Small gem in the North End! Went there based on Yelp reviews and we loved it! Extremely reasonably priced. Food was top notch. You will not be disappointed.
(5)
Huey N.
This place is worth going to. I almost took another group of friends there the day after, but the line was long and I wanted to try a new spot. We started off with the calamari which was very good. I usually get tired of fried food really quickly, but I ate enough squid to piss off lord namor. They drizzled a spicy aoli over the plate and even came with an extra side of the sauce. My two friends ordered the ziti bake and alfredo, which tasted pretty standard. I got the tarragon lobster with fresh linguine. The tarragon flavor was distinguishable but not dominant. My only gripe was the chewiness of the lobster. It was a good dish in general despite that. I'm looking forward to come back and trying their specials.
(4)
David C.
Panza is perfect. My wife and I had dinner at Panza last night and I could not have been more pleased. I read many reviews before booking a reservation and it was clear a lot of those people are not familiar with the North End. If you want to be seated immediately, go to the Olive Garden. Good things come to those who wait. We had to stand outside in the cold for 20 minutes even though we had a reservation, and I didn't mind a bit. Once we were seated, we were immediately given bread and water. A few minutes later our waitress was at the table taking drink orders and going over specials. I ended up ordering the saltimbocca and my wife ordered the carbonara and we split a goat cheese and walnut salad. All were fantastic. Overall, Panza was an amazing experience and we will be happy to return.
(5)
Bill M.
Can you really go wrong in this neighborhood? Wife and I stopped at this place in the following order: 1. by smell 2. by yelp 3. by number of tables It was small and quaint and had an amazing aroma that wrapped around the block... Service was personal and friendly. The mushroom and goat cheese spring roll is as good as advertised. A great place for a romantic dinner date.
(5)
Kenneth F.
I won't go back.....made a reservation and ended up waiting just as long (almost an hour!) as if I didn't have a reservation...so disappointed in the lack of respect this place has for its customers
(1)
Ryan G.
Like honestly, I expected better being four stars and all. Not gonna lie, the wait staff was absolutely friendly and helpful and definitely deserve five stars for customer service, but i'm sticking to my guns and saying food quality and taste is number one priority. That being said, I feel like you can definitely find better restaurants in the north end. The food was eh a - okai. However it was reasonable and I guess fairly cheap compared to some of the other north end restaurants. Food break down: Calamari - good (3 stars) have had better, have had worse. Seafood Risotto - ehhh (2 stars) it wasnt really risotto either. it was white like wth. I mean you can't go wrong here. Great wait staff and decent food and affordable prices. IDK it's your call.
(3)
TJ D.
To start off with, I am right on the cusp of giving Panza a '5'-star rating. My only hold-up is that I want to contribute to a reliable rating system on Yelp, as many members are quite liberal with dishing out the '5's. That being said I don't really know where to start. I have been going to this place in the North End for several years, when it was previously named "Cibo". It's only hearsay, but I believe a good portion of the staff carried over to Panza. Context-wise, this place does what is difficult on Hanover St.: it provides a great meal without giving into the pressure to churn out mediocre Italian-American meals to the throng of tourist perpetually passing through this beautiful area of Boston. And it is beautiful, I even got engaged in the neighborhood. To the food: wonderful tasting pasta (made in-house!) and meat dishes......I have my favorites and thus tend to order from this set of 5-6 entrees. Ditto with the appetizers. With specials that come and go, it may be hard for me to stay current with the menu. The ravioli dishes and anything with their cream sauces are wonderful. Prepared well with a great balance of all the flavors, never have I tasted burned garlic or an oily texture from a heavy hand of olive oil. The herbs that are used in the various dishes (thyme, tarragon, etc.) are also used competently and have yet to turn me off at all. I usually do some due culinary diligence and have others that are with me taste what I order, just to make sure I'm not rolling with a heavy bias. It gets the same response every time, "wow". On the flip side I have had the same reactions. My fiancee ordered the Beef and Veal Tortelloni the last time we were in, and it was awesome. Prepared in a veal stock reduction with mushrooms and shaved parmesan, I wish I could have ordered that too. Also, their Calamari appetizer is in my Top 2 I have ever eaten.....Spicy, fried well, fresh and not chewy (read real), and served with a really tasty sauce. Awesome. The wine list offered here has yet to disappoint as well. I dig on the dry, red wines, and I have yet to regret ordering a particular bottle or glass. Staffing-wise, they are usually busy yet always keep the pace and provide good service. I would recommend making a reservation if you have more than 2 people or are planning on going on a weekend night. All in all an excellent place, and I would highly recommend stopping in for some dinner.
(4)
Kate M.
Pretty terrible experience. We were seated an hour and a half after the time I'd made reservations for- and there is no bar area so we were forced to stand outside in the cold. The hostess told us from the beginning they were only 15 minutes behind, and when we checked back with her on how long it would be after waiting half an hour- she told us 15 more minutes, after making it obvious how annoyed she was that we would even dare ask; if I'd known from the start we'd be waiting an hour and a half, we would've gone elsewhere. When we finally sat, a waitress did not come to our table for 15 minutes until after we were seated, and we were never checked on while seated. To get a second drink, we had to literally reach out and flag the waitress. Just as good of food can be found elsewhere, without the wait in the cold and the lies about how long the wait will be. I will never go back.
Excellent! We had the lobster ravioli and the linguine alla pescatore with fra diavolo sauce (spicy good!). The service was good and the bread seemed fresh.
(5)
Danielle H.
Went here a while back with two others but forgot to review it - which kinda tells you about the place- not memorable. I remember the pasta dishes we got (two of the specials and one off the menu) being pretty good but the service was not so good. It was a small place but we often had a hard time flagging down the waiter. Would go back though because it's one of the more affordable choices in the North End.
(3)
Ryan H.
I went on an italian kick and made Panza a restaurant of choice. I made an open table reservation. Like all the other reviews say they didn't seat us on time but it was a Saturday night and i didn't have anything to do so i didn't care. Cesar Salad- 4 stars. Creamy and delicious Goat Cheese and wild mushroom spring rolls- 5 stars. very different, interesting dish. I wasn't expecting such a sweet sauce to go with it. Lobster Ravioli and Linguine Carbonara - 5 stars- I could eat both these dishes every day for the rest of my life...too bad it isnt healthy to weigh 300 pounds Service- 5 stars. excellent recommendations. she was always attentive without being overbearing. Price- 5 stars. 2 appetizers, 2 entrees and a bottle of wine for 80$. I'll take that in the north end any day.
(5)
Colin B.
8pm reservation on a Friday night for 4. We were seated pretty close to our reservation time (it's a small restaurant so reservations are a must). There's no waiting room or bar inside, so you're left to hang out on the street, which is fine on a nice spring night. It was a bit noisy when we first arrived but once the "dating" crowd showed up it was a much nicer experience as it quieted down. Moderately priced with good portions and good taste. $20 bottles of wine, which is unheard of in the North End.
(4)
Kathleen R.
When trying to decide where to eat in the North End, the choices can be overwhelming. We decided we wanted to try something different than our usual choice, and based on the reviews on Yelp, decided to give Panza a try. While the food was great, the restaurant is VERY tiny and therefore you end up basically sharing a table with your next door neighbors. Due to the small room and amount of people squished in it, background noise is EXTREMELY loud... don't plan on any intimate, private conversations here. I was a little disappointed with the service. For a restaurant that serves at max 30 people at a time, it took quite a long time for the waitress to bring us water/take our order/bring drinks/ect. That being said, the food was pretty good. My boyfriend ordered a seafood/pasta dish with a "spicy red sauce" (which he had asked to be extra spicy, but wasn't.) My butternut squash tortellini was great as well. And the prices were pretty reasonable for good portions. I wasn't overly impressed, and we'll probably end up trying somewhere else next time, or going back to our tried & true place.
(3)
Lynn D.
Amazing! Had their open faced lasagna (can't remember its official name), and it was some of the best lasagna I've ever had. Actually, this place has some of the best food I've found in the North End. Panza was recommended to me by some friends of mine who live in the North End. I came here with three other people and we were all happy with our food. My wife ordered the chicken Parmesan, and she really enjoyed it. I recommend making an Open Table reservation before you come. I'm moving into the North End in two weeks and will definitely be coming back. P.S. - The homemade sangria was also really good.
(4)
Jessica U.
ThIs restaurant came highly recommended and I was eager to try it out. Went last night and can't say it lived up to all the hype. It's a cozy place, clostrophobics beware! The service was below average, even for the North end. The food was decent, no ones minds were blown. Lobster Ravioli was probably the highlight of what we ordered, along with an appetizer special of cream filled mozzarella with tomato and basil. I'd be willing to give it another shot because of all the positive reviews it's gotten.
(3)
Mimi F.
Visiting Boston and came upon Panza. We did not have a reservation but were able to be seated within a few minutes. The olive oil and bread were amazing! Had the goat cheese spring rolls--yum yum. The honey was an interesting and great touch. Their deconstructed lasagna WAS deconstructed. Appreciated the waiter double checking to make sure we understood what it was. Also had some penne with sausage that was quite tasty. Very reasonably priced and enjoyed the meal.
(5)
Amy B.
Panza is a great little restaurant in the North End that I think is often overlooked. It's small inside, so I recommend it if you're going out to eat with one or two other people - I don't advise large groups trying to get in here! The service is great and the food is pretty darn good for the price. I went here with a friend for her birthday and was hoping to surprise her with a dessert with a little candle in it, but when I asked the waitress about it before the meal, she told me that they didn't serve dessert so I was a little upset. But I guess the waitress could tell I really wanted to surprise my friend, so while we were eating, she ran over to White Hen and bought one of those little Hostess cupcakes and a candle and brought it out to my friend at the end of the meal! I was so thankful and appreciative - she really went above and beyond the call of duty there!!
(4)
CL S.
The food here is pretty great and varied. I loved my butternut squash ravioli, which were enormous and tasty. (I can't recall what my husband had but he also enjoyed his meal). We had the grilled greens and polenta as an appetizer and I wanted to order a second just because it was so good. The white sangria was also a hit -- it seemed strange on a fall menu until I tasted it. It had lots of apples and a fall-spicy taste to it (nutmeg?) that was fantastic. The space itself is very North End -- tiny, clearly very old, you can see the kitchen from your table, and you're very close to your neighbor. It just feels comfortable and lively. The service was what lost that fifth star. I think our waitress said three words to us and she was constantly watching the other tables when at ours. We had to flag her down for things which never feels great. I will definitely return as I hope that the service was a just a one-off bad night. Tip: Make a reservation. There aren't very many seats and the line was out the door once we left.
(4)
Sumit D.
Decent Italian food on a cold blustery Super Bowl weekend in Boston.
(3)
Alexandra G.
I went to Panza based on the amazing Yelp reviews, but did not find the 5 stars I was seeking. It is a very cute restaurant in a great location, but I've had far better meals in the North End. The prices were certainly reasonable but the restaurant is so loud that it's hard to focus on the meal or the conversation at your table. I felt the service was acceptable but not overly attentive. The mussels were delicious as a starter, and everyone in my party was satisfied with their meal, but I didn't think it was anything memorable, relative to other restaurants in the N End. Overall, it was a good experience but not ideal if you are looking to converse with your guests or have dessert in-restaruant.
(3)
I L.
The food is amazing and a great price. However, this gets a 3 star due to the crazy wait despite having reservations the last 3 times Ive been there. The last time I had to wait an additional hour past my reservation time because they do not have a dedicated hostess. Being in line with angry diners who keep crowing the non existent wait area is simply not the way I want to spend my evening. I may have to stop going there because anger eating is not that fun.
(3)
Bianca M.
My boyfriend and I went to the North End yesterday looking for a hearty meal of pasta that wasn't going to cost a fortue. After walking up and down Hanover St. and reading countless menus, we decided to try Panza, and I'm so glad we did! We shared a spinach salad to start, and it was alright, but when our pasta came we were both so pleased! My baked ziti with meatballs was very good but my boyfriends gnocchi with meat sauce was amazing! The staff was very friendly, the atmosphere was nice and our delicious meal was quite inexpensive.
(5)
Frank M.
Great Experience! Had 7:30 reservations on a Sat, got sat a little before 8, which is to be expected. Some people in the walk-in 'line" waited 1.5 hrs to get in. The service was good, albeit somewhat rushed as they clearly had 9 oclock round of reservations to get to. Room is small/intimate, but typical for the N. End. We ended up talking to the couple sitting next to us a bit, which added to the experience. The bruschetta is a must have. Comes on 2 large pieces of bread, which are somewhat impractical to eat unless you cut it up. But full of flavor. Both of our dishes were excellent, and timely. Wine selection is not huge, but certainly affordable ranging from $20-35+/-. Would go back again and agian.
(4)
Anthony R.
Great Food! Great Service! Great Price! This is definitely a restaurant you should visit while in the North End of Boston. We enjoyed our delicious dinner, plentiful and inexpensive.
(5)
Padraig G.
Great little restaurant with nice ambiance and character, although the small brick space makes it a bit loud if it's reasonably crowded. Service was good - friendly, efficient and attentive. Meals were served ridiculously quick and were outstanding - old standby veal parm was generous in size, nice sauce and prepared wonderfully. My friend ordered the beef and veal tortellini and got similar raves. Overall a very good experience and high marks for the food at very reasonable prices. I know some folks have commented on the lack of a dessert menu - not a biggie in my book but as others have noted, a few of the better known pastry shops are just a few moments away.
(4)
Katelin G.
Butternut squash ravioli is extremely tasty. Chicken picatta was great- only thing I would change is that the side of pasta came with red sauce on it when I would have preferred to have the entree on a bed of pasta. Absolutely reasonable on the pocketbook & the service was good.
First off, I have to say that I am puzzled as to how Panza has had so many 5 star ratings. I give it a strong 3 stars. In order to place my review in some context, it's important to know that my favorite traditional Italian restaurants are Delfino and Giacamo's, and other Italian restaurants that I have enjoyed immensely are Terramia and Sage. As for Panza...this restaurant is located in the heart of the North End, so I came in with relatively high expectations. I'll start with the atmosphere: the dining area was small, with about 8-10 tables, dimly lit and romantic, ideal for a date or a small group. The wait staff was attentive and friendly. Now for the food: The bread was warm, fluffy/doughy on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and overall delicious. There was olive oil on the table for dipping. The wine list was excellent; I counted 11 bottles for $20! We got the house Sangiovese, which was exceptional. For my first course, I got the house special salad with spinach, walnuts, grape tomatoes, and goat cheese. The salad was good, although it was a little heavy on the goat cheese. The dressing was light and tasty. For my main meal, I got the house special gnocchi stuffed with ricotta and spinach in a garlic cream sauce with sundried tomatoes and chicken. The gnocchi was HUGE, and actually a little too big for my liking. This dish, like the salad, was also a little heavy on the cheese. Whether it was the cheese inside the gnocchi or the cheese sauce or the combination of the two, it was too much. I am a cheese lover, the cheesiness took over the entire dish and drowned out other flavors instead of complementing them. The chicken and sundried tomatoes with the garlic cheese sauce were excellent, but not enough to make up for the heavy, oversized, and overly-cheesy gnocchi. I rarely leave food on my plate, yet I left about a quarter of my gnocchi because it was too cheesy. The portion sizes are quite large, especially for the price. Besides my dishes, I tried my girlfriend's penne with red sauce. The sauce was a little watery and not as sweet as I would prefer, yet it was still tasty. I also tried mussels in fra diavlo sauce; the mussels were excellent, the fra diavlo sauce was very good, moderately spicy, but I've had better. The other 3 people at the table loved their meals. My girlfriend got the chicken Panza; it came with some veggies in a light white sauce, which was perfect for her. Lastly I'd like to point out that all the reviews before this were from women. So guys, if you're looking for an inexpensive place to take your girl, this is the spot. But if you want delicious traditional Italian food, try Giacamo's across the street or Delfino in Roslindale, but watch-out for the lines! Cheers
(3)
Feliks S.
Although there are other places in the North End for a better ambience for special occasions, we have no complaints about a recent dinner for two at Panza! The food was delicious, the selection was great, and the wine list was reasonable with choices for all budgets. I was surprised by the size of the portions, since one pasta entree resulted in enough leftovers for a second dinner. At the same time, quality wasn't compromised, the total check was very reasonable for an appetizer, two entrees, and a bottle of chardonnay (total $70) and I can't wait to go back again and try other dishes!
(4)
Patrick F.
Everything was good except when you have a reservation, you don't really have a reservation. I had heard that you end up waiting a while but we had a 7:30pm reservation and were seated at 8:15... that's not acceptable.
(3)
Charisma P.
The food was fine, and the price was right, but the service needs work. When we arrived, the hostess greeted someone who was probably a member of the mafia, and they blocked the door while chatting for 5 solid minutes without acknowledging our presence until he left. Since there was no place to wait, we reluctantly blocked the path between servers and their tables. We had reservations and were asked to wait even though a table had just opened up in the back and was already cleared. When another group left, we were seated. It was clear that there was a serious lack of organization as there were about a dozen workers who were running around doing all of the same jobs. There was probably 1 server to every 2 customers. When my food came, it was brought out by someone other than our server, and we assumed my husband's would be right behind it. We were wrong. Finally, our server came and apologized and brought out his dish as if she had simply forgotten it. I guess you have to be a member of the family to get the great service, and we will not be returning.
(2)
Stacy B.
If you read the bad reviews below, none are about the food. In fact, most are about the wait. To me, that's the sign of a good restaurant... one that I want to eat at. Also, waiting is what you do when you go to dinner in the North End. And lucky for us, we're seasoned patrons of the North End, and know that going to dinner at 8pm, reservations or not, is going to be crowded. We got there early... around 5pm. When we left around 7pm, the place was packed. Moving on to the best part: the food. Boy, was it tasty, and oh-so-affordable -- something you can't say often about a full meal in the North End. The service was more than accommodating to my six-year old's request for plain pasta, and a plain salad. And although there were some pretty tasty sounding dishes on the menu, I wished for nothing more than a plate of spaghetti with marinara. My request wasn't frowned upon, nor made poorly. In fact, it was one of the most delicious plates of spaghetti I have ever had. The other half ordered the eggplant parm, and raved about how fresh the dish was. We shared the tomato bruschetta to start, which was also very fresh. Good luck finding a bottle of wine more expensive than $50 (and thank you for that, Panza). And kudos for being kid friendly! Will definitely recommend this place, go back myself, and take my entire family. Because that's what italian restaurants are supposed to be: family friendly. Not little holes in the wall created to cater to unrealistic romantic expectations.
(4)
Benjamin T.
The service was okay. It's a very small restaurant and there was no hostess really seating people. You need to get a waitress' attention in order to let them know you have arrived for your reservation. The waitress we had was good, but the bus boy didn't seem like he wanted to be there while he poured water and gave bread to the table. We had a mixed experience with the appetizers. The Grilled Italian Greens were cooked well with lots of flavor. However, the muscles were rubbery and drowned in some much tomato sauce there was no flavor. For entries we had the linguine w/ mixed seafood (scallops, shrimp, clams) and veal parm. The seafood was very fresh and tasty, the sauce was average and drown out some of the seafood flavor. The veal parm was cooked perfectly but again they must really love their tomato sauce as the veal was drown in it as well. I'd rate this 3 1/2 stars if that was available, but since it's not I'd go 3 stars. If the service improved and they didn't use so much sauce they'd get 4 stars.
(3)
Lauren S.
Wound up here one night when the line at Giacomo's was too long, and my boyfriend and I were too hungry to wait in line for our "go to" Italian place in the North End. Good stuff: We were pleasantly surprised. The bruschetta was amazing. There was a braised pork lasagna special that night. Find out when these nights are -- and go order this. It was amazing. The portion was large enough to last two more meals. Again. Go order this. The chicken piccata was delicious as well. Prices are reasonable considering the quality and portion size. Service was attentive and pleasant. Bad stuff: There really aren't any bad points. It took a while to get a refill on our glasses of water. But a slight thirst aside, the meal was perfect. Great place. Great location. One of the best meals I've had in Boston.
(5)
Vanessa M.
We wandered in at 4pm on a Sunday after the restaurant my sister had chosen for our mom's birthday was closed. (You gotta call ahead baby sister!) We were seated immediately. Service was friendly and attentive. Our waiter very thoughtfully brought out extra plates so we could share apps and entrees. Mom ordered a salad which was enough for all 5 of us to have a bit of, and it was tasty-- baby spinach with goat's cheese and candied walnuts. We had the chicken piccata, chicken saltimboca, chicken marsala, maple glazed salmon with butternut squash risotto, and a sweet potato gnocchi special with duck confit and dried cherries. The food was delicious... no complaints. The traditional entrees came with a side of pasta. Prices are very reasonable for the quality of the food and the neighborhood. Our chicken entrees were $14 each, salmon was $18, and the special was $19. Portions were good, and not too huge. I know lots of people want to leave the North End with a week's worth of lunches left over from one entree, but I am not that kind of gal. We had enough to share, we left full, and there was enough left over for mom and sis to have lunch the next day. Panza does not serve dessert, but that shouldn't be a shock-- Mike's is about a block away and I'm sure everyone just goes there.
(4)
Thom T.
Absolutely great service and food. Crowded and fun, and a good alternative to waiting in line across the street. Goat cheese spring rolls are rightly famous, but those ribs!!!!
(5)
V P.
Just got here! Amazing service! Awesome house wine!
(5)
Shareen M.
I just came back from my first weekend away in Boston. From previous reviews, we decided to have dinner @ Giacomos BUT the line was ridiculous and around the corner. Panza was located across the street and only had about 4 people walking. One of the customers in front of us was a regular and said Panza was his favorite Italian place in Boston. I am SO glad we decided to come here instead. The service was EXCELLENT & the food was INCREDIBLE! The place is small and you are sitting closely to others, but most restaurants in that area have the same seating arrangement. My recommendations: Get a bottle of wine (so affordable), the Bruchetta (the best ive ever had), & the chicken parm. The sauce is homemade and out of this world good!
(5)
Laura S.
I really dont have any good reason to only give Panza 4 stars, except that we only got two dishes... so my experience was pretty limited. BUT, those two dishes were absolutely amazing. The bruschetta was my favorite part- I would go back JUST for that. The portion sizes were definitely adequate and their wine list is super reasonable. It was a little loud for my taste, but, I think that just speaks to how many tables they had sat late on a Sunday night. The service was superior and the atmosphere, though relaxed, was definitely intimate.
(4)
Taylor B.
Found this place on Yelp... and what a gem! A few things to keep in mind: It is a small restaurant, bit cramped but not obnoxious. So if you have a larger group, make a reservation. They pay attention to details, but are not about the bells and whistles. The food is nothing fancy, but it is good quality and a great value. My boyfriend and I shared a bottle of Pino G, I myself order the carbonara which cooked perfectly and flavorful. My boyfriend got the lasagne, which was more of an open-faced style, not a bad thing, good flavor and good portion. I have to say, our bill came to $55! How can you argue with that price for fresh Italian food? You can't. Our server was attentive but not hovering, talked about the specials and was happy to answer our questions about the menu. I would recommend this place without a doubt!
(4)
Ashley H.
This place is tiny so claustrophobics beware! The place sits maybe 50 people MAX. With a party of 6, we were the largest group able to be accommodated. We had a Saturday 6 p.m. reservation and waited about 15 minutes for our table, not bad considering some of the reviews were saying a 30 minute wait with a reservation. There was no line until we started leaving around 7:45. Once seated at a table that was small, but still adequate, we order 2 bottles of wine and a few beers for the table. The bottles are cheap, between $20 and $30 for the most part. The server was quick and efficient and while I wouldn't call her friendly, she wasn't rude. You can tell the goal of the staff is to get people in and out, fast. My boyfriend and I split the goat cheese and mushroom spring rolls and they were delicious with a sweet almost asian kind of sauce. He doesn't care for mushrooms and still loved them. I ordered the glazed salmon with sweet potato risotto. It is basically risotto with chunks of sweet potato cut up. It was DELICIOUS. I only wish there was more of it! The portions aren't huge, but they are enough to feel you are getting your moneys worth. The other 5 people at my table all enjoyed their food and everyone cleaned their plate. My boyfriend got the special which was some kind of shaved beef with pasta. He loved it. The total bill was around $250 for 6 people with an appetizer, 2 bottles of wine, 3 beers and 2 salads. Not too shabby for the North End. I'd definitely go back, although my boyfriend claims he wouldn't visit the same place twice because there are so many choices. Loved it despite the "coziness" of the place.
(5)
Lisa B.
Hahahaha I was going to come on here and write "Red Sauce! YES!!" But apparently I *have* been here before, and said the same thing a year ago! If that doesn't say something about the integrity of the food here, I'm not sure what does. If I am hungry in the North End and haven't made a reservation anywhere, I'm likely to accept the fact that most North End restaurants are similar and basically guarantee a good meal (I mean, how can you go wrong with chicken parm?? You can't.) They all start to look the same anyway after a while-- to the point, for me after 7 years in Boston anyway, where I can't remember if I've been to a place or not before. Panza's interior design is simple. Forgettable. It's a small space, so tables are tight, it gets loud and it gets crowded. What it lacks in decor it makes up for in red sauce. I wish they jarred it so I could buy it in wholesale quantities. My friends and I went to Panza about a month ago on a rainy Wednesday night. We spent hours in there-- wound up being the only 3 people in there at the end of the night, 2 bottles and 3 glasses deep. They let us chat and catch up, were attentive without once interrupting, and brought us like 3 baskets of bread. Tonight was a mob scene, but still appropriately attentive, no complaints about service. Food was a win- we started with calamari and bruschetta- both delicious. I had the chicken piccata, mom had the chicken scallopini, dad also had the chicken piccata, sister had chicken parm and her boyfriend had veal parm. none of us were disappointed with any part of our meals. Panza, hopefully the next time I'm back it will actually be warm enough to sit in the window!!
(5)
Michael R.
Arrived promptly at 8 pm for our 8 pm reservation and were told it would be about 10 minutes. 45 minutes later our party of 3 was seated at a table for 2. They were very apologetic and comped an app of our choice, but the food overall was pretty average. There are much better places in the North End.
(2)
Jeff A.
This was my first time in the North End since I was a kid. We heard this was a great place and it backed up its reputation. We had a great meal with good service in a welcoming, home-y atmosphere. Next time I go back to Boston I will try other places in the North End but I will always compare them to this place. It set the bar pretty high!
(4)
Madhvi S.
Food: Excellent, so many vegetarian options, wild mushroom and goat cheese spring rolls were delicious, all the raviolis options were so yummy Ambiance: Nice, small, quiet. I was there with a group of girls so we were kind of loud and may have caught a few glares. Not the kind of place for a party of greater than 5-6 unless. Price: Eh, North End is expensive, dishes around 14-15, so pretty normal.
(4)
Christina D.
A cute enough place, with a nice enough, though not terribly attentive staff. Panza earns only 2 stars for the miserable, tasteless, soupy sauce that my side of penne was served in... I'm sorry bathed in. The rest of my meal was fine, prices were decent (I was there for lunch), but Panza is certainly not up to par with many of the other establishments of the North End.
(2)
Michelle M.
Delicious. Absolutely delicious. My roommate and her boyfriend have been raving about this place since we moved to the North End in September. Being a creature of habit, I've stuck to my normal favorite NE restaurants and just tried Panza for the first time a few weeks ago. The service is basic, timely, and friendly. Wine reasonably priced. Food was yummy. I'd recommend reservations ahead of time, but the lines normally aren't too bad.
(4)
Katie S.
Waited over an hour for a reservation I made days in advance. Very disappointed by this, the food was good but that is to be expected in the north end of Boston. Much more satisfied with other restaurants in the area.
(2)
Sarah F.
There are so many places to choose from in the North End, but I will say this is a gem! It's small, quaint and right on Hanover, but absolutely delicious. I went with a group of friends who were visiting from out of town to give them the North End experience, we had a great time. We started with two bottles of wine which were very reasonably priced (as well as their entire menu) at $20 each. For dinner we had the lobster ravioli and two daily specials - one was the gnocchi bolognese, the second the spinach & ricotta ravioli with mushrooms and sun dried tomatoes. We had gone around 6:30 p.m. and it seemed pretty easy to get a table, but then got very crowded and it fills up fast as the restaurant is quite small. I would recommend going early if you can, otherwise make a reservation. The staff are very friendly and didn't rush us at all - I cannot wait to come here again!
(4)
Bob K.
Erin was there to make sure we had a great dinner. The whole experience was great, wait staff was friendly and attentive, the food had vivid flavor and rich in texture an color. You cannot go wrong at Panza!!!
(5)
Kristen F.
We chose an inopportune night to go out to the North End... it was pouring, windy, and cold... but to my surprise, an evening at Panza could not have been easier. The place was warm, cozy, and totally adorable. Our party of four didn't make reservations but a table in the corner was available for us right away. The waitress was very laid back and made a few good suggestions for wine, and let all four of us taste test before we made our decision. The wild mushroom and goat cheese spring rolls were yummeee! We all ordered our entrees off the specials menu and were all pleased with our choices. Prices were very reasonable. An all around hassle free evening from start to finish. Next time you're in the mood for Italian... choose this place.
(4)
Bill F.
Worth the wait. Im a big fan of Giacomo's across the street so when I read previous reviews that said the food was just as good, I made reservations. First off, they take reservations, Giacomo's does not. After running 1/2 hour late, not bad for a Saturday night, we finally got seated. First thing you notice is how load it is. Very loud. If you want an intimate dinner, go elsewhere. We were greeted by waitstaff immediately, very pleasant and friendly. apps came out fast followed by food. All the food was great. Big portions. They accommodate vegetarians and will make any pasta dish without meat. Giacomo's without the long lines.
(4)
Nicole M.
The sister to Giacomo's, Panza, is always a great option if the line across the street is circling the neighborhood, or you want quick take-out. Love the goat cheese and mushroom spring roll, and I hate mushrooms. This appetizer, however, is delicious. The salad that accompanies it is way too sweet for me, though, as it's dressed with honey. Felt like a dessert and my palate was confused. Also got the sweet potato tortelloni. Amazing the night of, but not great as leftovers the next day; you really need that sauce to give you the full flavor. A fantastic go-to for take-out. I'm a big fan! Inside, the staff was super friendly, and the space quaint and charming.
(4)
Jenny S.
Panza is my go-to North end restaurant whether I'm taking some visiting friends/family out to dinner or want a special night out with the bf. I've been about 5 times for dinner over the past few months since we moved to Boston last fall, and enjoyed every meal! Sometimes they are very busy, but other nights they are fairly empty. Since they are a rather small restaurant (like most North end places) I'd recommend reservations just to be safe! The atmosphere is nice and I've always had exceptional service. I've dined at a few other restaurants in the area (including Giacomo's) but I just can't help but want to come back to Panza every time. I LOVE the linguine alla pescatore with the fra diavolo sauce... YUM. The dish is $18, but the generous portions mean the leftovers usually give me another 2 delicious meals at home! I've also tried the lobster ravioli ($15) - yummy as well, but the cream is a bit heavy, the chicken picatta - sooo good!, and the seafood risotto ($16) - good, but my least favorite of the things I've ordered. Other dishes that my friends have tried and raved about are the chicken panza and the butternut squash ravioli.... plus many more that I can't think of at the moment :) They have a nice wine selection, but no dessert menu since they said most people end up going to one of the nearby pastry shops anyway. Smart and true, but every now and then I would like to follow up a fancy dinner with a nice in-house dessert for those special occasions... oh well, I still love you, Panza.
(5)
Alex S.
I am pissed at this place. Parents were coming to town and I was excited to capitalize on one of the few chances I get for someone else to pick up the check. A great Italian meal in the North End seemed like the perfect solution: a great meal that would be more expensive than I could normally afford. A shared appetizer, salad, three entrees and a bottle of wine were $85...WTF? Initially skeptical of the place because of its more trendy as opposed to traditional Italian family restaurant appearance I was immediately reassured. The cliche appetizer order of calamari was surprisingly interesting. Great spicy drizzle on top of the crisp but not chewy or greasy calamari was great. The bread was crispy but not the best I have had. It seemed a little too dense and heavy for dipping. The eggplant parmesan was fantastic as was my well portioned and perfectly cooked salmon with sweet potato risotto. The service was fantastic. Pleasant but not overbearing. Definitely a place I will go back to.
(4)
David T.
Anywhere that has carbonara on the menu is alright by me! Nice chunks of pancetta mixed with an egg, cheese and cream sauce over pasta is a delight for the taste buds and I order it whenever I have a chance. This is my go-to comfort dish at Italian restaurants and Panza's example was well made, generously portioned and reasonably priced (at $15). The bread here was exceptional; the crusty outside with a doughy interior was a welcome change from the too-soft, sesame-topped bread so common in Italian-American places throughout the Boston area. The service was friendly and food arrived within 15 min of ordering. It was a busy Friday night when a friend and I went for dinner and we did not feel rushed by our waitress. The space is charmingly decorated, albeit a bit small. Prices here seemed somewhat in line with other restaurants on Hanover Street although a few menus we passed on the street were considerably higher.
(4)
Sarah L.
Soooo delicious. It was a lovely experience dining here. The waiter was attentive and funny. And the food was just flipping fantastic. I look forward to coming back to Boston and eating here again.
(5)
Amy L.
I would definitely dine here again. Delicious food, great atmosphere, fantastic Italian bread. Also, we wanted to make some changes in our orders and the wait staff was very accommodating.
(4)
Janie W.
This restaurant is teeny and charming. The service is ruthlessly efficient but still polite. They sure get that food out fast! The menu doesn't hold many surprises aside from the wild mushroom and goat cheese spring roll, which I would recommend. The fried calamari is fresh and tasty. I had the veal piccata - with big fresh pieces of artichoke hearts (no skimping on artichokes!) and the bf had the veal panza. Both were tasty and hot, the veal was tender. It gets quite crowded in there and for us at least, it wasn't a place to linger and talk. Still thoroughly enjoyable.
(4)
Jaime C.
Delicious casual Italian dinner. They are owned by the famous giacamo's but at Panza, you can make a reservation and avoid the huge long wait that giacamos has. Good prices for dinner and on their wine. I had a home made lemon fettuccini with shrimp. Was very tasty. I recommend to anyone in the north end area.
(5)
Elizabeth T.
Since my original review I've gone back to Panza multiple times, sometimes with family, sometimes with friends, sometimes on a date and I cannot stress enough exactly how awesome this restaurant is. I have _never_ had even a mediocre experience here and everyone I have brought has absolutely loved it. Thumbs up for decent wine that's not too pricey and fantastic calamari. I wholeheartedly recommend this place for a date that's impressive but doesn't kill the wallet too much.
(5)
Danielle F.
I made a reservation on Open Table for 8:30 on a Saturday night following a sunset cruise of Boston harbor. The cruise ended early, and my boyfriend and I went to Panza to see if we could get in before our reservation. Unfortunately, the place was packed, so we had to wait it out. When 8:30 did come around, we were seated right on time. The restaurant is small (less than 20 tables), and you sit elbow-to-elbow with strangers, which is pretty common in the North End. We were seated in the back of the restaurant by the kitchen. Although this location seemed undesirable, it wasn't any noisier than other parts of the restaurant, and the waiter and waitresses took great care not to bump into our table on their hurried walks between the tables and the kitchen. Our server was nice but not particularly friendly or talkative. She brought the food to our table without saying anything or checking in to see if everything was OK. However, when we went to pay the bill, she comped our appetizer and salads and thanked my other half for his service in the military. This was really nice of her, especially since we had nothing but good things to tell her about the food. Mostly everything we ordered here was wonderful. We started off with the goat cheese and wild mushroom spring rolls. The dish came with four half rolls on a bed of mixed greens with a combination of honey and thyme for dipping. The rolls were creamy and flavorful, and the honey/thyme mix added another level of deliciousness to them. They were my favorite part of the meal. The complimentary bread that was served was crusty and very hot (in fact, everything we were served was hot - I guess that's the benefit of running a small restaurant). The Caesar salads were good; the portion was large, the lettuce was fresh, and the croutons were crusty. For an entree, I ordered the salmon with maple and mustard glaze with butternut squash risotto. The glaze on the salmon was exceptional; the maple flavor reminded me of Christmas (random, I know, but it did). Sadly, the risotto included unadvertised onions, so I didn't eat very much of it, although the un-onionated portions of it were good. My boyfriend had the linguine with lobster tail meat, which came in a creamy sauce with a variety of vegetables. He was very excited prior to getting his entree, and he wasn't disappointed when it came. He scraped every last bit of it from his plate. If you're looking for a good, hot meal in a bustling environment, Panza is an excellent choice.
(4)
Rachel K.
Came to Panza at the recommendation of a friend and was not disappointed. The atmosphere is a little less "fancy" than your average North End restaurant, and I came in with low expectations based on appearance alone. The menu has a wide range of typical Italian fare, and the drink menu consists of wine (very inexpensive!) and beers, no liquor. I am certainly a wine snob, but the two wines we chose were pretty good. Entrees were also less pricey than your typical place. I was almost hesitant to get the clams linguine (with white sauce); in past experiences this is a major hit or miss at many restaurants. The clams linguine were a definite HIT at Panza! One of the best I've had in awhile. The other three in my group were all more than pleased with their entrees as well. Service was also good here, our waiter offered great recommendations and was very timely. I'm sure I will be back, Panza was a great start to my New Years 2012.
(4)
Lauren L.
I've lived in the North End for two years now. I live about 30 seconds from Panza and am so glad! I've tried almost every restaurant in the North End, and Panza is my #1 favorite. Great service, reasonable prices, AMAZING food. I'm obsessed with eggplant and I had the best eggplant parm I've ever had in my life there! A weird comment that is important to me: Their tomatoes are delicious. I don't know why, but they have the best tomatoes I've ever tasted. I'm just so in love with Panza! It's getting busier and busier by the day I've noticed (definitely much busier since last year) but they deserve the good business!
(5)
Joe J.
It's hard to go some place and give it 5 stars when other people haven't. But, the night I came in, everything went perfect. Went in on a Wednesday, had reservations for 2 at 7:00 PM. We were seated right away, and the service was great. It really was. Wasn't overbearing, water was filled continuously when needed, wine was cheap, but good, and the food was awesome. The House Chop Salad (for two) is a great appetizer to split before entrees. The Linguine alla pescatore (fra diavolo) was "the truth"...I kept telling our waiter, I think his name was Carmen, how good it was, actually how good everything was. The prices were reasonable, to say the least. Dinner for two, with a bottle and the shared salad was $68. Needless to say, we left a hefty tip. The only possible downside is how small the place is, and how close the tables are to each other, but I feel like that is becoming the norm in the North End. WOO!
(5)
Rhonda D.
This place is off the charts! love it!! Butternut squash tortelloni is amazing! my husband and I always order an extra entree to share because we can never decide!
(5)
Jade R.
Great spot - good wine, good food and reasonable prices! Usually less hectic than the other Hanover Street restauarants, so also a relaxing atmosphere. The wait staff is very attentive and friendly. Always a delicious meal! Definitely get the calamari - very yummy. Butternut Squash tortelloni, lobster ravioli, seafood risotto are some of my favorites! Always a delicious meal there.
(5)
M S.
"Good food, very reasonable prices, no wait compared to other places in the same block. Very good service- my glass was never empty but no hovering either. Definitely recommend!"
(5)
Kat M.
As far as Italian restaurants go, the North End is definitely the place to eat, HOWEVER, they can be pretty pricey and certainly not "casual" events. Panza is exactly that though- a GREAT Italian restaurant, has all the ambiance of a local "little Italy" restaurant, w/out the high prices. I've been here several times and always order a bottle of Chianti, and a different entree. All have been amazing, and all of my dining partners have been equally pleased with their food. My absolute favorite, though, is the baby rigatoni with sausage- AMAZING! The goat cheese spring rolls as an app is a must-have also. One warning is that this place is pretty tiny. Make a reservation, or you'll be outside waiting in the cold (or annoyingly, in the doorway). All-in-all, Panza is a hidden, affordable gem way down on Hanover that everyone should try! Love it.
(4)
Liz E.
My favorite spot in the north end! Food is fantastic and reasonably priced. It's tiny, so you better make a reservation or be prepared to wait. Also, it can get a little loud. Sure it's not as fancy as some other spots, but this place is well worth if for the food and price tag. I'll be back here soon!
(5)
Jeff N.
The line was short, only about a 10 minute wait ( vs an hr at the rest. Across the street, and the same owners) Service was good, perhaps a little too fast. The calamari was tasty and spicy. The small portion was huge. The house special for the night, Ravioli stuffed with wild mushrooms and pesto sauce was great. We shared a salad, appetizers and the main, with wine the bill was under 50$ and we were stuffed. I would easily recommend this restaurant .
(4)
Don S.
Coming from New York I expected North End Italian restaurants to be -expensive -food that was either common Italian or overly rich and oily -servers that are rude or feel they are doing you a favor -cramped tables -rushed through the meal so waiting customers may be seated Not So At Panza! Calamari was lightly breaded and tender with a hint of spicy sauce, The salmon portion was huge and perfectly cooked, my veal special was unique and delicious. Service was professional yet the friendly to an extreme. Don't miss this one.
(4)
Sharon G.
Always tough to pick the perfect restaurant (for a large group) -- especially in the North End. Found this one on YELP... almost perfection! The place is a little small, but our party of seven, for which we made reservations, was seated immediately. Loved our server, John, the solid menu, and the gluten free accommodations! The food was so good -- portions large (especially the chop-chop salad for "two" -- everyone had a taste!), service exceptional. SO happy we chose Panza -- and will do so again! (No dessert, but there's a whole neighborhood for that!)
(5)
Kevin S.
Like other Yelp reviews warned, having a reservation didn't really mean anything. We were seated about 20-25 minutes late. Additionally, there was a table by the window open, however the group that was going to be seated after us apparently asked the hostess if they could sit there - so we were out of luck. Weird, right? I wasn't a fan of that or those people. Anyway, after the initial frustration - the rest of the experience was pretty good. Really good food (four people, no complaints) and very affordable prices ($4 Sam Summer). My girlfriend is a vegetarian and there were plenty of options for her. On the negative side, the service is pretty slow and forgetful, but it seems to be a busy place, so maybe that's just something you have to deal with. Either way - it's a good (small) spot in the North End.
(4)
Amanda K.
Service is amazing here. The server was courteous, answered all of my questions, and was attentive without being overbearing. She also went above and beyond her required duties. When my Aunt requested to get a side of red sauce so she could try it, she cheerily complied. She didn't have to do that. This stellar service is the norm at Panza-every time I've gone, it's been phenomenal. The food itself is amazing. The calamari, mussels, and my entree were all prepared perfectly. The only negative is that you may have to wait to get a table, and that the area is very cramped. But the food and service make this well worth the trip!
(4)
Kristen M.
My husband and I had dinner at Panza w/ 2 friends. We had a 7pm reservation and were seated about 7:10. The food was delicious and very reasonably priced (esp. for the North End). We ordered the mussles fra diavolo for apps and they were great. For dinners we ordered the chicken parm, seafood risotto and gnocci and we were all very happy with our choices. I would have given 5 starts but the service was rushed. Granted, it was a Sat night and therefore busy. We definitely didn't plan to hang out there all night, but we ordered 2 bottles of wine, appetizers and 4 entrees, and were in and out of there in an hour. Still, I do recommend Panza and plan to go back!
(4)
A Z.
This place is pretty great. The food is good, they take online reservations, and the size of the restaurant is perfect and quaint. I got their spinach ravioli special ($16 bucks or so) which was pretty fantastic. It came in a creamy plum tomato sauce which was minorly sweet and pretty much perfect. I think I would have liked it even more if it was just plum tomato sauce without the cream. My guest and I shared a chop salad for two which was really fantastic. Mixed with the chopped greens were cheeses, meats, veggies, possibly some nuts, and a very good vinaigrette. I'd go just for the chop salad quite honestly. As for seating, it's a pretty tight fit. I wouldn't try to get in here without a reservation. We made reservations and they sat us right away. When we got there, there were people standing at the door waiting. The prices here were pretty surprisingly cheap. I got a special, which is why mine was $16 but you could have found plenty of other things for cheaper that would have been $10 more on another menu. Speaking of menus, the Panza menu does have a lot of meat and fish, but not all that much pasta. My guest wasn't particularly impressed with the variety, but I could have picked several things off the menu. Overall, good spot that I'd recommend. Tab came to about $75 with two meals, salad for two, and three glasses of wine.
(4)
Rahil S.
Great food but horrible service. Decided to go here with my girlfriends after seeing great reviews here. We enter the place and we were shown our seats. There was barely 6 inches behind my girlfriends chair and u was pinned against the wall with the table almost touching my chest. The table next to us was super close too. The waitress starts to take the order of the table next to us over our heads. What was horrible was that she passed them their food over our table. The floor was dirty with food from the previous patrons on the floor. U can see the kitchen and u can see how dirty the floor is. The bread that they serve is not even house-made. We saw a staff walk in with a bag of bread. The food was excellent but will never go back.
(1)
meg m.
First off, Joe (our waiter) was fantastic. We were a group of 6 after a business meeting and after some table switching, we all got settled. The appetizers were fresh and amazing and came out quickly. The bruschetta was fantastic. I had the Chicken Panza and it was incredible. Simply divine. This is fresh, thoughtful, well prepared food in a small, charming environment. We'll be back.
(4)
Dan C.
There's nothing like the North End for a date--lots of people passing old brick buildings and cobblestone paths, delicious food, a certain jena se qua' that could put the legs of even the most uptight of women at ease. Any professional bachelor knows that while the North End holds a world of untold romantic wonder (i.e. dates that always lead to getting your just deserts), it can also be a dangerous place--choose the wrong restaurant, pick a place where lots of rich better looking single men hang out, pick a place where you can't keep your eyes to yourself and you are done for. Planning, people. It's important. Panza is quite frankly the new gold standard in romantic Italian gastronomic rendezvous. Panza is located on Hanover, so unless you are missing a chromosome you cannot get lost trying to find this place (if you do get lost hope it is a chromosome that wasn't very important). The dining room is small, maybe 15 or so tables for 2, many of which are pushed together to accommodate the larger parties--regardless though, this unpretentious place emits a cozy feeling. I went here with Meg M (my yelp life partner), whose company supplies these gastronomic Picasso's with their sea monsters so we had a reservation and all that jazz. The specials are written on a mirror on the wall in what could be white lipstick, undoubtedly left by an angry clown-woman each morning before she storms off to work. The wine was spot on. Granted I'm no wine snob, but it was red, in a glass, and didn't make me want to punch a toddler, so it was good by me. Though the prices of the bottles run the full gambit, they have some decent bottles around $25ish. For the pregame we had a bruschetta and some mushroom spring rolls. I hate tomatoes, I hate them with a passion that burns brighter than a hookers crack-pipe, so I wont weigh in on the bruschetta. Let me say, however, I would kill a man for the mushroom spring rolls. No, scratch that, I would kill a man and everyone that man ever came in contact with for more of those spring rolls. The were perfectly crisp on the outside and had the most amazing honey dressing. The pasta with little necks is killer, especially if ordered with the fra diavolo sauce. Stuffed with both shelled and in-shell little necks this pasta is our best hope against the treat of little necks overpopulating our seas and then waging war on us landlovers. Similarly, the portions were so gigantic that neither of us could finish. That might be something to keep in mind--especially on first dates--since its hard to be suave with unbuckled pants. Bottom line: Total panty-peeler.
(5)
Eileen L.
This is a wonderful little Italian gem in the North End. We didn't know what to eat and just wandered in this restaurant when they opened up at noon. The Italian salad for two was a great choice. One of the best salads I've ever had with all my favorite ingredients such as artichoke hearts, olives, Italian meats, and peppercinis. The pasta sauce was delicious and fresh. For the quality of food, I thought it was reasonably priced and the atmosphere was great. We received friendly service. It is a very small restaurant so I can imagine the wait could be long for busy hour. Luckily we didn't have to wait.
(5)
Amy M.
Wonderful small restaurant in the north end. 1. Burrata mozzarella (special appetizer): creamy, decadent 2. Pasta with eggplant and tomato sauce: sorry, I can't remember the name of the dish however the amazing flavor is forever sealed on my taste buds! Possibly one of my favorite Italian dishes of all time! PENNE AMATRICIANA (looked up the website--it's THAT good!) 3. Gnocchi bolognese: best gnocchi I've had in ages 4. Caprese with FRIED tomatoes: very unique, nice flavors 5. Excellent bruschetta with grilled bread and lovely tomato, onion and balsamic topping 6. Friendly service. Very enjoyable experience
(5)
Michael J.
Average food, average service, average experience. Didn't walk away satisfied nor completely let down. It helped that plates were about $10 less than the surrounding area.
(3)
Doug L.
My wife and I have been in Boston for 9 days now and have thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful City. We have been exploring various restaurants and have found our favorite to date in Little Italy. This restaurant is a gem. It is a small and somewhat cramped but don't let that fool you when comparing to other restaurants in the area. The food is outstanding. We started off dinner with green salad with a fantastic balsamic vinaigrette dressing. The bread that was served with dinner included olive oil for dipping. Very basic and tasty. My dinner was the lasagna special and my wife had the lobster risotto. The lasagna that I had was probably the best lasagna I have ever tasted. The sauce, cheese, noodle were all done perfectly. My wife absolutely loved the risotto. As well we ordered the sangria drink specials. They were priced at a ridiculously low price of $6 and were very good. We did not have dessert as we were too full but Mikes Pastry is very close to tempt you. Our whole dinner came to $51 which included the sangrias but no coffee or dessert. Very inexpensive and he food was excellent. The service was very good as well considering that one lady was serving the entire restaurant. I am not sure if she is the owner or a member of the family but she was extremely friendly. I give this restaurant two thumbs up. Mission accomplished......we managed to find an excellent inexpensive Italian restaurant in little Italy
(5)
Renee W.
I had read reviews on yelp trying to find a new Italian spot in the North End we hadn't been to yet. Panza was delicious! We shared the antipasto salad for 2- plenty leftover also. I had the special black pepper linguine with mushroom cream sauce = to die for! My husband loved the gnocchi with braised beef. Good wine, service and location. Perfect to celebrate our wedding anniversary. We did venture elsewhere for dessert though since it is not on the menu. Great place for dates!
(4)
Chris H.
Didn't feel like it was one of the better Italian restaurants on this street.. Looks nice and busy from the outside, but that was probably because inside they rush to get you in and out. We were still eating and the waitress wanted to put our food in a doggy bag! Its not a big place so the tables are packed in tightly together. The mains were big, so if you're hungry and don't mind sharing your space, go and eat there if you don't have the time to queue at Giacomo's.. but don't bother queuing to get in here.
(2)
Michelle C.
This place is solidly GOOD. Some stuff is better than others. I went here with my family after visiting the latest exhibit at the MFA. We had an early dinner on a Sunday and the place was pretty empty. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The food was pretty good. I got the seafood pasta dish. It had a tasty Fra Diavolo sauce, though it wasn't terribly spicy (for me at least), but had good flavor. The pasta was well cooked (al dente as it should be!), but the seafood itself was a little overcooked tending towards the rubbery side. Still, it was tasty and the portion was huge, so I had leftovers, which always makes me happy. We all shared two appetizers, the mussels, which were well cooked, and one that you should ABSOLUTELY try: grilled Italian greens over a polenta cake with gorgonzola and I think a balsamic reduction. It was fantastic. My whole family was raving about it. It's nice to see a not-so-ordinary appetizer offering amongst the standard fare and boy were we rewarded by trying it. If you go, get that and you won't be disappointed. All in all it was a good experience and I think I'll be back to see what else they have to offer and how things stack up. This is at the very least worth a stop in when everywhere nearby is crowded and they've got seats available. Oh and the Anthony Bourdain check: the bathroom was brand new and very clean and the kitchen was open to the dining room :-).
(3)
C Y.
I had the lobster ravioli which was really delicious. My friends had the seafood risotto which was also good and another had seafood spaghetti fra diavolo which I thought the pasta was a little to al dente for my tastes. But overall, if you are in the North End the food at Panza will not disappoint you.
(4)
M T.
Had a reservation at 5pm on a Tuesday night, was empty when we got there. We were warmly greeted. We were party of 9 and everyone enjoyed the food. By 6pm the place was packed. Will come here again.
(4)
Maliha W.
We were visiting from California and looked this restaurant up on yelp. We were not disappointed. The waiter was very courteous and helpful in assisting with menu choices. They had a decent wine list and yummy appetizers. I believe we tried the crispy fried greens, mussles and fried calamari from the appetizer, all good choices. I had broccoli chicken pasta, which was good as well. I would go back if i was in the area again.
(4)
S C.
Read about his place here on YELP. Went here w/ my girlfriend. Our first time in Boston together. A few things ppl should know about this place: Great place for a date. Menu has plenty for EVERYONE!! If on date (2 ppl) order 2 apps and 1 entre OR 1 app and 2 entres. The point being portions are good enough to share and bring leftovers home. No coffee/dessert menu so be prepared to go elsewhere for that but there are plenty of places in neighborhood for that. Parking is the worst so find way there by rail/cab etc. My GF and I had calamari and wild mushroom and ricotta springroll We also had Spinach Ravioli and Free Range Lasagna. BOTH were GREAT!!! Try this place!! You will return!!
(4)
Sarah P.
I am really surprised at all the wonderful reviews here on Yelp for this place, because my experience at Panza was sub-par. A friend and I decided to eat here on a Saturday night, without a reservation. They were able to take us quickly, which was great. The service was pretty slow though, but that was likely because there were only two servers to the entire restaurant! My friend and I split the chopped salad, which was average, as was the bread that was served. My friend had the chicken picatta for her entree, which she thought was decent, and I had linguine pescatore with a red sauce. The pescatore was quite a disappointment; there was plenty of seafood, but the sauce lacked any flavor--it actually tasted just like jarred Ragu sauce. My friend's meal was served with a side of ziti and red sauce, and she echoed that the sauce tasted like it could have been out of a jar. For me, sauce is a great indicator of how good an Italian restaurant is...and the sauce at this place was lackluster. Overall, it was a pretty poor North End experience.
(2)
Effie H.
I went here on V-day with my bf. This place was jam packed....along with every other spot in the North End :) It is a tiny place about 15 tables and close quarters. The food was OKAY...I kinda dont get the Yelp hype. I wasnt very impressed. The menu selection was mostly pasta's and half seafood and half chicken/veal. They started us off with crispy italian bread and we got calamari. The calamari wasnt very fresh (rubbery) but it was okay. Entrees- got the Chicken Panza, it was good but again not great and my bf got a seafood dish that was also, meh...if the seafood was a bit fresher, I may have given it one more star. I probably wont go back here but it is worth a shot. Maybe it was an off night?
(2)
Scott R.
