Went here for dinner in July 2023. Had the Pesto Penne and split it with my daughter. It was so good we wished we hadn't split! It was enough to split, we just could have eaten more. Everyone else at our table had their own - Chicken Picatta & Parmesan, pizza, etc. Everyone was happy with their choices. We ate in the basement, it was really cozy down there. read more

Fantastic food and outstanding service by the bartender . There will definitely be more visits to this location!!

Had a great dinner here last night. We enjoyed the antipasto tray and entrees. Everything was delicious. The staff were so helpful and even were accommodating when we were running late due to traffic. This sweet little bustling restaurant made us feel as though we were back in Italy, with the windows thrown open on a nice night when Hanover Street was just buzzing with people strolling and enjoying life. Definitely done here! read more

Visited on a Sunday evening with reservations. The table was actually ready about 10 minutes before and we received a text. We were seated in the downstairs area. It has a nice ambience and it's air-conditioned. But it can be a little loud if it's full. For appetizers, we had the Involtini and calamari. Both were good. Had the fig salad and carbonara has main dishes. The carbonara was one of the best I've had. Service was great. Very friendly and attentive. read more

BenCotto - Boston - Fig Salad - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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I have literally never had better lobster ravioli IN MY LIFE. I could literally DRINK the sauce. The lobster wasn't fishy and flavors were so perfect together. Also got the chicken parm and that marinara was perfectly seasoned. It was a solid balance of sweet and salty tomato flavor. Service was helpful and friendly. Such a cool vibe in there at night. It really does feel like a fancy night out! read more

BenCotto - Boston - Chicken Parmigiana and Lobster Ravioli - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Loved that this place has extra seating in a lower floor so they were able to take 4 plus a baby without reservations on a Friday night. I got the little necks linguine and it was great, the pasta was good and white sauce was perfect. If you're looking for something salty and simple that was it. Their mule cocktail was also good, sweet but not overly sweet. I would recommend them to update their high chairs, the one we used was wobbly and the buckle part came undone just from some movement and kids are going to wriggle. read more

BenCotto - Boston - Littlenecks linguine - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

We made reservations through Yelp. We were an early reservation because we had skipped lunch. BenCotto is a small restaurant with really good service and a perfect location to watch all that is happening in the North End. In addition to what I had, we also had the Pesto Pasta. All the food was great! We were so full, we didn't have any room for dessert, which is sad. I would definitely go again. read more

BenCotto - Boston - Bolognese - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

One of my goals while in Boston was two eat Italian food in one of the most Italian neighborhoods in Boston. Check and check. When we arrived and got seated, I was overhearing a conversation with what appeared to be a local customer who appeared to be a frequent guest there talking with either an owner or someone who worked there Very animatedly and I thought this is very East Coast Italian the way that they were talking and gesturing. It was amazing. After observing that interaction I definitely had hope for this restaurant. We started out with some bruschetta. The bread was really soft and nice and the topping had super fresh tomatoes. We then proceeded to order a pizza and two drinks. The pizza was delicious and had great toppings and the crust was just how we like it. Our server was very nice. Overall, a good experience and it was not difficult to get a reservation here which I also Appreciated. read more

BenCotto - Boston - Bruschetta - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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We had the best meal at Bencotto on a Monday evening. We had a larger party with four adults and four kids. Our waiter Ani was the absolute best and made our kiddos feel right at home by being attentive and treating them like adults while catering to their needs. The pizza and pasta were amazing. My seven year old called it the "best pasta of his life." Very kid friendly while still being a memorable meal for the adults as well. read more

I love BenCotto! Went here with my girlfriend and my daughter, and they both loved it. We had reservations, and got there right on time. We were seated downstairs, which was a blessing. They let us linger downstairs and it had a real family atmosphere to it. The service was impeccable. The weight staff were not obtrusive, but they were always there, and they were excellent at anticipating the needs of the table. I will definitely go back. read more

***Updated to 2 stars because I went to another restaurant today and got the best service of my life which helped me find some forgiveness in my heart for the service at this restaurant*** Worst service I've gotten in my life. We first sat, I asked if I can sample between two wines. They were both Pinot Grigio. The server asked me, " why, they both taste the same so why would you want to sample it?" I've never had a server ask me this at any restaurant in my entire life and I was very surprised. After our food was served they asked if we want red pepper or cheese and I asked for red pepper, but they took forever to bring it to me, and they were rubbing their ear while they were talking with their coworker. As we were checking out, they didn't even bother to pack our food and threw the box and the bag on the table. The food definitely didn't make up for the service we got. read more

BenCotto - Boston - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

The staff here are very friendly and the food is beyond perfect! I definitely recommend!

