I went out with my husband on Friday night for dinner & the food was absolutely delicious (veal picatelli and chicken bonabocca). We were given great recommendations and service by our server, Samantha. She was very attentive, kind and funny. good portions. Will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jake Tantorski
I visited this restaurant with my grandparents and girlfriend for dinner on a bustling Wednesday night. Despite the crowd, the staff efficiently managed my reservation, and we were seated downstairs within minutes. While I had hoped for a table upstairs, I was pleased with our spot in the basement.For our appetizer, we tried the stuffed mushrooms, which were enjoyable, although I've tasted better elsewhere. However, my main course, the BOCCONCINI DI VITELLO TRIESTINI, was outstanding. Combining veal and prosciutto, two of my favorite flavors, it was a delightful choice.One aspect I particularly appreciated was the relaxed atmosphere that allowed us to linger and chat after our meal--a departure from the usual rush found in many North End Italian restaurants. Overall, this establishment adds another commendable option to the array of dining experiences available in the North End.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Stuffed Mushrooms, Caesar Salad
John Paul Murray
We used to do an annual Valentine's day dinner here many years ago in college. We picked it for nostalgia's sake for a mini reunion dinner these decades later. I came away quite impressed. There is a reason they stayed open across the years. Yes, the joy of the occasion helped make the meal, but the food sure did not hurt! I don't know how long it will be before I can make it back, but I pray they are still there to take the reservation.
A bi crammed inside, but that’s not the main issue. Food is decent, but don’t expect large portions, just enough meat not to stay hungry and a small bowl of pasta. Other places usually offer more for these prices. But again, this isn’t the reason why I gave only two stars. What really annoyed me is that they automatically added a $50 gratuity to my check! If the food and service are good, I’ll leave a good tip myself. However, I simply hate it when someone suddenly decides this instead of me, not giving me a choice. Or they should post a warning in a visible place saying something like “Attention customers, please note that a 20% gratuity will be added to your check regardless of the tip amount you choose”. But as it is, I consider this a dirty business practice. I’m not returning to this place anymore.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 2
Crystal G
The best part of the restaurant was the free butter. Food was subpar. It tasted like it was cooked ahead of time and then heated in the microwave. They were short staffed, but instead of closing stations and seating less customers, they sat every table and the servers were visibly stressed and couldn't keep up. On top of it all, they charged a fee for using a credit card (which is illegal in my state).
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 2
David Hickey
Nice cozy place. The food was really good and they have a nice wine list. Service was friendly and fast.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Chris Doyle
Great food. Nice place! But no desserts served....had to turn the place over which I get. Was my wife's birthday so she was disappointed. Went to Modern instead.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Katherine S
food was very mediocre and disappointing. We got two chicken meals, the chicken parm was chewy and sauce is bland. did not feel like a north end
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 3
Ed B
I really wanted to like this place as it’s one of my brother in laws favourites. But the service was really slow and the food was average at best (it had no flavor). But the worst thing was that they add a 10% credit card processing fee to the bill and they automatically add a 20% tip to larger parties (even though the service was terrible - took an hour to get our food and it was only just warm when we got it). Save your money and go to one of the better spots nearby.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 1
Andrea Delaney
If you want authentic Italian family cooking without pretension, L'Osteria is the place! It feels so much like a home, we often have to remind ourselves to leave when the meal is over!