A winner. We just wandered in here by chance. Our only criteria was north end, italian, and we didn't want to be disappointed. After we walked up and down the street a bit, we spied this place, the menu looked solid, the dining are looked inviting and unpretentious, and there were a few - but not too many - tables open. Everything we ordered was excellent. My favorite was the sauteed bitter greens appetizer (served over polenta with a balsamic sauce). But everything worked. No issues with service. And prices were very reasonable - just about all the entrees under $20, and most more like $14. Didn't try anything from the wine list, but it looked serviceable.
(4)
Angela F.
I had a reservation for 4 people, and was seated almost immediately. The staff was very friendly and helpful, and our food was fantastic! I definitely recommend the butternut squash ravioli, and also the ribs (on the appetizer menu). The check was surprisingly inexpensive, and we left feeling really satisfied!
(5)
Christina K.
This restaurant was outstanding. The atmosphere was intimate and charming and the wait staff were exceptional. But the food...I'm drooling now just thinking about it. Make a reservation or you'll have a hard time getting in to this tiny spot, but it is definitely worth it.
(5)
andrew s.
Weary to Yelp about this place only because I want to keep it a secret! This place pretty much has everything you would want in a north end place: -Great Food -Great Wine -Great Service -Hanover St. Location -More Than Reasonable Prices -Nice Atmosphere in a Small Room and best of all - they are on OpenTable - a key point to consider during Boston's colder months when waiting in long lines outside (looking at you Giacomo's!) isn't the best idea.
(5)
Jacqueline P.
This restaurant was recommended to me by a coworker who lived in the north end. Went for a friends birthday, 8:00ish on a Saturday night, it was small (not a ton of seating) and busy so I was glad I made reservations. As soon as we walked in, I informed a waitress we had reservations and she took us immediatley. Fried calamari- Delicious. My friend and I both ordered the lobster ravioli and it was to die for. I am craving it right now! I highly recommend this place for the food and the price.
(5)
John F.
Simple, but still amazing. I've been to quite a few places in the North End, and Panza remains my favorite. The last time I went with my dad for a quick lunch. We split an order of the bruschetta, which was huge but delicious. I ordered the butternut squash tortellonni and I was AMAZED, definitely due to the fact that all the pasta here is made on site. The sauce (brown butter sage) was a perfect compliment to the flavor of the butternut squash. The service was great as well. Our waiter was friendly and attentive. He also really knew his stuff about wines, since he helped my dad pick a perfect wine to match his dish. The prices were also a little bit better than most places in the North End. It's true, the one downside is the fact that the place is on the small side, but I've found I like doing later lunches here, because you tend to arrive at a point where the rush is over. I've never been for dinner, but I would imagine that a reservation is a good idea.
(5)
VJ C.
New years eve. Great dinner needed quick in and out. Calamari large $9 is fantastic. Chop salad for 2 will feed 4 lots of crispy pancetta. Bread is great. $6 buys you a large glass of wine they fill to the top. Haven't had anything bad at this little gem! Fair prices
(5)
John W.
I really enjoyed this place because they had the typical amazing italian food famous in North End, but were moderately priced and were on Open Table. One of the dishes we had was a roasted eggplant pasta dish with red sauce which was amazing- something about how they roasted the vegetable was delish. The customer service was also great- you can tell the workers know how to please all their customers. I truly felt like a welcomed guest.
(4)
Shannon M.
Panza has amazing food. It is also amazingly heavy and I felt like a fat pig by the time I rolled out of there. I would suggest sharing an entree and ordering large salads.
(4)
Iva V.
While my Linguini ala Pescatore with red sauce were really spaghetti and not linguini - the dish was sensational! Definitely coming back. Cozy, friendly, great food, good prices.
(4)
Allyn H.
It is very hard for me to decide sometimes where to eat. When someone says "lead the way" I sort of just say say 'ok' and have no idea where I am going. When my dad wanted to go to the north end, and (kept insisting on it) My wife and I just thought, we will just go to Haymarket, walk around a bit, and then make a decision. I'm very happy that Panza was there at the right place at the right time. After smelling the bread from a local bakery, I knew we were hungry and that's when we found Panza. We were taken to a table immediately, mind you we came early for dinner service, we were allowed to have conversation without very much interruption and more importantly wait staff offered great suggestions with the menu. We had the calamari, fish cakes, veal panza. Food was simple, not overdone, and a perfect night was had.
(4)
Jennifer K.
Decent italian food in the North End at decent prices. Make a reservation before-hand. The service was good too, but the crowd was a little rude while we were waiting for a table.
(3)
Hungry H.
Location: the restaurant is in the middle of the busiest tourist area, and we had to wait for 45 minutes for a table on a Sunday night, though they did tell us that when we made the reservation, and we were seated at the expected time. For such popularity and the fairly high prices, we expected something very good. Unfortunately, the food was mediocre. The sourdough bread arrived to the table completely cold. Bruschetta contained feta cheese, for some reason. The bruschetta bread was charred, most likely on purpose - one of use liked this, the other didn't. Veal "panza" was unremarkable and oversalted, though it was covered in large quantities of very good tomato sauce. Beef and veal totelloni were extremely salty and were drowning in very greasy cream sauce, so you couldn't taste the meat or the mushrooms at all. All in all, absolutely not worth the wait or the money - might as well go to Olive Garden for this kind of mediocrity.
(2)
Kaitlyn H.
GREAT food. Reasonable prices. A North End diamond in the rough. Make a reservation (the restaurant is small) and order away!
(5)
Mattyboy H.
Tiny inside. However the bruschetta as an app was light and fresh. Overall positive all around. I'd go back again.
(4)
Laura P.
I went with my husband and adult son; we had three different entrees (2 specials of the day) and all were superb. We will absolutely return to try more things on the menu! Our reservation was honored with on-time seating (we were early) and our wait-person was attentive. The restaurant is very small, so the noise level can get high with just one loud group in the room, but you have to expect that in most of the good spots in the North End.
(5)
Priya D.
Hands down, my favorite restaurant in the North End. I tend to go at odd hours so I dont quite run into the crowd at night but can imagine wait times get lengthy given how small the place is. The bruchetta is just about the best thing I have ever eaten. We seriously went for lunch one day and ordered three orders of the bruchetta to eat there and took home some pasta. Service didnt even look at us weird! Extra stars just for that! This place has my heart and is slowly growing my belly. Well done.
(5)
Kelsey L.
Right when you walk in the door ultimate feeling of comfort. Wait staff and all other employees were beyond nice and very attentive to your needs. Efficient service, food was right out and the timing of everything flowed nicely. Definitely will be back to this restaurant, the waiter left his card in the bill his name was Carmen. Very nice and attentive to all customers needs and was quick and efficient. Very pleased especially for my first time in the North End for dinner with my boyfriend! Awesome experience!!!!
(5)
Jill S.
I always have a hard time choosing where to go eat in the north end because I liked to try new places every time I go-- and everything on Hanover St has delicious smells emitting from the doors. My friend and I stumbled across Panza and thought it looked cute on the inside so we popped inside for a weekday 8oclock dinner. The inside is small, but not as small as some of the North End hole in the walls. The waitress was very nice. What struck me most was how affordable the meals were. We both ordered the chicken parm and got a huge portion for 14 dollars. It was delicious and I had enough for leftovers the next day. Overall it was a great experience here. I would definitely recommend it for an inexpensive girls night out. The food was great- not the best I have ever had in the North End- but still very good.
(4)
Ryan W.
Going the the North End in Boston I typically enjoy upscale Italian; which normally features, chops, fancy pastas, and wild boar ragu sauces. Panza is different. It's a roll up your sleeves North End italian eatery which has great entrees, calamari, and they serve many of their dishes with "gravy", not red sauce, but GRAVY! My point being that this will please the pallet of any traditional Italian food lover. I cannot wait to return Panza to try some of their other dishes. The service was friendly and attentive since the restaurant is small in size, no guest goes forgotton.
(4)
Jason P.
So freaking good. I had the tandoori fettuccine with grilled lobster tails. It was so creamy and rich. My wife had the LINGUINE ALLA PESCATORE which had a little heat and was super yummy. They make their own bread which was fab. We also had their calamari which renowned my faith in a outstanding appetizer. They lightly fry it and add peppers and grilled onions drizzled in a chipotle sauce. Forget the marinara. Absolutely love this place. My wife and I almost are here two nights in a row but we forced ourselves to try a different place seeing how we were only in town for two days. After we ate at the other restaurant we wish we would have gone back to Panza!
(5)
Dana F.
Love this place. Simple, fresh ingredients. No over the top heavy Italian food. Great decor, reasonable prices. Has a great, cozy feel for a date night too.
(5)
lauren f.
The space is very tight, and you sit VERY close together; almost at the same table as the people next to you. This really does take away from the enjoyment of your meal, especially if you are dining in a small party(2 people). The food was good and prices were reasonable. Get the salad or the grilled greens. The pastas were overwhelmed in sauce. Service was slow.
(3)
Annie L.
The food is okay, but the place and service is terrible. It was one of the only restaurants takes reservation. It is really small, crowded of course, but we had so much expectation for the real Italian food. However, it was one of the worst experience EVER. It was my friend's birthday, so we brought a cake, and after we eat, we asked for the cake, and the waitress came and asked if we mentioned it in the reservation, if not, we had to go somewhere else to eat the cake. We had to talk to the manager to get our cake back. And when she served, we had two iphones on the table sharing pictures, and she flicked the phones sideway with her middle figure. GOD, how can people do this, with no respect???!!! Besides, the place is dirty, I got four bug bites there on my left arm, which is facing the kitchen side, and it bothers me for weeks. Horrible horrible experience. I am afraid I only put one star coz there is no zero. Fire the waitress, and clean the kitchen. The food tastes good, but who cares.
(1)
Diana P.
This place is very quaint and cute. I went with one other person and showed up a couple minutes late for an 8pm reservation and still got seated right away even though there were only about 15 tables. I got the tomato/mozz caprese salad and it was amazing and actually big enough to split with two people unlike many other places. We got a bottle of wine and found all the choices very reasonable and not upcharged as much as everywhere else. I recommend the Pinot Noir, it was very smooth. We both enjoyed our meals and dined for two hours! The staff was friendly and patient with us. My only problem with this place and most places iin the North End is that it is very tight; the couple next to us was only about 6 inches away. I will definitely be back.
(4)
Brian B.
Good service, very tasty pastas and good starters. Reasonable prices too and wasn't too hard to get a seat on a weeknight. Tables very close together, but that's OK.
(4)
Victor R.
The food was excellent. The process of the queue needs to be improved drastically. I had two, maybe three parties seated ahead of us, who came in after us.
(4)
Lee M.
Food was fantastic and the price was very reasonable. I would highly recommend this place!
(4)
Lucreiza B.
Last month I took my friend here to celebrate her Birthday. First off from the outside the place looked cozy. Please don't be fooled inside the place is cramped. My friend had a hard time getting in her chair without having to bump other diners. The waitress was unmemorable because she forgot to mention the specials to us or wine list. Also when our dinner arrived me just took the bowl of cheese from the other table and dumped on our table without asking if the other table were doing using the cheese. However the upside was the food. I do recommend the fried goat cheese egg rolls with the honey thyme and the seafood risotto.
(3)
Jenny M.
YUM! We dined at Panza yesterday evening and are still reveling in the tastiness and indulgence of the meal. We made a reservation for 3 for 8pm and were seated just a few minutes after we arrived. Immediately we were drooling over the menu - with so many delectable-sounding options, it was nearly impossible to choose what dish to go with. Luckily we had a lovely $20 bottle of wine and the tasty wild mushroom and goat cheese spring rolls to nosh on while we decided - the spring rolls came with a honey thyme sauce, which added a nice sweetness to the appetizer (though the sauce could have been a little less thick to mirror spring roll sauce more closely - but I digress). Finally we settled on the Pappardelle with braised wild boar ragu and asiago cheese (a special that night), penne with chicken and broccoli in roasted garlic cream sauce, and the tarragon fettuccini with grilled lobster tails in brandy cream sauce. As I had the lobster tails, I can say it was TO DIE FOR. One of the best pasta dishes I have had in a long time, with big chunks of lobster swimming in this delicious, creamy sauce. The peas were also a great touch in the dish. I could have used a little more pasta in the dish, but that's because I'm a carb addict. The pappardelle with wild boar was also fabulous - I hope this becomes a regular at the restaurant! The ragu was very yummy and rich. I didn't try the penne with chicken and broccoli, but my friend raved about it. All portions were big enough that we could eat to capacity and bring enough home for lunch the next day. Our waiter was also wonderfully helpful and very nice - his recommendations were all spot on. The service was also super quick, which was nice as were quite hungry upon coming in. I wouldn't have minded just a bit more time between the appetizer and the entrees though, the turnaround was barely long enough to savor the spring rolls before our dishes were out! All in all, a fabulous dining experience, and I hope to return again soon!
(5)
kim r.
Great gem in the northend. The prices are a steal, and the food is amazing. It has perfect 15 table intimacy where you can see what your neighboor ordered without feeling like the tables are on top of you. This is my go to italian place! Their take out is equally great.
(5)
Chris B.
Good food and service, use caution when reserving on open table, especially the night of. Our reservation was not honored and was forced to wait 45 minutes.
(4)
Johnny G.
There is nothing mediocre about this place. Fast, friendly service, great atmosphere, and food that'll make you wanna slap yo mama! I recommend the calamari for starters, then try the house special. Trust me, you won't be disappointed! We had the tomato & fresh mozzarella filled Ravioli with roasted red peppers... Magnifico! You also have to get a side of meatballs (3 per serving)
(5)
Dan D.
Great place to eat if you are ever in the North End of Boston! Yummy Eggplant Parmigiana!
(5)
Jason F.
Similar to another reviewer below, I give this place 4.5 stars for food, 3.5 stars for atmosphere, and about 1.5 stars for service. First the good - the food here is really great. I had the rigitoni w/ sausage. The sauce was fantastic and the pasta was cooked very well. My friend ordered the chicken marsala and raved about it throughout the meal. The chianti I ordered with my meal was decent but not the best I have had. The restaurant is tiny, as are many North End eateries. That adds to the charm and character, in my opinion. Seating was still comfortable. The place was clean and decorated nicely. Now for the service. I made reservations for a Saturday night at 6 PM. I got there right at 6 and was told that they were too busy and we would have to wait for a table. It took almost 20-25 minutes to get a table. With reservations. I wasn't thrilled about that. Then, the service was rushed. Upon getting the menus from one server, about 2 minutes later we were already asked to order. The server looked quite flustered and was rushing back and forth. The food came promptly and hot, which was great. But as we were eating, the check came and was placed (I learned later they don't serve dessert? A letdown IMO). We finished our meal and were chatting when the server came back again and grabbed the check (which we hadn't even looked at). I told the server it wasn't ready yet. She rolled her eyes and walked away. Huh? I get the restaurant was busy (though at that time there were tables open), but that was uncalled for. So, overall, the place was a good place but the service left something to be desired. I might considering returning for a second evaluation, but we shall see.
(3)
Fatty T.
Panza was recommended to our group by a private North End tour guide paid for by my company. (Note: I lived in the North End for two years and never heard of it.) Unfortunately, the food and service screamed "tourist trap." Bread, apps, and entree were brought out all at the same time and placed on our small, cramped table. Also, our server tried to box up my entree merely 10 minutes after it was placed in front of me and while I was mid-bite. We were shocked at how the servers were instantaneously trying to turn tables, but there was no wait or line out the door at 5:30 p.m. on a Saturday. The spare ribs were ok, as was my baked ziti. Unfortunately, my dining partner complained of overcooked mushrooms in the tortelloni, and was sick a few hours after eating.
(1)
Xin W.
Affordable and tasty. The lasagna was not bad, and the pasta came in a huge portion! Enough for two meals. So generally a good deal.
(4)
md d.
We went here on a date recently. Awesome raviolis. Wine was divine. Friendly service. Clean restaurant. A must try if you're in Boston!
(4)
A R.
Great spot - unlike some North End restaurants they don't just churn out plates and plates of so-so pasta. This pasta was quite good. I had the spinach and roasted garlic ravioli with pancetta. Delicious. Someone else in the group had "free form" lasagna. They liked it so much they are going to try and make it at home (look it up - very creative). The calamari was average. The atmosphere is nice - not as big and gaudy as some of the other places towards the beginning of Hanover Street. Some advice to someone going on Hanover Street - take the time to walk down the street a ways and don't get caught up in the moment and go to the first place you see. Lastly, the price is right. Anywhere from $12 - $22 for a large pasta dish or entree.
(4)
Joan S.
I just discovered a new restaurant in the North End, Panza on Hanover Street and Wow! What a great meal for little money. Right on Hanover Street in the middle, I found this terrific new spot and had the best Veal Saltimboca I have ever had. Fork tender and just the right amount. As I am no-carbing it right now, living AND eating in the North End can be tough, but not here. Along with the Veal I had a side of wonderfully marinated vegetables and a delightful waitress who made the experience great. Dinner was only $16! Can you believe that -- On Hanover Street!!! This new gem isn't going to stay undiscovered for long. And before you know it, the lines will appear in front of this restaurant too. I forgot to mention...a bottle of wine - $20!
(5)
KayGee G.
It is my favorite North End restaurant. I've been going for 10 years when it was CIBO and now as Panza. It is small compared to other restaurants in the neighborhood but it is really good. Every dish I have ever had there has been good. I most recently had the FREE FORM' LASAGNA which was really good. The person whom I dined with had the special, a spinach pesto ravioli dish. He loved it. The entree prices are typical for the North End and worth it.
(5)
Chelsea J.
I just want to be the 100th review, because I'm awesome. Nothing really new to report though. Came with some friends who were in town before we headed over to the Garden. Got there early since our event started at 7:30, were in and out with enough time to grab some pastries and get our seats. Husband and I both had the special, which was delicious. Goat cheese filled ravioli with duck confit, dried cherries, and spinach, in this amazing sauce. One friend got the lemon garlic shrimp (also a special, I think) and the other ordered the lasagna. The only thing not finished was the shrimp dish, my friend liked it although I thought it was a bit bland.
(4)
Joshua G.
This has a consistently delicious experience since the restaurant was called Cibo a few years back. Staff is friendly though the waitstaff seems understaffed and overwhelmed. The restaurant is crowded and tables too close. Still, some of the best Italian the city offers at the best price. Worth it but try to get in early if going Thursday, Friday or Saturday.
(4)
Katherine S.
We made reservations for 8, then called because we were going to be 20 minutes late, and still waited until around 8:50 for a table for 2 but it was well worth it! The seafood dishes were perfectly flavored, and the house salad and grilled Italian greens were a perfect complement. The side bread was delicious, simple and tasty. The hostess/waitress served us a free glass of wine for our "trouble." The food came out quickly and hot. Best of all the price was totally reasonable. Overall an excellent experience!
(4)
M M.
This place was simply awesome. Found out it is owned by the same family who own Giacomos across the street. We made a 6:30 reservation for 4 and were seated within 15 minutes. Food was outstanding.. We had a Fried Calamari with a cherry pepper aioli that was simply the best I have ever had. Service was very good (not outstanding), price was great. Yes the place is small but that what most of the restaurants in the North End seem to be. If you are going to eat out in Boston, this is a must stop!
(5)
Dani A.
Really a 4.5. Deserves 5 stars hands down for food, and 4 stars for service/environment. I came here on a weekend night with my family for a celebration. There were 6 of us and I had made a reservation only two days beforehand. We waited less than five minutes for our table. The ONE negative aspect about my experience was that we were slightly stuffed at a table for four people, and were a bit crowded; however it was understandable as the restaurant is moderately small. So if you don't mind playing a little footsie with your dinner dates, it's really not an issue! Now I came here with a severe craving for AUTHENTIC, OLD SCHOOL italian food... I'm talking cheesy and gushing with tantalizingly delicious marinara sauce, and that is EXACTLY what we got. We ordered the mussels, which were delectable, the fried calamari, which was exquisite (and perfectly spicy for my latina taste) and I had the eggplant parm, my favorite Italian dish, and it was exactly what I wanted. My sister raved about the lobster ravioli (she said "the best she's ever had), and the rest of my family was similarly satisfied with their meals. Topping on the cake.. we had a delicious bottle of Malbec for only $20. This is quite a reasonable restaurant!! Highly recommend it. Just to warn.. they don't have coffee/dessert, however there are countless cafes around the North End to appease your post dinner sweet tooth.
(4)
Al A.
They ignore all reservations made. Extremely annoying.
(1)
Michelle M.
This is my very first review! While in the Boston area for a business trip, my coworkers/friends and I found Panza from a different website. It was rated high, so we went. I'm glad we did! It was good and I'd go again. The restaurant is on the smaller side and made for a fun experience! The staff was great and the food was yummy! For starters we shared the brushetta along with an appetizer that was a special for that night - I don't remember the name but it was with burrata. Both were good, but I liked the brushetta better - it had a really good flavor. My entree was the Spinach & Ricotta Ravioli and I really enjoyed that! My friends all enjoyed their dishes too -- one was a special for the evening, don't remember what, one was Linguine alla Pescatore, one was Butternut Squash Tortelloni and one was Penne Amatriciana. So,my official reccomendation is that you go to this restaurant if you want to go eat in the North End!
(4)
Clifford T.
This is my favorite little secret in the Northend. My boyfriend and I go here for dates all the time and we have never had anything on the menu that we remotely disliked. Their specials are typically very delicious too. When you're walking down Hanover, keep an eye out for it because it is easy to pass (speaking from personal experience on multiple trips). I would definitely recommend their mussels.
(5)
Jessica J.
Our FAVORITE restaurant in the North End. We love the ambiance, the service and of course, THE FOOD! Everything on the menu is delicious. Our personal favorites include the Bruschetta, the Caprese Salad, the Butternut Squash Tortelloni and their special Pesto Gnocchi. Mmmmm I cannot wait to go back!
(5)
Brian M.
My food was excellent my wifes not so good. Wait staff was pretty rude and we felt very rushed. Prices are good but if you only get out to the north end for special occasions choose another spot.
(1)
Matt F.
Great experience, I'll definitely come back!
(5)
Jess K.
Great restaurant in the North End for vegetarians. We decided to split three dishes: Butternut squash tortelloni, spinach and ricotta ravioli and eggplant parm. All of them were fantastic, but the eggplant parm was probably the best I've ever had, the eggplant was cooked perfectly. Menu was reasonably priced, each meal was about $15. Service was great, wait staff was friendly and made sure to keep our glasses full. This will be my go to spot in the North End on future trips.
(5)
H. Q.
i was going to the north end to have dinner with my bf... we were planning on going to giacomo's, but we didn't make reservations given that it was a tuesday night, and we thought no one was going to be there... we were wrong. there was a huge line out the door. so, we looked across the street and saw panza. we looked at their menu on the window, saw that they had a pretty good selection and prices. we ordered the goat cheese spring rolls (i think that was the name) as an appetizer and they were delicious! as for my main course, i had pasta with clams, mussels, scallops, and shrimps with fra diavolo sauce. it was great! my boyfriend had the parmesan veal with a side of meatballs. he really like his meal. one great thing about this place is that the portions are huge! we also had a bottle of white wine, don't remember which one, but i remember that the prices were very decent. i also liked the ambiance of panza. it was quite small, and cozy... pretty romantic.
(4)
Caitlin C.
I went to Panza (which I believe means Paunch in Italian) recently with my father. The restaurant is quite small, and I was forced to sit uncomfortably close to the table due to the rather large individual sitting behind me. Not the end of the world. Anyway, we had a fine, satisfying meal. I had the maple, salmon dish. It was a bit over-sweet and I think it's more of an autumn dish. My father really liked the special ravioli dish that he chose. The wine was also quite good and very reasonably priced. I think it was a Montepulciano. I'd definitely return to Panza, but I think I'd order a pasta dish next time!
(3)
Marie C.
The mussels are delicious! Get them with the far diavalo sauce (spicy red sauce) - it's fantastic and the perfect kick and definitely homemade - YUM!
(5)
Holly S.
best eggplant ever! definetely will return!
(5)
Carolyn S.
I just love Panza. Back when we lived in the North End we went here all the time. It was the perfect little neighborhood spot for us. Friendly service, a menu full of flavorful dishes all at a very good price. The wine list was pleasantly varied, not overwhelming and quite reasonably priced. We always took friends and family visiting from out town here and when anyone ever asked for a recommendation for a good place to go in the North End, we sent them here. We've since moved, but found ourselves visiting the old neighborhood last Friday. It was like going home. Interesting appetizers and specials as per usual, convivial atmosphere, great food and a couple of worthy (yet still reasonable) additions to the wine list. Fave dishes include...well, just about everything! I can't wait to 'end up in the North End unexpectedly' again so I can go back to this casual and unassuming little jewel of a place nestled in the heart of Hanover St.
(5)
Meg M.
This place is fantastic! Right on Hanover St... no line. no wait... no feeling of being rushed through your meal. I went last night with two friends of mine and called for a 6:45 reservation. When we pulled up in front of Panza in what we thought was an excellent parking spot, our soon to be waiter Chris was standing out front and let us know we would get a ticket so we should move. That was a great thing, cuz another ticket is the LAST thing I need. We parked in a lot around the corner and walked back up Fleet St. I think it was 14 dollars. We walked into Panza and it was for the most part empty but I know people usually dine a little later in the North end and it was a thursday night. We were seated at a four top right at the window which was great. We started off with a bottle of delicious Pinot Noir (20 bucks!!!) and one friend got a Peroni. After looking at the menu and wanting everything we decided to order 3 appetizers... one of my friends is a guy and he was making sure we would ALL have enough to eat. We started with a basket of wonderful crusty bread and olive oil. Next came the bruschetta which was made with the freshest tomatoes and the bread it was on was perfectly soaked (i hate when its too hard OR too soggy). We also had the mushroom and goat cheese spring rolls served with a honey dressing on field greens... it was also ridiculously good. I really cant describe how awesome these things taste. I dont even like mushrooms and I loved this thing... I tried it because my love for goat cheese far outweighs my dislike of mushrooms so I figured it was worth a shot. Chris then brought us the mussels in a white wine garlic broth (you can have it red white or fra diavlo). The mussels were big and cooked perfectly. The sauce was simple, refined and beautifully seasoned. Now it was entree time. We couldnt decided so we all ordered something different and agreed to share. I ordered the gnocchi bolognese and when I say these were some of the best gnocchi I have had in the north end. Fresh and perfect. The meat sauce was simple and flavorful and everything you would look for in a bolognese. Eliza got the seafood risotto which I envied but not enough to want to share too much of mine. The vegetables were crisp and fresh and the seafood was all perfectly cooked and unbelieveably fresh. Sean got the "free form" lasagna. Its basically a pasta dish with long flat lasagna noodles cut smaller mixed in a red sauce with chicken, mushrooms and a plum tomoato sauce. It was perfectly al dente and tasted wonderful. Chris left us alone to chat and catch up but we never needed or wanted anything. He made it a point to tell us to relax, take our time and enjoy ourselves. He was on top of our table without being overbearing and by the end of the night other parties had started to fill the charming little space. Like its sister restaurants, Panza does not do desert or coffee to encourage North End exploration. We were stuffed obviously so we passed on desert and headed over to the charity function we were attending. The best part is that the food was phenomenal, the service was impeccable and the cost........... CHEAP. All of the food we got last night came to $95.00.... 3 people, a bottle of wine, 2 beers, 3 apps, and 3 HUGE entrees... under 100? YES PLEASE. I will be back... and often. Thank you Panza... I love you.
(5)
Rachel F.
I ate dinner here last week and it was great. We had a reservation and were seated right away. The food was delicious and the service was excellent! The bruschetta appetizer had a little balsamic on it which was a welcome addition - so good. We got a small order of calamari too and it was huge.. I was full by the time my seafood linguine came, but still managed to make a dent in it :) My leftovers fed me for two more nights, so serving sizes are certainly plentiful! The beer list was very limited (as expected) but they had decent offerings. It was pretty busy for a weekday night, so I can imagine on the weekends it must get packed. Overall, it was a great dining experience!
(4)
Jamie G.
I would have probably given this restaurant 5 stars had it not been for the fact that I lost feeling in my pinky fingers because of them. Let me explain. We made reservations for 4 at 9pm on a Friday night. We show up a little early 8:45pm and are told to wait outside and someone will be right out for us (by a waitress as they have no hostess). She then proceeds to seat a party of 2 with no reservation next to a party of two who are just finishing up (aka a soon to be table for 4) yet we are out waiting in the cold.... for FORTY FIVE MINUTES!!!! So at 9:30 we are FINALLY seated. So I go in already demoting them to a 4 star restaurant. Luckily our waiter responded quickly with good service. The bread at the table was typical italian bread, but very moist, and the table had good olive oil and red pepper and we asked for Parmesan, for a good dipping sauce. We ordered a bottle wine, ... almost all the bottles are $20-$30, and about half of those are just a few dollars more than store price, so not a bad deal at all, and it was good. For dinner I had the special black pepper pappardelle with sausage and veggies. It was delicious and you could tell the pasta was fresh! a little spicy but just right. The rest of the table enjoyed their meals too. Also, for being in the North End, all the prices were very reasonable, just $100 for four meals and a bottle of wine. So this place definitely has good food at a good price. They just need a hostess and better practices related to seating and reservations and they might be bumped up in my book to a 5!
(4)
J C.
Decided to eat here based on previous reviews from Yelp last week... Called ahead for reservations on a Friday, couldn't get one until 8:30pm. A bit late for dinner for us, but we wandered through the north end and down towards fanuiel hall. Got back to the restaurant at 8:30 sharp, told the hostess we had a reservation. She didn't ask our name, just how many and said it would be a few minutes. It was unclear if they even took reservations and if so, ours was never honored. We waited another 30 mins outside in the cold and were finally seated. Would have come alot earlier than 8:30 if the reservations weren't being honored. Food/Wine options were good... got the mussels in white wine, Salmon and bottle of the Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc, all were good. Interior atmosphere was nice, comfortable, cozy. We are big dessert eaters, and as Italians, really look forward to seeing what places have to offer. We noticed towards the end of our meal that no other table had dessert and finally figured out they didn't have a dessert or coffee menu. Really felt that was a miss on their part.. and hoped it wasn't because the "tourist trap" Mike's Pastry was just down the street or that they didn't want diner's to linger too long...as residents of the area, standing in a additional 30 minute line for a mediocre cannoli wasn't that appealing after a late dinner. Wouldn't go back based on this experience.
(2)
Patti F.
I hate to give one star to a place that has great Italian food but an obnoxious, rude, & nasty hostess who we find out is the Chef's wife. We were late for our reservations so we understood there would be a wait. When we walked in to tell her we were here, she quickly dismissed us to the outside and said we would have to wait- which is fine. We finally sat down 45 min later and entered Panza . Note: we were 5 40-something yr old women out for a girls night to catch up in what we though would be a nice relaxing atmosphere. Well into our meal while we were enjoying the food, laughing and having a good time, SHE turned to us in the most arrogant, obnoxious way & said, " you are going to have to be quiet..at that point our lovely waitress came over and apologized and said she hopes we enjoy the rest our evening and to please ignore the comment ( the waitress was not aware we were being "loud"). Panza is not a quiet, romantic eatery- it is a small, tight, lively place where conversations are flowing so for us to be singled out was just ridiculous and really just down right rude. I have read another patrons review from a year ago talking about this hostesses' arrogance and just lack of professionalism. I think the chef/owner must seriously consider and think do you really want someone like this to run the front of the house..really? You have good food, so what, does that give her the right to be down right rude?. We are adults not rowdy college kids or a bachlorette party or drunks. Wise up Panza and run your restaurant with courteous people. Our wait staff was a sweetheart who I now feel bad for..who would want to work for someone like that? SOrry--good food & customer service go hand in hand.
(1)
Helena B.
I've been here twice and this is definitely my new favorite North End restaurant. As many have said, it is small and cozy and it made for a perfect romantic dinner. Best of all- its very affordable! My boyfriend and I shared an appetizer, each got an entree and drinks and the bill was $50 with a 25% tip! I got the potato gnocchi in a beef sauce- definitely the best gnocchi I've ever had in the U.S.! His dish was AMAZING. Usually I am skeptical of veal (it's hard to cook and let's face it, calves are too cute to eat) but he got the Veal Masala and it literally had the best sauce I have ever had in my life! The veal was cooked perfectly- I'm definitely getting that next time! We also got an appetizer of calamari- $9 for a huge plate is great as far as I'm concerned! Perfectly cooked and not chewy like it can often be. Service was quick and definitely worth a good tip. I'll give this place five stars easily and I know I'll be back soon!
(5)
Tiny T.
My wife and I went in on a SundaY afternoon. It was not crowded at all yet seemed very loud. It seemed like we where the only ones there that was not a friend or relative of the staff. Which was annoying because it distracted the server. The food was average not really that great.
(3)
Tiff S.
Went here because the menu from the window looked reasonable. Had a chardonnay for $6, pasta for $15, annnnnnd it was good. no complaints. probably will go here again.
(4)
Caitlin K.
This place is so cute and the food and service are excellent. The prices are very reasonable too for the North End.
(5)
Derek W.
Panza is absolutely, bar none, the best Italian restaurant I have ever been to. Located on Hanover Street, Panza may seem like just another Italian restaurant that is probably overpriced and quite possibly disappointing. Nothing could be further from the truth. First of all, the place is tiny (read: only about 25 seats tiny!) and comes complete with an exposed brick wall with built in candle holders. The lights are kept low at night so this is a great place to go for a romantic, candle-lit dinner. Honestly though, if this place was a beat to hell shack I'd still come to it for the food. It is incredible! Most of the menu isn't too inventive but you can find pasta classics that are done simply and very very well, and the grilled Italian greens is the best appetizer I've ever had. The prices are extremely reasonable as well, pastas start at about $14 and the portions are huge! The service can be a little on the slow side (but very friendly and helpful, I might add) because they only have a maximum two waiters and one busser working at peak times and the food is made fresh to order, but, believe me, it is well worth the wait.
(5)
K K.
This place is fantastic. It is reasonably priced and DELICIOUS. Most other restaurants in the neighborhood have high prices and not-as-yummy cuisine. I have been here about 5 times and will continue to go back as long as I live in Boston.
(5)
Melody S.
Stopped in here with a friend for a quick early dinner on a Monday. Only a few tables were full. The place had a warm, friendly atmosphere, despite being small. The waiter was very friendly but not too talkative. He let us know what he thought was good, which was helpful. Another server kept our water glasses full, and brought a basket of rustic bread (and then refilled it upon request, very cheerfully). My friend & I split a chopped salad for two, which had cubes of cheese and some type of Italian meat that tasted like balogna. It had a few artichoke hearts and hot peppers, as well as some tiny bits of crunchy bacon (pancetta?) and diced tomatoes. It was huge -- definitely big enough for four, even tho the menu said for two. My friend had the chicken picatta, which had generous amounts of chicken and also artichoke hearts, along with capers. The pasta was served in a small bowl on the side, with tomato sauce, which I thought was awkward. She enjoyed it with bread though. I had seafood risotto, which had a decent amount of scallops and 3 beautifully cooked medium shrimp. Tiny bits of asparagus and tomato gave it a nice red-white-and-green Italian look! We both had $6 glasses of white wine, two different types, both were excellent. Very cold and fresh tasting. I never heard the word "panza" before in any of my Italian lessons, but I will remember it now!
(5)
Lauren G.
I don't know why we didn't come here sooner! I'm a resident of the North End and this is my new favorite place. Great ambiance, cozy little spot, with amazing authentic delicious Italian (not Italian-American) food. Definitely going to be my new go-to spot. Our service was great, food was out of this world (get the short ribs!!) and the prices are so reasonable. I have friends who have complained about long waits even with reservations but I haven't experienced that myself. So glad we took a recommendation for this place, well definitely be back.
(5)
Kevin H.
Tiny place but does this place pack a punch! We ordered several things off the menu. Ceasar salad, bruschetta, goat cheese and wild mushroom/goat cheese spring roll and the spare ribs were the appetizers we picked and by far the best were the spring rolls, although the others were mighty tasty too. Baby Rigatoni with sausage was my selection and out of this world. The sauce was like, like....perfect! We also tried the beef and veal tortellini and what an incredible dish. I could go on and on about how wonderful everything is, and that's because it is. As far as the crowds and that, it's a small restaurant and really good. Just expect it. But if you want true authentic italian you'll love this place. The wine list is very small, but very inexpensive. You won't regret going to Panza. I thought the service was incredible, considering how they basically need to get you in and get you out becuase they always have people waiting to get in. Can you imagine how tough that is when you'd like people to stay and linger over the wonderful dinner, but you also need them to go so you can get more turnover? I thought Panza handled it very well.
(5)
C Y.
Our family of 4 had dinner there Saturday night and it was great! From the garlic bread to some of the special pasta dinners, they were fantastic. The veal piccata wasn't quite in the same category but still good. Service was excellent. Had great desserts down the street at Modern Pastry!
(4)
N A.
The food was ok the service not good. We waiting a long time with a reservation, she tried to tell us she had called our name before but we were right outside the door. We ordered our meals and with our drinks and never saw our waitress again until we were done. Asked for Parmesan cheese, which we never got. (of course the people siting next to us were offered) They are one of those restaurants that gives you pasta on the side drowned in marinara no matter what you order. I wanted a side with no sauce so i could eat it with my marsala sauce but I was done eating by the time she came back. I still got it though. My boyfriend took me here for a romantic dinner and it was anything but. By the time you get in to eat they are inattentive and want to get you out fast. The food was def not worth the wait or the price.
(2)
Molly K.
Awful experience... Our salads & appetizers all came at the same time... So we had salads, appetizer plate & bread plates & were still eating when the waitress showed up with dinner dishes with no place to put them & acted irritated with us that we were not ready. Food was mediocre at best. Bruschetta was a soggy mess of tomato with big clumps of goat cheese. Calamari was ok... My dish was the best - lamb shank ragu... Chicken Marsala edible with an unappetizing pile of penne with bland red sauce.
(1)
K L.
great food, great service, really cozy little place-loved it! Easy to get a reservation, but dont bother trying to find parking...
(5)
John W.
My wife and I happened upon Panza on a Friday night while on a weekend away and loved it! We loved the chopped salad and bread. I had this great gnocchi witha braised pork red sauce and she had Salmon with Butternut squash risotto. All fantastic. Service was great and we were appreciative which was wonderfully returned! Crowded yet intimate!
(5)
Kathy K.
We've eaten at many north end restaurants but haven't had an experience like this one in years. For starters I've traded the fancy meals for basic Italian food and find my experiences in general to be better. I had the chicken Marsala which was a little different than I expected. Instead of serving pounded meat I was served chunks of meat. That surprised me a bit but it did not take away from the tenderness of the meal. The sauce was perfect, mushrooms and prosciutto were abundant. As a side I ordered garlic and butter on my pasta which was good but not nearly as good as the red sauce my husband ordered. His meal was the most perfect veal Parmesan ever tasted. The reason for the perfection was the red sauce. Rather than the ordinary chunky red sauce this was a smooth sauce perfectly infused with flavor. The pasta was covered with the same sauce. We enjoyed a nice bottle of Valpolicella with our meal. The total bill, before tip was $54!! That's never happened before!! The seating is tight but that's to be expected. The service was amazing, thank you to our server Erin for making this a great experience for us.
(4)
michele D.
ja i know where Chris is: he is a server now in Newton..Tartufo restaurant.. union st. is next to the newton station...good guy ...! to bad he is not longer with Panza....
(1)
Meridith H.
My boyfriend and I literally stumbled in here on a Saturday night. We had an hour to spare before an improv show, and I was hesitant about sitting down for a formal meal, but I'm so glad we did! Panaza was an unexpected delight! Like a previous reviewer, we had the goat cheese spring roll, which was amazing! We also had gnocchi and the butternut squash ravioli. After eating here, I was daydreaming about butternut squash ravioli all weekend! Our friendly server Chris explained that unlike many other North End Restaurants who heavily advertise and utilize heavy marketing techniques, Panzza is understated, and relies more on word-of-mouth marketing. The price-point is just right, and the food quality meets (or even exceeds) other Italian restaurants in the North End. I highly recommend this gem of a restaurant!
(5)
Martin M.
Thanks for the tip, yelpers! Just in town for 3 days, so wanted all to come out right...and Panza filled the bill with prompt seating at our reservation time, fast and friendly service, and (to my Texan palate, anyway) authentic, toothsome, and copious Italian food. Me & kiddo shared chopped salad "for two" which would have been a generous bowlful for three or four, he had seafood linguini fra diavolo--lots of *big* shrimp, clams, and calamari over about a quart of pasta--and I loved me some lobster ravioli (about a dozen or more!) in a garlic cream sauce which I had to mop up with the fresh Italian bread. We don't drink, so bill came in at under $50! What a steal...and on the way out, we got warmly thanked for coming in. Oh yeah, next time in Beantown, you bet I will be making a reservation here before I get on the plane at Dee Eff Dubya. Thanks for a very memorable meal and a high point of our trip!
(4)
Jaclyn S.
Great food and wine list, service is attentive and speedy. I ordered chicken piccata $6 and it was tart and hot. The menu has a great variety of pasta options and chicken/veal. They take reservations but our table took 20mins to get ready (hence 4 stars). The atmosphere is loud, but cozy and romantic. Great for small parties and dates.
(4)
TheoHuxtable X.
I would comment on the food but can't. We stood inside the door where a hostess stand would traditionally be. Instead, no one helped us even when we asked. People come in and just awkwardly stand there like idiots. Our party left. Hannover street has probably 8.5 million restaurants so why waste time at this place?
(1)
Sarah J.
Panza should not be allowed to take reservations, as other reviewers have noted. We arrived promptly for our 6:30 meal time to a line out the door. The hostess was doubling as a waitress, so she disappeared for about 15 minutes. I finally grabbed her (she was totally ignoring the line) and said we had a reservation, and she said three reservation groups were ahead of us. I told her that's not right, and that the restaurant should not be taking reservations if they can't seat people on time. She rudely responded that she can't make people get up from their tables and leave. So, we left and had a wonderful meal at Cantina Italiana.
(1)
Kevin J.
Great fresh food, reasonably priced and fast service.
(4)
Jen L.
Delicious bruschetta but the service is painfully slow...
(3)
Jen R.
I was really disappointed in my recent dining trip here. I read such good reviews that I was hoping to have a great night, but the service kind of ruined the experience . That being said the food was good, but I wouldn't go back. The waiter didn't give us much of a greeting or come by to ask if everything was good. And we had to flag him down when we wanted to order. Just not feeling the love! Bummer because the spring rolls and calamari were delicious! And the butternut squash rav was a great dish. My gf and I both agree that good service is more important to us than the food itself because a huge part of the experience is feeling that the server cares enough to give you a reason to come back.
(3)
Derek D.
Had dinner on Saturday night at Panza. Very well priced, bruschetta was one of the best ever, wonderfully presented and a massive portion. Pasta main of Rigatoni with Sausage was really tasty and once again, a large portion. Only down side was the insalata caprese was with breaded and fried tomatoes (weird I know...)
(4)
Brenna P.
Terrible service! Waited in line for 30 min until we were next to be seated only to be told that only reservations were being accepted and that we would have to wait at least another 45 min. You should greet your customers as they arrive not ignore then turn away. Rude.
(1)
Juls B.
Our first experience in Little Italy. Very nice ambiance and great service. Cute place with nice views for people watching. Felt like I was in Italy. My husband and I split the caprese salad and the baked ziti with ricotta cheese meatballs. Generous portions so we were happy we shared. Very good and flavorful. I would recommend this place. Nice background music and prices are good.
(4)
Dan B.
Aside from incredible cannolis and amazing seafood in Boston's north end, this was my first experience in little Italy, and wow was I blown away! I would highly recommend the baked ziti and caesar salad! Although, I don't think one can make a bad selection here. It was one of the best and most satisfying meals of my life...Oh yea! and we got the calamari to start with, mouth watering! Also, they have an affordable wine selection for dinner (We got a very delicious bottle of Cab from Cali for $20). I doubt we could have got a better wine from a store for that price even if they had a no corking fee. You have to check this place out!
(5)
Michael D.
Got a seat an HOUR after our reservation time. This seems like a common complaint among yelpers. Management really should work on that (maybe take fewer reservations?). Makes the customers AND the waiters/waitresses frustrated.. Me and my fambam got: Lobster ravioli ( yelp.com/biz_photos/T4nE… ). I used to think that you can NEVER go wrong with lobster ravioli.. until I got it here. The sauce as overly salty, and they minced the filling so much to the point I thought i was eating straight mush. I COULDNT EVEN TELL IT WAS LOBSTER INSIDE... :( Large fried Calamari ( yelp.com/biz_photos/T4nE… ): I wish the calamari werent covered in that sauce.. they should just put it on the side for dipping. Some pieces were DRENCHED (and therefore soggy, heavy, and gross) while others didnt have any at all. Calamari was served with fried peppers and onions too, so that was a welcome flavor change. Seafood Fra Diavolo ( yelp.com/biz_photos/T4nE… ): The only dish I could actually eat. The seafood was fresh and the sauce had a kick, but not too much spice. It was palatable, but I wouldn't come back for it. Open faced lasagna with chicken ( yelp.com/biz_photos/T4nE… ): I've never had open faced lasagna before, so I thought I'd give this a shot. UNFORTUNATELY, the lasagna was a bit too undercooked so it was tough (i like my pasta al dente, but even this was too firm for me). So that kinda ruined the whole dish for me. Overall, I'd say slightly below average food+terrible wait time= 1.5 stars.
(2)
Brian D.
This place is lovely, very very lovely. I came here with a friend over President's Day weekend per one of her friend's recommendations, and it was a good one. Food was quality. Picked up some calimari, which was nice, and shared a Caesar to start. Entrees were also delicious and all was at a very reasonable price. Price points in this neighborhood are tough to manage and Panza does it well. Hint: If you are a wine-o, this is the place for you! Not sure about the selection, but the pours are incredible! Right to the top, every, single, time. Try getting that anywhere else in the city! Towards the end of the night, our waiter came over to talk about his birds and dogs, it was quite cute. Very friendly staff, Yelper approved. I'll be coming back for sure!
(5)
Katie P.
I hate to write bad reviews because everyone can have an off night but I thought this place was awful. I have been to many restaurants in the North End this summer alone and was the worst. I got the chicken parm and the chicken was dry, barely any sauce, and I felt like it was a little over priced for what I got. My boyfriend got the eggplant and they didn't seed it or take the skin off. Yuck. The people next to us had the gnocchi and it looked like it had no sauce on it and had been microwaved. It was a beautiful night and we asked to open the sliding windows to the outside. They had to move us around, and have us sitting basically on top of the people next to us (which is how I got a good view of their food). Such a great location, it's really too bad the food didn't live up to the neighborhood!
(1)
Joscelyne G.
I dined alone on a weeknight and had no trouble getting a table - the place was mostly empty. Based on reviews I opted for a board specials, the Wild Boar Papparedelle and couldn't have been happier. LOTS of fresh meat and generous serving. I tried but couldn't finish my dish. I found the wine pours totally fine for the $6 price so no complaints there although, they could have a broader wine menu than they do. I didn't care that they didn't serve dessert because they are right down the street from Mike's Pastry and I just went and got a cannoli for $3.50 which is a cheaper dessert than most restaurants offer anyway. Overall, a good experience. My only minor gripe was the service which was ok but nothing outstanding. The servers spend most of their time on the line chit chatting vs checking on my wine or food status. Overall though, very worth going!
(4)
Irissa N.
This place was a gem to discover. I just recently moved to Boston and my friend and I wanted to explore the North End. We came upon this place using Yelp and it was a great choice. We shared a bottle of wine and had two meals for $65. The penne pasta with eggplant was so good. You could tell the pasta was homemade. I would definitely go back here.
(5)
Cathy M.
Went here for our anniversary a Saturday night. Made a 6pm reservation on Open Table, we were seated by 6:15. Food and service were outstanding. Very reasonable prices. Bottle of wine + 2 glasses, 2 salads and 2 entrees for $87. It is a very small place-highly recommend making a reservation. People without reservations were waiting over an hour.We will definitely go back.
(5)
Dennis S.
I love this place. Ended up there by accident. Fabulous Carbonara, Eggplant Parm and Penne w/Chicken Brocolli and Cream Sauce. Also the bread at the table is quite good - very chewy. The Fried Calamari is to die for. Really. The startup service is slow but v friendly when they get going and they are there plenty enough during the meal. All in all a must try. I'm going back for sure.
(4)
Jim T.
Great stuff. A ton of excellent and surprisingly affordable Italian in Boston's Little Italy area. Had an appetizer, two entrees, a bottle of wine for like 70 bucks. Literally the best food and the lowest dinner bill I had while in Boston. When in Boston I'll be back for more.
(4)
Anna M.
Nice fresh rustic bread, best calamari I've had in a while (love the addition of hot peppers). Everyone in my party left happy, including my three year old. Prices were reasonable for the North End. Would definitely come back.
(4)
Steve A.
Been here a few times now and never been disappointed. Most people stumble in to this spot when they decide the 2 hour wait for Giacomo's isn't worth it -- but I can honestly say that this place can stand on its own as a worthwhile destination North End restaurant. The apps are all excellent (if you can manage to not get the calamari I highly recommend the braised short ribs) and you really cannot go wrong with any of the pasta dishes. The place really shines with the entree's on the back of the menu -- the chicken/veal options (marsala, panza, picatta) are some of the best I've had in the North End. Only drawbacks are that they do not serve coffee or desert claiming that they are trying to avoid stealing business from the many desert cafes in the North End. Personally, I don't believe this one bit -- seems more like they are trying to turn tables over but its not that big of a deal as the service is excellent and the servers are very attentive. Space is also a bit cramped, but to be expected considering the neighborhood. Otherwise, great find and highly recommended.
(4)
Jason D.
Quote from some Italian old head, "it was good. How much better can you get then good" totally made my night. In my opinion it was better than good. Lobster ravioli was delicious. Very small eating area but that can't be seen as a negative. I would def go back if I was ever in Boston
(5)
Hoa N.
It was a small and quaint restaurant but has enough noise to make it lively. We had a reservation at 6 but arrived a few minutes early. Maybe we were lucky because we were seated right way (no wait). The waitress and waiter were both very nice and attentive. The food was good (overall score because my dish I believe was a miss). We order Bruschetta and let me tell you - it was so good. Unlike other places, the portion of the appetizer was quite big. It can be easily shared between 3-4 people (given that you will order an entree or so for the main course). For the main dish: My friend order the lobster ravioli and it was pretty good - very creamy and rich - all the fat is there ... The portion was good, enough to make one full but not too full. I ordered a linguine littleneck clam - the portion was HUGE! The amount of clam was decent but the linguine was bit undercooked so it was very coarse and hard. But the sauce is very delicious. I would definitely come back and try other dishes. Enjoy your meal!
(4)
Angela Y.
A very cute but small Italian restaurant on Hanover St. From looking thru the windows and doors at most restaurants in the area, they are all on the smaller side. I really wanted to try the gnocchi with bolognese sauce but they were all out of bolognese (at 8pm) so I decided to try the lobster ravioli and it was amazing! I ate everything plus with some bread leftover I scraped the sauce over the plate! Husband got pasta with sausage and he too cleaned his plate! One of our friends got the classic spaghetti with meatballs and really liked hers. I would recommend this place to anyone just don't except a lot of room around you and being very comfortable with your date or neighbor.
(4)
Edi D.
This place is a zoo. Evening turned out a-OK but the wait was not. We got to the restaurant around 6 pm on a Saturday night thinking we would beat the evening rush. We did not have a reservation. We were told that the wait would be 1 hr and 15 minutes. We went to have a drink at a nearby bar and came back to Panza right on time. We were told the wait would be another 15 minutes. An hour and a half later we were finally seated. During this time, we overheard the hostess (who also doubled as a waitress at this very busy restaurant) tell every party that asked, that there was a 15 minute wait. Clearly, that is inaccurate and a scheme to get people to keep waiting. The worst part, is that people were waiting in between the diners to get the hostess' attention and ask how much longer they had to wait. Once we finally were seated, we had fellow patrons standing behind us demanding the hostess' attention and letting cold air blow in from outside. The food was delicious and wine was $20 (ALMOST made the wait worthwhile) but I think this restaurant has some kinks to work out. Lobster Ravioli YUM! Veal Panza YUM! Wine UMMM!!! Goat cheese and mushroom eggroll - mehhh.
(2)
Nicole S.
Great stop in the north end. Went for lunch on a Friday and we were seated immediately. Our food was brought out quickly and was delicious. The seafood linguini in a spicy red sauce did not disappoint, absolutely wonderful! Very reasonably priced considering quality and portion size. Will definitely return!
(4)
Cherie D.
Made a reservation for an early dinner last night before heading to the Garden to see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Our party of 6 arrived at Panza significantly earlier than our reserved time, but the waitress was very friendly and seated us immediately. There were maybe two other tables filled when we got there, but by the time we left the place was full and a short line outside. Our waitress and the rest of the waitstaff were exceptional all evening, the pace between courses was leisurely and we appreciated their attention to detail. They were friendly and accommodating and I never once felt rushed. We ordered the large calamari appetizer to share and it was light and tender and perfectly fried with a delicious spicy sauce drizzled over the top. One of the best I've had. I had the tarragon fettuccine with lobster tail. The aroma when it arrived to the table told the tale of what was in store for me. Perfectly cooked tarragon fettuccine with pieces of lobster meat, tomato, peas, in a creamy and light garlic brandy cream sauce. Wonderful! The others in my party had the seafood risotto, penne with chicken and broccoli in cream sauce, linguini and littleneck clams in a white wine sauce, and linguini ala pescatore, in white and red sauces. We all agreed everything from the calamari appetizer, to the wonderfully chewy and crusty bread, to our main dishes, were perfect and delicious. We will be back!
(5)
Amy F.
I was in search of a North End restaurant for the one dinner I would be having in Boston on a recent trip up. Upon finding Panza with the multitude of rave-reviews, I excitedly made a reservation for 6:30. At 5:45 we had exhausted the Freedom Trail and headed over early. A server who was also apparently playing the role of hostess assured us this was no problem and we would have an approximately 15 minute wait. After almost 90 minutes of loitering outside, watching people arrive after us and be seated and witnessing the line across the street at Giacomos quickly move, we walked up to our blonde friend and demanded a table. Once we made it this far, the service was relatively efficient in the small and noisy room, less the fact they brought bread to our table with our dinners. I'd ordered the gnocchi. I expected better. The bolognaise sauce was bland and the gnocchis didn't exactly "melt in your mouth" like they should when made correctly. Maybe it was partly the disgust over the 15-turned-90 minute wait, but the overall experience was disappointing. The next time I am in Boston I will be in search of another, hopefully more enjoyable, North End establishment.
