Dino's Cafe image

Dino's Cafe

Restaurant Italian restaurant

Italian standbys & hearty subs served for dine-in or take-out in an intimate spot with a few seats. People often mention chicken, service, great, Italian, friendly, sauce, good, steak, pasta, Boston,


Address

141 Salem St, Boston, MA 02113

Contact

(617) 227-1991

Price rating

$ $$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (783 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 11 AM to 10 PM
  • Friday: 11 AM to 10 PM
  • Saturday: 11 AM to 10 PM
  • Sunday: (Easter), 11 AM to 10 PM, Hours might differ
  • Monday: 11 AM to 10 PM
  • Tuesday: 11 AM to 10 PM
  • Wednesday: 11 AM to 10 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: chicken (19) service (16) great (15) Italian (12) friendly (12) sauce (11) good (9) steak (8) pasta (7) Boston (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Jea K. 2 years ago on Google
    Casual hole in the wall Italian spot with great subs and good pasta. After walking by this place several times, I noticed that this place was popular among the locals, and decided to give them a try. Got the steak bomb sub, mussels marinara, shrimp and calamari risotto, and some pasta. First of all, I loved the steak sub which had a nice kick with some peppers. Both the mussels and fruitti di mare were also perfectly seasoned and I liked the slight hint of spice that made them more interesting. Only miss was their white sauce calamari pasta. The sauce was really bland, and without other dishes with marinara sauce, it would’ve been almost impossible to eat it on its own. The risotto was also just average, but I liked how they still put seafood in large quantities. Definitely recommend trying out their subs, and if you’re going for pasta, go for the ones with regular marinara sauce.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jennifer 2 years ago on Google
    Let me tell you a story about a cup of ice. After finishing a tour of the Old North Church, I searched the area for an Italian restaurant that was casual with great reviews. That's when I came across this gem. Not only did my husband say it was the best Italian he's ever had (and we've had a lot of authentic Italian), the staff are simply wonderful. Now back to the ice...so we got a bottled Coke from the cooler. It wasn't cold, so my husband asked for a cup of ice. Well, they didn't have any in the cafe, so the owner says, I'll go across the street and get you some. He goes to the bakery next door and comes back with a full cup of ice for us so that we would have a cold Coke. Now THAT'S customer service! Everyone was so nice and the food was excellent. Definitely recommend. There are a lot of Italian places to choose from in the Neighborhood, but not all have the heart of these guys.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 SkyWalker vs. T. 2 years ago on Google
    First time in Boston, first restaurant visited. Obviously defrosted low quality ingredients + loads of salt to make up for lack of ingredients' flavor. Fast, simple and efficient service. Good portion. I saw all the great reviews and hence I chose this one due to price and the simple and small setting inside which made me feel comfortable to eat by myself. But I fail to comprehend how the prices are justified for the low quality and cooking process... I'm scared to think this is a normal standard for American versions of other cuisines. I shall stick to not visiting international cuisines while here. I am: + a very hungry Londoner/Spaniard + someone who has visited Italy a few times + with a mother lived in Italy and cooked what she learnt + with my boyfriend who is Italian and chef
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Riva K. 1 year ago on Google
    Owner was very friendly and wonderful customer service. Delicious food that was served fast and hot. But my boyfriend felt his chicken sandwich was not crunchy enough though
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Matt P. 7 months ago on Google
    I went there thanks to Mark Wiens. Very friendly service. I was there for the famed chicken parmesan sandwich. Lots of options from the menu. There were about 6 tables. The chicken parmesan sandwich lived up to the hype. Definitely one of the best chicken parmesan sandwiches I've had. The bread was fresh and not soggy from the sauce. The chicken was breaded & cooked perfectly. My friends also loved their dishes - one also had chicken parmesan and the other had fettuccine alfredo. We enjoyed Dino's so much, we ended up getting some food to go for our trip back - spaghetti and meatballs and a salad. Definitely coming back when in the area again!!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Winnie B. 9 months ago on Google
    My husband remembers getting the most delicious sandwiches from this place when he worked for EMS (over 10 years ago) and was stationed in the North End area. We were in the area and decided to try it again. Service was great. My husband remembers the man behind the counter…perhaps he’s the manager or owner. We ordered the steak bomb and Italian sub…both very flavorful and filling! They really do have the best bread!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gabe S. 1 year ago on Google
    Can you say service? How about “great food”! If you enjoy service with a smile and focused attention, Dinos is the place to be! This guy takes orders, brings the meals out to your table, answers the phone, greets his guests, and supervises the two kitchen staff! He’s not on his cell phone playing games or browsing snap book! He’s not running around like his hair is on fire! This guy is cool as a cucumber. And the food! Oh my! It’s as good as his service! I’ve eaten enough Italian food in my life to know what’s legit and what’s out of a can. I’d be surprised if this guy doesn’t grow his own tomatoes for his sauces and raise his own cows for his meatballs! If your in Boston and want real Italian food and want to be served like it was 1965, hit up Dinos and ENJOY!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jessica C. 2 years ago on Google
    Truly a hidden gem!! my friends and i were meandering around the North End looking for a place to eat that wasn't as outrageously expensive as any other place there—and my goodness, am i glad we chose to give this place a try! the man behind the counter (who seemed to be the owner) was incredibly friendly and the atmosphere of the service was so warm and comforting. i got a delicious shrimp scampi, my friends got gnocchi in marinara, pumpkin tortellini, a $7 glass of house red wine, and mussels in white sauce with spaghetti. we were given bottomless fresh bread to soak up our sauces with, sat outside in cute comfy chairs, and enjoyed our Saturday night in the North End without breaking the bank nor needing to stick to just pizza places! we WILL be back and recommend this place to everybody!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 ippotis 2 years ago on Google
    Great sandwitches. We loved their banquettes. Apparently they bake their baguette, that's why it is fresh, soft on the inside and crispy look on the outside. Portions are large. Don't forget to ask for the chili sauce.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nathan M. 1 year ago on Google
    Was touring the city from Indianapolis and kept hearing how amazing this place was....and they were right! Ordered the Chicken Parmesan Sub and literally was one of the best subs I've ever had. The flavors and size of what you get was bang for the buck! The inside is a little small but that's the charm of this place because it's inviting with perfect atmosphere of people in the city walking by. And lastly staff they were super friendly and made sure I had everything I needed. So if you're in Boston and what an amazing eat in Little Italy...go to Dino's!!! Because if they had this in Indianapolis where I live, I'd go every week.

