nothing but weigh the salad down and make it slimy. The "crispy ricotta polpettes" while great in theory, missed the mark of complimenting the salad and instead seemed like a cold hush puppy that was more cornmeal forward than ricotta. The real reason we came, the espresso martini still held our attention and we were hoping that the best was yet to come. We each ordered an espresso martini and while our preferences range when it comes to the perfect cocktail, we all agreed this was not the way to do it. This is more reminiscent of a liquid mudslide than an espresso martini (calling it that, is taking very creative liberty). Despite the glass being rimmed with espresso powder, the cocktail lacked the espresso profile we were looking for and the different alcohols used were all fighting to be tasted above the other. A disappointing experience and lack of professionalism by the manager.

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Now Pouring Wine Bar

4.3(10 reviews)

0.4 mi•West End

Located in Hub Hall, we stopped at Now Pouring Wine Bar for some drinks after spending the day in…read moreSalem. It's small but just right. We sat on bar stools, chatted, and drank some beer and cider. No complaints. Loved the ambiance of the place, especially seeing as it was right next to Mike's Pastry. It was easy to get a cannoli and a drink all in one go.

I will say I'm biased - I have been coming here for 3 years. I'm utterly obsessed with the staff…read morewho are attentive and hardworking & the drinks they create! Just got a mango margarita - but I highly recommend looking at their drink menu. There is something for everyone!

Drinks.

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Trattoria Il Panino

3.8(799 reviews)

Came in for a lunch after being recommended by our tour guide. This place is homey, full of…read morecharacter with original grandma recipes, modern hospitality and an old world charm. Stand outs was the eggplant Parmesan, spaghetti carbonara and the tiramisu. Friendly and professional service.

Unfortunately, this was probably one of the worst Italian dining experiences I have had. I have…read morebeen cooking for over 40 years, and I absolutely know the difference between pasta that is properly al dente and pasta that simply is not cooked. The pasta we were served was undercooked, and when we brought it to their attention, we were told that it was "al dente." It wasn't. Beyond the food, the entire experience felt extremely rushed. It seemed much more focused on turning tables and getting people in and out than allowing guests to actually enjoy an Italian meal. The restaurant was incredibly loud, overcrowded, and anything but relaxing. When I go out for Italian food--especially in Boston's North End--I expect great pasta, hospitality, and an atmosphere where I can sit down and enjoy the experience. Unfortunately, this restaurant missed the mark on all three. There are far too many wonderful Italian restaurants in the North End to settle for an experience like this. I would recommend finding somewhere else to eat.

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Haley Henry Wine Bar

4.3(248 reviews)

0.6 mi•Downtown

This place was awesome! The food was delicious and I loved the wine selection. The service was…read moretop notch and very helpful. Loved sitting outside on a cool Boston evening. Perfect!

Haley Henry Wine Bar is a solid spot for a relaxed but elevated wine night. I went on a Wednesday…read moreevening without a reservation and had no problem getting seated right away for a table of two, which was a great start. The wine selection is excellent and thoughtfully curated -- whites, reds, bubbles, orange wines, and more, so there's truly something for every palate. My friend and I both ordered a red, and it was absolutely perfect. Our server was super friendly and attentive, and she even offered a few samples so we could try before committing to a full glass, which we really appreciated. For food, we shared the hot dog with fried oysters to pair with the wine, and it was surprisingly delicious and a fun, elevated bar bite. Overall, the experience was fantastic -- great wine, great service, and a comfortable atmosphere. Pricing is definitely on the higher end, with wine glasses around $20 and the hot dog at $14, but the quality and experience justify it. I'd absolutely come back for another wine night.

Inside

Cheese & charcuterie - the pistachio butter is unreal

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Cheese & Charcuterie - such a perfect small bite!

Casarecce

4.3(504 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.

Cozy but delicious!!!

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Pasta time

Giacomo's Ristorante - Boston

4.1(4.5k reviews)

0.0 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

Artu

3.5(523 reviews)

0.0 mi•North End

An amazing taste of Italy right in the heart of Boston!…read more Overwhelmed by all of the different food choices for a late lunch, we remembered a recommendation to go to Artu. A quick bite of homemade meatballs and lobster ravioli with some wine really hit the spot. Our server was very helpful with explaining to us a few of the wines we were considering and what they would pair best with.

