Il Ponte

Great birthday dinner. Some of the dishes were salty, but the pasta was done very well and the appetizers were wonderful as well. Staff are very warm and friendly. I would recommend the shrimp scampi gnocchi for a lighter fare, but their short rub was great too. Appetizers, the Eggplant Parm was very tasty and flavorful.

Best restaurant I’ve ever dined in, seriously. The food is delicious, the service is amazing, the owners make everyone feel like family. I would come here every day if I could.

Service is warm, efficient, and personal — praised in numerous reviews for attentiveness and hospitality. Tables can feel close together, giving a lively, convivial tone that some may find energetic or a bit noisy. One of the standout entrées is the Tonno al Pepe Verde — a sophisticated and flavorful tuna dish that reflects Chef Beni Kurti’s Umbrian roots and fine-dining background. The fish is served with a creamy green peppercorn sauce, which adds depth, creaminess, and just a touch of heat.

The eggplant parm was perfection. It melts in your mouth, thinly layered and a perfect portion. Our other dishes were wonderful as well including, so were the deserts! Really great place! Better than many North End restaurants 👌🏼

A well deserved review for a great experience. From the moment we arrived at Il Ponte restaurant, we were treated like old friends. The service was prompt, attentive, and full of personality. You can tell the staff truly care about their guests. The ambiance is exceptional, with beautiful lighting and a relaxed, welcoming vibe. A true gem of a restaurant that deserves every star!

From the moment we stepped inside Il Ponte, we were greeted with a warmth that instantly made us feel at home. The staff are welcoming, attentive, and clearly passionate about what they do. You can tell this is more than just a job for them, it’s a craft. The menu is full of tempting choices and every dish we tried was outstanding. The freshly baked bread with olive oil was the perfect start, followed by an appetizer of tender octopus with potatoes and a bright, flavorful sauce that made each bite exciting. For the main course, the pasta was silky and full of depth, while the veal was perfectly cooked, delicate, and rich in flavor. Dessert was a highlight. The pistachio mousse was light yet indulgent, paired beautifully with berry gelato and a touch of sweetness that left us smiling until the very last spoonful. The whole experience was enhanced by the cozy atmosphere, the gentle hum of conversation, and the charm of an open kitchen. It’s the kind of place where the food, the people, and the setting all come together to create a memorable evening.

The calamari was so uniquely flavorful. The sour and spice from the fried pepper and the sweetness from the cranberry really plays well with the calamari. The Margarita pizza was superb. The tomato sauce was refreshing and the bread was tasty! Only the fettuccine was a little heavy for us. The atmosphere was great! Chef came out greeting us and we had a nice chat with him and his friends at the bar.

A Culinary Journey at Il Ponte: Where Scratch Cooking Meets Perfection Nestled in the heart of Woburn, Il Ponte isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an experience that transports you straight to the quaint trattorias of Italy. As soon as you step through the doors, the warm family ambiance and tantalizing aromas beckon you to indulge in a culinary adventure celebrating authenticity. Let’s dive into the feast! The journey began with the octopus, a dish that exemplifies the restaurant’s commitment to scratch cooking. Tender and kissed by the grill, each bite was a testament to the chef's mastery, making it a true standout. Next up, the beef carpaccio arrived like a work of art. Thinly sliced beef, drizzled with fragrant olive oil and topped with aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, was simply divine. The freshness spoke volumes about the kitchen's dedication to sourcing the best. The burrata salad was a delightful interlude, showcasing creamy burrata that melted in the mouth, accompanied by heirloom tomatoes. Each bite was a celebration of simplicity and flavor, reinforcing Il Ponte's ethos of crafting authentic dishes. Then came the Garganelli Alla Campagnola, a dish that felt like home on a plate. Handmade pasta enveloped in a rich sauce was both comforting and sophisticated, a testament to the careful craftsmanship. Finally, we indulged in the honey lavender duck, a dish that demands attention. Cooked to perfection, it was beautifully complemented by subtle floral notes and sweetness, leaving me in awe of the culinary prowess. I couldn’t resist dessert, and the pistachio gelato was a scoop of pure bliss. Its rich, nutty flavor and velvety texture were the perfect finale to the meal. In a world where dining can feel rushed and impersonal, Il Ponte stands out as a beacon of authenticity and passion. Here, each dish is a celebration of ingredients and the joy of cooking. You’re not just enjoying a meal; you’re partaking in a narrative woven through flavors, textures, and a beautiful family story. I was enjoying the meal in the moment so I only have a few pictures, but if you find yourself in Woburn, do yourself a favor and visit Il Ponte!

