Charles Street is by far one of my favorite neighborhoods in Boston. Located right along the Charles River in Beacon Hill, this cobblestone and brick street transports visitors to the past, without the touristy feeling of Faneuil Hall. Lined with restaurants, stores and cafes, this is the perfect neighborhood to sit with a cup of coffee and people watch, eat delicious food, or grab an ice cream at JP Licks and walk along the water. I have been to many of the restaurants on Charles Street because my mom lives not too far away, and she being a foody as well, has taken me to the best establishments on Charles Street.
One of our favorites is Toscano, a Tuscan restaurant with hearty and flavorful dishes that never disappoint. The pasta is fresh and perfectly prepared, and the attention to detail the chefs put into their cuisine sets Toscano apart from other Italian restaurants in the city. The menu also features imported cheeses and stone oven baked pizzas. The restaurant boasts specially picked Italian olive oil and they grill all their meat and seafood with flavors of maple, hickory and oak.
Now lets get down to the details. Although you will be completely satisfied from the fresh bread and olive oil they serve you upon sitting, if you decide that that just isn’t enough carbs, the bruschetta ($9) is delicious with its crusty bread, fresh basil, and salty mozzarella. The Cesare salad ($10) is also great, and I am always on the lookout for a yummy Caesar. While the appetizers or, Freddos and Caldos, are all delicious (disclaimer: everything here is delicious), there are two dishes that make my mouth water more than anything else on the menu.
The first is the Tagliatelle Porcini ($19). Homemade, thick Tagliatelle noodles with a creamy porcini mushroom sauce that is buttery and rich is complemented by freshly grated Parmigiano cheese and garden-fresh herbs, is what makes this dish so yummy. There is no need for any shrimp or chicken here, the porcini mushrooms make the dish hearty, and will leave you completely satisfied.
I prepare shrimp so often at home, I rarely will order a dish that’s main component is shrimp, but this dish is so flavorful that I would recommend it to any diner. The Gamberoni al Moscato ($24) is a combination of large and succulent sautéed shrimp with a creamy sauce of Moscato wine and leeks, complete with roasted potatoes. The crispy potatoes offer a nice contrast to the soft and meaty shrimp, while thinly sliced leeks tie the dish together.
Although there are so many Italian restaurants in Boston, Toscano is one of my favorites and just writing this article makes my mouth water. I cannot wait to return over my next holiday break.
Atmosphere During the warmer months the Open Lunch and Dinner
large windows are opened up to the sidewalk 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM
creating an open feeling. Otherwise, an
intimate and somewhat dark ambiance Address
with mahogany and stone accents. 47 Charles Street, Boston, MA
02114
Price $$
Recommended Dishes Tagliatelle Porcini;
Gamberoni al Moscato; Bruschettta; Cesare
Salad. Appetizers, $9.50 to $14; main courses,
$23 to $36.
One of our favorites is Toscano, a Tuscan restaurant with hearty and flavorful dishes that never disappoint. The pasta is fresh and perfectly prepared, and the attention to detail the chefs put into their cuisine sets Toscano apart from other Italian restaurants in the city. The menu also features imported cheeses and stone oven baked pizzas. The restaurant boasts specially picked Italian olive oil and they grill all their meat and seafood with flavors of maple, hickory and oak.
Now lets get down to the details. Although you will be completely satisfied from the fresh bread and olive oil they serve you upon sitting, if you decide that that just isn’t enough carbs, the bruschetta ($9) is delicious with its crusty bread, fresh basil, and salty mozzarella. The Cesare salad ($10) is also great, and I am always on the lookout for a yummy Caesar. While the appetizers or, Freddos and Caldos, are all delicious (disclaimer: everything here is delicious), there are two dishes that make my mouth water more than anything else on the menu.
The first is the Tagliatelle Porcini ($19). Homemade, thick Tagliatelle noodles with a creamy porcini mushroom sauce that is buttery and rich is complemented by freshly grated Parmigiano cheese and garden-fresh herbs, is what makes this dish so yummy. There is no need for any shrimp or chicken here, the porcini mushrooms make the dish hearty, and will leave you completely satisfied.
I prepare shrimp so often at home, I rarely will order a dish that’s main component is shrimp, but this dish is so flavorful that I would recommend it to any diner. The Gamberoni al Moscato ($24) is a combination of large and succulent sautéed shrimp with a creamy sauce of Moscato wine and leeks, complete with roasted potatoes. The crispy potatoes offer a nice contrast to the soft and meaty shrimp, while thinly sliced leeks tie the dish together.
Although there are so many Italian restaurants in Boston, Toscano is one of my favorites and just writing this article makes my mouth water. I cannot wait to return over my next holiday break.
Atmosphere During the warmer months the Open Lunch and Dinner
large windows are opened up to the sidewalk 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM
creating an open feeling. Otherwise, an
intimate and somewhat dark ambiance Address
with mahogany and stone accents. 47 Charles Street, Boston, MA
02114
Price $$
Recommended Dishes Tagliatelle Porcini;
Gamberoni al Moscato; Bruschettta; Cesare
Salad. Appetizers, $9.50 to $14; main courses,
$23 to $36.