The 10 Best Pasta Restaurants in Greater Boston (You’ll Dream About These Dishes!)

Boston may be known for its clam chowder and lobster rolls, but let’s be honest—when pasta is done right, it’s pure magic. And in the heart of New England, that magic is alive and well.

At Pesto Pasteria, we’re obsessed with pasta—not just cooking it, but celebrating it. That’s why we’ve put together this ultimate guide to the top 10 places in Greater Boston where pasta lovers like us can find dishes so good, you’ll be twirling noodles in your sleep. From rustic pappardelle to elegant squid ink tagliolini, this list is a love letter to the art of pasta-making.

So whether you’re a local foodie, a curious tourist, or just someone who respects a perfectly al dente bite, let’s dive fork-first into the best pasta spots Boston has to offer.

1.Giulia (Cambridge, MA)

📍 1682 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA

If there’s one restaurant that captures the soul of handmade Italian pasta in Boston, it’s Giulia.

Chef Michael Pagliarini takes pasta very seriously—so seriously, in fact, there’s a pasta table at the heart of the restaurant where fresh dough is rolled daily. It’s an intimate, candle-lit experience perfect for pasta romantics.

Must-Try Dish: Pappardelle with Wild Boar Ragu

Rich, gamey, and silky smooth, this dish is layered with slow-braised flavor and a hint of Parmigiano depth. If it’s on the menu, don’t hesitate.

Other favorites:

• Duck confit ravioli with black mission figs

• Handmade agnolotti filled with butternut squash in brown butter sage sauce

🍷 Pro Tip: Their wine list leans thoughtfully Italian. Ask for a bold red from Umbria or Piemonte.

2.MIDA (South End & East Boston)

📍 782 Tremont St, Boston, MA + 65 Lewis St, East Boston

Chef Douglass Williams, a James Beard finalist, has created one of Boston’s most exciting pasta destinations with MIDA. With its chic-but-casual vibe and a menu that rotates with the seasons, MIDA is where tradition meets bold, modern flavors.

Must-Try Dish: Paccheri with Smoked Bolognese & Breadcrumbs

This tubular pasta holds the meat sauce beautifully, and the smoky touch takes it to a whole new level. Topped with crispy breadcrumbs for that extra crunch? Chef’s kiss.

Other standouts:

• Bucatini carbonara with lobster (yes, lobster)

• Rigatoni arrabbiata with just the right kick

🥂 Perfect For: A cool night out with friends who know good food.

3.Carmelina’s (North End, Boston)

📍 307 Hanover St, Boston, MA

Set in the heart of the iconic North End, Carmelina’s brings “Sicilian comfort food with a twist.” The open-kitchen design lets you peek into the action, and what you’ll find is pure flavor.

Must-Try Dish: Spaghetti alla Carbonara

But not just any carbonara—Carmelina’s version comes loaded with Italian sausage, chicken, soppressata, and roasted peppers. It’s creamy, spicy, and full of texture.

Also loved:

• Sunday Macaroni with penne, meatballs, sausage & short rib

• Shrimp & scallop scampi over linguine

🔥 Insider Tip: Go early or be prepared to wait—it’s that popular.

4.SRV (South End, Boston)

📍 569 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA

SRV stands for “Serene Republic of Venice,” and this restaurant embodies the elegance and depth of Venetian cuisine with a modern Boston twist. It’s known for its cicchetti (small bites) and innovative pasta dishes.

Must-Try Dish: Short Rib Agnolotti

Tender, savory short rib wrapped in delicate pasta pillows, served in a rich broth or sauce that elevates every bite.

Other gorgeous pastas:

• Squid ink risotto with seared scallops

• Gnocchi with slow-roasted duck and golden raisins

🎻 Ambience Bonus: Dim lighting, rustic wood, and refined plating. A date night winner.

5.Scampo (Beacon Hill, Boston)

📍 215 Charles St, Boston, MA

Housed inside the Liberty Hotel (a former jail!), Scampo is anything but confined in flavor. Celebrity chef Lydia Shire brings Mediterranean flair to Italian classics, creating pastas that are vibrant, luxurious, and unexpected.

