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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Needham

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18 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Neroli Ristorante restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(255)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Westwood
Booked 20 times today
Neroli Ristorante in Westwood, Massachusetts, is a beacon of authentic Italian cuisine, where Chef Mario Lepori's culinary prowess shines through a menu brimming with traditional Italian delicacies. Situated at 282 Washington Street in the quaint Islington neighborhood, Neroli has become a cherished locale for its fresh house-made pasta and expertly imported ingredients. Patrons frequently laud the "homemade pastas" as "delectable" and celebrate the overall dining experience as "amazing." One Italian citizen, well-versed in Italy's culinary landscape, endorsed Neroli as the "real deal," underscoring its authenticity and quality. With its warm, inviting atmosphere and consistently outstanding service, Neroli Ristorante stands out as a top destination for Italian dining, promising an experience that resonates with both locals and visitors alike.
A photo of Il Massimo - Legacy Place restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2766)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Dedham
Booked 49 times today
Il Massimo at Legacy Place in Dedham, Massachusetts, is a beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine, delighting diners with its authentic and seasonal Italian menu. The restaurant is celebrated for dishes like Spaghettoni alla Carbonara and Pesce al Guazzetto, which highlight fresh, local ingredients. Guests rave about the "outstanding" gluten-free pasta options and the "delicious" Point Judith Calamari en Padella. Reviewers consistently praise the attentive and knowledgeable service, describing experiences as "perfect" for special occasions with thoughtful touches like decorated tables for birthdays. Il Massimo’s dedication to quality and authenticity makes it a standout choice for anyone craving a true Italian dining experience.
A photo of Terra - Eataly Boston restaurant
4.2
Awesome(3753)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Back Bay
Booked 85 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.
A photo of MIDA - South End restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2729)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • South End
Booked 55 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
4.8
Exceptional(1391)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Brookline
Booked 66 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.
A photo of Bar' Cino Watertown restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(420)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Watertown
Booked 25 times today
Bar 'Cino (we say "chee-no") is an informal spot nestled in the heart of Watertown Square with a lively bar and a menu that highlights the green & white of the Italian flag more than the red.A great crowd fills the space nightly - from neighbors, after work folks, and local professionals. Open nightly, plus lunch on weekends.
A photo of Serafina - Boston Back Bay restaurant
4.4
Awesome(547)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Back Bay
Booked 30 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.
A photo of Toscano Harvard Square restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2425)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • West Cambridge
Booked 54 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 MIDA - Fenway restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(40)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Fenway–Kenmore
Booked 40 times today
MIDA by Chef Douglass William's is now open in the bustling Fenway neighborhood. This outpost of our James Beard Nominated restaurant group is situated just a few blocks from Fenway Park within close walking distance to several destinations including the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and the Beth Israel Medical Campus. Come enjoy staple dishes from our scratch kitchen such as Gnocchi Cacio e Pepe, New Haven-Style thin crust pizza, crispy Arancini, and much more. The restaurant features a contemporary but comfortable aesthetic that lends itself to any occasion from the perfect date night, a quick lunch, or large private events. Vaulted ceilings, sprawling windows, a gorgeous lighting profile, and a covered patio make this location the perfect Fenway escape. The restaurant also features a 15 seat bar that is open for walk-ins seven days a week. We are thrilled to be a part of this neighborhood and cannot wait to welcome you into our home. XOXO MIDA
A photo of Ravello Italian Kitchen restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(506)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Watertown
Booked 11 times today
Ravello Italian Kitchen in Watertown is a celebrated haven for lovers of Contemporary Italian cuisine. Praised for its "unreal Short Rib Ravioli" and "amazing chicken parmigiana," this cozy gem delights patrons with a menu that changes seasonally to highlight local farm produce. Reviewers rave about its authenticity and quality, saying it rivals Boston's North End favorites without the need to travel. The ambiance, coupled with a thoughtful wine list featuring small producers, crafts a genuine Italian dining experience. One diner enthusiastically noted, "This has quickly become my go-to date night spot...every pasta dish is delicious and the pasta is obviously made fresh." Ravello's commitment to excellence makes it a must-visit for a sublime Italian meal.
‘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
From verified diners like you
  • Laurenvip
    Greater Boston •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    My group of 10 girls celebrating the holidays had an incredible meal and experience at the Red Fox. We had one of the main tables in the bar area, it was a little tight but we knew that going into the reservation! Awesome ambiance… Our server Laurenia went above and beyond to accommodate our group with impeccable service. Brent made all of our drinks and they were delicious. For food we had the following: Apps:Arancini, Caesar Salads, strangolapretti, prosciutto and zeppole Mains: bisteca, chicken parm, vodka pasta, ravioli, and hands down the best lasagna I have ever had. We shared everything and laurenia coursed it out for us! Thanks for a great experience!
    More info
    The Red FoxPrice: Expensive• Italian• North End
    4.5
  • carleighvip
    Greater Boston •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    I have eaten here for dinner before and the food was delicious, this was my first brunch experience there and the food was still amazing. It is decorated for Christmas right now so it is definitely worth a try this month!
    More info
    PrimaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Charlestown
    4.8
  • william
    Greater Boston •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    My wife, Susan, and I were looking forward to a delicious Italian meal for our Thanksgiving celebration Thursday evening. The staff greeted us cordially and promptly had us seated. We ordered cocktails. I was a little surprised when our server gave us menus offering a prix fix turkey dinner and an a la carte selection of dishes from the regular Italian menu; then it dawned on me that the management would have to limit one selection of dishes to have another for the holiday. We shared a lovely mixed salad with parmigiana cheese and a lite dressing. Susan had tasty scallops risotto and I had fruitti di mare rigatoni which was tasty and plentiful. Our only suggestions would be notifying patrons of the limited menu and to serve the cocktails more promptly; Susan’s drink was surprisingly salty and she did not finish switching to wine. Our server seemed to notice but did not comment but neither did we.
    More info
    Il Massimo - Legacy PlacePrice: Expensive• Italian• Dedham
    4.6
  • Maura
    Greater Boston •17 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Bar service a bit slow but nice server, as always. Food was delicious!
    More info
    Neroli RistorantePrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Westwood
    4.6
  • Amanda
    Atlanta Metro •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    The food was delicious and I loved the ambience. The cocktails were a bit pricey at $16-$20 but that seems to be the standard here in Boston. If you want to have a romantic and quiet evening I do recommend Terra. Our waiter also gave us a sweet cream gelato to celebrate my fiancé and I’s engagement! It was a great time!
    More info
    Terra - Eataly BostonPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• Back Bay
    4.2
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