Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in Back Bay | Upscale Italian Food

18 restaurants in Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in Back Bay | Upscale Italian Food

• Eataly — Italian · rated 4/5: This bustling culinary sanctuary celebrates the soul of Italian tradition, where the theater of open kitchens meets the vibrant energy of an authentic Roman marketplace. Hand-crafted pastas serve as the centerpiece, from delicate ribbons of lemon and pepper linguine to the bold, midnight hues of squid ink and the earthy indulgence of truffle-kissed strands. Every plate offers a sensory journey through Italy’s diverse regions, inviting guests to linger over perfectly al dente bites in a space that hums with passion and artisanal craft.
• Mistral — French: Mistral unfolds as a sanctuary of urban elegance, where soaring ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the sophisticated dining room in a soft, ethereal glow. The kitchen breathes life into refined Mediterranean-inspired flavors, layering hand-crafted pastas and tender roasted meats with the bright, sun-drenched essence of the French countryside. Every plate arrives as a masterclass in balance, inviting guests to linger over chilled wine and artful desserts in an atmosphere that feels both grand and intimately welcoming.
• Faccia a Faccia — Italian: Faccia a Faccia transports diners to the sun-drenched Italian coastline with its breezy, sophisticated atmosphere and a vibrant patio that hums with the energy of the city. The air is thick with the scent of charred seafood and hand-rolled pastas, while the bar pours effervescent spritzes and crisp natural wines that capture the essence of an endless Mediterranean summer.
• Contessa — Italian: Perched high above the city, this glass-enclosed jewel box transports guests to a glamorous mid-century Italian estate where emerald velvets and lush greenery frame sweeping urban views. The air hums with sophisticated energy as white-jacketed servers deliver plates of silken spicy lobster rigatoni and crisp veal Milanese, capturing the timeless allure and effortless elegance of a grand Northern Italian cafe.
• Union Park Pizza — Italian: Sunlight streams through the windows of this neighborhood cornerstone, where the rhythmic dusting of flour and the sizzle of stone-baked crusts create a comforting soundtrack for local pizza lovers. Each hand-tossed pie emerges from the oven with a blistered, golden edge, balancing rich, artisanal cheeses and garden-fresh toppings that transform a simple meal into a soulful celebration of classic craftsmanship.
• Picco — Italian: This vibrant neighborhood haunt hums with energy as the aroma of bubbling wood-fired pizzas and hand-rolled pastas fills a space that feels both sophisticated and soulful. Guests linger over decadent bowls of creamy mac and cheese or crisp seasonal salads, sipping on expertly crafted Espresso Martinis and stiff Old Fashioneds. The experience culminates in pure nostalgia, where scoops of velvety small-batch ice cream and indulgent brownie sundaes provide a sweet, celebratory finish to a comforting meal.
• Nino's Pizza & Subs — Italian: This lively neighborhood cornerstone hums with the irresistible scent of hand-stretched dough charring in the oven and savory deli meats piled high on toasted, crusty rolls. Whether grabbing a quick slice or settling in for a hearty, overstuffed sub, diners find a welcoming sanctuary of classic Italian-American flavors where every bite delivers a nostalgic, soul-warming crunch.
• Caffè Vergnano — Italian: This elegant Italian coffee house envelops guests in the rich, nutty aroma of slow-roasted beans and the rhythmic hiss of the espresso machine. Polished surfaces and warm lighting create a sophisticated backdrop for savoring velvety cappuccinos and delicate, buttery pastries that capture the refined spirit of Turin. It is a place where the timeless ritual of coffee is elevated to an art form, offering a serene escape for a quick morning jolt or a lingering afternoon conversation.
• Little Steve's Pizzeria — Italian: The air at Little Steve's is heavy with the intoxicating aroma of charred dough and simmering garlic, welcoming guests into a bustling space where the rhythmic toss of flour-dusted dough sets a lively pace. Golden, blistered crusts emerge from the heat topped with pools of molten mozzarella and bright, herb-flecked sauce, delivering a nostalgic crunch that defines the perfect neighborhood slice. This vibrant corner spot captures the soulful alchemy of fire and fresh ingredients, offering a timeless experience that celebrates the simple joy of a well-crafted pie.
