Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Brighton

30 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Terra - Eataly Boston restaurant

1. Terra - Eataly Boston

4.3

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Back Bay

Booked 100 times today

Located in the vibrant Back Bay neighborhood of Boston, Terra at Eataly Boston offers an enchanting experience of contemporary Italian cuisine. At the heart of Terra is a wood-burning Italian grill, which infuses each dish with a distinct smoky essence that accentuates the natural flavors. The culinary artistry here transforms simple ingredients into exquisite, earthy dishes, making each meal a celebration of refined rusticity. Patrons rave about their experiences, describing dishes like the "burrata with asparagus" as "AMAZING" and praising the perfectly executed meat platters. The ambiance, coupled with top-tier service, ensures that each visit is memorable. Terra consistently receives glowing reviews for its fresh, flavorful fare and its ability to create "dizzying happiness" with its entrees. If you're seeking a genuine, high-quality contemporary Italian meal in Boston, Terra at Eataly is an unrivaled choice.

2. Prima

4.8

Exceptional(755)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Charlestown

Booked 48 times today

Located in the heart of Charlestown, Boston, Prima stands out as a premier destination for cocktail enthusiasts. This vibrant Italian eatery not only offers a stunning view of City Square Park and the city skyline but also boasts a cocktail bar that has garnered glowing praise. Patrons rave about the "tiramisu espresso martinis" and "French toast martinis," highlighting their creativity and perfect blend. The atmosphere of Prima complements its drinks with a beautifully restored bar area that beckons guests to relax and enjoy. With its exceptional service and a noteworthy mention of their "extensive wine list and cocktails," Prima ensures each visit is memorable, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-tier cocktail experience in Boston.

A photo of Bar 'Cino Brookline restaurant

3. Bar 'Cino Brookline

4.7

Exceptional(1405)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Brookline

Booked 31 times today

Bar 'Cino (we say "chee-no") is an informal neighborhood spot on Beacon Street in Brookline - directly across from the Saint Mary's T Stop. Open nightly for dinner and cocktails.

4. MIDA - South End

4.7

Exceptional(2748)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • South End

Booked 38 times today

MIDA in the vibrant South End of Boston stands out as a beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine, integrating the simplicity of classic Italian dishes with a modern twist. The restaurant is celebrated for its "excellent food with well-balanced flavors" and has quickly become a favorite in the neighborhood. Guests rave about the "outstanding" lemon gnocchi and the eggplant parm, highlighting the authentic and meticulous preparation of each dish. The ambiance is described as "cozy" and "lively," perfect for a delightful dining experience. MIDA's commitment to quality is consistently praised, with one reviewer noting, "MIDA might be my new favorite restaurant." Whether it's the "creative and light" dishes or the "professional, knowledgeable" service, MIDA delivers a genuine Contemporary Italian dining experience that keeps guests returning.

A photo of Toscano Harvard Square restaurant

5. Toscano Harvard Square

4.6

Exceptional(2434)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • West Cambridge

Booked 30 times today

Nestled in the heart of West Cambridge, just a short walk from Harvard, Toscano Harvard Square is a gem for authentic Italian cuisine. Diners consistently rave about its "bright, fresh flavors of Tuscany" and the warm, inviting atmosphere that makes every meal special. The restaurant is celebrated for its "delicious and authentic Italian pasta" and an extensive wine list that complements every dish beautifully. Patrons like to highlight the "fabulous service" and how the dishes, such as the "seafood risotto," and "truffle beef special," always hit the mark. Toscano is not just a meal; it’s an experience, with one reviewer noting, "We ALWAYS LOVE being there!" making it a top choice for both locals and visitors seeking a slice of Italy in Cambridge.

A photo of Bar' Cino Watertown restaurant

6. Bar' Cino Watertown

4.7

Exceptional(430)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Watertown

Booked 25 times today

Bar 'Cino (we say "chee-no") is an informal spot nestled in the heart of Watertown Square with a lively bar and a menu that highlights the green & white of the Italian flag more than the red.A great crowd fills the space nightly - from neighbors, after work folks, and local professionals. Open nightly, plus lunch on weekends.

