Authentic Regional Italian?
I apologize in advance if this there is another thread on this, I searched and couldn't find anything. After yet another mediocre dining experience in the North End, I defer to the great wisdom of you wonderful Chowhounds:
I'm looking for a truly authentic regional Italian restaurant anywhere around Boston. It would be great if anyone has recommendations for Sicilian, Calabrian, Sardinian, or Roman fare, but any other region is fine as well. Preferably something moderately priced as well.
What I'd love to find is a place that makes their own pasta and cheeses (ricotta, mozzarella) and would never dream of serving chicken parmesan and limp, overcooked spaghetti. I'm willing to travel a bit. I have heard that there is a part of Newton that is very Italian, and have gotten a recommendation for Tavolo in Dorchester (for their regional tasting menu on Wednesdays). Any advice or suggestions?
-----
Tavolo
1918 Dorchester Ave, Dorchester Center, MA 02124
-
SeaSide Tomato
Jun 15, 2010 01:01 PM
I had an unbelieveably great meal at Dante in Cambridge last night.
DC and I shared the arancini (porcini risotto, scamorza, truffle honey)and the cured bresaula. Most if the time I would never order arancini at the risk of simply having an over-fried ball of leftover rice. I knew that would not happen here. These were amazing, the truffle honey sending them over the top. Likewise the bresaula.
For dinner I had the arugula salad and a half order of the chitarra. I usually never order carbonara, but I knew this would be outstanding as well--and it was.
DC thought a half order would be too little, but it was fine with everything else--especially given its delicious, yolk-y richness. I reminisced about it this very monring as I lapped up the yolk of my over (really) easy farmer's egg. The crunchy guanicale was perfedt with the pasta was perfect.DC order the veal scallopini which had terrific cippolini, marsala and spinach.
I'n not a huge veal fan-this was wonderful.All this with 2 glasses of wine and one really good cocktail --an "Ian Collins"-- for a mere $92. I would call that a really great meal at a really reasonalbe price.
Oh, and the bread and olive oil was good, too :)
-
ecwashere7
Jun 14, 2010 08:48 PM
I've felt the same way about the North End for years. I love Erbaluce and Via Matta. They both remind of my time in Florence and northern Italy when I studied there a while back.
-----
Via Matta
79 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116Erbaluce
69 Church Street, Boston, MA 02116 -
I've never been, but I've always been wanted to try Vinnie's at Night in Somerville. All reports say food is great, but don't expect a lot of ambiance. This Sunday being Father's Day, I might just get my chance. I belive it is Sicilia-oriented, and very reasonable. Check it out at: http://www.vinnysonbroadway.com/
Jim›1 Reply-
re: jkuhlen
Was at Vinny's this past Sat. not too crowded, great chow as always. Prices are OK and you'll get enough chow to fill you and then some. Also Rino's in Eastie is excellent, parking can be a bear and prices are very reasonable, wine lists at both places are serviceable. Both Vinny's & Rino's are old school Italian.
-
-
can't comment on authenticity but at the high end, try the quail egg ravioli w/ pancetta and caramelized onions and the veal/liver ravioli in marsala w/ tomato and parmesan at Sorellina, both exceptionally delicate and melt in your mouth (had to restrain myself from licking the bowl). You may need to get a pizza afterwards to fill yourself up but should restore your faith in pasta...PS skip the burrata, not as fresh as Scampo's
-----
Sorellina
1 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02116 -
For Sardinian give Maurizio's a shot in the North End. Erbaluce is another great place for really good Italian from the Piedmont region I believe.Prezza in the North End has great northern Italian food and specializes in grilled meats and homemade pastas.Trattoria Toscana in the Fenway neighborhood has great Tuscan style Italian.Scampo in the Liberty hotel makes fresh pasta as well as some awesome homemade mozzarella cheese served in various styles.
-----
Erbaluce
69 Church Street, Boston, MA 02116›1 Reply -
Try Gran Gusto in Cambridge or Tomasso Enoteca e Trattoria in Southboro (Rt. 9) Also, Cafe il Cipresso in Tyngsboro (on the same road as the Nashua Pheasant Lane Mall but several miles south)
-----
Gran Gusto
90 Sherman St, Cambridge, MA 02140›2 Replies-
re: robertlf
I don't know what constitutes authentic Italian by region, though I've traveled to Italy often. I just don't feel qualified to make that judgment. I can tell you what I like and what reminds me most of Italy. You were referred to Tavolo: It's a good choice and a good value. Gran Gusto was mentioned. I agree. Trattoria Toscana near Fenway is another we like. For upscale, we like Erbaluce and Il Casale. For good pasta and pizza we like Basta Pasta (the one in Quincy is mroe comfortable). Again, at the expensive end, we like Lucca and Prezza. We like La Morra. As to whether any of them is authentic, darned if I know.
-----
Trattoria Toscana
130 Jersey St, Boston, MA 02215Prezza
24 Fleet St., Boston, MA 02113La Morra
48 Boylston Street, Brookline, MA 02445Lucca Restaurant
226 Hanover St., Boston, MA 02113Gran Gusto
90 Sherman St, Cambridge, MA 02140Tavolo
1918 Dorchester Ave, Dorchester Center, MA 02124Erbaluce
69 Church Street, Boston, MA 02116Basta Pasta
150 Hancock St, Quincy, MA 02171
-
-
That's too bad about your mediocre meals in North End. I've always had great meals sometimes off nights but usually very good meals.
Have you tried Rino's in East Boston? It is really good. If you head up Rte 1 there is Petrillo's in Peabody Square. I love their homemade fusilli!! There is also a tiny place on Exchange Street in Malden (total hole in the wall). Good luck!