(2)
David S.
I'll make is short, the braised beef ravioli in a tomato and bleu cheese sauce special was amazingly good. Everything else the group ordered was tasty.
(5)
Shawn W.
Amazing ravioli and very friendly staff!
(5)
Emmie B.
I am shocked by the reviews on this site! Very misleading. The service was good but myself and date's meal were the worst I think I've ever had! The waiter suggested a chicken meal with spinach and mushrooms, which my date spit out because he thought it was raw, but it was just overcooked. My seafood risotto was dry and flavor was lackluster. I am by no means a foodie but was disappointed in the wine and even the bread as well. So many other better choices on Hanover! Would never go here again.
(1)
Joann C.
Visiting from Miami, FL and stopped in for dinner on a Friday night. Thank goodness we made reservations because the restaurant is tiny and doesnt offer much seating room. So if you dont make reservations, be prepared to wait. Everything was very tasty and enjoyed myself very much. The only downside is that there is no desserts (but why would they when Mike's and Modern Pastry is just down the street) and the help could have been a bit more friendly. I ordered the Linguine Carbonara and it was the best I have ever eaten. Nice creamy egg sauce and the pancetta was perfect, not too salty or overly crispy. I sampled my other friends' dishes and was also not disappointed (Linguine Alla Pescatore, Free Form Lasagna, and Potato Gnocchi Bolognese). All were very delicious and the servings are very generous as well. The ambience, the prices, the food...equals a great experience!
(4)
Rick A.
The lobster ravioli was Fantastic. The bruschetta was the best I have ever had. The staff was exceptional. Do not miss this restaurant.
(5)
Jill R.
I almost don't want to write a review for this place, because then I feel like more people will go and make it harder for me to get a table when I want, but whatever. I will try not to be selfish. Panza is my favorite restaurant in the North End for a few reasons. It is extremely reasonable in price. The service is always good. The food is amazing. It's also right on Hanover street, so if you go during a nice day, it provides good people watching opportunities as you eat. My favorite dish at Panza (and possibly of all time) is the caprese salad. The first time we went, my boyfriend whined about how it was boring to order the caprese. He was wrong. They lightly bread and fry the tomato, which makes this dish different and delicious. For real, just try it. My other favorite at Panza is the eggplant Parmesan. They just know how to make it well. Whenever I go, we always order one eggplant parm, and then rotate a second dish and share them both. I have tried a lot of the specials they have, and I am also a fan of their butternut squash ravioli.
(5)
Steve H.
Very good food, nice ambiance good service at a very reasonable price - one of the best values in the North End.
(4)
Nicholas V.
I thought it was great. There was a rumor that Panza was not "kid friendly". It is only true to a certain extent. There is no kids menu, and the food certainly caters more to an adult taste. But kids loved the ravioli and chicken, and the staff was accommodating to our requests. Service was prompt and professional, our server, Joe, was way above average on a very busy night. I had the linguine alla pescado, loaded with sea goodies for $18. I would go back, and I would travel to eat here again.
(5)
Vinitha R.
I came to Panza with my brother and sister and absolutely LOVED it. We didn't have a reservation for a Saturday night, but they still sat us in less than 10 minutes. The goat cheese spring rolls were amazing as was the bruschetta with a balsamic glaze. We ordered a gnocchi dish and a spinach tortellini. Both were fresh tasty and well balanced. I was so full i couldn't get dessert, but I'm sure it would have been great. We didn't love the Chianti that we got, but in general a very good experience.
Eh. I'd rather not have eaten all those calories at Panza tonight. That being said all my stars are only for food, not service. First of all I froze my butt off waiting outside. It was a strange hierarchy of patrons who apparently if were waiting on the other side by the tree got preferential treatment. The waitstaff is kinda disdainful. I didn't take that into account in my review but it didn't help my attitude about the meal. I remember being looked at in a bitchy way by our waitress and I never got a refill of water until the very end. Oh well. The goat cheese and mushroom spring roll would have been good minus the honey. There's something about goat cheese that works with sweet stuff but only when its paired with sweet stuff like apples and fruit. Mushrooms and honey just don't go together in my book. My mouth was frowning in confusion. I wanted something balsamic to dip in. The spare ribs were just fine but were so random at an Italian place. I felt like I should have been eating them with barbeque sauce. Southern girl is confused! The linguine pescatore which was recommended to me was so so. I didn't think much of the seafood selection which offered one shrimp, one scallop, and several pieces of calamari and mussels surrounded by a bed of pretty al dente linguine in a marina sauce. I didn't particularly enjoy the combination as much as I thought and it seemed too bland without enough spice or seasoning. Parm didn't help much. They do offer several bottles of wine for $20 if you're looking for a reasonable alcohol pairing.
(3)
erica n.
Food is OK, service is bad. We walked up and made a reservation, the waitress functioning as a hostess said 15-20 minutes so we waited out front. After waiting an additional 30 minutes past our reservation time (for a total of 1 hour) another party of 3 took our table. when we brought it to the "hostess'" attention we were shoved into a 2-top (I'm 8 months pregnant) and treated rudely the rest of the night. With so many restaurants in the North End you can definitely find a better place to eat. It's a shame because the food isn't as bad as the service. I will never go back to this place nor recommend it to anyone.
(2)
Bianca T.
I will fairly state I have only had a glass of wine and their version of a caprice salad so I can only judge on that ... It's was HORRIBLE ... They deep fried it ... So it's one big pile of hot greasy tomatoes, basil and cheese .... So for that reason I probably won't go back ... If their judgement Is that low In serving such a unappetizing dish then I can only imagine what will come out of the kitchen if I go back for an entree (dinner) The wine and service was good !!
(2)
Sara L.
Delicious food, the bruschetta was amazing. Our waiter was friendly and efficient and we had a great time. Will definitely return.
(5)
Jeff P.
How this place does not have a line out the door like some other locations in the North End is beyond me. It's a small, well run little Italian restaurant that makes some excellent food without breaking the bank. The menu is classic with some very creative and exciting twists. I had a hard time narrowing down what to get, so we'll back to try out the other items on the list. The veal saltimbocca is amazing and the pasta dishes the other people in my party ordered were a hit as well. Only downfall? One unisex bathroom.
(5)
Nicole B.
I made back-up reservations at Panza after reading rave reviews here on Yelp. Because it is across the street from Giacomo's, I was hoping to get in there, and if the line was too long we'd keep our reservations at Panza. Turns out, Giacamo's was packed, and it was only 6pm on a Tuesday! We went across the street to Panza and were greeted by nice servers and an empty restaurant. The atmosphere was warm, clean, and classy. For the meal! We first ordered a bottle of the Duckhorn Decoy Cabernet from Sonoma, which was amazingly priced and was delicious. The crusty bread and olive oil was also great, although I wish the bread would have been warm. Per Yelpers' reviews, we began with the grilled greens over polenta. It was excellent!!! The greens were seasoned well with tons of garlic and had a nice charred grill flavor. The polenta was firm, and wonderfully cheesy. The gorgonzola sauce was awesome, although it ultimately made the polenta become really soggy after only a few minutes. I ordered the Penne Amatriciana, but requested linguine instead of penne. I had a hard time choosing, because everything sounded amazing, and our server did a very nice job making recommendations. The pasta was cooked al dente, and I could have eaten the plum tomato sauce for the rest of my life. The eggplant, however, was very mushy and since the skins were left on, the texture wasn't exactly pleasant. Also, when I requested grated parmesan, they brought me a bowl of the powdered kind. Not impressed. If I'm paying $20 for a pasta dish, I want real cheese. My aunt ordered the chicken piccata, and while I didn't try any, she said it was delicious. The portion was huge, and they served her a small bowl of linguine and red sauce along with it. I'm not sure if there were other options for the pasta side, but I wouldn't enjoy red sauce with piccata. We chose not to get dessert, as MIke's Pastry was a few doors down, but they did have a nice selection. Overall a very well priced restaurant and a great back-up plan if you're freezing to death outside waiting for a table at Giacomo's! I gave it a 4 just because of the few soggy textural issues and the horrifying powdered parmesan!
(4)
Matt C.
Even as a Giacomo's enthusiast, I must admit I may never wait in that line again knowing I can walk across the street and have the type of dining experience that Panza delivers. I was about to make some witty remark about "panza" meaning "bread", but Wiki suggests it's actually a region in Italy, so I'll spare myself some embarrassment and just say that the bread here is phenomenal. It's the real stuff: Soft and warm on the inside with a hard crust dusted lightly with flour and served hot out of the oven with olive oil and parmesan on the side. Fantastic stuff. The food is excellent, and somehow even more inexpensive than Giacomo's. Not to mention, with all that time you saved yourself by not waiting in line, you'll be able to stroll down to Modern for a cannoli and an espresso. Ciao!
(4)
Greg M.
Panza's is a small place that fills up quickly, so we made reservations for 7 and showed up a little earlier on a cold weekday night. We had Italian chopped salad, mussels with butter and garlic, crusty bread to sop up that garlic and butter, and our entrees - braised pork lasagna special, Veal Panza, and Veal Saltimbocca - all were expertly prepared, great taste, great value. Service was friendly and my table was waiting for me. There's a lot of italian restaurants to choose from in the North End but Panza's did a great job tonight with food and service.
(4)
Scott J.
I had been meaning to try Panza for a long time. For one thing, it's on the site of my former favorite restaurant in the North End, Cibo. It's right across the street from The Wine Bottega, a sensational store that hosts free wine tastings every Friday night from 5-8 PM and several excellent events each month. Panza was always crowded by the time I got to the North End. Fortunately, my friend and I were in the area earlier (around 5:30) and got a table immediately. We started off with the Italian Chop Salad, designed for two but could definitely be shared by 3 people. It came in a large bowl and we served ourselves with tongs. Its ingredients reminded me of cold antipasti and the pepperoncinis were an excellent touch. For my entree, I enjoyed the daily special of pappardelle with lamb ragu, a sumptuous feast of broad, filling noodles and tasty tendrils of meat. Overall, an exceptional meal. We were disappointed that they wouldn't let us open the bottle of wine my friend purchased across the street and it did take some time to receive our entrees, given that it was crowded. Definitely make a reservation or get there before 6 PM if you want to snag a table on a weekend evening. This is a must visit stop in the North End!
(4)
Jessie C.
there were a few things i LOVED about Panza and a few things i could do without. Lets start with the positives... 1. Small! I love small Italian restaurants. Seem cozy and warm usually. 2. The wall of plates - love it! i'm totally gonna steal the idea when I've got my own house 3. Food - yum yum yum! I ordered the Chicken Panza and was very very pleased. Now i've gotta figure out how to make Panza myself! lol. Things I wasn't so thrilled about 1. Won't seat you until your entire party is there - i get it, seriously i do, i understand the reasoning behind why restaurants do this but i don't have to to like it. 2. Only accept 2 credit cards - come on guys! It's a digital world, figure out how to split a check more than twice please. lame. 3. Although my dish was awesome, a few others were a little under the weather...cobb salad eh for example. i'd go back someday - but i'd make sure i ordered the panza.
(4)
Stephanie F.
I'm so happy that I ate at this restaurant! I made a reservation, but we didn't need one because we arrived early and were seated right away. The food was DELICIOUS, the wine was great and the service was good. I loved the cozy & romantic atmosphere. We ordered the mussels in fra diavolo sauce and it was amazing. I need that sauce recipe asap :) I liked it so much that I ordered the Linguine Alla Pescatore in the same sauce. The portion was enough for me to bring to lunch the next day. The prices on the menu were good - inexpensive for the area. I will definitely have to come back here!
(5)
Bill L.
Superb!!!!..Went here on a saturday around 4:15-4:30 got seated right away actaully had reservations for 5 but took early.Waitress was very nice and pleasant didn't rush us,took order about 10mins after we sat. Wife got got LOBSTER RAVIOLI...crazy good,about 8-10 ravioli's super hot.I ended up getting the LINGUINE ALLA PESCATORE ...FRESH FRESH FRESH....For the app we got calamari,flash fried goodness...
(5)
Scott K.
Consistently above average food at a lower price than any of the pretenders nearby. As a resident in the North End, I've tried quite a few of the restaurants in the neighborhood and Panza is always the winner. I keep getting suckered into wanting to try to fancier more expensive places but always leave feeling underwhelmed. That is never the case at Panza and the many people I have taken to Panza always walk away satisfied and impressed. I like the linguine pescatore and Stephanie B. says the butternut squash tortellini may be the best thing she has ever eaten. I also highly recommend splitting the chopped salad for two. It is a terrific salad with light dressing and lots of little goodies like mozzarella cheese, salami, and crispy little pieces of pancetta throughout. All of the portions are large but not at the expense of taste. You will leave Panza full, satisfied and (rare in the north end) not feeling ripped off.
(4)
Maria A.
We were visiting from San Diego, so natrually we were looking forward to some great, authentic italian food. Thank goodness we ate dinner at Panza! We made a same day reservation for a party of 6 and had no problems getting in, even on a Saturday night. The restaurant is small and the tables are close together, but the great service, plentiful menu, and outstanding food more than made up for it. I am a fairly picky eater, and there were so many things on the menu that I wanted to try that I had trouble deciding. We started with the Wild Mushroom and Goat Cheese Spring Rolls which were amazing. Such a great combination that I've never seen before, everyone loved them. For dinner I had the Butternut Squash Tortelloni (YUM!), and this was the first time that I've ordered this dish and had them include pieces of baked butternut squash on top of the pasta, which was a great garnish. My boyfriend had the Chicken Marsala which was one of the best I've ever tasted. Overall everyone in our group was beyond satisfied with their meal. We have a few more trips to Boston planned later this year, and I'm sure that we will be back!
(5)
Nick K.
I love going to this place! +'s Great food - Get the burrata for an App and the butternut squash ravioli for dinner Really nice people Small business Great about filling up your water -'s Small; sometimes you sit awkwardly close to other people Bathroom is small and not all that clean Wait time is ridiculous on Fridays and Saturdays (go any other day)
(4)
Melissa B.
Best meal in Boston! We were lucky enough to have friends from Boston who recommended this place for a great meal. I am still dreaming of the meal here. You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu, I promise! Even the salad was the best I have ever had! Caleb took great care of us and treated us like family. I'm already planning my next trip back and panza is my first stop!
(5)
Sarah F.
Good dinner with a very unfortunate ending! Two friends and I came here on Friday night to enjoy a quick easy dinner. We were seated quickly but were told that since we don't have a reservation we could have out of the two available tables the one right next to the doors which had a constant draft wafting over our table. We didn't have a reservation so it was understandable and we sat down for dinner. The food we ordered was very good! I only had the house salad but my friends enjoyed their entrees immensely. The calamari was crispy and the the mushroom spring rolls were good. During our meal however the entire time we were either waiting to be served or during our meal, as the restaurant got fuller people ended up simply standing right over us, or right next to our table, or holding the door open engulfing us in the frigid January air. But we took all this in stride and the bill came for $55 and my friend gave his card. As we were putting on our jackets the waitress came over to him and their exchange went as such: -Was service not good? -I didn't say that. -You left a $15 tip on a $55 bill. -I guess the draft wasn't so pleasant. -Oh. I will probably try them again, but definitely beware of this one particular waitress! A %25 tip wasn't good enough for her and she was so unnerved she decided to "call" my friend out on it.
(3)
Shawn D.
Definitely one of my favorite restaurants in the North End! It's a hidden gem, on the lower end of Hanover Street...not many tourists know about it. The food is excellent and the atmosphere is great too. Very small but never a long wait. The prices are great too, very reasonable compared to other North End restaurants.
(5)
B P.
Pros: Food and wine is great and cheap. Cons: No desert or coffee. They do not know how to keep reservations, if you have a reservation at 7:30, you will be waiting outside for at least 30 minutes along with the people who had reservations at 7.
(4)
Kels W.
The bruschetta is fantastic. My favorite dish is the butternut squash tortellini - it's very sweet, so might not be for everyone. Their veal marsala is also fantastic.
(4)
Jolie W.
Probably the best Italian food I have ever had! The pasta and seafood(scallops, calamari, shrimp and mussels) was very fresh and authentic. The sauce was the best. One person in our party got the butternut squash ravioli and it was amazing-the squash was sweet and cooked perfectly. The bread was great with the sauce. I had a sangria that was flavorful and fruity! After coming here, so many people who live in the area say its their favorite Italian restaurant on the North End-which says a lot!! I will return--loved the food!!
(5)
Tina M.
Panza is fabulous!! The caprese salad is absolutely amazing! I've had it twice and enjoy it each time I eat it. The best meal on the menu is the seafood pescatore with red sauce. So much flavor! By far the best I've had in a restaurant. My husband loves their veal parm and wine list is pretty impressive. I'd travel to boston anytime for a meal at panza!
(5)
Jack K.
My co-workers friend came into Boston to visit just days before the New Year, so we decided we needed to eat in the North End. It was my duty to pick out the restaurant (which at times, can be a pain, since I can be indecisive about food, although I can eat almost anything). So, I was deciding between two restaurants, Panza being one of the choices. After seeing the restaurant took reservations on Open Table and looking at the small but "big enough" menu for an Italian restaurant, I knew it was the place we had to try for our first North End experience, and we were not let down! My reservations were at 8:30pm, but we arrived about 10 minute earlier. We could have taken a seat, but we would have had to sit right in front of the door (and not that people come in and out and it was pretty cold). So, the server had no problem with us waiting for the next available table that could seat 3, which resulted in just another 10-15 minute wait, which was no big deal, since the restaurant is very tiny. Note: It's not really a group oriented restaurant, so try not to make your group bigger than 4-6, or you'll be waiting awhile. What I liked was the ambiance created in this small restaurant. Other reviews may have said that they want you in and out, but I didn't feel that way. I think this may be the case if people are actually waiting to take your seat at set reservations, but since my dinner started late anyway, I ended up staying until the restaurant cleared out for the night. Each table is dimly lit by candlelight and the lights are turned down very dimly, which creates a romantic atmosphere. The decor includes plate, and large cooking tools. The kitchen is in plain view, so you know the food isn't just sitting there, and it definitely comes out piping hot! The meal started off with tasting 3 different wines, and we ended up ordering a bottle of Bertagnil Pinot Grigio, which is not too sweet and not too bitter. We then ordered an order of the Bruschetta, which came out as two large pieces of bread, but was absolutely delicious. The oils really made the taste of the tomatoes really refreshing. I saw past reviews mention of the Potato Gnocchi Bolognese. So, I knew I had to get that. The gnocchi was cooked just right with a pillowy soft tenderness with an excellent seasoned pork ragu the dish addictive. Of course, the portion was pretty large and I could not finish it. My friends ordered an order of the Baked Ziti, which was also very delicious. The cheese melted just right on top of the pasta, creating a great traditional dish without overdoing anything when it came to flavor. Overall, the service was great. There seemed to be only 2 servers working in the small restaurant, but we were always asked if everything was good and our server was friendly regardless if the place was extremely busy. 1 star for food and taste, 1 star for service, 1 star for great atmosphere and ambiance, 1 star for value. I would go back in a heartbeat.
(4)
Whadzen C.
Food was excellent and I was pleasantly surprised about the prices. The owner was very attentive
(5)
Timi C.
I absolutely love this place; it is my favorite spot on the North End. It has always delivered delicious food with great service. This review goes through all of the dishes that I have had: The bread that they serve is fresh, chewy, and delicious with some olive oil. The crusty part and the chewy part inside are both delicious. Appetizers: -Calamari - the small plate is actually huge! The fried rings of calamari are fresh and the onions, jalepenos and sauce give it a nice kick. -Goat cheese spring rolls - I usually don't like goat cheese, but decided to give it a try. I really like the honey that they put on top to make it feel "Greek" Entrees -Carbonara- pasta with bacon and eggs? YUM -Linguini alla Pescatore - a healthy assortment of shrimp, scallops, clams and calamari. I had it with the fra diavolo sauce and it was absolutely perfect. It was a bit spicy, but delicious. -Chicken Panza- Chunks of chicken in a mushroomy sauce. I really liked that they included large chunks of mushroom. Service gets hectic once the restaurant fills up, but don't hesitate to just flag the waiter down. He'll make it back to you soon! Make a reservation if you know you're coming. The wait gets a bit lengthy after 6pm.
(5)
Jin C.
I wanted to go to Giacomo's, but disappointingly they were closed because of a gas problem. A scribbled sign said so, and also pointed us to their sister restaurant, Panza. So we went. I was really looking forward to the butternut squash ravioli that was supposed to be a popular dish at Giacomo's, so I had the tortelloni version of that at Panza's. I guess it was good, it just had a very one-note sort of flavor that would only win over a hardcore butternut squash fan. My boyfriend's grilled maple glazed salmon was really nice; the hunk of salmon was a lot larger than you'd expect from a restaurant. Overall a nice place to visit.
(4)
Suzanne L.
I honestly don't know why everyone keeps fussing over Giacamo's- I haven't been there, true- but this place is stiff competition for its neighbor across the street. I went with three other friends on a balmy Saturday afternoon in the fall- it was fairly empty, we were seated immediately, and all received steaming, delicious, and HUGE portions of pasta. I had Pasta fra diavolo- good and clearly fresh. Next time you are in the obnoxiously long line for Giacamo's and getting grumpy and hungry, just head across the street!
(4)
Geoff c.
Being in North End, there is really no place you can go wrong. Panza is across the street from Giacomos, but is also top of the line. On a nice weekend when everyone is out, the wait can get substantial - at least an hour. But if you can hold out, you'll be treated to some top quality italian food for reasonable prices. The venue is very smal - hence the long waits. The appetizer bread is tough, but that's not why you're really there. The Beef and Veal tortelloni, little neck clams, and lobster ravioli were excellent. The atmosphere is very nice. Dimly lit but not darkness. The street-side windows can open up completely so you can enjoy the nice weather. The service could be better. They might need more waiting staff. Our server was also the hostess. And thus, when it gets busy, which is was, we were sometimes neglected. The cost runs ~$30 per person for a dish + drink.
(4)
Patricia O.
I've been to Panza twice in the last couple of months. I've gone with friends for dinner, and we've been happy with the place. Service: Fast (agree with another reviewer that it might have been a little too fast for my taste) and VERY attentive. They checked on us multiple times throughout the night, and our water glasses were always filled. It's more businesslike than warm and friendly, but that suited me just fine. Food: Great! Thanks to Yelp for the suggestions - I really liked the calamari, Italian chopped salad for two (perfectly light dressing, mozzarella cubes, chunks of Italian meats), linguine carbonara, and the wild mushroom and goat cheese spring rolls. The bread was so-so; it wasn't warm but it did taste all right. Ambience: Agree that it is a little loud inside the place, but my friends and I had no problems conversing. The decor is tasteful. Price: Good value for money - one order of calamari, one HUGE chopped salad for two, one side of meatballs, and two drinks cost us $44 including tip. Would definitely go back!
(4)
G C.
One of the best in the north end.
(4)
Eileen P.
A hidden gem! Despite some of the reviews on here, I've never had bad service at Panza. I love coming here! There is usually a wait to get in, much like Giacomos across the street, but I don't mind because I think it's worth it. I've ordered different pasta and chicken dishes, along with almost every appitizer on the menu (that's what happens when you live close by) and it's always been good. It's very small and quaint inside, casual. The front window is usually open in the summer, but it's cozy to go in the winter too. Good, classic Italian food is what this place is all about. I would reccomend this restaurant and already have to many of my friends.
(4)
Lauren M.
My boyfriend and I decided on a whim to go to the North End for dinner. We decided to wing it and go without reservations or (gasp) without Yelp reviews. My boyfriend pointed to Panza, and I'm so glad he did. Hostess said we'd be able to be seated immediately if we could finish in an hour because they had reservations. That was perfectly fine with us; we're fast eaters. I've read a lot of reviews for places in the North End that felt like they were being rushed, and I was thankful they were honest with us, although we didn't feel rushed at all. The bread and olive oil were very good. Although we didn't get any appetizers, the couple next to us did, and they looked really good. My boyfriend got the Potato Gnocchi Bolognese, and I got the Baked Ziti. I don't eat meat, so I asked for it without the meatballs, which they were happy to do. Baked Ziti was amazing, and my boyfriend loved his meal. Service was fast and friendly; we were in and out in less than 40 minutes, which is plenty of time for us to enjoy a meal. It was pretty empty when we arrived, but as we left it was completely full with a line out the door. If you would like a "normal" dinnertime (we like eating a little early), I would recommend making reservations.
(5)
Libby T.
Stumbled across Panza our first time in the North End and have been back three times. A reasonably priced wine menu and specials that will knock your socks off will keep me coming back. I can't stress it enough, though, there is always one special that is far and away the best and freshest thing on the menu - don't forget to try it.
(4)
Alicia M.
My husband and I had 8pm reservations for our anniversary on Saturday night. We showed up 10 minutes late (calling prior to 8 to let them know). When we got there we were told that we would get the next 2 top, and it would be 10-15 minutes (which she told every single person that came in). In the meantime I watched 3 people get sat at the next 2 top that became available and 2 tops pushed together to seat parties of 4 that did not have reservations. After waiting over an hour for our reservation I asked the hostess why we had not been seated yet and she assured me we would get the next 2 top. When I asked why others were sat before us when we were already told that, I got a bad attitude. At that point we left and will likely never return. We were extremely disappointed as we had been here in the past and loved it - which is why we chose to come back for our anniversary. That being said, your reservations mean nothing and if you are a party of 2 they aren't going to seat you because they can make more money off of a party of 4.
(1)
Will F S.
As previous poster Jill R. wrote, "I almost don't want to write a review for this place, because then I feel like more people will go and make it harder for me to get a table when I want, but whatever. I will try not to be selfish. " My thoughts exactly. Directly across the street from Panza is the well-know sister restaurant Giacommos, which is more expensive and lines wrap around the sidewalk all night. Why not just go to Panza? I'm from north Jersey (Italian snob) and Panza is home to my favorite fried calamari. It's unreal. They fry it to perfection and drizzle it with pepperjack cheese and jalapenos. Worth going for this appetizer alone. Their meals are also very good, and reasonably priced giving the location. My only complaint is how small the dining room is. Sitting near the entrance on a winter night be sure to wear a sweater.
(4)
Eric G.
My girlfriend and I were looking for a place to eat on our trip to Boston and just walked into this place because we liked the menu and the inside looked quaint. We were extremely happy with our choice. The chicken marsala was the best ever and the chicken saltimbocca was extremely tasty. We will recommend this place to our Boston friends and will make plans to come here on our next trip.
(5)
Carol S.
Found this little gem on Hanover Street in Boston's Little Italy. Small restaurant but packed with excellent choices. The bruschetta was flavorful and fresh. Potato gnocchi with bolognese sauce and linguini with clams kept both of us very quiet as we rapidly gobbled up the delicious entrees. Good service by 1 very busy waiter, reasonable prices, and great choices. Loved historic Hanover--a street with oodles of interesting bakeries and restaurants. The best dinner I have had thus far in 2012! Thanks Panza.
(5)
Christopher M.
Panza is a solid representation of North End Italian. But among the dozens of restaurants just like it, it really didn't stand out in my mind - until I got the check. Our party of four was fortunate enough to find a table waiting for us, late on a rainy Saturday night. But if you don't roll with our kind of karma, I'd recommend reservations. The first round to hit the table was appetizers - the calamari was standard fare, but in a break from traditional Italian we also ordered the mushroom and goat cheese spring roll, and they were mouth watering. Wine arrived shortly thereafter, and with a wine list full of viable options (most in the $20-$30 range) I have to give Panza a lot of credit. Our waitress recommended the Valpolicella for the first bottle, and I'll pass along the recommendation. It's a light, fruity red wine that should satisfy everyone at the table, and at $26 a bottle, there's no reason not to order two (or three, or four). If you're looking for something heavier, try the Nebbiolo, which paired very well with my pork. Most of our party ordered off the specials menu, and good choices were made all around: pork with chutney, ravioli, lasagna, and off the regular menu, a seafood risotto. I think the food was exactly what everyone has come to expect from the North End. However, service throughout the night was amateurish, which was disappointing. Corks were broken, wine was spilled while pouring and the wrong plates were delivered to our table (then moved to the correct table after we promised we hadn't touched them). But when the bill came, we walked away for about $35/person for appetizers, dinner and a couple bottles of wine. That's a tremendous value for a Saturday night in the North End, and would definitely sway me into coming back more often. I just hope the wait staff can step up their game.
(4)
Clara L.
With a good friend in from out of town and after reading good reviews about the food at Panza, I made a reservation for 3 on a Saturday night at 8 pm. The Ts were backed up and running late that night, so I called ahead and told them that we would be a few minutes late. The girl told us that she rescheduled our reservation to 8:30, which was fine with us. When we got there, the restaurant was busy (not uncommon for all the restaurants around there). We went in to get seated, and the waitress told us it would be about 15 minutes before we were seated. We were fine with that since we had been running late and understood that they probably had to give our first table away due to us running late. After waiting over 20 minutes over the initial 15 minute estimate and seeing 3 parties of 3-4 leave, we asked the waitress how much longer our wait was going to be. She curtly explained that we were on a reservation list and she had sat walk ins to the last 3 tables. It didn't make much sense to us that she was seating walk ins before reservations, but as we were hungry and didn't want to start over at another restaurant, we waited another 10 minutes. After our total wait of 45 minutes past our 8:30 reservation, we cut our losses and left. Would recommend making reservations for a little earlier than you want to eat, as there seemed to be a decent length of waiting and service seemed a little slow as we observed. Or just take your chances and walk in, they seemed to fair better than we did in getting seated!
(1)
Erika P.
We came here as a party of 4, and had an amazingly good dinner. The fettuccine carbonara I ordered was excellent, as were the mussels. The menu is fairly large for a restaurant of this size, but everyone in our party felt their food was top notch, so quality clearly wasn't compromised by the wide variety of choices. The place is very small, with only perhaps a dozen tables, and I'd have to say the only real drawback of this place is that there is no extra space for waiting parties to stand comfortably while they wait for a table, so they end up jostling seated customers a little once in a while -- not a huge deal, but perhaps opt for a table farther from the door if you have a choice. Reservations were definitely a necessary choice, as it was packed on a Friday evening. With two bottles of wine, two appetizers, and four entrees, our total bill came to $150 before tip, which is very reasonable. This is now one of our favorite places in Boston.
(5)
Werner S.
Panza's has great food and service. It is much less crowded than Giacomo's across the street but does fill up after 6-6:30PM. be sure to try the the Wild Mushroom & Goat Cheese Spring Rolls for an appetizer and their crusty italian bread is the best. We had the Veal Panza and the Veal Saltimbocca, both were excellent. The Veal was very tender. Note they do not serve coffee or desserts. Our service was quick and friendly and the prices were very reasonable. Will definitely try this again
(5)
C F.
Goodness Gracious!! REALLY DELICIOUS! Everything we got was terrific. I made a reservation for 6:30 and expected to wait a little while but we walked right in and had our bread and salad in no time at all. We started with the "Italian Chop Salad (for two)" but it was for four of us. There was enough too!! It was very yummy; the artichoke hearts were very cold and perfect. The crispy pancetta, the meats and cheeses were delicious and hit the spot. I wanted to lick the bowl!! HAHA. We all had something different. Based on other Yelp reviews we each decided to share what we got. The Lobster Ravioli was in a cream sauce that was scrumptious and the Ravioli's were filled with lobster meat that was perfectly cooked. There were enough for all of us to have one and plenty enough for my daughter's dinner. We mopped up the sauce with the bread and it was awesome. My husband had the Linguine Alla Pescatore with fra diavolo sauce, that he loved. It was perfectly spicy for him and he ate every bite after we all had some!! My other daughter had the Potato Gnocchi Bolognese and it was out of this world delicious. She gave all of us a portion and then ate her dinner and still brought some home for her lunch! It was cooked absolutely perfectly and so so delicious! Last but certainly not least, I ordered the Baked Ziti and it was terrific. Very cheesy and saucy with two meatballs in the middle. They were just what I wanted...meat, cheese and sauce!! It doesn't get any better that this. I gave some to my family to try and they all loved it but everyone said they got the best choice! That says a lot. I also brought some home for my lunch and my daughters and I shared it the next day. All of us enjoyed the entire meal and we will be back ASAP.
(5)
Matthew H.
I've been to Panza half a dozen times, and I can't believe I haven't written a review for this gem. Panza is a cozy little restaurant on Hanover, right across the street from Giacomo's, and it's probably my favorite place to grab a bite to eat in this neighborhood. The staff and menu are unpretentious, and the restaurant itself has a warm and inviting vibe to it that makes it perfect for a date. On to the food. First off, do yourself a favor and get the wild mushroom and goat cheese spring rolls. There's a reason why so many reviews on here highlight it. It's really, really tasty. REALLY. The calamari here is crispy and cooked perfectly, with not a single rubbery squid to be found. The grilled Italian greens are a perfect warm up, with creamy polenta, slightly bitter (in a good way) greens, a creamy/sour hit from the gorgonzola, and acid from balsamic to tie it together. The chopped salad is HUGE, and very tasty (lightly dressed), and I think you could get away with splitting it between more than 2 people. If you still have room for dinner after all that, you're in for some excellent choices. The gnocchi here is outstanding, and I've had it with their standard Bolognese sauce and as a special with short rib. They were perfectly cooked both times, and both sauces were a hearty compliment. I couldn't even get through half of it though, as it's very filling. The veal Panza is one of my go-to plates now. It's a very light-tasting plate of veal, sun dried tomato, mushrooms, spinach, pine nuts, and balsamic marsala. It's such a bright dish and one of my favorites on the menu. The seafood risotto is one of the best deals I've seen anywhere, wonderfully creamy arborio and a massive amount of seafood, all cooked perfectly for $16. I haven't had many of the pasta dishes, but the lingune alla pescatore in fra diavolo sauce is dynamite, with just the right amount of heat and a heaping portion of seafood. The baked ziti with meatballs is also excellent, and a perfect plate of warm, gooey comfort food. This is one of my go-to places in the North End to bring out of towners, because I know I can rely on the consistently good food and service to make it a fun night for all. Word to the wise: get reservations and make sure you are there on time or a bit earlier. Given the size of the place, it's not uncommon to have to wait 10 - 15 even with the reservation. Later in the evening seems to be the best bet for quick seating.
(4)
Jonny C.
Have returned three times since initial review, service is remarkedly improved (although they still cant keep a reservation time) Best Seafood Fra Diavolo ever.
(5)
angela n.
Vegetarians: the grilled Italian greens appetizer is TO DIE FOR. On paper it sounds crazy: arugula and other greens, grilled with balsamic vinegar and gorgonzola. That is, it sounds like warmed up salad. But somehow it really works. The vinegar-gorgonzola sauce gets creamy, and makes for an addictive bread-dipping sauce when you run out of greens. I also liked the butternut squash tortelloni. It was sort of oily-sweet, and the pasta was topped with tasty butternut squash cubes.
(4)
Kevin C.
My first choice was The Daily Catch, but the line was 30min, then second choice was Giacomo's which had a line of about 45min. Alas, I scrambled on yelp to find an alternate and stumbled upon Panza. There was no wait, perfect! The first thing from the menu that spoke to me was the $4 beer. Where do you ever find $4 beer in a restaurant? And the selection included a local IPA and Sam Adams' summer seasonal. Good start. I decided to play it safe and ordered the Chicken Panza. (I figured it must be good since it was the signature dish) The Chicken Panza was similar to a marsala - brown sauce, with mushrooms. The dish also came with a side of penne w/ marinara. I've never had it separated like this before. Oh well, I'm not Italian, what do I know? The sauce was great, but the chicken was sadly dry. Dry chicken is just a big no, no. I can't give anything above 3 stars for dry chicken. *sigh* and I wanted to love the place! I tried, but sometimes these sort of relationships just don't work out. Oh well, better luck next time. Daily Catch could you be the one?
(3)
Andrew S.
Haven't eaten here. I was pretty mad about the line outside, and that the host doesn't take names. And the host's attitude when I politely asked if there was a list was a look of 'surprise'... that arrogant "everyone knows when you come to Panza you wait in a line outside in the cold without seating... ah duh numbskull." Just, not ok. Get with the 21st century. Went to Prezza, was seated immediately, and had an amazing meal.
(1)
Dallas T.
In town for a wedding, and the groom recommended the North End for dinner while we were there. After a day of sightseeing, we were ready for a nice dinner. Found Panza on Yelp and made a reservation during the short walk from the Financial District. So glad we made a reservation as the wait for walk-ups was around an hour or more on a Friday night. Once seated, the server was great. The food was awesome! We had the caprese salad, and the fried tomato on the salad made for an interesting and delicious departure from the norm. My girlfriend had the baked ziti and I went for the lobster ravioli. Both were absolutely memorable. The amount of lobster in the raviolis was notable. Also, you can't beat $20 for a decent bottle of wine! All in all, we will make Panza a go-to for future trips to Boston. The only reason I'm giving 4 stars instead of five is that it would be nice if they added some sound-absorbing materials to the walls or ceiling. There was a large group seated in the rear of the restaurant, and all of that sound just bounces off of the walls.
(4)
Robert B.
Fabulous meatballs, bruschetta, chicken parm. The wild mushroom and goat cheese spring rolls very good, unique. A gem on Hanover! Did I mention the meatballs?
(4)
Shaun R.
Panza stands out from a lot of great Italian choices in the neighborhood because of the small and charming space, wonderful staff, reasonable prices, and focused menu. My recommendation is go with their featured specials or the amazing Butternut Squash Ravioli (I know it sounds boring but it is always a table favorite.)
(4)
Kelli P.
The only reason this restaurant gets any stars at all is because the food was absolutely delicious. Unfortunately the service was awful. We were visiting from out of town. Since we were a party of 13, we called ahead to make a reservation, ensuring that they would be able to accommodate us. We were told they could accommodate us at 4:30pm. When we arrived, it was a very tight fit. The waitress seemed to be put out stating, as we were being seated, "I don't know WHO took this reservation. We should never have accepted them". Even if she felt this way, we couldn't believe she would actually make this statement in front of us. This attitude continued throughout the meal. At the end, we weren't even offered coffee and/or dessert, just our checks which we had to convince her to split for us. Even though the food was delicious, the service ruined the experience and we will DEFINITELY not be going back.
(1)
Jess H.
It's apparently common to have to wait for a table, even if you have a reservation (which we did). We waited 30-40 minutes, but it was worth it. Best fried calamari! I regret not getting one of the specials for dinner--I tried my friends' dishes and they were awesome. But the linguine alla pescatore was also good, not mind-blowing. The ambiance was perfect, and you don't feel like you're right on top of neighboring diners. The waitstaff were courteous and friendly. It was a lovely evening.
(4)
Lily M.
Enjoyed a delicious meal at Panza last night. We lucked out, as we were seated at the only remaining table for 2 at 730 on a Friday. (reservations- probs a good idea for future visits). Shared the burrata appetizer special (de-lish) and ordered the penne amatriciana (a-mazing) for main dish. date had the mussels. warm ambiance, lovely waitstaff, delicious meal. def will be back! again and again and again...
(5)
Stephanie F.
Panza is a great go-to place for take-out when I am too busy to go food shopping in the North End or have run out of ingredients to make a meal at home. With so many of the same options offered in various restaurants in the North End, this is a great low-key restaurant that serves good food w/ fresh ingredients at reasonable prices. As this is a smaller, charming restaurant, I would recommend dining for 2 or with a smaller party.
(4)
Daniel S.
I was worried after reading a few of the negative reviews, and the place was empty at lunch hour, but my wife convinced me to take a chance. And boy was that a good decision. Everything was fresh, perfectly prepared, and delicious! We had three appetizers: bruschetta, spring rolls, and mussels. They were all sublime, large portions and reasonably priced. After dipping the wonderful bread in the mussel juice, we finished off with salads and were full. We had a great lunch for four, including some wine, for $60! The service was also excellent, the food came quickly, and the waitress was very friendly. Give this place a try, you won't regret it.
(5)
Dianna P.
Service 2 star , atmoshphere 2 star, food 4 stars. Yes, you have to wait to be seated with or without a reservation. Saturday night, 8pm reservations for 5, we waited for 45 minutes. Our table was right in front of the door. Busy and cold location. Our waitress was fantastic and spot on with her recommendations. Chopped salad and butternut squash ravioli were delicious. It was the hostess that ruined our dinner experience. About 3/4 way through dinner she came to our table and told us to be quiet. I was in shock since the entire restaurant was loud. It really wasn't what she said, it was how she said it. I will never go back to this restaurant. Don't care how great the food is. Too many fantastic alternatives.
(2)
Brian C.
Place is the best! i've waited a long time to write this review because i was being selfish. it really is incredible, but i think everyone now knows that by now because it's become increasingly more difficult to get a reservation. Been here about 20+ times in the past year. Anyways, the highlights for me are the goat cheese spring rolls, the lobster raviolis, the caprese salad with the fried tomato, freeform lasagna, veal panza, salmon, and chicken saltimbocca. Love the wine too, favorites are the Dragani Montepulciano and the Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc. $20 bucks a bottle, can't really beat that, we tend to always get a bottle each. They staff is great also, always very attentive.
(5)
Erica K.
...ahhh, Italian food in the North End. I think you'd have to go to Sicily for it to get better. My husband and I stopped in here before going to Stanza's. They were the only one's without a three hour wait so it was nice to go in and be seated right away--but boy oh boy was it tight as a virgin. Seriously, you have to take your jacket off before you get to your table or you might knock somebody's plate over. The girl at the table next to me fluffed her hair and it grazed my glass...not cool. I'm all for maximizing profit but damn, this place uses the diner motto (get in and get out). As for the food, I have no compliments. I've found that most places in little Italy are solid and Panza's is no different. I'll tell you one thing though, our gossiping ass waitress wasn't the business. I think its really unprofessional to complain to the people you're waiting on about how little the last table tipped you. If this is a hustling technique, there are much better ways. Other than that, yeah, great place. Try to get there early though, otherwise, you'll likely be sitting so close to the person beside you that you'll look like you're in the same party.
(5)
Allison R.
Delicious and affordable. Be prepared to wait, EVEN if you have a reservation. Very small but intimate space. The food is cheap and so is the wine. A meal for two with a bottle of wine was under $50!!! One of my favorites in the North End.
(5)
Brittany B.
I usually just order takeout from here. The food is great and is always ready to be picked up in under 20 minutes. Service can be slow if you opt to sit down at the restaurant. They do take reservations which is nice. If you live in the area, skip the sit down and grab your food to go.
(4)
Colin D.
Stopped by here randomly during a recent trip to Boston. Food was excellent and service was fast and polite. I would definitely return.
(5)
Ann T.
Had a wonderful experience at this charming, reasonably priced Italian restaurant in the North End. We had a 7:00 pm reservation during the week and were seated right away. Our waiter was incredibly helpful and his recommended dishes and wine (an Italian white wine, the Ascheri Gavi di Gavi, $26) were perfect. We shared the Grilled Italian Greens which were delicious, but a bit heavier than I thought they would be (maybe a bit too much Gorgonzola sauce?). When I told the waiter I liked spicy dishes he suggested Baby Rigatoni and Sausage (which I had; yum!) and the Penne Amatriciana (which my cousin had and liked). I would definitely visit again!
(4)
Mindy R.
Every review about reservations and waiting at Panza is 100% correct. Reservation or not, you will wait for a table. Luckily I went here this weekend when it was beautiful weather, because there's no bar in the restaurant (weird, right?) and there's definitely no space to wait inside.... Anyway, we were seated promptly, at a really small table in the back of the restaurant (well - I mean, ALL the tables are small and the restaurant is about the size of my bathroom...) but it was perfect....and we didn't feel like we were in the way at all, like you sometimes to when you're right by the kitchen door. Food was amazing, if this review was for food alone definitely 5 stars. Bruschetta was SO delicious...garlic toast with tomatoes and balsamic and goat cheese! I thought for sure my boyfriend would be disappointed by goat cheese instead of mozerella, but he LOVED it. We both had tortellini (I had the butternut squash & he had the veal) and they were amazing. We shared a bottle of wine & really enjoyed our night. The service was great too, we couldn't believe that the waitress in front was also the hostess. Things might run a little more smoothly if those were 2 seperate positions....just a suggestion. This is a place in the North End that is similar to places in Italy. The ambiance and atmosphere is not nearly as important as the delicious, delicious food. The tables are tight, the kitchen is heating up the whole place, and there's a drunk man, who seemed like a local regular, that wandered in from time to time (definitely not disturbing anyone....). If you have a little extra time to spend waiting for a table, and want a simple night out with fantastic food definitely go here.
(3)
Kayla G.
We went to Panza this past Friday for a anniversary night out and we had a great time! We started off with the Wild mushroom and goat cheese egg rolls which were delicious and a side ceasar salad which was perfect to share! I then ordered the butternut squash ravioli which I am craving so bad right now. This dish was the best thing I've tasted in a long time and the prices are excellent for the North End. My boyfriend got the shot rib dinner which he loved as well. I recommend trying all of these. Aside from our mouth watering dinner we had great service! We had made reservations for 8pm which is very busy on a Friday night but we still got right in. The service was very quick and Carmen (who waited on us) was awesome! The ONLY downfall to this place is how close the tables are. If you can look past that and think of it as a cozy environment then I highly recommend going here over anywhere else. Thanks Carmen for a great night out :)
(5)
Michelle K.
Best linguine seafood I ever had!
(5)
Yash S.
Excellent food. The key to any Italian restaurant is it's sauce and they had have a wonderful sauce. We had dishes from the sausage and pasta to a special with cavatelli, mushrooms and chicken (sub for veal) and loved them all. Also, a positive is that they accept reservations. While they don't have a waiting area, they fortunately seated us immediately. It is a cute place with minimal decor.
I was very excited about going to Panza for dinner last week. Growing up with an Italian father, that word brought back many memories of my father grabbing my belly and talking about my "ponza" (paunch or beer belly in Italian) as a child. Had a 8p reservation. Got there at 755p. I went inside and told the girl that we were here. She said go wait outside. (She was quite short about it, but they were busy, so ok). We go outside and the actual hostess comes out to get our name. She says 10 minutes. 810p comes and goes. Then 820p comes and goes. I send my gf across the street to start waiting in the Giacomo's line to see if we can get in their any faster. So, it really was a photo finish. At 835p, there is only one group ahead of her at Giacomo's and we finally get our table. Ordered goat cheese spring rolls for app. They were ok, but somewhat dry and seemed like they were probably frozen. Should have gone with gut and gone with the mussels. She ordered Lasagna and I ordered the pescatore pasta. We also ordered a side of meatballs and a bottle of wine. Lasagna was decent. Pescotore was ok, but not great. One of the meatballs were burnt and overcooked. We asked for some bread for the sauce, and it never came. Server came by halfway through the meal and asked if we wanted parmesan. Yeah, we did. We wanted it when the food came out. With all the options in North End, they were really not up to par. The only thing they stayed in line with was North End prices. They would be better off doing like many of the other places and not taking reservations at all. It is never good if you piss off the customer before they even get into your establishment. From the other reviews listed here, it looks like I am not the first to comment on this issue there.
(2)
Baking M.
For sometime, I lived in the North End and never tried Panza on Hanover Street. Panza is located across from Giacomo's and next to the St. Leonard's Church. Perhaps I neglected the restaurant because it is on Hanover Street, notorious for restaurants being over priced. My friend raved about the restaurant recently and invited me to meet her there and I was thrilled. At 6pm the restaurant was open and spacious and by 7pm every seat in the house was filled and a few couples were waiting for a seat at the door. I had the grilled Italian greens which consisted of escarole, radicchio, baby arugula, crispy polenta, gorgonzola sauce and a reduced balsamic sauce. This is a must have at the restaurant and I will be back again just for this starter. The warm greens taste luscious with the cheese sauce. The polenta was perfectly made, soft on the inside and crispy on the outside and flavor was enhanced by the sweetness of the balsamic. Grilled vegetables with olive oil We will be back for many more high quality meals. I want to try the butternut squash and spinach and ricotta ravioli. Panza is fantastic and is not as overpriced as most of Hanover!
(5)
Alex L.
I almost never go on here, but since they don't seem to have an email address... My boyfriend and I live around the block and used to come here pretty frequently. Then the last two times we tried to come in, the start to our experience was so unpleasant that we left before coming in. Both times we had reservations. First time I was meeting my boyfriend there, who was coming from work. I was there early. The incredibly rude and snarky brunette waitress, who I believe is the only female staff member, told me I needed to stand in the doorway until my boyfriend arrived. I understand when there are large parties and you want them all to arrive before seating... But this was a two- top. And there were 3 tables open. And what if I were just a party of one? Would you not seat me? He had even told me over the phone to order a bottle of wine and an app, so she wasn't going to be missing any action. My boyfriend was more mad about this than I was, so he told her we wouldn't be staying. Second time was yesterday. Again we had a reservation. We arrived literally 2 minutes late, but it really didn't make a difference because none of the tables were free anyway. We continued to be ignored by every single member of the staff for about 7 minutes, until we were about to walk out and the same horrifying waitress approached us. I said hi, we have a reservation. Her first reaction was not sorry to keep you waiting, or I'll get right on that or whatever pleasant thing you can say to people who are about to give you money. She said, "Oh yeah, you're late." Excuse me? I said we may have been a couple of minutes late, but we've been standing here for awhile waiting. She didn't care. There were 3 tables getting up, and she pointed to a table that was connected to another two-top situated pretty much in the doorway. My boyfriend already let me know he wasn't going to want to sit there, so i told her we wouldn't mind waiting for a different table. Nope. She wasn't cool with that. I told her to please check off my open table reservation because they said we were a no-show last time. She said, "Sure! I'll let them know you refused a table!" This girl is atrocious, classless, and clueless about hospitality. Thought I should let the owner know. The food is decent, but not worth being treated like trash the moment you walk in the restaurant. I worked around the corner for two years, I know what it's like to work in the North End, and no matter how much she hates her job she shouldn't be ruining the experience here for customers and ownership, especially for locals.
(1)
Jenna K.
Such good Italian food! I came here for a late lunch with a friend on a weekday, and we were not disappointed (even though our original plan was to go to the place across the street, which happened to be closed at the time!). I had the eggplant parmesan and it was amazing! Huge portion, and somehow I finished it! The side of pasta that came with it was pretty plain, but I was okay with that given how good the eggplant was. The place was surprisingly packed (it was 2:30 PM on a weekday), but our waitress was very attentive & everything came out very quickly. Definitely recommend during a visit to the North End!
(4)
Izzat A.
We wanted to go to Giaccomo's but apparently they don't do lunch so the guys over there sent us here. Really small place but damn does it serve up some good food. We ordered the mushroom and goat cheese spring rolls for appetizers (very very good, have to get this). My friend and I split two entrees: the butternut squash ravioli and the chicken and broccoli penne. The butternut squash ravioli was... different. I've never had it before so I didn't know what to expect. It wasn't bad, just really different, but I ate i all, so it wasn't bad. The chicken/broc pasta was pretty good. Lots of chicken but the sauce was a little bland. The portions were very big and the price was very very reasonable for the North End. I'd come back here again for sure.
(5)
Steve H.
First, I reserved via OpenTable on Yelp and my reservation was waiting right on time. The ambiance took me and my date back to the times we had been in Tuscany--authentic, cozy, and focused on great food. And yes, the food was excellent. We had the tortelloni and the ravioli, both vegetarian, plus wine, and were delighted with the whole meal. The food came quickly and the service was attentive. Highly recommended.
(5)
Genee S.
Loved it! My boyfriend ordered the chicken parm dish & I went with the lobster ravioli... Very happy!!
(4)
Jennifer M.
Really enjoyed my dinner, but my 2 complaints we're wait staff bumped me every time they walked by (space is tight in there) so I had to keep leaning forward every time I saw someone walking by. Kind of made my dinner annoying. Also, there was a pool of water in my pasta which kind of turned me off. Other than that it was a great dinner. The waitstaff is friendly, attentive and professional (it's not their fault the place is so small) and the food was extremely fresh and delicious.
(3)
Carly L.
Honestly, my first encounter with Panza was involuntary. The line was endless at Giacomo's and The daily catch. What can I say, I was hungry so I walked into Panza for my Italian fix. And loved it! First of all, the atmosphere is more civil and quaint. Their linguine pescatore is impeccable and the lobster ravioli ..Please excuse my excessive salivation. Anyways, give Panza a chance! They take credit cards too, which is a huge plus since who carries cash all the time.
(5)
isa g.
Panza is an awesome addition to North End. I generally avoid eating in this neighborhood due to the hoards of tourists and expensive parking and congestion but friends talked me into it and I was not disappointed. If you haven't figured it out this restaurant is affiliated with Giacomo's so you will find some of the same items on the menu. However one thing you can't get at Giacomo's is the deconstructed lasagna. It has all the lasagna components but much much better. The descriptions on the menu do not do it justice so you just have to try it here. My favorite, calamari is also great especially the creamy sauce that is drizzled on top. My friends and I came here on Monday night so we were seated right away when we came at our reserved time but I can see how there maybe be delays on weekends like many of great small restaurants. For those who complained about long wait, it is not the restaurants fault. Blame it on the rude diners who had the earlier seating that just won't leave after they have finished eating are oblivious to others waiting for their table and are ok sitting around for another hour nursing their half glass of wine. The waiters are too nice to kick them out and the diners are too obtuse or rude to care about others waiting in the cold. So if you are in North End area craving freshly prepared Italian food stop by Panza. It's always best to call the restaurant directly for reservations. I have had issues with Open Table in the past so I don't use it any more.
(5)
Amy L.
Loved their pasta!! Very small restaurant seating indoors but their flavors were probably one of the best italian food I've had. The service was lackluster though, we were late for our reservation but we still made it and the waitress was not nice to us at all throughout the whole meal and when I say not nice thats being polite already. Although I know we were at fault for being late in the first place with the spot being so tiny. The rating is soley for the food and not for service.
(4)
Nadine F.
We wanted to go to Giacomo's but it was Friday night and the wait was 2+ hours, so we wandered across the street to Panza, having been told in the past that they're owned by the same people. There were some patrons waiting for their reservation and they warned us that it's tough to get in without one, but we asked the hostess anyways and she told us the wait was 25mins. We ended up waiting 15 and then we were seated; I think it's a lot easier to get in without reservations when you're looking for a table for 2. In the future we'll probably make a reservation just to be safe. Onto the food--we started off with a caesar salad, which was yummy and a perfect size for two to share. The wine is only $20, we got the sangiovese which was good, would get that again. Onto the entrees--we both got the Linguine alla Pescatore with fra diavolo. It was excellent! The portions were large (larger than Giacomo's) and there was plenty of seafood. The sauce was delicious, and we were happy because we had really wanted to go to Giacomo's because we love the fra diavolo there. We will definitely come back here, especially when we're craving our favorites from but don't want to wait for 2hrs in the cold. It's a couple dollars more expensive, but the portions are bigger and you don't feel at all rushed to finish your meal. Definitely worth it!