Stopped in for lunch on a weekday, getting there around 11AM and they weren't very busy. Service was excellent. The venue is great, though very small, with an open kitchen, where you can see the flames from the sautéing and the pizzas being prepped and baked. They offer many appetizing Italian appetizers, entrées, pizzas, etc. I ordered their chicken marsala over fusilli and it was really good! Their homemade pasta was excellent, as was their homemade bread! Highly suggest stopping in for a try! read more

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We found this place on a quick overnight trip to Boston heading to Maine. We were able to make an online reservation about an hour before our arrival time. Service was spot on. Friendly and efficient. We were seated in the super cute downstairs area where the temp was cooler on such a muggy day! The food! Five stars. All around. We order the bruschetta special with feta. Amazing. The winner was the pizza. We got the Saint Agrippina brick oven pizza. The sweet Italian sausage and chunks of ricotta were so freaking good. 100% would come back! read more

BenCotto - Boston - Saint Agrippina Pizza - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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The food is authentic and delicious. The staff are friendly and attentive. We come every time we visit Boston.

Amazing food and service! We ordered a pizza as an appetizer which was very tasty and the crust was top notch! Ordered the Carbonara for dinner w the homemade fusilli pasta and it did not disappoint! We will be back! read more

Quick lunch prior to Children's Museum was spot on! Loved our waitress- did not catch her name. Went July 23rd with my daughter and two grand babies. Food was exactly what I needed in Boston - great italian! read more

Here is another North End review! My buddy and I stumbled upon this amazing Italian restaurant in the North End when the restaurant we intended on going stopped seating new customers for the night. Guess what? I'm glad that it happened because our experience at BenCotto was amazing! There was a wait for table seating but we were able to grab a couple seats at the bar right away to get things started. The restaurant itself was a bit loud but it was filled with all good vibes. It was also reassuring that everyone at the table seemed to enjoy their food and their company before we ordered our food. I got the pappardelle pasta special with sausage and mascarpone cream sauce. It was so deliciously creamy and I still wanted more even after I was full! My buddy ordered the boscaiola pasta with pink sauce and he also enjoyed his food very very much. Both dishes were actually recommended by the bartender so we were extremely thankful for her suggestions and didn't leave us hanging. I definitely can't wait to visit BenCotto again and taste their other delicious dishes! read more

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So, let me start by saying that I have not been disappointed by anything I have ever tried here. The atmosphere in the outdoor dining area on a warm spring/summer night is amazing and you feel as though you are stepping into another time and place. It is the perfect 'date' place. read more

BenCotto - Boston - Veal Parmigiana - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

I was really looking forward to trying Bencotto in the North End, but unfortunately, it was not a great experience. The tables were packed so tightly together that it was hard to move, and the servers kept bumping into us all night. I ordered the salmon and made it very clear that I couldn't have any nuts or seeds -- but it still came out with vegetables that had seeds. When I brought it up, the staff was dismissive and unhelpful. Really disappointing customer service. Definitely not somewhere I'd return. read more

BenCotto - Boston - Salmon - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Really small shop with pretty good food. They're really busy for the size of the restaurant, so it can be a bit of a wait to get a table. One thing I really wished is that they had kept the door closed so that the seats at the bar directly in front of the door wouldn't be freezing cold all through dinner, especially during cold rainy nights. The bolognese was my standout favorite, even though it's not usually what I go for at other restaurants. I usually like a good carbonara, I did feel this one was a little too rich in its sauce for my taste. read more

