Carlo's Cucina Italiana is a charming Allston gem serving hearty, classic Italian dishes in a cozy setting, perfect for a satisfying meal with big portions.
"For loaded Italian plates and a more casual atmosphere, head to Carlo’s Cucina Italiana in Allston. This family-owned and operated spot has been dishing out saltimbocca and Sunday sauce since the 1970s. They also offer a hearty lunch menu with packed paninis and savory pasta." - Erika Adams, Nathan Tavares, Celina Colby, Eater Staff
"When you just need some heaping plates of the kind of Italian food that makes you remember how great simple Italian food can be, head to Carlo’s, a tiny spot that serves giant plates of pasta and Italian classics like veal parm. You’re not going to find ground-breaking food here (as you’ll probably guess upon seeing the very ’80s, very cartoony murals of the Italian countryside on the walls) but you will find food that fills you up and will probably be big enough to bring home for a late-night meal a few hours later." - dan secatore
"When you’re sick of being told to order 2-3 small plates per person, head to Carlo’s, a tiny Italian spot that serves giant plates of pasta and Italian classics like veal parm. You’re not going to find ground-breaking food here (as you’ll probably guess upon seeing the very ’80s, very cartoony murals of the Italian countryside on the walls) but you will find food that fills you up and reminds you how great simple Italian can be." - dan secatore
"This decades-old Allston standby is a reminder that the North End isn’t the only Boston neighborhood that serves classic red-sauce Italian. Locals love the hearty portions of dishes like parmigiana, marsala, and saltimbocca, which can each be made with veal or chicken. No third-party delivery apps available; just call the restaurant to place an order. Order: (617) 254-9759" - Rachel Leah Blumenthal
"Remember how Papa Gino’s franchises used to be decorated with cartoonish murals of Italian villagers stomping grapes and carrying baskets of bread on their heads? Well, the spirit of campy '80s Italian restaurants is alive and well at Carlo’s in Allston, where you’ll find big plates of saltimbocca and frutti di mare in a small dining room that appears to have been decorated for International Day in Ms. Williams’ third-grade class. The food at this super casual neighborhood place is pretty standard in a comforting way. If you don’t want pasta, get the veal stuffed with artichoke hearts, prosciutto and fontina." - Dan Secatore