(5)
Megan L.
We went to dinner on a Friday night with some friends. Checked in 5 minutes before our 9pm reservation. We were told it would be 5 minutes and to wait outside. After 20 minutes we checked again. Just a few minutes--Fridays are busy. 20 minutes later we were the only people waiting and there were empty tables galore. Went inside and checked again. It was clear they'd forgotten about us. 5 minutes later we were seated. Yep--40 minutes past our reservation. And the food was not worth it. Calamari was good, nice and crispy. Bruschetta has a wood fired thing going on. Also it inexplicably comes with goat cheese on top. The whole thing was charred (not in a good way) and our friends thought it tasted like meat. Gnocchi bolognese--Gnocchi tasted like premade from the supermarket, mushy and heavy. Too much bolognese sauce and it wasn't that tasty. Also there was a random open bowl of cheese perched on the wall next to our table. Not covered, not fresh, it was there from the party before us. We were directed to use it if we wanted cheese. No thanks. Service was quick and courteous but not at all friendly. Maybe smiling is frowned upon at Panza? Overall, very disappointed with the whole experience. Won't be back.
(2)
Xuan D.
great Place! One of the
(4)
Kristina A.
My boyfriend and I had a reservation for 7:00 on Saturday. I made it on Open Table weeks ago but called ahead to say that we wanted a table not near the door. We got there at 6:50 and was told to wait 15 minutes. We were seated exactly at 7 but I found that many parties who had the same time reservation waited almost 30 minutes. We got the mussels as an appetizer and lobster raviolis. Both were served in good time and very good. The stuffing of the ravioli lacked flavor but the sauce made up for it. My only issue was that we were seated at the door (didn't want to specify again considering we were really hungry) and that people refused to wait outside to be seated so we had people on top of us and even bumping into us as we ate the whole night. The place is a hole in the wall but so is every other NE restaurant.
(3)
Patrick M.
Sole good news is my starter - the ribs - were good. That's where it ends. Our side-salad (for our main) came first - before any stater. Then one of our starters came. Ok so maybe she didn't hear the other starter....we began. Then before we'd finished, our mains arrived. We said 'please can we finish our starter'....so it's mains in the oven for a bit...great... So we finished up and waited and waited and waited. Finally she came along and got us our mains. Oh and our other starter. Timing/scheduling is a MAJOR problem here. All this while one of the staff was far too busy talking to her friend who had come in to be bothered about any of the rest of us. She sat chewing the cud with her mate and the +1 for a good 15 minutes while we calmly awaited the service. I'm not one for making a rumpus with people who serve me food.... To add insult to injury, the Montepulicano was disastrous. Chianti was acceptable, but didn't make up for the Monte. An abysmal evening that thankfully, ended. Seriously, there are many other Italian restaurants nearby - try them instead. Or go home and put ketchup on your pasta. It will be better.
(1)
Angel D.
We were a party of 7 and had a reservation here on Saturday night (4/25/09). The reservation was at 8:30pm but one of our friends ran a little late. (They don't *seat* your reservation until the whole party is there). Panza wasn't exactly happy with us, but let us move it back to 9pm. It's small like most North End restaurants, but we fit snugly near the kitchen. The waiter was nice and efficient. He was nearby for our requests of more bread and wine. The food is excellent!!!! I tried a bit of other people's dishes and they were all equally tasty. I ordered the linguine with shrimp, scallops, clams, mussels, and calamari in a fra diavolo sauce - sooooo very good!!!! After three bottles of Chianti and full bellies, our waiter informed us that they don't serve coffee or dessert - wha???????????? But on Sat night it was fine since we were going for drinks after dinner. I believe it's a new restaurant and I'm not sure what the name Panza means (I tried to look it up and also tried google translator). Doesn't matter because I will definitely remember this place and go back again. Not only was the food very good but it wasn't overpriced like some other North End restaurants.
(4)
Adham A.
Food was good, loved Panza's cozy atmosphere and the service was friendly. Do make a reservation to avoid the long lines. Enjoy!!
(4)
Rachael L.
We went here because it had good reviews and could take 11 people at 10 pm, the time we needed, let's day the food was the only good thing. Our service was HORRIBLE from the start, the servers were rude, dropped water on us, didn't give us ANYTHING for 15 minutes as we sat at the table, no menu, water, bread, nothing. We ordered our food, ate and where then told we could get dessert across the street. We paid or attempted to pay and at that time they told us their credit card machine was not working and the very same time, a bus boy said "get the f--- out" At this point I was over this place and nicely let them know we were trying to leave however they closed their credit card machine down . All in all a horrible place, don't go there even close to the time the kitchen closes, even if they say they can & will be happy to help you, they won't and you will feel rushed out . Out of the 11 people all but one are from Boston and every one of them will NOT go back, regardless of the food due to the horrible staff.
(1)
Jen S.
Happened upon this place by chance! Was hanging out with a friend in the North End on a BEAUTIFUL fall day. We were in for an early lunch. So we got the bruschetta as an app- it was DELIGHTFUL. We each got a salad. My friend got the caprese- they fry the tomato. She loved it. I got a chicken caesar salad. I didn't LOVE it, but I enjoyed it. The service was VERY friendly. What I liked most about it was that we didn't feel rushed. They gave us a LOT of time in between our appetizer and lunch. And we weren't bothered a million times if we needed something or if we needed our check. Will return for dinner! It's a tiny place though so if you want to come for an intimate dinner- make a reservation to be sure you get a table!
(4)
Ike C.
Went there last week while on vacation for lunch around 12:30 and the place was closed. Check website hours before or call before going.
(1)
C M.
Have been here several times before going to a game at the Garden. Quick service and good food. The mussels are fabulous. My husband and I can't get enough of the sauce they are in so when the mussels are gone we dip our bread till its gone. I love the Veal Parm and my husband says the carbonara is as close to what he had in Rome as we can get in the States.
(4)
Nikhil P.
Made a reservation for 8:30 on OpenTable. When we asked how long the wait would be, the hostess told us she wasn't a fortune teller and had no idea (helpful). Then at 9:15 when we were finally given our table the hostess tells us "usually we don't seat people unless the entire party is there, but we'll make an exception for you.". (The two others in our party were directly across the street in line for another restaurant, trying to salvage plans for a night that looked like it was already going down the drain...). In short we walked in, then walked right out. You don't make your customers feel like you're doing them favours after making them wait 45 minutes for a table you couldn't honour. The North End is perpetually busy, and every restaurant on the block experiences the same thing every night of the week. There's something to be said about handling your customers well under pressure and not, but the entitlement of the hostess (and owner), Danielle was nauseating. We ended up going across the street to Giacomo's and had the best Italian meal in the entire neighbourhood. Take note: there's a reason Giacomo's is consistently rated higher than panza on every diner's website, and the glorious hostess/owner is one of those reasons.
(1)
Sam L.
After deciding to try out Giacomo's... i went over about 8:30pm. and was surprised to find a long line outside although i was warned. For some reason as much as i wanted to try Giacomo's this cozy little place across with only two customers cut my eye. Looking at the menu i was surprised to find their reasonable pricing and decided to be adventurous and give it a shot. The waiter was very helpful giving us his recommendations and we got spare ribs for appetizers and glorious seafood mix in red sauce linguine. OK that's my name for the menu because that's what it turned out to be. Normally I'm known for ordering too much food but this time we were so glad we ordered light. The pasta portion was HUGE and every bite tasted so good. It's mix of mussels, shrimps, squid, scallops, were amazing. The ribs were soft slow braised fall off the bone good as well. I'd probably go back just for the pasta.
(4)
Maya S.
We absolutely loved the food here. Started off with a wild mushroom and goat cheese spring roll, never had anything like it before but super glad we tried it! Also had the free form lasagna and the spinach and ricotta ravioli. Yumm and more yumm! The portions were more than filling, we were stuffed but still managed to go grab a canoli from you-know-where! Will go again to try out the tortellinis!
(4)
Becca C.
I LOVE Panza!!! While all the places in the north end are great, I've gone back to Panza the most. Nothing on the food menu is above 16$ which is great! The chicken picatta is to die for! While it doesn't come automatically with pasta like I've gotten this dish at other places you can always get a side. The sauce is incredible-so lemony! And it had artichoke which I love! The server is friendly but definitely make a reservation or expect a long wait
(5)
Jamie G.
It was one of the better decorated restasurants you will find on Hanover street. The food was average at best, and the charm of the North End shone through. However, I wouldn't run back. It was a 95 degree day and I ordered a caprese salad; to my disdain they had deep fried the tomato so it was hot and not what I had imagined. Don't avoid this place, but don't have high expectations either.
(3)
Sarah K.
This was a nice, small place that is worth a return visit. We were a group of 3 and we were seated quickly on a rainy Tuesday. Away from the door, close to the kitchen. My first choice of dish they were out of so I got the deconstructed lasagna. The black pepper pasta is spicy and satisfying. I could have done without the chicken and added more spinach to really make it perfect. I was able to bring the remainder to work and they nicely packaged it in a container in a plastic bag. The other two dishes were a squash ravioli and a chicken parmigiana, both completely eaten and found to be very delicious. There was no sharing on this visit. The portions are large without being excessive, and the bruchetta was good, although only 2 large pieces meant weird cutting to split for 3 people. Nice atmosphere, although the small, somewhat narrow room can get loud when full, but the high ceilings are nice. The room even when full retains it's charm and coziness.
(4)
JEWELe M.
Since we were on a time crunch (got here via Tour Bus....we only had an hour to go around North End before the 5pm last pick-up), we decided to try this Italian restaurant. So glad we did because I think I had one of the best ravioli in the North! My cousin ordered the bruschetta and mussels. The brushcetta was so crunchy and yummy to dip pieces in the mussels juice. Overall, I enjoyed our rushed eating here!
(4)
Marc C.
Let just start by saying that the service was great and that the food was mediocre to good at best how can you serve fried calamari drenched in sauce??? the calamari were soggy and you lose the crispyness (the idea of putting fried hot peppers is great) my girlfriend's veal was also drenched in sauce... u start getting the idea why i gave the resto 3stars!! the taste, the cooking is very good, but too much sauce is not good! on the plus side the linguini fra diavola were very good, just enough spicy for most people to enjoy. they do not serve dessert and coffee??? the reason? we are in Little Italy and a lot of places offer them?? what? i've been to NYC, Philly, Montreal and this is the 1st time i hear that!! BUT the main complaint of this resto is the BAD quality of the WINE, what a disaster. i've tasted four different kinds (Chardo, Pinot Grigio, Montepulciano & Cab) and they were all not good (i import wine for a living...) u can find great wines at a low price without compromising the quality! so Panza loses 2 stars: 1- dishes with sauce 2- wine +++: service, taste, price
(3)
Gage R.
After walking around little italy menu shopping we decided that one restaurant would be just as good as the next. we entered and the staff was absolutely fantastic, sat us down, recommended wine and a few highlights of the menu. the wild mushroom and goat cheese eggrolls were absolutely divine! the butternut squash ravioli with browned butter sauce was the only meal ive ever eaten in which i closed my eyes and savored every single bite. We stayed 4 days in Boston and while this was our least expensive meal it was by far our favorite!
(5)
Jared S.
Italian food like Grandma used to make, and at a very reasonable price. Ok, I'm not Italian, but I could imagine someone's Italian grandmother doing all the cooking in the back of this place. Portions were huge, flavors were robust, and the gravy tasted like it had simmered all day. Came here on a Saturday night with the wifey and two friends. We had an 8:30 reservation but got stuck on our way in - I called and said we'd be closer to 9:00 and they took it in stride, warning us that there may be a little wait for a table. We actually arrived around 9:15 and after a short 10 minute wait they were able to seat us. As everyone has noted, the place is tiny. I think I counted seating for about 36. So you may have to get friendly with your neighbors. By the time we finally got there, the big crowd was just leaving so we had the place to ourselves with maybe 2 or 3 other occupied tables. Our waitress was fantastic. We felt bad because we kept throwing her curveballs. We changed tables so we wouldn't be next to the door since it was freezing. We placed 2 orders of garlic bread, one as an app and one to come out with the meal. My friend ordered a combo of chicken and eggplant parm not on the menu. We requested two different kinds of extra sauce. She had no problem with any of it and was just an absolute pleasure the whole time. On to the food. As I mentioned, everything was a large portion. The calarmari was lightly fried to perfection. The garlic bread had the perfect slightly burned crisp to it. Everyone loved their entrees - the parm combo, a chicken panza, and two linguine pescatore (one fra diavolo and one white sauce - this is where the two extra sauce requests came in since these dishes were a tad dry to start). Add on two bottles of wine and the bill remarkably came to only $70 per couple (before tip)!
(5)
Elena K.
very reasonable prices compared to the other hanover st restaurants. food was tasty and your standard italian american menu. i believe giacomo's is their sister restaurant and the food quality takes a bit of a step back from there. all in all was a good meal and offered value for the price.
(4)
Francesco L.
Great place. I usually get take out because the small restaurant fills up fast...but the food is amazing. It is one of my go to spots and I am a north end resident that has eaten at most of the 'Hanover' restaurants. Recommended for a date, and recommended for great food!
(5)
Kasey O.
We went for a work holiday luncheon and couldn't have asked for a nicer time. The food was delicious, especially the goat cheese and wild mushroom spring rolls! The waitress was polite and attentive. It is a nice location, cozy venue. All around a really nice dining experience and now highly recommended by myself and coworkers.
(5)
Douglas W.
Great food, good service, slightly less busy than other North End restaurants. Good luck finding parking anywhere in the North End!
(4)
Dan W.
This place is good, pasta tasted home made, good cheap italian wine filled to the rim of my glass, just the way i would pour it at home. I had the little necks in the white sauce over pasta. Simple dish, but really good. They could hire an extra waitress, the girl that was there seemed a little over worked.
(4)
Tena P.
I chose Panza for dinner with clients, among all the Italian restaurants on the North End and was quite impressed. We made a reservation, then had to make some last minutes changes, and they were very accommodating. Great food and great service, at reasonable prices! I'll be back!
(4)
Hobart L.
To do this restaurant justice, let me first take you on an Italian Food journey of the North End/Eastie/Revere: (skip next paragraph to go to review) It was the early eighties and times were good. Pac Man fever ruled the airwaves and the mob was killing people at a record clip. These three neighborhoods were tight knit and all Italian, in fact, 1st generation right off the boat Italian. The food was delicious, and fresh. Just like the old country. Then the outsiders from The Financial District and beyond heard about this ethnic food called macaroni, and began coming to the restaurants. The restaurants, over the next decade, moved away from quality, as, by the early 90's, they became a caricature of themselves. Believing huge portions of spaghetti and Chicken Parm meant good, the backlash and a lull in good Italian restaurants followed. A renaissance occurred, and this time, it was yuppified. Fancy "Northern Italian" places opened up that weren't good, but they were different. Lighter, more expensive "pastas" with white wine sauces small portions and fancy schmancy names ruled Hanover St. The hoighty toighty loved to love these places (in fact some are still out there). Then Lehman Brothers tanked. And that brings us to my dinner with Bernie Madoff: This restaurant is a return to the hey day of Italian Dining. The restaurant, decor and ambiance is all 2010, but the food is the perfect balance of old school Italian and modern dining. I've waited 20 years for a meaty 'gravy' for my 'macaroni', not a light 'sauce' for my 'pasta'. Now, there is something for everybody if you don't want the real Italain food (read bolognese), but I will recommend going Pac Man Fever on the menu. Thanks Panza, you reminded me of the days of good pizza from the Old Francesca's and #33 in Green. Oh, and if you're a tourist and have read the North End is the place to go to eat Italian, it's places like Panza that helped build that reputation.
(5)
Nick D.
I had the penne chicken and broccoli. Overall, it was good but not the best.
(3)
Kelly S.
Owned by the same folks as Giacomo's across the street, yet fairly disappointing. The price is right (around $15/entree) but the food is just average. Our calamari was way overcooked and as chewy as rubber. Scallops were undercooked. My entree was unnecessarily large. My wife's lobster ravioli was, mainly, just salty. Very good bread (Clear Flour I would guess) and friendly service.
(3)
Fernando V.
I have eaten here twice with out of town visitors both times and it keeps getting better and better. The Panza chicken plate is probably the best Italian entree I have ever had in my life. Carmen has been our server both times and is very good at remembering my name and my likes. Our table choose different dishes each time we went and we all agreed all the dishes were great. Food and Wine are both very reasonably priced for the north end. Although a group more than 4 would be a little hard to accommodate I highly recommend dining at this cozy little restaurant.
(5)
Mark V.
Quite simple here...INCREDIBLE FOOD at INCREDIBLE PRICES! Richie is one of the best chefs in Boston for years now. Great portions, quality food, delicious sauces. VERY reasonable wine selection. This is my go to when I am in Boston. it never fails and is always a great meal
(5)
Jodi N.
Had tasty white sangria here. Meals were plentiful, and super tasty. Friendly staff. Cozy casual atmosphere.
(4)
Jaclyn S.
Great food and wine list, service is attentive and speedy. I ordered chicken piccata $6 and it was tart and hot. The menu has a great variety of pasta options and chicken/veal. They take reservations but our table took 20mins to get ready (hence 4 stars). The atmosphere is loud, but cozy and romantic. Great for small parties and dates.
(4)
Lauren G.
I don't know why we didn't come here sooner! I'm a resident of the North End and this is my new favorite place. Great ambiance, cozy little spot, with amazing authentic delicious Italian (not Italian-American) food. Definitely going to be my new go-to spot. Our service was great, food was out of this world (get the short ribs!!) and the prices are so reasonable. I have friends who have complained about long waits even with reservations but I haven't experienced that myself. So glad we took a recommendation for this place, well definitely be back.
(5)
TheoHuxtable X.
I would comment on the food but can't. We stood inside the door where a hostess stand would traditionally be. Instead, no one helped us even when we asked. People come in and just awkwardly stand there like idiots. Our party left. Hannover street has probably 8.5 million restaurants so why waste time at this place?
(1)
Sarah J.
Panza should not be allowed to take reservations, as other reviewers have noted. We arrived promptly for our 6:30 meal time to a line out the door. The hostess was doubling as a waitress, so she disappeared for about 15 minutes. I finally grabbed her (she was totally ignoring the line) and said we had a reservation, and she said three reservation groups were ahead of us. I told her that's not right, and that the restaurant should not be taking reservations if they can't seat people on time. She rudely responded that she can't make people get up from their tables and leave. So, we left and had a wonderful meal at Cantina Italiana.
(1)
Kevin J.
Great fresh food, reasonably priced and fast service.
(4)
Jen L.
Delicious bruschetta but the service is painfully slow...
(3)
Jen R.
I was really disappointed in my recent dining trip here. I read such good reviews that I was hoping to have a great night, but the service kind of ruined the experience . That being said the food was good, but I wouldn't go back. The waiter didn't give us much of a greeting or come by to ask if everything was good. And we had to flag him down when we wanted to order. Just not feeling the love! Bummer because the spring rolls and calamari were delicious! And the butternut squash rav was a great dish. My gf and I both agree that good service is more important to us than the food itself because a huge part of the experience is feeling that the server cares enough to give you a reason to come back.
(3)
Derek D.
Had dinner on Saturday night at Panza. Very well priced, bruschetta was one of the best ever, wonderfully presented and a massive portion. Pasta main of Rigatoni with Sausage was really tasty and once again, a large portion. Only down side was the insalata caprese was with breaded and fried tomatoes (weird I know...)
(4)
Brenna P.
Terrible service! Waited in line for 30 min until we were next to be seated only to be told that only reservations were being accepted and that we would have to wait at least another 45 min. You should greet your customers as they arrive not ignore then turn away. Rude.
(1)
Juls B.
Our first experience in Little Italy. Very nice ambiance and great service. Cute place with nice views for people watching. Felt like I was in Italy. My husband and I split the caprese salad and the baked ziti with ricotta cheese meatballs. Generous portions so we were happy we shared. Very good and flavorful. I would recommend this place. Nice background music and prices are good.
(4)
Dan B.
Aside from incredible cannolis and amazing seafood in Boston's north end, this was my first experience in little Italy, and wow was I blown away! I would highly recommend the baked ziti and caesar salad! Although, I don't think one can make a bad selection here. It was one of the best and most satisfying meals of my life...Oh yea! and we got the calamari to start with, mouth watering! Also, they have an affordable wine selection for dinner (We got a very delicious bottle of Cab from Cali for $20). I doubt we could have got a better wine from a store for that price even if they had a no corking fee. You have to check this place out!
(5)
Michael D.
Got a seat an HOUR after our reservation time. This seems like a common complaint among yelpers. Management really should work on that (maybe take fewer reservations?). Makes the customers AND the waiters/waitresses frustrated.. Me and my fambam got: Lobster ravioli ( yelp.com/biz_photos/T4nE… ). I used to think that you can NEVER go wrong with lobster ravioli.. until I got it here. The sauce as overly salty, and they minced the filling so much to the point I thought i was eating straight mush. I COULDNT EVEN TELL IT WAS LOBSTER INSIDE... :( Large fried Calamari ( yelp.com/biz_photos/T4nE… ): I wish the calamari werent covered in that sauce.. they should just put it on the side for dipping. Some pieces were DRENCHED (and therefore soggy, heavy, and gross) while others didnt have any at all. Calamari was served with fried peppers and onions too, so that was a welcome flavor change. Seafood Fra Diavolo ( yelp.com/biz_photos/T4nE… ): The only dish I could actually eat. The seafood was fresh and the sauce had a kick, but not too much spice. It was palatable, but I wouldn't come back for it. Open faced lasagna with chicken ( yelp.com/biz_photos/T4nE… ): I've never had open faced lasagna before, so I thought I'd give this a shot. UNFORTUNATELY, the lasagna was a bit too undercooked so it was tough (i like my pasta al dente, but even this was too firm for me). So that kinda ruined the whole dish for me. Overall, I'd say slightly below average food+terrible wait time= 1.5 stars.
(2)
Brian D.
This place is lovely, very very lovely. I came here with a friend over President's Day weekend per one of her friend's recommendations, and it was a good one. Food was quality. Picked up some calimari, which was nice, and shared a Caesar to start. Entrees were also delicious and all was at a very reasonable price. Price points in this neighborhood are tough to manage and Panza does it well. Hint: If you are a wine-o, this is the place for you! Not sure about the selection, but the pours are incredible! Right to the top, every, single, time. Try getting that anywhere else in the city! Towards the end of the night, our waiter came over to talk about his birds and dogs, it was quite cute. Very friendly staff, Yelper approved. I'll be coming back for sure!
(5)
Katie P.
I hate to write bad reviews because everyone can have an off night but I thought this place was awful. I have been to many restaurants in the North End this summer alone and was the worst. I got the chicken parm and the chicken was dry, barely any sauce, and I felt like it was a little over priced for what I got. My boyfriend got the eggplant and they didn't seed it or take the skin off. Yuck. The people next to us had the gnocchi and it looked like it had no sauce on it and had been microwaved. It was a beautiful night and we asked to open the sliding windows to the outside. They had to move us around, and have us sitting basically on top of the people next to us (which is how I got a good view of their food). Such a great location, it's really too bad the food didn't live up to the neighborhood!
(1)
Joscelyne G.
I dined alone on a weeknight and had no trouble getting a table - the place was mostly empty. Based on reviews I opted for a board specials, the Wild Boar Papparedelle and couldn't have been happier. LOTS of fresh meat and generous serving. I tried but couldn't finish my dish. I found the wine pours totally fine for the $6 price so no complaints there although, they could have a broader wine menu than they do. I didn't care that they didn't serve dessert because they are right down the street from Mike's Pastry and I just went and got a cannoli for $3.50 which is a cheaper dessert than most restaurants offer anyway. Overall, a good experience. My only minor gripe was the service which was ok but nothing outstanding. The servers spend most of their time on the line chit chatting vs checking on my wine or food status. Overall though, very worth going!
(4)
Irissa N.
This place was a gem to discover. I just recently moved to Boston and my friend and I wanted to explore the North End. We came upon this place using Yelp and it was a great choice. We shared a bottle of wine and had two meals for $65. The penne pasta with eggplant was so good. You could tell the pasta was homemade. I would definitely go back here.
(5)
Cathy M.
Went here for our anniversary a Saturday night. Made a 6pm reservation on Open Table, we were seated by 6:15. Food and service were outstanding. Very reasonable prices. Bottle of wine + 2 glasses, 2 salads and 2 entrees for $87. It is a very small place-highly recommend making a reservation. People without reservations were waiting over an hour.We will definitely go back.
(5)
Dennis S.
I love this place. Ended up there by accident. Fabulous Carbonara, Eggplant Parm and Penne w/Chicken Brocolli and Cream Sauce. Also the bread at the table is quite good - very chewy. The Fried Calamari is to die for. Really. The startup service is slow but v friendly when they get going and they are there plenty enough during the meal. All in all a must try. I'm going back for sure.
(4)
Jim T.
Great stuff. A ton of excellent and surprisingly affordable Italian in Boston's Little Italy area. Had an appetizer, two entrees, a bottle of wine for like 70 bucks. Literally the best food and the lowest dinner bill I had while in Boston. When in Boston I'll be back for more.
(4)
Anna M.
Nice fresh rustic bread, best calamari I've had in a while (love the addition of hot peppers). Everyone in my party left happy, including my three year old. Prices were reasonable for the North End. Would definitely come back.
(4)
Vinitha R.
I came to Panza with my brother and sister and absolutely LOVED it. We didn't have a reservation for a Saturday night, but they still sat us in less than 10 minutes. The goat cheese spring rolls were amazing as was the bruschetta with a balsamic glaze. We ordered a gnocchi dish and a spinach tortellini. Both were fresh tasty and well balanced. I was so full i couldn't get dessert, but I'm sure it would have been great. We didn't love the Chianti that we got, but in general a very good experience.
(5)
Steve A.
Been here a few times now and never been disappointed. Most people stumble in to this spot when they decide the 2 hour wait for Giacomo's isn't worth it -- but I can honestly say that this place can stand on its own as a worthwhile destination North End restaurant. The apps are all excellent (if you can manage to not get the calamari I highly recommend the braised short ribs) and you really cannot go wrong with any of the pasta dishes. The place really shines with the entree's on the back of the menu -- the chicken/veal options (marsala, panza, picatta) are some of the best I've had in the North End. Only drawbacks are that they do not serve coffee or desert claiming that they are trying to avoid stealing business from the many desert cafes in the North End. Personally, I don't believe this one bit -- seems more like they are trying to turn tables over but its not that big of a deal as the service is excellent and the servers are very attentive. Space is also a bit cramped, but to be expected considering the neighborhood. Otherwise, great find and highly recommended.
(4)
Jason D.
Quote from some Italian old head, "it was good. How much better can you get then good" totally made my night. In my opinion it was better than good. Lobster ravioli was delicious. Very small eating area but that can't be seen as a negative. I would def go back if I was ever in Boston
(5)
Hoa N.
It was a small and quaint restaurant but has enough noise to make it lively. We had a reservation at 6 but arrived a few minutes early. Maybe we were lucky because we were seated right way (no wait). The waitress and waiter were both very nice and attentive. The food was good (overall score because my dish I believe was a miss). We order Bruschetta and let me tell you - it was so good. Unlike other places, the portion of the appetizer was quite big. It can be easily shared between 3-4 people (given that you will order an entree or so for the main course). For the main dish: My friend order the lobster ravioli and it was pretty good - very creamy and rich - all the fat is there ... The portion was good, enough to make one full but not too full. I ordered a linguine littleneck clam - the portion was HUGE! The amount of clam was decent but the linguine was bit undercooked so it was very coarse and hard. But the sauce is very delicious. I would definitely come back and try other dishes. Enjoy your meal!
(4)
Steve H.
Very good food, nice ambiance good service at a very reasonable price - one of the best values in the North End.
(4)
Nicholas V.
I thought it was great. There was a rumor that Panza was not "kid friendly". It is only true to a certain extent. There is no kids menu, and the food certainly caters more to an adult taste. But kids loved the ravioli and chicken, and the staff was accommodating to our requests. Service was prompt and professional, our server, Joe, was way above average on a very busy night. I had the linguine alla pescado, loaded with sea goodies for $18. I would go back, and I would travel to eat here again.
Eh. I'd rather not have eaten all those calories at Panza tonight. That being said all my stars are only for food, not service. First of all I froze my butt off waiting outside. It was a strange hierarchy of patrons who apparently if were waiting on the other side by the tree got preferential treatment. The waitstaff is kinda disdainful. I didn't take that into account in my review but it didn't help my attitude about the meal. I remember being looked at in a bitchy way by our waitress and I never got a refill of water until the very end. Oh well. The goat cheese and mushroom spring roll would have been good minus the honey. There's something about goat cheese that works with sweet stuff but only when its paired with sweet stuff like apples and fruit. Mushrooms and honey just don't go together in my book. My mouth was frowning in confusion. I wanted something balsamic to dip in. The spare ribs were just fine but were so random at an Italian place. I felt like I should have been eating them with barbeque sauce. Southern girl is confused! The linguine pescatore which was recommended to me was so so. I didn't think much of the seafood selection which offered one shrimp, one scallop, and several pieces of calamari and mussels surrounded by a bed of pretty al dente linguine in a marina sauce. I didn't particularly enjoy the combination as much as I thought and it seemed too bland without enough spice or seasoning. Parm didn't help much. They do offer several bottles of wine for $20 if you're looking for a reasonable alcohol pairing.
(3)
erica n.
Food is OK, service is bad. We walked up and made a reservation, the waitress functioning as a hostess said 15-20 minutes so we waited out front. After waiting an additional 30 minutes past our reservation time (for a total of 1 hour) another party of 3 took our table. when we brought it to the "hostess'" attention we were shoved into a 2-top (I'm 8 months pregnant) and treated rudely the rest of the night. With so many restaurants in the North End you can definitely find a better place to eat. It's a shame because the food isn't as bad as the service. I will never go back to this place nor recommend it to anyone.
(2)
Bianca T.
I will fairly state I have only had a glass of wine and their version of a caprice salad so I can only judge on that ... It's was HORRIBLE ... They deep fried it ... So it's one big pile of hot greasy tomatoes, basil and cheese .... So for that reason I probably won't go back ... If their judgement Is that low In serving such a unappetizing dish then I can only imagine what will come out of the kitchen if I go back for an entree (dinner) The wine and service was good !!
(2)
Sara L.
Delicious food, the bruschetta was amazing. Our waiter was friendly and efficient and we had a great time. Will definitely return.
(5)
Nicole B.
I made back-up reservations at Panza after reading rave reviews here on Yelp. Because it is across the street from Giacomo's, I was hoping to get in there, and if the line was too long we'd keep our reservations at Panza. Turns out, Giacamo's was packed, and it was only 6pm on a Tuesday! We went across the street to Panza and were greeted by nice servers and an empty restaurant. The atmosphere was warm, clean, and classy. For the meal! We first ordered a bottle of the Duckhorn Decoy Cabernet from Sonoma, which was amazingly priced and was delicious. The crusty bread and olive oil was also great, although I wish the bread would have been warm. Per Yelpers' reviews, we began with the grilled greens over polenta. It was excellent!!! The greens were seasoned well with tons of garlic and had a nice charred grill flavor. The polenta was firm, and wonderfully cheesy. The gorgonzola sauce was awesome, although it ultimately made the polenta become really soggy after only a few minutes. I ordered the Penne Amatriciana, but requested linguine instead of penne. I had a hard time choosing, because everything sounded amazing, and our server did a very nice job making recommendations. The pasta was cooked al dente, and I could have eaten the plum tomato sauce for the rest of my life. The eggplant, however, was very mushy and since the skins were left on, the texture wasn't exactly pleasant. Also, when I requested grated parmesan, they brought me a bowl of the powdered kind. Not impressed. If I'm paying $20 for a pasta dish, I want real cheese. My aunt ordered the chicken piccata, and while I didn't try any, she said it was delicious. The portion was huge, and they served her a small bowl of linguine and red sauce along with it. I'm not sure if there were other options for the pasta side, but I wouldn't enjoy red sauce with piccata. We chose not to get dessert, as MIke's Pastry was a few doors down, but they did have a nice selection. Overall a very well priced restaurant and a great back-up plan if you're freezing to death outside waiting for a table at Giacomo's! I gave it a 4 just because of the few soggy textural issues and the horrifying powdered parmesan!
(4)
Matt C.
Even as a Giacomo's enthusiast, I must admit I may never wait in that line again knowing I can walk across the street and have the type of dining experience that Panza delivers. I was about to make some witty remark about "panza" meaning "bread", but Wiki suggests it's actually a region in Italy, so I'll spare myself some embarrassment and just say that the bread here is phenomenal. It's the real stuff: Soft and warm on the inside with a hard crust dusted lightly with flour and served hot out of the oven with olive oil and parmesan on the side. Fantastic stuff. The food is excellent, and somehow even more inexpensive than Giacomo's. Not to mention, with all that time you saved yourself by not waiting in line, you'll be able to stroll down to Modern for a cannoli and an espresso. Ciao!
(4)
Greg M.
Panza's is a small place that fills up quickly, so we made reservations for 7 and showed up a little earlier on a cold weekday night. We had Italian chopped salad, mussels with butter and garlic, crusty bread to sop up that garlic and butter, and our entrees - braised pork lasagna special, Veal Panza, and Veal Saltimbocca - all were expertly prepared, great taste, great value. Service was friendly and my table was waiting for me. There's a lot of italian restaurants to choose from in the North End but Panza's did a great job tonight with food and service.
(4)
Jeff P.
How this place does not have a line out the door like some other locations in the North End is beyond me. It's a small, well run little Italian restaurant that makes some excellent food without breaking the bank. The menu is classic with some very creative and exciting twists. I had a hard time narrowing down what to get, so we'll back to try out the other items on the list. The veal saltimbocca is amazing and the pasta dishes the other people in my party ordered were a hit as well. Only downfall? One unisex bathroom.
(5)
Scott J.
I had been meaning to try Panza for a long time. For one thing, it's on the site of my former favorite restaurant in the North End, Cibo. It's right across the street from The Wine Bottega, a sensational store that hosts free wine tastings every Friday night from 5-8 PM and several excellent events each month. Panza was always crowded by the time I got to the North End. Fortunately, my friend and I were in the area earlier (around 5:30) and got a table immediately. We started off with the Italian Chop Salad, designed for two but could definitely be shared by 3 people. It came in a large bowl and we served ourselves with tongs. Its ingredients reminded me of cold antipasti and the pepperoncinis were an excellent touch. For my entree, I enjoyed the daily special of pappardelle with lamb ragu, a sumptuous feast of broad, filling noodles and tasty tendrils of meat. Overall, an exceptional meal. We were disappointed that they wouldn't let us open the bottle of wine my friend purchased across the street and it did take some time to receive our entrees, given that it was crowded. Definitely make a reservation or get there before 6 PM if you want to snag a table on a weekend evening. This is a must visit stop in the North End!
(4)
Jessie C.
there were a few things i LOVED about Panza and a few things i could do without. Lets start with the positives... 1. Small! I love small Italian restaurants. Seem cozy and warm usually. 2. The wall of plates - love it! i'm totally gonna steal the idea when I've got my own house 3. Food - yum yum yum! I ordered the Chicken Panza and was very very pleased. Now i've gotta figure out how to make Panza myself! lol. Things I wasn't so thrilled about 1. Won't seat you until your entire party is there - i get it, seriously i do, i understand the reasoning behind why restaurants do this but i don't have to to like it. 2. Only accept 2 credit cards - come on guys! It's a digital world, figure out how to split a check more than twice please. lame. 3. Although my dish was awesome, a few others were a little under the weather...cobb salad eh for example. i'd go back someday - but i'd make sure i ordered the panza.
(4)
Stephanie F.
I'm so happy that I ate at this restaurant! I made a reservation, but we didn't need one because we arrived early and were seated right away. The food was DELICIOUS, the wine was great and the service was good. I loved the cozy & romantic atmosphere. We ordered the mussels in fra diavolo sauce and it was amazing. I need that sauce recipe asap :) I liked it so much that I ordered the Linguine Alla Pescatore in the same sauce. The portion was enough for me to bring to lunch the next day. The prices on the menu were good - inexpensive for the area. I will definitely have to come back here!
(5)
Scott K.
Consistently above average food at a lower price than any of the pretenders nearby. As a resident in the North End, I've tried quite a few of the restaurants in the neighborhood and Panza is always the winner. I keep getting suckered into wanting to try to fancier more expensive places but always leave feeling underwhelmed. That is never the case at Panza and the many people I have taken to Panza always walk away satisfied and impressed. I like the linguine pescatore and Stephanie B. says the butternut squash tortellini may be the best thing she has ever eaten. I also highly recommend splitting the chopped salad for two. It is a terrific salad with light dressing and lots of little goodies like mozzarella cheese, salami, and crispy little pieces of pancetta throughout. All of the portions are large but not at the expense of taste. You will leave Panza full, satisfied and (rare in the north end) not feeling ripped off.
(4)
Maria A.
We were visiting from San Diego, so natrually we were looking forward to some great, authentic italian food. Thank goodness we ate dinner at Panza! We made a same day reservation for a party of 6 and had no problems getting in, even on a Saturday night. The restaurant is small and the tables are close together, but the great service, plentiful menu, and outstanding food more than made up for it. I am a fairly picky eater, and there were so many things on the menu that I wanted to try that I had trouble deciding. We started with the Wild Mushroom and Goat Cheese Spring Rolls which were amazing. Such a great combination that I've never seen before, everyone loved them. For dinner I had the Butternut Squash Tortelloni (YUM!), and this was the first time that I've ordered this dish and had them include pieces of baked butternut squash on top of the pasta, which was a great garnish. My boyfriend had the Chicken Marsala which was one of the best I've ever tasted. Overall everyone in our group was beyond satisfied with their meal. We have a few more trips to Boston planned later this year, and I'm sure that we will be back!
(5)
Nick K.
I love going to this place! +'s Great food - Get the burrata for an App and the butternut squash ravioli for dinner Really nice people Small business Great about filling up your water -'s Small; sometimes you sit awkwardly close to other people Bathroom is small and not all that clean Wait time is ridiculous on Fridays and Saturdays (go any other day)
(4)
Bill L.
Superb!!!!..Went here on a saturday around 4:15-4:30 got seated right away actaully had reservations for 5 but took early.Waitress was very nice and pleasant didn't rush us,took order about 10mins after we sat. Wife got got LOBSTER RAVIOLI...crazy good,about 8-10 ravioli's super hot.I ended up getting the LINGUINE ALLA PESCATORE ...FRESH FRESH FRESH....For the app we got calamari,flash fried goodness...
(5)
Melissa B.
Best meal in Boston! We were lucky enough to have friends from Boston who recommended this place for a great meal. I am still dreaming of the meal here. You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu, I promise! Even the salad was the best I have ever had! Caleb took great care of us and treated us like family. I'm already planning my next trip back and panza is my first stop!
(5)
Sarah F.
Good dinner with a very unfortunate ending! Two friends and I came here on Friday night to enjoy a quick easy dinner. We were seated quickly but were told that since we don't have a reservation we could have out of the two available tables the one right next to the doors which had a constant draft wafting over our table. We didn't have a reservation so it was understandable and we sat down for dinner. The food we ordered was very good! I only had the house salad but my friends enjoyed their entrees immensely. The calamari was crispy and the the mushroom spring rolls were good. During our meal however the entire time we were either waiting to be served or during our meal, as the restaurant got fuller people ended up simply standing right over us, or right next to our table, or holding the door open engulfing us in the frigid January air. But we took all this in stride and the bill came for $55 and my friend gave his card. As we were putting on our jackets the waitress came over to him and their exchange went as such: -Was service not good? -I didn't say that. -You left a $15 tip on a $55 bill. -I guess the draft wasn't so pleasant. -Oh. I will probably try them again, but definitely beware of this one particular waitress! A %25 tip wasn't good enough for her and she was so unnerved she decided to "call" my friend out on it.
(3)
Shawn D.
Definitely one of my favorite restaurants in the North End! It's a hidden gem, on the lower end of Hanover Street...not many tourists know about it. The food is excellent and the atmosphere is great too. Very small but never a long wait. The prices are great too, very reasonable compared to other North End restaurants.
(5)
B P.
Pros: Food and wine is great and cheap. Cons: No desert or coffee. They do not know how to keep reservations, if you have a reservation at 7:30, you will be waiting outside for at least 30 minutes along with the people who had reservations at 7.
(4)
Kels W.
The bruschetta is fantastic. My favorite dish is the butternut squash tortellini - it's very sweet, so might not be for everyone. Their veal marsala is also fantastic.
(4)
Jolie W.
Probably the best Italian food I have ever had! The pasta and seafood(scallops, calamari, shrimp and mussels) was very fresh and authentic. The sauce was the best. One person in our party got the butternut squash ravioli and it was amazing-the squash was sweet and cooked perfectly. The bread was great with the sauce. I had a sangria that was flavorful and fruity! After coming here, so many people who live in the area say its their favorite Italian restaurant on the North End-which says a lot!! I will return--loved the food!!
(5)
Tina M.
Panza is fabulous!! The caprese salad is absolutely amazing! I've had it twice and enjoy it each time I eat it. The best meal on the menu is the seafood pescatore with red sauce. So much flavor! By far the best I've had in a restaurant. My husband loves their veal parm and wine list is pretty impressive. I'd travel to boston anytime for a meal at panza!
(5)
Jack K.
My co-workers friend came into Boston to visit just days before the New Year, so we decided we needed to eat in the North End. It was my duty to pick out the restaurant (which at times, can be a pain, since I can be indecisive about food, although I can eat almost anything). So, I was deciding between two restaurants, Panza being one of the choices. After seeing the restaurant took reservations on Open Table and looking at the small but "big enough" menu for an Italian restaurant, I knew it was the place we had to try for our first North End experience, and we were not let down! My reservations were at 8:30pm, but we arrived about 10 minute earlier. We could have taken a seat, but we would have had to sit right in front of the door (and not that people come in and out and it was pretty cold). So, the server had no problem with us waiting for the next available table that could seat 3, which resulted in just another 10-15 minute wait, which was no big deal, since the restaurant is very tiny. Note: It's not really a group oriented restaurant, so try not to make your group bigger than 4-6, or you'll be waiting awhile. What I liked was the ambiance created in this small restaurant. Other reviews may have said that they want you in and out, but I didn't feel that way. I think this may be the case if people are actually waiting to take your seat at set reservations, but since my dinner started late anyway, I ended up staying until the restaurant cleared out for the night. Each table is dimly lit by candlelight and the lights are turned down very dimly, which creates a romantic atmosphere. The decor includes plate, and large cooking tools. The kitchen is in plain view, so you know the food isn't just sitting there, and it definitely comes out piping hot! The meal started off with tasting 3 different wines, and we ended up ordering a bottle of Bertagnil Pinot Grigio, which is not too sweet and not too bitter. We then ordered an order of the Bruschetta, which came out as two large pieces of bread, but was absolutely delicious. The oils really made the taste of the tomatoes really refreshing. I saw past reviews mention of the Potato Gnocchi Bolognese. So, I knew I had to get that. The gnocchi was cooked just right with a pillowy soft tenderness with an excellent seasoned pork ragu the dish addictive. Of course, the portion was pretty large and I could not finish it. My friends ordered an order of the Baked Ziti, which was also very delicious. The cheese melted just right on top of the pasta, creating a great traditional dish without overdoing anything when it came to flavor. Overall, the service was great. There seemed to be only 2 servers working in the small restaurant, but we were always asked if everything was good and our server was friendly regardless if the place was extremely busy. 1 star for food and taste, 1 star for service, 1 star for great atmosphere and ambiance, 1 star for value. I would go back in a heartbeat.
(4)
Whadzen C.
Food was excellent and I was pleasantly surprised about the prices. The owner was very attentive
(5)
Timi C.
I absolutely love this place; it is my favorite spot on the North End. It has always delivered delicious food with great service. This review goes through all of the dishes that I have had: The bread that they serve is fresh, chewy, and delicious with some olive oil. The crusty part and the chewy part inside are both delicious. Appetizers: -Calamari - the small plate is actually huge! The fried rings of calamari are fresh and the onions, jalepenos and sauce give it a nice kick. -Goat cheese spring rolls - I usually don't like goat cheese, but decided to give it a try. I really like the honey that they put on top to make it feel "Greek" Entrees -Carbonara- pasta with bacon and eggs? YUM -Linguini alla Pescatore - a healthy assortment of shrimp, scallops, clams and calamari. I had it with the fra diavolo sauce and it was absolutely perfect. It was a bit spicy, but delicious. -Chicken Panza- Chunks of chicken in a mushroomy sauce. I really liked that they included large chunks of mushroom. Service gets hectic once the restaurant fills up, but don't hesitate to just flag the waiter down. He'll make it back to you soon! Make a reservation if you know you're coming. The wait gets a bit lengthy after 6pm.
(5)
Jin C.
I wanted to go to Giacomo's, but disappointingly they were closed because of a gas problem. A scribbled sign said so, and also pointed us to their sister restaurant, Panza. So we went. I was really looking forward to the butternut squash ravioli that was supposed to be a popular dish at Giacomo's, so I had the tortelloni version of that at Panza's. I guess it was good, it just had a very one-note sort of flavor that would only win over a hardcore butternut squash fan. My boyfriend's grilled maple glazed salmon was really nice; the hunk of salmon was a lot larger than you'd expect from a restaurant. Overall a nice place to visit.
(4)
Suzanne L.
I honestly don't know why everyone keeps fussing over Giacamo's- I haven't been there, true- but this place is stiff competition for its neighbor across the street. I went with three other friends on a balmy Saturday afternoon in the fall- it was fairly empty, we were seated immediately, and all received steaming, delicious, and HUGE portions of pasta. I had Pasta fra diavolo- good and clearly fresh. Next time you are in the obnoxiously long line for Giacamo's and getting grumpy and hungry, just head across the street!
(4)
Geoff c.
Being in North End, there is really no place you can go wrong. Panza is across the street from Giacomos, but is also top of the line. On a nice weekend when everyone is out, the wait can get substantial - at least an hour. But if you can hold out, you'll be treated to some top quality italian food for reasonable prices. The venue is very smal - hence the long waits. The appetizer bread is tough, but that's not why you're really there. The Beef and Veal tortelloni, little neck clams, and lobster ravioli were excellent. The atmosphere is very nice. Dimly lit but not darkness. The street-side windows can open up completely so you can enjoy the nice weather. The service could be better. They might need more waiting staff. Our server was also the hostess. And thus, when it gets busy, which is was, we were sometimes neglected. The cost runs ~$30 per person for a dish + drink.
(4)
Patricia O.
I've been to Panza twice in the last couple of months. I've gone with friends for dinner, and we've been happy with the place. Service: Fast (agree with another reviewer that it might have been a little too fast for my taste) and VERY attentive. They checked on us multiple times throughout the night, and our water glasses were always filled. It's more businesslike than warm and friendly, but that suited me just fine. Food: Great! Thanks to Yelp for the suggestions - I really liked the calamari, Italian chopped salad for two (perfectly light dressing, mozzarella cubes, chunks of Italian meats), linguine carbonara, and the wild mushroom and goat cheese spring rolls. The bread was so-so; it wasn't warm but it did taste all right. Ambience: Agree that it is a little loud inside the place, but my friends and I had no problems conversing. The decor is tasteful. Price: Good value for money - one order of calamari, one HUGE chopped salad for two, one side of meatballs, and two drinks cost us $44 including tip. Would definitely go back!
(4)
G C.
One of the best in the north end.
(4)
Eileen P.
A hidden gem! Despite some of the reviews on here, I've never had bad service at Panza. I love coming here! There is usually a wait to get in, much like Giacomos across the street, but I don't mind because I think it's worth it. I've ordered different pasta and chicken dishes, along with almost every appitizer on the menu (that's what happens when you live close by) and it's always been good. It's very small and quaint inside, casual. The front window is usually open in the summer, but it's cozy to go in the winter too. Good, classic Italian food is what this place is all about. I would reccomend this restaurant and already have to many of my friends.
(4)
Lauren M.
My boyfriend and I decided on a whim to go to the North End for dinner. We decided to wing it and go without reservations or (gasp) without Yelp reviews. My boyfriend pointed to Panza, and I'm so glad he did. Hostess said we'd be able to be seated immediately if we could finish in an hour because they had reservations. That was perfectly fine with us; we're fast eaters. I've read a lot of reviews for places in the North End that felt like they were being rushed, and I was thankful they were honest with us, although we didn't feel rushed at all. The bread and olive oil were very good. Although we didn't get any appetizers, the couple next to us did, and they looked really good. My boyfriend got the Potato Gnocchi Bolognese, and I got the Baked Ziti. I don't eat meat, so I asked for it without the meatballs, which they were happy to do. Baked Ziti was amazing, and my boyfriend loved his meal. Service was fast and friendly; we were in and out in less than 40 minutes, which is plenty of time for us to enjoy a meal. It was pretty empty when we arrived, but as we left it was completely full with a line out the door. If you would like a "normal" dinnertime (we like eating a little early), I would recommend making reservations.
(5)
Libby T.
Stumbled across Panza our first time in the North End and have been back three times. A reasonably priced wine menu and specials that will knock your socks off will keep me coming back. I can't stress it enough, though, there is always one special that is far and away the best and freshest thing on the menu - don't forget to try it.
(4)
Alicia M.
My husband and I had 8pm reservations for our anniversary on Saturday night. We showed up 10 minutes late (calling prior to 8 to let them know). When we got there we were told that we would get the next 2 top, and it would be 10-15 minutes (which she told every single person that came in). In the meantime I watched 3 people get sat at the next 2 top that became available and 2 tops pushed together to seat parties of 4 that did not have reservations. After waiting over an hour for our reservation I asked the hostess why we had not been seated yet and she assured me we would get the next 2 top. When I asked why others were sat before us when we were already told that, I got a bad attitude. At that point we left and will likely never return. We were extremely disappointed as we had been here in the past and loved it - which is why we chose to come back for our anniversary. That being said, your reservations mean nothing and if you are a party of 2 they aren't going to seat you because they can make more money off of a party of 4.
(1)
Will F S.
As previous poster Jill R. wrote, "I almost don't want to write a review for this place, because then I feel like more people will go and make it harder for me to get a table when I want, but whatever. I will try not to be selfish. " My thoughts exactly. Directly across the street from Panza is the well-know sister restaurant Giacommos, which is more expensive and lines wrap around the sidewalk all night. Why not just go to Panza? I'm from north Jersey (Italian snob) and Panza is home to my favorite fried calamari. It's unreal. They fry it to perfection and drizzle it with pepperjack cheese and jalapenos. Worth going for this appetizer alone. Their meals are also very good, and reasonably priced giving the location. My only complaint is how small the dining room is. Sitting near the entrance on a winter night be sure to wear a sweater.
(4)
Angela Y.
A very cute but small Italian restaurant on Hanover St. From looking thru the windows and doors at most restaurants in the area, they are all on the smaller side. I really wanted to try the gnocchi with bolognese sauce but they were all out of bolognese (at 8pm) so I decided to try the lobster ravioli and it was amazing! I ate everything plus with some bread leftover I scraped the sauce over the plate! Husband got pasta with sausage and he too cleaned his plate! One of our friends got the classic spaghetti with meatballs and really liked hers. I would recommend this place to anyone just don't except a lot of room around you and being very comfortable with your date or neighbor.
(4)
Erika P.
We came here as a party of 4, and had an amazingly good dinner. The fettuccine carbonara I ordered was excellent, as were the mussels. The menu is fairly large for a restaurant of this size, but everyone in our party felt their food was top notch, so quality clearly wasn't compromised by the wide variety of choices. The place is very small, with only perhaps a dozen tables, and I'd have to say the only real drawback of this place is that there is no extra space for waiting parties to stand comfortably while they wait for a table, so they end up jostling seated customers a little once in a while -- not a huge deal, but perhaps opt for a table farther from the door if you have a choice. Reservations were definitely a necessary choice, as it was packed on a Friday evening. With two bottles of wine, two appetizers, and four entrees, our total bill came to $150 before tip, which is very reasonable. This is now one of our favorite places in Boston.
(5)
Christopher M.
Panza is a solid representation of North End Italian. But among the dozens of restaurants just like it, it really didn't stand out in my mind - until I got the check. Our party of four was fortunate enough to find a table waiting for us, late on a rainy Saturday night. But if you don't roll with our kind of karma, I'd recommend reservations. The first round to hit the table was appetizers - the calamari was standard fare, but in a break from traditional Italian we also ordered the mushroom and goat cheese spring roll, and they were mouth watering. Wine arrived shortly thereafter, and with a wine list full of viable options (most in the $20-$30 range) I have to give Panza a lot of credit. Our waitress recommended the Valpolicella for the first bottle, and I'll pass along the recommendation. It's a light, fruity red wine that should satisfy everyone at the table, and at $26 a bottle, there's no reason not to order two (or three, or four). If you're looking for something heavier, try the Nebbiolo, which paired very well with my pork. Most of our party ordered off the specials menu, and good choices were made all around: pork with chutney, ravioli, lasagna, and off the regular menu, a seafood risotto. I think the food was exactly what everyone has come to expect from the North End. However, service throughout the night was amateurish, which was disappointing. Corks were broken, wine was spilled while pouring and the wrong plates were delivered to our table (then moved to the correct table after we promised we hadn't touched them). But when the bill came, we walked away for about $35/person for appetizers, dinner and a couple bottles of wine. That's a tremendous value for a Saturday night in the North End, and would definitely sway me into coming back more often. I just hope the wait staff can step up their game.
(4)
Clara L.
With a good friend in from out of town and after reading good reviews about the food at Panza, I made a reservation for 3 on a Saturday night at 8 pm. The Ts were backed up and running late that night, so I called ahead and told them that we would be a few minutes late. The girl told us that she rescheduled our reservation to 8:30, which was fine with us. When we got there, the restaurant was busy (not uncommon for all the restaurants around there). We went in to get seated, and the waitress told us it would be about 15 minutes before we were seated. We were fine with that since we had been running late and understood that they probably had to give our first table away due to us running late. After waiting over 20 minutes over the initial 15 minute estimate and seeing 3 parties of 3-4 leave, we asked the waitress how much longer our wait was going to be. She curtly explained that we were on a reservation list and she had sat walk ins to the last 3 tables. It didn't make much sense to us that she was seating walk ins before reservations, but as we were hungry and didn't want to start over at another restaurant, we waited another 10 minutes. After our total wait of 45 minutes past our 8:30 reservation, we cut our losses and left. Would recommend making reservations for a little earlier than you want to eat, as there seemed to be a decent length of waiting and service seemed a little slow as we observed. Or just take your chances and walk in, they seemed to fair better than we did in getting seated!
