Great Italian spot in the North End. I'm the atmosphere gives you the full North End Italian experience with open windows to Hanover Street. I had the Veal Toscanini which was fantastic. The person next to me ordered it and was drooling over it, so I had to try it and man was he right... definitely better than the 3.5 stars you are seeing on Yelp without the long waits for others. read more

The Florentine Cafe - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Nice little place! The food was excellent as was the service. I had the veal Marsala, my wife had the meatball appetizer. Both were very good and the bread they serve with dinner was to die for! Great bread with a melted butter dip that had spices in it that gave it a nice little kick. Our server was great and the cost was quite reasonable. The only thing I would would change is that I should have ordered a cocktail instead of a beer. The beer was fine but seeing some of the drinks the bartender was mixing made me want one! read more

Fun atmosphere HOWEVER I got an espresso martini maybe at 7:30pm and left after that one. Went to bed at 10pm and have been awake since 1am. Can't sleep. I have never had a problem sleeping after any espresso martini. Seeing this one made, she did equal parts espresso and vanilla vodka. If that's actual espresso and not coffee concentrate, that is ALOT of espresso, which is primarily what the drink tasted like - coffee. Most definitely would not get again especially at night. read more

We came across this cute little place while looking for a place to eat in Boston. It was ADORABLE. I appreciate small and quaint places like this. We ate inside as they do have outdoor seating as well. We started with an antipasto: cheeses & meats. It was very yummy! We then split the tortellini with mushrooms. All of their pasta is home made and so yummy! For dinner I had the chicken Marsala. It was delicious! Very much worth visiting and not very pricey for the great food that you get. I would definitely recommend this place in a heart beat! read more

The Florentine Cafe - Antipasto Capriccioso - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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This was the first place I ate at after a recent move to the North End. I enjoyed the Bolognese and it was a sizable portion. I would say the quality of it was good, but average for the North End. I've since had better Italian in the area. But what makes this a 4 is they have a really nice spot. The inside of the establishment is terrific, including a very comfortable bar area. So, the nice ambiance combined with good, if not great, food makes it a worthy spot to stop at. I will return. read more

There were 13 of us who descended on The Florentine Cafe for our recent brunch reservation. We loved the ambience and the food was INCREDIBLE. The pesto eggplant parmigiana was one of the best eggplant dishes I've ever tasted! Hats off to the serving staff, to the chef and to everyone in the kitchen who made our brunch spectacular. We had one vegan at our table, and a special, off-menu meal was prepared for her. I live out-of-state, but I can't wait to return and have a seat at one of the cozy, romantic tables in the wine cellar. HIGHLY RECOMMEND! read more

Really outstanding. The manager of the bar really knows her stuff. Great selections of liquors, wines and delicious mixed drinks. Don't miss it. The food menu is stellar. I had beef tenderloin wrapped in prosciutto, cooked perfectly as ordered, served with asparagus and amazing cheese / mushroom risotto, all on a reduction of balsamic. My husband had cod livornaise. The fish was light and flakey: perfectly cooked (and a very generous portion), served in a light but robust livornaise sauce. He loved it. If you're in the mood for really great Italian, in a wonderful setting (doors opened around the full perimeter) run, don't walk! read more

Love this place! Have been coming here for years and am never disappointed. The staff are always friendly and the food is fast yet well prepared and delicious! They have a beautiful layout with fresh flowers and overlook Saint Leonard's Church. Thank you to Max for the excellent service and to the chef for preparing a delicious dinner!!! read more

The Florentine Cafe - Linguine shrimp. DELICIOUS!!!! - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Excellent food, service, and atmosphere. Thank you for rescuing a dinner celebration for our son's 21st birthday after being treated by Riccardo's nearby in a disgusting manner where we had a two-week standing reservation. I would highly recommend it. read more

Sat at the bar on a busy Sunday but the bartenders were very nice and attentive and were even able to give a few recommendations on food. I went with the fusilli vodka with chicken and it was good but not anything life changing. I did the garlic bread without mozzarella because I was already doing a cream sauce and they literally just brought out a toasted baguette with minced garlic on it, no olive oil or butter. Was still good to have some crispy bread with my pasta but not exactly what I was expecting. read more

The Florentine Cafe - Fusilli Alla Vodka - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Gerta are waitress was awesome. Friendly and attentive. Food was incredible. I had chicken parmesan (one of my favs). My boyfriend had lobster, clams, shrimp over pasta. Great place for drinks. Little pricey. Wouldn't bring kids to this restaurant. I would come back. read more

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Well, usually Florentine Cafe has greatest Bolognese during dinner hour. Last week not so. Worst I've ever had there. Disappointed and now I'm on the hunt for best Bolognese in North End (again). . read more

The Florentine Cafe - My favorite north end restaurant. - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

