Genuine Italian fare, family owned, and at a price that even the BU kids can afford. This Allston gem brings the masses coming back for more and more. Menu ranges from pizza and calzones to pasta dishes, soups and salads. It's a one man show, mainly suited to take out but with a whopping 9 seats available. Should you get one, Alfredo himself cooks up the food. Order some of his own hand made mozzarella!

Open for over 30 years in North Quincy, Buccini's is a classic Massachusetts neighborhood sub shop. They serve pizzas, hot & cold subs, pastas, and dinner platters like steak tips. They are a long standing neighborhood favorite, the kind of local pizza joint where area people come in and greet the staff by name. Also, their food is always made fresh and is extremely cheap. Locals in the area may order directly online via Foodler.

Carlo's is an Allston secret. Hefty portions, great cooking, and reasonable prices keep this little outfit packed at lunch and dinner almost every day of the week. Try the egg soup with chicken broth and egg noodles ($5) for a taste of some inspired home cooking. Traditional meat dishes are sizable and always well-cooked. The costate di maiale (pork chops and potatoes in vinegar and peppers; $16) is tender and flavorful and so generous that you'll be having it for breakfast the next day. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

A cozy enoteca located off of North Square in the North End. It has been called intimate, romantic, and praised for delicious and authentic Italian dishes. Carmen is small at only 9 tables, but has a small bar for a quick drink or bite.

Domenic's Italian Bakery and Deli brings the taste of Italy to Waltham. Using only the freshest ingredients, Domenic's has been serving the Waltham and Greater Boston area since 1979. This lunch time hot spot offers fresh prosciutto, homemade meatballs, fresh bread made daily, homemade pasta and the freshest mozzarella. The lunch menu features Domenic's signature paninis. Make sure to try the Dom's Special a classic Italian with the addition of sweet capicola and prosciutto. Domenic's also provides full catering services. Serving parties of 10 or larger, the catering menuoffers salads, pasta, panini platters and entrees. If your looking for Italian flavor without the trip into the city, look no further then Domenic's!

A North End gem for casual take out and dine in. Off the beaten track and tucked away from the craziness of Hanover and Salem Street, Hot Tomatoes is known to North Enders for giving good food fast.

An oddly Mediterranean feel accompanies this homey find closer to your door and (slightly) easier on your wallet than the North End. While the rumbling of the T below and less than scenic Central Square streets outside may decrease the romance factor, the beautifully presented and simply delicious culinary delights at La Groceria will enchant any lover of Italian cuisine. The fried calamari ($9) and Garlic Bread Groceria ($5) will ease what could be a long wait for your food, as the restaurant often fills up in the evening. Try the crabcake appetizer ($9), a wonderful complement to any of the seafood entrees, or the fabulous lasagna pasticciata, with zucchini, squash, and spinach baked inside ($14). After the tiramisu, you'll happily skip the T to walk off all those carbs. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

A lively family-owned restaurant in the North End, L'Osteria serves Italian favorites cheaper than most of its neighbors, and indeed, the lower prices may be its only claim to fame. The unspectacular but varied fare features a wide selection of veal, chicken, and seafood. The juicy veal piemontese, stuffed with prosciutto and mozzarella, is quite tasty, though the bowl of accompanying pasta bears close resemblance to dining hall options. Dessert ($6) options limited to tiramisu and amaretto cake. Entrees $13-$17. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Maurizio's, top rated in the Zagat Guide and three time winner of Boston Magazine's Best of Boston Award, has been part of the North End dining experience for over twelve years. Chef Maurizio Loddo hails from the Italian Island of Sardinia and brings a wealth of additional cooking experience from France, Germany and Spain. Wines from Maurizio's exciting list are selected to compliment the food. You will find exceptional and affordable picks from all over the globe.