(1)
Werner S.
Panza's has great food and service. It is much less crowded than Giacomo's across the street but does fill up after 6-6:30PM. be sure to try the the Wild Mushroom & Goat Cheese Spring Rolls for an appetizer and their crusty italian bread is the best. We had the Veal Panza and the Veal Saltimbocca, both were excellent. The Veal was very tender. Note they do not serve coffee or desserts. Our service was quick and friendly and the prices were very reasonable. Will definitely try this again
(5)
Matthew H.
I've been to Panza half a dozen times, and I can't believe I haven't written a review for this gem. Panza is a cozy little restaurant on Hanover, right across the street from Giacomo's, and it's probably my favorite place to grab a bite to eat in this neighborhood. The staff and menu are unpretentious, and the restaurant itself has a warm and inviting vibe to it that makes it perfect for a date. On to the food. First off, do yourself a favor and get the wild mushroom and goat cheese spring rolls. There's a reason why so many reviews on here highlight it. It's really, really tasty. REALLY. The calamari here is crispy and cooked perfectly, with not a single rubbery squid to be found. The grilled Italian greens are a perfect warm up, with creamy polenta, slightly bitter (in a good way) greens, a creamy/sour hit from the gorgonzola, and acid from balsamic to tie it together. The chopped salad is HUGE, and very tasty (lightly dressed), and I think you could get away with splitting it between more than 2 people. If you still have room for dinner after all that, you're in for some excellent choices. The gnocchi here is outstanding, and I've had it with their standard Bolognese sauce and as a special with short rib. They were perfectly cooked both times, and both sauces were a hearty compliment. I couldn't even get through half of it though, as it's very filling. The veal Panza is one of my go-to plates now. It's a very light-tasting plate of veal, sun dried tomato, mushrooms, spinach, pine nuts, and balsamic marsala. It's such a bright dish and one of my favorites on the menu. The seafood risotto is one of the best deals I've seen anywhere, wonderfully creamy arborio and a massive amount of seafood, all cooked perfectly for $16. I haven't had many of the pasta dishes, but the lingune alla pescatore in fra diavolo sauce is dynamite, with just the right amount of heat and a heaping portion of seafood. The baked ziti with meatballs is also excellent, and a perfect plate of warm, gooey comfort food. This is one of my go-to places in the North End to bring out of towners, because I know I can rely on the consistently good food and service to make it a fun night for all. Word to the wise: get reservations and make sure you are there on time or a bit earlier. Given the size of the place, it's not uncommon to have to wait 10 - 15 even with the reservation. Later in the evening seems to be the best bet for quick seating.
(4)
Jonny C.
Have returned three times since initial review, service is remarkedly improved (although they still cant keep a reservation time) Best Seafood Fra Diavolo ever.
(5)
C F.
Goodness Gracious!! REALLY DELICIOUS! Everything we got was terrific. I made a reservation for 6:30 and expected to wait a little while but we walked right in and had our bread and salad in no time at all. We started with the "Italian Chop Salad (for two)" but it was for four of us. There was enough too!! It was very yummy; the artichoke hearts were very cold and perfect. The crispy pancetta, the meats and cheeses were delicious and hit the spot. I wanted to lick the bowl!! HAHA. We all had something different. Based on other Yelp reviews we each decided to share what we got. The Lobster Ravioli was in a cream sauce that was scrumptious and the Ravioli's were filled with lobster meat that was perfectly cooked. There were enough for all of us to have one and plenty enough for my daughter's dinner. We mopped up the sauce with the bread and it was awesome. My husband had the Linguine Alla Pescatore with fra diavolo sauce, that he loved. It was perfectly spicy for him and he ate every bite after we all had some!! My other daughter had the Potato Gnocchi Bolognese and it was out of this world delicious. She gave all of us a portion and then ate her dinner and still brought some home for her lunch! It was cooked absolutely perfectly and so so delicious! Last but certainly not least, I ordered the Baked Ziti and it was terrific. Very cheesy and saucy with two meatballs in the middle. They were just what I wanted...meat, cheese and sauce!! It doesn't get any better that this. I gave some to my family to try and they all loved it but everyone said they got the best choice! That says a lot. I also brought some home for my lunch and my daughters and I shared it the next day. All of us enjoyed the entire meal and we will be back ASAP.
(5)
Edi D.
This place is a zoo. Evening turned out a-OK but the wait was not. We got to the restaurant around 6 pm on a Saturday night thinking we would beat the evening rush. We did not have a reservation. We were told that the wait would be 1 hr and 15 minutes. We went to have a drink at a nearby bar and came back to Panza right on time. We were told the wait would be another 15 minutes. An hour and a half later we were finally seated. During this time, we overheard the hostess (who also doubled as a waitress at this very busy restaurant) tell every party that asked, that there was a 15 minute wait. Clearly, that is inaccurate and a scheme to get people to keep waiting. The worst part, is that people were waiting in between the diners to get the hostess' attention and ask how much longer they had to wait. Once we finally were seated, we had fellow patrons standing behind us demanding the hostess' attention and letting cold air blow in from outside. The food was delicious and wine was $20 (ALMOST made the wait worthwhile) but I think this restaurant has some kinks to work out. Lobster Ravioli YUM! Veal Panza YUM! Wine UMMM!!! Goat cheese and mushroom eggroll - mehhh.
(2)
Nicole S.
Great stop in the north end. Went for lunch on a Friday and we were seated immediately. Our food was brought out quickly and was delicious. The seafood linguini in a spicy red sauce did not disappoint, absolutely wonderful! Very reasonably priced considering quality and portion size. Will definitely return!
(4)
Cherie D.
Made a reservation for an early dinner last night before heading to the Garden to see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Our party of 6 arrived at Panza significantly earlier than our reserved time, but the waitress was very friendly and seated us immediately. There were maybe two other tables filled when we got there, but by the time we left the place was full and a short line outside. Our waitress and the rest of the waitstaff were exceptional all evening, the pace between courses was leisurely and we appreciated their attention to detail. They were friendly and accommodating and I never once felt rushed. We ordered the large calamari appetizer to share and it was light and tender and perfectly fried with a delicious spicy sauce drizzled over the top. One of the best I've had. I had the tarragon fettuccine with lobster tail. The aroma when it arrived to the table told the tale of what was in store for me. Perfectly cooked tarragon fettuccine with pieces of lobster meat, tomato, peas, in a creamy and light garlic brandy cream sauce. Wonderful! The others in my party had the seafood risotto, penne with chicken and broccoli in cream sauce, linguini and littleneck clams in a white wine sauce, and linguini ala pescatore, in white and red sauces. We all agreed everything from the calamari appetizer, to the wonderfully chewy and crusty bread, to our main dishes, were perfect and delicious. We will be back!
(5)
Amy F.
I was in search of a North End restaurant for the one dinner I would be having in Boston on a recent trip up. Upon finding Panza with the multitude of rave-reviews, I excitedly made a reservation for 6:30. At 5:45 we had exhausted the Freedom Trail and headed over early. A server who was also apparently playing the role of hostess assured us this was no problem and we would have an approximately 15 minute wait. After almost 90 minutes of loitering outside, watching people arrive after us and be seated and witnessing the line across the street at Giacomos quickly move, we walked up to our blonde friend and demanded a table. Once we made it this far, the service was relatively efficient in the small and noisy room, less the fact they brought bread to our table with our dinners. I'd ordered the gnocchi. I expected better. The bolognaise sauce was bland and the gnocchis didn't exactly "melt in your mouth" like they should when made correctly. Maybe it was partly the disgust over the 15-turned-90 minute wait, but the overall experience was disappointing. The next time I am in Boston I will be in search of another, hopefully more enjoyable, North End establishment.
(2)
David S.
I'll make is short, the braised beef ravioli in a tomato and bleu cheese sauce special was amazingly good. Everything else the group ordered was tasty.
(5)
Shawn W.
Amazing ravioli and very friendly staff!
(5)
Emmie B.
I am shocked by the reviews on this site! Very misleading. The service was good but myself and date's meal were the worst I think I've ever had! The waiter suggested a chicken meal with spinach and mushrooms, which my date spit out because he thought it was raw, but it was just overcooked. My seafood risotto was dry and flavor was lackluster. I am by no means a foodie but was disappointed in the wine and even the bread as well. So many other better choices on Hanover! Would never go here again.
(1)
Joann C.
Visiting from Miami, FL and stopped in for dinner on a Friday night. Thank goodness we made reservations because the restaurant is tiny and doesnt offer much seating room. So if you dont make reservations, be prepared to wait. Everything was very tasty and enjoyed myself very much. The only downside is that there is no desserts (but why would they when Mike's and Modern Pastry is just down the street) and the help could have been a bit more friendly. I ordered the Linguine Carbonara and it was the best I have ever eaten. Nice creamy egg sauce and the pancetta was perfect, not too salty or overly crispy. I sampled my other friends' dishes and was also not disappointed (Linguine Alla Pescatore, Free Form Lasagna, and Potato Gnocchi Bolognese). All were very delicious and the servings are very generous as well. The ambience, the prices, the food...equals a great experience!
(4)
Rick A.
The lobster ravioli was Fantastic. The bruschetta was the best I have ever had. The staff was exceptional. Do not miss this restaurant.
(5)
Jill R.
I almost don't want to write a review for this place, because then I feel like more people will go and make it harder for me to get a table when I want, but whatever. I will try not to be selfish. Panza is my favorite restaurant in the North End for a few reasons. It is extremely reasonable in price. The service is always good. The food is amazing. It's also right on Hanover street, so if you go during a nice day, it provides good people watching opportunities as you eat. My favorite dish at Panza (and possibly of all time) is the caprese salad. The first time we went, my boyfriend whined about how it was boring to order the caprese. He was wrong. They lightly bread and fry the tomato, which makes this dish different and delicious. For real, just try it. My other favorite at Panza is the eggplant Parmesan. They just know how to make it well. Whenever I go, we always order one eggplant parm, and then rotate a second dish and share them both. I have tried a lot of the specials they have, and I am also a fan of their butternut squash ravioli.
(5)
angela n.
Vegetarians: the grilled Italian greens appetizer is TO DIE FOR. On paper it sounds crazy: arugula and other greens, grilled with balsamic vinegar and gorgonzola. That is, it sounds like warmed up salad. But somehow it really works. The vinegar-gorgonzola sauce gets creamy, and makes for an addictive bread-dipping sauce when you run out of greens. I also liked the butternut squash tortelloni. It was sort of oily-sweet, and the pasta was topped with tasty butternut squash cubes.
(4)
Eric G.
My girlfriend and I were looking for a place to eat on our trip to Boston and just walked into this place because we liked the menu and the inside looked quaint. We were extremely happy with our choice. The chicken marsala was the best ever and the chicken saltimbocca was extremely tasty. We will recommend this place to our Boston friends and will make plans to come here on our next trip.
(5)
Kevin C.
My first choice was The Daily Catch, but the line was 30min, then second choice was Giacomo's which had a line of about 45min. Alas, I scrambled on yelp to find an alternate and stumbled upon Panza. There was no wait, perfect! The first thing from the menu that spoke to me was the $4 beer. Where do you ever find $4 beer in a restaurant? And the selection included a local IPA and Sam Adams' summer seasonal. Good start. I decided to play it safe and ordered the Chicken Panza. (I figured it must be good since it was the signature dish) The Chicken Panza was similar to a marsala - brown sauce, with mushrooms. The dish also came with a side of penne w/ marinara. I've never had it separated like this before. Oh well, I'm not Italian, what do I know? The sauce was great, but the chicken was sadly dry. Dry chicken is just a big no, no. I can't give anything above 3 stars for dry chicken. *sigh* and I wanted to love the place! I tried, but sometimes these sort of relationships just don't work out. Oh well, better luck next time. Daily Catch could you be the one?
(3)
Andrew S.
Haven't eaten here. I was pretty mad about the line outside, and that the host doesn't take names. And the host's attitude when I politely asked if there was a list was a look of 'surprise'... that arrogant "everyone knows when you come to Panza you wait in a line outside in the cold without seating... ah duh numbskull." Just, not ok. Get with the 21st century. Went to Prezza, was seated immediately, and had an amazing meal.
(1)
Dallas T.
In town for a wedding, and the groom recommended the North End for dinner while we were there. After a day of sightseeing, we were ready for a nice dinner. Found Panza on Yelp and made a reservation during the short walk from the Financial District. So glad we made a reservation as the wait for walk-ups was around an hour or more on a Friday night. Once seated, the server was great. The food was awesome! We had the caprese salad, and the fried tomato on the salad made for an interesting and delicious departure from the norm. My girlfriend had the baked ziti and I went for the lobster ravioli. Both were absolutely memorable. The amount of lobster in the raviolis was notable. Also, you can't beat $20 for a decent bottle of wine! All in all, we will make Panza a go-to for future trips to Boston. The only reason I'm giving 4 stars instead of five is that it would be nice if they added some sound-absorbing materials to the walls or ceiling. There was a large group seated in the rear of the restaurant, and all of that sound just bounces off of the walls.
(4)
Robert B.
Fabulous meatballs, bruschetta, chicken parm. The wild mushroom and goat cheese spring rolls very good, unique. A gem on Hanover! Did I mention the meatballs?
(4)
Shaun R.
Panza stands out from a lot of great Italian choices in the neighborhood because of the small and charming space, wonderful staff, reasonable prices, and focused menu. My recommendation is go with their featured specials or the amazing Butternut Squash Ravioli (I know it sounds boring but it is always a table favorite.)
(4)
Carol S.
Found this little gem on Hanover Street in Boston's Little Italy. Small restaurant but packed with excellent choices. The bruschetta was flavorful and fresh. Potato gnocchi with bolognese sauce and linguini with clams kept both of us very quiet as we rapidly gobbled up the delicious entrees. Good service by 1 very busy waiter, reasonable prices, and great choices. Loved historic Hanover--a street with oodles of interesting bakeries and restaurants. The best dinner I have had thus far in 2012! Thanks Panza.
(5)
Kelli P.
The only reason this restaurant gets any stars at all is because the food was absolutely delicious. Unfortunately the service was awful. We were visiting from out of town. Since we were a party of 13, we called ahead to make a reservation, ensuring that they would be able to accommodate us. We were told they could accommodate us at 4:30pm. When we arrived, it was a very tight fit. The waitress seemed to be put out stating, as we were being seated, "I don't know WHO took this reservation. We should never have accepted them". Even if she felt this way, we couldn't believe she would actually make this statement in front of us. This attitude continued throughout the meal. At the end, we weren't even offered coffee and/or dessert, just our checks which we had to convince her to split for us. Even though the food was delicious, the service ruined the experience and we will DEFINITELY not be going back.
(1)
Jess H.
It's apparently common to have to wait for a table, even if you have a reservation (which we did). We waited 30-40 minutes, but it was worth it. Best fried calamari! I regret not getting one of the specials for dinner--I tried my friends' dishes and they were awesome. But the linguine alla pescatore was also good, not mind-blowing. The ambiance was perfect, and you don't feel like you're right on top of neighboring diners. The waitstaff were courteous and friendly. It was a lovely evening.
(4)
Lily M.
Enjoyed a delicious meal at Panza last night. We lucked out, as we were seated at the only remaining table for 2 at 730 on a Friday. (reservations- probs a good idea for future visits). Shared the burrata appetizer special (de-lish) and ordered the penne amatriciana (a-mazing) for main dish. date had the mussels. warm ambiance, lovely waitstaff, delicious meal. def will be back! again and again and again...
(5)
Stephanie F.
Panza is a great go-to place for take-out when I am too busy to go food shopping in the North End or have run out of ingredients to make a meal at home. With so many of the same options offered in various restaurants in the North End, this is a great low-key restaurant that serves good food w/ fresh ingredients at reasonable prices. As this is a smaller, charming restaurant, I would recommend dining for 2 or with a smaller party.
(4)
Daniel S.
I was worried after reading a few of the negative reviews, and the place was empty at lunch hour, but my wife convinced me to take a chance. And boy was that a good decision. Everything was fresh, perfectly prepared, and delicious! We had three appetizers: bruschetta, spring rolls, and mussels. They were all sublime, large portions and reasonably priced. After dipping the wonderful bread in the mussel juice, we finished off with salads and were full. We had a great lunch for four, including some wine, for $60! The service was also excellent, the food came quickly, and the waitress was very friendly. Give this place a try, you won't regret it.
(5)
Dianna P.
Service 2 star , atmoshphere 2 star, food 4 stars. Yes, you have to wait to be seated with or without a reservation. Saturday night, 8pm reservations for 5, we waited for 45 minutes. Our table was right in front of the door. Busy and cold location. Our waitress was fantastic and spot on with her recommendations. Chopped salad and butternut squash ravioli were delicious. It was the hostess that ruined our dinner experience. About 3/4 way through dinner she came to our table and told us to be quiet. I was in shock since the entire restaurant was loud. It really wasn't what she said, it was how she said it. I will never go back to this restaurant. Don't care how great the food is. Too many fantastic alternatives.
(2)
Brian C.
Place is the best! i've waited a long time to write this review because i was being selfish. it really is incredible, but i think everyone now knows that by now because it's become increasingly more difficult to get a reservation. Been here about 20+ times in the past year. Anyways, the highlights for me are the goat cheese spring rolls, the lobster raviolis, the caprese salad with the fried tomato, freeform lasagna, veal panza, salmon, and chicken saltimbocca. Love the wine too, favorites are the Dragani Montepulciano and the Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc. $20 bucks a bottle, can't really beat that, we tend to always get a bottle each. They staff is great also, always very attentive.
(5)
Erica K.
...ahhh, Italian food in the North End. I think you'd have to go to Sicily for it to get better. My husband and I stopped in here before going to Stanza's. They were the only one's without a three hour wait so it was nice to go in and be seated right away--but boy oh boy was it tight as a virgin. Seriously, you have to take your jacket off before you get to your table or you might knock somebody's plate over. The girl at the table next to me fluffed her hair and it grazed my glass...not cool. I'm all for maximizing profit but damn, this place uses the diner motto (get in and get out). As for the food, I have no compliments. I've found that most places in little Italy are solid and Panza's is no different. I'll tell you one thing though, our gossiping ass waitress wasn't the business. I think its really unprofessional to complain to the people you're waiting on about how little the last table tipped you. If this is a hustling technique, there are much better ways. Other than that, yeah, great place. Try to get there early though, otherwise, you'll likely be sitting so close to the person beside you that you'll look like you're in the same party.
(5)
Allison R.
Delicious and affordable. Be prepared to wait, EVEN if you have a reservation. Very small but intimate space. The food is cheap and so is the wine. A meal for two with a bottle of wine was under $50!!! One of my favorites in the North End.
(5)
Brittany B.
I usually just order takeout from here. The food is great and is always ready to be picked up in under 20 minutes. Service can be slow if you opt to sit down at the restaurant. They do take reservations which is nice. If you live in the area, skip the sit down and grab your food to go.
(4)
Colin D.
Stopped by here randomly during a recent trip to Boston. Food was excellent and service was fast and polite. I would definitely return.
(5)
Ann T.
Had a wonderful experience at this charming, reasonably priced Italian restaurant in the North End. We had a 7:00 pm reservation during the week and were seated right away. Our waiter was incredibly helpful and his recommended dishes and wine (an Italian white wine, the Ascheri Gavi di Gavi, $26) were perfect. We shared the Grilled Italian Greens which were delicious, but a bit heavier than I thought they would be (maybe a bit too much Gorgonzola sauce?). When I told the waiter I liked spicy dishes he suggested Baby Rigatoni and Sausage (which I had; yum!) and the Penne Amatriciana (which my cousin had and liked). I would definitely visit again!
(4)
Mindy R.
Every review about reservations and waiting at Panza is 100% correct. Reservation or not, you will wait for a table. Luckily I went here this weekend when it was beautiful weather, because there's no bar in the restaurant (weird, right?) and there's definitely no space to wait inside.... Anyway, we were seated promptly, at a really small table in the back of the restaurant (well - I mean, ALL the tables are small and the restaurant is about the size of my bathroom...) but it was perfect....and we didn't feel like we were in the way at all, like you sometimes to when you're right by the kitchen door. Food was amazing, if this review was for food alone definitely 5 stars. Bruschetta was SO delicious...garlic toast with tomatoes and balsamic and goat cheese! I thought for sure my boyfriend would be disappointed by goat cheese instead of mozerella, but he LOVED it. We both had tortellini (I had the butternut squash & he had the veal) and they were amazing. We shared a bottle of wine & really enjoyed our night. The service was great too, we couldn't believe that the waitress in front was also the hostess. Things might run a little more smoothly if those were 2 seperate positions....just a suggestion. This is a place in the North End that is similar to places in Italy. The ambiance and atmosphere is not nearly as important as the delicious, delicious food. The tables are tight, the kitchen is heating up the whole place, and there's a drunk man, who seemed like a local regular, that wandered in from time to time (definitely not disturbing anyone....). If you have a little extra time to spend waiting for a table, and want a simple night out with fantastic food definitely go here.
(3)
Janie W.
This restaurant is teeny and charming. The service is ruthlessly efficient but still polite. They sure get that food out fast! The menu doesn't hold many surprises aside from the wild mushroom and goat cheese spring roll, which I would recommend. The fried calamari is fresh and tasty. I had the veal piccata - with big fresh pieces of artichoke hearts (no skimping on artichokes!) and the bf had the veal panza. Both were tasty and hot, the veal was tender. It gets quite crowded in there and for us at least, it wasn't a place to linger and talk. Still thoroughly enjoyable.
(4)
Kayla G.
We went to Panza this past Friday for a anniversary night out and we had a great time! We started off with the Wild mushroom and goat cheese egg rolls which were delicious and a side ceasar salad which was perfect to share! I then ordered the butternut squash ravioli which I am craving so bad right now. This dish was the best thing I've tasted in a long time and the prices are excellent for the North End. My boyfriend got the shot rib dinner which he loved as well. I recommend trying all of these. Aside from our mouth watering dinner we had great service! We had made reservations for 8pm which is very busy on a Friday night but we still got right in. The service was very quick and Carmen (who waited on us) was awesome! The ONLY downfall to this place is how close the tables are. If you can look past that and think of it as a cozy environment then I highly recommend going here over anywhere else. Thanks Carmen for a great night out :)
(5)
Yash S.
Excellent food. The key to any Italian restaurant is it's sauce and they had have a wonderful sauce. We had dishes from the sausage and pasta to a special with cavatelli, mushrooms and chicken (sub for veal) and loved them all. Also, a positive is that they accept reservations. While they don't have a waiting area, they fortunately seated us immediately. It is a cute place with minimal decor.
Have been here several times before going to a game at the Garden. Quick service and good food. The mussels are fabulous. My husband and I can't get enough of the sauce they are in so when the mussels are gone we dip our bread till its gone. I love the Veal Parm and my husband says the carbonara is as close to what he had in Rome as we can get in the States.
(4)
Jamie G.
It was one of the better decorated restasurants you will find on Hanover street. The food was average at best, and the charm of the North End shone through. However, I wouldn't run back. It was a 95 degree day and I ordered a caprese salad; to my disdain they had deep fried the tomato so it was hot and not what I had imagined. Don't avoid this place, but don't have high expectations either.
(3)
Steve S.
I was very excited about going to Panza for dinner last week. Growing up with an Italian father, that word brought back many memories of my father grabbing my belly and talking about my "ponza" (paunch or beer belly in Italian) as a child. Had a 8p reservation. Got there at 755p. I went inside and told the girl that we were here. She said go wait outside. (She was quite short about it, but they were busy, so ok). We go outside and the actual hostess comes out to get our name. She says 10 minutes. 810p comes and goes. Then 820p comes and goes. I send my gf across the street to start waiting in the Giacomo's line to see if we can get in their any faster. So, it really was a photo finish. At 835p, there is only one group ahead of her at Giacomo's and we finally get our table. Ordered goat cheese spring rolls for app. They were ok, but somewhat dry and seemed like they were probably frozen. Should have gone with gut and gone with the mussels. She ordered Lasagna and I ordered the pescatore pasta. We also ordered a side of meatballs and a bottle of wine. Lasagna was decent. Pescotore was ok, but not great. One of the meatballs were burnt and overcooked. We asked for some bread for the sauce, and it never came. Server came by halfway through the meal and asked if we wanted parmesan. Yeah, we did. We wanted it when the food came out. With all the options in North End, they were really not up to par. The only thing they stayed in line with was North End prices. They would be better off doing like many of the other places and not taking reservations at all. It is never good if you piss off the customer before they even get into your establishment. From the other reviews listed here, it looks like I am not the first to comment on this issue there.
(2)
Baking M.
For sometime, I lived in the North End and never tried Panza on Hanover Street. Panza is located across from Giacomo's and next to the St. Leonard's Church. Perhaps I neglected the restaurant because it is on Hanover Street, notorious for restaurants being over priced. My friend raved about the restaurant recently and invited me to meet her there and I was thrilled. At 6pm the restaurant was open and spacious and by 7pm every seat in the house was filled and a few couples were waiting for a seat at the door. I had the grilled Italian greens which consisted of escarole, radicchio, baby arugula, crispy polenta, gorgonzola sauce and a reduced balsamic sauce. This is a must have at the restaurant and I will be back again just for this starter. The warm greens taste luscious with the cheese sauce. The polenta was perfectly made, soft on the inside and crispy on the outside and flavor was enhanced by the sweetness of the balsamic. Grilled vegetables with olive oil We will be back for many more high quality meals. I want to try the butternut squash and spinach and ricotta ravioli. Panza is fantastic and is not as overpriced as most of Hanover!
(5)
Sarah L.
Soooo delicious. It was a lovely experience dining here. The waiter was attentive and funny. And the food was just flipping fantastic. I look forward to coming back to Boston and eating here again.
(5)
Amy L.
I would definitely dine here again. Delicious food, great atmosphere, fantastic Italian bread. Also, we wanted to make some changes in our orders and the wait staff was very accommodating.
(4)
Alex L.
I almost never go on here, but since they don't seem to have an email address... My boyfriend and I live around the block and used to come here pretty frequently. Then the last two times we tried to come in, the start to our experience was so unpleasant that we left before coming in. Both times we had reservations. First time I was meeting my boyfriend there, who was coming from work. I was there early. The incredibly rude and snarky brunette waitress, who I believe is the only female staff member, told me I needed to stand in the doorway until my boyfriend arrived. I understand when there are large parties and you want them all to arrive before seating... But this was a two- top. And there were 3 tables open. And what if I were just a party of one? Would you not seat me? He had even told me over the phone to order a bottle of wine and an app, so she wasn't going to be missing any action. My boyfriend was more mad about this than I was, so he told her we wouldn't be staying. Second time was yesterday. Again we had a reservation. We arrived literally 2 minutes late, but it really didn't make a difference because none of the tables were free anyway. We continued to be ignored by every single member of the staff for about 7 minutes, until we were about to walk out and the same horrifying waitress approached us. I said hi, we have a reservation. Her first reaction was not sorry to keep you waiting, or I'll get right on that or whatever pleasant thing you can say to people who are about to give you money. She said, "Oh yeah, you're late." Excuse me? I said we may have been a couple of minutes late, but we've been standing here for awhile waiting. She didn't care. There were 3 tables getting up, and she pointed to a table that was connected to another two-top situated pretty much in the doorway. My boyfriend already let me know he wasn't going to want to sit there, so i told her we wouldn't mind waiting for a different table. Nope. She wasn't cool with that. I told her to please check off my open table reservation because they said we were a no-show last time. She said, "Sure! I'll let them know you refused a table!" This girl is atrocious, classless, and clueless about hospitality. Thought I should let the owner know. The food is decent, but not worth being treated like trash the moment you walk in the restaurant. I worked around the corner for two years, I know what it's like to work in the North End, and no matter how much she hates her job she shouldn't be ruining the experience here for customers and ownership, especially for locals.
(1)
Jenna K.
Such good Italian food! I came here for a late lunch with a friend on a weekday, and we were not disappointed (even though our original plan was to go to the place across the street, which happened to be closed at the time!). I had the eggplant parmesan and it was amazing! Huge portion, and somehow I finished it! The side of pasta that came with it was pretty plain, but I was okay with that given how good the eggplant was. The place was surprisingly packed (it was 2:30 PM on a weekday), but our waitress was very attentive & everything came out very quickly. Definitely recommend during a visit to the North End!
(4)
Izzat A.
We wanted to go to Giaccomo's but apparently they don't do lunch so the guys over there sent us here. Really small place but damn does it serve up some good food. We ordered the mushroom and goat cheese spring rolls for appetizers (very very good, have to get this). My friend and I split two entrees: the butternut squash ravioli and the chicken and broccoli penne. The butternut squash ravioli was... different. I've never had it before so I didn't know what to expect. It wasn't bad, just really different, but I ate i all, so it wasn't bad. The chicken/broc pasta was pretty good. Lots of chicken but the sauce was a little bland. The portions were very big and the price was very very reasonable for the North End. I'd come back here again for sure.
(5)
Steve H.
First, I reserved via OpenTable on Yelp and my reservation was waiting right on time. The ambiance took me and my date back to the times we had been in Tuscany--authentic, cozy, and focused on great food. And yes, the food was excellent. We had the tortelloni and the ravioli, both vegetarian, plus wine, and were delighted with the whole meal. The food came quickly and the service was attentive. Highly recommended.
(5)
Genee S.
Loved it! My boyfriend ordered the chicken parm dish & I went with the lobster ravioli... Very happy!!
(4)
Jennifer M.
Really enjoyed my dinner, but my 2 complaints we're wait staff bumped me every time they walked by (space is tight in there) so I had to keep leaning forward every time I saw someone walking by. Kind of made my dinner annoying. Also, there was a pool of water in my pasta which kind of turned me off. Other than that it was a great dinner. The waitstaff is friendly, attentive and professional (it's not their fault the place is so small) and the food was extremely fresh and delicious.
(3)
Carly L.
Honestly, my first encounter with Panza was involuntary. The line was endless at Giacomo's and The daily catch. What can I say, I was hungry so I walked into Panza for my Italian fix. And loved it! First of all, the atmosphere is more civil and quaint. Their linguine pescatore is impeccable and the lobster ravioli ..Please excuse my excessive salivation. Anyways, give Panza a chance! They take credit cards too, which is a huge plus since who carries cash all the time.
(5)
Tena P.
I chose Panza for dinner with clients, among all the Italian restaurants on the North End and was quite impressed. We made a reservation, then had to make some last minutes changes, and they were very accommodating. Great food and great service, at reasonable prices! I'll be back!
(4)
Robert G.
Small gem in the North End! Went there based on Yelp reviews and we loved it! Extremely reasonably priced. Food was top notch. You will not be disappointed.
(5)
isa g.
Panza is an awesome addition to North End. I generally avoid eating in this neighborhood due to the hoards of tourists and expensive parking and congestion but friends talked me into it and I was not disappointed. If you haven't figured it out this restaurant is affiliated with Giacomo's so you will find some of the same items on the menu. However one thing you can't get at Giacomo's is the deconstructed lasagna. It has all the lasagna components but much much better. The descriptions on the menu do not do it justice so you just have to try it here. My favorite, calamari is also great especially the creamy sauce that is drizzled on top. My friends and I came here on Monday night so we were seated right away when we came at our reserved time but I can see how there maybe be delays on weekends like many of great small restaurants. For those who complained about long wait, it is not the restaurants fault. Blame it on the rude diners who had the earlier seating that just won't leave after they have finished eating are oblivious to others waiting for their table and are ok sitting around for another hour nursing their half glass of wine. The waiters are too nice to kick them out and the diners are too obtuse or rude to care about others waiting in the cold. So if you are in North End area craving freshly prepared Italian food stop by Panza. It's always best to call the restaurant directly for reservations. I have had issues with Open Table in the past so I don't use it any more.
(5)
Amy L.
Loved their pasta!! Very small restaurant seating indoors but their flavors were probably one of the best italian food I've had. The service was lackluster though, we were late for our reservation but we still made it and the waitress was not nice to us at all throughout the whole meal and when I say not nice thats being polite already. Although I know we were at fault for being late in the first place with the spot being so tiny. The rating is soley for the food and not for service.
(4)
Nadine F.
We wanted to go to Giacomo's but it was Friday night and the wait was 2+ hours, so we wandered across the street to Panza, having been told in the past that they're owned by the same people. There were some patrons waiting for their reservation and they warned us that it's tough to get in without one, but we asked the hostess anyways and she told us the wait was 25mins. We ended up waiting 15 and then we were seated; I think it's a lot easier to get in without reservations when you're looking for a table for 2. In the future we'll probably make a reservation just to be safe. Onto the food--we started off with a caesar salad, which was yummy and a perfect size for two to share. The wine is only $20, we got the sangiovese which was good, would get that again. Onto the entrees--we both got the Linguine alla Pescatore with fra diavolo. It was excellent! The portions were large (larger than Giacomo's) and there was plenty of seafood. The sauce was delicious, and we were happy because we had really wanted to go to Giacomo's because we love the fra diavolo there. We will definitely come back here, especially when we're craving our favorites from but don't want to wait for 2hrs in the cold. It's a couple dollars more expensive, but the portions are bigger and you don't feel at all rushed to finish your meal. Definitely worth it!
(5)
Megan L.
We went to dinner on a Friday night with some friends. Checked in 5 minutes before our 9pm reservation. We were told it would be 5 minutes and to wait outside. After 20 minutes we checked again. Just a few minutes--Fridays are busy. 20 minutes later we were the only people waiting and there were empty tables galore. Went inside and checked again. It was clear they'd forgotten about us. 5 minutes later we were seated. Yep--40 minutes past our reservation. And the food was not worth it. Calamari was good, nice and crispy. Bruschetta has a wood fired thing going on. Also it inexplicably comes with goat cheese on top. The whole thing was charred (not in a good way) and our friends thought it tasted like meat. Gnocchi bolognese--Gnocchi tasted like premade from the supermarket, mushy and heavy. Too much bolognese sauce and it wasn't that tasty. Also there was a random open bowl of cheese perched on the wall next to our table. Not covered, not fresh, it was there from the party before us. We were directed to use it if we wanted cheese. No thanks. Service was quick and courteous but not at all friendly. Maybe smiling is frowned upon at Panza? Overall, very disappointed with the whole experience. Won't be back.
(2)
Xuan D.
great Place! One of the
(4)
Kristina A.
My boyfriend and I had a reservation for 7:00 on Saturday. I made it on Open Table weeks ago but called ahead to say that we wanted a table not near the door. We got there at 6:50 and was told to wait 15 minutes. We were seated exactly at 7 but I found that many parties who had the same time reservation waited almost 30 minutes. We got the mussels as an appetizer and lobster raviolis. Both were served in good time and very good. The stuffing of the ravioli lacked flavor but the sauce made up for it. My only issue was that we were seated at the door (didn't want to specify again considering we were really hungry) and that people refused to wait outside to be seated so we had people on top of us and even bumping into us as we ate the whole night. The place is a hole in the wall but so is every other NE restaurant.
(3)
Patrick M.
Sole good news is my starter - the ribs - were good. That's where it ends. Our side-salad (for our main) came first - before any stater. Then one of our starters came. Ok so maybe she didn't hear the other starter....we began. Then before we'd finished, our mains arrived. We said 'please can we finish our starter'....so it's mains in the oven for a bit...great... So we finished up and waited and waited and waited. Finally she came along and got us our mains. Oh and our other starter. Timing/scheduling is a MAJOR problem here. All this while one of the staff was far too busy talking to her friend who had come in to be bothered about any of the rest of us. She sat chewing the cud with her mate and the +1 for a good 15 minutes while we calmly awaited the service. I'm not one for making a rumpus with people who serve me food.... To add insult to injury, the Montepulicano was disastrous. Chianti was acceptable, but didn't make up for the Monte. An abysmal evening that thankfully, ended. Seriously, there are many other Italian restaurants nearby - try them instead. Or go home and put ketchup on your pasta. It will be better.
(1)
Angel D.
We were a party of 7 and had a reservation here on Saturday night (4/25/09). The reservation was at 8:30pm but one of our friends ran a little late. (They don't *seat* your reservation until the whole party is there). Panza wasn't exactly happy with us, but let us move it back to 9pm. It's small like most North End restaurants, but we fit snugly near the kitchen. The waiter was nice and efficient. He was nearby for our requests of more bread and wine. The food is excellent!!!! I tried a bit of other people's dishes and they were all equally tasty. I ordered the linguine with shrimp, scallops, clams, mussels, and calamari in a fra diavolo sauce - sooooo very good!!!! After three bottles of Chianti and full bellies, our waiter informed us that they don't serve coffee or dessert - wha???????????? But on Sat night it was fine since we were going for drinks after dinner. I believe it's a new restaurant and I'm not sure what the name Panza means (I tried to look it up and also tried google translator). Doesn't matter because I will definitely remember this place and go back again. Not only was the food very good but it wasn't overpriced like some other North End restaurants.
(4)
Adham A.
Food was good, loved Panza's cozy atmosphere and the service was friendly. Do make a reservation to avoid the long lines. Enjoy!!
(4)
Rachael L.
We went here because it had good reviews and could take 11 people at 10 pm, the time we needed, let's day the food was the only good thing. Our service was HORRIBLE from the start, the servers were rude, dropped water on us, didn't give us ANYTHING for 15 minutes as we sat at the table, no menu, water, bread, nothing. We ordered our food, ate and where then told we could get dessert across the street. We paid or attempted to pay and at that time they told us their credit card machine was not working and the very same time, a bus boy said "get the f--- out" At this point I was over this place and nicely let them know we were trying to leave however they closed their credit card machine down . All in all a horrible place, don't go there even close to the time the kitchen closes, even if they say they can & will be happy to help you, they won't and you will feel rushed out . Out of the 11 people all but one are from Boston and every one of them will NOT go back, regardless of the food due to the horrible staff.
(1)
Jen S.
Happened upon this place by chance! Was hanging out with a friend in the North End on a BEAUTIFUL fall day. We were in for an early lunch. So we got the bruschetta as an app- it was DELIGHTFUL. We each got a salad. My friend got the caprese- they fry the tomato. She loved it. I got a chicken caesar salad. I didn't LOVE it, but I enjoyed it. The service was VERY friendly. What I liked most about it was that we didn't feel rushed. They gave us a LOT of time in between our appetizer and lunch. And we weren't bothered a million times if we needed something or if we needed our check. Will return for dinner! It's a tiny place though so if you want to come for an intimate dinner- make a reservation to be sure you get a table!
(4)
Ike C.
Went there last week while on vacation for lunch around 12:30 and the place was closed. Check website hours before or call before going.
(1)
Nikhil P.
Made a reservation for 8:30 on OpenTable. When we asked how long the wait would be, the hostess told us she wasn't a fortune teller and had no idea (helpful). Then at 9:15 when we were finally given our table the hostess tells us "usually we don't seat people unless the entire party is there, but we'll make an exception for you.". (The two others in our party were directly across the street in line for another restaurant, trying to salvage plans for a night that looked like it was already going down the drain...). In short we walked in, then walked right out. You don't make your customers feel like you're doing them favours after making them wait 45 minutes for a table you couldn't honour. The North End is perpetually busy, and every restaurant on the block experiences the same thing every night of the week. There's something to be said about handling your customers well under pressure and not, but the entitlement of the hostess (and owner), Danielle was nauseating. We ended up going across the street to Giacomo's and had the best Italian meal in the entire neighbourhood. Take note: there's a reason Giacomo's is consistently rated higher than panza on every diner's website, and the glorious hostess/owner is one of those reasons.
(1)
Sam L.
After deciding to try out Giacomo's... i went over about 8:30pm. and was surprised to find a long line outside although i was warned. For some reason as much as i wanted to try Giacomo's this cozy little place across with only two customers cut my eye. Looking at the menu i was surprised to find their reasonable pricing and decided to be adventurous and give it a shot. The waiter was very helpful giving us his recommendations and we got spare ribs for appetizers and glorious seafood mix in red sauce linguine. OK that's my name for the menu because that's what it turned out to be. Normally I'm known for ordering too much food but this time we were so glad we ordered light. The pasta portion was HUGE and every bite tasted so good. It's mix of mussels, shrimps, squid, scallops, were amazing. The ribs were soft slow braised fall off the bone good as well. I'd probably go back just for the pasta.
(4)
Maya S.
We absolutely loved the food here. Started off with a wild mushroom and goat cheese spring roll, never had anything like it before but super glad we tried it! Also had the free form lasagna and the spinach and ricotta ravioli. Yumm and more yumm! The portions were more than filling, we were stuffed but still managed to go grab a canoli from you-know-where! Will go again to try out the tortellinis!
(4)
Becca C.
I LOVE Panza!!! While all the places in the north end are great, I've gone back to Panza the most. Nothing on the food menu is above 16$ which is great! The chicken picatta is to die for! While it doesn't come automatically with pasta like I've gotten this dish at other places you can always get a side. The sauce is incredible-so lemony! And it had artichoke which I love! The server is friendly but definitely make a reservation or expect a long wait
(5)
Michelle K.
Best linguine seafood I ever had!
(5)
Sarah K.
This was a nice, small place that is worth a return visit. We were a group of 3 and we were seated quickly on a rainy Tuesday. Away from the door, close to the kitchen. My first choice of dish they were out of so I got the deconstructed lasagna. The black pepper pasta is spicy and satisfying. I could have done without the chicken and added more spinach to really make it perfect. I was able to bring the remainder to work and they nicely packaged it in a container in a plastic bag. The other two dishes were a squash ravioli and a chicken parmigiana, both completely eaten and found to be very delicious. There was no sharing on this visit. The portions are large without being excessive, and the bruchetta was good, although only 2 large pieces meant weird cutting to split for 3 people. Nice atmosphere, although the small, somewhat narrow room can get loud when full, but the high ceilings are nice. The room even when full retains it's charm and coziness.
(4)
JEWELe M.
Since we were on a time crunch (got here via Tour Bus....we only had an hour to go around North End before the 5pm last pick-up), we decided to try this Italian restaurant. So glad we did because I think I had one of the best ravioli in the North! My cousin ordered the bruschetta and mussels. The brushcetta was so crunchy and yummy to dip pieces in the mussels juice. Overall, I enjoyed our rushed eating here!
(4)
Marc C.
Let just start by saying that the service was great and that the food was mediocre to good at best how can you serve fried calamari drenched in sauce??? the calamari were soggy and you lose the crispyness (the idea of putting fried hot peppers is great) my girlfriend's veal was also drenched in sauce... u start getting the idea why i gave the resto 3stars!! the taste, the cooking is very good, but too much sauce is not good! on the plus side the linguini fra diavola were very good, just enough spicy for most people to enjoy. they do not serve dessert and coffee??? the reason? we are in Little Italy and a lot of places offer them?? what? i've been to NYC, Philly, Montreal and this is the 1st time i hear that!! BUT the main complaint of this resto is the BAD quality of the WINE, what a disaster. i've tasted four different kinds (Chardo, Pinot Grigio, Montepulciano & Cab) and they were all not good (i import wine for a living...) u can find great wines at a low price without compromising the quality! so Panza loses 2 stars: 1- dishes with sauce 2- wine +++: service, taste, price
(3)
Gage R.
After walking around little italy menu shopping we decided that one restaurant would be just as good as the next. we entered and the staff was absolutely fantastic, sat us down, recommended wine and a few highlights of the menu. the wild mushroom and goat cheese eggrolls were absolutely divine! the butternut squash ravioli with browned butter sauce was the only meal ive ever eaten in which i closed my eyes and savored every single bite. We stayed 4 days in Boston and while this was our least expensive meal it was by far our favorite!
(5)
Jared S.
Italian food like Grandma used to make, and at a very reasonable price. Ok, I'm not Italian, but I could imagine someone's Italian grandmother doing all the cooking in the back of this place. Portions were huge, flavors were robust, and the gravy tasted like it had simmered all day. Came here on a Saturday night with the wifey and two friends. We had an 8:30 reservation but got stuck on our way in - I called and said we'd be closer to 9:00 and they took it in stride, warning us that there may be a little wait for a table. We actually arrived around 9:15 and after a short 10 minute wait they were able to seat us. As everyone has noted, the place is tiny. I think I counted seating for about 36. So you may have to get friendly with your neighbors. By the time we finally got there, the big crowd was just leaving so we had the place to ourselves with maybe 2 or 3 other occupied tables. Our waitress was fantastic. We felt bad because we kept throwing her curveballs. We changed tables so we wouldn't be next to the door since it was freezing. We placed 2 orders of garlic bread, one as an app and one to come out with the meal. My friend ordered a combo of chicken and eggplant parm not on the menu. We requested two different kinds of extra sauce. She had no problem with any of it and was just an absolute pleasure the whole time. On to the food. As I mentioned, everything was a large portion. The calarmari was lightly fried to perfection. The garlic bread had the perfect slightly burned crisp to it. Everyone loved their entrees - the parm combo, a chicken panza, and two linguine pescatore (one fra diavolo and one white sauce - this is where the two extra sauce requests came in since these dishes were a tad dry to start). Add on two bottles of wine and the bill remarkably came to only $70 per couple (before tip)!
(5)
Elena K.
very reasonable prices compared to the other hanover st restaurants. food was tasty and your standard italian american menu. i believe giacomo's is their sister restaurant and the food quality takes a bit of a step back from there. all in all was a good meal and offered value for the price.
(4)
Francesco L.
Great place. I usually get take out because the small restaurant fills up fast...but the food is amazing. It is one of my go to spots and I am a north end resident that has eaten at most of the 'Hanover' restaurants. Recommended for a date, and recommended for great food!
(5)
Kasey O.
We went for a work holiday luncheon and couldn't have asked for a nicer time. The food was delicious, especially the goat cheese and wild mushroom spring rolls! The waitress was polite and attentive. It is a nice location, cozy venue. All around a really nice dining experience and now highly recommended by myself and coworkers.
(5)
Douglas W.
Great food, good service, slightly less busy than other North End restaurants. Good luck finding parking anywhere in the North End!
(4)
Dan W.
This place is good, pasta tasted home made, good cheap italian wine filled to the rim of my glass, just the way i would pour it at home. I had the little necks in the white sauce over pasta. Simple dish, but really good. They could hire an extra waitress, the girl that was there seemed a little over worked.
(4)
Huey N.
This place is worth going to. I almost took another group of friends there the day after, but the line was long and I wanted to try a new spot. We started off with the calamari which was very good. I usually get tired of fried food really quickly, but I ate enough squid to piss off lord namor. They drizzled a spicy aoli over the plate and even came with an extra side of the sauce. My two friends ordered the ziti bake and alfredo, which tasted pretty standard. I got the tarragon lobster with fresh linguine. The tarragon flavor was distinguishable but not dominant. My only gripe was the chewiness of the lobster. It was a good dish in general despite that. I'm looking forward to come back and trying their specials.
(4)
David C.
Panza is perfect. My wife and I had dinner at Panza last night and I could not have been more pleased. I read many reviews before booking a reservation and it was clear a lot of those people are not familiar with the North End. If you want to be seated immediately, go to the Olive Garden. Good things come to those who wait. We had to stand outside in the cold for 20 minutes even though we had a reservation, and I didn't mind a bit. Once we were seated, we were immediately given bread and water. A few minutes later our waitress was at the table taking drink orders and going over specials. I ended up ordering the saltimbocca and my wife ordered the carbonara and we split a goat cheese and walnut salad. All were fantastic. Overall, Panza was an amazing experience and we will be happy to return.
(5)
Bill M.
Can you really go wrong in this neighborhood? Wife and I stopped at this place in the following order: 1. by smell 2. by yelp 3. by number of tables It was small and quaint and had an amazing aroma that wrapped around the block... Service was personal and friendly. The mushroom and goat cheese spring roll is as good as advertised. A great place for a romantic dinner date.
(5)
Kenneth F.
I won't go back.....made a reservation and ended up waiting just as long (almost an hour!) as if I didn't have a reservation...so disappointed in the lack of respect this place has for its customers
(1)
Ryan G.
Like honestly, I expected better being four stars and all. Not gonna lie, the wait staff was absolutely friendly and helpful and definitely deserve five stars for customer service, but i'm sticking to my guns and saying food quality and taste is number one priority. That being said, I feel like you can definitely find better restaurants in the north end. The food was eh a - okai. However it was reasonable and I guess fairly cheap compared to some of the other north end restaurants. Food break down: Calamari - good (3 stars) have had better, have had worse. Seafood Risotto - ehhh (2 stars) it wasnt really risotto either. it was white like wth. I mean you can't go wrong here. Great wait staff and decent food and affordable prices. IDK it's your call.
(3)
TJ D.
To start off with, I am right on the cusp of giving Panza a '5'-star rating. My only hold-up is that I want to contribute to a reliable rating system on Yelp, as many members are quite liberal with dishing out the '5's. That being said I don't really know where to start. I have been going to this place in the North End for several years, when it was previously named "Cibo". It's only hearsay, but I believe a good portion of the staff carried over to Panza. Context-wise, this place does what is difficult on Hanover St.: it provides a great meal without giving into the pressure to churn out mediocre Italian-American meals to the throng of tourist perpetually passing through this beautiful area of Boston. And it is beautiful, I even got engaged in the neighborhood. To the food: wonderful tasting pasta (made in-house!) and meat dishes......I have my favorites and thus tend to order from this set of 5-6 entrees. Ditto with the appetizers. With specials that come and go, it may be hard for me to stay current with the menu. The ravioli dishes and anything with their cream sauces are wonderful. Prepared well with a great balance of all the flavors, never have I tasted burned garlic or an oily texture from a heavy hand of olive oil. The herbs that are used in the various dishes (thyme, tarragon, etc.) are also used competently and have yet to turn me off at all. I usually do some due culinary diligence and have others that are with me taste what I order, just to make sure I'm not rolling with a heavy bias. It gets the same response every time, "wow". On the flip side I have had the same reactions. My fiancee ordered the Beef and Veal Tortelloni the last time we were in, and it was awesome. Prepared in a veal stock reduction with mushrooms and shaved parmesan, I wish I could have ordered that too. Also, their Calamari appetizer is in my Top 2 I have ever eaten.....Spicy, fried well, fresh and not chewy (read real), and served with a really tasty sauce. Awesome. The wine list offered here has yet to disappoint as well. I dig on the dry, red wines, and I have yet to regret ordering a particular bottle or glass. Staffing-wise, they are usually busy yet always keep the pace and provide good service. I would recommend making a reservation if you have more than 2 people or are planning on going on a weekend night. All in all an excellent place, and I would highly recommend stopping in for some dinner.
(4)
Kate M.
Pretty terrible experience. We were seated an hour and a half after the time I'd made reservations for- and there is no bar area so we were forced to stand outside in the cold. The hostess told us from the beginning they were only 15 minutes behind, and when we checked back with her on how long it would be after waiting half an hour- she told us 15 more minutes, after making it obvious how annoyed she was that we would even dare ask; if I'd known from the start we'd be waiting an hour and a half, we would've gone elsewhere. When we finally sat, a waitress did not come to our table for 15 minutes until after we were seated, and we were never checked on while seated. To get a second drink, we had to literally reach out and flag the waitress. Just as good of food can be found elsewhere, without the wait in the cold and the lies about how long the wait will be. I will never go back.
Excellent! We had the lobster ravioli and the linguine alla pescatore with fra diavolo sauce (spicy good!). The service was good and the bread seemed fresh.
(5)
Danielle H.
Went here a while back with two others but forgot to review it - which kinda tells you about the place- not memorable. I remember the pasta dishes we got (two of the specials and one off the menu) being pretty good but the service was not so good. It was a small place but we often had a hard time flagging down the waiter. Would go back though because it's one of the more affordable choices in the North End.
(3)
Ryan H.
I went on an italian kick and made Panza a restaurant of choice. I made an open table reservation. Like all the other reviews say they didn't seat us on time but it was a Saturday night and i didn't have anything to do so i didn't care. Cesar Salad- 4 stars. Creamy and delicious Goat Cheese and wild mushroom spring rolls- 5 stars. very different, interesting dish. I wasn't expecting such a sweet sauce to go with it. Lobster Ravioli and Linguine Carbonara - 5 stars- I could eat both these dishes every day for the rest of my life...too bad it isnt healthy to weigh 300 pounds Service- 5 stars. excellent recommendations. she was always attentive without being overbearing. Price- 5 stars. 2 appetizers, 2 entrees and a bottle of wine for 80$. I'll take that in the north end any day.
(5)
Colin B.
8pm reservation on a Friday night for 4. We were seated pretty close to our reservation time (it's a small restaurant so reservations are a must). There's no waiting room or bar inside, so you're left to hang out on the street, which is fine on a nice spring night. It was a bit noisy when we first arrived but once the "dating" crowd showed up it was a much nicer experience as it quieted down. Moderately priced with good portions and good taste. $20 bottles of wine, which is unheard of in the North End.
(4)
Kathleen R.
When trying to decide where to eat in the North End, the choices can be overwhelming. We decided we wanted to try something different than our usual choice, and based on the reviews on Yelp, decided to give Panza a try. While the food was great, the restaurant is VERY tiny and therefore you end up basically sharing a table with your next door neighbors. Due to the small room and amount of people squished in it, background noise is EXTREMELY loud... don't plan on any intimate, private conversations here. I was a little disappointed with the service. For a restaurant that serves at max 30 people at a time, it took quite a long time for the waitress to bring us water/take our order/bring drinks/ect. That being said, the food was pretty good. My boyfriend ordered a seafood/pasta dish with a "spicy red sauce" (which he had asked to be extra spicy, but wasn't.) My butternut squash tortellini was great as well. And the prices were pretty reasonable for good portions. I wasn't overly impressed, and we'll probably end up trying somewhere else next time, or going back to our tried & true place.
(3)
Lynn D.
Amazing! Had their open faced lasagna (can't remember its official name), and it was some of the best lasagna I've ever had. Actually, this place has some of the best food I've found in the North End. Panza was recommended to me by some friends of mine who live in the North End. I came here with three other people and we were all happy with our food. My wife ordered the chicken Parmesan, and she really enjoyed it. I recommend making an Open Table reservation before you come. I'm moving into the North End in two weeks and will definitely be coming back. P.S. - The homemade sangria was also really good.
(4)
Jessica U.
ThIs restaurant came highly recommended and I was eager to try it out. Went last night and can't say it lived up to all the hype. It's a cozy place, clostrophobics beware! The service was below average, even for the North end. The food was decent, no ones minds were blown. Lobster Ravioli was probably the highlight of what we ordered, along with an appetizer special of cream filled mozzarella with tomato and basil. I'd be willing to give it another shot because of all the positive reviews it's gotten.
(3)
Amy B.
