Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in South End | Upscale Italian Food

20 restaurants in Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in South End | 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.
• MIDA — Italian: MIDA pulses with a warm, convivial energy, drawing guests into a space where the scent of golden arancini and savory meatballs sets the stage for a soulful Italian-inspired feast. Hand-crafted pastas like al dente bucatini and ridged paccheri take center stage, tossed in vibrant sauces that pair beautifully with crisp, seasonal salads and artfully arranged antipasti platters. From the delicate crunch of fresh crudité to the buttery finish of roasted salmon, every dish reflects a commitment to bold flavors and the timeless joy of a shared meal.
• 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.
• SRV — Italian: Stepping into this sophisticated Venetian-style bacaro feels like a spirited escape, where the air is thick with the aroma of savory small bites and the lively hum of a neighborhood gathering. Guests linger over plates of golden-fried mozzarella in carozza and delicate salt cod mantecato, pairing these traditional cicchetti with vibrant seasonal salads and tender meatballs for a dining experience that celebrates the joyful art of the Italian aperitivo.
• 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.
• Rome Pizza — Italian: Sunlight streams through the windows of this lively corner of Italy, where the rhythmic sound of rolling dough and the warmth of the stone oven create an inviting, flour-dusted sanctuary. Each hand-stretched crust emerges perfectly blistered and crisp, topped with bright tomato sauce and molten cheeses that transport diners straight to the bustling streets of the Eternal City.
• 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.
• Coppa — Italian: Artfully draped ribbons of artisanal salumi and wedges of pungent formaggi take center stage in this intimate space, where the air is seasoned with the savory perfume of a traditional Italian larder. The experience balances rustic charm with modern refinement, pairing the bright, vinegary snap of pickled peppers and marinated mushrooms with the delicate, silken elegance of fresh fish crudo.
• Alex Pizza & Grill — Italian: The air at Alex Pizza & Grill is thick with the irresistible scent of bubbling mozzarella and the smoky char of the open flame, drawing diners into a space where casual comfort meets culinary passion. Hand-stretched dough emerges from the oven with a perfect blistered crunch, while the grill sizzles with succulent, seasoned meats that capture the essence of honest, fire-kissed cooking in every savory bite. This vibrant neighborhood anchor invites guests to linger over hearty, soul-warming plates that celebrate the timeless harmony of the hearth and the grill.
• Maggiano's — Italian: This bustling Italian-American landmark captures the nostalgic charm of mid-century Little Italy, where dark wood accents and white-clothed tables set the stage for a spirited communal feast. Heaping family-style platters of velvety fettuccine and herb-crusted chicken parmesan fill the air with the comforting scents of slow-simmered sauces and toasted garlic, inviting guests to share both a meal and a memory in a warm, high-energy atmosphere.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Bar Mezzana — Italian: Sun-drenched and sophisticated, this coastal-inspired gem captures the vibrant spirit of the Italian seaside through an airy, modern space filled with the aroma of toasted focaccia and salt-kissed seafood. The kitchen masterfully balances the delicate artistry of pristine crudo tastings with the bold, rustic warmth of 'nduja-stuffed fried olives and creamy whipped feta, creating a convivial atmosphere where every shared plate feels like a celebration of Mediterranean life.