Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Needham

18 restaurants available nearby

1. Neroli Ristorante

4.6

Exceptional(281)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Westwood

Booked 52 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

2. Il Massimo - Legacy Place

4.7

Exceptional(2783)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Dedham

Booked 65 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

3. Terra - Eataly Boston

4.3

Awesome(3783)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Back Bay

Booked 133 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(2750)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • South End

Booked 57 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

4.7

Exceptional(1407)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Brookline

Booked 44 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(432)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Watertown

Booked 47 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

4.5

Awesome(555)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Back Bay

Booked 61 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.

8. MIDA - Fenway

4.6

Exceptional(50)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Fenway–Kenmore

Booked 39 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 Toscano Harvard Square restaurant

9. Toscano Harvard Square

4.6

Exceptional(2436)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • West Cambridge

Booked 49 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.

10. Standard Italian

4.7

Exceptional(12)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Back Bay

Booked 6 times today

From restaurateur Garrett Harker, bar director Jackson Cannon, and culinary director Brian Rae, Standard Italian is coming soon to the Fenway Center!

‘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

J
Jim
Greater Boston •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Great place. Food was excellent and so was the service. A bit pricey but worth it.
More info
Terra - Eataly BostonPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• Back Bay
•
4.3
J
JeffVIP
Greater Boston •21 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Neroli's is wonderful! This was our second time there. We had the chicken under a brick and the carbonara. Both were delicious. We had three flavors of gelato for dessert. So creamy and delish. Our waitress was amazing! We had lots of laughs with her and she was so nice. We'll be back next week! New favorite place!
More info
Neroli RistorantePrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Westwood
•
4.6
A
Anastashia
Greater Boston •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
A magical experience! The food was incredible - we went for gluten free night because my husband has celiac and they did not disappoint.
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PrimaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Charlestown
•
4.8
K
Karen
Greater Boston •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on 19 Dec 2024
There were only 2 of us and the orders were not elaborate but the service was excellent and the food was piping hot and delicious. Our waitress was available but not in our face and came over a minute or 2 after our food was delivered to ask how things were. Just the right amount of time. The restaurant was busy but we could easily hear each other talk. All was decorated nicely for the holidays. Great menu and plenty of by the glass wines.
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Il Massimo - Legacy PlacePrice: Expensive• Italian• Dedham
•
4.7
K
Katie
Orange County •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 18 Dec 2024
Had a great dinner at Red Fox! The pasta was delicious and couldn’t go wrong with the vodka or pesto option. We sat at the bar and the bartender Brent was friendly, kind, and made our experience better.
More info
The Red FoxPrice: Expensive• Italian• North End
•
4.5

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Contemporary italian

Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Needham

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18 restaurants available nearby

1. Neroli Ristorante

2. Il Massimo - Legacy Place

3. Terra - Eataly Boston

4. MIDA - South End

5. Bar 'Cino Brookline

6. Bar' Cino Watertown

7. Serafina - Boston Back Bay

8. MIDA - Fenway

9. Toscano Harvard Square

10. Standard Italian

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