Award-winning restaurant featuring authentic, unique, Italian and Mediterranean cuisine.
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You’re not just getting dinner. You’re getting an evening where conversation flows as smoothly as our carefully selected Italian wines. Where the aroma of fresh basil and garlic welcomes you before you even sit down.
Our guests tell us they finally found their neighborhood Italian place—the one where anniversaries feel special, where first dates turn into second ones, and where Sunday family dinners actually bring everyone together. No more driving into Boston and hunting for parking. No more settling for chain restaurants that taste like every other location.
This is what happens when authentic Italian recipes meet genuine hospitality. You leave planning your next visit before you’ve even finished dessert.
We’ve been serving Carlisle families since 2004, long before “farm-to-table” became trendy. Anna Mountzuris founded Tartufo with a simple mission: bring the authentic flavors of Italy’s Abruzzo region to New England.
Our chefs come directly from Italy, trained in the traditional techniques that make our veal chop and grilled calamari local legends. We source our truffle oil from the same Abruzzese hills that inspired our name. Every pasta dish is made fresh daily, every sauce simmered with the patience that real Italian cooking demands.
The families who’ve been coming here for two decades trust us with their celebrations, their date nights, and their Tuesday evening dinners when they just want something special without the fuss.
We start every day before sunrise, making fresh pasta and preparing sauces that will simmer for hours. Our seafood arrives daily from Boston’s fish markets. Our vegetables come from local farms when they’re in season, imported from Italy when authenticity matters more than distance.
When you arrive, we seat you in our newly renovated dining room or intimate upstairs space—your choice depending on whether you want the energy of our main floor or the quiet elegance of our private dining area. Our servers know the menu inside and out because they’ve tasted everything and can guide you to exactly what you’re craving.
Your food arrives when it’s ready, not when it’s fast. That’s the difference between cooking and real cooking. We plate everything to order, finish dishes with fresh herbs and that final drizzle of olive oil that makes the difference between good and memorable.
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Every table gets warm bread baked fresh daily and our signature herb oil for dipping. You’ll find classics like chicken parmigiana and fettuccine Alfredo alongside specialties you won’t find anywhere else in the area—our pappardelle al tartufo showcases those rare Italian truffles, and our seafood risotto features the kind of generous portions that make you understand why our regulars keep coming back.
Carlisle diners appreciate that we’re not trying to be trendy or Instagram-famous. We’re focused on what matters: exceptional ingredients prepared with skill and served in an atmosphere where you can actually have a conversation. Our wine list features carefully chosen Italian varietals, many from small producers you won’t find at larger restaurants.
For special occasions, our upstairs dining room accommodates private parties up to 45 guests. We handle the details so you can focus on celebrating. Whether it’s an anniversary dinner for two or a graduation party for the extended family, we make sure the evening goes exactly as you pictured it.
We’re one of the few restaurants in the area specializing in authentic Abruzzese cuisine from Italy’s coastal region. Our chefs are trained in Italy, and we import specialty ingredients like truffle oil directly from the Abruzzo region.
Unlike chain restaurants, every pasta is made fresh daily in our kitchen, and our sauces simmer for hours using traditional techniques. We’ve been serving the same families for over 20 years, which means we’ve earned our reputation one meal at a time. Our signature dishes like grilled calamari and veal chop have become local favorites because they showcase authentic Italian cooking methods you simply can’t find at typical suburban Italian restaurants.
Absolutely. We understand that authentic Italian cooking can easily accommodate various dietary preferences when done thoughtfully. Our kitchen prepares several gluten-free pasta options, and we’re experienced in modifying traditional recipes to meet specific needs.
For vegetarian guests, Italian cuisine offers incredible variety beyond just pasta with marinara. We prepare seasonal vegetable risottos, fresh salads with imported Italian ingredients, and pasta dishes featuring locally-sourced vegetables when available. Our servers are knowledgeable about ingredients and preparation methods, so they can guide you to dishes that fit your dietary requirements while still giving you an authentic Italian experience.
Just let us know about any dietary restrictions when making your reservation, and we’ll ensure your meal is both delicious and appropriate for your needs.
Our pricing reflects the quality of ingredients and preparation that goes into every dish. Most pasta entrees range from $18-28, while our signature meat and seafood dishes typically run $24-38. These aren’t fast-casual portions—our servings are generous enough that many guests take home leftovers for lunch the next day.
When you consider that you’re getting restaurant-quality food made with imported Italian ingredients and traditional techniques, plus the convenience of not driving into Boston, most guests find excellent value. We’re not the cheapest option in the area, but we’re also not trying to be. You’re paying for authentic ingredients, skilled preparation, and an atmosphere where you can actually relax and enjoy your evening.
For special occasions, we offer prix fixe menus that provide excellent value while showcasing multiple courses of our signature dishes.
For weekend evenings, we recommend calling at least a week in advance, especially during popular times like 7-8 PM on Friday and Saturday nights. Our dining room fills up quickly because we’re not a massive restaurant—we prioritize intimate atmosphere over maximum seating capacity.
Tuesday through Thursday evenings are typically easier to accommodate same-day or next-day reservations. If you’re planning a special celebration or need our private upstairs dining room, give us 2-3 weeks notice so we can ensure everything is arranged perfectly for your occasion.
During busy periods, we do maintain a small bar area where guests can enjoy drinks and appetizers while waiting for their table. Many of our regulars actually prefer starting their evening at the bar—it’s become part of their Tartufo ritual.
We’ve designed our space to work for different occasions. Our main dining room has an elegant but comfortable feel—upscale enough for date nights and anniversaries, but welcoming enough that families with children feel at home. The lighting is warm and intimate without being so dim you can’t read the menu.
Our upstairs dining area offers more privacy and quiet, perfect for romantic evenings or important business dinners. Some evenings feature live saxophone music, which adds to the ambiance without overwhelming conversation. The acoustics allow for normal conversation—you won’t have to shout over noise or strain to hear each other.
Families appreciate that we’re experienced with children and can accommodate high chairs and special requests. At the same time, couples find the atmosphere romantic enough for special occasions. It’s the kind of place where you feel comfortable whether you’re celebrating a major anniversary or just want a better-than-usual Tuesday night dinner.
Yes, we offer both takeout and delivery service. We’ve carefully selected which menu items travel best and have invested in packaging that maintains food quality during transport. Our pasta dishes hold up particularly well, and we include serving suggestions to help you get the best experience at home.
For takeout, we recommend calling ahead so your order is ready when you arrive. Popular items like our chicken parmigiana and seafood risotto are customer favorites for takeout because they reheat beautifully. We package sauces separately when appropriate and include heating instructions to ensure your meal tastes as close to dining-in as possible.
Delivery is available through several local services, and we’ve worked with them to ensure proper handling and timing. While nothing completely replaces the restaurant experience, our takeout quality consistently surprises guests who expected typical delivery food. Many families have made our takeout a regular part of their weekly routine, especially during busy periods when they want restaurant-quality food at home.
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