Top 5 Italian Restaurant in Essex County

240 Lincoln Ave, Saugus, MA 01906, United States

“We visited Goodfellas on our way back to Boston from Gloucester after a day of whale watching. The high reviews and food photos helped our decision to give this restaurant a try for dinner. This place definitely deserves the 4.9 rating that it has! The service was absolutely impeccable! We were greeted the second we stepped foot in the door which provided a very welcoming vibe. The staff was very polite, friendly and helpful. They explained a little about the restaurant, menu and provided recommendations. We started off by sampling a slice of their cheese and Buffalo chicken pizzas. Both were great, but this was THE BEST cheese pizza my husband and son had ever tasted! The crust was super thin, yet crispy. The crust had a great taste even on its own. We ordered the BBQ Chicken Ranch salad, cheese lasagna, Chicken Broculetini with mushroom tortellini and a couple of slices of cheese pizza. All our food was amazing! This was the best meal we have our entire vacation. This crew works hard to prepare everything fresh and they take a lot of pride in their food and it shows! All our food arrived steaming hot and the flavors were incredible! The chicken broculetini was something you would find in a fine dining italian restaurant, it was that good! We will definitely go out of our way to stop here next time we visit the Boston area! Run, don’t walk to try this hidden gem! Great job guys!”

148 Derby St, Salem, MA 01970, United States

“We stopped by Mercy Tavern for a lovely lunch. The food was amazing! We were seated immediately. Ordered a Reuben and a Lobster Roll, both which were served with Garlic Fries, and both were delicious. We didn't have any complaints about the quality of food or how amazing it was. The service was slow though, and our drinks were not refilled. The server was pleasant, but slow and not very attentive. But that shouldn't bring down the fact that the food was very good - maybe next time I will just order two drinks at a time so I don't have to wait.”

257 Low St, Newburyport, MA 01950, United States

“Great food. Plenty of vegetarian options. Their homemade pastas are amazing and they just melt in mouth. All the dishes that we ordered were delicious. The portion size was good as well. The service provided by Cindy was great.”

1 Market St, Amesbury, MA 01913, United States

“The food was amazing with huge portions! We have enough leftovers for 2 days. Fresh pasta was amazing and the pricing was really good for the quality and the quantity. Our server was really nice, friendly and great overall! Wish we lived closer, my waistline is probably glad we don’t though. Whenever we visit this area again we will definitely go back!”

25 Rogers St, Gloucester, MA 01930, United States

“We came here after an amazing time at their sister restaurant Maggie’s Farm. This must be the baby sister to Maggie because she didn’t hit it on all cylinders. It might have been because they were so slow that day. I don’t know. The fried food was a little under done and we ran out of tea twice. The server was nice just not attentive. We would be willing to try again, maybe in the evening when it’s more busy.”

147 Summit St, Peabody, MA 01960, United States

“I got the 14 oz steak with scallops and shrimp outstanding worth every penny, I visit this restaurant often and they keep surprising me with new dishes highly recommended.”

6 Moulton Way, Haverhill, MA 01832, United States

“What a truly magical and genuine Italian restaurant. I am very sad to see that it shows temporarily closed because this would have been my absolute favorite spot to go to as often as I could. My date and I love to get gnocci in Alfredo, so we added chicken and sausage which was outstanding. The waiter was my absolute favorite and is especially the reason that I am sad this place is closed temporarily. The waiter Was the atmosphere and a damn amazing one, he was welcoming and warm and I really wanted to return just for his service. He made us feel at home And He could have sold us anything on the menu. They don't make waiters like that anymore. We got the lobster ravioli to split, it was very very good and our food was top tier. I could go on and on recommending this place. The pictures near the bathroom really made me want to stay and figure out who was related to these owners and it gave such a good Italian feel and history.”

141 High St #1238, Ipswich, MA 01938, United States

“We went for the first time last night. You can eat in the bar area or dining room. We chose the bar as the lighting was softer but there is a very nice fireplace in the dining room. We probably should have sat there as the restaurant is FREEZING! We, along with most patrons we saw in the bar, ate with their coats and hats on. Not sure what the issue is as the waitress said the heat was up as far as it could be? They have 2 splitters but they are not doing the job. It just takes away from the experience when you are eating and it is so uncomfortably cold. The bathroom was literally like being outside. For this reason, we would not return which is unfortunate. The food was pretty good and our cocktails were great! I had the holiday bowl which was very, very good. Our waitress was also very personable and attentive and the host was also very sweet. We expressed the coldness to him and he was very apologetic but honestly, what could he do? The heating system should be addressed for a more comfortable experience.”