Panza is a great little restaurant in the North End that I think is often overlooked. It's small inside, so I recommend it if you're going out to eat with one or two other people - I don't advise large groups trying to get in here! The service is great and the food is pretty darn good for the price. I went here with a friend for her birthday and was hoping to surprise her with a dessert with a little candle in it, but when I asked the waitress about it before the meal, she told me that they didn't serve dessert so I was a little upset. But I guess the waitress could tell I really wanted to surprise my friend, so while we were eating, she ran over to White Hen and bought one of those little Hostess cupcakes and a candle and brought it out to my friend at the end of the meal! I was so thankful and appreciative - she really went above and beyond the call of duty there!!
(4)
CL S.
The food here is pretty great and varied. I loved my butternut squash ravioli, which were enormous and tasty. (I can't recall what my husband had but he also enjoyed his meal). We had the grilled greens and polenta as an appetizer and I wanted to order a second just because it was so good. The white sangria was also a hit -- it seemed strange on a fall menu until I tasted it. It had lots of apples and a fall-spicy taste to it (nutmeg?) that was fantastic. The space itself is very North End -- tiny, clearly very old, you can see the kitchen from your table, and you're very close to your neighbor. It just feels comfortable and lively. The service was what lost that fifth star. I think our waitress said three words to us and she was constantly watching the other tables when at ours. We had to flag her down for things which never feels great. I will definitely return as I hope that the service was a just a one-off bad night. Tip: Make a reservation. There aren't very many seats and the line was out the door once we left.
(4)
Sumit D.
Decent Italian food on a cold blustery Super Bowl weekend in Boston.
(3)
Alexandra G.
I went to Panza based on the amazing Yelp reviews, but did not find the 5 stars I was seeking. It is a very cute restaurant in a great location, but I've had far better meals in the North End. The prices were certainly reasonable but the restaurant is so loud that it's hard to focus on the meal or the conversation at your table. I felt the service was acceptable but not overly attentive. The mussels were delicious as a starter, and everyone in my party was satisfied with their meal, but I didn't think it was anything memorable, relative to other restaurants in the N End. Overall, it was a good experience but not ideal if you are looking to converse with your guests or have dessert in-restaruant.
(3)
Shareen M.
I just came back from my first weekend away in Boston. From previous reviews, we decided to have dinner @ Giacomos BUT the line was ridiculous and around the corner. Panza was located across the street and only had about 4 people walking. One of the customers in front of us was a regular and said Panza was his favorite Italian place in Boston. I am SO glad we decided to come here instead. The service was EXCELLENT & the food was INCREDIBLE! The place is small and you are sitting closely to others, but most restaurants in that area have the same seating arrangement. My recommendations: Get a bottle of wine (so affordable), the Bruchetta (the best ive ever had), & the chicken parm. The sauce is homemade and out of this world good!
(5)
Laura S.
I really dont have any good reason to only give Panza 4 stars, except that we only got two dishes... so my experience was pretty limited. BUT, those two dishes were absolutely amazing. The bruschetta was my favorite part- I would go back JUST for that. The portion sizes were definitely adequate and their wine list is super reasonable. It was a little loud for my taste, but, I think that just speaks to how many tables they had sat late on a Sunday night. The service was superior and the atmosphere, though relaxed, was definitely intimate.
(4)
Taylor B.
Found this place on Yelp... and what a gem! A few things to keep in mind: It is a small restaurant, bit cramped but not obnoxious. So if you have a larger group, make a reservation. They pay attention to details, but are not about the bells and whistles. The food is nothing fancy, but it is good quality and a great value. My boyfriend and I shared a bottle of Pino G, I myself order the carbonara which cooked perfectly and flavorful. My boyfriend got the lasagne, which was more of an open-faced style, not a bad thing, good flavor and good portion. I have to say, our bill came to $55! How can you argue with that price for fresh Italian food? You can't. Our server was attentive but not hovering, talked about the specials and was happy to answer our questions about the menu. I would recommend this place without a doubt!
(4)
Ashley H.
This place is tiny so claustrophobics beware! The place sits maybe 50 people MAX. With a party of 6, we were the largest group able to be accommodated. We had a Saturday 6 p.m. reservation and waited about 15 minutes for our table, not bad considering some of the reviews were saying a 30 minute wait with a reservation. There was no line until we started leaving around 7:45. Once seated at a table that was small, but still adequate, we order 2 bottles of wine and a few beers for the table. The bottles are cheap, between $20 and $30 for the most part. The server was quick and efficient and while I wouldn't call her friendly, she wasn't rude. You can tell the goal of the staff is to get people in and out, fast. My boyfriend and I split the goat cheese and mushroom spring rolls and they were delicious with a sweet almost asian kind of sauce. He doesn't care for mushrooms and still loved them. I ordered the glazed salmon with sweet potato risotto. It is basically risotto with chunks of sweet potato cut up. It was DELICIOUS. I only wish there was more of it! The portions aren't huge, but they are enough to feel you are getting your moneys worth. The other 5 people at my table all enjoyed their food and everyone cleaned their plate. My boyfriend got the special which was some kind of shaved beef with pasta. He loved it. The total bill was around $250 for 6 people with an appetizer, 2 bottles of wine, 3 beers and 2 salads. Not too shabby for the North End. I'd definitely go back, although my boyfriend claims he wouldn't visit the same place twice because there are so many choices. Loved it despite the "coziness" of the place.
(5)
Michelle M.
Delicious. Absolutely delicious. My roommate and her boyfriend have been raving about this place since we moved to the North End in September. Being a creature of habit, I've stuck to my normal favorite NE restaurants and just tried Panza for the first time a few weeks ago. The service is basic, timely, and friendly. Wine reasonably priced. Food was yummy. I'd recommend reservations ahead of time, but the lines normally aren't too bad.
(4)
Katie S.
Waited over an hour for a reservation I made days in advance. Very disappointed by this, the food was good but that is to be expected in the north end of Boston. Much more satisfied with other restaurants in the area.
(2)
Lisa B.
Hahahaha I was going to come on here and write "Red Sauce! YES!!" But apparently I *have* been here before, and said the same thing a year ago! If that doesn't say something about the integrity of the food here, I'm not sure what does. If I am hungry in the North End and haven't made a reservation anywhere, I'm likely to accept the fact that most North End restaurants are similar and basically guarantee a good meal (I mean, how can you go wrong with chicken parm?? You can't.) They all start to look the same anyway after a while-- to the point, for me after 7 years in Boston anyway, where I can't remember if I've been to a place or not before. Panza's interior design is simple. Forgettable. It's a small space, so tables are tight, it gets loud and it gets crowded. What it lacks in decor it makes up for in red sauce. I wish they jarred it so I could buy it in wholesale quantities. My friends and I went to Panza about a month ago on a rainy Wednesday night. We spent hours in there-- wound up being the only 3 people in there at the end of the night, 2 bottles and 3 glasses deep. They let us chat and catch up, were attentive without once interrupting, and brought us like 3 baskets of bread. Tonight was a mob scene, but still appropriately attentive, no complaints about service. Food was a win- we started with calamari and bruschetta- both delicious. I had the chicken piccata, mom had the chicken scallopini, dad also had the chicken piccata, sister had chicken parm and her boyfriend had veal parm. none of us were disappointed with any part of our meals. Panza, hopefully the next time I'm back it will actually be warm enough to sit in the window!!
(5)
Michael R.
Arrived promptly at 8 pm for our 8 pm reservation and were told it would be about 10 minutes. 45 minutes later our party of 3 was seated at a table for 2. They were very apologetic and comped an app of our choice, but the food overall was pretty average. There are much better places in the North End.
(2)
Jeff A.
This was my first time in the North End since I was a kid. We heard this was a great place and it backed up its reputation. We had a great meal with good service in a welcoming, home-y atmosphere. Next time I go back to Boston I will try other places in the North End but I will always compare them to this place. It set the bar pretty high!
(4)
Madhvi S.
Food: Excellent, so many vegetarian options, wild mushroom and goat cheese spring rolls were delicious, all the raviolis options were so yummy Ambiance: Nice, small, quiet. I was there with a group of girls so we were kind of loud and may have caught a few glares. Not the kind of place for a party of greater than 5-6 unless. Price: Eh, North End is expensive, dishes around 14-15, so pretty normal.
(4)
Christina D.
A cute enough place, with a nice enough, though not terribly attentive staff. Panza earns only 2 stars for the miserable, tasteless, soupy sauce that my side of penne was served in... I'm sorry bathed in. The rest of my meal was fine, prices were decent (I was there for lunch), but Panza is certainly not up to par with many of the other establishments of the North End.
(2)
Sarah F.
There are so many places to choose from in the North End, but I will say this is a gem! It's small, quaint and right on Hanover, but absolutely delicious. I went with a group of friends who were visiting from out of town to give them the North End experience, we had a great time. We started with two bottles of wine which were very reasonably priced (as well as their entire menu) at $20 each. For dinner we had the lobster ravioli and two daily specials - one was the gnocchi bolognese, the second the spinach & ricotta ravioli with mushrooms and sun dried tomatoes. We had gone around 6:30 p.m. and it seemed pretty easy to get a table, but then got very crowded and it fills up fast as the restaurant is quite small. I would recommend going early if you can, otherwise make a reservation. The staff are very friendly and didn't rush us at all - I cannot wait to come here again!
(4)
Bob K.
Erin was there to make sure we had a great dinner. The whole experience was great, wait staff was friendly and attentive, the food had vivid flavor and rich in texture an color. You cannot go wrong at Panza!!!
(5)
Kristen F.
We chose an inopportune night to go out to the North End... it was pouring, windy, and cold... but to my surprise, an evening at Panza could not have been easier. The place was warm, cozy, and totally adorable. Our party of four didn't make reservations but a table in the corner was available for us right away. The waitress was very laid back and made a few good suggestions for wine, and let all four of us taste test before we made our decision. The wild mushroom and goat cheese spring rolls were yummeee! We all ordered our entrees off the specials menu and were all pleased with our choices. Prices were very reasonable. An all around hassle free evening from start to finish. Next time you're in the mood for Italian... choose this place.
(4)
Bill F.
Worth the wait. Im a big fan of Giacomo's across the street so when I read previous reviews that said the food was just as good, I made reservations. First off, they take reservations, Giacomo's does not. After running 1/2 hour late, not bad for a Saturday night, we finally got seated. First thing you notice is how load it is. Very loud. If you want an intimate dinner, go elsewhere. We were greeted by waitstaff immediately, very pleasant and friendly. apps came out fast followed by food. All the food was great. Big portions. They accommodate vegetarians and will make any pasta dish without meat. Giacomo's without the long lines.
(4)
Nicole M.
The sister to Giacomo's, Panza, is always a great option if the line across the street is circling the neighborhood, or you want quick take-out. Love the goat cheese and mushroom spring roll, and I hate mushrooms. This appetizer, however, is delicious. The salad that accompanies it is way too sweet for me, though, as it's dressed with honey. Felt like a dessert and my palate was confused. Also got the sweet potato tortelloni. Amazing the night of, but not great as leftovers the next day; you really need that sauce to give you the full flavor. A fantastic go-to for take-out. I'm a big fan! Inside, the staff was super friendly, and the space quaint and charming.
(4)
Jenny S.
Panza is my go-to North end restaurant whether I'm taking some visiting friends/family out to dinner or want a special night out with the bf. I've been about 5 times for dinner over the past few months since we moved to Boston last fall, and enjoyed every meal! Sometimes they are very busy, but other nights they are fairly empty. Since they are a rather small restaurant (like most North end places) I'd recommend reservations just to be safe! The atmosphere is nice and I've always had exceptional service. I've dined at a few other restaurants in the area (including Giacomo's) but I just can't help but want to come back to Panza every time. I LOVE the linguine alla pescatore with the fra diavolo sauce... YUM. The dish is $18, but the generous portions mean the leftovers usually give me another 2 delicious meals at home! I've also tried the lobster ravioli ($15) - yummy as well, but the cream is a bit heavy, the chicken picatta - sooo good!, and the seafood risotto ($16) - good, but my least favorite of the things I've ordered. Other dishes that my friends have tried and raved about are the chicken panza and the butternut squash ravioli.... plus many more that I can't think of at the moment :) They have a nice wine selection, but no dessert menu since they said most people end up going to one of the nearby pastry shops anyway. Smart and true, but every now and then I would like to follow up a fancy dinner with a nice in-house dessert for those special occasions... oh well, I still love you, Panza.
(5)
Alex S.
I am pissed at this place. Parents were coming to town and I was excited to capitalize on one of the few chances I get for someone else to pick up the check. A great Italian meal in the North End seemed like the perfect solution: a great meal that would be more expensive than I could normally afford. A shared appetizer, salad, three entrees and a bottle of wine were $85...WTF? Initially skeptical of the place because of its more trendy as opposed to traditional Italian family restaurant appearance I was immediately reassured. The cliche appetizer order of calamari was surprisingly interesting. Great spicy drizzle on top of the crisp but not chewy or greasy calamari was great. The bread was crispy but not the best I have had. It seemed a little too dense and heavy for dipping. The eggplant parmesan was fantastic as was my well portioned and perfectly cooked salmon with sweet potato risotto. The service was fantastic. Pleasant but not overbearing. Definitely a place I will go back to.
(4)
David T.
Anywhere that has carbonara on the menu is alright by me! Nice chunks of pancetta mixed with an egg, cheese and cream sauce over pasta is a delight for the taste buds and I order it whenever I have a chance. This is my go-to comfort dish at Italian restaurants and Panza's example was well made, generously portioned and reasonably priced (at $15). The bread here was exceptional; the crusty outside with a doughy interior was a welcome change from the too-soft, sesame-topped bread so common in Italian-American places throughout the Boston area. The service was friendly and food arrived within 15 min of ordering. It was a busy Friday night when a friend and I went for dinner and we did not feel rushed by our waitress. The space is charmingly decorated, albeit a bit small. Prices here seemed somewhat in line with other restaurants on Hanover Street although a few menus we passed on the street were considerably higher.
(4)
Danielle F.
I made a reservation on Open Table for 8:30 on a Saturday night following a sunset cruise of Boston harbor. The cruise ended early, and my boyfriend and I went to Panza to see if we could get in before our reservation. Unfortunately, the place was packed, so we had to wait it out. When 8:30 did come around, we were seated right on time. The restaurant is small (less than 20 tables), and you sit elbow-to-elbow with strangers, which is pretty common in the North End. We were seated in the back of the restaurant by the kitchen. Although this location seemed undesirable, it wasn't any noisier than other parts of the restaurant, and the waiter and waitresses took great care not to bump into our table on their hurried walks between the tables and the kitchen. Our server was nice but not particularly friendly or talkative. She brought the food to our table without saying anything or checking in to see if everything was OK. However, when we went to pay the bill, she comped our appetizer and salads and thanked my other half for his service in the military. This was really nice of her, especially since we had nothing but good things to tell her about the food. Mostly everything we ordered here was wonderful. We started off with the goat cheese and wild mushroom spring rolls. The dish came with four half rolls on a bed of mixed greens with a combination of honey and thyme for dipping. The rolls were creamy and flavorful, and the honey/thyme mix added another level of deliciousness to them. They were my favorite part of the meal. The complimentary bread that was served was crusty and very hot (in fact, everything we were served was hot - I guess that's the benefit of running a small restaurant). The Caesar salads were good; the portion was large, the lettuce was fresh, and the croutons were crusty. For an entree, I ordered the salmon with maple and mustard glaze with butternut squash risotto. The glaze on the salmon was exceptional; the maple flavor reminded me of Christmas (random, I know, but it did). Sadly, the risotto included unadvertised onions, so I didn't eat very much of it, although the un-onionated portions of it were good. My boyfriend had the linguine with lobster tail meat, which came in a creamy sauce with a variety of vegetables. He was very excited prior to getting his entree, and he wasn't disappointed when it came. He scraped every last bit of it from his plate. If you're looking for a good, hot meal in a bustling environment, Panza is an excellent choice.
(4)
Rachel K.
Came to Panza at the recommendation of a friend and was not disappointed. The atmosphere is a little less "fancy" than your average North End restaurant, and I came in with low expectations based on appearance alone. The menu has a wide range of typical Italian fare, and the drink menu consists of wine (very inexpensive!) and beers, no liquor. I am certainly a wine snob, but the two wines we chose were pretty good. Entrees were also less pricey than your typical place. I was almost hesitant to get the clams linguine (with white sauce); in past experiences this is a major hit or miss at many restaurants. The clams linguine were a definite HIT at Panza! One of the best I've had in awhile. The other three in my group were all more than pleased with their entrees as well. Service was also good here, our waiter offered great recommendations and was very timely. I'm sure I will be back, Panza was a great start to my New Years 2012.
(4)
Jaime C.
Delicious casual Italian dinner. They are owned by the famous giacamo's but at Panza, you can make a reservation and avoid the huge long wait that giacamos has. Good prices for dinner and on their wine. I had a home made lemon fettuccini with shrimp. Was very tasty. I recommend to anyone in the north end area.
(5)
Elizabeth T.
Since my original review I've gone back to Panza multiple times, sometimes with family, sometimes with friends, sometimes on a date and I cannot stress enough exactly how awesome this restaurant is. I have _never_ had even a mediocre experience here and everyone I have brought has absolutely loved it. Thumbs up for decent wine that's not too pricey and fantastic calamari. I wholeheartedly recommend this place for a date that's impressive but doesn't kill the wallet too much.
(5)
Lauren L.
I've lived in the North End for two years now. I live about 30 seconds from Panza and am so glad! I've tried almost every restaurant in the North End, and Panza is my #1 favorite. Great service, reasonable prices, AMAZING food. I'm obsessed with eggplant and I had the best eggplant parm I've ever had in my life there! A weird comment that is important to me: Their tomatoes are delicious. I don't know why, but they have the best tomatoes I've ever tasted. I'm just so in love with Panza! It's getting busier and busier by the day I've noticed (definitely much busier since last year) but they deserve the good business!
(5)
Joe J.
It's hard to go some place and give it 5 stars when other people haven't. But, the night I came in, everything went perfect. Went in on a Wednesday, had reservations for 2 at 7:00 PM. We were seated right away, and the service was great. It really was. Wasn't overbearing, water was filled continuously when needed, wine was cheap, but good, and the food was awesome. The House Chop Salad (for two) is a great appetizer to split before entrees. The Linguine alla pescatore (fra diavolo) was "the truth"...I kept telling our waiter, I think his name was Carmen, how good it was, actually how good everything was. The prices were reasonable, to say the least. Dinner for two, with a bottle and the shared salad was $68. Needless to say, we left a hefty tip. The only possible downside is how small the place is, and how close the tables are to each other, but I feel like that is becoming the norm in the North End. WOO!
(5)
Rhonda D.
This place is off the charts! love it!! Butternut squash tortelloni is amazing! my husband and I always order an extra entree to share because we can never decide!
(5)
Jade R.
Great spot - good wine, good food and reasonable prices! Usually less hectic than the other Hanover Street restauarants, so also a relaxing atmosphere. The wait staff is very attentive and friendly. Always a delicious meal! Definitely get the calamari - very yummy. Butternut Squash tortelloni, lobster ravioli, seafood risotto are some of my favorites! Always a delicious meal there.
(5)
M S.
"Good food, very reasonable prices, no wait compared to other places in the same block. Very good service- my glass was never empty but no hovering either. Definitely recommend!"
(5)
Kat M.
As far as Italian restaurants go, the North End is definitely the place to eat, HOWEVER, they can be pretty pricey and certainly not "casual" events. Panza is exactly that though- a GREAT Italian restaurant, has all the ambiance of a local "little Italy" restaurant, w/out the high prices. I've been here several times and always order a bottle of Chianti, and a different entree. All have been amazing, and all of my dining partners have been equally pleased with their food. My absolute favorite, though, is the baby rigatoni with sausage- AMAZING! The goat cheese spring rolls as an app is a must-have also. One warning is that this place is pretty tiny. Make a reservation, or you'll be outside waiting in the cold (or annoyingly, in the doorway). All-in-all, Panza is a hidden, affordable gem way down on Hanover that everyone should try! Love it.
(4)
Liz E.
My favorite spot in the north end! Food is fantastic and reasonably priced. It's tiny, so you better make a reservation or be prepared to wait. Also, it can get a little loud. Sure it's not as fancy as some other spots, but this place is well worth if for the food and price tag. I'll be back here soon!
(5)
Jeff N.
The line was short, only about a 10 minute wait ( vs an hr at the rest. Across the street, and the same owners) Service was good, perhaps a little too fast. The calamari was tasty and spicy. The small portion was huge. The house special for the night, Ravioli stuffed with wild mushrooms and pesto sauce was great. We shared a salad, appetizers and the main, with wine the bill was under 50$ and we were stuffed. I would easily recommend this restaurant .
(4)
Don S.
Coming from New York I expected North End Italian restaurants to be -expensive -food that was either common Italian or overly rich and oily -servers that are rude or feel they are doing you a favor -cramped tables -rushed through the meal so waiting customers may be seated Not So At Panza! Calamari was lightly breaded and tender with a hint of spicy sauce, The salmon portion was huge and perfectly cooked, my veal special was unique and delicious. Service was professional yet the friendly to an extreme. Don't miss this one.
(4)
Sharon G.
Always tough to pick the perfect restaurant (for a large group) -- especially in the North End. Found this one on YELP... almost perfection! The place is a little small, but our party of seven, for which we made reservations, was seated immediately. Loved our server, John, the solid menu, and the gluten free accommodations! The food was so good -- portions large (especially the chop-chop salad for "two" -- everyone had a taste!), service exceptional. SO happy we chose Panza -- and will do so again! (No dessert, but there's a whole neighborhood for that!)
(5)
Kevin S.
Like other Yelp reviews warned, having a reservation didn't really mean anything. We were seated about 20-25 minutes late. Additionally, there was a table by the window open, however the group that was going to be seated after us apparently asked the hostess if they could sit there - so we were out of luck. Weird, right? I wasn't a fan of that or those people. Anyway, after the initial frustration - the rest of the experience was pretty good. Really good food (four people, no complaints) and very affordable prices ($4 Sam Summer). My girlfriend is a vegetarian and there were plenty of options for her. On the negative side, the service is pretty slow and forgetful, but it seems to be a busy place, so maybe that's just something you have to deal with. Either way - it's a good (small) spot in the North End.
(4)
Amanda K.
Service is amazing here. The server was courteous, answered all of my questions, and was attentive without being overbearing. She also went above and beyond her required duties. When my Aunt requested to get a side of red sauce so she could try it, she cheerily complied. She didn't have to do that. This stellar service is the norm at Panza-every time I've gone, it's been phenomenal. The food itself is amazing. The calamari, mussels, and my entree were all prepared perfectly. The only negative is that you may have to wait to get a table, and that the area is very cramped. But the food and service make this well worth the trip!
(4)
Kristen M.
My husband and I had dinner at Panza w/ 2 friends. We had a 7pm reservation and were seated about 7:10. The food was delicious and very reasonably priced (esp. for the North End). We ordered the mussles fra diavolo for apps and they were great. For dinners we ordered the chicken parm, seafood risotto and gnocci and we were all very happy with our choices. I would have given 5 starts but the service was rushed. Granted, it was a Sat night and therefore busy. We definitely didn't plan to hang out there all night, but we ordered 2 bottles of wine, appetizers and 4 entrees, and were in and out of there in an hour. Still, I do recommend Panza and plan to go back!
(4)
A Z.
This place is pretty great. The food is good, they take online reservations, and the size of the restaurant is perfect and quaint. I got their spinach ravioli special ($16 bucks or so) which was pretty fantastic. It came in a creamy plum tomato sauce which was minorly sweet and pretty much perfect. I think I would have liked it even more if it was just plum tomato sauce without the cream. My guest and I shared a chop salad for two which was really fantastic. Mixed with the chopped greens were cheeses, meats, veggies, possibly some nuts, and a very good vinaigrette. I'd go just for the chop salad quite honestly. As for seating, it's a pretty tight fit. I wouldn't try to get in here without a reservation. We made reservations and they sat us right away. When we got there, there were people standing at the door waiting. The prices here were pretty surprisingly cheap. I got a special, which is why mine was $16 but you could have found plenty of other things for cheaper that would have been $10 more on another menu. Speaking of menus, the Panza menu does have a lot of meat and fish, but not all that much pasta. My guest wasn't particularly impressed with the variety, but I could have picked several things off the menu. Overall, good spot that I'd recommend. Tab came to about $75 with two meals, salad for two, and three glasses of wine.
(4)
Rahil S.
Great food but horrible service. Decided to go here with my girlfriends after seeing great reviews here. We enter the place and we were shown our seats. There was barely 6 inches behind my girlfriends chair and u was pinned against the wall with the table almost touching my chest. The table next to us was super close too. The waitress starts to take the order of the table next to us over our heads. What was horrible was that she passed them their food over our table. The floor was dirty with food from the previous patrons on the floor. U can see the kitchen and u can see how dirty the floor is. The bread that they serve is not even house-made. We saw a staff walk in with a bag of bread. The food was excellent but will never go back.
(1)
meg m.
First off, Joe (our waiter) was fantastic. We were a group of 6 after a business meeting and after some table switching, we all got settled. The appetizers were fresh and amazing and came out quickly. The bruschetta was fantastic. I had the Chicken Panza and it was incredible. Simply divine. This is fresh, thoughtful, well prepared food in a small, charming environment. We'll be back.
(4)
Amy M.
Wonderful small restaurant in the north end. 1. Burrata mozzarella (special appetizer): creamy, decadent 2. Pasta with eggplant and tomato sauce: sorry, I can't remember the name of the dish however the amazing flavor is forever sealed on my taste buds! Possibly one of my favorite Italian dishes of all time! PENNE AMATRICIANA (looked up the website--it's THAT good!) 3. Gnocchi bolognese: best gnocchi I've had in ages 4. Caprese with FRIED tomatoes: very unique, nice flavors 5. Excellent bruschetta with grilled bread and lovely tomato, onion and balsamic topping 6. Friendly service. Very enjoyable experience
(5)
Michael J.
Average food, average service, average experience. Didn't walk away satisfied nor completely let down. It helped that plates were about $10 less than the surrounding area.
(3)
Doug L.
My wife and I have been in Boston for 9 days now and have thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful City. We have been exploring various restaurants and have found our favorite to date in Little Italy. This restaurant is a gem. It is a small and somewhat cramped but don't let that fool you when comparing to other restaurants in the area. The food is outstanding. We started off dinner with green salad with a fantastic balsamic vinaigrette dressing. The bread that was served with dinner included olive oil for dipping. Very basic and tasty. My dinner was the lasagna special and my wife had the lobster risotto. The lasagna that I had was probably the best lasagna I have ever tasted. The sauce, cheese, noodle were all done perfectly. My wife absolutely loved the risotto. As well we ordered the sangria drink specials. They were priced at a ridiculously low price of $6 and were very good. We did not have dessert as we were too full but Mikes Pastry is very close to tempt you. Our whole dinner came to $51 which included the sangrias but no coffee or dessert. Very inexpensive and he food was excellent. The service was very good as well considering that one lady was serving the entire restaurant. I am not sure if she is the owner or a member of the family but she was extremely friendly. I give this restaurant two thumbs up. Mission accomplished......we managed to find an excellent inexpensive Italian restaurant in little Italy
(5)
Dan C.
There's nothing like the North End for a date--lots of people passing old brick buildings and cobblestone paths, delicious food, a certain jena se qua' that could put the legs of even the most uptight of women at ease. Any professional bachelor knows that while the North End holds a world of untold romantic wonder (i.e. dates that always lead to getting your just deserts), it can also be a dangerous place--choose the wrong restaurant, pick a place where lots of rich better looking single men hang out, pick a place where you can't keep your eyes to yourself and you are done for. Planning, people. It's important. Panza is quite frankly the new gold standard in romantic Italian gastronomic rendezvous. Panza is located on Hanover, so unless you are missing a chromosome you cannot get lost trying to find this place (if you do get lost hope it is a chromosome that wasn't very important). The dining room is small, maybe 15 or so tables for 2, many of which are pushed together to accommodate the larger parties--regardless though, this unpretentious place emits a cozy feeling. I went here with Meg M (my yelp life partner), whose company supplies these gastronomic Picasso's with their sea monsters so we had a reservation and all that jazz. The specials are written on a mirror on the wall in what could be white lipstick, undoubtedly left by an angry clown-woman each morning before she storms off to work. The wine was spot on. Granted I'm no wine snob, but it was red, in a glass, and didn't make me want to punch a toddler, so it was good by me. Though the prices of the bottles run the full gambit, they have some decent bottles around $25ish. For the pregame we had a bruschetta and some mushroom spring rolls. I hate tomatoes, I hate them with a passion that burns brighter than a hookers crack-pipe, so I wont weigh in on the bruschetta. Let me say, however, I would kill a man for the mushroom spring rolls. No, scratch that, I would kill a man and everyone that man ever came in contact with for more of those spring rolls. The were perfectly crisp on the outside and had the most amazing honey dressing. The pasta with little necks is killer, especially if ordered with the fra diavolo sauce. Stuffed with both shelled and in-shell little necks this pasta is our best hope against the treat of little necks overpopulating our seas and then waging war on us landlovers. Similarly, the portions were so gigantic that neither of us could finish. That might be something to keep in mind--especially on first dates--since its hard to be suave with unbuckled pants. Bottom line: Total panty-peeler.
(5)
Eileen L.
This is a wonderful little Italian gem in the North End. We didn't know what to eat and just wandered in this restaurant when they opened up at noon. The Italian salad for two was a great choice. One of the best salads I've ever had with all my favorite ingredients such as artichoke hearts, olives, Italian meats, and peppercinis. The pasta sauce was delicious and fresh. For the quality of food, I thought it was reasonably priced and the atmosphere was great. We received friendly service. It is a very small restaurant so I can imagine the wait could be long for busy hour. Luckily we didn't have to wait.
(5)
Renee W.
I had read reviews on yelp trying to find a new Italian spot in the North End we hadn't been to yet. Panza was delicious! We shared the antipasto salad for 2- plenty leftover also. I had the special black pepper linguine with mushroom cream sauce = to die for! My husband loved the gnocchi with braised beef. Good wine, service and location. Perfect to celebrate our wedding anniversary. We did venture elsewhere for dessert though since it is not on the menu. Great place for dates!
(4)
Michelle C.
This place is solidly GOOD. Some stuff is better than others. I went here with my family after visiting the latest exhibit at the MFA. We had an early dinner on a Sunday and the place was pretty empty. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The food was pretty good. I got the seafood pasta dish. It had a tasty Fra Diavolo sauce, though it wasn't terribly spicy (for me at least), but had good flavor. The pasta was well cooked (al dente as it should be!), but the seafood itself was a little overcooked tending towards the rubbery side. Still, it was tasty and the portion was huge, so I had leftovers, which always makes me happy. We all shared two appetizers, the mussels, which were well cooked, and one that you should ABSOLUTELY try: grilled Italian greens over a polenta cake with gorgonzola and I think a balsamic reduction. It was fantastic. My whole family was raving about it. It's nice to see a not-so-ordinary appetizer offering amongst the standard fare and boy were we rewarded by trying it. If you go, get that and you won't be disappointed. All in all it was a good experience and I think I'll be back to see what else they have to offer and how things stack up. This is at the very least worth a stop in when everywhere nearby is crowded and they've got seats available. Oh and the Anthony Bourdain check: the bathroom was brand new and very clean and the kitchen was open to the dining room :-).
(3)
C Y.
I had the lobster ravioli which was really delicious. My friends had the seafood risotto which was also good and another had seafood spaghetti fra diavolo which I thought the pasta was a little to al dente for my tastes. But overall, if you are in the North End the food at Panza will not disappoint you.
(4)
I L.
The food is amazing and a great price. However, this gets a 3 star due to the crazy wait despite having reservations the last 3 times Ive been there. The last time I had to wait an additional hour past my reservation time because they do not have a dedicated hostess. Being in line with angry diners who keep crowing the non existent wait area is simply not the way I want to spend my evening. I may have to stop going there because anger eating is not that fun.
(3)
Patrick F.
Everything was good except when you have a reservation, you don't really have a reservation. I had heard that you end up waiting a while but we had a 7:30pm reservation and were seated at 8:15... that's not acceptable.
(3)
Charisma P.
The food was fine, and the price was right, but the service needs work. When we arrived, the hostess greeted someone who was probably a member of the mafia, and they blocked the door while chatting for 5 solid minutes without acknowledging our presence until he left. Since there was no place to wait, we reluctantly blocked the path between servers and their tables. We had reservations and were asked to wait even though a table had just opened up in the back and was already cleared. When another group left, we were seated. It was clear that there was a serious lack of organization as there were about a dozen workers who were running around doing all of the same jobs. There was probably 1 server to every 2 customers. When my food came, it was brought out by someone other than our server, and we assumed my husband's would be right behind it. We were wrong. Finally, our server came and apologized and brought out his dish as if she had simply forgotten it. I guess you have to be a member of the family to get the great service, and we will not be returning.
(2)
Stacy B.
If you read the bad reviews below, none are about the food. In fact, most are about the wait. To me, that's the sign of a good restaurant... one that I want to eat at. Also, waiting is what you do when you go to dinner in the North End. And lucky for us, we're seasoned patrons of the North End, and know that going to dinner at 8pm, reservations or not, is going to be crowded. We got there early... around 5pm. When we left around 7pm, the place was packed. Moving on to the best part: the food. Boy, was it tasty, and oh-so-affordable -- something you can't say often about a full meal in the North End. The service was more than accommodating to my six-year old's request for plain pasta, and a plain salad. And although there were some pretty tasty sounding dishes on the menu, I wished for nothing more than a plate of spaghetti with marinara. My request wasn't frowned upon, nor made poorly. In fact, it was one of the most delicious plates of spaghetti I have ever had. The other half ordered the eggplant parm, and raved about how fresh the dish was. We shared the tomato bruschetta to start, which was also very fresh. Good luck finding a bottle of wine more expensive than $50 (and thank you for that, Panza). And kudos for being kid friendly! Will definitely recommend this place, go back myself, and take my entire family. Because that's what italian restaurants are supposed to be: family friendly. Not little holes in the wall created to cater to unrealistic romantic expectations.
(4)
Benjamin T.
The service was okay. It's a very small restaurant and there was no hostess really seating people. You need to get a waitress' attention in order to let them know you have arrived for your reservation. The waitress we had was good, but the bus boy didn't seem like he wanted to be there while he poured water and gave bread to the table. We had a mixed experience with the appetizers. The Grilled Italian Greens were cooked well with lots of flavor. However, the muscles were rubbery and drowned in some much tomato sauce there was no flavor. For entries we had the linguine w/ mixed seafood (scallops, shrimp, clams) and veal parm. The seafood was very fresh and tasty, the sauce was average and drown out some of the seafood flavor. The veal parm was cooked perfectly but again they must really love their tomato sauce as the veal was drown in it as well. I'd rate this 3 1/2 stars if that was available, but since it's not I'd go 3 stars. If the service improved and they didn't use so much sauce they'd get 4 stars.
(3)
Mimi F.
Visiting Boston and came upon Panza. We did not have a reservation but were able to be seated within a few minutes. The olive oil and bread were amazing! Had the goat cheese spring rolls--yum yum. The honey was an interesting and great touch. Their deconstructed lasagna WAS deconstructed. Appreciated the waiter double checking to make sure we understood what it was. Also had some penne with sausage that was quite tasty. Very reasonably priced and enjoyed the meal.
(5)
Lauren S.
Wound up here one night when the line at Giacomo's was too long, and my boyfriend and I were too hungry to wait in line for our "go to" Italian place in the North End. Good stuff: We were pleasantly surprised. The bruschetta was amazing. There was a braised pork lasagna special that night. Find out when these nights are -- and go order this. It was amazing. The portion was large enough to last two more meals. Again. Go order this. The chicken piccata was delicious as well. Prices are reasonable considering the quality and portion size. Service was attentive and pleasant. Bad stuff: There really aren't any bad points. It took a while to get a refill on our glasses of water. But a slight thirst aside, the meal was perfect. Great place. Great location. One of the best meals I've had in Boston.
(5)
Vanessa M.
We wandered in at 4pm on a Sunday after the restaurant my sister had chosen for our mom's birthday was closed. (You gotta call ahead baby sister!) We were seated immediately. Service was friendly and attentive. Our waiter very thoughtfully brought out extra plates so we could share apps and entrees. Mom ordered a salad which was enough for all 5 of us to have a bit of, and it was tasty-- baby spinach with goat's cheese and candied walnuts. We had the chicken piccata, chicken saltimboca, chicken marsala, maple glazed salmon with butternut squash risotto, and a sweet potato gnocchi special with duck confit and dried cherries. The food was delicious... no complaints. The traditional entrees came with a side of pasta. Prices are very reasonable for the quality of the food and the neighborhood. Our chicken entrees were $14 each, salmon was $18, and the special was $19. Portions were good, and not too huge. I know lots of people want to leave the North End with a week's worth of lunches left over from one entree, but I am not that kind of gal. We had enough to share, we left full, and there was enough left over for mom and sis to have lunch the next day. Panza does not serve dessert, but that shouldn't be a shock-- Mike's is about a block away and I'm sure everyone just goes there.
(4)
Thom T.
Absolutely great service and food. Crowded and fun, and a good alternative to waiting in line across the street. Goat cheese spring rolls are rightly famous, but those ribs!!!!
(5)
V P.
Just got here! Amazing service! Awesome house wine!
(5)
Jacqueline P.
This restaurant was recommended to me by a coworker who lived in the north end. Went for a friends birthday, 8:00ish on a Saturday night, it was small (not a ton of seating) and busy so I was glad I made reservations. As soon as we walked in, I informed a waitress we had reservations and she took us immediatley. Fried calamari- Delicious. My friend and I both ordered the lobster ravioli and it was to die for. I am craving it right now! I highly recommend this place for the food and the price.
(5)
John F.
Simple, but still amazing. I've been to quite a few places in the North End, and Panza remains my favorite. The last time I went with my dad for a quick lunch. We split an order of the bruschetta, which was huge but delicious. I ordered the butternut squash tortellonni and I was AMAZED, definitely due to the fact that all the pasta here is made on site. The sauce (brown butter sage) was a perfect compliment to the flavor of the butternut squash. The service was great as well. Our waiter was friendly and attentive. He also really knew his stuff about wines, since he helped my dad pick a perfect wine to match his dish. The prices were also a little bit better than most places in the North End. It's true, the one downside is the fact that the place is on the small side, but I've found I like doing later lunches here, because you tend to arrive at a point where the rush is over. I've never been for dinner, but I would imagine that a reservation is a good idea.
(5)
VJ C.
New years eve. Great dinner needed quick in and out. Calamari large $9 is fantastic. Chop salad for 2 will feed 4 lots of crispy pancetta. Bread is great. $6 buys you a large glass of wine they fill to the top. Haven't had anything bad at this little gem! Fair prices
(5)
John W.
I really enjoyed this place because they had the typical amazing italian food famous in North End, but were moderately priced and were on Open Table. One of the dishes we had was a roasted eggplant pasta dish with red sauce which was amazing- something about how they roasted the vegetable was delish. The customer service was also great- you can tell the workers know how to please all their customers. I truly felt like a welcomed guest.
(4)
Shannon M.
Panza has amazing food. It is also amazingly heavy and I felt like a fat pig by the time I rolled out of there. I would suggest sharing an entree and ordering large salads.
(4)
Iva V.
While my Linguini ala Pescatore with red sauce were really spaghetti and not linguini - the dish was sensational! Definitely coming back. Cozy, friendly, great food, good prices.
(4)
Allyn H.
It is very hard for me to decide sometimes where to eat. When someone says "lead the way" I sort of just say say 'ok' and have no idea where I am going. When my dad wanted to go to the north end, and (kept insisting on it) My wife and I just thought, we will just go to Haymarket, walk around a bit, and then make a decision. I'm very happy that Panza was there at the right place at the right time. After smelling the bread from a local bakery, I knew we were hungry and that's when we found Panza. We were taken to a table immediately, mind you we came early for dinner service, we were allowed to have conversation without very much interruption and more importantly wait staff offered great suggestions with the menu. We had the calamari, fish cakes, veal panza. Food was simple, not overdone, and a perfect night was had.
(4)
Jennifer K.
Decent italian food in the North End at decent prices. Make a reservation before-hand. The service was good too, but the crowd was a little rude while we were waiting for a table.
(3)
Hungry H.
Location: the restaurant is in the middle of the busiest tourist area, and we had to wait for 45 minutes for a table on a Sunday night, though they did tell us that when we made the reservation, and we were seated at the expected time. For such popularity and the fairly high prices, we expected something very good. Unfortunately, the food was mediocre. The sourdough bread arrived to the table completely cold. Bruschetta contained feta cheese, for some reason. The bruschetta bread was charred, most likely on purpose - one of use liked this, the other didn't. Veal "panza" was unremarkable and oversalted, though it was covered in large quantities of very good tomato sauce. Beef and veal totelloni were extremely salty and were drowning in very greasy cream sauce, so you couldn't taste the meat or the mushrooms at all. All in all, absolutely not worth the wait or the money - might as well go to Olive Garden for this kind of mediocrity.
(2)
Kaitlyn H.
GREAT food. Reasonable prices. A North End diamond in the rough. Make a reservation (the restaurant is small) and order away!
(5)
Mattyboy H.
Tiny inside. However the bruschetta as an app was light and fresh. Overall positive all around. I'd go back again.
(4)
Laura P.
I went with my husband and adult son; we had three different entrees (2 specials of the day) and all were superb. We will absolutely return to try more things on the menu! Our reservation was honored with on-time seating (we were early) and our wait-person was attentive. The restaurant is very small, so the noise level can get high with just one loud group in the room, but you have to expect that in most of the good spots in the North End.
(5)
Priya D.
Hands down, my favorite restaurant in the North End. I tend to go at odd hours so I dont quite run into the crowd at night but can imagine wait times get lengthy given how small the place is. The bruchetta is just about the best thing I have ever eaten. We seriously went for lunch one day and ordered three orders of the bruchetta to eat there and took home some pasta. Service didnt even look at us weird! Extra stars just for that! This place has my heart and is slowly growing my belly. Well done.
(5)
Kelsey L.
Right when you walk in the door ultimate feeling of comfort. Wait staff and all other employees were beyond nice and very attentive to your needs. Efficient service, food was right out and the timing of everything flowed nicely. Definitely will be back to this restaurant, the waiter left his card in the bill his name was Carmen. Very nice and attentive to all customers needs and was quick and efficient. Very pleased especially for my first time in the North End for dinner with my boyfriend! Awesome experience!!!!
(5)
Jill S.
I always have a hard time choosing where to go eat in the north end because I liked to try new places every time I go-- and everything on Hanover St has delicious smells emitting from the doors. My friend and I stumbled across Panza and thought it looked cute on the inside so we popped inside for a weekday 8oclock dinner. The inside is small, but not as small as some of the North End hole in the walls. The waitress was very nice. What struck me most was how affordable the meals were. We both ordered the chicken parm and got a huge portion for 14 dollars. It was delicious and I had enough for leftovers the next day. Overall it was a great experience here. I would definitely recommend it for an inexpensive girls night out. The food was great- not the best I have ever had in the North End- but still very good.
(4)
Ryan W.
Going the the North End in Boston I typically enjoy upscale Italian; which normally features, chops, fancy pastas, and wild boar ragu sauces. Panza is different. It's a roll up your sleeves North End italian eatery which has great entrees, calamari, and they serve many of their dishes with "gravy", not red sauce, but GRAVY! My point being that this will please the pallet of any traditional Italian food lover. I cannot wait to return Panza to try some of their other dishes. The service was friendly and attentive since the restaurant is small in size, no guest goes forgotton.
(4)
Jason P.
So freaking good. I had the tandoori fettuccine with grilled lobster tails. It was so creamy and rich. My wife had the LINGUINE ALLA PESCATORE which had a little heat and was super yummy. They make their own bread which was fab. We also had their calamari which renowned my faith in a outstanding appetizer. They lightly fry it and add peppers and grilled onions drizzled in a chipotle sauce. Forget the marinara. Absolutely love this place. My wife and I almost are here two nights in a row but we forced ourselves to try a different place seeing how we were only in town for two days. After we ate at the other restaurant we wish we would have gone back to Panza!
(5)
Dana F.
Love this place. Simple, fresh ingredients. No over the top heavy Italian food. Great decor, reasonable prices. Has a great, cozy feel for a date night too.
(5)
lauren f.
The space is very tight, and you sit VERY close together; almost at the same table as the people next to you. This really does take away from the enjoyment of your meal, especially if you are dining in a small party(2 people). The food was good and prices were reasonable. Get the salad or the grilled greens. The pastas were overwhelmed in sauce. Service was slow.
The food is okay, but the place and service is terrible. It was one of the only restaurants takes reservation. It is really small, crowded of course, but we had so much expectation for the real Italian food. However, it was one of the worst experience EVER. It was my friend's birthday, so we brought a cake, and after we eat, we asked for the cake, and the waitress came and asked if we mentioned it in the reservation, if not, we had to go somewhere else to eat the cake. We had to talk to the manager to get our cake back. And when she served, we had two iphones on the table sharing pictures, and she flicked the phones sideway with her middle figure. GOD, how can people do this, with no respect???!!! Besides, the place is dirty, I got four bug bites there on my left arm, which is facing the kitchen side, and it bothers me for weeks. Horrible horrible experience. I am afraid I only put one star coz there is no zero. Fire the waitress, and clean the kitchen. The food tastes good, but who cares.
(1)
Diana P.
This place is very quaint and cute. I went with one other person and showed up a couple minutes late for an 8pm reservation and still got seated right away even though there were only about 15 tables. I got the tomato/mozz caprese salad and it was amazing and actually big enough to split with two people unlike many other places. We got a bottle of wine and found all the choices very reasonable and not upcharged as much as everywhere else. I recommend the Pinot Noir, it was very smooth. We both enjoyed our meals and dined for two hours! The staff was friendly and patient with us. My only problem with this place and most places iin the North End is that it is very tight; the couple next to us was only about 6 inches away. I will definitely be back.
(4)
Brian B.
Good service, very tasty pastas and good starters. Reasonable prices too and wasn't too hard to get a seat on a weeknight. Tables very close together, but that's OK.
(4)
Victor R.
The food was excellent. The process of the queue needs to be improved drastically. I had two, maybe three parties seated ahead of us, who came in after us.
(4)
Lee M.
Food was fantastic and the price was very reasonable. I would highly recommend this place!
(4)
Feliks S.
Although there are other places in the North End for a better ambience for special occasions, we have no complaints about a recent dinner for two at Panza! The food was delicious, the selection was great, and the wine list was reasonable with choices for all budgets. I was surprised by the size of the portions, since one pasta entree resulted in enough leftovers for a second dinner. At the same time, quality wasn't compromised, the total check was very reasonable for an appetizer, two entrees, and a bottle of chardonnay (total $70) and I can't wait to go back again and try other dishes!
(4)
Brian M.
My food was excellent my wifes not so good. Wait staff was pretty rude and we felt very rushed. Prices are good but if you only get out to the north end for special occasions choose another spot.
(1)
Matt F.
Great experience, I'll definitely come back!
(5)
Jenny M.
YUM! We dined at Panza yesterday evening and are still reveling in the tastiness and indulgence of the meal. We made a reservation for 3 for 8pm and were seated just a few minutes after we arrived. Immediately we were drooling over the menu - with so many delectable-sounding options, it was nearly impossible to choose what dish to go with. Luckily we had a lovely $20 bottle of wine and the tasty wild mushroom and goat cheese spring rolls to nosh on while we decided - the spring rolls came with a honey thyme sauce, which added a nice sweetness to the appetizer (though the sauce could have been a little less thick to mirror spring roll sauce more closely - but I digress). Finally we settled on the Pappardelle with braised wild boar ragu and asiago cheese (a special that night), penne with chicken and broccoli in roasted garlic cream sauce, and the tarragon fettuccini with grilled lobster tails in brandy cream sauce. As I had the lobster tails, I can say it was TO DIE FOR. One of the best pasta dishes I have had in a long time, with big chunks of lobster swimming in this delicious, creamy sauce. The peas were also a great touch in the dish. I could have used a little more pasta in the dish, but that's because I'm a carb addict. The pappardelle with wild boar was also fabulous - I hope this becomes a regular at the restaurant! The ragu was very yummy and rich. I didn't try the penne with chicken and broccoli, but my friend raved about it. All portions were big enough that we could eat to capacity and bring enough home for lunch the next day. Our waiter was also wonderfully helpful and very nice - his recommendations were all spot on. The service was also super quick, which was nice as were quite hungry upon coming in. I wouldn't have minded just a bit more time between the appetizer and the entrees though, the turnaround was barely long enough to savor the spring rolls before our dishes were out! All in all, a fabulous dining experience, and I hope to return again soon!
(5)
kim r.
Great gem in the northend. The prices are a steal, and the food is amazing. It has perfect 15 table intimacy where you can see what your neighboor ordered without feeling like the tables are on top of you. This is my go to italian place! Their take out is equally great.
(5)
Chris B.
Good food and service, use caution when reserving on open table, especially the night of. Our reservation was not honored and was forced to wait 45 minutes.
(4)
Johnny G.
There is nothing mediocre about this place. Fast, friendly service, great atmosphere, and food that'll make you wanna slap yo mama! I recommend the calamari for starters, then try the house special. Trust me, you won't be disappointed! We had the tomato & fresh mozzarella filled Ravioli with roasted red peppers... Magnifico! You also have to get a side of meatballs (3 per serving)
(5)
Jason F.
Similar to another reviewer below, I give this place 4.5 stars for food, 3.5 stars for atmosphere, and about 1.5 stars for service. First the good - the food here is really great. I had the rigitoni w/ sausage. The sauce was fantastic and the pasta was cooked very well. My friend ordered the chicken marsala and raved about it throughout the meal. The chianti I ordered with my meal was decent but not the best I have had. The restaurant is tiny, as are many North End eateries. That adds to the charm and character, in my opinion. Seating was still comfortable. The place was clean and decorated nicely. Now for the service. I made reservations for a Saturday night at 6 PM. I got there right at 6 and was told that they were too busy and we would have to wait for a table. It took almost 20-25 minutes to get a table. With reservations. I wasn't thrilled about that. Then, the service was rushed. Upon getting the menus from one server, about 2 minutes later we were already asked to order. The server looked quite flustered and was rushing back and forth. The food came promptly and hot, which was great. But as we were eating, the check came and was placed (I learned later they don't serve dessert? A letdown IMO). We finished our meal and were chatting when the server came back again and grabbed the check (which we hadn't even looked at). I told the server it wasn't ready yet. She rolled her eyes and walked away. Huh? I get the restaurant was busy (though at that time there were tables open), but that was uncalled for. So, overall, the place was a good place but the service left something to be desired. I might considering returning for a second evaluation, but we shall see.
(3)
Fatty T.
Panza was recommended to our group by a private North End tour guide paid for by my company. (Note: I lived in the North End for two years and never heard of it.) Unfortunately, the food and service screamed "tourist trap." Bread, apps, and entree were brought out all at the same time and placed on our small, cramped table. Also, our server tried to box up my entree merely 10 minutes after it was placed in front of me and while I was mid-bite. We were shocked at how the servers were instantaneously trying to turn tables, but there was no wait or line out the door at 5:30 p.m. on a Saturday. The spare ribs were ok, as was my baked ziti. Unfortunately, my dining partner complained of overcooked mushrooms in the tortelloni, and was sick a few hours after eating.
(1)
Xin W.
Affordable and tasty. The lasagna was not bad, and the pasta came in a huge portion! Enough for two meals. So generally a good deal.
(4)
md d.
We went here on a date recently. Awesome raviolis. Wine was divine. Friendly service. Clean restaurant. A must try if you're in Boston!
(4)
A R.
Great spot - unlike some North End restaurants they don't just churn out plates and plates of so-so pasta. This pasta was quite good. I had the spinach and roasted garlic ravioli with pancetta. Delicious. Someone else in the group had "free form" lasagna. They liked it so much they are going to try and make it at home (look it up - very creative). The calamari was average. The atmosphere is nice - not as big and gaudy as some of the other places towards the beginning of Hanover Street. Some advice to someone going on Hanover Street - take the time to walk down the street a ways and don't get caught up in the moment and go to the first place you see. Lastly, the price is right. Anywhere from $12 - $22 for a large pasta dish or entree.
(4)
Joan S.
I just discovered a new restaurant in the North End, Panza on Hanover Street and Wow! What a great meal for little money. Right on Hanover Street in the middle, I found this terrific new spot and had the best Veal Saltimboca I have ever had. Fork tender and just the right amount. As I am no-carbing it right now, living AND eating in the North End can be tough, but not here. Along with the Veal I had a side of wonderfully marinated vegetables and a delightful waitress who made the experience great. Dinner was only $16! Can you believe that -- On Hanover Street!!! This new gem isn't going to stay undiscovered for long. And before you know it, the lines will appear in front of this restaurant too. I forgot to mention...a bottle of wine - $20!
(5)
KayGee G.
It is my favorite North End restaurant. I've been going for 10 years when it was CIBO and now as Panza. It is small compared to other restaurants in the neighborhood but it is really good. Every dish I have ever had there has been good. I most recently had the FREE FORM' LASAGNA which was really good. The person whom I dined with had the special, a spinach pesto ravioli dish. He loved it. The entree prices are typical for the North End and worth it.
(5)
Chelsea J.
I just want to be the 100th review, because I'm awesome. Nothing really new to report though. Came with some friends who were in town before we headed over to the Garden. Got there early since our event started at 7:30, were in and out with enough time to grab some pastries and get our seats. Husband and I both had the special, which was delicious. Goat cheese filled ravioli with duck confit, dried cherries, and spinach, in this amazing sauce. One friend got the lemon garlic shrimp (also a special, I think) and the other ordered the lasagna. The only thing not finished was the shrimp dish, my friend liked it although I thought it was a bit bland.
(4)
Joshua G.
This has a consistently delicious experience since the restaurant was called Cibo a few years back. Staff is friendly though the waitstaff seems understaffed and overwhelmed. The restaurant is crowded and tables too close. Still, some of the best Italian the city offers at the best price. Worth it but try to get in early if going Thursday, Friday or Saturday.
(4)
Katherine S.
We made reservations for 8, then called because we were going to be 20 minutes late, and still waited until around 8:50 for a table for 2 but it was well worth it! The seafood dishes were perfectly flavored, and the house salad and grilled Italian greens were a perfect complement. The side bread was delicious, simple and tasty. The hostess/waitress served us a free glass of wine for our "trouble." The food came out quickly and hot. Best of all the price was totally reasonable. Overall an excellent experience!
(4)
M M.