I'm a Yelp Elite Reviewer and I don't just give out 5 star ratings But.... I'm Not sure how anyone could give anything other than 5 Stars for this gem of a restaurant. We had our grandsons Birthday dinner here and it couldn't have been any better. Staff was the best our waiter Jeff & servers had their A game on. Our cocktails were made just the way we ordered & the house drink specials were very good I was told. The menu has a nice selection of Italian specialties that should fit most everyone's desire. Then add on the house nightly specials and you find yourself wanting to try multiple dishes (lucky our table of 7 each selected a different dish so we could share a taste) The appetizers were so good & beautiful presentation (calamari, burrata, eggplant & carpaccio each get *****). Let's move on to the fabulous short rib, Beef Tagliata, chicken parm for the Birthday boy, shrimp scampi, Tortellini Alla Norcina, Spaghetti Cacio E Pepe and I had hands down the best swordfish I've ever eaten. I can't even begin to describe this magnificent dish. The homemade deserts were excellent to top off this wonderful meal experience. This is a must try restaurant tucked into Woburn Center. Reservations a must Again this is a gem of a dining experience *****

Very good meal with very taste mussels pasta appetizer. We all enjoyed our meals but we missed the portions or a bit larger given their price and quality. We are willing to try this restaurant again and hope they offer more garlic with their bread.

Saw Il Ponte many times when eating in Woburn. Decided to go one night as the reviews were great. It did not disappoint. Great food, best Italian I've had in the Woburn area. Small cozy place in Woburn, a bit loud because of people enjoying themselves, which was great. Waiter was lovely (I think his name was Chet). Was a bit hungry, so went with a pizza as an appetizer. Was cooked perfectly and the bread came with garlic confit to dip. Short rib was cooked well and the risotto was perfect. Spicy rigatoni had just the right amount of spice. Ended the night with an affogato, was delicious. Would recommend if you're looking for Italian in the area

Impeccable. Everything here was perfection. The fresh rosemary focaccia started off our meal. Appetizers: Bruschetta ($15) - The creamiest whipped ricotta with honey and pistachios on top of toasted baguette pieces. Eggplant Parmigiana ($17) - I have never had anything like it - the most thinly sliced (probably with a mandolin) eggplant, lightly breaded and fried and delicately stacked like a ratatouille with delicious marinara and melted mozarella. Honey Lavender Duck ($48) - a humongous, perfectly cooked half duck on top of barley and a rich, buttery sauce. I didn't try the pizza but it looked marvelous. Everyone loved everything. Presentation is gorgeous. Romantic, classy interior and polite staff.

From the moment we walked in the door this place was a wonderful experience. The hostess was gracious and led us immediately to our table. The lights on the table offer the perfect light for menu reading while keeping the setting intimate and cozy. The food was utterly delicious as were the drinks. We had the prosciutto and burrata appetizer which was perfect size for sharing. For dinner we got the shrimp scampi special, Cacio e Pepe, and spicy rigatoni. All of which were amazing, the pasta was so fresh and perfectly cooked. We ordered the tiramisu for dessert which our server kindly adorned with a candle and sang happy birthday for me as we were celebrating my birthday. Parking could definitely be hard on a busy weekend as it is all street parking and the restaurant is on the smaller side so a reservation is a must. We will absolutely be back many times.

