Staying at the Sheraton Boston hotel at the Prudential Center. Looking for a good seafood and maybe Italian restaurant recommendation. We tried Skipjacks last time and enjoyed it. Any good Italian without going to the North End or should I just go there? North End places you like?

Davio's is a popular Italian place in the Back Bay. Also Maggiano's Little Italy - but that is a chain. The Back Bay is also loaded with high end steak places such as Morton's, Flemings, Smith & Wollensky, Abe & Louie's and Grill 23. Seafood at Legal, Turner Fisheries and Summer Shack. Have a drink at the very cool bar at Jury's Hotel.

One of my favorite places when I get home to Boston is the Union Oyster House across from Fanuiel Hall (not sure if I'm even spelling that right, been away from home too long).

The North End is just a short walk from there, and there are so many great places, just let your nose guide you, and I don't think you can go wrong.

bennie & wantsomesun thanks for the replies. I've been unimpressed with Legal lately but will keep the others in mind. We never have been disappointed in the North End, either by chance or most places really are fairly good.

I've never been to Maggiano's and understand that it's a chain. But my daughter, her fiance, and his Italian speaking family love it.

shaz60 - Thanks for the reply.

ttt

I have heard others say that they have been disappointed with Legal Seafood ...can I ask why? I am planning my Boston trip and was really looking forward to eating there. What is going on?

Hi,

My experience with Legal Seafood is that it's a hit or miss. It can be quite good or not so good and you will never know which until you try it, even at the same location.

I actually went there for dinner tonight (Cambridge location) and this time it was a miss. The shrimp and scallop dish I had came out cold and stale, and the clam chowder, which they are famous for, was watery and sandy.

The quality of food has been more consistent at Skipjacks although I've only been there three times (vs. over 10 times at Legal). I also recently tried a new seafood restaurant called Great Bay, that has been getting rave reviews, and was impressed.

Maggiano's is a great Italian restaurant. Definitely worth trying! I haven't been to Legal's in awhile so I can't help you there. Have fun in Boston!

Actually, going to Maggiano's for lunch today..Honestly feel that Legal is overpriced and overrated... Try www.chowhound.com and ask on the Boston site.

I don't care for Legal Seafood either but end up at the Cambridge one everytime I'm there just because it's close to MIT. I find their menu limited for entrees and hit or miss on the food prep. My daughter likes their baked stuffed lobster dish.

There are several Italian restaurants on Newberry Street one block from the Pru. My daughter and I ate at Ciao and she really liked it. She has been back twice and it was also hit and miss on the service and food. There is another Italian restaurant by Ciao and I thought their menu looked more interesting but haven't had a chance to try it.

My daughter also ate at Dom's Italian in the North End a few weeks ago and really liked it. She liked the food (she ordered veal) and that the owner and the kitchen workers were all speaking Italian.