Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Melrose

23 restaurants available nearby

1. Paolo's

4.7

Exceptional(215)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Saugus

Paolo’s in Saugus offers a delightful foray into Contemporary Italian cuisine with a touch of Mediterranean flair, perfectly embodying the culinary expertise of Boston-based chef Paul Delios. Hailed as one of Boston's best restaurants by Boston Common Magazine in 2024, Paolo’s stands out for its "phenomenal meals" and "incredible creamy bolognese sauce" that leave guests craving more. Diners consistently praise the restaurant’s "excellent cuisine" and "super friendly staff," making it a must-visit spot. The breathtaking tiramisu and signature pizzas are frequently highlighted, capturing the heart of Italian dining with an innovative twist. As one reviewer puts it, "You don't need to go into Boston for a great Italian meal any longer." Whether it's the cozy ambiance or the meticulously crafted dishes, Paolo's is a gem that offers more than just a meal—it provides an exquisite dining experience right in Saugus.

A photo of Terra at Eataly Boston restaurant

2. Terra at Eataly Boston

4.3

Awesome(3750)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Back Bay

Booked 78 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.

3. The Red Fox

4.5

Awesome(128)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • North End

Booked 60 times today

Nestled in the historic North End of Boston, The Red Fox has quickly become a beacon of Italian-American cuisine. Celebrated for its "handmade pasta" and a blend of "classic and throwback dishes," this vibrant spot delivers an authentic taste of Italy with a modern twist. Patrons rave about the "succulent" lobster ravioli and "fabulous" orecchiette with pistachio pesto, noting the dishes' uniqueness and authenticity. The atmosphere is equally praised, described as a "magical Italian speakeasy" with a "swank" vibe perfect for a date night or a lively dinner with friends. Coupled with an "excellent wine list" and "seasonal cocktails" that are "so smooth," The Red Fox promises an exceptional dining experience that makes every visitor eager to return.

4. Prima

4.8

Exceptional(722)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Charlestown

Booked 61 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.

5. MIDA - South End

4.7

Exceptional(2728)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • South End

Booked 46 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 Bar 'Cino Brookline restaurant

6. Bar 'Cino Brookline

4.8

Exceptional(1389)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Brookline

Booked 39 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.

7. Artu

4.3

Awesome(1743)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • North End

Booked 17 times today

Artu in Boston's historic North End stands out as a beacon of authentic Italian cuisine. Since its inception in 1992, Artu has delighted diners with its commitment to simple, high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. Patrons rave about dishes that evoke nostalgia and transcend typical expectations. As one reviewer exclaims, "This place is better than most places in Italia!" The menu features timeless favorites like the "best carbonara I've had in North End" and the eggplant parmigiana, hailed as the best in 70 years by a seasoned diner. The restaurant's atmosphere, coupled with its excellent service, makes every meal memorable. Whether it's the delectable lobster arancini or the perfectly balanced Frutti di Mare, Artu is a culinary gem that captures the essence of Italian dining.

8. Libertine

4.3

Awesome(288)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • North End

Booked 4 times today

Nestled in the vibrant North End of Boston, Libertine is a culinary gem that delights with its authentic Italian fare, seamlessly blending tradition with innovative gluten-free options. Patrons rave about dishes like the "best ever" lobster ravioli and the exquisitely homemade gnocchi, each bite promising a burst of authentic Italian flavors. The restaurant’s commitment to quality is evident, with 98% of the menu available as gluten-free, ensuring that all guests, regardless of dietary restrictions, can indulge in a true Italian feast. Reviewers consistently celebrate Libertine for its "amazing food" and "fantastic service," making it a must-visit for anyone craving exceptional Italian cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere.

A photo of Toscano Harvard Square restaurant

9. Toscano Harvard Square

4.6

Exceptional(2425)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • West Cambridge

Booked 45 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 Serafina - Boston Back Bay restaurant

10. Serafina - Boston Back Bay

4.4

Awesome(546)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Back Bay

Booked 22 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.

‘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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

S
Sarah
Greater Boston •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
The Scillian muscles were DELICIOUS, the sauce was phenomenal! I also ordered their short rib lasagna which was also tasty!
More info
MIDA - South EndPrice: Moderate• Italian• South End
•
4.7
B
Bunny
Denver / Colorado •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
It wasn’t super busy so not noisy and our server had too much time to pay attention to us, but otherwise good.
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Paolo'sPrice: Expensive• Italian• Saugus
•
4.7
M
Mackenzivip
Greater Boston •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
The decor is on point and cocktails are amazing. Food is on pare with what you would expect from a good north end spot. Recommend trying to sit at the bar if you can
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The Red FoxPrice: Expensive• Italian• North End
•
4.5
M
Melissavip
Greater Boston •14 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Terra is an absolute masterpiece of a restaurant! The Italian food here is nothing short of spectacular—every dish is crafted to perfection, and the flavors are unforgettable. The wine selection is equally impressive, with thoughtful pairings that elevate the dining experience to a whole new level. A special shoutout to our server, Vinicius, who made the evening truly extraordinary. His knowledge of the menu, attention to detail, and warm, professional demeanor added so much to our experience. He went above and beyond to ensure everything was perfect, and we left feeling absolutely spoiled. If you’re looking for exceptional Italian cuisine, an incredible wine list, and top-tier service, Terra is the place to be. Highly recommend!
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Terra at Eataly BostonPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• Back Bay
•
4.3
M
Michaelvip
Jacksonville / Northeast Florida •12 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 19, 2024
Excellent food and service. We went on a gluten free Monday due to my wife’s celiac disease. Gluten free or not, the food was fantastic.
More info
PrimaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Charlestown
•
4.8

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23 restaurants available nearby

1. Paolo's

2. Terra at Eataly Boston

3. The Red Fox

4. Prima

5. MIDA - South End

6. Bar 'Cino Brookline

7. Artu

8. Libertine

9. Toscano Harvard Square

10. Serafina - Boston Back Bay

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