Yum yum yum!!! The hype of the north end Italian certainly includes Artu. The portion sizes were…read moregreat, food is amazing, the chicken parm with vodka sauce is a must. We got sat near the window and the ambiance was wonderful. My one critique would be our server was a bit slow in coming to take our order, bring the check etc. but overall a 9/10 for me.

Meatball App

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The Red Fox

4.2(105 reviews)

First visit, Monday 4/20/26…read more Visiting Boston on a work trip, I had no idea the Marathon was today! Met 4 colleagues at The Red Fox for dinner, a recommendation from a friend of my colleague. Tough to find initially and very unsuspecting upon arrival. As you enter the front door (think like walking into a foyer of a small apartment building) you go down a flight of stairs into the restaurant. Then wow, this place is awesome! Small entry way into the restaurant with a hostess immediately greeting you. The bar is your first view of the place and it was packed. I'd describe it as dimly light, great atmosphere and ambience, almost a speakeasy feel. I'd recommend a reservation. The hostess walked us to our table, walking along the bar line with small 2-4 top tables to our left, we then turned left into the main dining room. 5 of us and we were seated at a horseshoe style table, plenty of room for up to 6 adults. Service was instant, she was friendly and very knowledgeable. We ordered cocktails and a couple apps. The drinks arrived along with bread service. They added small side plates with oils and olives, a nice touch. The cocktails were fantastic as was the homemade bread. A unique twist with my cocktail (kettle one & soda), was the single ice cube that was a long rectangle cube that was so clear you couldn't see it! The cubes length was the same as the tall glass it was served in and didn't melt. For dinner I listened to our server who recommended the Chicken Parmigiana with a chefs twist using a vodka infused sauce, this dish was amazing! My colleagues all shared the same feelings that this meal was spectacular. Highly recommend The Red Fox!

Came here for drinks. A hidden gem…read more Aglio E Pepe $19 sparking Rose $14 No food. Cool place and Bartender very friendly.

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Da bar!

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72 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Ha H.

8 years ago

TAKE NOTE THIS IS NO ONES FIRST CHOICE OF ITALIAN FOOD IN BOSTON. Comments such as the one below should be red flags for anyone considering this place : "All the other restaurants in North End had a crazily long wait. Thankfully there was Panza! ". It is not the best food in the city just the most available. If it had delicious food and service there would be lines for the 7 tables in the restaurant. Unfortunately this is not the case. This is the restaurant that you attend when you are starving and cant wait for reservations at a significantly better restaurant. If this restaurant is "so good" why is there never a wait? make sure to ask yourself that before considering this over the other amazing places in Boston. I have ate at Panza on a few occasions due to other restaurants being closed (never a first choice) and was treated very poorly on this occasion the server did not introduce herself and seemed to have an attitude the whole time we placed an order for appetizers which was never delivered rather than just saying she missed the order she began arguing and using various profanities. Feeling very offended I asked to talk to the manager in which she stated "I am the waitress, the host, the server and the manager", I said no you are not the manager because if you were you would not treat a customer in this manner. She then called someone on the phone who she stated was the manager. I talked to the manger explaining the situation in which he stated " we all have bad days" and that "we have the best food who cares about the customer service, no one pays for customer service" I then stated that I feel as if people pay for food and customer service and that if I am going out to eat I want a pleasant experience the manager or whoever she placed on the phone stated " Go *expletive* your asshole and go finger your mother" in which I hung up. I will never return to this repulsive place who has wait staff with an attitude for no reason and managers that talk to their customers in such disrespectful and derogatory manners. If you want to avoid being verbally abused and eating AVERAGE FOOD while given an attitude by a miserable woman I would suggest to go else where. Boston has many amazing italian restaurants that offer family friendly customer service and delicious food. JOHN IS AN AMAZING WAITER this lady was horrible and has no business in customer service. WHAT A SHAME FOR PANZA read more

Maddie H.