I have been coming to this place / north end since I was a kid, but after the experience I just had I will NEVER go back to Florentine. My girlfriend and I were served the bruschetta only to find after a few bites there was a PILL inside of our food. We of course immediately pointed this out to our bartender. The food was brought and they then tried to just casually apologize and serve us the bruschetta AGAIN. It's not like we found a hair on our food (I get it mistakes happen) but a pill I would say is a bit different. I then asked the bartender to try and have a conversation as to what kind of pill it could have possibly been for the safety of my girlfriend and myself and said "it was probably just a mint". I spoke with no form of management and got a half ass apology from the bartender for finding a PILL in my food. We gave the food back and immediately left. I have never once gone out of my way to write a poor review for anything in my life and would never look to call out a place I have enjoyed going to for some time, but this was utterly ridiculous and needs to shared. read more

We came here last night with a group and sat downstairs. The atmosphere is very cozy and pleasant downstairs which is the reason for not giving one star. The disappointment was because of the extremely rude woman running the bar downstairs. It was truly shocking at how unpleasant she was. We try to be understanding with restaurant staff because it's not the easiest job, but her behavior was hard to look past. Doubt we'll return. read more

Made reservations. Had to wait awhile to be seated. After being seated over an hour passed and food was not served. We had to get to go boxes. What a waste of time and money. Btw it was a very special occasion. read more

This review is for 2 Items that to me are unbeatable And delicious. First- I am the pickiest person in the world about Eggplant parm. Too chewy, overcooked, too mushy Too oily, .... I just seem to find ways to criticize it Even though I love it so much. That said Florentine Cafe has completely hit it out of the park With the absolute most perfect tasting Eggplant I have ever tasted in my life !!!! Their " Sicilian Eggplant Parm " is so unbelievably Rich and delicious that I can't get enough of it It's flawless in every way ! Super thin sliced, perfectly coated with super fine bread crumbs, rich tasting cheeses, and formed Into a cake like shape, again, It Is like nothing I have ever experienced in my life ! Secondly, The Caesar Salad is out of this world with the best dressing I have ever tasted ! read more

NIGHTCAP Stopped in for some after dinner drinks. The bar was crowded with a vibrant bar scene. We were lucky enough to grab two seats at the end of the bar. I loved the beautiful wood bar. It was really something special to look at. I loved there bar menu. There was a huge suggestion of martinis. I went with the St Germaine Martini which is made with Ketel One Oranjestad Vodka with St Germaine, fresh lime juice and a dash of blueberry juice. Our bartender Gino was great and suggested it might be too sweet. He then modified the recipe to make it more manly and less sweet. Gino rocks for keeping my manhood intact. We did not have dinner but I peaked at the dinner menu and everything looked delicious. I would consider coming back to eat. At around 10pm the tables were all empty but the bar was packed, so it is a lively atmosphere, if you are looking for that during a school night. I'll have to come back for dinner sometime but I can highly recommend the drinks. Make sure you get Gino to make them because he was great. read more

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Loved this place!! One of the only restaurants in the area that didn't have a massive wait. They sat 2 people immediately. The bread and olive oil was delicious. Lots of red pepper. The spicier the better! Then I got the lobster ravioli was delicious! Very filling and just the right amount of food. Airy cafe with beautiful window seats pictured below. Great place! read more

The Florentine Cafe - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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I have been eating in the North End since i was a kid, and this was hands down the best meal I've had! We had our anniversary dinner here on a Busy Sunday night during COVID. They sat us at a beautiful window table (most of the seating was outside on the extended sidewalk) and the service from beginning to end was wonderful. We had meatballs as an app (outstanding! Just like my grandmother's) i had the fusilli alla vodka which was absolutely heavenly, and the chicken was very tender. My fiancé had the chicken parm which was HUGE and delicious. We shared a tiramisu for dessert- now tiramisu is how i judge a place as I'm a bit of a snob about it- this was one of the best tiramisu I've had. Can't wait to come back! read more

Three of us went. Three of us did not care for it. Seevice was slow and food was just ok. My friend asked for hot tea and they said they didnt have any. While waiting for our meal she wemt to a little store across the way to get herself some tea. What restaurant doesnt have tea?? read more

Burrata prosciutto with two cocktails was good and we were seated quickly. The interior has a lovely design and our service was good.

