Taranta
Boston, MA 02113
Phone: (617) 720-0052
- Price:
- $$$$
- Cross Street:
- Cross Street
- Best of Citysearch:
- Italian Food 2006
- Hours:
- Daily 5:30pm-10pm
Message from Taranta
Taranta possibly made the biggest mark in the oldest part of Boston
- Cooking Classes
- Private Rooms
- Unique Cuisine
Paid advertisement by Taranta.
Editorial Review for Taranta – by Eric Grossman
The Scene
One of the neighborhood's most-expansive restaurants, Taranta splits its vast dining space between three levels. Tambourines dangle from rustic, exposed-brick walls in tribute to the Tarantella, the traditional Southern-Italian dance from which the restaurant takes its name. At peak hours, the high ceilings don't help the noise levels in the otherwise mellow, romantic setting. Jovial, unobtrusive and enthusiastic service is faultless. A somewhat limited but well-chosen wine list and impressive selection of after-dinner liqueurs highlight the drink options.
The Food
Taranta's seasonal menu meshes Latin American ingredients with Italian fare, yielding dishes like cassava root gnocchi or ravioli stuffed with duck confit and lucuma fruit. Homemade pasta dishes (artisan-made fusilli with pancetta, onion, smoked sweet peppers and roasted tomatoes, all baked in parchment paper) are not to be missed. Pan-roasted baby chicken with Peruvian asparagus in a sauce of drunken plums, roasted shallots and panca chili personifies the kitchen's unique approach.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
ParkingHead straight to the Parcel 7 garage on Congress Street. The restaurant validates for up to three hours ($3).
The ExtrasIf you're dying for more of the chef's take on Southern Italian cuisine, the third floor room is available for private cooking classes. Local chefs help gourmet wannabes prepare a traditional five-course meal.
Know Before You GoUnlike many of its neighboring restaurants, Taranta does serve dessert. Highlights include rich homemade tiramisu and hazelnut mousse drizzled with dulce de leche.
User Reviews for Taranta
01/14/2008 Posted by master_confucius
This small italo-peruvian restaurant located in the heart of the North End knows exaclty what its doing. The cozy atmosphere is perfect for the food they server. There is a undisputable knowledge of both food styles that are blended with perfect synergy. Added to this, the service was superb. Our waiter was very good with wine and food suggestions. Even thou the wine list is very small they have some good choices in a wide range of prices. If eating something different than linguini carbonara, spaghetti frutto di mare, or ñoqui four cheeses is what you are looking for this is the right place. Do not hesitate to try Taranta. This place definitely has lots of Soul.
05/24/2007 Posted by perchdogg
I chose to take my girlfriend here in celebration of her birthday and was very pleased. We arrived 15 minutes before our scheduled reservation time but were seated promptly anyways. It's worth noting that this was a Wednesday night around 8 pm. Our waitress was eager and informative when it came to answering any questions we had on the menu, drinks, etc. She gave us ample time to decide on our food, explained some of the finer details of our choices, and let us be. The food was excellent - I recommend the pan-seared tuna dish of this season and especially their signature pork chop dish. The staff was extremely helpful when it came to me secretly requesting a piece of their chocolate tort with a candle for my girlfriend's birthday (the tort was also delicious). Also worth noting that their mixed drinks were tasty, creative, and strong, and complimented our meals elegantly. I will definitely be returning; this quality of food coupled with knowledgeable as well as friendly service is a real treat.
Pros: Service and food were excellent, very friendly staff.
Cons: I felt a bit crowded in the dining room
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