Boston is home to some of the most authentic Italian restaurants outside of Italy itself. When you walk into these kitchens, you can practically smell generations of tradition simmering in the sauce.
These spots serve pasta dishes that taste like someone’s Italian grandmother commandeered the stove and refused to leave until every bite was perfect. From the bustling North End to the trendy South End, these restaurants prove that real Italian cooking is alive and well in Beantown.
1. Carmelina’s (North End)
Walking past the open kitchen at Carmelina’s feels like peeking into someone’s home while they cook Sunday dinner. The chefs work right there in front of you, rolling out fresh pasta dough and tossing it with sauces that have been passed down through families for decades.
You can watch every step, from raw ingredients to the steaming plate that lands in front of you…