Recommend- Yes!! Thanks to other fellow Yelpers for the great reviews on this restaurant. I unfortunately lost photos but I would still like to post about this place and their food . Parking: parking is a bit difficult. There didn't seem to be much parking other than on the streets. There was one parking lot but it was limited on space. Food: The food was delicious and reasonably priced. We had the Tortellini alla Norcina and the Furio pizza. The portions were more than enough (we had leftovers). The tortellini was so creamy and savory, the pork meat was in small pieces so you got some in each bite. The pizza had small grape tomatoes, basil, and some sort of spice, everything together made for a very light but filling flavor in pizza. Service: Great! Although we walked in with no reservation, the host let us know he would be able to sit us but would need the table at a specific time. I appreciated the feedback and honesty and yet was able to accommodate us. It worked out for both parties as we had to get somewhere at a specific time too! . The waiter was very helpful once we were seated. We got our food quickly and the waiter checked in on us during our visit. We got our check as soon as we asked for it. Ambiance: The place was lovely inside. It was softly lit, small place, and clean. It gave me a very intimate vibe. I can see this being a romantic date night place. I don't see big parties/crowds being able to fit here. Again, Apologies for not having pictures but I do recommend the food.

Find dining or casual! Italian social vibe. Try their whole menu. It's worth it. Wine pairing is fun but pricey. One of the top Italian restaurants in Boston region.

1. Our server was Jeff and he was outstanding. 2 We had 7 people and spent around $1000, so we were not happy that we had to leave at a certain time. 3. Food was very good but not over the top. 4. Main course entrees were very limited. 5. Some dinners were a little pricey.

You know you are at a good restaurant when it is full of local patrons! Great food, awesome pizza. I had some amazing pizza in New York City...this pizza was better. Highly recommended.

We started with the burrata, I had the ahi tuna and ended with cannolis. The burrata and tuna were delicious, better than I anticipated. Cannolis were yummy too but didn't blow away my tastebuds like the app and entree. I had a lovely ginger beer/mule mocktail as well. Cannot wait to return! Lots of ppl were getting pizza so I'd like to try that. The vibe is cozy and the place is small so definitely make reservations. Oh and the bread is served with garlic olive oil

Pretty damn good food would be understating things...attentive service, maybe lacks a little atmosphere, but it's a keeper....great choice of exceptional wines!

The swordfish was not that good and l did not like the fried fish Also it was wicked expensive

Food service and ambiance were all amazing. Owen at the bar was so personable recommending dishes which were all great. Will definitely be returning

Squid ink with octopus was delicious. Octopus was cooked to perfection, and there was a decent amount of it. Personally didn't really like the ravioli, but I'm not a ravioli girl. Carpaccio dressing was too strong. The squid ink really carrying. Wait staff really nice.

Ambience is nice. Chicken parm is made with a cream red sauce. Not very good. Stick with red sauce that's what people expect.

Had a team dinner there with about 10 people. They squeezed us in day of which was a great accommodation. Their service was nice and quick. The ambiance was giving cute little Italian place. The food was amazing. They can use any pasta for the style of sauce they offer from the menu. I also add shrimp to my order which made it nice and filling! The tiramisu was killing! I love a good tiramisu that has hints of chocolate through out it.

My boyfriend and I were actually headed to a different restaurant in Woburn center, saw an open table, and decided to give it a try- I'm so happy we did! The restaurant itself was small and cozy with a good-sized bar, and we snagged a table right in the middle. Food is delicious- the burrata, Caesar salad, short ribs, and the semifreddo are definitely standouts. Cocktails were also delicious, including the limoncello martini and the boulevardier. The service was outstanding- we both remarked how helpful and friendly our waitress was! An absolute must- try in the area!

Food: awesome Service: fantastic Ambiance: Small intimate setting so you may need a reservation. Don't expect to be blown away by the inside, but the food is truly able to rival restaurants in the north end.

There is not a better place for exceptional Italian food anywhere in New England Do not bother with Boston or Providence (Federal Hill),.. just go to IL Ponte. Thank me later.

Service, food, atmosphere = excellent. Sat at the bar and one of the owners served me. She was kind and friendly and gave great recommendations. Started with the prosciutto and burrata. Can't miss. Moved on to the chicken Marsala - another excellent choice. Finished with tiramisu. A perfect meal after a long day. I cannot more highly recommend. Clearly the owners take great pride in their Italian homeland and it shows. Haven't had Italian food this good since I was in Montepulciano and Florence.

