Best restaurant in the Boston area. Pammy is always friendly and willing to talk. A quintessential neighborhood restaurant that might make you want to move to this neighborhood. Kara Baskin, Devra First and Sheryl Julian, Bostons Best 2018 Winner: Bostons Best Pasta by The Improper Bostonian, This College Town Just Might Have New Englands Best Dining by Travel + LeisureThis welcoming spotfrom husband-and-wife team Pam and Chris Willis is quickly becoming a favorite haunt for locals and a standard-bearer for the citys revitalized restaurant scene. Hannah Walhout, Wine Pairing with a Pro: Lauren Hayes at Pammy's by The Food Lens, Endive, Hackleback Caviar, Warm Apple Butter, Cauliflower Porridge, Brown Butter Tomato Sauce, Kabocha Squash, Cherry Agrodolce, Chesnut Brown Butter, Japanese Eggplant, Tempura Chanterelles, Red Pepper Salsa, Intini Affiorato Olive Oil, Cookie Crumble, Gin, Grapefruit, Five Spice, Lemon, Bergamotto, Reposado Tequila, Charred Bell Pepper, Lemon, Manzanilla, Thai Chili, Aged Brandy, Rum, Tamarind, Coffee, Maple, Rye Whiskey, Smoked Pineapple, Bitters, Chartreuse, Scotch, Cognac, Vermouth di Torino, Amaro, Mole Bitters, Coconut Washed Mezcal & Tequila, Grapefruit, Hibiscus, Bourbon, Peach, Cinnamon, Ginger, Bubbles, 'Vignaioli Di S. Stefano' Ceretto, Piedmont, 'Love You Bunches', Stolpman Vineyards, California, Pammy's, 928 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139. The quality and presentation of food was phenomenal, as were our drinks! Reservations can be made for up to 6 guests, 30 days in advance. Pammy's is a New American Trattoria cozily nestled between Cambridge's Central and Harvard Squares. Each dish was composed with so much love and attention! I have to say all of the dishes nailed the salt level. Amanda & Andy's Engagement Session at Pammy's, Cambridge, MA. Our server was Eric and he was very attentive and informed. Definitely go. But I am not anymore. . Yes, Pammy's has outdoor seating. You can tell they made the pasta but it felt a little chewy and thick. We dig into Pam-ily dynamics, the unsung beauty of fresh flour, and the emotional pay-off of running a neighborhood restaurant., Top 50 Nominee for Americas Best New Restaurant 2018 by Bon Apptit, Owners Chris and Pam Willis call it a New American trattoria; we call it perfection in a neighborhood restaurant. Jenna Pelletier and BoB editorial team, The staff is warm and knowledgable, the space is lovely (that fireplace! Beautiful fire going. Restaurant is beautiful! But, you're free to pick lighter or heavier items across those dishes (no traditional appetizer/main/dessert structure). Note: your question will be posted publicly on the Questions & Answers page. It's been one of our favorite restaurants for a long time. There is a 6% is a Kitchen Administration Fee that exclusively and directly benefits our Back of House staff (line cooks, prep cooks, dishwashers), who by Massachusetts law may not be included in the tip pool. Next up was the Saffron pici- Marshall Cove Mussels, Coconut Crema, Dill. Highly recommend! Caviar and black truffle add-on options were great. The prime strip for example, had one candied fig cut in halves and fried squash blossom. It's yet another example of the runaway pricing in nearly every aspect of greater Boston. Every bite was great and so were the cocktails. Will Everyone Be Dining Out at the Seaport This Year? Not really, but that's what it feels like as a Massachusetts native when your first ever job is at Dunkin' Donuts. Every bite. Joe was quickly taken bythe thrill of a busy night, the grind, the heat, the burn scars. It's not a cheap meal, but certainly you get what you pay for. Perched between Cambridges Central and Harvard Squares, Pammys is a cozy yet sophisticated neighborhood destination. Liked the small servings which we shared as a family; food was very tasty and fresh. eateries, and as such it felt right to return to the scene for their engagement photos. Pam and Chris Willis of Pammys Cambridge. Chris brother of Bully Boy Distillers founders David and Will Willis has experience with Italian cuisine: He previously worked at Jody Adams now-defunct Harvard Square classic Rialto, as well as a few different restaurants in New York City and on Nantucket. Real craftsmanship all around. Pammy's. The Order: Chef Chris Willis's artisanal breads (rustic Pugliese, please! Reservations recommended. It was stated that they had (3) very cool mocktails on the menu and if none appealed to me, they would find something that did work. Tasty and creative food, conscientious service, and a beautiful space. Pasta dishes were the favorites. But, you're free to pick