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We stopped in for a quick and light lunch. It was a cool day in in North End, but we still enjoyed sitting next to the large open windows. I could see how enjoyable this must be on a beautiful day. Our server was very friendly and we found the kitchen delivered food quickly. We started with some Aperol Spritz, which were nice, but a little light on the Aperol for our liking. Since we only wanted a light lunch, we each had an appetizer, and found the portion size to be generous and perfect for a light meal. Eggplant rollatini was very light and filled with delicious cheese. The sauce was very good, and makes me want to return for a pasta dish. The lobster ravioli was also a nice portion and came with a delicious, creamy but light sauce. We will try BenCotto again in the future when we are up for a bigger meal so we can explore the menu a bit more deeply. read more

BenCotto - Boston - Eggplant Rollatini - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

In the heart of the North End, Bencotto offers hearty Italian dishes, wines and amazing appetizers. The bruschetta is a perfect starter, fresh tomato and mozz are dressed beautifully with EVOO and balsamic glaze, and the starter splits well between two people. The wine and drink list is long but not overwhelming. The Sauvignon blanc is my preferred fave and goes wonderfully with a hearty meal. The chicken Parmesan is two freshly breaded and fried cutlets covered rationally in mozz and tomato sauce. As authentic as you'd expect in the North End of Boston. Absolutely delicious and couldn't ask for more from this dish. Definahely recommend this restaurant for a date night. It's tight in here so be ready to cozy up to your table partner (and those eating at the next table). I'll be back next summer, Boston! read more

BenCotto - Boston - Chicken & Eggplant Parmigiana - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Relaxed casual atmosphere with good food! We made a last minute same day reservation and got on no problem. Pizzas looked great. We came for the rollatini which did not disappoint. read more

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They give you a big portion and the food is delicious! With that said, my friend found a piece of hair on their plate and sent it back. The server brought out a new plate a while later that is steaming hot. I think they really wanted to emphasize that they made a new dish... Otherwise, it was nice inside with all the windows open and you can see people walking by outside, good vibes. Nothing unique about it being on Hanover street though. read more

BenCotto - Boston - Orechiette Bencotto - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Fabulous meal.....bruschetta, pumpkin ravioli, chicken and sausage pasta special. Service was top notch!

Was walking thru the North End on a gorgeous Fall day at the end of September 2024. Wanted to treat myself and I found the perfect place to do just that! BenCotto on Hanover Street. I was there around 1 pm on a Monday and was immediately seated. I opted for the salumi plate for one. It was outstandingly delicious!!!! Just the perfect serving size for one person (they also offer it for two people). A wonderful combination of meats cheeses marinated veggies bread and sweetness to include some jam and drizzled honey. I highly recommend and will be back ...living in Boston I can easily do but if you're visiting you'll be glad you stopped in! read more

Amazing! Simply Amazing! My family and I were looking for some great, not good, but great Italian for lunch. So we were guided here based on a recommendation, and we were so happy about it. Where to begin. Well, as you walk in, you will notice the place is quaint in both size and atmosphere. As we sat down, it was easy to soak in the energy from the street with the tall windows all wide open. We were then greeted by a delightful server and proceeded to place our drink order. As we reviewed the menu, I knew this was going to be a tough decision. So many delicious options. I finally settled on the Veal Picatta, with a twist. I absolutely needed to sample the homemade pasta and asked if I could substitute some pasta for the vegetables ... and it was not a problem. Then it all arrived and ... the portions were enormous! I stared at my plate for a moment taking it all in. So much pasta, so much veal, how am I going to eat all this food? But after one bite, I knew it was not going to be a problem. And then poof ... plate was empty. That's it gang. My belly was full and happy. Now please roll me out of here before they ask about dessert! read more

5 stars If you're looking for a cozy, authentic experience in the North End, Ben Cotta is a must. Tucked away on a charming street, this small, family-run spot is the kind of place that makes you feel like you've stumbled into someone's home -- if their home happened to serve incredible food and warm hospitality. The atmosphere is intimate and welcoming, with just the right amount of buzz and conversation in the air. You can tell there's heart behind everything -- from the way you're greeted at the door to the thoughtfully curated menu. Make a reservation -- and whatever you do, don't be late. The space is small (in the best way), and they run a tight ship to keep things running smoothly. It's worth it -- every dish we had was fantastic. Fresh ingredients, perfect seasoning, and that unmistakable homemade touch. The pasta? Unreal. The dessert? Let's just say I'm still thinking about it. Ben Cotta is a gem that stands out even in a neighborhood full of great food. We left full, happy, and already planning our next visit. read more

