Come to this local favorite and feast on goodies such as risotto, gnocchi, homemade Abruzzi style spaghetti, wild mushroom ravioli, and other Italian specialties. The wine list is well-selected and holds a good number of white and red wines. The mustard colored walls, soft lighting and linen-covered tables make for an inviting interior. As the restaurant seats only 39 at a time, reservations are suggested.

La Campania is as close to old-fashioned, homemade Italian cooking as you’re likely to find. The homey decor adds charm to this cozy dining room where the menu features all the Italian favorites you love–pasta, roasted meats, seafood specialties, and, of course, pizza. Anything from the risotto to the squid is sure to please. The prices might seem a bit steep, but rest assured the portions are large enough that you’re sure to walk away clutching a doggie bag.

This restaurant is named for a town in the Abruzzi region of Italy, the homeplace of the chef/owner’s grandmother. The menu at this Italian dining room holds treasures you’re sure to appreciate—roasted halibut, leg of lamb, corn ravioli, and more. The Prezza staff outdo themselves as they knowledgeably present menu options and assist with wine selections. The dessert menu is a must-do; in fact, some call the desserts works of art!

Based on appearances alone, it’d be oh, too easy to pass right by this tiny, red brick Italian eatery and never think twice. Needless to say, doing so would be “tu culpa” … And your palate would pay the ultimate price. Known for its regional small plates, Carmen’s kitchen creates quite a frenzy. Indeed, dishes like spice-crusted seared tuna and crespelle Bolognese soundly see to that. And if the food sounds too good to be true, wait ’til you get a load of the wine list.

Mamma Maria is known for having some of Boston’s finest Italian cuisine. Specialties include pappardelle con lepre (homemade pasta with roasted rabbit) and pollo con fichi (a succulent chicken breast topped with blue cheese and roasted figs). A small selection of seafood dishes includes pettini della funghi fresca, scallops with a portobello carpaccio and pea coulis. The atmosphere is intimate and romantic; the service, knowledgeable.

This downtown Italian eatery is Boston’s new sweetheart and offers Italian eats made from the freshest ingredients available with the menu changing regularly. Homemade goodies include traditional fare like spaghetti and veal, along with more exotic dishes like rabbit and octopus. Well-selected Italian wines satisfy aficionados and novices alike.

Billed as a “boutique” Italian eatery, this North Ender caters to a young, trendy and professional brand of clientele that doesn’t mind shelling out a few duckets for a stylishly authentic setting and superbly done regional dishes like tagliatelle al caffe, venison saddle scented with juniper, or gnocchi with wild boar bolognese. Also popular with night owls looking for a good bite, Bricco features a cool lounge area where wood-oven pizzas are available until 2am.

An inviting bar area flanks, where locals enjoy watching baseball on TV, and terrific contemporary Italian cuisine explain this small restaurant’s appeal. Thoughtfully prepared dishes, like hand-rolled potato gnocchi with lobster, asparagus and basil, and roasted venison loin with faro salad, appear on the menu and dessert is more than just an after-thought. Finish off your evening with amaretto creme brulee and hot tea or espresso.

Strega is located in the historic North End of Boston right on the famed freedom trail. Strega means “witch” and the décor of the restaurant is inspired by the tale of Strega which seperates it from the other Hanover Street restaurants with an attention grabbing interior. The top of one wall is side by side plasma tv’s constantly showing classic films such as The Godfather, My Cousin Vinny, and Goodfellas. The other walls are covered in celebrity photos from the cast of The Sopranos to Redsox players. The menu features authentic Italian cuisine, some of the best available in Boston. Strega features an extensive wine list with something for everyone. Stop by or call and make reservations to dine at Strega, who knows you might even be seated next to a celebrity.

Rialto, set in the handsome Charles Hotel, is an eclectic restaurant whose menu focuses on regional Italian specialties prepared with the freshest a New England influence. Representative third courses include braised short rib with gorgonzola-potato fritter, pan-roasted ray with pine nuts and citrus butter, and halibut in lobster broth with fennel, mussels and squid. This romantic spot also dazzles palates with dessert offerings ranging from bombolini with tangerine mascarpone to honey-lemon pine nut tart with gelato.