We will be in Boston next month and really wanted to try Prezza for dinner but they are not open on Sunday night! (the only night we have open to go out).

I've been looking at City Search and I just can't decide which other "best" to try. We would love a romantic place with unhurried service, fantastic wine list and of course amazing Italian food (northern or southern). Any suggestions?

Try Terramia on Salem St- I've had several good meals there recently. Also loved Massimino's on Endicott - best lamb and best antipasto ever. Of the two Terramia is more romantic.

Also try Zagats and Phantomgourmet.com for recommendations.

Maurizio- Hanover Street
Monica's- (cannot remember street)
Cantina Italiana- Hanover Street

Rabia's on Salem St., North End.

Thanks guys. It's interesting that these recommendations are not listed on the City Search Best of....

That's why I use Fodor's, it's always good to have different opinions.

Many of these "best of..." type things have recently been revealed as not objective and involving some payment to the list maker or publisher. There was a thing in Boston regarding that in the past 6 months (and I don't remember which major paper, magazine or tabloid it was, so to avoid mis-speaking unless I am positive, I will leave it at that) That is why I like some of the recommendations from this board as well. (Same holds for listings in AAA guidebooks)

Terramia on Salem Street. Quiet, fabulous food. Make sure to order a bottle of the Brugo Gattinara if you drink red wine. Also, the orange/fennel salad after your meal is a wonderful way to end the dinner. It's my favorite restaurant ever. Bon appetit!

I like Maurizio's but I don't know if it is the "best". I haven't eaten in lots of the good and well known italian restaurants in boston. Why don't you look on fodors (www.fodors.com) under Boston and Italian or North End.

Sally, when I look at Fodor's restaurant reviews for my own city (Seattle) I see many of the top places not mentioned or starred. I'm sure it's hard for them to keep up with the ever changing scene.

I will take a look at reviews after I have personal suggestions such as yours though.

Thanks again!

Hear lts of good re Mama Marias

Giacomo's on Hanover Street. Or any restaurant on Hanover Street in the North End will suit. Giacomo's has huge portions, the food is excellent, and the prices aren't bad.

We had looked into Giacomo's but since they don't take reservations had decided against it (since we have limited time in the city). I have eaten at Mama Maria's before (loved it) but was hoping to try a new place.

Has anyone eaten at Lucca?

Not many "authentic" Italian places in Boston take reservations, unfortunately, so you may find that problem in a lot of different restaurants. If you get anywhere before 5pm waiting shouldn't be a problem.

Go during the week and you won't have a problem getting into a restaurant anywhere even around 7 or other "regular" dinner time.

I peronally prefer Villa Francesca in the North End. The food and the wine list is to die for. Try the Veal Valdestana or the Chicken Abruzzi. Share a plate of linguine pesto or calamari for an appetizer. The place is full of character too. The dining in the basement is romatic. Dim lights, very hushed, but chilly with all that brick! Can't think of the name of the street but I do know it is the first street on the rightside of Hanover when walking over from Fanueil Hall. There is a bank on the corner of the street too. Agree that if you get to the door by 5pm you won't have a problem getting in.

Thanks for all your suggestions!

We bought our plane tickets yesterday and unfortunately had to take a 6:15 AM flight from Seattle! yuk! but the good side of that is that we will be in Boston by 5PM on Thurs. night. So I was just able to get us reservations at Prezza! We are very excited!

Now we will have Sunday night for lobster!

Thanks again to all!

just visited cantina italiana on hanover street yesterday. chicken parmigiana was pretty tasty, but not exceptional. but the potato gnocchi was yucky!! maybe all gnocchi tastes yucky/ strange (kinda floury and bland, cooked with cheese and tomato sauce), anyway, my first and last time trying it. busy, have to wait a bit for service and may need reservation/ go at 5 pm. $30 for 2