This place was simply awesome. Found out it is owned by the same family who own Giacomos across the street. We made a 6:30 reservation for 4 and were seated within 15 minutes. Food was outstanding.. We had a Fried Calamari with a cherry pepper aioli that was simply the best I have ever had. Service was very good (not outstanding), price was great. Yes the place is small but that what most of the restaurants in the North End seem to be. If you are going to eat out in Boston, this is a must stop!
(5)
Dani A.
Really a 4.5. Deserves 5 stars hands down for food, and 4 stars for service/environment. I came here on a weekend night with my family for a celebration. There were 6 of us and I had made a reservation only two days beforehand. We waited less than five minutes for our table. The ONE negative aspect about my experience was that we were slightly stuffed at a table for four people, and were a bit crowded; however it was understandable as the restaurant is moderately small. So if you don't mind playing a little footsie with your dinner dates, it's really not an issue! Now I came here with a severe craving for AUTHENTIC, OLD SCHOOL italian food... I'm talking cheesy and gushing with tantalizingly delicious marinara sauce, and that is EXACTLY what we got. We ordered the mussels, which were delectable, the fried calamari, which was exquisite (and perfectly spicy for my latina taste) and I had the eggplant parm, my favorite Italian dish, and it was exactly what I wanted. My sister raved about the lobster ravioli (she said "the best she's ever had), and the rest of my family was similarly satisfied with their meals. Topping on the cake.. we had a delicious bottle of Malbec for only $20. This is quite a reasonable restaurant!! Highly recommend it. Just to warn.. they don't have coffee/dessert, however there are countless cafes around the North End to appease your post dinner sweet tooth.
(4)
Al A.
They ignore all reservations made. Extremely annoying.
(1)
Michelle M.
This is my very first review! While in the Boston area for a business trip, my coworkers/friends and I found Panza from a different website. It was rated high, so we went. I'm glad we did! It was good and I'd go again. The restaurant is on the smaller side and made for a fun experience! The staff was great and the food was yummy! For starters we shared the brushetta along with an appetizer that was a special for that night - I don't remember the name but it was with burrata. Both were good, but I liked the brushetta better - it had a really good flavor. My entree was the Spinach & Ricotta Ravioli and I really enjoyed that! My friends all enjoyed their dishes too -- one was a special for the evening, don't remember what, one was Linguine alla Pescatore, one was Butternut Squash Tortelloni and one was Penne Amatriciana. So,my official reccomendation is that you go to this restaurant if you want to go eat in the North End!
(4)
Clifford T.
This is my favorite little secret in the Northend. My boyfriend and I go here for dates all the time and we have never had anything on the menu that we remotely disliked. Their specials are typically very delicious too. When you're walking down Hanover, keep an eye out for it because it is easy to pass (speaking from personal experience on multiple trips). I would definitely recommend their mussels.
(5)
Jessica J.
Our FAVORITE restaurant in the North End. We love the ambiance, the service and of course, THE FOOD! Everything on the menu is delicious. Our personal favorites include the Bruschetta, the Caprese Salad, the Butternut Squash Tortelloni and their special Pesto Gnocchi. Mmmmm I cannot wait to go back!
(5)
Hobart L.
To do this restaurant justice, let me first take you on an Italian Food journey of the North End/Eastie/Revere: (skip next paragraph to go to review) It was the early eighties and times were good. Pac Man fever ruled the airwaves and the mob was killing people at a record clip. These three neighborhoods were tight knit and all Italian, in fact, 1st generation right off the boat Italian. The food was delicious, and fresh. Just like the old country. Then the outsiders from The Financial District and beyond heard about this ethnic food called macaroni, and began coming to the restaurants. The restaurants, over the next decade, moved away from quality, as, by the early 90's, they became a caricature of themselves. Believing huge portions of spaghetti and Chicken Parm meant good, the backlash and a lull in good Italian restaurants followed. A renaissance occurred, and this time, it was yuppified. Fancy "Northern Italian" places opened up that weren't good, but they were different. Lighter, more expensive "pastas" with white wine sauces small portions and fancy schmancy names ruled Hanover St. The hoighty toighty loved to love these places (in fact some are still out there). Then Lehman Brothers tanked. And that brings us to my dinner with Bernie Madoff: This restaurant is a return to the hey day of Italian Dining. The restaurant, decor and ambiance is all 2010, but the food is the perfect balance of old school Italian and modern dining. I've waited 20 years for a meaty 'gravy' for my 'macaroni', not a light 'sauce' for my 'pasta'. Now, there is something for everybody if you don't want the real Italain food (read bolognese), but I will recommend going Pac Man Fever on the menu. Thanks Panza, you reminded me of the days of good pizza from the Old Francesca's and #33 in Green. Oh, and if you're a tourist and have read the North End is the place to go to eat Italian, it's places like Panza that helped build that reputation.
(5)
Nick D.
I had the penne chicken and broccoli. Overall, it was good but not the best.
(3)
Kelly S.
Owned by the same folks as Giacomo's across the street, yet fairly disappointing. The price is right (around $15/entree) but the food is just average. Our calamari was way overcooked and as chewy as rubber. Scallops were undercooked. My entree was unnecessarily large. My wife's lobster ravioli was, mainly, just salty. Very good bread (Clear Flour I would guess) and friendly service.
(3)
Fernando V.
I have eaten here twice with out of town visitors both times and it keeps getting better and better. The Panza chicken plate is probably the best Italian entree I have ever had in my life. Carmen has been our server both times and is very good at remembering my name and my likes. Our table choose different dishes each time we went and we all agreed all the dishes were great. Food and Wine are both very reasonably priced for the north end. Although a group more than 4 would be a little hard to accommodate I highly recommend dining at this cozy little restaurant.
(5)
Jess K.
Great restaurant in the North End for vegetarians. We decided to split three dishes: Butternut squash tortelloni, spinach and ricotta ravioli and eggplant parm. All of them were fantastic, but the eggplant parm was probably the best I've ever had, the eggplant was cooked perfectly. Menu was reasonably priced, each meal was about $15. Service was great, wait staff was friendly and made sure to keep our glasses full. This will be my go to spot in the North End on future trips.
(5)
H. Q.
i was going to the north end to have dinner with my bf... we were planning on going to giacomo's, but we didn't make reservations given that it was a tuesday night, and we thought no one was going to be there... we were wrong. there was a huge line out the door. so, we looked across the street and saw panza. we looked at their menu on the window, saw that they had a pretty good selection and prices. we ordered the goat cheese spring rolls (i think that was the name) as an appetizer and they were delicious! as for my main course, i had pasta with clams, mussels, scallops, and shrimps with fra diavolo sauce. it was great! my boyfriend had the parmesan veal with a side of meatballs. he really like his meal. one great thing about this place is that the portions are huge! we also had a bottle of white wine, don't remember which one, but i remember that the prices were very decent. i also liked the ambiance of panza. it was quite small, and cozy... pretty romantic.
(4)
Caitlin C.
I went to Panza (which I believe means Paunch in Italian) recently with my father. The restaurant is quite small, and I was forced to sit uncomfortably close to the table due to the rather large individual sitting behind me. Not the end of the world. Anyway, we had a fine, satisfying meal. I had the maple, salmon dish. It was a bit over-sweet and I think it's more of an autumn dish. My father really liked the special ravioli dish that he chose. The wine was also quite good and very reasonably priced. I think it was a Montepulciano. I'd definitely return to Panza, but I think I'd order a pasta dish next time!
(3)
Marie C.
The mussels are delicious! Get them with the far diavalo sauce (spicy red sauce) - it's fantastic and the perfect kick and definitely homemade - YUM!
(5)
Holly S.
best eggplant ever! definetely will return!
(5)
Carolyn S.
I just love Panza. Back when we lived in the North End we went here all the time. It was the perfect little neighborhood spot for us. Friendly service, a menu full of flavorful dishes all at a very good price. The wine list was pleasantly varied, not overwhelming and quite reasonably priced. We always took friends and family visiting from out town here and when anyone ever asked for a recommendation for a good place to go in the North End, we sent them here. We've since moved, but found ourselves visiting the old neighborhood last Friday. It was like going home. Interesting appetizers and specials as per usual, convivial atmosphere, great food and a couple of worthy (yet still reasonable) additions to the wine list. Fave dishes include...well, just about everything! I can't wait to 'end up in the North End unexpectedly' again so I can go back to this casual and unassuming little jewel of a place nestled in the heart of Hanover St.
(5)
Meg M.
This place is fantastic! Right on Hanover St... no line. no wait... no feeling of being rushed through your meal. I went last night with two friends of mine and called for a 6:45 reservation. When we pulled up in front of Panza in what we thought was an excellent parking spot, our soon to be waiter Chris was standing out front and let us know we would get a ticket so we should move. That was a great thing, cuz another ticket is the LAST thing I need. We parked in a lot around the corner and walked back up Fleet St. I think it was 14 dollars. We walked into Panza and it was for the most part empty but I know people usually dine a little later in the North end and it was a thursday night. We were seated at a four top right at the window which was great. We started off with a bottle of delicious Pinot Noir (20 bucks!!!) and one friend got a Peroni. After looking at the menu and wanting everything we decided to order 3 appetizers... one of my friends is a guy and he was making sure we would ALL have enough to eat. We started with a basket of wonderful crusty bread and olive oil. Next came the bruschetta which was made with the freshest tomatoes and the bread it was on was perfectly soaked (i hate when its too hard OR too soggy). We also had the mushroom and goat cheese spring rolls served with a honey dressing on field greens... it was also ridiculously good. I really cant describe how awesome these things taste. I dont even like mushrooms and I loved this thing... I tried it because my love for goat cheese far outweighs my dislike of mushrooms so I figured it was worth a shot. Chris then brought us the mussels in a white wine garlic broth (you can have it red white or fra diavlo). The mussels were big and cooked perfectly. The sauce was simple, refined and beautifully seasoned. Now it was entree time. We couldnt decided so we all ordered something different and agreed to share. I ordered the gnocchi bolognese and when I say these were some of the best gnocchi I have had in the north end. Fresh and perfect. The meat sauce was simple and flavorful and everything you would look for in a bolognese. Eliza got the seafood risotto which I envied but not enough to want to share too much of mine. The vegetables were crisp and fresh and the seafood was all perfectly cooked and unbelieveably fresh. Sean got the "free form" lasagna. Its basically a pasta dish with long flat lasagna noodles cut smaller mixed in a red sauce with chicken, mushrooms and a plum tomoato sauce. It was perfectly al dente and tasted wonderful. Chris left us alone to chat and catch up but we never needed or wanted anything. He made it a point to tell us to relax, take our time and enjoy ourselves. He was on top of our table without being overbearing and by the end of the night other parties had started to fill the charming little space. Like its sister restaurants, Panza does not do desert or coffee to encourage North End exploration. We were stuffed obviously so we passed on desert and headed over to the charity function we were attending. The best part is that the food was phenomenal, the service was impeccable and the cost........... CHEAP. All of the food we got last night came to $95.00.... 3 people, a bottle of wine, 2 beers, 3 apps, and 3 HUGE entrees... under 100? YES PLEASE. I will be back... and often. Thank you Panza... I love you.
(5)
Rachel F.
I ate dinner here last week and it was great. We had a reservation and were seated right away. The food was delicious and the service was excellent! The bruschetta appetizer had a little balsamic on it which was a welcome addition - so good. We got a small order of calamari too and it was huge.. I was full by the time my seafood linguine came, but still managed to make a dent in it :) My leftovers fed me for two more nights, so serving sizes are certainly plentiful! The beer list was very limited (as expected) but they had decent offerings. It was pretty busy for a weekday night, so I can imagine on the weekends it must get packed. Overall, it was a great dining experience!
(4)
Jamie G.
I would have probably given this restaurant 5 stars had it not been for the fact that I lost feeling in my pinky fingers because of them. Let me explain. We made reservations for 4 at 9pm on a Friday night. We show up a little early 8:45pm and are told to wait outside and someone will be right out for us (by a waitress as they have no hostess). She then proceeds to seat a party of 2 with no reservation next to a party of two who are just finishing up (aka a soon to be table for 4) yet we are out waiting in the cold.... for FORTY FIVE MINUTES!!!! So at 9:30 we are FINALLY seated. So I go in already demoting them to a 4 star restaurant. Luckily our waiter responded quickly with good service. The bread at the table was typical italian bread, but very moist, and the table had good olive oil and red pepper and we asked for Parmesan, for a good dipping sauce. We ordered a bottle wine, ... almost all the bottles are $20-$30, and about half of those are just a few dollars more than store price, so not a bad deal at all, and it was good. For dinner I had the special black pepper pappardelle with sausage and veggies. It was delicious and you could tell the pasta was fresh! a little spicy but just right. The rest of the table enjoyed their meals too. Also, for being in the North End, all the prices were very reasonable, just $100 for four meals and a bottle of wine. So this place definitely has good food at a good price. They just need a hostess and better practices related to seating and reservations and they might be bumped up in my book to a 5!
(4)
J C.
Decided to eat here based on previous reviews from Yelp last week... Called ahead for reservations on a Friday, couldn't get one until 8:30pm. A bit late for dinner for us, but we wandered through the north end and down towards fanuiel hall. Got back to the restaurant at 8:30 sharp, told the hostess we had a reservation. She didn't ask our name, just how many and said it would be a few minutes. It was unclear if they even took reservations and if so, ours was never honored. We waited another 30 mins outside in the cold and were finally seated. Would have come alot earlier than 8:30 if the reservations weren't being honored. Food/Wine options were good... got the mussels in white wine, Salmon and bottle of the Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc, all were good. Interior atmosphere was nice, comfortable, cozy. We are big dessert eaters, and as Italians, really look forward to seeing what places have to offer. We noticed towards the end of our meal that no other table had dessert and finally figured out they didn't have a dessert or coffee menu. Really felt that was a miss on their part.. and hoped it wasn't because the "tourist trap" Mike's Pastry was just down the street or that they didn't want diner's to linger too long...as residents of the area, standing in a additional 30 minute line for a mediocre cannoli wasn't that appealing after a late dinner. Wouldn't go back based on this experience.
(2)
Patti F.
I hate to give one star to a place that has great Italian food but an obnoxious, rude, & nasty hostess who we find out is the Chef's wife. We were late for our reservations so we understood there would be a wait. When we walked in to tell her we were here, she quickly dismissed us to the outside and said we would have to wait- which is fine. We finally sat down 45 min later and entered Panza . Note: we were 5 40-something yr old women out for a girls night to catch up in what we though would be a nice relaxing atmosphere. Well into our meal while we were enjoying the food, laughing and having a good time, SHE turned to us in the most arrogant, obnoxious way & said, " you are going to have to be quiet..at that point our lovely waitress came over and apologized and said she hopes we enjoy the rest our evening and to please ignore the comment ( the waitress was not aware we were being "loud"). Panza is not a quiet, romantic eatery- it is a small, tight, lively place where conversations are flowing so for us to be singled out was just ridiculous and really just down right rude. I have read another patrons review from a year ago talking about this hostesses' arrogance and just lack of professionalism. I think the chef/owner must seriously consider and think do you really want someone like this to run the front of the house..really? You have good food, so what, does that give her the right to be down right rude?. We are adults not rowdy college kids or a bachlorette party or drunks. Wise up Panza and run your restaurant with courteous people. Our wait staff was a sweetheart who I now feel bad for..who would want to work for someone like that? SOrry--good food & customer service go hand in hand.
(1)
Helena B.
I've been here twice and this is definitely my new favorite North End restaurant. As many have said, it is small and cozy and it made for a perfect romantic dinner. Best of all- its very affordable! My boyfriend and I shared an appetizer, each got an entree and drinks and the bill was $50 with a 25% tip! I got the potato gnocchi in a beef sauce- definitely the best gnocchi I've ever had in the U.S.! His dish was AMAZING. Usually I am skeptical of veal (it's hard to cook and let's face it, calves are too cute to eat) but he got the Veal Masala and it literally had the best sauce I have ever had in my life! The veal was cooked perfectly- I'm definitely getting that next time! We also got an appetizer of calamari- $9 for a huge plate is great as far as I'm concerned! Perfectly cooked and not chewy like it can often be. Service was quick and definitely worth a good tip. I'll give this place five stars easily and I know I'll be back soon!
(5)
Tiny T.
My wife and I went in on a SundaY afternoon. It was not crowded at all yet seemed very loud. It seemed like we where the only ones there that was not a friend or relative of the staff. Which was annoying because it distracted the server. The food was average not really that great.
(3)
Tiff S.
Went here because the menu from the window looked reasonable. Had a chardonnay for $6, pasta for $15, annnnnnd it was good. no complaints. probably will go here again.
(4)
Caitlin K.
This place is so cute and the food and service are excellent. The prices are very reasonable too for the North End.
(5)
Derek W.
Panza is absolutely, bar none, the best Italian restaurant I have ever been to. Located on Hanover Street, Panza may seem like just another Italian restaurant that is probably overpriced and quite possibly disappointing. Nothing could be further from the truth. First of all, the place is tiny (read: only about 25 seats tiny!) and comes complete with an exposed brick wall with built in candle holders. The lights are kept low at night so this is a great place to go for a romantic, candle-lit dinner. Honestly though, if this place was a beat to hell shack I'd still come to it for the food. It is incredible! Most of the menu isn't too inventive but you can find pasta classics that are done simply and very very well, and the grilled Italian greens is the best appetizer I've ever had. The prices are extremely reasonable as well, pastas start at about $14 and the portions are huge! The service can be a little on the slow side (but very friendly and helpful, I might add) because they only have a maximum two waiters and one busser working at peak times and the food is made fresh to order, but, believe me, it is well worth the wait.
(5)
K K.
This place is fantastic. It is reasonably priced and DELICIOUS. Most other restaurants in the neighborhood have high prices and not-as-yummy cuisine. I have been here about 5 times and will continue to go back as long as I live in Boston.
(5)
Melody S.
Stopped in here with a friend for a quick early dinner on a Monday. Only a few tables were full. The place had a warm, friendly atmosphere, despite being small. The waiter was very friendly but not too talkative. He let us know what he thought was good, which was helpful. Another server kept our water glasses full, and brought a basket of rustic bread (and then refilled it upon request, very cheerfully). My friend & I split a chopped salad for two, which had cubes of cheese and some type of Italian meat that tasted like balogna. It had a few artichoke hearts and hot peppers, as well as some tiny bits of crunchy bacon (pancetta?) and diced tomatoes. It was huge -- definitely big enough for four, even tho the menu said for two. My friend had the chicken picatta, which had generous amounts of chicken and also artichoke hearts, along with capers. The pasta was served in a small bowl on the side, with tomato sauce, which I thought was awkward. She enjoyed it with bread though. I had seafood risotto, which had a decent amount of scallops and 3 beautifully cooked medium shrimp. Tiny bits of asparagus and tomato gave it a nice red-white-and-green Italian look! We both had $6 glasses of white wine, two different types, both were excellent. Very cold and fresh tasting. I never heard the word "panza" before in any of my Italian lessons, but I will remember it now!
(5)
Jodi N.
Had tasty white sangria here. Meals were plentiful, and super tasty. Friendly staff. Cozy casual atmosphere.
(4)
Dan D.
Great place to eat if you are ever in the North End of Boston! Yummy Eggplant Parmigiana!
(5)
Kevin H.
Tiny place but does this place pack a punch! We ordered several things off the menu. Ceasar salad, bruschetta, goat cheese and wild mushroom/goat cheese spring roll and the spare ribs were the appetizers we picked and by far the best were the spring rolls, although the others were mighty tasty too. Baby Rigatoni with sausage was my selection and out of this world. The sauce was like, like....perfect! We also tried the beef and veal tortellini and what an incredible dish. I could go on and on about how wonderful everything is, and that's because it is. As far as the crowds and that, it's a small restaurant and really good. Just expect it. But if you want true authentic italian you'll love this place. The wine list is very small, but very inexpensive. You won't regret going to Panza. I thought the service was incredible, considering how they basically need to get you in and get you out becuase they always have people waiting to get in. Can you imagine how tough that is when you'd like people to stay and linger over the wonderful dinner, but you also need them to go so you can get more turnover? I thought Panza handled it very well.
(5)
C Y.
Our family of 4 had dinner there Saturday night and it was great! From the garlic bread to some of the special pasta dinners, they were fantastic. The veal piccata wasn't quite in the same category but still good. Service was excellent. Had great desserts down the street at Modern Pastry!
(4)
N A.
The food was ok the service not good. We waiting a long time with a reservation, she tried to tell us she had called our name before but we were right outside the door. We ordered our meals and with our drinks and never saw our waitress again until we were done. Asked for Parmesan cheese, which we never got. (of course the people siting next to us were offered) They are one of those restaurants that gives you pasta on the side drowned in marinara no matter what you order. I wanted a side with no sauce so i could eat it with my marsala sauce but I was done eating by the time she came back. I still got it though. My boyfriend took me here for a romantic dinner and it was anything but. By the time you get in to eat they are inattentive and want to get you out fast. The food was def not worth the wait or the price.
(2)
Molly K.
Awful experience... Our salads & appetizers all came at the same time... So we had salads, appetizer plate & bread plates & were still eating when the waitress showed up with dinner dishes with no place to put them & acted irritated with us that we were not ready. Food was mediocre at best. Bruschetta was a soggy mess of tomato with big clumps of goat cheese. Calamari was ok... My dish was the best - lamb shank ragu... Chicken Marsala edible with an unappetizing pile of penne with bland red sauce.
(1)
K L.
great food, great service, really cozy little place-loved it! Easy to get a reservation, but dont bother trying to find parking...
(5)
John W.
My wife and I happened upon Panza on a Friday night while on a weekend away and loved it! We loved the chopped salad and bread. I had this great gnocchi witha braised pork red sauce and she had Salmon with Butternut squash risotto. All fantastic. Service was great and we were appreciative which was wonderfully returned! Crowded yet intimate!
(5)
Kathy K.
We've eaten at many north end restaurants but haven't had an experience like this one in years. For starters I've traded the fancy meals for basic Italian food and find my experiences in general to be better. I had the chicken Marsala which was a little different than I expected. Instead of serving pounded meat I was served chunks of meat. That surprised me a bit but it did not take away from the tenderness of the meal. The sauce was perfect, mushrooms and prosciutto were abundant. As a side I ordered garlic and butter on my pasta which was good but not nearly as good as the red sauce my husband ordered. His meal was the most perfect veal Parmesan ever tasted. The reason for the perfection was the red sauce. Rather than the ordinary chunky red sauce this was a smooth sauce perfectly infused with flavor. The pasta was covered with the same sauce. We enjoyed a nice bottle of Valpolicella with our meal. The total bill, before tip was $54!! That's never happened before!! The seating is tight but that's to be expected. The service was amazing, thank you to our server Erin for making this a great experience for us.
(4)
michele D.
ja i know where Chris is: he is a server now in Newton..Tartufo restaurant.. union st. is next to the newton station...good guy ...! to bad he is not longer with Panza....
(1)
Meridith H.
My boyfriend and I literally stumbled in here on a Saturday night. We had an hour to spare before an improv show, and I was hesitant about sitting down for a formal meal, but I'm so glad we did! Panaza was an unexpected delight! Like a previous reviewer, we had the goat cheese spring roll, which was amazing! We also had gnocchi and the butternut squash ravioli. After eating here, I was daydreaming about butternut squash ravioli all weekend! Our friendly server Chris explained that unlike many other North End Restaurants who heavily advertise and utilize heavy marketing techniques, Panzza is understated, and relies more on word-of-mouth marketing. The price-point is just right, and the food quality meets (or even exceeds) other Italian restaurants in the North End. I highly recommend this gem of a restaurant!
(5)
Martin M.
Thanks for the tip, yelpers! Just in town for 3 days, so wanted all to come out right...and Panza filled the bill with prompt seating at our reservation time, fast and friendly service, and (to my Texan palate, anyway) authentic, toothsome, and copious Italian food. Me & kiddo shared chopped salad "for two" which would have been a generous bowlful for three or four, he had seafood linguini fra diavolo--lots of *big* shrimp, clams, and calamari over about a quart of pasta--and I loved me some lobster ravioli (about a dozen or more!) in a garlic cream sauce which I had to mop up with the fresh Italian bread. We don't drink, so bill came in at under $50! What a steal...and on the way out, we got warmly thanked for coming in. Oh yeah, next time in Beantown, you bet I will be making a reservation here before I get on the plane at Dee Eff Dubya. Thanks for a very memorable meal and a high point of our trip!
(4)
Mark V.
Quite simple here...INCREDIBLE FOOD at INCREDIBLE PRICES! Richie is one of the best chefs in Boston for years now. Great portions, quality food, delicious sauces. VERY reasonable wine selection. This is my go to when I am in Boston. it never fails and is always a great meal
(5)
Lucreiza B.
Last month I took my friend here to celebrate her Birthday. First off from the outside the place looked cozy. Please don't be fooled inside the place is cramped. My friend had a hard time getting in her chair without having to bump other diners. The waitress was unmemorable because she forgot to mention the specials to us or wine list. Also when our dinner arrived me just took the bowl of cheese from the other table and dumped on our table without asking if the other table were doing using the cheese. However the upside was the food. I do recommend the fried goat cheese egg rolls with the honey thyme and the seafood risotto.
(3)
Bianca M.
My boyfriend and I went to the North End yesterday looking for a hearty meal of pasta that wasn't going to cost a fortue. After walking up and down Hanover St. and reading countless menus, we decided to try Panza, and I'm so glad we did! We shared a spinach salad to start, and it was alright, but when our pasta came we were both so pleased! My baked ziti with meatballs was very good but my boyfriends gnocchi with meat sauce was amazing! The staff was very friendly, the atmosphere was nice and our delicious meal was quite inexpensive.
(5)
Frank M.
Great Experience! Had 7:30 reservations on a Sat, got sat a little before 8, which is to be expected. Some people in the walk-in 'line" waited 1.5 hrs to get in. The service was good, albeit somewhat rushed as they clearly had 9 oclock round of reservations to get to. Room is small/intimate, but typical for the N. End. We ended up talking to the couple sitting next to us a bit, which added to the experience. The bruschetta is a must have. Comes on 2 large pieces of bread, which are somewhat impractical to eat unless you cut it up. But full of flavor. Both of our dishes were excellent, and timely. Wine selection is not huge, but certainly affordable ranging from $20-35+/-. Would go back again and agian.
(4)
Anthony R.
Great Food! Great Service! Great Price! This is definitely a restaurant you should visit while in the North End of Boston. We enjoyed our delicious dinner, plentiful and inexpensive.
(5)
Padraig G.
Great little restaurant with nice ambiance and character, although the small brick space makes it a bit loud if it's reasonably crowded. Service was good - friendly, efficient and attentive. Meals were served ridiculously quick and were outstanding - old standby veal parm was generous in size, nice sauce and prepared wonderfully. My friend ordered the beef and veal tortellini and got similar raves. Overall a very good experience and high marks for the food at very reasonable prices. I know some folks have commented on the lack of a dessert menu - not a biggie in my book but as others have noted, a few of the better known pastry shops are just a few moments away.
(4)
Katelin G.
Butternut squash ravioli is extremely tasty. Chicken picatta was great- only thing I would change is that the side of pasta came with red sauce on it when I would have preferred to have the entree on a bed of pasta. Absolutely reasonable on the pocketbook & the service was good.
(4)
Daniel L.
First off, I have to say that I am puzzled as to how Panza has had so many 5 star ratings. I give it a strong 3 stars. In order to place my review in some context, it's important to know that my favorite traditional Italian restaurants are Delfino and Giacamo's, and other Italian restaurants that I have enjoyed immensely are Terramia and Sage. As for Panza...this restaurant is located in the heart of the North End, so I came in with relatively high expectations. I'll start with the atmosphere: the dining area was small, with about 8-10 tables, dimly lit and romantic, ideal for a date or a small group. The wait staff was attentive and friendly. Now for the food: The bread was warm, fluffy/doughy on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and overall delicious. There was olive oil on the table for dipping. The wine list was excellent; I counted 11 bottles for $20! We got the house Sangiovese, which was exceptional. For my first course, I got the house special salad with spinach, walnuts, grape tomatoes, and goat cheese. The salad was good, although it was a little heavy on the goat cheese. The dressing was light and tasty. For my main meal, I got the house special gnocchi stuffed with ricotta and spinach in a garlic cream sauce with sundried tomatoes and chicken. The gnocchi was HUGE, and actually a little too big for my liking. This dish, like the salad, was also a little heavy on the cheese. Whether it was the cheese inside the gnocchi or the cheese sauce or the combination of the two, it was too much. I am a cheese lover, the cheesiness took over the entire dish and drowned out other flavors instead of complementing them. The chicken and sundried tomatoes with the garlic cheese sauce were excellent, but not enough to make up for the heavy, oversized, and overly-cheesy gnocchi. I rarely leave food on my plate, yet I left about a quarter of my gnocchi because it was too cheesy. The portion sizes are quite large, especially for the price. Besides my dishes, I tried my girlfriend's penne with red sauce. The sauce was a little watery and not as sweet as I would prefer, yet it was still tasty. I also tried mussels in fra diavlo sauce; the mussels were excellent, the fra diavlo sauce was very good, moderately spicy, but I've had better. The other 3 people at the table loved their meals. My girlfriend got the chicken Panza; it came with some veggies in a light white sauce, which was perfect for her. Lastly I'd like to point out that all the reviews before this were from women. So guys, if you're looking for an inexpensive place to take your girl, this is the spot. But if you want delicious traditional Italian food, try Giacamo's across the street or Delfino in Roslindale, but watch-out for the lines! Cheers
(3)
M T.
Had a reservation at 5pm on a Tuesday night, was empty when we got there. We were warmly greeted. We were party of 9 and everyone enjoyed the food. By 6pm the place was packed. Will come here again.
(4)
Maliha W.
We were visiting from California and looked this restaurant up on yelp. We were not disappointed. The waiter was very courteous and helpful in assisting with menu choices. They had a decent wine list and yummy appetizers. I believe we tried the crispy fried greens, mussles and fried calamari from the appetizer, all good choices. I had broccoli chicken pasta, which was good as well. I would go back if i was in the area again.
(4)
S C.
Read about his place here on YELP. Went here w/ my girlfriend. Our first time in Boston together. A few things ppl should know about this place: Great place for a date. Menu has plenty for EVERYONE!! If on date (2 ppl) order 2 apps and 1 entre OR 1 app and 2 entres. The point being portions are good enough to share and bring leftovers home. No coffee/dessert menu so be prepared to go elsewhere for that but there are plenty of places in neighborhood for that. Parking is the worst so find way there by rail/cab etc. My GF and I had calamari and wild mushroom and ricotta springroll We also had Spinach Ravioli and Free Range Lasagna. BOTH were GREAT!!! Try this place!! You will return!!
(4)
Sarah P.
I am really surprised at all the wonderful reviews here on Yelp for this place, because my experience at Panza was sub-par. A friend and I decided to eat here on a Saturday night, without a reservation. They were able to take us quickly, which was great. The service was pretty slow though, but that was likely because there were only two servers to the entire restaurant! My friend and I split the chopped salad, which was average, as was the bread that was served. My friend had the chicken picatta for her entree, which she thought was decent, and I had linguine pescatore with a red sauce. The pescatore was quite a disappointment; there was plenty of seafood, but the sauce lacked any flavor--it actually tasted just like jarred Ragu sauce. My friend's meal was served with a side of ziti and red sauce, and she echoed that the sauce tasted like it could have been out of a jar. For me, sauce is a great indicator of how good an Italian restaurant is...and the sauce at this place was lackluster. Overall, it was a pretty poor North End experience.
(2)
Effie H.
I went here on V-day with my bf. This place was jam packed....along with every other spot in the North End :) It is a tiny place about 15 tables and close quarters. The food was OKAY...I kinda dont get the Yelp hype. I wasnt very impressed. The menu selection was mostly pasta's and half seafood and half chicken/veal. They started us off with crispy italian bread and we got calamari. The calamari wasnt very fresh (rubbery) but it was okay. Entrees- got the Chicken Panza, it was good but again not great and my bf got a seafood dish that was also, meh...if the seafood was a bit fresher, I may have given it one more star. I probably wont go back here but it is worth a shot. Maybe it was an off night?
(2)
Scott R.
A winner. We just wandered in here by chance. Our only criteria was north end, italian, and we didn't want to be disappointed. After we walked up and down the street a bit, we spied this place, the menu looked solid, the dining are looked inviting and unpretentious, and there were a few - but not too many - tables open. Everything we ordered was excellent. My favorite was the sauteed bitter greens appetizer (served over polenta with a balsamic sauce). But everything worked. No issues with service. And prices were very reasonable - just about all the entrees under $20, and most more like $14. Didn't try anything from the wine list, but it looked serviceable.
(4)
Angela F.
I had a reservation for 4 people, and was seated almost immediately. The staff was very friendly and helpful, and our food was fantastic! I definitely recommend the butternut squash ravioli, and also the ribs (on the appetizer menu). The check was surprisingly inexpensive, and we left feeling really satisfied!
(5)
Christina K.
This restaurant was outstanding. The atmosphere was intimate and charming and the wait staff were exceptional. But the food...I'm drooling now just thinking about it. Make a reservation or you'll have a hard time getting in to this tiny spot, but it is definitely worth it.
(5)
Chris H.
Didn't feel like it was one of the better Italian restaurants on this street.. Looks nice and busy from the outside, but that was probably because inside they rush to get you in and out. We were still eating and the waitress wanted to put our food in a doggy bag! Its not a big place so the tables are packed in tightly together. The mains were big, so if you're hungry and don't mind sharing your space, go and eat there if you don't have the time to queue at Giacomo's.. but don't bother queuing to get in here.
(2)
andrew s.
Weary to Yelp about this place only because I want to keep it a secret! This place pretty much has everything you would want in a north end place: -Great Food -Great Wine -Great Service -Hanover St. Location -More Than Reasonable Prices -Nice Atmosphere in a Small Room and best of all - they are on OpenTable - a key point to consider during Boston's colder months when waiting in long lines outside (looking at you Giacomo's!) isn't the best idea.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Robert G.
Small gem in the North End! Went there based on Yelp reviews and we loved it! Extremely reasonably priced. Food was top notch. You will not be disappointed.
(5)Huey N.
This place is worth going to. I almost took another group of friends there the day after, but the line was long and I wanted to try a new spot. We started off with the calamari which was very good. I usually get tired of fried food really quickly, but I ate enough squid to piss off lord namor. They drizzled a spicy aoli over the plate and even came with an extra side of the sauce. My two friends ordered the ziti bake and alfredo, which tasted pretty standard. I got the tarragon lobster with fresh linguine. The tarragon flavor was distinguishable but not dominant. My only gripe was the chewiness of the lobster. It was a good dish in general despite that. I'm looking forward to come back and trying their specials.
(4)David C.
Panza is perfect. My wife and I had dinner at Panza last night and I could not have been more pleased. I read many reviews before booking a reservation and it was clear a lot of those people are not familiar with the North End. If you want to be seated immediately, go to the Olive Garden. Good things come to those who wait. We had to stand outside in the cold for 20 minutes even though we had a reservation, and I didn't mind a bit. Once we were seated, we were immediately given bread and water. A few minutes later our waitress was at the table taking drink orders and going over specials. I ended up ordering the saltimbocca and my wife ordered the carbonara and we split a goat cheese and walnut salad. All were fantastic. Overall, Panza was an amazing experience and we will be happy to return.
(5)Bill M.
Can you really go wrong in this neighborhood? Wife and I stopped at this place in the following order: 1. by smell 2. by yelp 3. by number of tables It was small and quaint and had an amazing aroma that wrapped around the block... Service was personal and friendly. The mushroom and goat cheese spring roll is as good as advertised. A great place for a romantic dinner date.
(5)Kenneth F.
I won't go back.....made a reservation and ended up waiting just as long (almost an hour!) as if I didn't have a reservation...so disappointed in the lack of respect this place has for its customers
(1)Ryan G.
Like honestly, I expected better being four stars and all. Not gonna lie, the wait staff was absolutely friendly and helpful and definitely deserve five stars for customer service, but i'm sticking to my guns and saying food quality and taste is number one priority. That being said, I feel like you can definitely find better restaurants in the north end. The food was eh a - okai. However it was reasonable and I guess fairly cheap compared to some of the other north end restaurants. Food break down: Calamari - good (3 stars) have had better, have had worse. Seafood Risotto - ehhh (2 stars) it wasnt really risotto either. it was white like wth. I mean you can't go wrong here. Great wait staff and decent food and affordable prices. IDK it's your call.
(3)TJ D.
To start off with, I am right on the cusp of giving Panza a '5'-star rating. My only hold-up is that I want to contribute to a reliable rating system on Yelp, as many members are quite liberal with dishing out the '5's. That being said I don't really know where to start. I have been going to this place in the North End for several years, when it was previously named "Cibo". It's only hearsay, but I believe a good portion of the staff carried over to Panza. Context-wise, this place does what is difficult on Hanover St.: it provides a great meal without giving into the pressure to churn out mediocre Italian-American meals to the throng of tourist perpetually passing through this beautiful area of Boston. And it is beautiful, I even got engaged in the neighborhood. To the food: wonderful tasting pasta (made in-house!) and meat dishes......I have my favorites and thus tend to order from this set of 5-6 entrees. Ditto with the appetizers. With specials that come and go, it may be hard for me to stay current with the menu. The ravioli dishes and anything with their cream sauces are wonderful. Prepared well with a great balance of all the flavors, never have I tasted burned garlic or an oily texture from a heavy hand of olive oil. The herbs that are used in the various dishes (thyme, tarragon, etc.) are also used competently and have yet to turn me off at all. I usually do some due culinary diligence and have others that are with me taste what I order, just to make sure I'm not rolling with a heavy bias. It gets the same response every time, "wow". On the flip side I have had the same reactions. My fiancee ordered the Beef and Veal Tortelloni the last time we were in, and it was awesome. Prepared in a veal stock reduction with mushrooms and shaved parmesan, I wish I could have ordered that too. Also, their Calamari appetizer is in my Top 2 I have ever eaten.....Spicy, fried well, fresh and not chewy (read real), and served with a really tasty sauce. Awesome. The wine list offered here has yet to disappoint as well. I dig on the dry, red wines, and I have yet to regret ordering a particular bottle or glass. Staffing-wise, they are usually busy yet always keep the pace and provide good service. I would recommend making a reservation if you have more than 2 people or are planning on going on a weekend night. All in all an excellent place, and I would highly recommend stopping in for some dinner.
(4)Kate M.
Pretty terrible experience. We were seated an hour and a half after the time I'd made reservations for- and there is no bar area so we were forced to stand outside in the cold. The hostess told us from the beginning they were only 15 minutes behind, and when we checked back with her on how long it would be after waiting half an hour- she told us 15 more minutes, after making it obvious how annoyed she was that we would even dare ask; if I'd known from the start we'd be waiting an hour and a half, we would've gone elsewhere. When we finally sat, a waitress did not come to our table for 15 minutes until after we were seated, and we were never checked on while seated. To get a second drink, we had to literally reach out and flag the waitress. Just as good of food can be found elsewhere, without the wait in the cold and the lies about how long the wait will be. I will never go back.
(1)Elissa S.
After searching through Yelp, we decided to go with Panza, because it had and average of 4 stars, lots of reviews, and not a lot of dollar signs. Plus, having Open Table embedded into Yelp is pretty great. Dinner for two including a bottle of wine, an appetizer and two entrées came up to be about $75. The food was definitely good, but it wasn't anything remarkable. The meatballs that we ordered on the side didn't have the tenderness I was looking for. The calamari was delicious. They fry up some cherry peppers with the calamari, so they definitely have some kick to it. Like most North End restaurants, this place is small. I could have easily speared a gnocchi from the neighboring table if I wanted too. It didn't bother us, but keep that in mind if you're looking for a place to accommodate a big group.
(3)Megan M.
Excellent! We had the lobster ravioli and the linguine alla pescatore with fra diavolo sauce (spicy good!). The service was good and the bread seemed fresh.
(5)Danielle H.
Went here a while back with two others but forgot to review it - which kinda tells you about the place- not memorable. I remember the pasta dishes we got (two of the specials and one off the menu) being pretty good but the service was not so good. It was a small place but we often had a hard time flagging down the waiter. Would go back though because it's one of the more affordable choices in the North End.
(3)Ryan H.
I went on an italian kick and made Panza a restaurant of choice. I made an open table reservation. Like all the other reviews say they didn't seat us on time but it was a Saturday night and i didn't have anything to do so i didn't care. Cesar Salad- 4 stars. Creamy and delicious Goat Cheese and wild mushroom spring rolls- 5 stars. very different, interesting dish. I wasn't expecting such a sweet sauce to go with it. Lobster Ravioli and Linguine Carbonara - 5 stars- I could eat both these dishes every day for the rest of my life...too bad it isnt healthy to weigh 300 pounds Service- 5 stars. excellent recommendations. she was always attentive without being overbearing. Price- 5 stars. 2 appetizers, 2 entrees and a bottle of wine for 80$. I'll take that in the north end any day.
(5)Colin B.
8pm reservation on a Friday night for 4. We were seated pretty close to our reservation time (it's a small restaurant so reservations are a must). There's no waiting room or bar inside, so you're left to hang out on the street, which is fine on a nice spring night. It was a bit noisy when we first arrived but once the "dating" crowd showed up it was a much nicer experience as it quieted down. Moderately priced with good portions and good taste. $20 bottles of wine, which is unheard of in the North End.
(4)Kathleen R.
When trying to decide where to eat in the North End, the choices can be overwhelming. We decided we wanted to try something different than our usual choice, and based on the reviews on Yelp, decided to give Panza a try. While the food was great, the restaurant is VERY tiny and therefore you end up basically sharing a table with your next door neighbors. Due to the small room and amount of people squished in it, background noise is EXTREMELY loud... don't plan on any intimate, private conversations here. I was a little disappointed with the service. For a restaurant that serves at max 30 people at a time, it took quite a long time for the waitress to bring us water/take our order/bring drinks/ect. That being said, the food was pretty good. My boyfriend ordered a seafood/pasta dish with a "spicy red sauce" (which he had asked to be extra spicy, but wasn't.) My butternut squash tortellini was great as well. And the prices were pretty reasonable for good portions. I wasn't overly impressed, and we'll probably end up trying somewhere else next time, or going back to our tried & true place.
(3)Lynn D.
Amazing! Had their open faced lasagna (can't remember its official name), and it was some of the best lasagna I've ever had. Actually, this place has some of the best food I've found in the North End. Panza was recommended to me by some friends of mine who live in the North End. I came here with three other people and we were all happy with our food. My wife ordered the chicken Parmesan, and she really enjoyed it. I recommend making an Open Table reservation before you come. I'm moving into the North End in two weeks and will definitely be coming back. P.S. - The homemade sangria was also really good.
(4)Jessica U.
ThIs restaurant came highly recommended and I was eager to try it out. Went last night and can't say it lived up to all the hype. It's a cozy place, clostrophobics beware! The service was below average, even for the North end. The food was decent, no ones minds were blown. Lobster Ravioli was probably the highlight of what we ordered, along with an appetizer special of cream filled mozzarella with tomato and basil. I'd be willing to give it another shot because of all the positive reviews it's gotten.
(3)Mimi F.
Visiting Boston and came upon Panza. We did not have a reservation but were able to be seated within a few minutes. The olive oil and bread were amazing! Had the goat cheese spring rolls--yum yum. The honey was an interesting and great touch. Their deconstructed lasagna WAS deconstructed. Appreciated the waiter double checking to make sure we understood what it was. Also had some penne with sausage that was quite tasty. Very reasonably priced and enjoyed the meal.
(5)Amy B.
Panza is a great little restaurant in the North End that I think is often overlooked. It's small inside, so I recommend it if you're going out to eat with one or two other people - I don't advise large groups trying to get in here! The service is great and the food is pretty darn good for the price. I went here with a friend for her birthday and was hoping to surprise her with a dessert with a little candle in it, but when I asked the waitress about it before the meal, she told me that they didn't serve dessert so I was a little upset. But I guess the waitress could tell I really wanted to surprise my friend, so while we were eating, she ran over to White Hen and bought one of those little Hostess cupcakes and a candle and brought it out to my friend at the end of the meal! I was so thankful and appreciative - she really went above and beyond the call of duty there!!
(4)CL S.
The food here is pretty great and varied. I loved my butternut squash ravioli, which were enormous and tasty. (I can't recall what my husband had but he also enjoyed his meal). We had the grilled greens and polenta as an appetizer and I wanted to order a second just because it was so good. The white sangria was also a hit -- it seemed strange on a fall menu until I tasted it. It had lots of apples and a fall-spicy taste to it (nutmeg?) that was fantastic. The space itself is very North End -- tiny, clearly very old, you can see the kitchen from your table, and you're very close to your neighbor. It just feels comfortable and lively. The service was what lost that fifth star. I think our waitress said three words to us and she was constantly watching the other tables when at ours. We had to flag her down for things which never feels great. I will definitely return as I hope that the service was a just a one-off bad night. Tip: Make a reservation. There aren't very many seats and the line was out the door once we left.
(4)Sumit D.
Decent Italian food on a cold blustery Super Bowl weekend in Boston.
(3)Alexandra G.
I went to Panza based on the amazing Yelp reviews, but did not find the 5 stars I was seeking. It is a very cute restaurant in a great location, but I've had far better meals in the North End. The prices were certainly reasonable but the restaurant is so loud that it's hard to focus on the meal or the conversation at your table. I felt the service was acceptable but not overly attentive. The mussels were delicious as a starter, and everyone in my party was satisfied with their meal, but I didn't think it was anything memorable, relative to other restaurants in the N End. Overall, it was a good experience but not ideal if you are looking to converse with your guests or have dessert in-restaruant.
(3)I L.
The food is amazing and a great price. However, this gets a 3 star due to the crazy wait despite having reservations the last 3 times Ive been there. The last time I had to wait an additional hour past my reservation time because they do not have a dedicated hostess. Being in line with angry diners who keep crowing the non existent wait area is simply not the way I want to spend my evening. I may have to stop going there because anger eating is not that fun.
(3)Bianca M.
My boyfriend and I went to the North End yesterday looking for a hearty meal of pasta that wasn't going to cost a fortue. After walking up and down Hanover St. and reading countless menus, we decided to try Panza, and I'm so glad we did! We shared a spinach salad to start, and it was alright, but when our pasta came we were both so pleased! My baked ziti with meatballs was very good but my boyfriends gnocchi with meat sauce was amazing! The staff was very friendly, the atmosphere was nice and our delicious meal was quite inexpensive.
(5)Frank M.
Great Experience! Had 7:30 reservations on a Sat, got sat a little before 8, which is to be expected. Some people in the walk-in 'line" waited 1.5 hrs to get in. The service was good, albeit somewhat rushed as they clearly had 9 oclock round of reservations to get to. Room is small/intimate, but typical for the N. End. We ended up talking to the couple sitting next to us a bit, which added to the experience. The bruschetta is a must have. Comes on 2 large pieces of bread, which are somewhat impractical to eat unless you cut it up. But full of flavor. Both of our dishes were excellent, and timely. Wine selection is not huge, but certainly affordable ranging from $20-35+/-. Would go back again and agian.
(4)Anthony R.
Great Food! Great Service! Great Price! This is definitely a restaurant you should visit while in the North End of Boston. We enjoyed our delicious dinner, plentiful and inexpensive.
(5)Padraig G.
Great little restaurant with nice ambiance and character, although the small brick space makes it a bit loud if it's reasonably crowded. Service was good - friendly, efficient and attentive. Meals were served ridiculously quick and were outstanding - old standby veal parm was generous in size, nice sauce and prepared wonderfully. My friend ordered the beef and veal tortellini and got similar raves. Overall a very good experience and high marks for the food at very reasonable prices. I know some folks have commented on the lack of a dessert menu - not a biggie in my book but as others have noted, a few of the better known pastry shops are just a few moments away.
(4)Katelin G.
Butternut squash ravioli is extremely tasty. Chicken picatta was great- only thing I would change is that the side of pasta came with red sauce on it when I would have preferred to have the entree on a bed of pasta. Absolutely reasonable on the pocketbook & the service was good.
(4)Martha D.
Panza is amazing! Went here for a romantic dinner last night and it was perfect. The restaurant is small and intimate, but not too crowded, and the décor is really cool. But more importantly, the food is delicious! We split the grilled greens (def worth a try), and then I got the butternut squash tortelloni while my bf got a fancy veal dish. Both meals were absolutely delicious. The prices are reasonable (on the low side for the north end!) and the service was flawless. Definitely a hidden gem you should check out, it's going to be my new North End go to!
(5)Daniel L.
First off, I have to say that I am puzzled as to how Panza has had so many 5 star ratings. I give it a strong 3 stars. In order to place my review in some context, it's important to know that my favorite traditional Italian restaurants are Delfino and Giacamo's, and other Italian restaurants that I have enjoyed immensely are Terramia and Sage. As for Panza...this restaurant is located in the heart of the North End, so I came in with relatively high expectations. I'll start with the atmosphere: the dining area was small, with about 8-10 tables, dimly lit and romantic, ideal for a date or a small group. The wait staff was attentive and friendly. Now for the food: The bread was warm, fluffy/doughy on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and overall delicious. There was olive oil on the table for dipping. The wine list was excellent; I counted 11 bottles for $20! We got the house Sangiovese, which was exceptional. For my first course, I got the house special salad with spinach, walnuts, grape tomatoes, and goat cheese. The salad was good, although it was a little heavy on the goat cheese. The dressing was light and tasty. For my main meal, I got the house special gnocchi stuffed with ricotta and spinach in a garlic cream sauce with sundried tomatoes and chicken. The gnocchi was HUGE, and actually a little too big for my liking. This dish, like the salad, was also a little heavy on the cheese. Whether it was the cheese inside the gnocchi or the cheese sauce or the combination of the two, it was too much. I am a cheese lover, the cheesiness took over the entire dish and drowned out other flavors instead of complementing them. The chicken and sundried tomatoes with the garlic cheese sauce were excellent, but not enough to make up for the heavy, oversized, and overly-cheesy gnocchi. I rarely leave food on my plate, yet I left about a quarter of my gnocchi because it was too cheesy. The portion sizes are quite large, especially for the price. Besides my dishes, I tried my girlfriend's penne with red sauce. The sauce was a little watery and not as sweet as I would prefer, yet it was still tasty. I also tried mussels in fra diavlo sauce; the mussels were excellent, the fra diavlo sauce was very good, moderately spicy, but I've had better. The other 3 people at the table loved their meals. My girlfriend got the chicken Panza; it came with some veggies in a light white sauce, which was perfect for her. Lastly I'd like to point out that all the reviews before this were from women. So guys, if you're looking for an inexpensive place to take your girl, this is the spot. But if you want delicious traditional Italian food, try Giacamo's across the street or Delfino in Roslindale, but watch-out for the lines! Cheers
(3)Feliks S.
Although there are other places in the North End for a better ambience for special occasions, we have no complaints about a recent dinner for two at Panza! The food was delicious, the selection was great, and the wine list was reasonable with choices for all budgets. I was surprised by the size of the portions, since one pasta entree resulted in enough leftovers for a second dinner. At the same time, quality wasn't compromised, the total check was very reasonable for an appetizer, two entrees, and a bottle of chardonnay (total $70) and I can't wait to go back again and try other dishes!
(4)Patrick F.
Everything was good except when you have a reservation, you don't really have a reservation. I had heard that you end up waiting a while but we had a 7:30pm reservation and were seated at 8:15... that's not acceptable.
(3)Charisma P.
The food was fine, and the price was right, but the service needs work. When we arrived, the hostess greeted someone who was probably a member of the mafia, and they blocked the door while chatting for 5 solid minutes without acknowledging our presence until he left. Since there was no place to wait, we reluctantly blocked the path between servers and their tables. We had reservations and were asked to wait even though a table had just opened up in the back and was already cleared. When another group left, we were seated. It was clear that there was a serious lack of organization as there were about a dozen workers who were running around doing all of the same jobs. There was probably 1 server to every 2 customers. When my food came, it was brought out by someone other than our server, and we assumed my husband's would be right behind it. We were wrong. Finally, our server came and apologized and brought out his dish as if she had simply forgotten it. I guess you have to be a member of the family to get the great service, and we will not be returning.
(2)Stacy B.
If you read the bad reviews below, none are about the food. In fact, most are about the wait. To me, that's the sign of a good restaurant... one that I want to eat at. Also, waiting is what you do when you go to dinner in the North End. And lucky for us, we're seasoned patrons of the North End, and know that going to dinner at 8pm, reservations or not, is going to be crowded. We got there early... around 5pm. When we left around 7pm, the place was packed. Moving on to the best part: the food. Boy, was it tasty, and oh-so-affordable -- something you can't say often about a full meal in the North End. The service was more than accommodating to my six-year old's request for plain pasta, and a plain salad. And although there were some pretty tasty sounding dishes on the menu, I wished for nothing more than a plate of spaghetti with marinara. My request wasn't frowned upon, nor made poorly. In fact, it was one of the most delicious plates of spaghetti I have ever had. The other half ordered the eggplant parm, and raved about how fresh the dish was. We shared the tomato bruschetta to start, which was also very fresh. Good luck finding a bottle of wine more expensive than $50 (and thank you for that, Panza). And kudos for being kid friendly! Will definitely recommend this place, go back myself, and take my entire family. Because that's what italian restaurants are supposed to be: family friendly. Not little holes in the wall created to cater to unrealistic romantic expectations.
(4)Benjamin T.
The service was okay. It's a very small restaurant and there was no hostess really seating people. You need to get a waitress' attention in order to let them know you have arrived for your reservation. The waitress we had was good, but the bus boy didn't seem like he wanted to be there while he poured water and gave bread to the table. We had a mixed experience with the appetizers. The Grilled Italian Greens were cooked well with lots of flavor. However, the muscles were rubbery and drowned in some much tomato sauce there was no flavor. For entries we had the linguine w/ mixed seafood (scallops, shrimp, clams) and veal parm. The seafood was very fresh and tasty, the sauce was average and drown out some of the seafood flavor. The veal parm was cooked perfectly but again they must really love their tomato sauce as the veal was drown in it as well. I'd rate this 3 1/2 stars if that was available, but since it's not I'd go 3 stars. If the service improved and they didn't use so much sauce they'd get 4 stars.
(3)Lauren S.
Wound up here one night when the line at Giacomo's was too long, and my boyfriend and I were too hungry to wait in line for our "go to" Italian place in the North End. Good stuff: We were pleasantly surprised. The bruschetta was amazing. There was a braised pork lasagna special that night. Find out when these nights are -- and go order this. It was amazing. The portion was large enough to last two more meals. Again. Go order this. The chicken piccata was delicious as well. Prices are reasonable considering the quality and portion size. Service was attentive and pleasant. Bad stuff: There really aren't any bad points. It took a while to get a refill on our glasses of water. But a slight thirst aside, the meal was perfect. Great place. Great location. One of the best meals I've had in Boston.
