Rino's Place image

Rino's Place

Restaurant Italian restaurant

Homey family-owned restaurant known for homemade pasta & Italian comfort-food favorites. People often mention Boston, pasta, lobster, amazing, Italian, great, staff, good, ravioli, delicious,


Address

258 Saratoga St, Boston, MA 02128

Website

rinosplace.com

Contact

(617) 567-7412

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (1.2K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 3 to 9 PM
  • Friday: 11 AM to 9 PM
  • Saturday: 3 to 9 PM
  • Sunday: (Easter), Closed, Hours might differ
  • Monday: 3 to 9 PM
  • Tuesday: 3 to 9 PM
  • Wednesday: 3 to 9 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Boston (14) pasta (13) lobster (13) amazing (10) Italian (9) great (8) staff (8) good (8) ravioli (8) delicious (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 2/5 Lydia 1 year ago on Google
    I would like to start by saying that I'm not a food critic or anything, but definitely ate stuff better than this. The food was HUGE. Like a whole plate was for 3 adults and 1 child. I had high expectations, but was disappointed. Specifically on the menu it said we can't split meals. Seriously? Nobody would ask if the plate was smaller, and I'm surprised the restaurant has such high ratings considering that the food wasn't great. Just because Guy Fieri was there doesn't mean the food is 5/5 stars. People say there's parking, but it's on a busy street with people that have a hard time parking, but maybe that's Massachusetts. I had the calamari, and was expecting something better, but the noodles were so thick. I'm not a home-made pasta hater, but god I couldn't stomach it. The staff was kind, but only had service when getting seated, getting food and drink, and getting checks. I wished that it was better, but had 3 bites before I was done. Gluten free people beware! Favorite part was probably the ginger ale. Good luck :)
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nick R. 2 years ago on Google
    Hands down the best Italian in Boston. It honestly might be the best Italian I've ever had. I got the chicken parm that came with amazing homemade pasta. My wife got the lobster rav that without a doubt stole the show. We also got a few apps that were delicious, but completely unnecessary because of the ridiculous portion sizes. This place is a bit pricey, but worth every penny.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Scott K. 1 year ago on Google
    My wife read that Rino's was the best Italian in Boston. While I have not had them all, I can't imagine anywhere having better. The specials/menu options are ridiculous (in a good way with so many options.) Our server was very helpful in guiding us through our first visit. I'm writing this review with a full belly hours later and ready to sleep. Definitely get the lobster ravioli but seriously, everything we ordered was outstanding and everything I saw go to other tables looked amazing.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michelle K. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing. Rino’s is the best pasta I’ve ever had. The bottles of wine were reasonable. The proportions were large so there was plenty to take home and have as a second meal. The rino’s special had so much flavor and the cream sauce was stable. The scallop and lobster special was perfectly cooked with huge tender shrimp and three lobster tail portions.12/10 recommend!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Artur R. 1 year ago on Google
    Finally found some time to visit this legendary restaurant. This photo can tells you more than others. I literally forgot about any cameras when guys gave me the huge plate. It was lobster ravioli with a lot of delicious souse and also pretty enough of lobster meat. 10 stars for sure!!! $41 for this awesome dinner
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 KaLe E. 2 years ago on Google
    I wish I took a photo of the fried eggplant topped with tomato and mozzarella with pesto sauce, cause it was out of this world!!!!! We had this as an appetizer and I could have easily eaten it as an entree. Definitely order this!!! For dinner I had a vegetarian pasta dish with pesto sauce, and that was all wonderful too. Oh, their amaretto dessert was splendid! This place is a hidden gem, thank you for being unique and different compared to those at the North End.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Annop L. 1 year ago on Google
    The calamari one was delicious, tho the clam pasta was bit too salty. Very large portion of food. The pasta in every dish is just great. And Great service too.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Starr Z. 2 years ago on Google
    I was visiting Boston and only had one night and wanted to eat some authentic Italian food. My family took me to Rino's and it was exquisite. The food was amazing with a real downhome vibe. A must visit.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 william s. 8 months ago on Google