7. MIDA - Fenway

4.6

Exceptional(50)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Fenway–Kenmore

Booked 17 times today

MIDA by Chef Douglass William's is now open in the bustling Fenway neighborhood. This outpost of our James Beard Nominated restaurant group is situated just a few blocks from Fenway Park within close walking distance to several destinations including the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and the Beth Israel Medical Campus. Come enjoy staple dishes from our scratch kitchen such as Gnocchi Cacio e Pepe, New Haven-Style thin crust pizza, crispy Arancini, and much more. The restaurant features a contemporary but comfortable aesthetic that lends itself to any occasion from the perfect date night, a quick lunch, or large private events. Vaulted ceilings, sprawling windows, a gorgeous lighting profile, and a covered patio make this location the perfect Fenway escape. The restaurant also features a 15 seat bar that is open for walk-ins seven days a week. We are thrilled to be a part of this neighborhood and cannot wait to welcome you into our home. XOXO MIDA

A photo of Serafina - Boston Back Bay restaurant

8. Serafina - Boston Back Bay

4.5

Awesome(553)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Back Bay

Booked 38 times today

Serafina in Boston's vibrant Back Bay neighborhood is a gem for those seeking a contemporary Italian dining experience. Located on Newbury Street, this restaurant offers a perfect blend of comfort and sophistication, with a menu that brilliantly balances traditional flavors with modern twists. Guests rave about the authenticity and creativity of the dishes, such as the "best arancini I've ever had" and the "limoncello bow tie pasta with shrimp that was out of this world!" The atmosphere is described as cozy and inviting, making it ideal for everything from a casual meal to a special celebration. With glowing reviews for both food and service, Serafina stands out as a top destination for exceptional contemporary Italian cuisine in Boston.

A photo of Ravello Italian Kitchen restaurant

9. Ravello Italian Kitchen

4.6

Exceptional(516)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Watertown

Booked 10 times today

Ravello Italian Kitchen in Watertown is a celebrated haven for lovers of Contemporary Italian cuisine. Praised for its "unreal Short Rib Ravioli" and "amazing chicken parmigiana," this cozy gem delights patrons with a menu that changes seasonally to highlight local farm produce. Reviewers rave about its authenticity and quality, saying it rivals Boston's North End favorites without the need to travel. The ambiance, coupled with a thoughtful wine list featuring small producers, crafts a genuine Italian dining experience. One diner enthusiastically noted, "This has quickly become my go-to date night spot...every pasta dish is delicious and the pasta is obviously made fresh." Ravello's commitment to excellence makes it a must-visit for a sublime Italian meal.

10. Standard Italian

4.7

Exceptional(12)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Back Bay

Booked 8 times today

From restaurateur Garrett Harker, bar director Jackson Cannon, and culinary director Brian Rae, Standard Italian is coming soon to the Fenway Center!

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

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From verified diners like you

M
Meg
Greater Boston •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Fantastic. Ate at our own pace, everything was delicious, cocktails and wine included. Service was great, not intrusive, have what we wanted when we wanted it. Loved it, will be back soon.
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Terra - Eataly BostonPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• Back Bay
•
4.3
D
Dave
Greater Boston •12 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
Modern Italian in Boston without the hassle of the Northend. Good food and great service. Save room for the Gelato (pistachio and salted Carmel) and the lemoncello cake.
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Bar 'Cino BrooklinePrice: Expensive• Italian• Brookline
•
4.7
P
Peter
Greater Boston •49 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Our second time to Toscano, and both times the food, service and ambiance were really special It is ideally located in Harvard Square, and on a cold winter's night it was a warm haven of comfort and quality. Our server was especially solicitous but never intrusive about our need to leave for a concert, and we never felt hurried. There are a number of fine restaurants in the neighborhood, but Toscano is my go-to place when I am in Cambridge.
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Toscano Harvard SquarePrice: Expensive• Italian• West Cambridge
•
4.6
C
Cassandre
Greater Boston •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Delicious food. Highly knowledgeable sommelier. Top notch service. Amazing value for the incredible quality and flavor.
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MIDA - South EndPrice: Moderate• Italian• South End
•
4.7
L
LynnVIP
Chicago / Illinois •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
I dined here on a Thursday at 4:30 pm for a work event with my team. The Prima team did not miss a beat. We had a fantastic experience. The space is stunning with a gorgeous peak-a-book kitchen and beautifully decorated for the holidays. The food was flavorful and perfectly plated. The bread plated was the best fresh ricotta with a hit of sesame I've had in the city! A must-try. We tried many cocktails with the favorite being the Prima martini. The manager Andrew and his team were attentive, knowledgable, and incredibly hospitable. If you haven't tried this spot it's a must!
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PrimaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Charlestown
•
4.8

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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Brighton

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30 restaurants available nearby

1. Terra - Eataly Boston

2. Prima

3. Bar 'Cino Brookline

4. MIDA - South End

5. Toscano Harvard Square

6. Bar' Cino Watertown

7. MIDA - Fenway

8. Serafina - Boston Back Bay

9. Ravello Italian Kitchen

10. Standard Italian

See what locals rave about

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