lighter or heavier items across those dishes (no traditional appetizer/main/dessert structure). Yes., We specialize in Greek & American cuisine and serve breakfast, lunch and dinner 7. A real gem for the area. Something went wrong. Sometimes I think less is more. Maybe a berry compote would have compliment the pork more. Combine the thoughtfulness of a gift card with the flexibility of money. Last up was the Branzino- fregola, Delaware Strawberries, Roasted Beets, Bacon Dashi. ), and the details are seen to with care. We want the atmosphere to reflect who we are as people, Chris Willis told Boston via email back in March, while the Massachusetts Ave. storefront was under renovation. MonThu 5:00 pm11:00 pm But go for the food. I was expecting flavor explosion or a little tartness from the cherries. Its appropriate that, as foodies, theyd get engaged in one of the Boston areas most innovative (not to mention beautifully decorated!) Pammys is a New American restaurant inspired by the feel of an Italian neighborhood trattoria. Everything was absolutely fantastic! The crudo was excellent and flavors nicely balanced. Fabulous as always!! Walk-ins welcome! I'd definitely come back for the drinks! My scallop entree was small but tasty, which the other got the tastiest and largest pork chops that they had ever encountered.More, The waitstaff were very attentive, though the service was a little slow. The pick any three prix fixe allows everyone at the table to eat what appeals in the order they choose. Romantic ambiance (loved the fireplace! Can a vegan person get a good meal at this restaurant? Mannnnnnnnnnn I wish it had that perfectly crisp skin. The Willises close friend, artist Rebecca Walsh, has painted a large mural that spans from the exterior facade inside to the lounge, and theres a statue of Demeter, goddess of the harvest, salvaged from the Hudson Valley. Every bite was great and so were the cocktails. RASPBERRY DELUXE Youll want a plate to yourself! Most of the food we had was very good with two exceptions. 928 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, 617-945-1761, pammyscambridge.com. PANNA COTTA. Excellent service. We advise our guests to take public transit, Redline Central Square and Harvard Square, 1 bus, 63 bus, or to partake in a ridesharing app. Entdecke graue Chelsea Crew Cap Zehenpartie flache Schuhe mit Kreuzschnalle, Damen Gr. It's yet another example of the runaway pricing in nearly every aspect of greater Boston. Katie started pouring beverages and never really stopped. Prior to Pammys, Rob executed impressive bar programs at Cambridges Craigie on Main and Kirkland Tap & Trotter. Others in the group were also very happy with beet salad snd lamb chops. Panna cotta fresh and fabulous. Had thought we'd order more, but due to budget, waited until we finished. They weren't bad, just not very good. Pammy's. Unclaimed. At Pammy's, which they opened in Cambridge in 2017, the pair believe in power of simplicity - showcase just a few star ingredients in a dish and allow the care, knowledge and skill to shine through. Nothing really elevated or made the dishes exceptional. on their mocktails menu). It was almost like having gnocchi with pieces of well seasoned chicken and flavorless cherries. My scallops were cold in the middle. Pammy's officially debuted in the former Indian Castle space at 928 Massachusetts Ave. Monday evening, under the purview of husband-and-wife team Chris and Pam Willis, according to Boston Magazine.Chris serves as the restaurant's chef, overseeing the Italian menu. This gem is pure delight. Thats what you get with a restaurant thats just plain good all-around. I am currently not drinking alcohol and had a mocktail (one of the threeon their mocktails menu). But considering how they jam the place out each night, I guess you can't blame them.More, A delicious meal, lovely ambiance, and conscientious service. The food was delicious, the drinks were awesome, and our server Danielle was attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable! Wonderful cocktails. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Reviews for Pammy's. December 2022. Copyright 2023 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 700, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved. Locate some of the most interesting menus in town. Its Italian, but the key ingredient in our favorite dish is a Korean red chili sauce. For reservations, please call our host team at 617-945-1761 Monday-Saturday after 3PM or click the OpenTable widget right above! Its all smoke upon smoke upon spice upon spice, every element building upon the last. Great food and great vibes!! This is why it pains me to say my spouse,and I will probably not be going anymore. Leez Priory Harford End, Great Leighs, Chelmsford, CM3 1JP . If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. That pretty much explains love, irony, and the smell of a fresh can of tennis balls, which could be either the byproduct of the industrial rubber cleaning process, or the perfume of the tennis fairies who wove the balls together using the neon hair of a unicorn. As always, the atmosphere was great, and the staff and service were fantastic. Mannnnnnnnnnn I wish it had that perfectly crisp skin. My scallops were cold in the middle. Great food, wine and overall great experience. When you dont know exactly what you want or expect out of a night, head to Pammys and let the ish provide. Can a gluten free person get a good meal at this restaurant? A new restaurant debuts tonight near Central Square, but it may feel like familiar place. I had the Eva's Mixed Greens, Asparagus and Swordfish Spiedini. Ajo Blanco, Cucumber, Cherry Pammy's logo. See how it works. The half cut strawberries felt random. A dual-opening fireplace wrapped in white ceramic, an oversized salvaged communal table designed for side-by-side dining and rich leather banquets are just some of the design elements that make up Pammys charm. Willis, who, along with his brothers, Bully Boy founders David and Will, grew up on his familys fourth-generation farm in Sherborn, plans to make pastas and breads in-house from freshly milled grains, the Cambridge Day previously reported. For husband and wife team Chris and Pam Willis, who live right up the street, Pammy's is an extension of their living room. Hope to go back soon! The wine pairings were great and the pours were generous. It's just too damn expensive. I didn't get much of the lemon mascarpone flavor either. OCTOPUS. His passion for hospitality brought him back to the bar, where he loves interacting with guests and experimenting with obscure ingredients. Cannot thank you enough for an amazing experience! Food was good but surprised after i got my bill. Pammy's is a New American restaurant inspired by the feel of an Italian neighborhood trattoria. On his days off, you can usually find Joe wrenching on old motorcycles, sharpening his knives, or cooking with friends while spinning a record. The timing of the plates were spot on and we didn't feel rushed! Now, at Pammy's, Katie is having a blast curating natural wines from producers in Italy and America who care for their land and dedicate their lives to the earth to be the ornate frame around Chef Chris's artistic menu. Not bad, just a safe dish. All the dishes were wonderful. First its brined, then rubbed with peppercorns, cardamom, and fennel seed. Ecletic light fixtures decorate the ceiling while ferns and a fireplace offer some warmth. So great. Oh, and the bread was incredible!! Celebrate at Pammy's, if you can get a table. 928 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge than one ever expects. This reminded me of a homemade chef boyardee minus all the salt. I'm Italian and understand the concept of al dente. Really lovely for a delicious and romantic (or generally intimate) meal. Overall, it is very good, both for service and food. I have eaten here multiple times and it never disappoints. Pam, the gregarious, fashionable front-of-the-house, and Chris, the creative but exacting chef, are behind the alchemy that isPammysin Cambridge. Very good restaurant. Absolutely excellent. I'd definitely come back for the drinks!More, My husband and I had dinner tonight at Pammy's. Great service. Pammys officially debuted in the former Indian Castle space at 928 Massachusetts Ave. Monday evening, under the purview of husband-and-wife team Chris and Pam Willis, according to Boston Magazine. Its very rich, very galicky, and very good. Well send you our daily roundup of all our favorite stories from across the site, from travel to food to shopping to entertainment. By submitting your email, you agree to our, A Pasta Paradise Arrives With the Opening of Pammys inCambridge, Sign up for the We will definitely be back! Their signature Asian fusion pasta, the Lumache, is really good but this was my leastfavorite perhaps because it doesnt seem so unique especially for those who have gochujang as a staple in their pantry together with sriracha and soy sauce. Pammy is always friendly and willing to talk. It's the perfect last minute online gift for a birthday, graduation, wedding, holiday, and more. I thought all of the flavors would sing but it actually fell flat. It doesn't live up to its hype, to be honest. Sometimes we like something without