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Category: Italian
Neighborhood: Beacon HillCharles/mgh (Red)
"Let me tell you why Ivy got that elusive 5th star - $26 bottles of wine. I'm not just talking about some of them...I'm talking about ALL…" read more »
This is one of my favorite Italian restaurants in Boston. For a small space, they still have a varied menu with plenty of classic Italian dishes. I highly recommend the eggplant appetizer -- thin slices of eggplant wrapped around mozzarella cheese and covered in a rich tomato sauce. They give you four rolls but I think I could eat four hundred!
Service is friendly and helpful and the water and bread refills are frequent.
3.5 stars
The food was good, but it's not something I would come running back for. There wasn't really anything special or unique about the place, or the food. The place is so small. Therefore, it gets extremely loud. Not really a place to have good conversation unless you're willing to shout.
But..good service. And the food wasn't bad. Just not extraordinary.
This is a great neighborhood place, serving home-cooked, no frills Italian classics. I had the chicken Parm, and it was very satisfying. No complaints, but also nothing to write home about.
Gets very busy and it is a very small place, so reservations are recommended.
Artu is otherworldly... and I mean that in the best possible way. I felt like I was entering a magical world as I walked down the steps (watch your head!) to the cozy dining area. 8pm on a Wednesday and there was a free table, though I wonder if they get pretty crowded on weekends? Maybe a good idea to check into whether they take reservations. Anyway, I like that it is small. You can see the kitchen from the eating area, and there are few tables. The hearth is decorated with wines and glasses.
I had Chicken Marsala and it was delicious. Really good sauce, lots of tasty mushrooms, and reasonable portion size. The Tiramisu was yummers as well... Not too gooey, and tastefully flavored. Overall a very pleasant dining experience. :) Our server was cheerful, though not "in your face" and kept the water refills coming. LOVE THAT.
Fantastic food. Small dining area, so make reservations or, as we did, show up late for lunch. Service was great, too. And ask them for one of the lemon spritzy thing I had to drink.
About 5 years ago I ate at the Charles St. location and had a lovely dinner, but always forgot about it when dining in Beacon Hill. Last Thursday night, I went back and a very nice experience again. The restaurant is small (capacity less than 30 people) and very cozy but not crammed. (Yes, I do agree that it's best for parties of 4 or less since larger parties will overwhelm the small room and detract from the coziness of the place for other partons.)
We ordered the mussels for an appetizer and they were wonderful - they were cooked just right and we only wished that there was more sauce for dipping our bread! We then proceeded to our entrees: Artu's veal special of the day; 2 fuselli dishes; one with chicken and rape and shrimp and rape; and the eggplant parm. Two of the four in our party grew up very Italian and are picky about the cuisine. They genuinely enjoyed their meals.
Artu's wine list is very limited. We took the staff's recommendation and had a bottle of the Sangiovese, which was good. For dessert, we shared the tiramisu and chocolate chip cannoli. The latter was only so-so and the only disappointment in our whole meal.
Overall, Artu is a casual place that offers traditional Italian dishes. Portions are good sized but not huge. The wait staff is small (2-3 people) but they are friendly and the overall service was attentive. We were able to walk in and got the last table for 4 around 7pm. Throughout our dinner, the restaurant was busy but never packed. I will definitely be back there again!
Definitely recommend !! I never heard of this place and stumbled upon it last night when there was a wait in the other place we wanted to go. The menu was great food was fresh and delicious. It was very cozy. Great experience
Great location in Beacon Hill on Charles Street, situated cozily slightly below street level.
Artu offers a wide variety of Italian food, ranging from typical "red sauce" Italian dishes like chicken and eggplant parmesean to light seafood fare. In comparison to other restaurants in the area, Artu is a perfect mix of Antonio's (super casual, large portions, homestyle) and Toscano (more upscale, beautiful re-done, large menu, more Mediterranean style).
The hostess initially comes across as rushed and couldn't care less about her customers. After she warms up a bit, she's extremely friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. I ordered one of their specials: mussels and calamari over linguine in a spicy tomato sauce. The mussels were perfect and the tomato sauce wasn't overly spicy. The calamari was slightly overdone and chewy for my liking, but the flavors were spot-on.
