Boston | Tonino, my favorite Italian restaurant to share
đ Tonino: Bostonâs Best-Kept Italian SecretâWhere Every Dish Shines In a city packed with Italian spots, Tonino stands alone. After 30+ Italian restaurants across Bostonâfrom North End classics to casual family jointsâthis Jamaica Plain gem is the only one where every course, from wine to dessert, hits the mark. Itâs cozy, romantic, and so popular, tables are hard to come byâbut trust us: the wait is worth it. đ The Dishes We Obsess Over (No Exceptions) Taleggio Cappelletti đ§ The star of the show. Five visits, five ordersâthis pasta is non-negotiable. Delicate, flower-shaped cappelletti (little âhatsâ) filled with melted Taleggio, a mild, creamy Italian cheese. Drizzled with aged balsamic, itâs a symphony of flavors: salty, sweet, tangy, and rich, with a texture thatâs soft yet satisfying. Itâs exquisite in the best wayâno heavy sauces, just pure, balanced deliciousness. Pizza đ Thick, crispy, and impossible to resist. The crust defies logic: thick but light, with a crispy edge and pillowy center. Standouts include: Margherita: Classic tomato, basil, and mozzarellaâbright, fresh, and a masterclass in simplicity. Eggplant & Ricotta: Roasted eggplantâs smokiness pairs with creamy ricotta for a vegetarian win. Pepperoni: Spicier and more bold, for meat lovers craving depth. Countneck Clams đ A crowd-pleasing starter. Plump clams cooked with crispy guanciale (cured pork cheek), spicy broth, and fresh basil. The broth is rich with seafood and heatâso good, youâll soak it up with bread (donât skip that step). Lumache đ A vegetarian delight. Snail-shaped pasta tossed in a fragrant mix of mushrooms, garlic, and herbs. Itâs earthy, bright, and so flavorful, even meat lovers will clean their bowls. Agnolotti đ Seasonal magic. Fall brings these pumpkin-filled pasta parcelsâlight, sweet, and subtly spiced. Theyâre fresh, not heavy, making them a perfect autumn treat. Tiramisu â Dessert perfection. Served in a small bowl, itâs not overly sweetâjust layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, rich mascarpone, and a dusting of chocolate. Creamy, balanced, and the ideal end to the meal. đˇ Vibe & Details Atmosphere: Tiny (fewer than 10 tables) but warmâthink candles, fresh flowers, and dim lighting that feels intimate, not cramped. The staff is chatty and knowledgeable; regulars feel like friends. Wine: A standout list, with a killer vermouth selection (donât miss it). Parking: Street parking nearby (narrow streets, but manageable). Tonino isnât just a restaurantâitâs an experience. For Italian food lovers, itâs the kind of spot youâll guard closely⌠but secretly want everyone to discover. đ Tonino Jamaica Plain, Boston (look for the small, charming storefrontâworth every effort to book) #JamaicaPlainEats #BostonItalian #HiddenGems