    Wife told me to try this place out whilst I was in Boston for a conference. The restaurant decor is quaint, I liked it. The wine selection was good and the pours reflected the price. I was pretty disappointed with the scallop limoncello. The scallops were frozen so they were really soggy and when you get frozen seafood, sometimes you bite into it and you get this ammonia smell which means that somewhere along the supply chain the product had thawed and was putrefied then refrozen. Not the restaurant’s fault but it sure doesn’t make me want to go back. The lobster ravioli’s were American size. It really stuffed me. It was good. It was basically lobster ravioli served in a lobster bisque. Intensely strong flavours. My only suggestion would be to ask if there’s any fresh seafood in before ordering the specials. Otherwise stick with regular stuff. Chef obviously knows what he’s doing but the scallops left me disappointed.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cassondra S. 1 year ago on Google
    The food was excellent. We traveled all the way from Jacksonville, Florida to try the Lobster Ravioli and it was well worth the flight. We also had the Gnocchi and the 1/2 order of the Fried Calamari, shrimp and scallops as well as a plethora of desserts.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sheau N. 2 years ago on Google
    Great home made Italian food in east Boston. Pastas made in the house to order. Generous portions. Can be crowded since the dining area isn’t huge.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Debby De A. 2 years ago on Google
    This is one of the two best places in Boston. One the special was a bone in veal parm that was HUGE and awesome. Wish they would still take reservations for large parties.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alba Casado P. 2 years ago on Google
    Fresh and delicious huge portions , appetizers entrees and desert great service family oriented atmosphere reasonable prices. Highly recommend if I could give it 6 stars I would!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Robert Oren E. 1 year ago on Google
    Great food and great experience for us as visitors from out of town. Not only were the staff members welcoming and helpful, but so were the neighbors we encountered as we waited to be seated and wandered the neighborhood. The staff t-shirts made us laugh, visiting the bathroom in the kitchen was worth the trip (!), and the food was excellent! Parking is on the street in the neighborhood, so be prepared to circle a while looking for a space. Portions are enormous and no splitting, so be prepared for that too.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Grant D. 2 years ago on Google
    Awesome food and portion size! The Frito Misto was lightly breaded, seasoned and fried. Crispy and delicious! Everything was served hot and streaming. Will definitely return next time we're in Boston
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dobie G. 5 months ago on Google
    I’m from Texas. Was fortunate enough to get to visit this fine establishment for dinner before I went back home. Bottom line…we don’t have Italian food like this in Texas. Period. So I can’t really compare it to anything. But everything about this place is awesome and unique. It’s not just the food. It’s the culture, work ethic, and authenticity. If I had to compare it to Texas BBQ, it’s the Snows BBQ of Italian food in Massachusetts. And if you really know anything about BBQ, you know I’m basically saying it’s the real deal.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Diane M. 2 years ago on Google
    Rino's Place Saratoga St E. Boston. Went today, the service was excellent. Food was a 95% out of 100. Limoncello shrimp app was too sweet for my taste, not my favorite. Shrimp were cooked beautifully, though. The family sized salad (for 4) was fresh but could have used more dressing. Kinda skimpy with the bread and butter, though they brought more when I asked. The lobster ravioli appetizer was really good but the pasta part was not cooked through...some hard bits. The real rockstar here is the Veal. Both the Veal Parm and the Veal Marsala were very, very good. The Veal is flavorful, tender and juicy, & perfectly cooked. Probably the best I've ever had. I love the homemade pasta too(extra charge, the meals otherwise come with Barilla pasta). The House Merlot was tasty. We went at 4pm on a Monday to avoid the wait as I am physically disabled and can't stand outside and wait very long. Although the place is tiny, the staff is kind, friendly and very accommodating. I do however recommend a small but sturdy grab bar on the outside of the front door on the left, because even though it is only two steps in, it is hard to navigate with mobility issues and age. I did not check the accessibility of the restrooms because I didn't see any. I do highly recommend Rino's Place, and I was so happy to have finally had the chance to go there. I've been wanting to visit for ages! Thank you all for your kindness and hospitality. I hope to return to sample some of your other offerings!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 brianlidawg 6 months ago on Google
    Just go here. Everything you've seen and read are true, legit the BEST pasta I've had in Boston. The food is amazing, service fantastic, ambiance homey and relaxed, location slightly out of Boston but well worth it, and the prices are amazing for the amount of quality food you get. Truly a 10/10 and would recommend!