119

13 years ago

I made a reservation for 10 people ( which went to 8) for my daughter's 16 birthday dinner with family a month a 3 weeks in advance. When I made the reservation I asked about bringing in a cake and was told there would be a $4 per person cutting fee because it's a very busy place and we can't occupy a table for to long. I was totally ok with this and understood the reasoning behind it. I asked about family style and was told they don't do it which is fine. I then asked about printing up a limited menu with no prices and a heading saying, "sweet 16" because we are hosting. The girl who answered said yes and our reservation was made. Now fast forward to last Friday 3 weeks prior to our reservation, I left a message to call me so I could confirm and no response. I called again today and someone answered and I asked to speak to a manager about our reservation. I explained what is stated above and he said he didn't understand. He said they don't do cakes or limited menus. I said I was told all this was fine by whoever took the reservation. He was argumentative with me and said he would honor cake cutting but didn't understand why we needed limited menu and blah, blah, blah. I tried to explain that we didn't want prices because we are hosting. He said they didn't even have a printer. He asked girl who took reservation and she said she told me I could print menus. Ok I misunderstood who was printing them. I asked why he was being so rude? He said then he wouldn't honor our cake cutting and we couldn't bring it in. I said we have planned our weekend around this and have people flying in and already had out down a deposit on a cake. He said they don't even take larger parties and only did because it was at 6pm and we would be out by 7:30. It just went downhill from there and he just kept saying he wouldn't honor anything and I said it's not my fault your staff agreed to this. He said his staff works at other restaurants and they probably confused policy. I said still not my problem. Reservation cancelled and explicits dropped!!!!! My hubby called back and manager argued with him and said he knew I was "fabricating" what I was told when I made the reservation. The conversation was not pleasant. Now we scramble to make a new reservation :( read more

Janet J.

15 years ago

Really - this was a fabulous place! We weren't looking for pricey and luxurious. We didn't need a place where a suit jacket and tie would be best. It was our 25th anniversary, we were in the city for the night and looking for a place with excellent food and an authentic Italian North End feel that wouldn't leave us feeling guilty about the money we spent. This was the place! The calamari app was better than we had ever had, even fresh off the boat and cooked by a local in Andalucia Spain - The meal was incredible, I had the shellfish - LINGUINE ALLA ESCATORE Shrimp, scallops, mussels, clams, and calamari in a red, white or fra diavolo sauce - I had the fra diavlo sauce (I like it hot!) - only $18!! And my husband had LOBSTER RAVIOLI 15 Scallions, diced tomato, dijon cream sauce - only $15! We had seen similar dishes whlie we walked up and down Hancock St looking at menus - but none were less than 23 dollars. The atmosphere is authentic, it is small, but not "close." The weather was warm and the store-front was open. The server was wonderful - we never felt rushed and yet we didn't wait for our food. I recommend this place with a hearty five stars and will be back again!! read more

Anjelina J.

13 years ago

Pasta to get quixotic about This North End Italian restaurant is half Roman courtyard, half family dining room, and--to stuff that description as full as their tortelloni--half back porch dinner party. I can't speak to Panza's meat-based entrees, but both the Butternut Squash Tortelloni ($15) and the Spinach & Ricotta Ravioli ($14) are worth their weight in gold, and any of the specials on the big mirror to the left are bound to delight. Seats at the front provide excellent people-watching (...of the line outside, try not to gloat!), while the walls by the back seats are decked with whimsical clocks and pottery, plus a bustling-but-not-fiery view of the kitchens beyond. Service is usually very good, though one confusingly belligerent host a few months ago almost spoiled the place for us. I like to think he's since moved on, leaving Panza unharmed. That might be my addiction to their toasted pine nut cream sauce speaking. read more

Timothy P.