• The Salty Pig — Italian: This lively urban haunt celebrates the art of the cure, where rustic wooden boards arrive piled high with silky ribbons of Prosciutto di Parma and smoky, spice-kissed Fermin Chorizo. Velvety pork rillettes and rich, savory pates find their perfect match in a curated selection of artisanal cheeses, from the buttery depth of Louis D'or to the sharp tang of Valdes Goat Blue. The atmosphere hums with a convivial energy, inviting diners to linger over shared plates and explore a bold, salt-kissed landscape of traditional charcuterie.
• Sorellina — Italian: Bathed in a warm, sophisticated glow, this chic urban sanctuary pairs sleek modern design with an air of timeless elegance. Artfully plated dishes reimagine classic Italian flavors through a contemporary lens, where velvety handmade pastas and succulent proteins are elevated by bold, seasonal accents. Every detail, from the crisp white linens to the curated wine list, invites guests into a world of refined indulgence perfect for a glamorous night out.
• Dirty Water Dough Co. — Italian: This high-energy urban haunt hums with the scent of blistered crusts and bubbling mozzarella, inviting diners into a space where the craft of the perfect slice is elevated to an art form. Hand-stretched dough provides a crisp, chewy foundation for everything from the vibrant, pesto-laden Green Monster to the bold, savory layers of the Big Papi, creating a playful yet soulful tribute to the city’s pizza culture.
• Max Brenner — American: A whimsical chocolate sanctuary where overhead pipes pulse with liquid cocoa and the air carries the intoxicating aroma of melting ganache. Guests are invited to lose themselves in a world of pure indulgence, from decadent fondues and toasted marshmallow pizzas to signature hot chocolates served in hand-warming mugs, all set within a bustling, industrial-chic atmosphere that celebrates the magic of the cocoa bean.
• Serafina — Italian: Step into a vibrant sanctuary where the comforting aroma of simmering tomato basil soup and earthy truffle arancini fills the air, inviting guests to linger over plates of silky burrata and hand-crafted meatballs. The kitchen masterfully balances rustic Italian soul with refined artistry, presenting vibrant tuna tartare and golden-crusted eggplant parmigiana that celebrate the timeless allure of Mediterranean dining in an atmosphere of effortless elegance.
• Peregrine — Mediterranean: Bathed in soft light and coastal charm, Peregrine captures the spirit of the Mediterranean islands through a menu that dances with the bright acidity of citrus and the richness of cold-pressed olive oils. Guests linger over artfully plated seafood and hand-rolled pastas in a space where refined elegance meets the warmth of a seaside escape, making every meal feel like a sun-soaked journey across the Italian coast.
• Terra — Italian: Bathed in warm, natural light and grounded by earthy textures, Terra invites diners into a sanctuary where the raw beauty of the land takes center stage. Plates arrive as vibrant celebrations of the season, showcasing sun-ripened produce and heritage ingredients prepared with a deep reverence for their natural essence. Whether sharing small plates under a canopy of greenery or savoring a robust main course, guests find themselves transported to a rustic retreat that honors the fundamental connection between soil and soul.
• Caffè Lavazza — Italian: This chic urban retreat hums with the vibrant energy of an authentic Italian espresso bar, where the deep, toasted scent of premium roasts invites patrons to pause amidst polished surfaces and warm, sophisticated lighting. Every cup is a masterclass in balance, from the bold intensity of a perfectly pulled ristretto to the velvety luxury of a foam-topped cappuccino, paired beautifully with delicate artisanal treats that evoke the effortless elegance of a Milanese afternoon.
• Double Zero — Italian: This chic, plant-based destination reimagines the classic pizzeria with a sophisticated touch, where the warm glow of a wood-burning oven illuminates a sleek, minimalist space. Artisanal crusts emerge perfectly blistered and topped with creamy house-made nut cheeses and vibrant, farm-fresh produce that elevate vegan dining to an art form. Paired with a curated selection of organic wines, the experience offers a refined yet approachable atmosphere where health-conscious innovation meets the timeless comfort of a great slice.