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1. Rialto

1 Bennett St, Charles Hotel, Cambridge, MA 02138 · 617-661-5050

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Avg. Entrée: $$$16 - $30
Reservations: Recommended
Dress: BCBC: Business Casual
Outdoor Dining: None

CAMBRIDGE. Rialto, set in the handsome Charles Hotel, is an eclectic restaurant whose menu focuses on regional Italian specialties prepared with the freshest a New England influence. Representative third courses include braised short rib with gorgonzola-potato fritter, pan-roasted ray with pine nuts and citrus butter, and halibut in lobster broth with fennel, mussels and squid. This romantic spot also dazzles palates with dessert offerings ranging from bombolini with tangerine mascarpone to honey-lemon pine nut tart with gelato.

2. IL Capriccio

888 Main St, Waltham, MA 02451 · 781-894-2234

User Rating:  Rating: 5 / 5   (Rate It)

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Avg. Entrée: $$$16 - $30
Reservations: Recommended
Dress: BB: Business
Outdoor Dining: None

WEST METRO. A visit to IL Capriccio offers diners a pleasant excursion from downtown Boston to the suburb of Waltham. The Northern Italian cuisine is expertly prepared and presented. The menu is seasonal, but some terrific standbys remain, like the porcini souffle, gnocchi, ravioli and quail. The wine selection is well-selected and flawlessly served at the table. The interior of this establishment is plush and dimly lit, and the atmosphere is calming.

3. Terramia

98 Salem St, Boston, MA 02113 · 617-523-3112

User Rating:  Rating: 5 / 5   (Rate It)

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Avg. Entrée: $$$16 - $30
Reservations: Recommended
Dress: BC, CBC: Business Casual
C: Casual
Outdoor Dining: None

NORTH END. Come to this local favorite and feast on goodies such as risotto, gnocchi, homemade Abruzzi style spaghetti, wild mushroom ravioli, and other Italian specialties. The wine list is well-selected and holds a good number of white and red wines. The mustard colored walls, soft lighting and linen-covered tables make for an inviting interior. As the restaurant seats only 39 at a time, reservations are suggested.

4. La Campania

504 Main St, Waltham, MA 02452 · 781-894-4280

User Rating:  Rating: 5 / 5   (Rate It)

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Avg. Entrée: $$$16 - $30
Reservations: Available
Dress: BCBC: Business Casual
Outdoor Dining:

WEST METRO. La Campania is as close to old-fashioned, homemade Italian cooking as you're likely to find. The homey decor adds charm to this cozy dining room where the menu features all the Italian favorites you love--pasta, roasted meats, seafood specialties, and, of course, pizza. Anything from the risotto to the squid is sure to please. The prices might seem a bit steep, but rest assured the portions are large enough that you're sure to walk away clutching a doggie bag.

5. Prezza

24 Fleet St, Boston, MA 02113 · 617-227-1577

User Rating:  Rating: 5 / 5   (Rate It)

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Avg. Entrée: $$$16 - $30
Reservations: Recommended
Dress: BCBC: Business Casual
Outdoor Dining: None

NORTH END. This restaurant is named for a town in the Abruzzi region of Italy, the homeplace of the chef/owner's grandmother. The menu at this Italian dining room holds treasures you're sure to appreciate—roasted halibut, leg of lamb, corn ravioli, and more. The Prezza staff outdo themselves as they knowledgeably present menu options and assist with wine selections. The dessert menu is a must-do; in fact, some call the desserts works of art!

6. Carmen

33 North Sq, Boston, MA 02113 · 617-742-6421

User Rating:  Rating: 2 / 5   (Rate It)

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Avg. Entrée: $$$16 - $30
Reservations: Available
Dress: BC, CBC: Business Casual
C: Casual
Outdoor Dining: None

NORTH END. Based on appearances alone, it'd be oh, too easy to pass right by this tiny, red brick Italian eatery and never think twice. Needless to say, doing so would be "tu culpa" ... And your palate would pay the ultimate price. Known for its regional small plates, Carmen's kitchen creates quite a frenzy. Indeed, dishes like spice-crusted seared tuna and crespelle Bolognese soundly see to that. And if the food sounds too good to be true, wait 'til you get a load of the wine list.

7. Mamma Maria

3 North Sq, Boston, MA 02151 · 617-523-0077

User Rating:  Rating: 4 / 5   (Rate It)

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Avg. Entrée: $$$16 - $30
Reservations: Recommended
Dress: BCBC: Business Casual
Outdoor Dining: None

NORTH END. Mamma Maria is known for having some of Boston's finest Italian cuisine. Chef Tim Hallama creates his own Italian specialties, including Pappardelle con Lepre, which is a homemade pasta covered in a Tuscan sauce with roasted rabbit, and Pollo con Fichi, a succulent chicken breast topped with blue cheese and roasted figs. There is also a small selection of seafood dishes, including Pettini Della Funghi Fresca, scallops with a Portobello carpaccio, and pea coulis. The atmosphere is intimate and romantic, and the service knowledgeable.

8. Via Matta

79 Park Plz, Boston, MA 02116 · 617-422-0008

User Rating:  Rating: 3 / 5   (Rate It)

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Avg. Entrée: $$$16 - $30
Reservations: Recommended
Dress: BCBC: Business Casual
Outdoor Dining:

BACK BAY. This downtown Italian eatery is Boston's new sweetheart and offers Italian eats made from the freshest ingredients available with the menu changing regularly. Homemade goodies include traditional fare like spaghetti and veal, along with more exotic dishes like rabbit and octopus. Well-selected Italian wines satisfy aficionados and novices alike.

9. Bricco

241 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113 · 617-248-6800

User Rating:  Rating: 5 / 5   (Rate It)

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Avg. Entrée: $$$$31 - $50
Reservations: Recommended
Dress: BCBC: Business Casual
Outdoor Dining: None

NORTH END. Billed as a "boutique" Italian eatery, this North Ender caters to a young, trendy and professional brand of clientele that doesn't mind shelling out a few duckets for a stylishly authentic setting and superbly done regional dishes like tagliatelle al caffe, venison saddle scented with juniper, or gnocchi with wild boar bolognese. Also popular with night owls looking for a good bite, Bricco features a cool lounge area where wood-oven pizzas are available until 2am.

10. Sage Restaurant

1395 Washington St, Boston, MA 02113 · 617-248-8814

User Rating:  Rating: 1 / 5   (Rate It)

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Avg. Entrée: $$$16 - $30
Reservations: Recommended
Dress: B, BCB: Business
BC: Business Casual
Outdoor Dining: None

SOUTH END. An inviting bar area flanks, where locals enjoy watching baseball on TV, and terrific contemporary Italian cuisine explain this small restaurant's appeal. Thoughtfully prepared dishes, like hand-rolled potato gnocchi with lobster, asparagus and basil, and roasted venison loin with faro salad, appear on the menu and dessert is more than just an after-thought. Finish off your evening with amaretto creme brulee and hot tea or espresso.

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