Award-winning restaurant featuring authentic, unique, Italian and Mediterranean cuisine.
Address
Info :
Follow Us
You’ll taste the difference when every dish starts from scratch using traditional Abruzzese recipes and natural ingredients. This isn’t your typical Italian-American fare—we’re talking about coastal Italian cuisine that most restaurants never attempt.
Our kitchen team includes chefs trained in authentic Abruzzese techniques, bringing you the same flavors families in Italy’s coastal region have perfected for generations. Each bite transports you beyond the ordinary.
Twenty years of serving Melrose means we’ve earned our reputation one meal at a time. When you want Italian food that honors the real thing, you’ve found your place.
Since 2004, Tartufo has been Melrose’s gateway to authentic Italian cuisine from the Abruzzo region. We’ve built our reputation on something refreshingly simple: never compromising on authenticity or quality.
Our founder Anna Mountzuris established Tartufo with a clear vision—bringing genuine Abruzzese and Mediterranean traditions to Massachusetts. We hire chefs directly from Italy’s Abruzzo region, ensuring every dish reflects true Italian culinary heritage.
Melrose families have trusted us for their most important celebrations, date nights, and those moments when only authentic Italian will satisfy. We’ve become part of countless special memories, and that responsibility drives our commitment to excellence every single day.
Your meal begins the moment you order, with our kitchen preparing everything from scratch using natural, premium ingredients. No shortcuts, no pre-made components—just authentic Italian cooking the way it should be done.
We specialize in incorporating rare truffle mushrooms from the Abruzzo region, the same truffles that give our restaurant its name. These precious ingredients add depth and authenticity you simply won’t find at other Melrose Italian restaurants.
Choose your atmosphere: our elegant upstairs dining room with chandeliers and intimate ambiance, or our newly renovated downstairs space featuring an expansive bar and modern comfort. Both deliver the same commitment to exceptional service and genuine flavors.
Every dish arrives exactly as intended—fresh, flavorful, and prepared with the care that has kept customers returning for two decades.
Ready to get started?
Your experience extends beyond exceptional food to include our carefully curated wine selection, full-service bar, and flexible dining options for lunch or dinner. We’ve designed every element to complement our authentic Mediterranean menu.
Melrose residents planning special events can rely on our comprehensive catering services and private dining room that accommodates up to 45 guests. Whether it’s a business dinner, family celebration, or intimate gathering, we bring the same quality and authenticity to your special occasions.
Our menu showcases everything from traditional homemade pasta and fresh seafood to our signature truffle preparations that define our Abruzzese heritage. Each offering reflects our commitment to genuine Italian cuisine while meeting modern expectations for quality and service.
From romantic dinners for two to larger celebrations, we adapt our approach to match your needs without ever compromising the authentic Italian experience that has made us a Melrose institution.
We specialize in authentic Abruzzese cuisine from Italy’s coastal region, setting us apart from typical Italian-American restaurants throughout Melrose. Our kitchen includes chefs trained in traditional Abruzzese methods, and we’re renowned for incorporating rare truffle mushrooms from the Abruzzo region into our signature dishes.
Since 2004, we’ve maintained unwavering commitment to made-to-order preparation using only natural ingredients. We never take shortcuts with pre-made sauces or frozen components, ensuring you experience genuine Italian coastal cuisine rather than standard offerings found elsewhere.
Our focus on Abruzzese traditions, combined with nearly two decades of consistent quality, creates a dining experience that transports you to Italy’s stunning coastal region without leaving Melrose. It’s the difference between eating Italian food and experiencing Italian culture.
Our made-to-order approach allows us to work closely with guests who have dietary restrictions, since everything is prepared fresh in our kitchen. We can often modify preparations to meet specific needs without compromising flavor or authenticity.
For larger gatherings, our upstairs private dining room seats up to 45 people comfortably, with cocktail-style capacity for 55 guests. We also provide comprehensive catering services that bring our authentic Italian cuisine directly to your location throughout the Melrose area.
Always call ahead for large parties or specific dietary requirements so we can ensure your experience exceeds expectations. Our experienced staff has successfully accommodated countless celebrations, from intimate anniversaries to significant family milestones, and we understand how to make each occasion memorable.
We offer two distinct experiences under one roof, each designed to enhance your Italian dining journey. Our upstairs dining room features elegant chandeliers, expansive windows with golden drapes, and intimate atmosphere perfect for special occasions and romantic evenings.
Our recently renovated downstairs area provides comfortable seating with an expansive bar and modern touches while maintaining our warm Mediterranean character. Both spaces reflect our commitment to genuine hospitality, though upstairs typically offers quieter conversation.
Service emphasizes authentic Italian hospitality, with knowledgeable staff who understand our menu and can guide you through our genuine offerings. During peak times, the atmosphere becomes more lively, so request upstairs seating or earlier reservations if you prefer quieter dining.
Our lobster ravioli consistently ranks as the customer favorite, featuring handmade pasta stuffed with fresh lobster in vodka pink sauce with crab meat and arugula. This dish perfectly represents our commitment to both traditional techniques and premium ingredients.
Truffle-based preparations are our specialty, including our renowned pappardelle al tartufo showcasing the rare mushrooms that give our restaurant its name. These authentic Abruzzo truffles create flavor profiles you won’t discover at other Italian restaurants in Melrose.
Our seafood risotto and various fresh pasta preparations keep regular customers returning consistently. Everything arrives made-to-order with generous portions and vibrant flavors. Many guests also appreciate our traditional Italian desserts and carefully selected wine list that perfectly complements our Mediterranean menu offerings.
Our pricing reflects the premium ingredients and authentic preparation methods that define genuine Italian cuisine. While we’re not the cheapest option in Melrose, customers consistently recognize the value in our portion sizes, ingredient quality, and overall dining experience.
Most entrees fall within the moderate to upscale range, appropriate for authentic Italian cuisine prepared with premium ingredients like fresh lobster, imported truffles, and house-made pasta. Generous portions often mean you’ll enjoy leftovers the following day.
You’re investing in nearly twenty years of consistent quality, authentic Abruzzese cuisine, and an experience that many customers describe as their go-to destination for special occasions. The combination of atmosphere, service, and genuine Italian flavors provides value that extends far beyond the meal itself.
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend dinners and our popular upstairs dining room. Call us directly to secure your preferred date and time, and our staff will help you choose between our upstairs and downstairs areas based on your preferences.
Planning a special occasion? Mention it when making your reservation so we can ensure the perfect experience. For parties larger than six people, advance notice helps us prepare appropriate seating and personalized service.
We serve both lunch and dinner, with lunch typically offering a quieter atmosphere if you prefer more intimate conversation. First-time visitors should consider arriving slightly early to familiarize themselves with our space and perhaps enjoy a drink at our bar while experiencing the atmosphere that has made us a Melrose favorite for two decades.
Local Resources
Useful Links