I've stopped in before and asked for a mix of their roasted/marinated vegetables they keep in the window. Literally a mixture of 7 different types of veggies ranging from roasted brussels sprouts, peppers, cauliflower, mushrooms, etc.
The space is cozy and small so I highly suggest making a reservation regardless of the night of the week. They have a pretty steady takeout business, so this probably isn't the perfect place for an intimate, romantic dinner.
Prices are reasonable and I think the value is better than most places in the North End. As Stephanie G. said, this is a great "go-to" spot on the Hill.
With a last minute trip up to Boston last week, a colleague at the hotel we were staying at recommended this restaurant, at the Beacon Hill location. The location was easy to find, and we had no problem getting seated.
We were fortunate enough to be in Boston for the conclusion of Restaurant Week. Our dinner was $39 and included App, Entree, and Dessert. I ordered the Mozzarella with Prosciutto, covered with Tomato Sauce. It was cooked to perfection and every bite was delectable.
Entree - Boneless chicken with Prosciutto and Cheese. The chicken was tender, not over cooked, and the overall entree was flavorful.
Dessert - The cannoli, which is made in house daily at the restaurant. Besides a slight odd after taste, the chocolate chip cannoli as great!
Wine - Could use a better selection, or just better knowledge. Not being a red wine drinker, no one had any knowledge of the whites on their list.
If you are in Boston, looking for a place off the beaten path, give this place a shot.
I was in town this past weekend visting friends. We had spent the day in Salem and since the train back into Boston drops you near the north end we decided to stay in the area for dinner. After walking up and down the street for a while checking out various places we happened to glance down a side street and saw the sign for Artu. While we were looking at the menu a few customers were coming out of the restaurant and gave it a very good rating. The place also got a very good rating from local neighborhood woman named Toni..So we decided to go in and check it out. Nice place on the inside. Our waitress it turns out was also a neighborhood woman who knew Toni..Service was great, she was very attentive. We did have to ask for olive oil to be brought out for our bread but it was at the table right away. Food was good, satisfying and filling..Our party was very happy with our experience there and next time I'm in Boston I plan on going back again for dinner....
Artu has quickly become my own "Go To" regardless of the crowd or budget at hand. This tiny spot in Beacon Hill is close enough to parking on Beacon Street or meters on Charles Street/ Cambridge Street so that even your friends who are afraid of catching the black plague on the T will come meet you. The small stone interior is charming and feels authentic for those who have ventured to holes in the wall abroad in Italy.
The meals are moderately priced for the home-style Italian food. It may not be the most creative Italian fare, but then again, Italian food is about the ingredients, and in true Italian style-- these are always fresh and delicious. I have had several dishes at Artu (I'm a loyal Patron). The Antipasti appetizer is enormous for two, and is done well with excellent meats and a variety of Mediterranean goodness. From the light yet satisfying Shrimp Scampi to the plentiful classic eggplant Parmesan, all the dishes brim over the plate in taste, flavor and portions.
The hostess at times has an Italian-mother no-fuss attitude (like the menu) You won't be fooled over your wait time, although I've rarely waited for a table at Artu. As a patron, be smart about going a little earlier to enjoy a good meal, then head out for drinks afterwards. It's a small place so clearly it fills up quickly. Great for a small group of friends (3-4) or a duo.
Lastly, after trying out the Artu in the North End, I would say, if you're looking for truer, plain good satisfying Italian food with no fuss, go for Artu on Beacon Hill. It's a veiled nugget of home-style Italian yumminess amongst all the boutiques and cafes on Charles Street.
Finally(!) went to Artu, after continual salivation over all the deliciousness that's always displayed in the kitchen window on Charles Street - and it did not disappoint! Got the pan fried chicken stuffed with pancetta, spinach and cheese. Came with roasted peppers, eggplant and potatoes. Looking forward to heating up the leftovers!
I went to Artu for dinner about 2 weeks ago. It's a small restaurant, a perfect place for small get togethers of 2-4 with your girlfriends or boyfriends, IF they had better service.