Had a wonderful time at Chef Bene's IL Ponte last night with family. I've known Chef for 9 years and always impressed by his culinary perfection. Having his own place has been his passion. His kindness and compassion are genuine as is his love to prepare incredible Italian meals. Each meal is handcrafted and comes out like artwork. Be sure to try bartender Owen's unique cocktails. Thanks to you and your staff for a great night!

We had a reservation for Thursday evening, and we're so glad we did! The restaurant was packed with locals by the time we left. We're not from the area, but we took a chance to celebrate a birthday dinner here based on the positive reviews, and thankfully, Il Ponte did not disappoint. This is an authentic Italian restaurant with fresh, handmade pasta, breads, pizza, and dishes that easily beat out the better known Italian places in the North End. We highly recommend the mussels and squid ink pasta. The piccante pizza was not spicy ar all and reminiscent of just pepperoni pizza, but the arugula salad helped balance everything out. The veal cutlet was perfectly creamy and flavorful without being too salty. Be prepared to wait a bit for your food, as it's made from scratch and by hand. But the service is extremely friendly and attentive, and they're happy to accommodate food allergies. Overall, we had a wonderful dining experience at Il Ponte. The food was delicious, the service was excellent, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting, albeit a bit too dark and can get loud for those hard of hearing. We highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for an authentic Italian meal. TIP: Unfortunately not BYOB and expect to pay $50+ per bottle of wine & parking was difficult on the streets during evening hours. We did manage to find a parking at the nearby Salem bank parking lot way in the back where empty spaces were but not sure if this is normally allowed.

Our group of five ate here recently on a Sunday evening. Service was great. The ambiance and food not so much. We started with the focaccia and Caesar salad. Both were just OK. Our entrees varied from pasta to fish. My tuna entree was swimming in a cream sauce that detracted from the freshness of the dish. Their take on a chicken masala was pretty bland and the desserts like the entrees were just OK. The dining room is very small and cramped. The table behind us was so close that every time one of the guests moved in their seat, it bumped up against mine. Also, the noise level is just crazy. I wanted to give this place a try but don't think we will return.

Bravissimo Went as a small group, had reservations and were seated on time. Very nice ambiance, casual atmosphere, intimate but not crowded seating. The entire staff were friendly courteous helpful but not overbearing and we never felt rushed. The bolognese was excellent, we were all served the same time,the desserts were delicious and the bartender had a strong generous pour. Located in Woburn center , easy to 128 and steps from city parking lot. Il Ponte proves its not necessary to go into Boston for a great Italian dining experience. We'll definitely be back.

Thoroughly enjoyed this restaurant! I had a swordfish puttanesca special that was outstanding! Everyone in my group very happy with their selections as well. We had a fig and cheese appetizer, awesome! Very nice wine list and prices fairly !! Will definitely be making a return trip!! The service was great as well our waiter was very attentive to all our needs !!!

The food is so delicious! I love the whole vibe of this restaurant. The food came out very quickly and the employees are so nice. The chef really pays attention to the details and sauces. 100% recommend and would definitely go back!

This place has excellent food choices throughout the menu. All the items are prepared from scratch, delicious and expertly presented. It is a little more expensive than other Italian restaurants, but oh so worth it! It is a fairly small place with nice decor and about 12 tables, so reservations are needed.

Truly one of the best Italian restaurants I have recently had the pleasure of dinning in. His Cacio Pepe is the best period. The staff is outstanding. . Also to enhance your dinning pleasure is their spectacular by the glass wine list.

The wait staff in the bartenders are outstanding. I will take nothing away from them helpful informative, enthusiastic, and outstanding now let's get to the food. Ordered a beet salad no goat cheese minimal at best and no pistachios or whatever. Nice they offer with it very flat plenty of arugula. Figure appetizer special for the night, three figs that you could hardly find plenty of arugula Very good taste if you had a fig to bite into that would be better Veal Saltamboca very tender view sauce was flat off with arugula no pasta additional charge. That dish should come with pasta are you kidding me? A sausage dish that's a regular on the menu with spicy sausage dish. You could not even believe the two small quarter size pieces of sausage that they put in the dish. When I question this, the bartenders response was well. It's a Ragu well surprisingly it had a spicy taste to it, but you could not have any traces of Ragu in it and the two pieces which weren't even a quarter size of sausage. I would never ever expect a restaurant to serve such a minimal quality food as this that has got such good ratings. I'm very surprised I will never ever return and I am a very, very significant foodie. I'm sorry that I have to write this review but for the price as I get charged and for the food that I got I will never return to Il Ponte. And and to add to it, the pasta was undercooked. It was pasty.