2 1st Ave #128, Peabody, MA 01960, United States

“I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS PLACE!!! Every time I'm in Peabody, MA for work I make it my mission to have breakfast here. I order online and it's always ready when I pick up. My usual is a BLT on sourdough bread with mayo and red onions!!!! So darn good! I tried the chicken bomb.....omg delicious. Coming here is the most exciting portion of my trip. 😆”

256 Humphrey St, Swampscott, MA 01907, United States

“What a fabulous spot- certainly a local gem that rivals any Best of spots in Boston. This was my first experience (recommended by a local) and it didn’t disappoint! Service was friendly, attentive and informed. The menu was varied with loads of delicious options. We tried the tuna tower and I loved the shrimp limoncello! The G cosmo was fabulous. Looking forward to going back again.”

159 River Rd, Andover, MA 01810, United States

“Fire time visit and experienced great food, superb service! Recommendations: Short Rib “Two Way”, Semolina Fried Calamari, The Italiano Sandwich and Fries. I had a slice of the Margherita Pizza and felt it had a little too much sauce for my liking but the overall taste was fine. I also tried a slice of my kid's Cheese Pizza which I enjoyed more than the Margherita. So if you're in the mood for Pizza when you visit, I'd say, get the Cheese Pie.”

26 Green St, Newburyport, MA 01950, United States

“Mission Oak in Newburyport, MA is a delightful dining experience. The food is simply delicious, offering a range of flavorful dishes that are sure to satisfy your palate. Whether you’re a fan of seafood, steak, or vegetarian options, Mission Oak has something for everyone. The restaurant’s charming decor and cozy atmosphere create a pleasant and inviting setting for a memorable dining experience. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a gathering with friends, Mission Oak is a fantastic choice.”

19 Central St, Peabody, MA 01960, United States

“I don't know about the food or the atmosphere, they may be great. What I do know is that I live 2 miles away, a whole whopping 8 minutes, but I am considered 'too far' because their computer system doesn't register the address as within their zone. What, exactly, is your delivery area, if 2 miles is too far for you to deliver? Staff was polite, but the only answer I got was "The computer. I don't know.", polite, but unhelpful on a day when I'm run ragged and really don't want to crawl out of my cave to go pickup what should be deliverable. Sorry delivery person, for the tip that would have come with that much desired mega pizza.”

26 Congress St, Salem, MA 01970, United States

“Great food. The chicken cutlet was super thin just how I like it. For $25 though you should definitely be getting more than one super thin slice of chicken and a scoop of pasta. Delicious and I enjoyed it but price is out of this world”

200 Lynnfield St, Lynn, MA 01904, United States

“Driven by here thousands of times, 1st ever stopped. Food was amazing and plentiful! Best onion rings around too. The owner is beyond nice and helpful - loved him 🙂 In fact we went there for lunch on the way to NH and late dinner for back to RI !!! I'll be there anytime I'm up visiting from Georgia! (I hope he sees this and remembers me 😉 )”

68 Bearskin Neck, Rockport, MA 01966, United States

“My husband and I were in Rockport to do a little Christmas shopping, and we found this gem of a restaurant. We were warmly welcomed by the co-owner into their beautiful space set right on the ocean. Our server was attentive and knowledgeable about the menu, and our lunches were yummy. I had a grilled fruit salad (a special)and savored every bit of it. My husband had their clam chowder and burger plate and he thoroughly enjoyed it as well. He gave me a taste of the chowder and hands down it is my favorite chowder in New England. Delicious! Thank you My Place By The Sea for a lovely meal!”

34 Park St, Andover, MA 01810, United States

“My man and I absolutely enjoyed this place very much..Everything was perfect..Its very nice inside..the food was AMAZING!!.and more than enough..I wish I took pictures..Our waiter Jason was so very nice and very attentive..and so friendly..we also met the waitress Jess she was so sweet and adorable..We also met the Chef Jesse..which was an honor..his food is fantastic..it was our Christmas Dinner Treat and we will be going back..Thank you to all that made our first time there so AMAZING!!”

73 Rocky Neck Ave, Gloucester, MA 01930, United States

“Barbara is bringing it all together at Rudder. You enter as a stranger and feel like you are leaving friends behind at the end of your meal. Grace is key and an elegant low key vibe runs through the room. Everything is cooked to perfection. Saffron shellfish stew, melon balls, prosciutto, and mozzarella starter and bibb salad were delicious. Drinks are great. You can also spot Barbara’s art on the walls while you dine. Her talent extends beyond the kitchen. Have fun!!”