This is such a great spot. I knew from the moment the man sitting at the door said, "You hungry?" I was in the right place. This appears to be a family-run establishment and that's some of my favorite restaurants to enjoy a meal because you know they put everything into it. The food did not disappoint and it's a wonderful people-watching location. I'll definitely be back soon! read more

Anthony was an excellent waiter! He gave great suggestions and we were so pleased with our meal. The appetizer mushroom rice balls were super delish, the ravioli and my dish I can't remember the name but its the seafood pasta was flavorful and didn't need anything added. The restaurant is small but a local, friendly vibe. If you're in the area, definitely a place to stop in! read more

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Delicious! This small corner spot on Hanover Street has some of the best thin crust pizza in the city! Very underrated. Service is always quick and friendly as well. Highly recommend. read more

The food was amazing, reminded me of my recent trip to Italy. Service was impeccable even though we were there on a rainy busy Saturday night and the Ambience was perfect. read more

BenCotto - Boston - Pesto - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Nothing could have prepared me for how GOOD THIS PASTA WAS. So delicious and fresh. I would 100% recommend getting one of their fresh pastas. I knew this place was going to amazing when I saw the size of the place. It is small but they have a good number of tables and seating. The service was so fast and everyone was extremely nice and accommodating. I just loved this place seriously 10/10. read more

BenCotto - Boston - Carbonara Fusilli - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Wonderful dinner for 4 at BenCotto! First time here and it did not disappoint. Our server Megan was excellent ( & knowledgeable @GF options). Our friends started with the Shrimp Grand Marnier appetizer which they said was amazing. Everyone enjoyed their entrees as well. Restaurant is small (we did have reservations) and there were people waiting at the door but we never felt rushed. A great first time experience and we plan to be back! read more

We come to Boston every year and honestly I found one place that we always frequent. So I was a little hesitant to venture out to a new (to me) place in the North End, when I already had my go to. It's a quaint restaurant just like so many. They were able to accommodate our table of 6 the morning of a Saturday night. Once we go there it was only a 5 minute wait and the shuffled us off downstairs to the basement. Wow was it cool though. Live the history of these restaurants. Our server was Adriana and she was incredible! She checked on us frequently and so friendly, but never imposing. We started with the pumpkin ravioli and it was out of this world amazing! How could anybody top that. Then my dinner came. I had ordered the sausage carbonara. If it tasted nearly as good as it smelled...then I would be happy. Words can't even explain how amazing it tasted! Fresh and savory but that sausage was unbelievably good. I now have a new favorite! Can't wait to come back next year. read more

The food was great! Being ignored at the door and at the table was not. Five people standing around and worried more about a lady struggling with a rowing machine (yes, you read that correctly) and ignoring a patron is pretty poor. The restaurant was not busy, but after my server came, all was well. I ordered pretty quickly, and bread and oil were delivered. The oil was super fresh and delicious. The bread needed salt -- still really good. The carbonara was beyond incredible -- so much pancetta, and the fresh pasta was nicely al dente. And to end the meal was homemade limoncello- a small quantity, thankfully, and it was truly delightful. Bottom line - the food and the service after the wait was great. read more

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Excellent brick oven pizza. Authentic, delicious and filling. Service was fast and nice and the place was comfortable and cozy. read more

BenCotto - Boston - Rustic Shrimp Pizza and Porchetta Pizza - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

The atmosphere was great, service was great, and food was amazing! Best lasagna ever!

Solid pizza in north end. The gluten free pizza was disappointing though. It's a smaller pie than a regular crust pizza and it came out burnt on some ends. My friend had very little to eat with the smaller portion despite an extra charge for substituting the crust. It was quite crowded but food was pretty ordinary. read more

BenCotto - Boston - Benevento Pizza - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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