Personally, I thought the food deserved more than 2 stars, but the service brought down my overall experience at the restaurant.
Our server was quite rude, and quite unfriendly.
Even though the food was good, I don't think I would be returning
ROACH ALERT! the food looked good but there was a big dead roach under my table. when i told the waitress she could have cared less. so we left because i just kept thinking about the roach on my foot.
I am surprised that the reviews aren't what I expected. I thought the food was great. But the company was even better. I had an awesome time!
I cannot sing enough places for this wonderfully charming Beacon Hill restaurant! The food, cozy atmosphere, service and location make this a true gem on Charles street. The prices are reasonable and the menu offers a comfortable take on traditional italian food. We loved everything we tried from the appetizers, to the entrees (notably the Shrimp Scampi!), to the delicious tartufo dessert. Artu will be on heavy rotation in my life starting now.
i love this place! very nice to take the misses out that doesn't actually cost as much as a car payment. the chicken parm is the best i have had in a while. friendly staff are very accomadating.
Artu makes the BEST sandwiches...every time my best friend from Montreal comes to visit me in Boston, she INSISTS that we make a stop at Artu at some point.... or several...
the 'favorito' and 'preferito' are the best sandwiches.. go with a friend, get one of each and split them.. (b/c they're pretty big)
reasonably priced and soooo good!
3.75 Stars
Admittedly, I felt a little bit of peer pressure to give this restaurant stars (*See reviews below)
I go to the one on Charles St.
Okay, this place is really just so cute and quaint. Went here on a snowy winter day and it was like coming home to a warm fire (corny metaphor...ewww)-welcoming.
But seriously, its charming.
Now the food. Gotta be honest, the menu isn't that creative-standard Italian fare. Personally, I find that little bit disappointing.
I love my carbs, so I always get a pasta. I wouldn't say I found any one dish particularly memorable, but I always liked what I got-whatever it was on that particular occasion.
Something that does stand out: The Calamari !!! Love it!!
This really isn't a stand out place for me, but the food is good and it is muy romatico!!!
Really mediocre food. Service was accommodating, but not particularly helpful. The space itself was sort of cheap and cold (not only in temperature). Don't be fooled by the ubiquitous and quaint Beacon Hill atmosphere--this place is a dud.
There's two of these babies - one here. and one in the North End. My preference is this one (on Charles)....the folks that operate it know me by now (a big help), its in the basement (I have a thing for basement Italian - long story), and the food there is so high on the comfort food scale it could break the meter.
This is an excellent place to go with 1-3 other people, and even though the wait is long on a Friday and Saturday night, you'll get a nice glass of chianti to drink while you wait - which gives you an excellent opportunity to look sophisticated when you are standing at the opening to the place on the street.
...check out the gianormous fireplace-turned-wine-rack.
There is actually a North End location for Artu; that's the original restaurant.
Chicken parm sub...? mmmmm.
Chicken marsala..? yummmm...
....anything else you might like? double mmmm
ok you get my point..it's simple italian fare prepared well. The ambiance isn't necessarily anything to write home about but the food is good, and the value is right. This is another dependable stand-by in the North End.
Cute little place in Beacon Hill. There arent a ton of tables, it seems like a big place for take out. Went with another couple and had a good solid italian meal (nothing terribly fancy or creative). Go early or late to secure a table.
Very good restaurant. Italian, and known for their antipasto which is out of this world. You will find a prettytypical menu here with some added flare. The staff is very very nice and genuine.
Great little Italian place. Reminds me of eating in an Italian grandmother's kitchen! The food was really good - well made classics. Nothing fancy, just simple and GOOD Italian food. I thought it was reasonably priced, especially for Charles St. in Beacon Hill. If people are complaining about the prices here, try some of the other places in my neighborhood. :(
Art Trattoria and Rosticceria offers an amazing innovative menu with plently of choices to please your senses. Nightly specials are always worth it!!! The charming stonish wine vault serves up a wide selection of wine from Italy to Australia....Waitstaff is personable and full of recommendations on your food and supporting Wine! I had the Linguine con Scampi.. Pollo Modenese with a friend...shared a meal together which was simply fabulous!!
