Recommends

Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Popular New England chain is all about comfort, from calm surroundings to hearty, family-friendly Italian fare.. The Scene
As part of the far-reaching Back Bay Restaurant Group, Papa Razzi mirrors sister establishments like Joe's American Bar & Grill and Charley's by serving an accessible, family-friendly menu at affordable prices in a relaxed setting. Soothing color schemes and black-and-white photos of the famous and infamous (a nod to the restaurant's name) provide plenty of atmosphere, as do gregarious, attentive servers. When there's a wait, grab a stool at the well-stocked bar to pass the time.

The Food
While perusing the menu of colorful salads, wood-fired thin-crust pizzas, and made-to-order pasta dishes, most diners absent-mindedly devour a basket of warm, freshly baked focaccia and breadsticks. Palatable insalata di campo, which combines mixed greens, dried cranberries, tomatoes and Gorgonzola in balsamic vinaigrette, makes a worthy starter. Among the signature pastas, the Porcini tortelloni, smothered in a savory wild mushroom and tomato sauce, is a sturdy crowd-pleaser. For dessert, creamy gelatos provide a cooling finish.