Award-winning restaurant featuring authentic, unique, Italian and Mediterranean cuisine.
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You’re looking for more than just another dinner out. You want an experience that transports you somewhere special, where every bite tells a story and every moment feels intentional.
That’s exactly what you’ll find here. Instead of settling for generic Italian-American fare, you’ll discover authentic Abruzzese cuisine from Italy’s stunning coastal region. Think fresh seafood prepared with techniques passed down through generations, house-made pastas that actually taste like they came from a nonna’s kitchen, and flavors that remind you why Italian food became legendary in the first place.
The difference is immediate. Your server knows the menu inside and out because they believe in what they’re serving. The atmosphere strikes that perfect balance between elegant and comfortable. And when your food arrives, you’ll understand why people drive from all over the Greater Boston area to eat here.
Since 2004, we’ve been Melrose’s answer to authentic Italian fine dining. While other restaurants come and go, we’ve built something lasting by focusing on what matters most: exceptional food, genuine hospitality, and creating experiences worth remembering.
Our story begins with a commitment to the Abruzzo region of Italy, known for its incredible seafood and distinctive culinary traditions. We don’t just serve Italian food—we serve the specific, authentic cuisine of this coastal region, complete with chefs who actually trained there and ingredients that honor the tradition.
The Melrose community has embraced us because we understand what you’re looking for. You want quality without pretension, authenticity without the Boston traffic, and an atmosphere where you can actually have a conversation. That’s what we’ve delivered for nearly two decades, and it’s what keeps families coming back for anniversaries, date nights, and celebrations that matter.
Your experience begins the moment you walk through our doors. You’ll choose between two distinct atmospheres: our elegant upstairs dining room with chandeliers and intimate lighting, or our newly renovated downstairs space with modern touches and a full bar.
Our servers take time to understand what you’re in the mood for. Maybe it’s our signature lobster ravioli in vodka pink sauce, or perhaps the bone-in veal chop stuffed with prosciutto and fontina. Every dish is prepared to order using the freshest ingredients, many sourced specifically to maintain the authentic Abruzzese flavors that set us apart.
Throughout your meal, you’ll notice the attention to detail that comes from two decades of experience. The pacing feels right, the wine pairings make sense, and if you’re celebrating something special, we’ll make sure it feels that way. Many evenings feature live saxophone music, adding to the romantic atmosphere that makes us perfect for the moments that matter most.
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When you choose us, you’re getting more than just a meal. You’re getting an experience crafted specifically for the discerning Melrose diner who appreciates authenticity and quality.
Our menu features the rare truffle mushrooms that give our restaurant its name, found only in the Abruzzo region of Italy. You’ll taste this distinctive flavor in our pappardelle al tartufo and other signature dishes that you simply can’t find elsewhere in the area. Every pasta is made fresh, every sauce is prepared from scratch, and every protein is cooked to your exact specifications.
For special occasions, our private dining room accommodates up to 45 guests, complete with full bar service and personalized menu planning. We also offer convenient parking—something you’ll appreciate if you’ve ever tried to find a spot in Boston’s North End. The result is all the sophistication of a world-class Italian restaurant with the accessibility and warmth that makes Melrose dining special.
We specialize in authentic Abruzzese cuisine from Italy’s coastal region, which sets us apart from typical Italian-American restaurants. We actually hire chefs from the Abruzzo region to ensure authenticity, and our menu features distinctive seafood-focused dishes and the rare truffle mushrooms that give our restaurant its name.
Since 2004, we’ve built our reputation on made-to-order cuisine using all-natural ingredients, not pre-prepared dishes. You’ll taste the difference in everything from our house-made pastas to our signature lobster ravioli. We also offer two distinct dining atmospheres and live saxophone entertainment on select evenings, creating an experience that goes far beyond just good food.
Absolutely. Our upstairs private dining room accommodates up to 45 people for seated dinners and up to 55 for cocktail-style events, complete with full bar service. We specialize in making celebrations feel special, whether it’s an anniversary dinner for two or a corporate event for your entire team.
Our event planning team works with you to create customized menus that showcase our authentic Abruzzese specialties. Many guests choose us for milestone birthdays, engagement parties, and business dinners because we combine elegant atmosphere with the kind of attentive service that makes every guest feel valued. We also offer convenient parking, which makes hosting events here stress-free for both you and your guests.
Our lobster ravioli in vodka pink sauce with crab meat and arugula consistently ranks as a guest favorite, along with our bone-in veal chop stuffed with prosciutto and fontina cheese. The pappardelle al tartufo, featuring our signature truffle mushrooms from the Abruzzo region, offers a taste you won’t find anywhere else in the area.
For seafood lovers, our linguini alle vongole with shrimp, rock shrimp, clams, mussels, calamari, and scallops showcases the coastal Abruzzese tradition we’re known for. Our risotto dishes, particularly the seafood risotto with arborio rice and fresh catch, demonstrate the made-to-order quality that sets fine dining apart from casual restaurants. Every dish reflects our commitment to authentic ingredients and traditional preparation methods.
For weekend evenings and special occasions, we recommend booking at least a week in advance, especially if you prefer our quieter upstairs dining room or want to ensure a table during our live saxophone performances. Tuesday through Thursday evenings typically offer more availability, and many guests prefer these nights for intimate dinners.
If you’re planning a celebration or need our private dining room, contact us at least two weeks ahead to ensure availability and proper menu planning. We understand that great dining experiences require proper timing, so we work with you to accommodate your schedule. For last-minute plans, calling the day of your visit sometimes works, particularly for our downstairs dining area, but advance reservations guarantee the best experience.
Our pricing reflects the quality of authentic Abruzzese cuisine, premium ingredients, and made-to-order preparation that defines true fine dining. Entrees typically range from the mid-twenties to mid-thirties, with our signature dishes like the lobster ravioli and veal chop at the higher end due to the premium ingredients involved.
When you consider that every pasta is made fresh, every sauce is prepared from scratch, and we use authentic ingredients sourced specifically for Abruzzese cuisine, the value becomes clear. You’re not just paying for a meal—you’re investing in an experience that includes attentive service, elegant atmosphere, and cuisine that would cost significantly more in Boston’s North End. Many guests find our portions generous enough to enjoy leftovers the next day, adding to the overall value.
Yes, convenient parking is one of the advantages of choosing us over Boston’s North End restaurants. We provide dedicated parking for our guests, eliminating the stress of searching for street parking or paying premium rates at parking garages.
This makes us particularly appealing for special occasions when you want to arrive relaxed and focused on your celebration, not worried about parking logistics. Our location offers the sophistication of city dining with suburban convenience, allowing you to enjoy an elegant evening without the hassles typically associated with fine dining in urban areas. The easy parking access is especially appreciated by guests celebrating anniversaries or hosting business dinners where punctuality and convenience matter.
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