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Boston’s North End is famous for some of the best Italian food in the country. From Italian pastries and handmade pasta to espresso martinis, the neighborhood has it all. Every time I visit, I find a new spot that catches my eye. On my latest trip, I came across Tony & Elaine’s, and I think it might just be the best Italian food in the North End. Here’s what you need to know!

Tony & Elaine’s

Tony & Elaine’s isn’t just another touristy restaurant in Boston; it’s a truly authentic Italian dining experience.

Known for being a “throwback red sauce joint,” they proudly serve some of the best meatballs in the North End.

Owner Nick Fratteroli created Tony & Elaine’s to bring back the classic red sauce restaurants he grew up with.

The restaurant is named after his parents, who worked in the North End for over 40 years.

Here’s a glimpse into my unforgettable visit.

Dinner At Tony & Elaine’s

The restaurant was already packed as we arrived for our 4:00 PM reservation before a Bruins game.

The top floor had rustic Italian charm yet warm decor and was filled with brightly colored booths and tables.

We were led down the stairs to the bottom floor, which had bright red tables with checkered cloth, Christmas lights, and a homey atmosphere.

As we sat down, I knew we had made the right choice, and I was so excited to try a truly authentic Italian restaurant in Boston.

Award-Winning Meatballs

For an appetizer, we chose to order their award-winning meatballs.

The sauce was flavorful yet light, and the meatballs simply melted in my mouth.

I can confirm these were the best meatballs I’ve ever tasted, even surpassing home-cooked Italian meals.

They do not offer signature cocktails, but they do offer wine, beer, and homemade limoncello!

We paired our meal with a carafe of house red wine, which was both enjoyable and affordable.

Rigatoni Alla Vodka

Next up were the pasta dishes! I couldn’t resist trying the Rigatoni Alla Vodka since I’m a big fan of vodka sauce.

The pasta dish featured roasted tomatoes, parmesan, and breadcrumbs, all paired with fresh, perfectly cooked pasta.

Vodka sauce can sometimes feel overwhelming like it’s trying too hard, but this one knew exactly what it was doing.

It was light yet bold, airy yet flavorful, and I’m happy to report that I finished the entire dish with ease.

Bolognese

The only thing I love more than vodka sauce is Bolognese. There are two dishes I truly judge good Italian food on: Bolognese sauce and meatballs.

Since the meatballs had already won, I was excited to try the Bolognese as well.

The Bolognese was perfectly done—not overwhelmed with seasoning—and was light yet full of flavor.

From the tagliatelle pasta to the meat ragu, the dish simply melted in my mouth.

Cannoli Trio at Tony & Elaine’s

At this point, we were pretty full after devouring every bite of each dish, which is the biggest compliment I can give.

But how can I truly review an Italian restaurant if I don’t try the cannolis?

So, just like that, we ordered the Cannoli Trio, which featured three smaller cannolis: one classic with chocolate chips, one pistachio, and one maraschino cherry.

The first bite of the creamy ricotta and the handmade shell solidified my reasoning for ordering—it was delicious.

I loved trying the maraschino cherry cannoli, as I’d never had that variation before. It was creative and delicious.

Homemade Limoncello

I paired the dessert with homemade limoncello because I’ve never seen it offered before in Boston.

It was lovely, and I can confirm I’m now a fan of limoncello. It was tart yet enjoyable, possibly the perfect digestif.

We also got an espresso as we were headed to the Bruins game after and it was delicious!

The Best Italian Food in Boston

While over-the-top fancy restaurants can be fun at times, I wholeheartedly prefer an authentic mom-and-pop place tucked behind a door you might easily pass by.

You can taste the care and effort in every bite, and the flavors can transport you to Italy in just one meal.

Tony & Elaine’s has earned my award for the best Italian food in Boston, or even on the East Coast – yes, that includes New York City.

I can’t wait to dine there during our next weekend getaway to Boston. They’ve truly earned five stars in my book!

You can take a look at Tony And Elaine’s Menu here!

Tony & Elaine’s Reservations

I recommend making reservations, as they’re busy with both locals and tourists.

It’s no wonder since it’s a hidden gem in Boston! Once you try it, you’ll understand why.

If you don’t have a reservation, you can walk in and check for availability.

Where Is Tony & Elaine’s?

You can find the restaurant in North End at 111 N Washington St.

Explore More Of Boston!

I love exploring Boston!

Want to try another Italian restaurant? Have a second Date Night Special at Mamma Maria in Boston’s North End.

You can also try The Best Halloween Cocktails in Boston at Shore Leave.

Check out all of my Foodie Destinations!

Want more of Boston? Read all of my New England Travel Guides!