  • 5/5 Caitlin S. 10 months ago on Google
    I’ve seen mixed reviews but we were super impressed by the chicken Parmesan sandwich. Bread was crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside. Great sauce flavor. Fresh basil. Delicious Parmesan. I’d eat it again and again.

  • 5/5 Amanda M. 1 year ago on Google
    I’ve heard good things about this place and I finally tried it. It’s a quaint little place on the corner at the end of Salem street. They have a pretty big menu and I finally decided on the steak Bellino. When I paid I thought wow that’s kind of expensive for a steak and cheese but I had no idea how big their sandwiches are! It’s basically two subs and it was so good! Totally worth it! I got take out and had to walk a bit to get home before eating it and it was still fresh and not soggy like subs usually get when you don’t eat them right away. I will definitely be back to try other things on the menu! The pictures I took don’t do it justice, it tastes much better than it looks in them!

  • 4/5 j h. 1 year ago on Google
    3.5 stars. Small local no frills Italian eatery with a small cozy interior. Friendly service! Dino greets you as you enter the door. We ordered the grilled chicken parm sub and chicken cutlet parm sub. The roll was chewy and crusty. I liked the grilled chicken parm better than the chicken cutlet sub. The chicken was juicier and tasted better since there was no breading on the chicken. Portions were generous. The pasta looked delicious as well. Maybe next time.

  • 3/5 Lisa S. 11 months ago on Google
    My husband and I watched a YouTube video that raved about the Chicken Parm 16" sub, so we had high expectations coming in while visiting Boston. Maybe because we have great food where we live and I'm a great cook, but I was not impressed. It was good, don't get me wrong, but nothing to write home about. I was also surprised by the extra fee to "share" the sandwich, it is 16" long. Raise the prices if you need to, but having a sharing charge makes it feel like I'm being nickel and dimed... This one aspect cheapened the whole experience. Nice cozy atmosphere. Homey feeling, service was friendly.

  • 5/5 Cynthia S. 4 months ago on Google
    Great chicken parm sub. The roll was outstanding and fresh; soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. Great value for the price. Next time, we will try either the Italian or the steak sub because they looked amazing!