My family has been coming here regularly for years. The service, food, and atmosphere are always consistently good. We have tried most other places in the North End, but always seem to find our way back - highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mussels Marinara
al leclaire
Excellent food and service was wonderful. Worth a trip to the North End of Boston!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lois Miller
We ALL loved our meals! They honored our reservation right on time - restaurant packed. Would go back in a minute!!!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Robert Shumskis
I was in the city for one night and had picked several restaurants from the myriad of Italian spots in the North End. From those, I ended up choosing L'Osteria, and I'm glad I did.I was seated quickly and brought a glass of water. After a few minutes, the server took my order of ravioli bolognese and a beer. I didn't time it, but the food came out in a reasonable time. The servers checked on me a few times, pleasant with each pass.The ravioli was delicious! There might have been 10 ravioli, and they were stuffed. The sauce was tasty and they had used a good amount to cover the ravioli. The bread was a bit overly crunchy, but that was truly the only negative.Also, the place was clean from the dining area to the restroom. The music was mostly Old World Italian and 1950s-60s pop music. It felt like visiting my Italian grandma's house. Nice place!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cheese Ravioli with Bolognese Sauce
walter birkel
Great traditional food with friendly service. Best meatballs and sausage I've had in
I went out with my husband on Friday night for dinner & the food was absolutely delicious (veal picatelli and chicken bonabocca). We were given great recommendations and service by our server, Samantha. She was very attentive, kind and funny. good portions. Will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I visited this restaurant with my grandparents and girlfriend for dinner on a bustling Wednesday night. Despite the crowd, the staff efficiently managed my reservation, and we were seated downstairs within minutes. While I had hoped for a table upstairs, I was pleased with our spot in the basement.For our appetizer, we tried the stuffed mushrooms, which were enjoyable, although I've tasted better elsewhere. However, my main course, the BOCCONCINI DI VITELLO TRIESTINI, was outstanding. Combining veal and prosciutto, two of my favorite flavors, it was a delightful choice.One aspect I particularly appreciated was the relaxed atmosphere that allowed us to linger and chat after our meal--a departure from the usual rush found in many North End Italian restaurants. Overall, this establishment adds another commendable option to the array of dining experiences available in the North End.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Stuffed Mushrooms, Caesar Salad
We used to do an annual Valentine's day dinner here many years ago in college. We picked it for nostalgia's sake for a mini reunion dinner these decades later. I came away quite impressed. There is a reason they stayed open across the years. Yes, the joy of the occasion helped make the meal, but the food sure did not hurt! I don't know how long it will be before I can make it back, but I pray they are still there to take the reservation.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Caprese Salad, Chicken Marsala
A bi crammed inside, but that’s not the main issue. Food is decent, but don’t expect large portions, just enough meat not to stay hungry and a small bowl of pasta. Other places usually offer more for these prices. But again, this isn’t the reason why I gave only two stars. What really annoyed me is that they automatically added a $50 gratuity to my check! If the food and service are good, I’ll leave a good tip myself. However, I simply hate it when someone suddenly decides this instead of me, not giving me a choice. Or they should post a warning in a visible place saying something like “Attention customers, please note that a 20% gratuity will be added to your check regardless of the tip amount you choose”. But as it is, I consider this a dirty business practice. I’m not returning to this place anymore.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 2
The best part of the restaurant was the free butter. Food was subpar. It tasted like it was cooked ahead of time and then heated in the microwave. They were short staffed, but instead of closing stations and seating less customers, they sat every table and the servers were visibly stressed and couldn't keep up. On top of it all, they charged a fee for using a credit card (which is illegal in my state).
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 2
Nice cozy place. The food was really good and they have a nice wine list. Service was friendly and fast.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great food. Nice place! But no desserts served....had to turn the place over which I get. Was my wife's birthday so she was disappointed. Went to Modern instead.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
food was very mediocre and disappointing. We got two chicken meals, the chicken parm was chewy and sauce is bland. did not feel like a north end
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 3
I really wanted to like this place as it’s one of my brother in laws favourites. But the service was really slow and the food was average at best (it had no flavor). But the worst thing was that they add a 10% credit card processing fee to the bill and they automatically add a 20% tip to larger parties (even though the service was terrible - took an hour to get our food and it was only just warm when we got it). Save your money and go to one of the better spots nearby.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 1
If you want authentic Italian family cooking without pretension, L'Osteria is the place! It feels so much like a home, we often have to remind ourselves to leave when the meal is over!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
My family has been coming here regularly for years. The service, food, and atmosphere are always consistently good. We have tried most other places in the North End, but always seem to find our way back - highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mussels Marinara
Excellent food and service was wonderful. Worth a trip to the North End of Boston!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We ALL loved our meals! They honored our reservation right on time - restaurant packed. Would go back in a minute!!!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
I was in the city for one night and had picked several restaurants from the myriad of Italian spots in the North End. From those, I ended up choosing L'Osteria, and I'm glad I did.I was seated quickly and brought a glass of water. After a few minutes, the server took my order of ravioli bolognese and a beer. I didn't time it, but the food came out in a reasonable time. The servers checked on me a few times, pleasant with each pass.The ravioli was delicious! There might have been 10 ravioli, and they were stuffed. The sauce was tasty and they had used a good amount to cover the ravioli. The bread was a bit overly crunchy, but that was truly the only negative.Also, the place was clean from the dining area to the restroom. The music was mostly Old World Italian and 1950s-60s pop music. It felt like visiting my Italian grandma's house. Nice place!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cheese Ravioli with Bolognese Sauce
Great traditional food with friendly service. Best meatballs and sausage I've had in
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Meat Ball