Food was solid, server exceptional. Great cocktails. Ambiance was awful - so loud it made conversation difficult. Place was packed and every table seemed to be trying to out shout each other to be heard. It was even difficult to order/talk to our server. I'm not sure I'd go back which is a shame.

The overall 5 star rating for this restaurant speaks for itself. I very rarely post reviews on Yelp (only 1 other prior restaurant review a few years ago in Ohio), but after my experience tonight I just had to leave a review. I've now been to Il Ponte 4 times and every appetizer, main course, pizza and dessert has been phenomenal. Quality ingredients, authentic Italian food, and service second to none. If you've been there, you already know. If you haven't, it's definitely worthwhile to check it out.

Absolutely delicious! My friends and I came here for dinner after a coworker recommended it. Phenomenal food and good portion sizes at a reasonable price.

Celebrating the birthdays of 3 family members, our party of 10 ranged from 4 to 81 years of age. From the moment our waitress, Selesia, introduced herself to us, until we left the restaurant with a hug, her attentiveness and patience was exemplary. The food and ambiance were outstanding. The appetizers, antipasto di Norcino, calamari and bruschetta were delicious. Entrees that we had included the braised short ribs, which was so tender no knife was needed, gnocchi, bolognese and calce di pepe were all thoroughly enjoyed and no "doggie bags" were needed. I highly recommend Il Ponte and we will return.

I eat out a fair amount in the Boston area, and am in general fairly easy to please - nice ambience, pleasant service, interesting cocktails. IL Ponte is something more. I don't usually find myself in Woburn, but we were looking for novelty. The place is smaller than I expected -- around 12-15 tables plus the bar. It was a little loud, but in that way where you don't hear any one person speak -- the sound bounces off the ceilings and around the open space and creates a kind of white noise that made me feel more, not less private. The service was attentive and effective, without being intrusive. I probably had 6 glasses of water, and my glass was never empty when I went to have a drink. We were looking forward to the cocktails, and they didn't disappoint-- balanced, complex, subtle. I particularly recommend the Falling For You, whose brown butter washed bourbon is full and warm and melts against the fruit flavors. A+. You set the stage for a meal with the bread. They had a kind of white bread (good) and a focaccia (excellent), with a garlic olive oil that I could almost have eaten with a spoon. We had the burrata appetizer, then a pasta and a steak entree, all of which were very good. But the dessert--! I don't usually eat dessert. It's too sweet and too much at the end of a meal. But I always look at the menu. The Semifreddo, a dish of pistachio mousse and mixed-berry gelato, is too tempting to pass up, so I order it, planning to have a few bites. Five minutes later, the dessert is gone and I am spooning cream through the remnants of the berry juice looking for more. I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a dessert so much. Make a reservation. Stop by. You won't regret it.

Service was excellent and responsive, ambiance was very cool, food was decent. We expected much more. Prices are on par with the North End, but the food was unfortunately not quite there.

A hidden gem in a Woburn!!! The food is excellent - everything from the bread they bring you to the apps to entrees to pizza to desert (I've been several times and tried different things each time). You truly can't go wrong, there are so many good choices on the menu. They have handmade pasta, great meat/ chicken dish options, and delicious brick oven pizza. You can get a crowd favorite like chicken parm or they have a lot of really different and creative things on the menu if you're more adventurous and like to try new things. You'll eat like you're dining at a high end restaurant in Boston! Great drink menu too with some really good drink options! It's also got a great warm atmosphere that makes you feel very comfortable and welcomed. Service is excellent, everyone we've interacted with has been great.

Best meal and freshest pasta I've had in ages ! Intimate and lovely dining room....Very attentive service as well... highly recommended

Used to like this place when it first opened. Food, drinks, service are good. Now the noise level is similar to having dinner on the tarmac in front of a 737. Cannot have a conversation without shouting. Not enjoyable.

