Best Upscale Pasta in Boston | Top 6 Upscale Spots

30 restaurants in Best Upscale Pasta in Boston | Top 6 Upscale Spots

• The Lexington — American · rated 5/5: The Lexington invites guests into a refined yet soulful space where the morning air carries the sweet scent of maple kouign amanns and the evening hums with the sophisticated clink of craft cocktails. Artisanal platters of cured meats and local cheeses set the stage for a menu rooted in the region, featuring everything from golden-fried mozzarella to silky housemade pastas and the freshest local seafood. Whether you’re settling in for a sun-drenched glass of rosé or a robust dinner of locally sourced meats, every detail reflects a commitment to craftsmanship and the vibrant flavors of the season.
• Capone Foods — Italian · rated 4/5: Stepping into this artisanal kitchen feels like entering a bustling Italian home where the air is thick with the comforting scent of slow-simmered marinara and bubbling cheese. Trays of golden-crusted lasagna and tender, hand-rolled meatballs sit alongside decadent lobster mac and cheese, each dish crafted with a commitment to hearty, old-world flavors that turn a simple meal into a celebrated family feast. Whether it’s a towering mushroom napoleon or a classic eggplant dinner, every bite offers a soulful, homemade quality that captures the essence of traditional comfort cooking.
• 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.
• Cambridge Pizzeria — Italian: Cambridge Pizzeria serves as a vibrant neighborhood cornerstone where the comforting aroma of bubbling cheese and golden-fried appetizers creates an instantly welcoming atmosphere. Guests dive into shared platters of zesty buffalo wings and crispy jalapeno poppers, while fresh, vibrant garden salads offer a bright balance to the indulgent, savory snacks. Whether it’s a quick bite or a lively gathering, the space hums with the energy of a local favorite dedicated to the simple joy of perfectly executed comfort food.
• Area Four — Italian: Sunlight streams into this vibrant neighborhood hub, where the morning begins with the comforting crunch of house-made granola and the savory steam of artisanal breakfast sandwiches. The energy shifts as the day unfolds, bringing a parade of textured kale salads and umami-rich grain bowls to the table, punctuated by the rustic warmth of tender, slow-baked meatballs. It is a culinary crossroads where wholesome, seasonal ingredients are elevated through bold global inspirations, creating a dining experience that feels both nourishing and effortlessly cool.
• Toscano — Italian: Toscano captures the soul of the Italian countryside, where the inviting aroma of wood-grilled shrimp and savory mussels in broth drifts through a space defined by rustic warmth and refined charm. Diners are treated to a vibrant tapestry of flavors, from the delicate richness of beef carpaccio drizzled with truffle oil to the earthy, velvet texture of chicken liver paté crostini. Every shared plate of artisanal salumi and sun-ripened Caprese feels like a leisurely celebration of tradition, transporting guests to a sun-drenched terrace in the heart of Tuscany.
• Scampo — Italian: Scampo invites guests into a lively, sun-drenched atmosphere where the aroma of blistered, artisanal pizzas straight from the oven mingles with the crisp, garden-bright notes of their signature house salad. The space transforms into a hub of convivial energy during celebrated pasta nights, where steaming, handcrafted bowls are served in an endless parade of comfort and Italian-inspired tradition.
• Giulia — Italian: Giulia offers a sophisticated escape where the air is scented with sea salt focaccia and the vibrant colors of seasonal, artisanal fare brighten every table. Diners lose themselves in a parade of textures, from the briny snap of pink-striped oysters to the velvety richness of chicken liver crostini and spice-crusted bluefin tuna. It is a place where traditional soul meets modern artistry, turning simple comforts like warm semolina cakes and winter vegetable caponata into an evocative, lingering feast.
• Mortadella Head — Italian: This vibrant eatery hums with the energy of a classic neighborhood deli, where the intoxicating aroma of simmering Bolognese and freshly baked dough fills the air. Guests can indulge in everything from airy, crisp-bottomed Roman pizza slices and sauce-drenched subs to decadent, multi-layered lasagnas that evoke the warmth of a traditional Sunday dinner. It is a sanctuary of Italian-American comfort, where golden-fried arancini and hand-stretched mozzarella sticks celebrate bold, nostalgic flavors in every satisfying bite.
