Casual Italian Restaurant

[jstrand]

I am looking for a casual (jeans acceptable) and comfortable (seats are on top of one another) in Boston or South Boston. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Does anyone remember when Marliave served Chicken Parm?

[lulatula]

Jeans are acceptable attire at Rabia's in the North End on Salem Street. The chicken or veal Margherita is unbelievable and my hubby and friends love the chicken parm. You get great portions for lunch also at great prices.

[pondrat]

Vinny's @ Night in Somerville, TerraMia on Salem in the North End

[hiddenboston]

I'd consider Rino's in East Boston, Massimino's or Mother Anna's in the North End, Pescatore in Somerville, or Alia in Winthrop. Alia is probably my favorite of them all, and it's a very comfortable place, but granted, it's a bit out of the way.

[Stellar D]

Delfino in Roslindale Square is the bee knees. Get there early on the weekends, or be prepared to wait.

[phatchris]

I'd give Locontes on Salem a shot.

[MC Slim JB]

I remember Marliave in its prior incarnation, in its last couple of years before it mercifully closed: rundown, dirty, and the food was miserable. I'm sorry I never got there in the better days that many people talk fondly about. It was a like a sad, senescent old lady at the end.

If you want that kind of casual Italian-American food, consider Anchovies in the South End. Also, in the North End, Paglicua's, Massimino's, Rabia, or Mother Anna's. I also like Vinny's at Night in East Somerville, and Carlo's Cucina Italiana in Allston.

I love Trattoria Toscana, but it's doing more of an authentic Tuscan thing, which is not always what everyone is looking for.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[Fort Point]

For South Boston would recommend Porto Bello on East Broadway near the Rite Aid.

[pemma]

Yes, I fondly remember when Marliave's served chicken parm. It used to be such a warm, cozy place. I've been to the current incarnation for a snack and drink, and although it's fine, it just doesn't have the patina the old place had.

[barleywino]

can't get much more casual than Basta Pasta (on Western just a few blocks north of the Charles/Mem Drive) and their pasta is very al dente, tasty and huge portions

[rebs]

Trattoria Toscana in the Fenway. Very charming, good service, yummy food.

[treb]

Can't think of many places in the NE for Italian where you can't wear jeans. That's pretty formal today.

[hotoynoodle]

except for mama maria, i can't think of someplace in the north end where jeans and a collared shirt wouldn't be acceptable. especially the red sauce joints around -- hell, i see people in track suits all the time.

a quick search on here will help you. there are several north end queries everyday and the places don't turn over all that much.

if you give us what night of the week and your price point, we might be of more help.

[Blumie]

I think you can get away with jeans at Mamma Maria's too!