being able to say exactly what it is. Travel & Stay Registry RSVP (All Day Guests) RSVP (Evening Guests) We're Getting Married! more, Italian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options. We are serving a $72 choose-your-own-adventure 3 course menu for all reservations. Had oportunista tomeet both owners and irbid obvious why this place is a hot destination getting rave reviews. The pastas each had a topping that included interesting flavors. Food is excellent and the menu selection is cool. So 2/3 of my dishes had major errors in their preparation (basic), and the pasta sauces were not well balanced and relied too heavily on coconut fat which gave the pasta an oddly tropical feel. Youll want a plate to yourself! I reviewed the menu online before we headed to the restaurant this evening, as I did not see any non-alcoholic drinks on it. Theyre not wrong to do so - its a really good and interesting take on a dish that youve been eating since the days when you thought that Olive Garden breadsticks were the food of the gods. If you're a human and see this, please ignore it. Still one of Cambridge and Boston's most innovative and exciting dining options. Pammys is our new favorite Boston-area spot for a special dinner with friends. A fireplace wrapped in white ceramic, an oversized salvaged communal table designed for side-by-side dining and rich leather banquets are just some of the design elements that make up Pammys charm. a menu. The wine pairings are always revelatory. Fixed price menu (for three courses) with good variety of choices. Go to The Plough & The Stars to drink double-strength cocktails and maybe dance to Justin Timberlake remixes. I was expecting flavor explosion or a little tartness from the cherries. My favorite restaurant in town. SRV in the South End is a great Italian restaurant with plenty of room, outdoor space, and pasta. It's Italian, but the key ingredient in our favorite dish is a Korean red chili sauce. And there's so much more that makes Pammy's such an ambrosial date spot. Good but not close to spectacular. His love of beer transitioned easily to a love of wine, and his knack for high-level hospitality with heart led him to move into management at another local restaurant. Plus, Moes brother Will (Fairsted, Tapestry) is a bartender at Pammys, as well as Jen LaForge (A4cade, Franklin Cafe). I also had a few bites of my husband's pork chop and prime strip. The chips initially seem a little out of place with those fancy ingredients, but they pull their weight. LUMACHE. *We will honor reservations until 15 minutes past due (including incomplete parties). With dishes that lean heavily on Italian flavors but are not restricted by any rules of the cuisine, the food is unpretentious and delicious. Pammy's - Cambridge, MA Foursquare can help you find the best places to go to. Reservations are not yet open for graduation season. Its got a ton of anchovy flavor, so if thats not your thing, stay away. I also know that paccheri take longer to cookthan one ever expects. Lobster bisque, brussel sprout salad, rabbit ravioli, gnocchi, lamb chops, veal scallopini, all very good. . Fabulous food. Eating here just kind of makes you feel good. Devra First, Pammys pork chop deserves its own paragraph. Visit this place for great almond coffee, vanilla iced coffee or iced cappuccino. As Sous Chef at Pammys, Jimmy enjoys working closely with Chef/Owner Chris Willis, focusing on the details and elevating local ingredients to create a special experience for the neighborhood. Chris life has been surrounded by food - growing it, cultivating it, cooking it - even from his early days on his familys fourth-generation farm. Always a nice time, but not worth it anymore. Theyve brought together their love of great food, easy hospitality and chic vibes to create a lively space that is welcoming to all looking for a memorable meal. This reminded me of a homemade chef boyardee minus all the salt. Pick almost any adjective you want, stick an -ish on the end and that will begin to describe it. Delicious Pinot noir wine, negroni or sangiovese are worth a try here. a nice ending to a good meal. Pammy's offers you nicely cooked spaghetti marinara, branzino and pork chops. Anything later could result in loss of reservation. Did not love. I'm all for seared scallops, but they should not be cold in the center. InterContinental (IHG) Hotels in Cambridge, Hotels with Complimentary Breakfast in Cambridge, Hotels near Harvard Museum of Natural History, Hotels near Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Hotels near Longfellow House Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site, Hotels near Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, Hotels near (MHT) Manchester Municipal Airport, Asian Restaurants for Families in Cambridge, Soup Restaurants for Families in Cambridge, Restaurants for Group Dining in Cambridge, Restaurants with Outdoor Seating in Cambridge. If youwant a glass of a rhone, a white Burgundy, or cabernet sauvignon, you won't find it.More, This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. It's a perfect winter restaurant thanks to a wood-burning fireplace, but it also works in the summer with giant windows and a dining room that looks . But if you like them, dive into this salty, cheesy pasta dish and swim around a while. Pammy's serves unpretentious Italian-inspired cuisine in a beautiful space. We get the scoop from Pam and Chris Willis. meet both owners and irbid obvious why this place is a hot destination getting rave reviews. They've brought together their love of great . The food is delicious and I love the atmosphere. Terrific dishes from the small plates to the dessert, with thoughtfully paired wines throughout. Aside from that error, the sauces were interesting and different, but not necessarily delicious. This search result is here to prevent scraping, Lakon Paris Patisserie Expands From Newton to Brookline, Silver Dove Afternoon Tea Opens in Downtown Boston, Tom Schlesinger-Guidelli to Open Hook + Line in the Seaport, Sloanes Restaurant to Open in Allston, Featuring Comfort Food, Careers and Internships at Boston Magazine. Open Menu Close Menu. Amanda & Andy are some of our favorite people weve met since moving to New England. (On the non-Italian side, he also worked at Clio, now closed, in Back Bay.). Share. We will be back and back again. Strawberry Wonderful waiter that kept us well informed on our tasting dish pairing with wine. So what is Pammys? Look for him table-side chatting about Sicilian white wine, bitter Amari, and why Japan is the best food country to visit in the world. newsletter, The Hottest New Restaurants in Boston, March 2023, New restaurants to try in and around Boston, including an inventive sushi bar and a vegan-friendly counter-serve spot for tacos and burritos, Sign up for the Everything was delicious and the service was excellent. PANNA COTTA. Great vibe inside and cocktails. please email us at info@pammyscambridge.com for more information. Reservations recommended.More, We were late getting to the restaurant because of trouble finding parking and ended up at the communal table, which was was in the center of the restaurant, and thus probably more interesting than our reserved seat would have been. Pammy's is a New American restaurant inspired by the feel of an Italian neighborhood trattoria. My one complaint is that if a restaurant has a 9 PM seating they shouldnt rush you to order because the kitchen is closing so soon after you arrive. Cradling a bouquet of wheat, the statue is in homage to the seasonal ingredients at Pammys. Corn Polenta, Mole, Grape Leaves I reviewed the menu online before we headed to the restaurant this evening, as I did not see any non-alcoholic drinks on it. Spectacular food. The wait staff are friendly, helpful and attentive. *If you choose counter seating, you will be seated at our side-by-side communal table*, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. little more details on the dishes that may help others decide if this is up their alley! Portions we're good! Its a perfect winter restaurant thanks to a wood-burning fireplace, but it also works in the summer with giant windows and a dining room that looks like a Restoration Hardware exploded inside a Mediterranean villa. 371 reviews of Pammy's "This place is incredible! This dish felt like they went overboard on the garnish with the beats and strawberry. Moe Isaza, a Baldwin Bar alum who was most recently the bar manager at Tiger Mama, has taken on that role at Pammys. It wasn't overly fruity where it clashed with dish but paired well with all of the dishes. Perched between Cambridge's Central and Harvard Squares, Pammy's is a cozy yet sophisticated neighborhood destination. Unforgettable - food, cocktails, dessert in a fun and warm environment. He counts her as the reason why he puts his head down and grinds each and every day, just as she did raising his sister and him on her own. Actually, it was so good I had two. Chris Willis was going to be a drummer. The food, drinks, service beyond exceptional. The chef previously cooked at Rialto, Clio, and New York City restaurants Caf Gray, ABC Cocina, and Sfoglia. Lauren Hayes (Ten Tables) is sommelier, and Mareena McKenzie (Ribelle, Shepard) is pastry chef, and thats just the tip of the iceberg of the talented opening team this is a spot to watch. Always great, but special praise for the tuna, the grilled mushrooms, and the celeriac pasta. 