• Oak Hill Pizza — Italian: Oak Hill Pizza serves as a lively neighborhood anchor where the irresistible aroma of sizzling wings and golden-fried delights draws guests into a space buzzing with communal energy. Generous trays of crispy fries and tender chicken fingers anchor the table, complemented by the earthy richness of smooth hummus and the comforting warmth of buttery rice pilaf. It is a destination built for shared moments and hearty appetites, where every overflowing platter celebrates the simple, soulful joy of a well-loved local feast.
• Cafe Amaro — Italian: Cafe Amaro transports guests to a sun-drenched Italian terrace where the vibrant colors of heirloom tomatoes and creamy burrata take center stage amidst a chorus of clinking glasses. The kitchen transforms humble ingredients into golden-fried treasures like crisp arancini and savory polpette, while wood-fired pizzas topped with salty prosciutto and sweet figs offer a perfect balance of rustic charm and refined flavor.
• Lucia Ristorante — Italian: Lucia Ristorante serves as a vibrant sanctuary for Italian culinary tradition, where the rhythmic dusting of flour from artisanal pasta classes meets the sophisticated hum of curated regional wine dinners. Guests are transported to the heart of the Veneto through immersive five-course journeys, savoring the velvety texture of seasonal gnocchi and the complex notes of expertly paired vintages in an atmosphere of timeless warmth.
• Sulmona — Italian: Sulmona captures the soul of a spirited Italian gathering, where the air is thick with the savory aroma of slow-simmered Sunday sauce and the irresistible sizzle of golden carciofi fritti. Guests share overflowing antipasto platters and tender arrosticini in a lively space that balances the crunch of fritto misto with the creamy, delicate indulgence of fresh burrata. It is a vibrant celebration of tradition, where every plate of charred octopus and hand-folded panzerotti invites diners to linger over a soulful, communal feast.
• Aram's #2 House of Pizza — Italian: Stepping into this neighborhood staple, the comforting scent of golden, hand-stretched dough and bubbling mozzarella creates an immediate sense of home. Whether you are tucking into a crisp, veggie-loaded pizza or a steam-filled calzone packed with tangy buffalo chicken, every bite offers a satisfying blend of traditional craft and hearty, soul-warming flavor.
• 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.
• Al Dente — Italian: Al Dente invites guests into a warm, candlelit haven where the air is perfumed with the enticing aromas of garlic-infused scampi and simmering marinara. The kitchen transforms fresh ingredients into a vibrant tapestry of flavors, from the crisp crunch of broccoli fritti to the decadent, silken richness of lobster ravioli. It is a place where traditional Italian-American soul meets refined elegance, offering a dining experience that feels like a timeless celebration of the sea and the garden.
• Alfredo's Italian Kitchen;Alfredos Italian Kitchen - Cambridge — Italian: Alfredo's Italian Kitchen serves as a vibrant Cambridge cornerstone where the comforting scent of simmering chowders and the sizzle of the fryer create an instantly welcoming neighborhood atmosphere. Baskets of golden-brown chicken tenders and zesty, sauce-tossed wings anchor a menu built for sharing, inviting friends to linger over plates of crispy appetizers and savory, herb-flecked bruschetta. Whether tucking into a steaming bowl of hearty chicken vegetable soup or enjoying the spicy kick of jalapeño poppers, diners find a soulful, unpretentious retreat that celebrates the simple joy of classic comfort food.
• Pauli's — Italian: Morning light spills over hearty breakfast platters and steaming sandwiches, setting a welcoming tone at this bustling neighborhood staple where the aroma of buttery, toasted lobster rolls soon takes center stage. The energy shifts as the day unfolds, inviting friends to linger over artfully arranged charcuterie boards and crispy garlic parmesan wings in an atmosphere that perfectly balances casual comfort with culinary flair.
• Florina Pizzeria & Paninoteca — Italian: Florina Pizzeria & Paninoteca captures the soul of a bustling Italian deli, where the intoxicating aroma of toasted bread and bubbling mozzarella draws you into a warm, inviting space. Guests indulge in crisp, hand-stretched pizzas and savory pastas alongside artfully pressed panini that celebrate the harmony of fresh, simple ingredients. It is a vibrant neighborhood gem where every meal feels like a sun-drenched escape to a Roman street corner.