Must-Try Dish: Lobster and Clam Spaghetti with Jalapeño Pesto

A spicy, herbaceous twist on seafood pasta with a refined touch.

Other masterpieces:

• Ravioli with lamb shank and rosemary

• Pumpkin tortelli with amaretti cookies and sage brown butter

🍸 Don’t Miss: The cocktails are just as creative—try a barrel-aged Negroni.

6.Table (North End, Boston)

📍 445 Hanover St, Boston, MA

Table is not your average restaurant—it’s a communal dining experience. That means you’re not ordering a dish for yourself; you’re sharing multiple courses with the whole table, family-style.

Must-Try Dish: Seven-Course Pasta Tasting

You’ll try everything from gnocchi with truffle cream to orecchiette with sausage and broccoli rabe. Each dish comes out one at a time, and every guest gets the same portion.

🍽️ Expect: A lively, communal vibe. Perfect for birthdays or celebrations with your foodie crew.

7.Geppetto (East Cambridge, MA)

📍 100 North First St, Cambridge, MA

From the team behind Puritan & Co., Geppetto is a modern Italian restaurant where technique and simplicity shine. The atmosphere is fresh and minimal—just like the food.

Must-Try Dish: Ricotta Cavatelli with Braised Duck

Soft, chewy cavatelli dressed in a sauce that’s deep with umami and slow-cooked tenderness.

Other standouts:

• Fennel sausage tagliatelle

• Crudo and crostini to start

Smart Detail: They offer half portions of many pastas—perfect for sampling a few.

8.Mamma Maria (North End, Boston)

📍 3 North Square, Boston, MA

Tucked into a 19th-century townhouse overlooking North Square, Mamma Maria delivers classic Italian elegance with seasonal sophistication. This isn’t red sauce cuisine—it’s refined, slow-crafted, and deeply satisfying.

Must-Try Dish: Rabbit Pappardelle

A standout dish in Boston’s Italian scene. The rabbit is tender, aromatic, and melts into the wide ribbons of pasta.

Other signature pastas:

• Veal ossobuco ravioli

• Lobster saffron linguine

🕯️ Vibe: Old-world charm, tuxedo-worthy service, and views of cobblestone streets.

9. La Famiglia Giorgio’s (North End, Boston)

📍 112 Salem St, Boston, MA

This family-run institution is known for huge portions, classic Italian-American fare, and friendly service. It’s not fancy—but it doesn’t need to be.

Must-Try Dish: Pesto Alfredo Pasta

Creamy, nutty, herby—this hybrid sauce is rich in flavor and nostalgia.

Also try:

• Lasagna big enough to feed a small army

• Cheese ravioli with pink vodka sauce

🥖 Heads Up: Bring your appetite—and maybe some Tupperware.

10.Pasta Beach (Boston Seaport & Newport, RI)

📍 30 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA

If you want pasta with an ocean breeze, this is your spot. With locations on the waterfront, Pasta Beach blends chic design, beachy vibes, and high-quality Italian staples.

Must-Try Dish: Tagliolini al Limone

Light, bright lemon pasta tossed in olive oil and shaved parmigiano. Summer in a bowl.

Other coastal gems:

• Gnocchi alla sorrentina

• Spaghetti with fresh clams and white wine sauce

Bonus: Perfect lunch date spot on a sunny Boston day.

Final Bites: What Makes Boston’s Pasta Scene So Special?

Boston’s pasta restaurants are rooted in deep Italian traditions—but they aren’t afraid to experiment. From wild boar and rabbit ragus to lobster carbonara, the city’s chefs are pushing boundaries while staying true to the soul of pasta: comfort, texture, and taste.

Whether you’re looking for a candlelit evening in Cambridge, a rowdy family-style dinner in the North End, or a sun-drenched seafood pasta on the wharf—Boston’s got you covered.

Ready to Cook Like the Pros?

Head back to PestoPasteria.com for:

• Step-by-step pasta recipes inspired by these iconic restaurants

• Tips from real chefs on how to master fresh pasta at home

• Exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes videos from Boston’s top kitchens

• Our Pasta Academy: classes and challenges for pasta lovers like you

Join our community of passionate food lovers and let’s bring more pasta joy to the world—one forkful at a time.

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