12 years ago

PANZA IS GREAT!!!!!!!!! We made a reservation for 6 and got there about 615, Carmen and the staff were very courteous, acknowledge us almost immediately and sat us very shortly after we arrived. Even though the were insanely busy and running around like crazy. The fried calamari and caprese salad came out quick, fresh and tasted divine. Our entrees (lobster ravioli and butternut squash ravioli) were both extremely appetizing, both for looking and eating. The butternut squash ravioli was so sweetly delicious that it could have been a dessert (in a good way!). The lobster ravioli was very filling and out of bounds in the flavor department. Needless to say my girlfriend and I can't wait to go back. And were so impressed we plan on going back later this month. I have tried many restaurants in the North End, and have never been impressed enough to right a review on Yelp. Panza is just that damn good. read more

Jennifer J.

13 years ago

This North End Italian restaurant is half Roman courtyard, half family dining room, and--to stuff that description as full as their tortelloni--half back porch dinner party. I can't speak to Panza's meat-based entrees, but both the Butternut Squash Tortelloni ($15) and the Spinach & Ricotta Ravioli ($14) are worth their weight in gold, and any of the specials on the big mirror to the left are bound to delight. Seats at the front provide excellent people-watching (...of the line outside, try not to gloat!), while the walls by the back seats are decked with whimsical clocks and pottery, plus a bustling-but-not-fiery view of the kitchens beyond. Service is usually very good, though one confusingly belligerent host a few months ago almost spoiled the place for us. I like to think he's since moved on, leaving Panza unharmed. That might be my addiction to their toasted pine nut cream sauce speaking. read more

Judy R.

13 years ago

Ramiro D.

13 years ago

Mary H.

107

10 years ago

We had the bruschetta to start which was delicious. I had the lobster ravioli- which was very good. The venue itself is lovely. What I didn't like was that we were very rushed. We had a reservation for 9. They close at 9:30. That made me nervous but I thought- they wouldn't take a reservation that late if they didn't accommodate tables. From the minute we sat down it was "c'mon, c'mon, order something". We ordered quickly and ate quickly and I tried to throw down my drink as fast as I could- so much so that I couldn't appreciate the meal or experience. Others were still dining after we left, so it wasn't as though we were just hanging around, it just felt like I was pushed through dinner. It probably would have been better if they'd just turned us away. (We arrived before our reservation and were seated maybe 10-15 minutes later.) read more

Chaia M.

11 years ago

This restaurant was a very pleasant surprise!! I googled a restaurant near our hotel and this came up. So glad it did!! The restaurant is very busy, long wait list, so make a reservation for dinner!! Someone even offered to buy our table so they can get a table. Pay close attention to what the specials are, they have so many that are not on the menu! They should definitely have a print out and attach it to the menu. I had their clams pasta in a white wine and garlic sauce. Very delicious!!!!!! My friends had a penne red sauce and crab meat ravioili. They all loved it. Prices are reasonable! The one plate was definitely filling enough for us. We didn't order desert or an appetiser but would love to come back and try! Would definitely come back again. Lovely environment for a nice dinner with friends, partner, or spouse. read more

Tiffany P.

10 years ago

I made a reservation on opentable the day before we dined and as soon as we walked in we were approached by a server who kindly told my party and I that she would be right with us. Then were immediately seated at a two top table by the window. The restaurant was slightly loud but it was mainly the noise of " Little Italy" almost romantic in a way... We ordered a very affordable bottle or red that turned into two... And tried several different appetizers including... the italian greens, mussels and bruschetta...ALL FANTACTIC.. and all came out very fast served by a very friendly attentive staff. Overall, a really great experience! Everyone was happy enjoying their meals and catching up with one another in Boston's histotic, Littly Italy.. doesn't get much better than that Can't wait to go back!! read more

Donna M.

14 years ago

Was in Boston for a dance convention for my daughter, reading reviews on restaurants on YELP. I came across Giacomo's but we couldn't get in there on a Friday nite with 15 people. well I choose Panza's and was impressed. I made a reservation for 6 people that ended up being 15 altogether (7 Adults & 8 Girls (ages 10-14)) Heather was our waitress, put all the adults at 1 table & the all the girls at another! Bread on the table, wine suggested, and told us specials & dinner was DELISH!! We all enjoyed different menu items. I had the Lobster ravioli... OMG sooo good. I also tried the Butternut squash tortellini.. fantastic!! The baked pasta was excellent also. EVERYBODY was happy with their meals. We will be back next year for sure!! Thanks for the great service & DELISH food!! read more

Jessamyn S.

