Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Newton

29 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Bar' Cino Watertown restaurant

1. Bar' Cino Watertown

4.7

Exceptional(428)

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 Sweet Basil on Moody restaurant

2. Sweet Basil on Moody

4.6

Exceptional(424)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Waltham

Booked 10 times today

Sweet Basil on Moody in Waltham is a gem for those craving exceptional Contemporary Italian cuisine. Diners consistently rave about the "delicious and well-prepared" dishes, such as the Braised Chicken over Casarecce and the Seafood Fra Diavlo, noting that the servings are "generously sized." The restaurant's ambiance enhances the dining experience, with a setting that is "unique and pretty," perfect for both lively gatherings and intimate dates. Guests particularly highlight the "insanely delicious" pesto and the meticulously crafted cocktails, which complement the vibrant flavors of the Italian fare. Whether it's the handmade ravioli or the crispy Brussels sprouts, Sweet Basil on Moody delivers an unforgettable culinary journey, making it a must-visit destination in Waltham for lovers of refined Italian food.

A photo of Ravello Italian Kitchen restaurant

3. Ravello Italian Kitchen

4.6

Exceptional(512)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Watertown

Booked 14 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.

A photo of Stazione di Federal restaurant

4. Stazione di Federal

4.5

Awesome(283)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Waltham

Booked 11 times today

Stazione di Federal in Waltham stands out as a beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine, expertly blending traditional flavors with modern culinary techniques. Celebrated for its scratch kitchen that prioritizes fresh, local, and imported ingredients, the restaurant offers a tantalizing menu that includes dishes like Vongele e Sausage and Lobster Amatriciana. Glowing reviews frequently highlight the outstanding quality of the food and the ambiance. One diner raved, “Everything was amazing, from the food to the service to the restaurant decor.” Another noted, "The entire staff and owner were super genuine and helpful! Can’t wait to come back!" Stazione di Federal is a top choice for those seeking an authentic, yet innovative Italian dining experience in Waltham.

5. The Federal

4.7

Exceptional(968)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Waltham

Booked 15 times today

At The Federal in Waltham, MA, Italian cuisine takes a delightful modern twist while maintaining its authentic roots. Diners rave about the "incredible food" and "excellent service," with standout dishes like the fresh orecchiette with broccolini receiving high praise for their deliciousness. The Federal's commitment to quality is evident as one diner highlighted, "the risotto, served with the lamb, was delicious!" further proving their expertise in Italian staples. Their wine list is a perfect blend of Italian and old world selections, ensuring a perfect pairing for any meal. Whether it's the "amazing local find" atmosphere or the "fabulous" Easter meal, The Federal continuously impresses with its blend of Italian-inspired dishes and impeccable service.

A photo of Terra - Eataly Boston restaurant

6. Terra - Eataly Boston

4.3

Awesome(3769)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Back Bay

Booked 103 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.

7. Prima

4.8

Exceptional(745)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Charlestown

Booked 73 times today

Located in the heart of Charlestown, Boston, Prima stands out as a premier destination for cocktail enthusiasts. This vibrant Italian eatery not only offers a stunning view of City Square Park and the city skyline but also boasts a cocktail bar that has garnered glowing praise. Patrons rave about the "tiramisu espresso martinis" and "French toast martinis," highlighting their creativity and perfect blend. The atmosphere of Prima complements its drinks with a beautifully restored bar area that beckons guests to relax and enjoy. With its exceptional service and a noteworthy mention of their "extensive wine list and cocktails," Prima ensures each visit is memorable, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-tier cocktail experience in Boston.

8. The Red Fox

4.5

Awesome(147)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • North End

Booked 61 times today

Nestled in the historic North End of Boston, The Red Fox has quickly become a beacon of Italian-American cuisine. Celebrated for its "handmade pasta" and a blend of "classic and throwback dishes," this vibrant spot delivers an authentic taste of Italy with a modern twist. Patrons rave about the "succulent" lobster ravioli and "fabulous" orecchiette with pistachio pesto, noting the dishes' uniqueness and authenticity. The atmosphere is equally praised, described as a "magical Italian speakeasy" with a "swank" vibe perfect for a date night or a lively dinner with friends. Coupled with an "excellent wine list" and "seasonal cocktails" that are "so smooth," The Red Fox promises an exceptional dining experience that makes every visitor eager to return.

9. MIDA - South End

4.7

Exceptional(2742)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • South End

Booked 49 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

10. Bar 'Cino Brookline

4.7

Exceptional(1404)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Brookline

Booked 67 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.

‘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

M
Matthew
Greater Boston •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Food was delish, service, Emma, was great. Will be going there routinely.
More info
Bar' Cino WatertownPrice: Moderate• Italian• Watertown
•
4.7
D
Dede
Greater Boston •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
This was our first visit here and we were pleasantly surprised by everything this gem had to offer. Service by Kendall was genuine, sincere and always with a smile. Our dishes were exceptional and bursting with great flavors. The bruschetta was delicious and my chicken piccata was perfect. We will definitely be back!
More info
Stazione di FederalPrice: Moderate• Italian• Waltham
•
4.5
S
SusanVIP
Greater Boston •38 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Had dinner out to catch up with a friend. Nice vibe- there was Christmas music playing. Our first time dining here- beautiful restaurant. Decorated Christmas tree near the hostess stand. Energetic bar area. The server and other staff we interacted with were friendly and attentive- lots of refills on our waters without having to ask. We always appreciate that. My friend had a beautiful beet salad and grilled shrimp skewers that she said were excellent. The rainy weather had me ordering onion au gratin soup and then the bolognese. Both were very good and I’d order again. We enjoyed lemon sorbet and cannoli (4 per serving) for dessert. Will definitely be back. Looking forward to trying Stazione (sister restaurant).
More info
The FederalPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Waltham
•
4.7
C
Cristin
Greater Boston •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on 9 Dec 2024
The food was very good, the staff and attention just right and the bill for 3 people including drinks and a shared dessert was $150. Love the decor. It was quiet but it was early on a Monday. I’ve been in on the weekend evenings and it’s been quite loud but a fun ambiance with sometimes I believe, live music. Thank you.
More info
Sweet Basil on MoodyPrice: Expensive• Italian• Waltham
•
4.6
J
Joe
Greater Boston •1 review
5.0
Dined on 7 Dec 2024
First time and the food was excellent. Everyone was pleased with the dinners, appetizers and deserts. Very nice place and we'll be sure to keep Ravello on our short list.
More info
Ravello Italian KitchenPrice: Expensive• Italian• Watertown
•
4.6

Explore OpenTable

Newton

Contemporary italian

Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Newton

Price

Regions

Areas

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating options

Accessibility

29 restaurants available nearby

1. Bar' Cino Watertown

2. Sweet Basil on Moody

3. Ravello Italian Kitchen

4. Stazione di Federal

5. The Federal

6. Terra - Eataly Boston

7. Prima

8. The Red Fox

9. MIDA - South End

10. Bar 'Cino Brookline

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable