Southern Italian Food Recommendation

[Schwates]

First, I have learned a great deal through this research, most importantly that there appears to be no such thing as "southern" Italian as Italian cuisine is provincial. So I am simply using the stereoptypical definition as consisting of more tomato-based dishes, seafood, garlic and olive oil. Does anybody know of a good place for things like this? I am looking for some of the traditional types of dishes such as veal parm but with a legitimately sound red sauce. I like fresh pasta and seafood as well not to mention a place that cooks their pasta correctly. I am also looking for a decent atmosphere where I can bring a group and not feel crammed. I find with most North End places they are there to exploit tourists and are stuffed, over-priced and the pasta is sub-par to say the least. I love the Daily Catch but it is super small, feels like eating in a kitchen (it is) and has nothing really but seafood. I know I am asking a lot but hoping someone has some good suggestions.

[Schwates]

Thank you for all of the replies. The closest one is Vinny's at Night. The only problem I have with it is that the only red suace is a marinary, no meat sauce. But it is almost precisely what I am looking for.

[Swankalicious]

Vinny's at Night in Somerville; L'Osteria in the North End (basic but very good); Daily Catch for something more seafood-focused, also in the North End; Giacomo's in the South End; Pescatore in Somerville; Sgunizzi in Arlington; Gran Gusto in No Cambridge; Carlo's in Allston; Mario's in Lexington; and dare I say it, but I like Maggiano's from time to time.

[Schwates]

Thanks for the response. I'm in between Giacomo's and Maggiano's. I have been to Giacamo's along time ago. Maggiano's scares me because it is a chain. How good/bad is it in your opinions?

[Madrid]

the pork chop with pickled peppers is great. you are correct however their marinara is a great red sauce but no meat.

[Madrid]

well, dare I say Vinny's at night in Somerville?

[Schwates]

What is the marinara sauce like? I wish they had a meat-based sauce too.

[bear]

Gran Gusto is an excellent suggestion. You might also want to check out Pescatore Seafood in Somerville. I haven't tried the red sauce dishes, but enjoyed my Fusilli Amalfi with fra diavolo sauce. The house-made linguini was well-cooked and the sauce was flavorful with generous portions of seafood. My son ordered the same dish in a white sauce and the sauce was a bit bland. The decor is simple and a little sparse, but comfortable and not cramped.

[Bob Dobalina]

The diavolo sounds good - I have only ever had the Amalfi dish with the marinara, which was also good. Agree that the white sauce (which I think is oil and garlic?) is not as good. The marinara there is not sweet at all, and is the style I grew up with. Pescatore dishes out pretty decent chow, especially nice for a neighborhood joint.

[teezeetoo]

Might find what you want in Malden or Medford, if these aren't too far for you. Try Massimo's in Malden.

[Bob Dobalina]

Welcome to the Board. The search function often can help.
Here's a very recent thread on this topic: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/856114
I think you would like Gran Gusto.