Cambridge's finest trattorias, pizzerias, and Italian kitchens
From family-run trattorias to modern Italian concepts, Cambridge offers a remarkable collection of Italian dining experiences. Whether you're craving hand-rolled pasta, crispy wood-fired pizza, or classic osso buco, these restaurants bring the flavors of Italy to the heart of Cambridge.
Best Italian Restaurants in Cambridge
From family-run trattorias to modern Italian concepts, Cambridge offers a remarkable collection of Italian dining experiences. Our top picks include Otto Pizza, Giulia, Area Four.
Mashed Potato Pizza
Handmade Pasta
Wood-fired pizza
Housemade Pasta
Wood-Fired Pizza
Selected based on local favorites, authentic offerings, and community reputation.
Pizza · Harvard Square
Counter-service pizza-by-the-slice from the Portland, Maine cult favorite. Known for mashed-potato-and-bacon, fig-and-prosciutto, and other combinations that sound weird and work. Whole pies too.
Italian · Harvard Square
Handmade pasta perfection in an intimate setting. Chef Michael Pagliarini crafts Roman-inspired dishes with seasonal New England ingredients. Known for exceptional wine program and house-made pasta. Reservations essential.
Pizza · Kendall Square
Artisan pizza, craft beer, and wood-fired cooking. Popular breakfast spot and neighborhood gathering place.
Italian · East Cambridge
Northern Italian at Cambridge Crossing from chef Will Gilson (Puritan & Company, Amba). Handmade pastas from chef Tony Susi, in-house gelato, and a warm, modern dining room on the first floor of The Lexington. Sister restaurant to Puritan & Company and Amba.
Italian · East Cambridge
All-day modern Italian restaurant and cafe in East Cambridge from the SRV / Salty Pig / Baleia team. Named Gufo — 'owl' in Italian — with a menu built around wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and an Italian-leaning cocktail program. Morning cafe, evening restaurant.
Pizza · Harvard Square
Late night pizza institution. Sicilian-style squares with thick, crispy edges. Open until 2am. This is where you end up after the bars close. The upstairs seating is prime people-watching. Cash only for slices. A Harvard Square rite of passage.
Italian · Harvard Square
Neo-trattoria at the Charles Hotel in Harvard Square. Handmade pastas, fresh seafood, seasonal entrees. The current kitchen is led by Tony Susi (Sulmona; Amelia's Trattoria), who took over from Michelin-rated chef Mark Ladner.
Pizza · Harvard Square
The first New England outpost of the iconic NYC-slice shop from Greenwich Village. Thin-crust cheese and pepperoni by the slice; consistently has a line stretching down Brattle Street.
Italian · Central Square
Intimate Italian aperitivo bar in Central Square, upstairs in the former Brick & Mortar space. Aperitivi, low-ABV spirits, natural wines, pizza, and pasta in an apericena format.
Italian · Kendall Square
Abruzzo-rooted Italian restaurant in Kendall Square from the Susi family of Amelia's Trattoria. 130 seats, a long marble bar, semi-open kitchen, and a menu named for the medieval town in Abruzzo the family comes from.
Italian · Kendall Square
Small family-run Italian trattoria just outside Kendall Square. Handmade pastas, house gnocchi, and meat dishes from chef-owner Delio Susi Jr. An off-the-beaten-path neighborhood spot from the same family behind Sulmona.
Giulia in Harvard Square is consistently rated as Cambridge's top Italian restaurant, earning rave reviews for its handmade pasta, particularly the rigatoni with spicy sausage ragu and the signature tagliatelle. The intimate 40-seat dining room creates a romantic atmosphere perfect for special occasions. Chef-owner Michael Pagliarini trained in Italy and brings authentic technique to every dish, from house-made mozzarella to wood-grilled proteins. Reservations are essential, especially on weekends, so book at least two weeks in advance for prime dinner times.
Criteria: authenticity, local reputation, quality
Sources: community input • editorial review
“The only thing better than eating is eating in Cambridge.”
This guide is updated regularly to ensure accuracy.
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