An Early History of Boston's Italian Restaurants (Part 1)
What was the first Italian restaurant in Boston? A number of sources claim that it was Vercelli's, an Italian and French restaurant, which allegedly opened on Boylston Street in 1868. However, is that actually true? Is there evidence to prove Vercelli's was the first Italian restaurant? The sources making the claims about Vercelli's didn't offer a...
Andover’s LaRosa’s Opening Second Location in Newburyport
BONS award-winning restaurateur Paul LaRosa, co-owner of LaRosa’s in Andover, has set his sights on Newburyport and will open a second LaRosa’s location May 2025 in the former Vera Restaurant at 35 Market Square. Michael Cammarata, who co-owns the restaurant alongside his partner and cousin, shared the news in a Facebook update, promising an “eleva...
Experience Italy Without Leaving Providence at Dolce & Salato
If you’ve ever walked into a place and immediately felt like you were part of the family, you’ll know exactly what it’s like to step into Dolce & Salato in Providence. More than just a cafe, bakery, or Italian eatery, it is a full experience that brings people together through food, culture, and storytelling. At the heart of it all is chef Armando...
Fatto A Mano brings a taste of Italy to Westport
Westport has a new bakery in town, and it’s already drawing attention. Fatto A Mano, an Italian bakery located at 1835 Post Road East, opened Feb. 12. Based on the first day turnout, this spot is here to stay. Walking into Fatto A Mano, the first thing you notice is the atmosphere. The vibe is warm and inviting, with an interior that feels really...
A Maine Italian isn’t just beloved – it’s a rite of passage on a roll
Three to five times a year, Richard Harper places a long-distance food order, one that covers 2,700 miles. Whenever he wants to treat himself, relive childhood memories and emotionally revisit his Maine roots, Harper has Italians from Amato’s in Portland shipped to his home in Scottsdale, Arizona. “Oh my God, that bread is amazing — you can’t find...
'Ingredients are treated well': Local restaurateur opens Brava Cucina in Weymouth Landing
Local restaurateur Devin Adams said he had his eye on the Weymouth Landing area to open his latest venture, something he envisioned being more than another sports bar. "We wanted more of a date night spot with a scratch kitchen and craft cocktails," said Adams, who also owns Dotty’s Kitchen & Raw Bar, Pearl & Lime, both in Quincy, and The Drift Kit...
Westport's Finalmente Trattoria, closed after 19 years, to reopen under new owner
After closing last year, one restaurant is set to reemerge in Westport's dining scene this month. Finalmente Trattoria, a family-owned Italian dining spot that closed in May of 2024, is set to reopen under a new owner: Connecticut restaurateur and Italy native Giuseppe Cinque. Cinque, a Milford resident, told CT Insider that he hasn't established a...
New Haven, Connecticut—100 years of America’s pizza capital
With three billion pizzas being sold each year, it is no secret that Americans have an affinity for pizza. Across the country, many often attribute the best pizza to New York’s thin crust, Detroit’s rectangular pan or Chicago’s deep dish. However, when friends debate which state has the best pizza, I am often met with bewilderment as I defend my ho...
New Sicilian restaurant opens in Mansfield
A new Sicilian restaurant, Krispy Sicilian Foods, has officially opened in Mansfield, Connecticut, bringing authentic Italian flavors to the local community. The establishment is located at 650 Middle Turnpike, just a mile from the University of Connecticut campus and had a ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 15. The owner, Kristin Pinkston,...
Mancini’s Italian microdeli opens Wednesday in Lewiston (ME)
A one-of-a-kind eatery is opening Wednesday at 5 Park St., just yards from the intersection with Main Street around the corner from Blue Jay Coffee. Entrepreneur and chef Evan Mancini is opening what he calls an Italian microdeli, a strictly carryout and delivery operation featuring about two dozen sandwiches and pasta dishes, and a line of dessert...
The Boston Food & Wine Festival Brings a Taste of Italy to New England
If you know only one thing about Italian culture, it’s probably that food is woven into every aspect of daily life. If you know two things, it might be the fact that food and wine go hand-in-hand. An Italian meal isn’t complete without wine, whether it’s a simple table wine or a nuanced Barolo. In my family, even young children enjoy a taste with t...
Connecticut city's oldest restaurant plans 100th birthday event
It all began with a brief notice headlined “Venetian Restaurant” on Page 5 of The Torrington Register on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 1925. “The Venetian restaurant, Italian-American cuisine, was opened today at 52 East Main Street by Charles Giampaolo. The most delicious of Italian foods will be served. Regular meals are announced for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and...