Super great food and great service. Quaint atmosphere. I recommend the Bolognese and pollo Al Limone! read more

The Florentine Cafe - Pollo al Limone - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

I can't say 1 good thing about this place. From overpriced drinks and food to horrendous service, this place blows. When I tell you I puked my brains out, I mean I flooded the Boston sewer system. The Lobster Rav stated like it came straight out the sewer and that's where it ended back up right after my meal. If you want a drink there, order ahead so it actually comes on time. Go anywhere else in the North End. I've lived here for 10 years by far worst boston restaurant I've gone to. read more

Came back again! It was 6:30pm on a Saturday, the bar and seating area upstairs was packed. Been there several times before I know there's seating in the lower level. There was 6 of us--4 got their signature lobster ravioli and 2 of us got the Linguine scampi aka the shrimp scampi. All was great of course, everyone was very happy with their food, per usual! read more

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We descended upon Florentine Cafe one chilly night, a large army of hungry foodies coming straight from work. Wine and martinis were ordered, service was performed (SERVICE, not SERVICES) and food was shared and devoured. It was epic. Top points for the friendly service, esp. our waiter, who was almost a stereotype of the young, jovial, fast-talking "wisecracker" Italian guy. He put up with our endless questions, confusion, last-minute changes, substitutes and irrational need to split our bill over 7 credits cards + cash. What a trooper! I'm so used to North End restaurants only serving wine that I was amazed by their list of delicious-sounding martinis and couldn't resist ordering me a Vanilla Cake. It was so good, my friend and I got the bartender's recipe on a napkin. Now to recreate back home. Unoriginality is fun! Fooood. The calamari was pretty tasty and plentiful, and not too batter-y. The tuna carpaccio had good garnishes but the tuna itself was lacking in flavor. The eggplant came smothered in delicious tomato sauce which therefore validated its reason to exist for me. For entrees, a whole bunch of us got the second thing under Pasti, the one with thick noodles, clams and arugula. Apparently, it was our waiter's favorite and that's why most people ordered it, but I turn part-deaf when I have alcohol and actually didn't hear him say that, so I like to think I ordered it because I have fabulous taste in what other people like. I tried the sea bass and it was also good as was the mushroom ravioli and vegetarian lasagna with pesto. Chitchat was our dessert and we closed out the place, though they were super-nice and never treated us as impositions. Fun times. read more

I've never seen an episode of Jersey Shore, but Wonder Twin has & was spewing, in her best joy-zee voice, "Cabs ahh hea!" every time a cab passed by. The host--muscular with tats & great hair--and our waiter--awesome, genuine Italian accent--must have inspired her. The minced garlic & crushed chili flakes in olive oil *kisses fingers* omg, delicious accompaniment to their bread. Wonder Twin's dish of thick ribbons of pasta, half a lobster tail, mussels, shrimp in a spicy tomato sauce looked great. My rigatoni with shrimp scampi was a little boring. There were a few crushed tomatoes in the butter sauce; I wish there were more. Shrimp were large & nicely cooked. Total for 2 bowls of pasta & a glass of Chardonnay: ~$54 Super friendly staff, but with 99 other Italian restaurants in this area, I'm not likely to try them again. Props for being open later than anyone else on Sunday nite. Speaking of cabs...cost of cab ride from Florentine Cafe to Cambridge: $24. "Cabs ahh hea!" read more

The Florentine Cafe - Olive oil w/ garlic & crushed red pepper flakes - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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The food here is not good. All of the seafood was significantly overcooked. Although many other restaurants on the strip were not open, Florentine Cafe was. I wish it wasn't. For the cost of the meal, the seafood in the Zuppa di Pesce was barely edible. Too bad. I would have sent it back had I not felt bad that all other restaurants were closed and this was open. Many other better options for food in the area than this. Bar was hopping and loud. Wine was decent. read more

my favorite place in the north end. ambiance is perfect for a date night but always come here with my girls for the drinks and pasta. not too expensive for the north end too read more

I am always amazed by the restaurants on Hanover Street in the North End. Anywhere you look, there is a small italian restaurant and they all seem to be excellent! Florentine Cafe was no exception. The lobster ravioli was delicious with a good amount of lobster, fresh pasta and a creamy vodka sauce. The restaurant is small and tables are close together but the service and food are excellent. read more

The Florentine Cafe - Lobster Ravioli - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Not even from Boston but I've already been to Florentine the 2 times I was visiting. First time we just stumbled by it looking for a nice Italian place in the North End to have dinner. Ambiance in the restaurant is great (especially during Christmas time) and the wine and food are delicious! Highly highly recommend the chicken parm & the lasagna. Every time I go back to Boston this is where I will go for a delicious nice Italian dinner! read more

Great Filet. I had the Prosciutto wrapped Filet with Asparagus and Risotto with a mushroom glaze. The steak was very flavorful and risotto was excellent. The service was average, but the food made up for it. read more

The Florentine Cafe - Filet and Risotto. - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

A few months ago when my family and I started going here I would have given 5 stars. But within the last few months the food has tasted worse each time (I get the same thing everytime I go) and the service somehow gets worse as well. The hosts and waiters are inattentive and almost seem annoyed by their tables most of the time. I've repeatedly watched our waiters all stand together and talk instead of coming to take orders. I'm aware with everything going on in the world to be more patient with waitstaff but making eye contact with your server for 10 minutes while they talk to their friends instead of coming to your table to greet you is ridiculous. read more

