Arya Trattoria image

Arya Trattoria

Restaurant Italian restaurant

Intimate trattoria serving upscale, classic Italian specialties & tasting menus with a modern twist. People often mention restaurant, service, Italian, pasta, amazing, delicious, great, meatballs, experience, good,


Address

253 Hanover St # 2, Boston, MA 02113

Website

www.aryatrattoria.com

Contact

(617) 742-1276

Price rating

$$$ $

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (369 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 5 to 10 PM
  • Friday: 5 to 10:30 PM
  • Saturday: 5 to 10:30 PM
  • Sunday: (Easter), 5 to 10 PM, Hours might differ
  • Monday: 5 to 10 PM
  • Tuesday: 5 to 10 PM
  • Wednesday: 5 to 10 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: restaurant (12) service (12) Italian (10) pasta (10) amazing (10) delicious (10) great (9) meatballs (9) experience (9) good (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 Mina 1 year ago on Google
    Not sure why this place is so highly rated. It was incredibly diappointing that we went to this place because of it's 4.6 rating and got 1 star food. First of all, the waiter was not careful at all when pouring our wine so basically did not get all the wine we paid for. Secondly, the seafood I got (especially the lobster) was disgustingly overcooked. Felt like I was chewing on rubber bands. Couldn't even say anything because our waiter didn't even come back until it was time for the check. Finally, my vegetarian husband was served LETTUCE, a mountain of mushrooms, and only 3 pieces of ravioli for a dish we paid almost $30 for. Extremely unbalanced, unflavored dish with components that didn't even make sense. Worst of all, the owner was literally sitting at the bar on his phone and not we were trying to get his attention since the waiter disappeared. No wonder this place was such a disappointment; it's so poorly run. Never going back again. There are plenty of other great Italian places literally right next door or across the street. Avoid!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Jea K. 1 year ago on Google
    Typical Italian restaurant in the North End with great service but mediocre food. My friend and I came here on a Sunday night while looking for a decent pasta place. Located on the second floor, the place looked like a hidden gem, and we were excited when we saw all the outstanding reviews. We were able to get a table without a wait, and our server was very friendly. However, food was by all measures just okay. I wasn't sure where all the positive reviews were coming from, but among the ones I've tried in North End, these were definitely on the lower end of the spectrum. Unevenly seasoned with coarse salt, the calamaris were plain and simple. I liked the extra scallion toppings, but overall, it lacked flavor. The halibut entree was overcooked, and the only thing we liked were the cauliflowers. The bolognese was also a watery disaster. The only thing I could taste was the tomato sauce, and even that was very faint. I've had better pasta at high school cafeterias, and if we weren't hungry, we would've left the place after taking our first bites. The only redeeming quality of this restaurant was their service, and the portions served for the price. I definitely wouldn't go back for their food, and unless you're looking for a place to go without a reservation, I would recommend going somewhere else.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Daniel M. 2 years ago on Google
    My favorite spot in the North End. Be sure to book ahead with plenty of time. The owner Massimo is a legend and makes you feel at home. Very cool, old world ambience. Highly recommend doing the fare de viaggio (chef sends out the courses - you dont choose anything!) and eating family style to try as much as possible! A must try when you come to Boston!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John T. 1 year ago on Google
    Look the food in this place was off the chart good.the staff was also amazing.we ate at the bar because the place was packed. First we started with a great red wine and Italian bread and olive oil.then we had some amazing char grilled octopus. So soft and amazingly tasty.after that it was on to some oso buco with polenta with minced carrot in a light tomato broth.very tasty and definitely fresh.then we had a pasta with a bolognese ragout.the pasta was fresh and al dente and I could have liked the plate is was so awesome. I did not have room for dessert then but I did finish with a glass of lemoncello.which was very refreshing. Do yourself a favor.if your in bostons north end eat here, if you can get in.definitely get a reservation. I cannot wait for my next trip to Boston and this little restaurant.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tiffany G. 2 years ago on Google
    I couldn’t recommend this establishment enough. I had an absolutely phenomenal time and if I were from Boston, without a doubt, I would be a regular. Where do I even start, the service was top notch exceptional, the wine smooth and savory, the food was mouth watering (the best ribeye and Tiramisu I’ve had) and the environment was fun, chill and classy, all at once! Some food recommendations: Order the meatballs for an appetizer. The meat was unbelievably tender and the sauce was so delicious that I had the rest of it alone like a soup. For an entrée, you can’t go wrong with pasta but the ribeye was JUST RIGHT, flavorful, tender and super juicy. Finally, dessert, Tiramisu or cheesecake. The Tiramisu tasted like it was made in Italy (the only one that I’ve had that has measured up to the one I had abroad) and the cheesecake was so tasty, I was taken aback. If you’re looking for some great Italian food or some really good steak, this is the place to visit!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Orlando T. 1 year ago on Google
    This place is amazing, the gnocchi is to die for, truffle Caesar salad was the best I ever had and they had amazing drinks. I would definitely recommend this restaurant.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jordan S. 1 year ago on Google
    This spot is a staple of the North End. We had such a wonderful experience here—the food, service, and atmosphere were phenomenal. Reservations are a must, so plan ahead but it will be so worth it!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alon S. 1 year ago on Google
    Arya was recommended by our hotel bartender, and boy was he right. Fantastic meal, great atmosphere. We didn't have reservations, but lucked out w an empty table by the bar. Certainly not ideal, but better than watching from the outside. I was too lazy to look through the menu, but then spotted their Fare Un Viaggio, a three course per person meal that was picked by the Arya team. They consulted about any dietary restrictions, and my daughter is lactose intolerant, which was no problem here. Calamari and lamb chops, rigatoni with bolognese, fish of the day (I forgot which, but thought it was halibut) on diary-free risotto and prime rib. What a fantastic meal. Make a reservation and give Arya a visit. They are in the second floor.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Emily H. 11 months ago on Google
    Tight space, pretty loud, but other than that a typical Italian restaurant feeling. Took a while for our server to greet us and begin service. Calamari & truffle fries for appetizers were tasty. Market fish was salmon - the largest piece of fish I’ve ever been served, and was shocked the price for this size (way less than I expected). It tasted a little bland, though. Overall would try another restaurant before returning here again (given the sheer number of options), but this isn’t a bad choice in the north end.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Matt C. 7 months ago on Google
    Amazing atmosphere in here, one of my go-tos in the North End. The owner is always present and making sure people have an incredible experience. 3 can’t miss menu items. Meatballs, truffle ceasar salad, rigatoni bolognese.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Karen F. 9 months ago on Google
    This is a small restaurant and we are at the bar. The food was beautifully prepared and delicious to eat! It included bread and olive oil. Order the meatballs. You get 3 and they are excellent. Lobster ravioli and the fresh fish were fabulous.