16 years ago

I ate here last night with my family. The food was overall really excellent and reasonably priced. We got there early, which was good, because by 7pm the place had filled up and there was a line out the door. We had lobster ravioli, veal saltimbocca, chicken picatta, bruschetta, and a grilled vegetable salad. Everything was pretty close to perfect except the salad was supposed to come with "crispy polenta", and since the polenta was under the vegetables (which were covered in balsamic and gorgonzola) it was very soggy when it arrived at our table. I think it would have been better if the polenta triangles were placed gently on top of the veggies. Other than that, service was excellent, and it had a very casual, relaxed vibe. We'll definitely eat here again. read more

Chris G.

10 years ago

Best restaurant in the North End! The service is fantastic and the food is even better! Went there on a Thursday night waited about 10 min and was seated right away! The staff is very nice and are hard workers, they never stop moving, its really impressive! Great spot for a lobster Ravioli or Chicken parm and for the North End you cant beat the prices, bottle of wine for 22$ !! Highly recommend this spot They take reservations and credit cards read more

Jessie K.

13 years ago

We wanted to go to Giacomo's across the street, but when we saw the line we ended up in Panza...and I'm glad we did. The food was great, with good portion sizes. It has a decent wine list, and a good amount of beers to choose from. The best part is that you don't have to wait in that ridiculous line across the street, I hardly think their food is worth it anyways. A true gem of a restaurant with pricing not to be missed! read more

Sean O.

11 years ago

I came in the other night for the first time, and it was very enjoyable. It took quite some time to finally get seated, and the wait was a bore. But, in the end, the wait was well worth it. My wonderful waitress seated us with a smile on her face. Our food came out fast, and it was very good. If it hadn't stuffed me, I would have eaten every last bit. I hope this review influences any of you considering to dine at Panza. read more

MR C.

11 years ago

The food was ok, I had Veal Parm, the veal was tough, the sauce was just ok. My wife had chicken Parm she said it was good. The worst part of the entire meal was the service/ waitress, very rude with an attitude of I don't care there are 20 other people waiting for your seat. Brought the food and never heard from her again. Way to many places to eat on Hanover St. We would not return. read more

J M.

13 years ago

Exceptional. Our family ate there a year ago, and we each sampled each others. We unanimously agreed that all 5 entrees were exceptional. Unfortunately, since it was a while ago, don't remember what the entrees were. You cannot go wrong here. It's across the street from Giacomo's, which had a huge line. Panza had no wait. read more

Chris P.

185

13 years ago

Great food, very inexpensive. Huge portions! One of the best in the north end. The veal is amazing, they also have several pasta dishes that are quite large and inexpensive. Perfect place to go with a group of people or a small dinner. Service was fast and the wine was very reasonably priced. Went two weeks ago. read more

Stephanie L.

10 years ago

Honestly some of the best Italian food Ive had in a longggg time. I had a bite of the Butternut Squash Tort. & was in heaven!!! Really nice atmosphere and a great place to have a couple bottles of wine with the girls! our server Doina was super nice and gave us a few laughs! I will definitely be back!! read more

Panza - italian - Updated October 2026

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Reviews from Panza

Bruschetta Reviews

Burrata Reviews

Fried Calamari Reviews

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4.0

(762 reviews)

For years I have dined in the North End and somehow never eaten at Nico's…read more A small resturant right on Hanover Street, so parking is a premium. You should make a reservation if its a weekend night. We went on a Saturday, were seated promptly at a glorious table. Service was beyond outstanding. The server, I think his name was Gerard, was outstanding. The meal moved smoothly. When we finished with the appetizers, those plates went away and the entrees came. Very professional. We ate the eggplant stack as an appetizer. Very well contructed. The eggplant was crisp and nicely seasoned. For entrees I had the cacio e pepe prepared at the table. The pasta was divine. Creamy, with a bite of pepper. Exquisitely prepared. My friend had eggplant parm, the portion was huge and was enough for three meals. As with many restuarants they do not serve desserts but Mike's is down the street. The ambiance is lively, and on a Saturday night, a bit loud. Overall, 5 stars -- if you want excellent service and food -- run to Nico's. Superb.