My wife suggested we try a new place tonight, and we could not have found a better restaurant. Everything was outstanding - the service, the ambiance, and - of course - the food. We shared a pizza (the picante), pasta (the garganelli), and the duck. The duck was creatively seasoned with lavender and honey, perfectly cooked (tender meat and crispy skin), and served with a delicious orange sauce. The chef, Beni, was incredibly warmhearted and a gentleman, going from table to table around close to greet patrons and thank them for coming. If Yelp could give ten stars, we'd give ten.

The food is amazing. Best pizza I've had in a long time. Very tasty. Fresh ingredients and the perfectly crispy crust. If we hadn't already ordered our entrees, we would have ordered more pizzas. My only complaint about the place was it can get a little loud and at times it was hard to hear our waitress or friends. It didn't help that the table next to us had a few people who were using their "outside" voice. We can't wait to go back. Reservations fill up quickly so you have to plan ahead to visit this cute little place !

The food was very good. Well prepared presentation was nice. I thought the octopus appetizer was a small portion of octopus for the price. Everything else was fine atmosphere was OK.

This food was very good for a sit down and the service was great too. When I ordered pizza for take out it was a little on the crispy side but eating in our raviolis and steak were fantastic. The atmosphere was very cozy and inviting. But be aware it is very dark in there be prepared to bring out your phone light

Having been to Fortunatos which was the restaurant in this location, we were hesitant but decided to throw caution to the wind. So glad we did... Amazing! The food is fantastic...everything made in house and you can tell. Really delicious ingredients. Low key ambiance, but very comfortable and authentic, and superb service! Our waiter Owen was very informative without being annoying or pushy...and steered us in the right direction with what our individual needs were, every time! Highly recommended!!! Bravo!!!

I think my original favorite Italian place has been replaced. First let me say both my parents are Italian and I don't go out for Italian food, because...well why? We were celebrating 20 years of being together and wanted to pick someplace new and my husband found this place. Everything we ordered was so good! We had the octopus to start, it was delicious with the most amazing potatoes and arugula salad. Then we both had the cacio e peppe. It was better than mine. That takes a lot for me to say but the truth is the truth. We didn't want the food to stop so I jokingly said we should get pizza. Well my husband called my bluff and the pizza is amazing. Then we had dessert the stuffed doughnut was light and airy. The service was probably the best I've had at a restaurant. Friendly, attentive without hovering and that's a tough balance. Sorry Rosetti's, but you took the bolognese off the menu and nothing else is as good. I've tried, so Il Ponte took your place. I moved to Boston 17 years ago and I'm still scratching my head why people think the North End is great. I've never had a meal this good in the North End. Ever. Sorry no pictures. I was starving and there are plenty here you can look at but nothing like tasting it for yourself. Run don't walk to this place. Complimenti!!

Excellent service and the food is delicious. Presentation is wonderful and the atmosphere is warm and inviting.

The owners are very friendly, the food and bartender Owen was great. Starting with the home made dread, to dinner & cannoli was Amazing. Hidden gem for sure.

One of the best meals I've had in a long time from the prosciutto and burrata to the ceasar salad to the pizza to the bolognese to the steak and finally the cappuccino with almond cake and a cannoli. Absolutely amazing! Family owned and operated. You can feel the passion for food in that place!

First hand if I can, I would give a 4.5 out of 5 by Yelps scoring system. 1. PARKING - Plenty of off atreet parking. 2. AMBIENCE - relaxing but a bit dark. The menu text was too light. Bring your contacts on or reading glases. 3. STAFF - very friendly and knoweldgable. They knew which meals presented with allergy issues. Big plus for me! I have celiac and they had pasta alternatives! DRINKS 1. Lemoncilli - holy smoke! 10 out of 10. This was unbelievable. It was as if I was in ITALY. I don't drink but I had 2 of these!!! A light crisp lemon rum Heaven.... 2. Steak tips with salad - 9 out of 10. Though it taste good, it did not have anything unique to remind me of Italy.

Best Italian restaurant on the North Shore! The food is incredible. We have never tried a meal we didn't like here, and we go once a week because it's so amazing! Authentic, staff is friendly, you can't beat it.