MASSACHUSETTS and RHODE ISLAND

Boston
Antico Forno
www.anticofornoboston.com
93 Salem St., Boston, 617-723-6733
Winner of AOL CityGuide’s award for best pizza in Boston 2006, this cozy neighborhood favorite prepares everything from vegetables to lamb in its traditional brick oven. “You could be sitting in a friend's kitchen in Cortona,” says the Boston Globe.

Il Capriccio
888 Main St., Waltham, 781-894-2234
Dutiful servers are well versed in the outstanding wine list, and chef Richard Barron’s menu changes with the season at this ristorante, rated “the best Italian in the Boston area—period,” by Zagat.

La Campania
www.lacampania.com
504 Main St., Waltham, 781-894-4280
Chef John Maione serves award-winning handmade pasta dishes, wood-grilled and roasted meats and seafood specials at this suburban gem.

Taranta
www.tarantarist.com
210 Hanover St., Boston, 617-720-0052
Chef-owner José Duarte combines the flavors of his native Peru and Southern Italy, creating one-of-a-kind dishes like ravioli stuffed with duck and lucuma fruit. The “unobtrusive and enthusiastic service is faultless,” raves Citysearch.

Terramia Ristorante
www.terramiaristorante.com
98 Salem St., Boston, 617-523-3112
Voted best Italian restaurant in Boston by AOL’s 2006 CityGuide, this 39-seat trattoria specializes in creative interpretations of Italian classics, such as handmade ravioli served with fresh Boston shrimp and sea scallops in a lobster cream sauce.

Providence

Al Forno
www.alforno.com
577 South Main Street, Providence, 401-273-9760
Chef/owners Johanne Killeen and George Germon serve an eclectic Northern Italian menu featuring seasonal ingredients. Dishes from the wood-fired oven or open-flame grill are sure to please, and you can’t go wrong with pasta—the chefs just released On Top of Spaghetti, a cookbook featuringtheir beloved recipes.

Spezia Market
286 Atwells Ave., Providence
401)-277-3942
Among chef Walter Potenza’s many culinary undertakings is the Spezia Market, where you can buy organic, artisanal food products. Products include extra virgin olive oil, fresh pasta and cheeses, as well as delicious take-out dishes.

Walter’s Restaurant
www.chefwalter.com
286 Atwells Ave., Providence 401-273-8664
Chef Walter Potenza wows patrons with his terracotta–
cooked dishes and unique cicchetti—Venetian-style snacks. You may even be inspired to take one of chef Potenza’s weekly cooking classes.