• 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.
• Alfredo's Italian Kitchen — Italian: Stepping into this vibrant neighborhood haunt, guests are greeted by the irresistible aroma of golden, oven-hot pizzas and slow-simmered meat sauces that promise a quintessential Italian-American feast. The kitchen celebrates the art of comfort with generous platters of velvety chicken alfredo and hearty ziti piled high with savory meatballs, all served alongside crisp, garden-fresh salads in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
• Pat's Pizza — Italian: This bustling neighborhood staple welcomes guests with the comforting sizzle of the fryer and the mouthwatering tang of spicy buffalo sauce. Golden-brown appetizers and savory meatballs lead the way for crisp, overstuffed salads, creating a satisfying balance of hearty indulgence and garden-fresh flavor in a warm, unpretentious setting.
• Penguin Pizza — Italian: This energetic neighborhood hub hums with the conviviality of shared plates, where the irresistible scent of golden, hand-cut fries and rich, savory gravy sets the stage for an evening of indulgence. From the satisfying crunch of zesty jalapeño poppers to the molten warmth of beer cheese pretzels, every dish is crafted to fuel lively conversations and celebrate the soul-warming joy of classic comfort food.
• Vialé — Italian: Sunlight dances across plates of briny East Coast oysters and silken salmon crudo in this vibrant neighborhood haunt where Mediterranean soul meets modern flair. The air hums with the conviviality of shared plates, from the golden crunch of saffron arancini to tender grilled octopus, culminating in the nostalgic, spiced warmth of house-made apple cider fritters.
• Nebo Cucina & Enoteca — Italian: Nebo Cucina & Enoteca serves as a sophisticated urban retreat where the rustic charm of a traditional Italian wine bar meets a sleek, contemporary pulse. The air is thick with the enticing aroma of garlic-rubbed bruschetta and charred octopus, drawing guests toward tables laden with golden arancini, velvety burrata, and artfully arranged platters of artisanal salumi. It is a space designed for the art of the long meal, where every shared plate and glass of fine wine fosters a spirited atmosphere of effortless elegance and Mediterranean conviviality.
• 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.
• Friends Pizza — Italian: The air at Friends Pizza is thick with the irresistible scent of bubbling mozzarella and toasted dough, drawing neighbors into a lively space where the oven serves as the warm heart of the room. Crispy New York slices and pillowy Sicilian squares share the stage with golden fried chicken and savory, griddled cheesesteaks, offering a comforting mosaic of classic flavors for every craving. Whether you are tucking into a hearty, overstuffed stromboli or a fresh, crisp Caesar salad, the experience captures the soulful, unpretentious joy of a local haunt where every meal feels like a homecoming.
• La Famiglia Giorgio's Restaurant — Italian: Stepping into this lively sanctuary of Italian hospitality, guests are greeted by the irresistible aroma of golden-fried calamari and bubbling eggplant parmigiana. Generous platters of vibrant antipasto and crisp salads crowned with gorgonzola invite shared stories and communal feasting in a warm, spirited atmosphere. Whether savoring the delicate sweetness of pumpkin ravioli or the classic crunch of house-made appetizers, every bite captures the soulful essence of a traditional family kitchen.
• Black Ruby — Steakhouse: Black Ruby invites diners into a world where the fiery, aromatic soul of Thailand seamlessly intertwines with the comforting familiarity of Western craft. The air hums with the scent of sizzling, herb-infused burgers and hand-rolled pastas tossed in bold, inventive sauces that bridge the gap between East and West. Each meal is elevated by vibrant, botanical elixirs brimming with fresh Thai fruits and fragrant herbs, creating a dining experience that is as refreshing as it is unexpected.
• Parla — Italian: Parla pulses with a vibrant, eclectic energy where low-lit intimacy meets a bold culinary spirit that refuses to be pinned down. The kitchen masterfully bridges global flavors, pairing the zesty, citrus-bright notes of fresh ceviche with the soul-warming crunch of chicken and waffles or a decadently creamy carbonara. Daring libations like the Dungeon Master add a playful edge to the experience, making every visit a spirited celebration of unexpected pairings and soulful craft.