Small intimate and cozy place at the far end of Hanover St. Bar tender was super nice and provided…read moregreat service. I started with the meatball appetizer. It was amazing! Super tender and tasted divine. I ordered the Rigatoni alla Vodka as my entree. It was very good as well. Problem was the meatball was so big, I didn't have much of an appetite left. You have to try this place when visiting the North End.

Most amazing pizza in Boston and even Italy. We had the fig and prosciutto pizza. WOW!read more

Villa Francesca

3.0

(582 reviews)

Food is delicious. We had the caprese, caesar salad, garlic bread, shrimp scampi, ravioli and pesto…read morepasta. All were excellent. Our server was efficient and attentive. Place is small and got packed on a Friday. Make a reservation. There is a small bar as well and drinks were tasty.

We had a 6 PM reservation for four and arrived on time, with three of our four guests present. We…read morewere informed that we couldn't be seated until our entire party arrived, which is understandable and a policy I can respect. However, what was disappointing was the repeated questioning from the gentleman managing the front about when our fourth guest would arrive, despite only about ten minutes having passed. It felt unnecessarily pushy and wasn't the most welcoming start to our evening. Once seated, we ordered cocktails and dinner. Unfortunately, the service throughout the evening felt inconsistent and poorly coordinated. Two members of our party received their entrées noticeably later than the others, with my father-in-law's dish arriving last. For a table of four, I would expect better timing and communication from the service team. As for the atmosphere, Villa Francesca is certainly lively, but the dining room is extremely tight and quite loud. Some may enjoy that energetic North End atmosphere, but personally, I found it more chaotic than charming. Overall, the experience felt more geared toward the tourist crowd than toward guests looking for a relaxed, well-executed Italian dining experience. Between the initial interaction at the door, uneven food service, and crowded atmosphere, I don't see myself returning. There are simply too many other restaurants in Boston worth exploring.

The Florentine Cafe

3.5

(712 reviews)

Monica at the hostess stand is absolutely amazing and went above and beyond helping me today…read more Excellent customer service and so appreciated!

We had a reservation here at 7pm and was sat in the basement since we were a larger party (6) so we…read morehad the downstairs to ourselves. It was cool, dark, with fake grape vines on the ceilings. We got a couple appetizers to start - burrata, cheesy garlic bread, and zucchini flowers. I got the Vongole (clams pasta) for my entree. The food came out pretty quickly! I enjoyed everything I had. Since we were the only table downstairs, I do feel like service was slow. We had to wait quite sometime to get our check to leave.

Limoncello Ristorante

4.0

(1.1k reviews)

Nebo Cucina & Enoteca

3.4

(557 reviews)

While visiting my son in Boston, I had the pleasure of meeting Chef and co-owner Carla Pallotta and…read moreher lovely mother in the North End. Carla was incredibly gracious and invited my family and me to dine at Nebo--and what an unforgettable experience it was! Nebo has a sophisticated, industrial-cosmopolitan atmosphere with a beautiful view overlooking the Rose Kennedy Greenway. Every dish we ordered was shared around the table, and every single one was exceptional. The Budino--goat-cheese panna cotta with dates, hazelnuts, honey, and crostini--was extraordinary. I challenge any restaurant to make it better! The award-winning zucchini lasagna, famous for beating Bobby Flay, absolutely lived up to its reputation. And the Torta di Cioccolato was, without question, the best flourless chocolate cake I have ever had at any restaurant anywhere in the world. The wonderful food, beautiful setting, and warmth we received made this one of the highlights of our time in Boston. Thank you, Carla, and thank you to your entire team for delivering a dining experience we will all always remember. Nebo is truly a must-visit!

The food was amazing thanks to the knowledge and recommendations of our server Juan. Great food,…read moreexcellent outdoor patio. Definitely will be back

L'Osteria

3.5

(527 reviews)