  • 5/5 Boyd A. 2 years ago on Google
    Another night of epic food.. our anniversary for our anniversary marriage and there was a line at 3pm,.no worries. Sat had a bread butter, wife had a sangria and a gingerale. Always food is awesome and staff could be better but was awesome ..

  • 5/5 JP M. 5 months ago on Google
    Wow! What an intimate eating experience. We had to wait about 20 minutes outside. No reservations are taken. It is worth it. POWER THROUGH. The food here is amazing. Pillow like gnocchi. The sauce was not overly sweet. The anacini was crisp on the outside stuffed inside with peas. The chicken parmigiano served with choice of pasta. My friend selected ziti. The chicken cutlet was pounder out to almost cover the whole plate. It was lightly fried. The butter lemon sauce on the other chicken dish served with mushrooms over linguini was epic. The bill came to $145.00 with tip. Plus a glass of wine, an iced tea, and a ginger ale. Water Pitchers on table. Oh only about 10 tables. But push out of your mind....the Food was A M A Z I N G ....I ubered here...parking is hard...

  • 5/5 Mary G. 6 months ago on Google
    I really didn't think I would leave a review for this place because it'd just get lost in a sea of great reviews, but I have to. This was maybe the best meal I've ever had in my life. The place is quaint. The staff makes you feel like you're a regular at your local diner. And then the food is just frickin phenomenal. My fiance and I both ordered specials, which change daily but if they have beef short rib with risotto and walnut roasted pork tenderloin with prune sauce get those meals. They're out of this dang world.

  • 5/5 Jenn L. 7 months ago on Google
    Love love love!!! Always amazing food so much of it, staff is amazing and they have the best atmosphere. You never mind the wait because the food is worth every min waiting. We love it here as does my family.

  • 5/5 Marc M. 6 months ago on Google
    Great place!! Their food is excellent, I went here to celebrate my sister's 75th birthday. The place is small but they were very kind to accommodate our party of 16. I had the bolognese while others had the lobster ravioli . The servers were friendly and attentive. The atmosphere was friendly and enjoyable. Thank you, Rino's Place and your patrons, for your patience. You are all great!!! Definitely recommend this place.

  • 4/5 Madison I. 7 months ago on Google
    Calamari and steamed mussels appetizers were delicious! Pasta was thicker than expected and red sauce wasn’t too tasty - little watery, but overall really good spot.

  • 5/5 Jake Kathryn Buchan C. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing homemade pasta and desserts! The atmosphere is perfect, too. Wait was very long because they only have a few tables. Appears a lot of locals just do take out... And honestly, if you have to go at peak time, it's worth considering! But really enjoyed our meal and the staff is friendly and fun.

  • 5/5 Alyssa Myers (. 1 year ago on Google
    This was the most delicious meal I’ve ever eaten. I wish I could give them a million stars. It’s a small little place but that’s what I loved about it. From the bread to the wine, to the appetizer and the entree, I was literally drooling. Please come here if you’re ever in Boston. It was amazing!

  • 5/5 Sharon H. 2 years ago on Google
    Food is amazing and a portion could have fed the 3 of us.. so basically you won't leave hungry but you will leave with left overs! Their homemade pasta is top notch. Husband got the veal chop (wish I had put utilitie by it so you could tell the size better) it was definitely Fred Flintstone size 😉. We were on vacation and someone recommended...will be back when on Boston!

  • 5/5 L B. 2 years ago on Google
    The best Italian food I've ever eaten. We make sure to eat at Rinos every time we visit Boston.

  • 5/5 Katie R. 2 years ago on Google
    I’ve lived in Boston many years, been to most places in the North End, but Rino’s is my favorite Italian. The menu is fantastic. The layered eggplant appetizer is my top pick. Be advised they don’t take reservations for parties under 6 and the wait can be very long, plan ahead! Worth it. Their lobster ravioli was featured on DDD and it’s very good.

  • 5/5 Erin G. 2 years ago on Google
    Lives up to the hype. The lobster ravioli is a must, but everything is so good. Get there early to beat the crowds and enjoy a leisurely meal.

  • 5/5 Denise L. 2 years ago on Google
    Wow! Everything we ate was crazy delish! The portions are more then generous, and the tastes where nothing short of spectacular. The service was great too! Ron and Diane made us feel at home, and the chefs were care sweet as the fabulous desserts! Glad we made the 1500 mile trip from Florida to Rino's place! Denise LaRoche

  • 5/5 Kenn K. 2 years ago on Google
    Visiting from DC. Got take out during dinner time. Ordered the Lobster Ravioli and Spaghetti Bolognese. They are incredible, both filled with deep, rich flavors with their own unique taste. I’m so glad I went here. Thank you Rino’s 🙏

  • 5/5 Thomas G. 2 years ago on Google
    Wonderful atmosphere and food. Homey and casual, a great place to go for a meal. You’ll go home with plenty of leftovers too.


Call (617) 567-7412 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free street parking
    • ✓️ Difficult to find a space
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
    • ✓️ Comfort food
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery

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