  • 5/5 Mary F. 4 months ago on Google
    Excellent pasta & tiramisu! Espresso and cocktails were also fantastic. Great service. If I ever pass through Boston again, this is a guaranteed stop!

  • 5/5 Elizabeth L. 4 months ago on Google
    This is an absolutely wonderful restraunt and the staff truly care about customers like family. My family came straight from the airport at 9:30pm. I assumed we would be rushed to make it out by closing time- but not a chance. They were committed to a pace and tempo that emphasizes maximum enjoyment of each course. The steak and meatballs where standout--as the reviews predicted. However, the lamb chops were also delicious and should definitely get more mentions. All that being said- my family was an absolute disaster. My youngest knocked over a full wine glass...and then vomited all over our table. The atmosphere is young and trendy, and I expected real disdain for these accidents. However, the staff was so kind and accommodating- they actually seemed to care about the well being of my child. Being from Miami, I don't know of any trendy spot that would have been so gracious. Thanks to this whole team. Go for the food- go back for the food and the people!! 10/10

  • 4/5 J N. 1 year ago on Google
    Very good food. Just wish I had ordered something different. Found my dish quite oily. The meatball was spectactual and I tried some of my friends dishes and they were also amazing. The bolognese was amazing.

  • 5/5 Josh G. 5 months ago on Google
    Amazing food and amazing service. Chicken parm with vodka sauce is a must (make sure to tell them you want it on the chicken and not just the pasta). The meatballs are also delicious

  • 5/5 Ben O. 5 months ago on Google
    I thought it was delightful. Staff were spirited and super friendly. The meatballs were as good as everyone says, like best I’ve ever had!

  • 5/5 Krystyna T. 2 years ago on Google
    This is hands down our favorite restaurant of all time. My husband and I are self-described “foodies” and we have now been to Arya twice. During both visits, we did the 3 course tasting menu and the experience is indescribable. Not only do you feel like you’re in someone’s home, you feel welcome and loved to be there. The pride that the staff and kitchen take is evident in how you feel walking out: relaxed, full, and as though your time and money could not have been spent better anywhere else. We have been to dozens of restaurants in the north end trying to challenge ourselves on the idea that this is the best experience ever. Nothing can hold a candle to Arya. We look forward to many years of warm welcomes and joy at this incredible restaurant.

