Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Needham

18 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Il Massimo - Legacy Place restaurant

1. Il Massimo - Legacy Place

4.7

Exceptional(2757)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Dedham

Booked 38 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.

2. Neroli Ristorante

4.6

Exceptional(251)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Westwood

Booked 47 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 Terra at Eataly Boston restaurant

3. Terra at Eataly Boston

4.2

Awesome(3750)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Back Bay

Booked 112 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.

4. MIDA - South End

4.7

Exceptional(2725)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • South End

Booked 48 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

5. Bar 'Cino Brookline

4.8

Exceptional(1389)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Brookline

Booked 54 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

6. Bar' Cino Watertown

4.7

Exceptional(417)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Watertown

Booked 32 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

7. Serafina - Boston Back Bay

4.4

Awesome(544)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Back Bay

Booked 26 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

8. Toscano Harvard Square

4.6

Exceptional(2425)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • West Cambridge

Booked 29 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.

9. MIDA - Fenway

4.6

Exceptional(37)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Fenway–Kenmore

Booked 43 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

10. Ravello Italian Kitchen

4.6

Exceptional(505)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Watertown

Booked 12 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

K
K
Greater Boston •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We had a business lunch today. The service by Xavier was very attentive. We had a vegan and someone with gluten allergy in our group. The salads, the orecchiette and the gnochi were all outstanding! The tiramisu was to die for Overall, a very pleasant place for lunch !
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Il Massimo - Legacy PlacePrice: Expensive• Italian• Dedham
•
4.7
M
Melissavip
Greater Boston •14 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Terra is an absolute masterpiece of a restaurant! The Italian food here is nothing short of spectacular—every dish is crafted to perfection, and the flavors are unforgettable. The wine selection is equally impressive, with thoughtful pairings that elevate the dining experience to a whole new level. A special shoutout to our server, Vinicius, who made the evening truly extraordinary. His knowledge of the menu, attention to detail, and warm, professional demeanor added so much to our experience. He went above and beyond to ensure everything was perfect, and we left feeling absolutely spoiled. If you’re looking for exceptional Italian cuisine, an incredible wine list, and top-tier service, Terra is the place to be. Highly recommend!
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Terra at Eataly BostonPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• Back Bay
•
4.2
M
Michaelvip
Jacksonville / Northeast Florida •12 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Excellent food and service. We went on a gluten free Monday due to my wife’s celiac disease. Gluten free or not, the food was fantastic.
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PrimaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Charlestown
•
4.7
K
Kathyvip
Greater Boston •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Super fun girls' night out. Loved the vibe. Food and service were both excellent. Music and conversation are noisy so be prepared. Will come again!
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The Red FoxPrice: Expensive• Italian• North End
•
4.5
A
Angelavip
Greater Boston •18 reviews
5.0
Dined on 16 Nov 2024
So had a wonderful evening at Nerolis. The food was excellent. The service was amazing. During the warm weather months with love eating outside we had chicken Parm and bar dinners. There was so much food that we have at least two more meals to have during the week. I recommend Nerolis 100%. This is what our favorite restaurants.
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Neroli RistorantePrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Westwood
•
4.6

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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Needham

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18 restaurants available nearby

1. Il Massimo - Legacy Place

2. Neroli Ristorante

3. Terra at Eataly Boston

4. MIDA - South End

5. Bar 'Cino Brookline

6. Bar' Cino Watertown

7. Serafina - Boston Back Bay

8. Toscano Harvard Square

9. MIDA - Fenway

10. Ravello Italian Kitchen

See what locals rave about

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