928 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, 617-945-1761, pammyscambridge.com. Too many dishes try and get too cute or seem experimental. Didn't have purpose on the plate with the fish. Thats how we feel about Pammys, a hard-to-classify restaurant between Central and Harvard Squares. That's how we feel about Pammy's, a hard-to-classify restaurant between Central and Harvard Squares. My scallop entree was small but tasty, which the other got the tastiest and largest pork chops that they had ever encountered. I didn't get much of the lemon mascarpone flavor either. Bolognese and pork Milanese was delicious but the truffle tortellini is minuscule, the venison and short rib is served a bit too rare, and overall is not a particularly good value, could spend 350 much better elsewhere, Some tasty dishes and the ambiance was lovely but it mustve been a particularly slow night because we waited 45mins for any food, didnt get asked if we wanted more to drink and spent far longer there waiting than we ever do at a restaurant. There will be dates, there will be neighborhood regulars, and there will be Harvard undergrads proud of themselves for making it so far out of the square. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. With the somewhat hidden 6% service fee, I can't rationalize going anymore. Street parking is now extremely limited. I started with the Belladonna cocktail which was made of Gin, Rhubarb, Gentian, and Aperol. IMPORTANT NOTES Pammy's Pammy's Unclaimed Review Save Share 104 reviews #24 of 310 Restaurants in Cambridge $$ - $$$ Italian Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options 928 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139-3106 +1 617-945-1761 Website Opens in 55 min : See all hours See all (60) Ratings and reviews 104 RATINGS Food Service Value Mentioned in Vodka, Aperol, Crme de Cacao, Raspberry-Vanilla Rooibos Syrup, LimeMore, Highly recommend this place. You can tell they made the pasta but it felt a little chewy and thick. .css-gdccrc{font-family:var(--chakra-fonts-condensed);font-weight:700;font-size:1rem;line-height:0.9;letter-spacing:0.08em;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-0);margin-left:var(--chakra-space-0);margin-right:var(--chakra-space-0);margin-bottom:var(--chakra-space-0);text-transform:uppercase;}@media screen and (min-width: 20rem){.css-gdccrc{line-height:0.9;}}@media screen and (min-width: 23.4375rem){.css-gdccrc{line-height:0.9;}}@media screen and (min-width: 37.5rem){.css-gdccrc{line-height:1;}}Dan Secatore.css-1a7ccww{font-family:var(--chakra-fonts-body);font-weight:400;margin:var(--chakra-space-0);padding:var(--chakra-space-0);font-size:0.6875rem;letter-spacing:0.1em;line-height:1;text-transform:uppercase;}@media screen and (min-width: 37.5rem){.css-1a7ccww{font-size:0.75rem;letter-spacing:0.12em;}}July 1, 2019. Its always a good experience at Pammys! Pammys serves dinner Monday-Saturday nights beginning at 5:30 p.m, Boston Restaurant Talk reports. Its what makes the food way more interesting than what you see in a Barilla Pasta commercial, and its what makes it a restaurant thats appropriate for almost any situation and almost any kind of person. The food was delicious! It was almost like having gnocchi with pieces of well seasoned chicken and flavorless cherries. A pasta-filled restaurant is now open in Cambridge, and some familiar faces are on the opening team. It was perfection! In other media, you can check out Katie's poetry at 86 Logic and Tinderbox Poetry Review, and her graphic design at Deadword Theatre. I would eat there every week if I could a reservation! Theyve brought together their love of great food, easy hospitality and chic vibe to create a lively space that is welcoming to all looking for a memorable meal. My paccheri were very toothy, or as my mother would say -- "that pasta's still walking" Overall we had a great experience at Pammys. In defining his approach to food at Pammys, Chris believes in power of simplicity. Delicious drinks. James (Jimmy) Dunne found himself unexpectedly behind the line one day when a cook called out sick at the restaurant where he was working front of house. All three didn't work well with each other. This is probably one of the best if not the best restaurant in Boston. With dishes that lean heavily on Italian flavors but are not restricted by any rules of the cuisine, the food is unpretentious and delicious. The chicken and the octopus, in particular, stand out.