Great restaurant. Quick and friendly service. Food is fresh and tasty. Prices are reasonable considering the location.
Favorite place in the North End for lunch or dinner.. Artu is simply decorated and has loads of ambiance - the waitstaff is friendly and is glad to give suggestions. My favorite things; Insalata Caprese, Penne Puttanesca, Calamari, & their yummy nightly specials are good too. The service is surprisingly fast and the good is to die for - I don't even like that saying, I just can't think of any other way to express their awesomeness.
Good food, a little on the pricy side for pasta and salads, average price for meat and seafood. Service was pretty slow was there are 2 servers covering the whole restaurant. Definitely a family restaurant feel.
A few years ago, Gary had a rocky incident with a nasty waitress during dinner at Artu and vowed never to return. For dinner. The favorito sandwich at lunch is the tightest mozzarella, tomato, and basil sandwich ever and Gary was able to make an exception for that puppy. Dinner at Artu, however, was not to be for Gary. This weekend, Gary grudgingly attended a dinner party at this detested locale and has changed his ways. Gary was wrong all those years and it was Gary's loss.
Gary began his meal thrilled with fresh mozzarella with marinated artichokes and red peppers. So tight.
Tight entrees included gnocchi al forno, tight meatballs, chicken stuffed with tightness and a side of marinated eggplant, and tight shrimp and spinach ravioli. Gary was eating off of everyone's plate and it was a large dinner party.
Gary wants to embrace the man who invented the "Exotic Bomba." This bad boy is tight! Raspberry, passion fruit, and mango sorbet balled up and coated with white chocolate. Sounds vile. It's so tight! Raspberry sorbet...I think I love you....
Artu isn't great for food, but it also isn't bad. The food is edible even for the super-picky like me, but it's by no means impressive. Yet, I like it. I've gone there for years. It's snug, in a garden-level place on Charles, and the service is homey if not very polished. It's pleasant.
Great Little place for Italian food. If you are looking for a nice, friendly and cozy athmosphere and do not want to spend much, it is the place to go. Open kitchen! What else should you ask for?
Artu is a nice small restaurant with brick walls in Charles Street. Italian cuisine and an open kitchen make is perfect for a fine and not too expensive healthy meal. Service is wonderful.
Great little place. We ate here last week for our not-yet-Valentine's day dinner. I had the pollo-something-Donato (chicken stuffed with spinach, proscuitto, and provolone), and it was really, really good. As a plus, it came with the best side of red peppers I've ever had, as well as some roasted potatoes (which were slightly over-done, unfortunately.) My boyfriend had the veal bracciolettine, and I am surprised he didn't lick the plate when he was done, he was that in love with it. We also had the Crostini for an appetizer (awesome), and a great bottle of wine. All for under $85, which we thought was pretty reasonable for a nice evening out. The service was great - the waitress was helpful and friendly and attentive without being intrustive. I definitely would recommend this place!
Artu is the closest thing to the northend without being in the northend itself. A quiet, tiny little restaurant, Artu maintains a cozy, homy feel with its open kitchen, and winerack on the display. The italian food here is above average, and the quiet, respectful atmosphere is great for a date.
The wine vault surrounded by stone and mortar that serves as one wall of the restaurant is the European-stryle draw for my husband and I. The house chardonnay is full-bodied and sweet. Their roast lamb entree and grilled chicken dinner are comfort food extraordinaire at prices affordable for Beacon Hill.
Ideally, I like to go to Artu on a crisp, sunny autmn afternoon. The decor and the atmosphere of this quaint and cozy Beacon Hill restaurant evokes that feeling...very "fall-ish." While menu selections are limited, the food does not disappoint - rustic Italian fare like roast lamb, hearty pastas, chicken marsala. Prices are moderate.
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Boston, MA
Introducing
Somerville, MA
Neighborhood: Beacon Hill
Category: Restaurants
Neighborhood: Beacon Hill
Category: Pizza
Neighborhood: Beacon Hill
Category: Italian
Neighborhood: Beacon Hill
Category: Italian
Neighborhood: Beacon Hill
Category: Middle Eastern
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