Giulia

With brick walls, soft lighting, and only a handful of tables, Giulia on the edge of Porter Square is the nice little Italian place you picture in your head when you say you’re in the mood for a nice little Italian place. But this isn’t just a neighborhood spot, it’s one of the best Italian restaurants in the city. It isn’t easy to get in here, but the full menu is served at the bar, which opens up a little earlier than the rest of the place. If you can get in, split a few pastas - you can’t go wrong with the wild boar pappardelle. Better yet, get a group together and book the pasta table (cleverly named because it’s, uh, where they make the pasta) for a tasting menu experience.