The food here was ok! The calamari was good but cold when it got to us but the portion was good enough for 4 people. I got this seafood mixture with pasta and it was pretty good. There was a few clams and shrimp and a piece of lobster meat. The taste was good and it was filling. My friend got the veal pasta and that was good - good for you meat lovers out there, but there is a very distinct veal taste, so if you don't like that don't get it. My other friend got shrimp scampi and that was my least favorite dish because it was tooooooooo buttery! The best dish of the night was the lobster ravioli! If your gonna go here for dinner go for the lobster ravioli! I would stay away from the shrimp scampi unless you love butter! Other than that the price I guess is kinda average for North End, but I've always thought food in that area was too expensive. I'd honestly rather spend 12$ at a chain restaurant for a plate of pasta rather then 23$ for a plate of pasta in the North End. To me it's not worth it, pasta is pasta doesn't matter where i get it! read more

Florentine Cafe has that extra, something- something. Every time my sister and I go here we end up having the best time. The environment is dark and moody, the drinks are outstanding, the environment is fun and lively, and the location is in the middle of the North End/Little Italy=prime real estate. Every time my sister and I are dining in the area, we grab a drink at Florentine. Last time I was there they had pineapple infused vodka that they served in a martini glass. To my dismay, they didn't have that this time around but they did redo their cocktail menu and they offered great Aperol and Campari spritzes. As I prefer bitter/tart over sweet, I ordered a Campari spritz and my sister ordered a glass of Rosè. We were fortunate enough to find two seats at the bar, before the place really started packing in. I remember the last time we were there, the music was a little bit more lively and louder, this was a little bit more subdued but still a fun environment. I've never tried food here but I do believe they have a solid menu. I'll save that for my next visit. For whatever reason, this has become a staple in our North End routine, I definitely recommend enjoying a drink here along the way as there is so much to do in the area. I recommend using a rideshare service because parking is difficult in this area. Enjoy! read more

The extremely bland food combined with the poor customer service made this an overwhelmingly disappointing experience. We ordered a bottle of Pinot Noir (which came out warm), and ordered a nearly completely tasteless bolognese and veal parm. Seeing that we were on Hanover in the heart of North End, we were astounded that there would be any bad Italian food. It tasted like there was zero salt and the sauce was merely canned tomato paste. Our waiter (younger guy with dark hair) never returned to the table to ask how we were doing or if we needed something, so we had to ask one of the other female servers to help us out twice. There are several other Italian restaurants on Hanover and nearby that are far more worth the money and time. read more

The food didn't taste very authentic. There are plenty of better places in North End.

Pizza Bianca, delicious. Don't make out with anyone afterwards. Perfect to split with a beer and very filling. And the bar staff has been attentive and helpful! Definitely a great stop in little Italy with the open area, light coming into the bar, and friendly people. read more

The Florentine Cafe - Great white pizza, definitely to share - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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The service and antipasto appetizer were fantastic, but the dinner's sublime lack of flavor was practically impressive. We got the vodka sauce and chicken parm. You can get better vodka sauce from a jar, the chicken was the kind they serve in an aluminum tray at a late night pizza joint, and the penne served with the chicken came in some cheap tomato sauce acidic enough to neutralize bleach. We asked for a salt shaker to try to salvage the wreckage, but even the salt shaker was of some pretentious design that distributed only the faintest dusting of sodium, requiring that you basically ShakeWeight the thing to get any out. It was as if the entire enterprise had conspired to create a sensory deprivation chamber for our taste buds. Except for the appetizer - the prosciutto, arugula, and cheese were really good. But get this - it also came with a surprise pile of tuna. Not like ahi tuna or sushi - like albacore tuna from a tin. Yep, just some crumbly bits of fish. Put your name in elsewhere and come get an appetizer over here while you wait. read more

We tried to eat there Friday March 18th. We got in line, two other couples ahead of us and after 10 mins they both left. We thought great, we're next, but after waiting another 10 min with none of the employees acknowledging us, we asked if we were going to be seated. As if we were bothering them they sat us. All the employees seemed mad and uncaring. Finally a server came to take our initial order for wine. When my wife's wine came, it had a hair in it. That was it, we told the server and walked out. We should have walked out with the other two couples that were waiting ahead of us! Employee's attitude tells me alot about the quality and cleanliness of any restaurant. I don't recommend this place at all. read more

We were looking for the "spot", happened to walk into this location and met an amazing hostess's ( she was amazing on 8-29-21).. she immediately told us about the best things on the menu, even her favorite the gnocchi with bolongese! Went to the bar, had dinner and the best drinks and service with Max! Best spot I have been too! read more