  • 4/5 Hannah S. 1 year ago on Google
    Great experience here. Restaurant is entirely upstairs; super cute and quaint, very small. Servers were friendly and attentive. Bolognese was really good, flavorful sauce and tender pasta. Gnocchi was so soft and pillowy, tons of lobster in the dish and sauce was well seasoned. Only docking a star because the fried burrata appetizer was kind of cold and the table we were seated at was right in a tight walk way and had to keep ducking out of the way of staff to and from the kitchen

  • 2/5 Chockalingam 1 year ago on Google
    Food was average, not spectacular, especially at the price of fine dining. The meatballs which everyone was raving about seemed like any other meatballs to me. The lobster ravioli was pretty good but the seafood grigliato was below average, the fish had a bitter tinge to it, the scallops were average and the lobster was probably the worst I’ve had in Boston. Waitstaff were pretty nice however. At about 100$ a head the food pales in comparison to the other nice spots in the North End. Might be draw of the luck.

  • 5/5 Dan T. 2 years ago on Google
    Excellent service from Diego. Friendly, knowledgeable staff. Food was prepared perfectly and no problem substituting tagliatelle for potato gnocchi.

  • 5/5 Parshad M. 2 years ago on Google
    A true Italian experience with the decor, music, ambience and food. I had ordered fried calamari and their signature meatballs for the appetizer and for the entree, I had a spaghetti and Bolognese. Each dish was authentic and filling. The staff is courteous and welcoming. They helped me figure out my order which was nice. They also have some nice wine options. A must visit for an authentic experience!

  • 5/5 Narine H. 1 year ago on Google
    It was my first time at this restaurant, it's a small place located on second floor with narrow stairs going up, I don't think wheelchair accessible, I didn't see any elevator, sorry... Restaurant was clean and well maintained with good customer service, food came fast and was very delicious, portions were big, so you can have leftovers, overall was great experience highly recommended to visit this restaurant.

  • 5/5 Jesslyn F. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing!!!! The service was fantastic and the food was absolutely delicious! Homemade pasta and super fresh seafood. They even split a plate for us making one spicy and the other not. Perfect meal. Update: we returned! More delicious food 🤤

  • 5/5 Fernando J. 3 years ago on Google
    Great Italian. Meatballs were great and I especially enjoyed the Diavolo. Atmosphere is also great!

  • 5/5 Laura W. 3 years ago on Google
    Food was amazing!! We got the burrata special to start and the "arya signature dish" braised pork and frutti de mare (split in 2 portion). Both were delicious. The pork didnt even need a knife and was so soft and tasty. The pasta is also a must try. The service was also great and the waiter was very friendly and accommodating

  • 5/5 Lisa J. 2 years ago on Google
    The BEST meatballs we’ve ever had! Wonderful experience from start to finish! Loved when Massimo greeted us at the door saying “Welcome to my Home”…. You definitely feel like your having dinner with a large Italian family. Everything is homemade and delicious! It’s a lively and fun atmosphere! We talked about our food all night! ❤️

  • 5/5 Harrison De B. 2 years ago on Google
    This was, hands down, the BEST Italian food we have ever had in the U.S. we got lucky when there was one table left, otherwise, this place is usually going to require a reservation. It is small and homey. The staff make you feel like you are eating in their own home. Every single one of them was extremely friendly and helpful. They all worked together as a team. The chef takes his job seriously, and the owner is so proud of his restaurant, as he should be. I can not say enough good things about this place to express how amazing of a time we had there.

  • 5/5 Joseph B. 2 years ago on Google
    This place is absolutely amazing. I started with the Bolognese which was delicious and then the Chef's Special which was a Short RIP over truffle mashed potatoes. It was probably one of the best pieces of meat I've ever eaten. The servers are gorgeous. I was helped by three people and each one was a total sweetheart. I would recommend Arya to everyone who lives in Boston or ever comes to visit.

  • 5/5 Jim M. 2 years ago on Google
    The best Italian in Boston, possibly the whole state. Everything is home made, with outrageous flavors and A+ service to match.


Call (617) 742-1276 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✓️ Delivery

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