I’ve been to some of those on the list:
5- Benedetto: excellent, on par with Giulia but easier to get a reservation. their pastas are my favorite in the area. desserts stand out as well. i like that they kept the old bar from Rialto. As Benedetto opened nearly a year ago, I’m not sure I’d put it in a new list.
6- Pagu: we enjoyed our meal (Oh, right. March 2017, Boston. Openings and closings.) but found it a bit overpriced at the end of the day, and honestly haven’t thought of going back. i do need to stop in for a plate of their jamon though.
7- Les Sablons: i’ve heard people gush but they can never explain what they love about it. again good but overpriced. Les Sablons Harvard Square Cambridge MA
8- Pammy’s: probably my favorite I have tried from this list. it has become a regular in our rotation. the menu is small but well thought out. we honestly haven’t had a miss there. the wine list is well curated and reasonable as well. Cambridge is spoiled with outstanding Italian food, though Pammy’s isn’t straight Italian.
9- Oak + Rowan: meh. i often have this complaint, but the fish in their crudos was overdressed to the point where you couldn’t taste the fish. it was also poorly cut. if you’re going to come in from the suburbs, you need to bring more heat than this. one of the more disappointing meals I’ve had this year.
23- Buttermilk and Bourbon: we found the food here to completely lack subtlety. I eat plenty of rich and unhealthy food, however my wife summed the food up best when she referred to it as heavy for the sake of being heavy.
24- Sulmona: this was a pleasant surprise. with all the excellent Italian options in the area, we find our family here somewhat regularly. the food is consistently good, and it is a decent value which is rare for a new restaurant opening. their carbonara is one of the most authentic renditions around.
Friends have enjoyed Café Du Pays. Not on this list, we are eager to try Pabu (not to be confused with Pagu), Yume Ga Arukara (my kids love udon noodles), and Momi Nonmi.
