inexpensive, casual new-Italian comfort food in Beantown?

October 9, 2006 6:45 PM

When I lived in NYC, my favorite Italian restaurants were Frank and Max (and Max Court, Max Soha, etc.). Now I live in Boston. Where can I find similar food and a similar dining experience?
posted by mds35 to Food & Drink (10 answers total)

There are several places in the North End. La Famiglia comes to mind, and don't hesitate to try any of the smaller (more casual) restaurants on Hanover St.
posted by LouMac at 7:27 PM on October 9, 2006

Vinny's is a quick walk from the Sullivan Square orange line station.
posted by jesourie at 8:35 PM on October 9, 2006

Response by poster: neustile, Amelia's just may be what I'm looking for.

luriete, thanks a ton. What a great resource for a new Bostonion!
posted by mds35 at 6:26 AM on October 10, 2006

Not familiar with Frank or Max, but I have to plug Carlo's in Allston for my favorite italian comfort food.

Carlos Cucina Italiana
Work: [phone]
131 Brighton Ave.
Allston, MA 02134

When I lived in Allston, it was a fave.
posted by sol at 9:20 AM on October 10, 2006

Grotto behind the State House is a surprisingly good non-North End Italian restaurant:

http://www.yelp.com/biz/J1uidHIL7nE_noUuvFXj0A
posted by zaphod at 5:39 PM on October 10, 2006

Response by poster: Funny. I'm actually having dinner at Grotto later this evening. I think it may be a bit more traditional than the Frank and Maxes I love, but it should be good, nonetheless.
posted by mds35 at 1:49 PM on October 11, 2006

Response by poster: Update: "surprisingly good" is exactly how I would characterize Grotto, having eaten there last night. I'm looking forward to their next Big Night!
posted by mds35 at 7:00 AM on October 12, 2006

Methinks one needs a reservation for Grotto, went there the other night and the wait was an hour w/o one.
posted by zaphod at 5:18 PM on October 16, 2006

Matt, you know I love you, but you will never get New York-level Italian food in Boston. Which I say as a person who lived there. Just come back. And take that Red Sox hat off your kid's head! He's still got time! He doesn't have to live with the horrible dysfunction that is Red Sox fandom (cf. the guy who heckled me at your wedding. Definition of a Sox fan).
posted by lackutrol at 12:41 AM on October 17, 2006

Response by poster: Actually, that heckler was a Mariners fan. But I know what you're trying to say.
posted by mds35 at 7:55 PM on December 1, 2006