Best Italian Restaurants in Leather District

From the moment we stepped into Contessa, we were greeted with the warmth and charm that only an exceptional Italian restaurant can offer. Located in the heart of Boston, this dining gem delivers an unforgettable experience, from its stunning ambiance to its mouthwatering cuisine. The setting itself is nothing short of spectacular. The stylish interior, complete with elegant lighting and cozy seating, creates the perfect atmosphere for an intimate meal or a celebratory dinner. The breathtaking views of the city from the rooftop, especially with the adjacent park lit and sparkling for Christmas, made every bite of our meal feel even more special. The menu at Contessa is a true tribute to the flavors of Italy. We began our meal with the freshest antipasti of Tonnato Crudo. Each bite of this dish consisting of thinly sliced raw tuna, artichoke hearts, and anchovy was a burst of flavor and authenticity. For the primi course, we shared the Spicy Lobster Capellini. Wow! Pasta was cooked perfect al dente; the lobster sauce was amazing. Nice small chunks of lobster throughout. For the main course, we split the Grilled Mediterranean Branzino. Believe me, it was cooked to perfection, flaky and full of delicate flavors. Dessert was the grand finale. The tiramisu was light, airy, and just the right amount of sweet. It was a divine ending to what was already a remarkable meal. What truly sets Contessa apart, though, is the service. The staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and eager to ensure our experience was nothing short of flawless. They offered wonderful wine pairings and gave great recommendations, making us feel like VIPs throughout the evening. If you’re looking for an elevated Italian dining experience in Boston, look no further than Contessa. Every detail, from the food to the ambiance to the exceptional service, makes it a must-visit destination for food lovers and anyone looking to enjoy an unforgettable meal.

Bar Mezzana is a classy establishment. We found the service second to none! It’s difficult to find restaurants these days with the level of service we received here. The gnocchi with octopus was our absolute favorite dish, along with the focaccia and brussels sprouts salad (both so good) and the mussels. I do not recommend the crab pasta … very strange. Watery with actual pickles in it, which made the overall dish very vinegary. They actually took it off our bill when we shared that we did not enjoy the dish. Dessert was fine - nothing to write home about (fig and honey crostata and tiramisù). We used the inKind app and received a $50 credit on this meal. Wonderful experience!

E really liked the restaurant !and the food was fabulous. The wait staff was so professional and courteous. We both had the 7 spice chicken . Whomever cooked it was an absolute expert in the kitchen! It was so good and we know good. I can’t wait to get back to boston to eat at bricco

Delicious!! Tight quarters with the tables but that’s every North end restaurant. Delicious food and drinks but they don’t serve desert. Need to go to their bakery next door but given it was Christmas Eve Eve, there were lines out of every bakery door!! Good service and not bad prices. They have valet ($30) but didn’t realize and my husband dropped us off and parked in the lot down the street. They won’t seat you until your full party is together. Overall would definitely recommend.

Delicious apps and salad! Our server was able to accommodate a dairy allergy.