Trattoria Toscana closed for vacation - where to go??

[liliswe]

Slight panic... Visiting Boston from LA, soooo looking forward to some fantastic East Coast food, especially from Trattoria Toscana, a favorite we stumbled upon last year. Just finding out that they're closed for vacation. Aaargh!!
We're staying by Kenmore Square... Where to go for a good meal after coming off the plane? Italian preferred - willing to travel for good food as we're serious foodies, but need nothing fancy or pretentious this first night, just a really good meal.
All suggestions greatly appreciated! Many thanks!

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Trattoria Toscana
130 Jersey St, Boston, MA 02215

East Coast Restaurant
1456 Dorchester Ave, Dorchester, MA 02122

[Dr Guac]

TT is a favorite of mine as well. When it's not an option, try Gran Gusto in Cambridge. Similar authenticity to TT but a restaurant vs a trattoria. Make sure you get a marinara pizza as an app to share. It's a go-to place for the TT waitstaff.

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Gran Gusto
90 Sherman St, Cambridge, MA 02140

[MC Slim JB]

Vinny's at Night would be another I'd recommend in the homey, cheap, and very good category. I don't think anybody touches Trattoria Toscana for Tuscan food, but I'm grateful that it closes when the chef/owner is on holiday. He pretty much cooks every meal they serve there himself.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

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Trattoria Toscana
130 Jersey St, Boston, MA 02215

[liliswe]

Thank you all for your replies, will check the above mentioned places out!
Yes, MC Slim JB, I totally agree. Although so very disappointed not to be able to eat at TT (I dream about the cod pasta - aaah, East Coast fish, the pesto, and an incredible Tiramisu - might be one of the best I've had anywhere...), I completely respect his decision to close. It would be awful to go and get a lesser meal, I'd rather come back again on our next visit here :)
Thanks again!!

[gourmaniac]

If you will be literally just off the plane, I would suggest Rino's for dinner or Santarpio's for pizza in East Boston. Neither is pretentious and both about 10 min drive from the airport.

[GaryK]

Two choices for Italian in opposite directions (location and style) but easy to get to from Kenmore Square - Carlo's Cucina, on Brighton Avenue in Allston, is family run, homestyle Italian and a great favorite on this board; go early to avoid the wait (no reservations). Via Matta, in Park Square, is more refined, upscale but informal. You'll do well at either.

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Via Matta
79 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116