  • 5/5 Jingle M. 8 months ago on Google
    An absolute gem of the North End. Food worthy of a palace, but at a 'local' rate. Ann and Mo keep everything simple, but have perfected the craft. I had penne with sausage and marinara, on par with a dish from Italy. The sausage was individually cooked, pasta fresh, and marinara made in house. Also tried the Gnoncchi with pink sauce, and it was excellent. Ann went above and beyond to ensure we were satisfied, and we had great Parziales cookies for dessert from across the street. Food came quick, service was very friendly, and was a nice relaxed atmosphere. Hope they will serve in Fenway Park some day!

  • 4/5 Richard L. 4 months ago on Google
    Life is short. F..it up! Family, Flavor, Friends The North end has plenty to offer the foodies out there. I finally try to get try this well I now place. Having watched reviews and videos I was looking forward to this. Got the chicken Parm since it was most reviewed. The bread was what made this a good sub,. Light crispy on the outside soft and chewy on the inside. The sauce and chix was as expected. Would recommend getting it toasted if you are not eating it right away. Next next will be the steak sub.

  • 5/5 Zachary P. 5 months ago on Google
    Great food! Got an excellent, humongous meatball sub and lobster ravioli. Fantastic! Small, intimate corner spot with personal service by what appeared to be the owner himself.

  • 5/5 Zafer E. 7 months ago on Google
    Came here solo twice, tried both their risotto and pasta primavera, they were both great. Nice atmosphere and very friendly staff, highly recommended. I will definitely be back!

  • 5/5 Ken Y. 1 year ago on Google
    Come here at night! The service is great! Staff are welcoming and price is decent for such a great quality food! After the meal, you can easily grab a pastry from across the street too, the Bova’s!

  • 5/5 Matt R. 1 year ago on Google
    Great lunch spot! Order at the counter and take a seat. It wasn’t busy, but it was raining on a Monday, so I’m guessing we got lucky. The kids loved the spaghetti and meatballs. I had a wonderful chicken parmigiana. Service was quick and very friendly.

  • 5/5 Andy N. 1 year ago on Google
    People are amazing. Garlic bread with cheese was great. The sandwiches were amazing. All 16” long. All bread is freshly baked in house. Dino’s Chicken sandwich had good mushrooms on it. Cheese steak italino has a lot of cheese. Meatball sub has a good amount of cheese and sauce, as well as meatballs.

  • 5/5 Buster S. 1 year ago on Google
    We saw Dino’s on a YouTube video and gave it a try while in town. It was wonderful! It was a great neighborhood staple. We went for the Chicken Parmesan (which was great), but fell in love with the fettuccine!!

  • 5/5 Caleb L. 2 years ago on Google
    This is simply the best sub I have ever had, Ann the owner was lovely, she was very friendly and was enjoyable to talk to. If you are looking for a place to eat in the north end, you found it. It’s a small hole in the wall place with character and fantastic food at an affordable price. Go, you will thank me later

  • 5/5 Matt R. 2 years ago on Google
    This was an exceptional hole in the wall Italian restaurant that gave me exactly what I was looking for. Amazing food with service that makes me feel like I'm back home in the midwest. Ann was super amazing with her service and my food was served quite fast. Definitely will come back with friends & family when I return to Boston.

  • 5/5 Krystal E. 2 years ago on Google
    First visit to Boston. Although the parking is limited, we managed to get a nearby spot. Dined in and ordered the fried chicken parm cutlet. It was sooooo delicious! Their ingredients are super fresh (saw the bread delivery person) and the staff showed excellent customer service and teamwork. The dining space was quiant but very clean & hand sanitizer was on every table. The owner came out from the back to make sure that we enjoyed our meal. You will not be disappointed.

  • 4/5 Trupti R. 2 years ago on Google
    Lobster ravioli is one of dishes everyone should try !!

  • 5/5 Jonathan 2 years ago on Google
    Delicious food best chicken parm I have ever had. The owners are really welcoming and friendly. I would come again next time I come to Boston. Must try!

  • 5/5 Ryan D. 2 years ago on Google
    This place was fantastic. Ana really took care of us and is very family friendly.

  • 5/5 Marcie R. 2 years ago on Google
    Oh my gosh yummmm. Somehow eating a 16 inch sub didn’t feel greasy. So so good :) we will be back

  • 5/5 John P. 2 years ago on Google
    Dino's is great. I had the chicken parm sandwich and I highly recommend. It's enough food for two. Dino himself is an awesome host and fun to talk to.

  • 5/5 Melissa A. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing and adorable. Our first stop on the north end did not disappoint. Plates are large and shareable. Prices are reasonable. Owner is so sweet and friendly.


Call (617) 227-1991 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Comfort food
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✓️ Delivery

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