FLORINA Pizzeria & Paninoteca — Restaurant in Boston

Great local Sicilian pizza spot in Beacon Hill.

I’ve been making the occasional stop to Florina for lunch over the past two years, and let me tell you, it’s a slice above the rest—except maybe a few spots in the North End. During peak lunch hours, the lines can get quite long, so I usually just grab a slice or two for takeout. I’m loyal to their Sicilian slices, so I can’t comment on the regular ones, but the Sicilian has the perfect amount of crunch, and the bottom crust doesn’t flop— just the way I like it.

I also occasionally swing by for a late lunch when I’m in the mood for a sandwich or pasta, and most of what I’ve tried hits the spot with its straightforward goodness. One of my favorites is "That" sandwich, loaded with a satisfying hunk of breaded chicken, roasted red peppers, and a drizzle of white balsamic vinaigrette. The chicken cutlet itself is decent, but it’s the classic combo that really makes it cluck.

When it comes to pasta, I usually go for the Linguine Pesto—it’s always a winner. On the other hand, their tomato/ plum sauce-based pastas sometimes turn out a bit too watery. The sauce doesn’t cling to the rigatoni, which leaves the dish a bit bland. As for the arancini, I found it to be just meh. Since it’s premade and reheated, it lacks that crispy, golden crunch.

If you find yourself near Boston Common, I highly recommend carbing up with their sandwiches, pesto linguine, or a slice of...

Long story short, I door-dashed this establishment because the ratings were phenomenal, but surprise surprise doordash said delivered but it never showed up. I called and spoke with Barry who took the time on a busy Friday night to straighten things out, I reordered but accidentally selected take out instead of delivery. So I said screw it and I ubered to pick up my order and ate it there. When I arrived they knew who I was (probably because of my strong southern draw), Barry and the freaking adorable lady at the register were ridiculously friendly and gracious and went out of their way to make things right.... most important sidenote...this was one of the best pizzas I've had in a long time. Not to mention that arancini, the garlic bread and the tiramisu were spot on. Thank you Barry and your team for an amazing experience... if in Boston, hit this place up. You...

I must have visited this place at least 50+ times. Whenever I have guests visiting, I take them here. EVERY SINGLE TIME I get the same feedback: it’s the best pizza they had.

Menu: I love their thin pizzas. I always order one of each daily specials (tip: if you get two slices, you get a can of soda on the house) and chicken tenders when Barry has them (it runs out quick! For the sauce, try spicy mustard)

Sandwiches - my favorites are chicken parm and broccoli rabe (dip them in Florina red sauce and it’s mighty tasty; it does have some funky cheese in it, so make sure to ask Barry to leave it out if you are not a big fan!)

Really, it’s one of those places that you don’t want to leave a review because it’s so good and you want to keep it a secret (although the long line out the door every weekday lunch hour testifies to how it’s not so much a...