Taranta
Eclectic, outstanding Southern Italian cuisine spices up the North End.
(617) 963-0459
210 Hanover St
(at Cross Street)
Boston,
MA
02113
42.3628
-71.0555
Neighborhoods: Central, North End
Hours:
Daily 5:30pm-10pm
Price:
$$$$
Last updated 4.30.09
What People Are Saying About Taranta
The Owner
Taranta
Owner
Taranta is still quite young in the eyes of Boston's famous North End, yet it has managed to make possibly the biggest mark in the oldest part of Boston. After having a previous history with other famous and well respected restaurants in "Little Italy."
Taranta is the result of a marriage between Southern Italian Cuisine and Peruvian Cuisine, and it's success is due to its quality of food and service, and having a strong personality really helps. Taranta cooks and lives Southern Italian cuisine with a Peruvian twist. Chef-Owner Jose Duarte and wife Anna, have focused on this massive feat and the critics agree, Taranta Cucina Meridionale has done it, better than ever.
The Editor
Eric Grossman
Citysearch
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.
User Reviews
MinPinMom1
August 07, 2008
I was looking for a restaurant for my boss ( we are in Charlotte, NC) to take clients while in Boston. Often times I find this to be a challenge since reviews are often not true. I went out on a wing when I picked Taranta for my boss to take her clients too. When I arrived at work the following morning I received an email from my boss who was still in Boston raving about the food, the presentation of the food, the wait staff which was awesome and the lovely table Chef Duarte had set for them on the Patio. Today, she came back into the office with the others who went with her to attend the meeting with our big client. All of the attendees raved about the food. The awesome pork chop that one attendee ate, the lobster ravioli and most of all the service, I could go on and on. My recommendation would be to take a chance and select this restaurant, I am hoping to go to Boston soon and when I do I am going to go to Taranta. Thank you Chef Duarte for making me shine from Charlotte, NC 8>)
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master_confucius
January 14, 2008
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 ?oqui 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.
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perchdogg
May 24, 2007
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.
read full reviewThe Details on Taranta
Parking:
Head straight to the Parcel 7 garage on Congress Street. The restaurant validates for up to three hours ($3).
The Extras:
If 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 Go:
Unlike many of its neighboring restaurants, Taranta does serve dessert. Highlights include rich homemade tiramisu and hazelnut mousse drizzled with dulce de leche.
Category:
Payment Methods:
Gift Certificate, American Express, Visa, Diners Club, MasterCard, Travelers Check
Restaurant Special Features:
Romantic Dining, Special Occasion Dining, Fine Dining, Private Rooms, People Watching, Date Spot, Group Dining
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
No
Message from Taranta
- Cooking Classes
- Private Rooms
- Unique Cuisine
Taranta is still quite young in the eyes of Boston's famous North End, yet it has managed to make possibly the biggest mark in the oldest part of Boston. After having a previous history with other famous and well respected restaurants in "Little Italy."
Taranta is the result of a marriage between Southern Italian Cuisine and Peruvian Cuisine, and it's success is due to its quality of food and service, and having a strong personality really helps. Taranta cooks and lives Southern Italian cuisine with a Peruvian twist. Chef-Owner Jose Duarte and wife Anna, have focused on this massive feat and the critics agree, Taranta Cucina Meridionale has done it, better than ever.