(5)Vanessa M.
We wandered in at 4pm on a Sunday after the restaurant my sister had chosen for our mom's birthday was closed. (You gotta call ahead baby sister!) We were seated immediately. Service was friendly and attentive. Our waiter very thoughtfully brought out extra plates so we could share apps and entrees. Mom ordered a salad which was enough for all 5 of us to have a bit of, and it was tasty-- baby spinach with goat's cheese and candied walnuts. We had the chicken piccata, chicken saltimboca, chicken marsala, maple glazed salmon with butternut squash risotto, and a sweet potato gnocchi special with duck confit and dried cherries. The food was delicious... no complaints. The traditional entrees came with a side of pasta. Prices are very reasonable for the quality of the food and the neighborhood. Our chicken entrees were $14 each, salmon was $18, and the special was $19. Portions were good, and not too huge. I know lots of people want to leave the North End with a week's worth of lunches left over from one entree, but I am not that kind of gal. We had enough to share, we left full, and there was enough left over for mom and sis to have lunch the next day. Panza does not serve dessert, but that shouldn't be a shock-- Mike's is about a block away and I'm sure everyone just goes there.
(4)Thom T.
Absolutely great service and food. Crowded and fun, and a good alternative to waiting in line across the street. Goat cheese spring rolls are rightly famous, but those ribs!!!!
(5)V P.
Just got here! Amazing service! Awesome house wine!
(5)Shareen M.
I just came back from my first weekend away in Boston. From previous reviews, we decided to have dinner @ Giacomos BUT the line was ridiculous and around the corner. Panza was located across the street and only had about 4 people walking. One of the customers in front of us was a regular and said Panza was his favorite Italian place in Boston. I am SO glad we decided to come here instead. The service was EXCELLENT & the food was INCREDIBLE! The place is small and you are sitting closely to others, but most restaurants in that area have the same seating arrangement. My recommendations: Get a bottle of wine (so affordable), the Bruchetta (the best ive ever had), & the chicken parm. The sauce is homemade and out of this world good!
(5)Laura S.
I really dont have any good reason to only give Panza 4 stars, except that we only got two dishes... so my experience was pretty limited. BUT, those two dishes were absolutely amazing. The bruschetta was my favorite part- I would go back JUST for that. The portion sizes were definitely adequate and their wine list is super reasonable. It was a little loud for my taste, but, I think that just speaks to how many tables they had sat late on a Sunday night. The service was superior and the atmosphere, though relaxed, was definitely intimate.
(4)Taylor B.
Found this place on Yelp... and what a gem! A few things to keep in mind: It is a small restaurant, bit cramped but not obnoxious. So if you have a larger group, make a reservation. They pay attention to details, but are not about the bells and whistles. The food is nothing fancy, but it is good quality and a great value. My boyfriend and I shared a bottle of Pino G, I myself order the carbonara which cooked perfectly and flavorful. My boyfriend got the lasagne, which was more of an open-faced style, not a bad thing, good flavor and good portion. I have to say, our bill came to $55! How can you argue with that price for fresh Italian food? You can't. Our server was attentive but not hovering, talked about the specials and was happy to answer our questions about the menu. I would recommend this place without a doubt!
(4)Ashley H.
This place is tiny so claustrophobics beware! The place sits maybe 50 people MAX. With a party of 6, we were the largest group able to be accommodated. We had a Saturday 6 p.m. reservation and waited about 15 minutes for our table, not bad considering some of the reviews were saying a 30 minute wait with a reservation. There was no line until we started leaving around 7:45. Once seated at a table that was small, but still adequate, we order 2 bottles of wine and a few beers for the table. The bottles are cheap, between $20 and $30 for the most part. The server was quick and efficient and while I wouldn't call her friendly, she wasn't rude. You can tell the goal of the staff is to get people in and out, fast. My boyfriend and I split the goat cheese and mushroom spring rolls and they were delicious with a sweet almost asian kind of sauce. He doesn't care for mushrooms and still loved them. I ordered the glazed salmon with sweet potato risotto. It is basically risotto with chunks of sweet potato cut up. It was DELICIOUS. I only wish there was more of it! The portions aren't huge, but they are enough to feel you are getting your moneys worth. The other 5 people at my table all enjoyed their food and everyone cleaned their plate. My boyfriend got the special which was some kind of shaved beef with pasta. He loved it. The total bill was around $250 for 6 people with an appetizer, 2 bottles of wine, 3 beers and 2 salads. Not too shabby for the North End. I'd definitely go back, although my boyfriend claims he wouldn't visit the same place twice because there are so many choices. Loved it despite the "coziness" of the place.
(5)Lisa B.
Hahahaha I was going to come on here and write "Red Sauce! YES!!" But apparently I *have* been here before, and said the same thing a year ago! If that doesn't say something about the integrity of the food here, I'm not sure what does. If I am hungry in the North End and haven't made a reservation anywhere, I'm likely to accept the fact that most North End restaurants are similar and basically guarantee a good meal (I mean, how can you go wrong with chicken parm?? You can't.) They all start to look the same anyway after a while-- to the point, for me after 7 years in Boston anyway, where I can't remember if I've been to a place or not before. Panza's interior design is simple. Forgettable. It's a small space, so tables are tight, it gets loud and it gets crowded. What it lacks in decor it makes up for in red sauce. I wish they jarred it so I could buy it in wholesale quantities. My friends and I went to Panza about a month ago on a rainy Wednesday night. We spent hours in there-- wound up being the only 3 people in there at the end of the night, 2 bottles and 3 glasses deep. They let us chat and catch up, were attentive without once interrupting, and brought us like 3 baskets of bread. Tonight was a mob scene, but still appropriately attentive, no complaints about service. Food was a win- we started with calamari and bruschetta- both delicious. I had the chicken piccata, mom had the chicken scallopini, dad also had the chicken piccata, sister had chicken parm and her boyfriend had veal parm. none of us were disappointed with any part of our meals. Panza, hopefully the next time I'm back it will actually be warm enough to sit in the window!!
(5)Michael R.
Arrived promptly at 8 pm for our 8 pm reservation and were told it would be about 10 minutes. 45 minutes later our party of 3 was seated at a table for 2. They were very apologetic and comped an app of our choice, but the food overall was pretty average. There are much better places in the North End.
(2)Jeff A.
This was my first time in the North End since I was a kid. We heard this was a great place and it backed up its reputation. We had a great meal with good service in a welcoming, home-y atmosphere. Next time I go back to Boston I will try other places in the North End but I will always compare them to this place. It set the bar pretty high!
(4)Madhvi S.
Food: Excellent, so many vegetarian options, wild mushroom and goat cheese spring rolls were delicious, all the raviolis options were so yummy Ambiance: Nice, small, quiet. I was there with a group of girls so we were kind of loud and may have caught a few glares. Not the kind of place for a party of greater than 5-6 unless. Price: Eh, North End is expensive, dishes around 14-15, so pretty normal.
(4)Christina D.
A cute enough place, with a nice enough, though not terribly attentive staff. Panza earns only 2 stars for the miserable, tasteless, soupy sauce that my side of penne was served in... I'm sorry bathed in. The rest of my meal was fine, prices were decent (I was there for lunch), but Panza is certainly not up to par with many of the other establishments of the North End.
(2)Michelle M.
Delicious. Absolutely delicious. My roommate and her boyfriend have been raving about this place since we moved to the North End in September. Being a creature of habit, I've stuck to my normal favorite NE restaurants and just tried Panza for the first time a few weeks ago. The service is basic, timely, and friendly. Wine reasonably priced. Food was yummy. I'd recommend reservations ahead of time, but the lines normally aren't too bad.
(4)Katie S.
Waited over an hour for a reservation I made days in advance. Very disappointed by this, the food was good but that is to be expected in the north end of Boston. Much more satisfied with other restaurants in the area.
(2)Sarah F.
There are so many places to choose from in the North End, but I will say this is a gem! It's small, quaint and right on Hanover, but absolutely delicious. I went with a group of friends who were visiting from out of town to give them the North End experience, we had a great time. We started with two bottles of wine which were very reasonably priced (as well as their entire menu) at $20 each. For dinner we had the lobster ravioli and two daily specials - one was the gnocchi bolognese, the second the spinach & ricotta ravioli with mushrooms and sun dried tomatoes. We had gone around 6:30 p.m. and it seemed pretty easy to get a table, but then got very crowded and it fills up fast as the restaurant is quite small. I would recommend going early if you can, otherwise make a reservation. The staff are very friendly and didn't rush us at all - I cannot wait to come here again!
(4)Bob K.
Erin was there to make sure we had a great dinner. The whole experience was great, wait staff was friendly and attentive, the food had vivid flavor and rich in texture an color. You cannot go wrong at Panza!!!
(5)Kristen F.
We chose an inopportune night to go out to the North End... it was pouring, windy, and cold... but to my surprise, an evening at Panza could not have been easier. The place was warm, cozy, and totally adorable. Our party of four didn't make reservations but a table in the corner was available for us right away. The waitress was very laid back and made a few good suggestions for wine, and let all four of us taste test before we made our decision. The wild mushroom and goat cheese spring rolls were yummeee! We all ordered our entrees off the specials menu and were all pleased with our choices. Prices were very reasonable. An all around hassle free evening from start to finish. Next time you're in the mood for Italian... choose this place.
(4)Bill F.
Worth the wait. Im a big fan of Giacomo's across the street so when I read previous reviews that said the food was just as good, I made reservations. First off, they take reservations, Giacomo's does not. After running 1/2 hour late, not bad for a Saturday night, we finally got seated. First thing you notice is how load it is. Very loud. If you want an intimate dinner, go elsewhere. We were greeted by waitstaff immediately, very pleasant and friendly. apps came out fast followed by food. All the food was great. Big portions. They accommodate vegetarians and will make any pasta dish without meat. Giacomo's without the long lines.
(4)Nicole M.
The sister to Giacomo's, Panza, is always a great option if the line across the street is circling the neighborhood, or you want quick take-out. Love the goat cheese and mushroom spring roll, and I hate mushrooms. This appetizer, however, is delicious. The salad that accompanies it is way too sweet for me, though, as it's dressed with honey. Felt like a dessert and my palate was confused. Also got the sweet potato tortelloni. Amazing the night of, but not great as leftovers the next day; you really need that sauce to give you the full flavor. A fantastic go-to for take-out. I'm a big fan! Inside, the staff was super friendly, and the space quaint and charming.
(4)Jenny S.
Panza is my go-to North end restaurant whether I'm taking some visiting friends/family out to dinner or want a special night out with the bf. I've been about 5 times for dinner over the past few months since we moved to Boston last fall, and enjoyed every meal! Sometimes they are very busy, but other nights they are fairly empty. Since they are a rather small restaurant (like most North end places) I'd recommend reservations just to be safe! The atmosphere is nice and I've always had exceptional service. I've dined at a few other restaurants in the area (including Giacomo's) but I just can't help but want to come back to Panza every time. I LOVE the linguine alla pescatore with the fra diavolo sauce... YUM. The dish is $18, but the generous portions mean the leftovers usually give me another 2 delicious meals at home! I've also tried the lobster ravioli ($15) - yummy as well, but the cream is a bit heavy, the chicken picatta - sooo good!, and the seafood risotto ($16) - good, but my least favorite of the things I've ordered. Other dishes that my friends have tried and raved about are the chicken panza and the butternut squash ravioli.... plus many more that I can't think of at the moment :) They have a nice wine selection, but no dessert menu since they said most people end up going to one of the nearby pastry shops anyway. Smart and true, but every now and then I would like to follow up a fancy dinner with a nice in-house dessert for those special occasions... oh well, I still love you, Panza.
(5)Alex S.
I am pissed at this place. Parents were coming to town and I was excited to capitalize on one of the few chances I get for someone else to pick up the check. A great Italian meal in the North End seemed like the perfect solution: a great meal that would be more expensive than I could normally afford. A shared appetizer, salad, three entrees and a bottle of wine were $85...WTF? Initially skeptical of the place because of its more trendy as opposed to traditional Italian family restaurant appearance I was immediately reassured. The cliche appetizer order of calamari was surprisingly interesting. Great spicy drizzle on top of the crisp but not chewy or greasy calamari was great. The bread was crispy but not the best I have had. It seemed a little too dense and heavy for dipping. The eggplant parmesan was fantastic as was my well portioned and perfectly cooked salmon with sweet potato risotto. The service was fantastic. Pleasant but not overbearing. Definitely a place I will go back to.
(4)David T.
Anywhere that has carbonara on the menu is alright by me! Nice chunks of pancetta mixed with an egg, cheese and cream sauce over pasta is a delight for the taste buds and I order it whenever I have a chance. This is my go-to comfort dish at Italian restaurants and Panza's example was well made, generously portioned and reasonably priced (at $15). The bread here was exceptional; the crusty outside with a doughy interior was a welcome change from the too-soft, sesame-topped bread so common in Italian-American places throughout the Boston area. The service was friendly and food arrived within 15 min of ordering. It was a busy Friday night when a friend and I went for dinner and we did not feel rushed by our waitress. The space is charmingly decorated, albeit a bit small. Prices here seemed somewhat in line with other restaurants on Hanover Street although a few menus we passed on the street were considerably higher.
(4)Sarah L.
Soooo delicious. It was a lovely experience dining here. The waiter was attentive and funny. And the food was just flipping fantastic. I look forward to coming back to Boston and eating here again.
(5)Amy L.
I would definitely dine here again. Delicious food, great atmosphere, fantastic Italian bread. Also, we wanted to make some changes in our orders and the wait staff was very accommodating.
(4)Janie W.
This restaurant is teeny and charming. The service is ruthlessly efficient but still polite. They sure get that food out fast! The menu doesn't hold many surprises aside from the wild mushroom and goat cheese spring roll, which I would recommend. The fried calamari is fresh and tasty. I had the veal piccata - with big fresh pieces of artichoke hearts (no skimping on artichokes!) and the bf had the veal panza. Both were tasty and hot, the veal was tender. It gets quite crowded in there and for us at least, it wasn't a place to linger and talk. Still thoroughly enjoyable.
(4)Jaime C.
Delicious casual Italian dinner. They are owned by the famous giacamo's but at Panza, you can make a reservation and avoid the huge long wait that giacamos has. Good prices for dinner and on their wine. I had a home made lemon fettuccini with shrimp. Was very tasty. I recommend to anyone in the north end area.
(5)Elizabeth T.
Since my original review I've gone back to Panza multiple times, sometimes with family, sometimes with friends, sometimes on a date and I cannot stress enough exactly how awesome this restaurant is. I have _never_ had even a mediocre experience here and everyone I have brought has absolutely loved it. Thumbs up for decent wine that's not too pricey and fantastic calamari. I wholeheartedly recommend this place for a date that's impressive but doesn't kill the wallet too much.
(5)Danielle F.
I made a reservation on Open Table for 8:30 on a Saturday night following a sunset cruise of Boston harbor. The cruise ended early, and my boyfriend and I went to Panza to see if we could get in before our reservation. Unfortunately, the place was packed, so we had to wait it out. When 8:30 did come around, we were seated right on time. The restaurant is small (less than 20 tables), and you sit elbow-to-elbow with strangers, which is pretty common in the North End. We were seated in the back of the restaurant by the kitchen. Although this location seemed undesirable, it wasn't any noisier than other parts of the restaurant, and the waiter and waitresses took great care not to bump into our table on their hurried walks between the tables and the kitchen. Our server was nice but not particularly friendly or talkative. She brought the food to our table without saying anything or checking in to see if everything was OK. However, when we went to pay the bill, she comped our appetizer and salads and thanked my other half for his service in the military. This was really nice of her, especially since we had nothing but good things to tell her about the food. Mostly everything we ordered here was wonderful. We started off with the goat cheese and wild mushroom spring rolls. The dish came with four half rolls on a bed of mixed greens with a combination of honey and thyme for dipping. The rolls were creamy and flavorful, and the honey/thyme mix added another level of deliciousness to them. They were my favorite part of the meal. The complimentary bread that was served was crusty and very hot (in fact, everything we were served was hot - I guess that's the benefit of running a small restaurant). The Caesar salads were good; the portion was large, the lettuce was fresh, and the croutons were crusty. For an entree, I ordered the salmon with maple and mustard glaze with butternut squash risotto. The glaze on the salmon was exceptional; the maple flavor reminded me of Christmas (random, I know, but it did). Sadly, the risotto included unadvertised onions, so I didn't eat very much of it, although the un-onionated portions of it were good. My boyfriend had the linguine with lobster tail meat, which came in a creamy sauce with a variety of vegetables. He was very excited prior to getting his entree, and he wasn't disappointed when it came. He scraped every last bit of it from his plate. If you're looking for a good, hot meal in a bustling environment, Panza is an excellent choice.
(4)Rachel K.
Came to Panza at the recommendation of a friend and was not disappointed. The atmosphere is a little less "fancy" than your average North End restaurant, and I came in with low expectations based on appearance alone. The menu has a wide range of typical Italian fare, and the drink menu consists of wine (very inexpensive!) and beers, no liquor. I am certainly a wine snob, but the two wines we chose were pretty good. Entrees were also less pricey than your typical place. I was almost hesitant to get the clams linguine (with white sauce); in past experiences this is a major hit or miss at many restaurants. The clams linguine were a definite HIT at Panza! One of the best I've had in awhile. The other three in my group were all more than pleased with their entrees as well. Service was also good here, our waiter offered great recommendations and was very timely. I'm sure I will be back, Panza was a great start to my New Years 2012.
(4)Lauren L.
I've lived in the North End for two years now. I live about 30 seconds from Panza and am so glad! I've tried almost every restaurant in the North End, and Panza is my #1 favorite. Great service, reasonable prices, AMAZING food. I'm obsessed with eggplant and I had the best eggplant parm I've ever had in my life there! A weird comment that is important to me: Their tomatoes are delicious. I don't know why, but they have the best tomatoes I've ever tasted. I'm just so in love with Panza! It's getting busier and busier by the day I've noticed (definitely much busier since last year) but they deserve the good business!
(5)Joe J.
It's hard to go some place and give it 5 stars when other people haven't. But, the night I came in, everything went perfect. Went in on a Wednesday, had reservations for 2 at 7:00 PM. We were seated right away, and the service was great. It really was. Wasn't overbearing, water was filled continuously when needed, wine was cheap, but good, and the food was awesome. The House Chop Salad (for two) is a great appetizer to split before entrees. The Linguine alla pescatore (fra diavolo) was "the truth"...I kept telling our waiter, I think his name was Carmen, how good it was, actually how good everything was. The prices were reasonable, to say the least. Dinner for two, with a bottle and the shared salad was $68. Needless to say, we left a hefty tip. The only possible downside is how small the place is, and how close the tables are to each other, but I feel like that is becoming the norm in the North End. WOO!
(5)Rhonda D.
This place is off the charts! love it!! Butternut squash tortelloni is amazing! my husband and I always order an extra entree to share because we can never decide!
(5)Jade R.
Great spot - good wine, good food and reasonable prices! Usually less hectic than the other Hanover Street restauarants, so also a relaxing atmosphere. The wait staff is very attentive and friendly. Always a delicious meal! Definitely get the calamari - very yummy. Butternut Squash tortelloni, lobster ravioli, seafood risotto are some of my favorites! Always a delicious meal there.
(5)M S.
"Good food, very reasonable prices, no wait compared to other places in the same block. Very good service- my glass was never empty but no hovering either. Definitely recommend!"
(5)Kat M.
As far as Italian restaurants go, the North End is definitely the place to eat, HOWEVER, they can be pretty pricey and certainly not "casual" events. Panza is exactly that though- a GREAT Italian restaurant, has all the ambiance of a local "little Italy" restaurant, w/out the high prices. I've been here several times and always order a bottle of Chianti, and a different entree. All have been amazing, and all of my dining partners have been equally pleased with their food. My absolute favorite, though, is the baby rigatoni with sausage- AMAZING! The goat cheese spring rolls as an app is a must-have also. One warning is that this place is pretty tiny. Make a reservation, or you'll be outside waiting in the cold (or annoyingly, in the doorway). All-in-all, Panza is a hidden, affordable gem way down on Hanover that everyone should try! Love it.
(4)Liz E.
My favorite spot in the north end! Food is fantastic and reasonably priced. It's tiny, so you better make a reservation or be prepared to wait. Also, it can get a little loud. Sure it's not as fancy as some other spots, but this place is well worth if for the food and price tag. I'll be back here soon!
(5)Jeff N.
The line was short, only about a 10 minute wait ( vs an hr at the rest. Across the street, and the same owners) Service was good, perhaps a little too fast. The calamari was tasty and spicy. The small portion was huge. The house special for the night, Ravioli stuffed with wild mushrooms and pesto sauce was great. We shared a salad, appetizers and the main, with wine the bill was under 50$ and we were stuffed. I would easily recommend this restaurant .
(4)Don S.
Coming from New York I expected North End Italian restaurants to be -expensive -food that was either common Italian or overly rich and oily -servers that are rude or feel they are doing you a favor -cramped tables -rushed through the meal so waiting customers may be seated Not So At Panza! Calamari was lightly breaded and tender with a hint of spicy sauce, The salmon portion was huge and perfectly cooked, my veal special was unique and delicious. Service was professional yet the friendly to an extreme. Don't miss this one.
(4)Sharon G.
Always tough to pick the perfect restaurant (for a large group) -- especially in the North End. Found this one on YELP... almost perfection! The place is a little small, but our party of seven, for which we made reservations, was seated immediately. Loved our server, John, the solid menu, and the gluten free accommodations! The food was so good -- portions large (especially the chop-chop salad for "two" -- everyone had a taste!), service exceptional. SO happy we chose Panza -- and will do so again! (No dessert, but there's a whole neighborhood for that!)
(5)Kevin S.
Like other Yelp reviews warned, having a reservation didn't really mean anything. We were seated about 20-25 minutes late. Additionally, there was a table by the window open, however the group that was going to be seated after us apparently asked the hostess if they could sit there - so we were out of luck. Weird, right? I wasn't a fan of that or those people. Anyway, after the initial frustration - the rest of the experience was pretty good. Really good food (four people, no complaints) and very affordable prices ($4 Sam Summer). My girlfriend is a vegetarian and there were plenty of options for her. On the negative side, the service is pretty slow and forgetful, but it seems to be a busy place, so maybe that's just something you have to deal with. Either way - it's a good (small) spot in the North End.
(4)Amanda K.
Service is amazing here. The server was courteous, answered all of my questions, and was attentive without being overbearing. She also went above and beyond her required duties. When my Aunt requested to get a side of red sauce so she could try it, she cheerily complied. She didn't have to do that. This stellar service is the norm at Panza-every time I've gone, it's been phenomenal. The food itself is amazing. The calamari, mussels, and my entree were all prepared perfectly. The only negative is that you may have to wait to get a table, and that the area is very cramped. But the food and service make this well worth the trip!
(4)Kristen M.
My husband and I had dinner at Panza w/ 2 friends. We had a 7pm reservation and were seated about 7:10. The food was delicious and very reasonably priced (esp. for the North End). We ordered the mussles fra diavolo for apps and they were great. For dinners we ordered the chicken parm, seafood risotto and gnocci and we were all very happy with our choices. I would have given 5 starts but the service was rushed. Granted, it was a Sat night and therefore busy. We definitely didn't plan to hang out there all night, but we ordered 2 bottles of wine, appetizers and 4 entrees, and were in and out of there in an hour. Still, I do recommend Panza and plan to go back!
(4)A Z.
This place is pretty great. The food is good, they take online reservations, and the size of the restaurant is perfect and quaint. I got their spinach ravioli special ($16 bucks or so) which was pretty fantastic. It came in a creamy plum tomato sauce which was minorly sweet and pretty much perfect. I think I would have liked it even more if it was just plum tomato sauce without the cream. My guest and I shared a chop salad for two which was really fantastic. Mixed with the chopped greens were cheeses, meats, veggies, possibly some nuts, and a very good vinaigrette. I'd go just for the chop salad quite honestly. As for seating, it's a pretty tight fit. I wouldn't try to get in here without a reservation. We made reservations and they sat us right away. When we got there, there were people standing at the door waiting. The prices here were pretty surprisingly cheap. I got a special, which is why mine was $16 but you could have found plenty of other things for cheaper that would have been $10 more on another menu. Speaking of menus, the Panza menu does have a lot of meat and fish, but not all that much pasta. My guest wasn't particularly impressed with the variety, but I could have picked several things off the menu. Overall, good spot that I'd recommend. Tab came to about $75 with two meals, salad for two, and three glasses of wine.
(4)Rahil S.
Great food but horrible service. Decided to go here with my girlfriends after seeing great reviews here. We enter the place and we were shown our seats. There was barely 6 inches behind my girlfriends chair and u was pinned against the wall with the table almost touching my chest. The table next to us was super close too. The waitress starts to take the order of the table next to us over our heads. What was horrible was that she passed them their food over our table. The floor was dirty with food from the previous patrons on the floor. U can see the kitchen and u can see how dirty the floor is. The bread that they serve is not even house-made. We saw a staff walk in with a bag of bread. The food was excellent but will never go back.
(1)meg m.
First off, Joe (our waiter) was fantastic. We were a group of 6 after a business meeting and after some table switching, we all got settled. The appetizers were fresh and amazing and came out quickly. The bruschetta was fantastic. I had the Chicken Panza and it was incredible. Simply divine. This is fresh, thoughtful, well prepared food in a small, charming environment. We'll be back.
(4)Dan C.
There's nothing like the North End for a date--lots of people passing old brick buildings and cobblestone paths, delicious food, a certain jena se qua' that could put the legs of even the most uptight of women at ease. Any professional bachelor knows that while the North End holds a world of untold romantic wonder (i.e. dates that always lead to getting your just deserts), it can also be a dangerous place--choose the wrong restaurant, pick a place where lots of rich better looking single men hang out, pick a place where you can't keep your eyes to yourself and you are done for. Planning, people. It's important. Panza is quite frankly the new gold standard in romantic Italian gastronomic rendezvous. Panza is located on Hanover, so unless you are missing a chromosome you cannot get lost trying to find this place (if you do get lost hope it is a chromosome that wasn't very important). The dining room is small, maybe 15 or so tables for 2, many of which are pushed together to accommodate the larger parties--regardless though, this unpretentious place emits a cozy feeling. I went here with Meg M (my yelp life partner), whose company supplies these gastronomic Picasso's with their sea monsters so we had a reservation and all that jazz. The specials are written on a mirror on the wall in what could be white lipstick, undoubtedly left by an angry clown-woman each morning before she storms off to work. The wine was spot on. Granted I'm no wine snob, but it was red, in a glass, and didn't make me want to punch a toddler, so it was good by me. Though the prices of the bottles run the full gambit, they have some decent bottles around $25ish. For the pregame we had a bruschetta and some mushroom spring rolls. I hate tomatoes, I hate them with a passion that burns brighter than a hookers crack-pipe, so I wont weigh in on the bruschetta. Let me say, however, I would kill a man for the mushroom spring rolls. No, scratch that, I would kill a man and everyone that man ever came in contact with for more of those spring rolls. The were perfectly crisp on the outside and had the most amazing honey dressing. The pasta with little necks is killer, especially if ordered with the fra diavolo sauce. Stuffed with both shelled and in-shell little necks this pasta is our best hope against the treat of little necks overpopulating our seas and then waging war on us landlovers. Similarly, the portions were so gigantic that neither of us could finish. That might be something to keep in mind--especially on first dates--since its hard to be suave with unbuckled pants. Bottom line: Total panty-peeler.
(5)Eileen L.
This is a wonderful little Italian gem in the North End. We didn't know what to eat and just wandered in this restaurant when they opened up at noon. The Italian salad for two was a great choice. One of the best salads I've ever had with all my favorite ingredients such as artichoke hearts, olives, Italian meats, and peppercinis. The pasta sauce was delicious and fresh. For the quality of food, I thought it was reasonably priced and the atmosphere was great. We received friendly service. It is a very small restaurant so I can imagine the wait could be long for busy hour. Luckily we didn't have to wait.
(5)Amy M.
Wonderful small restaurant in the north end. 1. Burrata mozzarella (special appetizer): creamy, decadent 2. Pasta with eggplant and tomato sauce: sorry, I can't remember the name of the dish however the amazing flavor is forever sealed on my taste buds! Possibly one of my favorite Italian dishes of all time! PENNE AMATRICIANA (looked up the website--it's THAT good!) 3. Gnocchi bolognese: best gnocchi I've had in ages 4. Caprese with FRIED tomatoes: very unique, nice flavors 5. Excellent bruschetta with grilled bread and lovely tomato, onion and balsamic topping 6. Friendly service. Very enjoyable experience
(5)Michael J.
Average food, average service, average experience. Didn't walk away satisfied nor completely let down. It helped that plates were about $10 less than the surrounding area.
(3)Doug L.
My wife and I have been in Boston for 9 days now and have thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful City. We have been exploring various restaurants and have found our favorite to date in Little Italy. This restaurant is a gem. It is a small and somewhat cramped but don't let that fool you when comparing to other restaurants in the area. The food is outstanding. We started off dinner with green salad with a fantastic balsamic vinaigrette dressing. The bread that was served with dinner included olive oil for dipping. Very basic and tasty. My dinner was the lasagna special and my wife had the lobster risotto. The lasagna that I had was probably the best lasagna I have ever tasted. The sauce, cheese, noodle were all done perfectly. My wife absolutely loved the risotto. As well we ordered the sangria drink specials. They were priced at a ridiculously low price of $6 and were very good. We did not have dessert as we were too full but Mikes Pastry is very close to tempt you. Our whole dinner came to $51 which included the sangrias but no coffee or dessert. Very inexpensive and he food was excellent. The service was very good as well considering that one lady was serving the entire restaurant. I am not sure if she is the owner or a member of the family but she was extremely friendly. I give this restaurant two thumbs up. Mission accomplished......we managed to find an excellent inexpensive Italian restaurant in little Italy
(5)Renee W.
I had read reviews on yelp trying to find a new Italian spot in the North End we hadn't been to yet. Panza was delicious! We shared the antipasto salad for 2- plenty leftover also. I had the special black pepper linguine with mushroom cream sauce = to die for! My husband loved the gnocchi with braised beef. Good wine, service and location. Perfect to celebrate our wedding anniversary. We did venture elsewhere for dessert though since it is not on the menu. Great place for dates!
(4)Chris H.
Didn't feel like it was one of the better Italian restaurants on this street.. Looks nice and busy from the outside, but that was probably because inside they rush to get you in and out. We were still eating and the waitress wanted to put our food in a doggy bag! Its not a big place so the tables are packed in tightly together. The mains were big, so if you're hungry and don't mind sharing your space, go and eat there if you don't have the time to queue at Giacomo's.. but don't bother queuing to get in here.
(2)Michelle C.
This place is solidly GOOD. Some stuff is better than others. I went here with my family after visiting the latest exhibit at the MFA. We had an early dinner on a Sunday and the place was pretty empty. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The food was pretty good. I got the seafood pasta dish. It had a tasty Fra Diavolo sauce, though it wasn't terribly spicy (for me at least), but had good flavor. The pasta was well cooked (al dente as it should be!), but the seafood itself was a little overcooked tending towards the rubbery side. Still, it was tasty and the portion was huge, so I had leftovers, which always makes me happy. We all shared two appetizers, the mussels, which were well cooked, and one that you should ABSOLUTELY try: grilled Italian greens over a polenta cake with gorgonzola and I think a balsamic reduction. It was fantastic. My whole family was raving about it. It's nice to see a not-so-ordinary appetizer offering amongst the standard fare and boy were we rewarded by trying it. If you go, get that and you won't be disappointed. All in all it was a good experience and I think I'll be back to see what else they have to offer and how things stack up. This is at the very least worth a stop in when everywhere nearby is crowded and they've got seats available. Oh and the Anthony Bourdain check: the bathroom was brand new and very clean and the kitchen was open to the dining room :-).
(3)C Y.
I had the lobster ravioli which was really delicious. My friends had the seafood risotto which was also good and another had seafood spaghetti fra diavolo which I thought the pasta was a little to al dente for my tastes. But overall, if you are in the North End the food at Panza will not disappoint you.
(4)M T.
Had a reservation at 5pm on a Tuesday night, was empty when we got there. We were warmly greeted. We were party of 9 and everyone enjoyed the food. By 6pm the place was packed. Will come here again.
(4)Maliha W.
We were visiting from California and looked this restaurant up on yelp. We were not disappointed. The waiter was very courteous and helpful in assisting with menu choices. They had a decent wine list and yummy appetizers. I believe we tried the crispy fried greens, mussles and fried calamari from the appetizer, all good choices. I had broccoli chicken pasta, which was good as well. I would go back if i was in the area again.
(4)S C.
Read about his place here on YELP. Went here w/ my girlfriend. Our first time in Boston together. A few things ppl should know about this place: Great place for a date. Menu has plenty for EVERYONE!! If on date (2 ppl) order 2 apps and 1 entre OR 1 app and 2 entres. The point being portions are good enough to share and bring leftovers home. No coffee/dessert menu so be prepared to go elsewhere for that but there are plenty of places in neighborhood for that. Parking is the worst so find way there by rail/cab etc. My GF and I had calamari and wild mushroom and ricotta springroll We also had Spinach Ravioli and Free Range Lasagna. BOTH were GREAT!!! Try this place!! You will return!!
(4)Sarah P.
I am really surprised at all the wonderful reviews here on Yelp for this place, because my experience at Panza was sub-par. A friend and I decided to eat here on a Saturday night, without a reservation. They were able to take us quickly, which was great. The service was pretty slow though, but that was likely because there were only two servers to the entire restaurant! My friend and I split the chopped salad, which was average, as was the bread that was served. My friend had the chicken picatta for her entree, which she thought was decent, and I had linguine pescatore with a red sauce. The pescatore was quite a disappointment; there was plenty of seafood, but the sauce lacked any flavor--it actually tasted just like jarred Ragu sauce. My friend's meal was served with a side of ziti and red sauce, and she echoed that the sauce tasted like it could have been out of a jar. For me, sauce is a great indicator of how good an Italian restaurant is...and the sauce at this place was lackluster. Overall, it was a pretty poor North End experience.
(2)Effie H.
I went here on V-day with my bf. This place was jam packed....along with every other spot in the North End :) It is a tiny place about 15 tables and close quarters. The food was OKAY...I kinda dont get the Yelp hype. I wasnt very impressed. The menu selection was mostly pasta's and half seafood and half chicken/veal. They started us off with crispy italian bread and we got calamari. The calamari wasnt very fresh (rubbery) but it was okay. Entrees- got the Chicken Panza, it was good but again not great and my bf got a seafood dish that was also, meh...if the seafood was a bit fresher, I may have given it one more star. I probably wont go back here but it is worth a shot. Maybe it was an off night?
(2)Scott R.
A winner. We just wandered in here by chance. Our only criteria was north end, italian, and we didn't want to be disappointed. After we walked up and down the street a bit, we spied this place, the menu looked solid, the dining are looked inviting and unpretentious, and there were a few - but not too many - tables open. Everything we ordered was excellent. My favorite was the sauteed bitter greens appetizer (served over polenta with a balsamic sauce). But everything worked. No issues with service. And prices were very reasonable - just about all the entrees under $20, and most more like $14. Didn't try anything from the wine list, but it looked serviceable.
(4)Angela F.
I had a reservation for 4 people, and was seated almost immediately. The staff was very friendly and helpful, and our food was fantastic! I definitely recommend the butternut squash ravioli, and also the ribs (on the appetizer menu). The check was surprisingly inexpensive, and we left feeling really satisfied!
(5)Christina K.
This restaurant was outstanding. The atmosphere was intimate and charming and the wait staff were exceptional. But the food...I'm drooling now just thinking about it. Make a reservation or you'll have a hard time getting in to this tiny spot, but it is definitely worth it.
(5)andrew s.
Weary to Yelp about this place only because I want to keep it a secret! This place pretty much has everything you would want in a north end place: -Great Food -Great Wine -Great Service -Hanover St. Location -More Than Reasonable Prices -Nice Atmosphere in a Small Room and best of all - they are on OpenTable - a key point to consider during Boston's colder months when waiting in long lines outside (looking at you Giacomo's!) isn't the best idea.
(5)Jacqueline P.
This restaurant was recommended to me by a coworker who lived in the north end. Went for a friends birthday, 8:00ish on a Saturday night, it was small (not a ton of seating) and busy so I was glad I made reservations. As soon as we walked in, I informed a waitress we had reservations and she took us immediatley. Fried calamari- Delicious. My friend and I both ordered the lobster ravioli and it was to die for. I am craving it right now! I highly recommend this place for the food and the price.
(5)John F.
Simple, but still amazing. I've been to quite a few places in the North End, and Panza remains my favorite. The last time I went with my dad for a quick lunch. We split an order of the bruschetta, which was huge but delicious. I ordered the butternut squash tortellonni and I was AMAZED, definitely due to the fact that all the pasta here is made on site. The sauce (brown butter sage) was a perfect compliment to the flavor of the butternut squash. The service was great as well. Our waiter was friendly and attentive. He also really knew his stuff about wines, since he helped my dad pick a perfect wine to match his dish. The prices were also a little bit better than most places in the North End. It's true, the one downside is the fact that the place is on the small side, but I've found I like doing later lunches here, because you tend to arrive at a point where the rush is over. I've never been for dinner, but I would imagine that a reservation is a good idea.
(5)VJ C.
New years eve. Great dinner needed quick in and out. Calamari large $9 is fantastic. Chop salad for 2 will feed 4 lots of crispy pancetta. Bread is great. $6 buys you a large glass of wine they fill to the top. Haven't had anything bad at this little gem! Fair prices
(5)John W.
I really enjoyed this place because they had the typical amazing italian food famous in North End, but were moderately priced and were on Open Table. One of the dishes we had was a roasted eggplant pasta dish with red sauce which was amazing- something about how they roasted the vegetable was delish. The customer service was also great- you can tell the workers know how to please all their customers. I truly felt like a welcomed guest.
(4)Shannon M.
Panza has amazing food. It is also amazingly heavy and I felt like a fat pig by the time I rolled out of there. I would suggest sharing an entree and ordering large salads.
(4)Iva V.
While my Linguini ala Pescatore with red sauce were really spaghetti and not linguini - the dish was sensational! Definitely coming back. Cozy, friendly, great food, good prices.
(4)Allyn H.
It is very hard for me to decide sometimes where to eat. When someone says "lead the way" I sort of just say say 'ok' and have no idea where I am going. When my dad wanted to go to the north end, and (kept insisting on it) My wife and I just thought, we will just go to Haymarket, walk around a bit, and then make a decision. I'm very happy that Panza was there at the right place at the right time. After smelling the bread from a local bakery, I knew we were hungry and that's when we found Panza. We were taken to a table immediately, mind you we came early for dinner service, we were allowed to have conversation without very much interruption and more importantly wait staff offered great suggestions with the menu. We had the calamari, fish cakes, veal panza. Food was simple, not overdone, and a perfect night was had.
(4)Jennifer K.
Decent italian food in the North End at decent prices. Make a reservation before-hand. The service was good too, but the crowd was a little rude while we were waiting for a table.
(3)Hungry H.
Location: the restaurant is in the middle of the busiest tourist area, and we had to wait for 45 minutes for a table on a Sunday night, though they did tell us that when we made the reservation, and we were seated at the expected time. For such popularity and the fairly high prices, we expected something very good. Unfortunately, the food was mediocre. The sourdough bread arrived to the table completely cold. Bruschetta contained feta cheese, for some reason. The bruschetta bread was charred, most likely on purpose - one of use liked this, the other didn't. Veal "panza" was unremarkable and oversalted, though it was covered in large quantities of very good tomato sauce. Beef and veal totelloni were extremely salty and were drowning in very greasy cream sauce, so you couldn't taste the meat or the mushrooms at all. All in all, absolutely not worth the wait or the money - might as well go to Olive Garden for this kind of mediocrity.
(2)Kaitlyn H.
GREAT food. Reasonable prices. A North End diamond in the rough. Make a reservation (the restaurant is small) and order away!
(5)Mattyboy H.
Tiny inside. However the bruschetta as an app was light and fresh. Overall positive all around. I'd go back again.
(4)Laura P.
I went with my husband and adult son; we had three different entrees (2 specials of the day) and all were superb. We will absolutely return to try more things on the menu! Our reservation was honored with on-time seating (we were early) and our wait-person was attentive. The restaurant is very small, so the noise level can get high with just one loud group in the room, but you have to expect that in most of the good spots in the North End.
(5)Priya D.
Hands down, my favorite restaurant in the North End. I tend to go at odd hours so I dont quite run into the crowd at night but can imagine wait times get lengthy given how small the place is. The bruchetta is just about the best thing I have ever eaten. We seriously went for lunch one day and ordered three orders of the bruchetta to eat there and took home some pasta. Service didnt even look at us weird! Extra stars just for that! This place has my heart and is slowly growing my belly. Well done.
(5)Kelsey L.
Right when you walk in the door ultimate feeling of comfort. Wait staff and all other employees were beyond nice and very attentive to your needs. Efficient service, food was right out and the timing of everything flowed nicely. Definitely will be back to this restaurant, the waiter left his card in the bill his name was Carmen. Very nice and attentive to all customers needs and was quick and efficient. Very pleased especially for my first time in the North End for dinner with my boyfriend! Awesome experience!!!!
(5)Jill S.
I always have a hard time choosing where to go eat in the north end because I liked to try new places every time I go-- and everything on Hanover St has delicious smells emitting from the doors. My friend and I stumbled across Panza and thought it looked cute on the inside so we popped inside for a weekday 8oclock dinner. The inside is small, but not as small as some of the North End hole in the walls. The waitress was very nice. What struck me most was how affordable the meals were. We both ordered the chicken parm and got a huge portion for 14 dollars. It was delicious and I had enough for leftovers the next day. Overall it was a great experience here. I would definitely recommend it for an inexpensive girls night out. The food was great- not the best I have ever had in the North End- but still very good.
(4)Ryan W.
Going the the North End in Boston I typically enjoy upscale Italian; which normally features, chops, fancy pastas, and wild boar ragu sauces. Panza is different. It's a roll up your sleeves North End italian eatery which has great entrees, calamari, and they serve many of their dishes with "gravy", not red sauce, but GRAVY! My point being that this will please the pallet of any traditional Italian food lover. I cannot wait to return Panza to try some of their other dishes. The service was friendly and attentive since the restaurant is small in size, no guest goes forgotton.
(4)Jason P.
So freaking good. I had the tandoori fettuccine with grilled lobster tails. It was so creamy and rich. My wife had the LINGUINE ALLA PESCATORE which had a little heat and was super yummy. They make their own bread which was fab. We also had their calamari which renowned my faith in a outstanding appetizer. They lightly fry it and add peppers and grilled onions drizzled in a chipotle sauce. Forget the marinara. Absolutely love this place. My wife and I almost are here two nights in a row but we forced ourselves to try a different place seeing how we were only in town for two days. After we ate at the other restaurant we wish we would have gone back to Panza!
(5)Dana F.
Love this place. Simple, fresh ingredients. No over the top heavy Italian food. Great decor, reasonable prices. Has a great, cozy feel for a date night too.
(5)lauren f.
The space is very tight, and you sit VERY close together; almost at the same table as the people next to you. This really does take away from the enjoyment of your meal, especially if you are dining in a small party(2 people). The food was good and prices were reasonable. Get the salad or the grilled greens. The pastas were overwhelmed in sauce. Service was slow.
(3)Annie L.
The food is okay, but the place and service is terrible. It was one of the only restaurants takes reservation. It is really small, crowded of course, but we had so much expectation for the real Italian food. However, it was one of the worst experience EVER. It was my friend's birthday, so we brought a cake, and after we eat, we asked for the cake, and the waitress came and asked if we mentioned it in the reservation, if not, we had to go somewhere else to eat the cake. We had to talk to the manager to get our cake back. And when she served, we had two iphones on the table sharing pictures, and she flicked the phones sideway with her middle figure. GOD, how can people do this, with no respect???!!! Besides, the place is dirty, I got four bug bites there on my left arm, which is facing the kitchen side, and it bothers me for weeks. Horrible horrible experience. I am afraid I only put one star coz there is no zero. Fire the waitress, and clean the kitchen. The food tastes good, but who cares.
(1)Diana P.
This place is very quaint and cute. I went with one other person and showed up a couple minutes late for an 8pm reservation and still got seated right away even though there were only about 15 tables. I got the tomato/mozz caprese salad and it was amazing and actually big enough to split with two people unlike many other places. We got a bottle of wine and found all the choices very reasonable and not upcharged as much as everywhere else. I recommend the Pinot Noir, it was very smooth. We both enjoyed our meals and dined for two hours! The staff was friendly and patient with us. My only problem with this place and most places iin the North End is that it is very tight; the couple next to us was only about 6 inches away. I will definitely be back.
(4)Brian B.
Good service, very tasty pastas and good starters. Reasonable prices too and wasn't too hard to get a seat on a weeknight. Tables very close together, but that's OK.
(4)Victor R.
The food was excellent. The process of the queue needs to be improved drastically. I had two, maybe three parties seated ahead of us, who came in after us.
(4)Lee M.
Food was fantastic and the price was very reasonable. I would highly recommend this place!
(4)Lucreiza B.
Last month I took my friend here to celebrate her Birthday. First off from the outside the place looked cozy. Please don't be fooled inside the place is cramped. My friend had a hard time getting in her chair without having to bump other diners. The waitress was unmemorable because she forgot to mention the specials to us or wine list. Also when our dinner arrived me just took the bowl of cheese from the other table and dumped on our table without asking if the other table were doing using the cheese. However the upside was the food. I do recommend the fried goat cheese egg rolls with the honey thyme and the seafood risotto.
(3)Jenny M.
YUM! We dined at Panza yesterday evening and are still reveling in the tastiness and indulgence of the meal. We made a reservation for 3 for 8pm and were seated just a few minutes after we arrived. Immediately we were drooling over the menu - with so many delectable-sounding options, it was nearly impossible to choose what dish to go with. Luckily we had a lovely $20 bottle of wine and the tasty wild mushroom and goat cheese spring rolls to nosh on while we decided - the spring rolls came with a honey thyme sauce, which added a nice sweetness to the appetizer (though the sauce could have been a little less thick to mirror spring roll sauce more closely - but I digress). Finally we settled on the Pappardelle with braised wild boar ragu and asiago cheese (a special that night), penne with chicken and broccoli in roasted garlic cream sauce, and the tarragon fettuccini with grilled lobster tails in brandy cream sauce. As I had the lobster tails, I can say it was TO DIE FOR. One of the best pasta dishes I have had in a long time, with big chunks of lobster swimming in this delicious, creamy sauce. The peas were also a great touch in the dish. I could have used a little more pasta in the dish, but that's because I'm a carb addict. The pappardelle with wild boar was also fabulous - I hope this becomes a regular at the restaurant! The ragu was very yummy and rich. I didn't try the penne with chicken and broccoli, but my friend raved about it. All portions were big enough that we could eat to capacity and bring enough home for lunch the next day. Our waiter was also wonderfully helpful and very nice - his recommendations were all spot on. The service was also super quick, which was nice as were quite hungry upon coming in. I wouldn't have minded just a bit more time between the appetizer and the entrees though, the turnaround was barely long enough to savor the spring rolls before our dishes were out! All in all, a fabulous dining experience, and I hope to return again soon!
(5)kim r.
Great gem in the northend. The prices are a steal, and the food is amazing. It has perfect 15 table intimacy where you can see what your neighboor ordered without feeling like the tables are on top of you. This is my go to italian place! Their take out is equally great.
(5)Chris B.
Good food and service, use caution when reserving on open table, especially the night of. Our reservation was not honored and was forced to wait 45 minutes.
(4)Johnny G.
There is nothing mediocre about this place. Fast, friendly service, great atmosphere, and food that'll make you wanna slap yo mama! I recommend the calamari for starters, then try the house special. Trust me, you won't be disappointed! We had the tomato & fresh mozzarella filled Ravioli with roasted red peppers... Magnifico! You also have to get a side of meatballs (3 per serving)
(5)Dan D.
Great place to eat if you are ever in the North End of Boston! Yummy Eggplant Parmigiana!
(5)Jason F.
Similar to another reviewer below, I give this place 4.5 stars for food, 3.5 stars for atmosphere, and about 1.5 stars for service. First the good - the food here is really great. I had the rigitoni w/ sausage. The sauce was fantastic and the pasta was cooked very well. My friend ordered the chicken marsala and raved about it throughout the meal. The chianti I ordered with my meal was decent but not the best I have had. The restaurant is tiny, as are many North End eateries. That adds to the charm and character, in my opinion. Seating was still comfortable. The place was clean and decorated nicely. Now for the service. I made reservations for a Saturday night at 6 PM. I got there right at 6 and was told that they were too busy and we would have to wait for a table. It took almost 20-25 minutes to get a table. With reservations. I wasn't thrilled about that. Then, the service was rushed. Upon getting the menus from one server, about 2 minutes later we were already asked to order. The server looked quite flustered and was rushing back and forth. The food came promptly and hot, which was great. But as we were eating, the check came and was placed (I learned later they don't serve dessert? A letdown IMO). We finished our meal and were chatting when the server came back again and grabbed the check (which we hadn't even looked at). I told the server it wasn't ready yet. She rolled her eyes and walked away. Huh? I get the restaurant was busy (though at that time there were tables open), but that was uncalled for. So, overall, the place was a good place but the service left something to be desired. I might considering returning for a second evaluation, but we shall see.
(3)Fatty T.
Panza was recommended to our group by a private North End tour guide paid for by my company. (Note: I lived in the North End for two years and never heard of it.) Unfortunately, the food and service screamed "tourist trap." Bread, apps, and entree were brought out all at the same time and placed on our small, cramped table. Also, our server tried to box up my entree merely 10 minutes after it was placed in front of me and while I was mid-bite. We were shocked at how the servers were instantaneously trying to turn tables, but there was no wait or line out the door at 5:30 p.m. on a Saturday. The spare ribs were ok, as was my baked ziti. Unfortunately, my dining partner complained of overcooked mushrooms in the tortelloni, and was sick a few hours after eating.
(1)Xin W.
Affordable and tasty. The lasagna was not bad, and the pasta came in a huge portion! Enough for two meals. So generally a good deal.
(4)md d.
We went here on a date recently. Awesome raviolis. Wine was divine. Friendly service. Clean restaurant. A must try if you're in Boston!
(4)A R.
Great spot - unlike some North End restaurants they don't just churn out plates and plates of so-so pasta. This pasta was quite good. I had the spinach and roasted garlic ravioli with pancetta. Delicious. Someone else in the group had "free form" lasagna. They liked it so much they are going to try and make it at home (look it up - very creative). The calamari was average. The atmosphere is nice - not as big and gaudy as some of the other places towards the beginning of Hanover Street. Some advice to someone going on Hanover Street - take the time to walk down the street a ways and don't get caught up in the moment and go to the first place you see. Lastly, the price is right. Anywhere from $12 - $22 for a large pasta dish or entree.
(4)Joan S.
I just discovered a new restaurant in the North End, Panza on Hanover Street and Wow! What a great meal for little money. Right on Hanover Street in the middle, I found this terrific new spot and had the best Veal Saltimboca I have ever had. Fork tender and just the right amount. As I am no-carbing it right now, living AND eating in the North End can be tough, but not here. Along with the Veal I had a side of wonderfully marinated vegetables and a delightful waitress who made the experience great. Dinner was only $16! Can you believe that -- On Hanover Street!!! This new gem isn't going to stay undiscovered for long. And before you know it, the lines will appear in front of this restaurant too. I forgot to mention...a bottle of wine - $20!
(5)KayGee G.
It is my favorite North End restaurant. I've been going for 10 years when it was CIBO and now as Panza. It is small compared to other restaurants in the neighborhood but it is really good. Every dish I have ever had there has been good. I most recently had the FREE FORM' LASAGNA which was really good. The person whom I dined with had the special, a spinach pesto ravioli dish. He loved it. The entree prices are typical for the North End and worth it.
(5)Chelsea J.
I just want to be the 100th review, because I'm awesome. Nothing really new to report though. Came with some friends who were in town before we headed over to the Garden. Got there early since our event started at 7:30, were in and out with enough time to grab some pastries and get our seats. Husband and I both had the special, which was delicious. Goat cheese filled ravioli with duck confit, dried cherries, and spinach, in this amazing sauce. One friend got the lemon garlic shrimp (also a special, I think) and the other ordered the lasagna. The only thing not finished was the shrimp dish, my friend liked it although I thought it was a bit bland.
(4)Joshua G.
This has a consistently delicious experience since the restaurant was called Cibo a few years back. Staff is friendly though the waitstaff seems understaffed and overwhelmed. The restaurant is crowded and tables too close. Still, some of the best Italian the city offers at the best price. Worth it but try to get in early if going Thursday, Friday or Saturday.
(4)Katherine S.
We made reservations for 8, then called because we were going to be 20 minutes late, and still waited until around 8:50 for a table for 2 but it was well worth it! The seafood dishes were perfectly flavored, and the house salad and grilled Italian greens were a perfect complement. The side bread was delicious, simple and tasty. The hostess/waitress served us a free glass of wine for our "trouble." The food came out quickly and hot. Best of all the price was totally reasonable. Overall an excellent experience!
(4)M M.
This place was simply awesome. Found out it is owned by the same family who own Giacomos across the street. We made a 6:30 reservation for 4 and were seated within 15 minutes. Food was outstanding.. We had a Fried Calamari with a cherry pepper aioli that was simply the best I have ever had. Service was very good (not outstanding), price was great. Yes the place is small but that what most of the restaurants in the North End seem to be. If you are going to eat out in Boston, this is a must stop!
(5)Dani A.
Really a 4.5. Deserves 5 stars hands down for food, and 4 stars for service/environment. I came here on a weekend night with my family for a celebration. There were 6 of us and I had made a reservation only two days beforehand. We waited less than five minutes for our table. The ONE negative aspect about my experience was that we were slightly stuffed at a table for four people, and were a bit crowded; however it was understandable as the restaurant is moderately small. So if you don't mind playing a little footsie with your dinner dates, it's really not an issue! Now I came here with a severe craving for AUTHENTIC, OLD SCHOOL italian food... I'm talking cheesy and gushing with tantalizingly delicious marinara sauce, and that is EXACTLY what we got. We ordered the mussels, which were delectable, the fried calamari, which was exquisite (and perfectly spicy for my latina taste) and I had the eggplant parm, my favorite Italian dish, and it was exactly what I wanted. My sister raved about the lobster ravioli (she said "the best she's ever had), and the rest of my family was similarly satisfied with their meals. Topping on the cake.. we had a delicious bottle of Malbec for only $20. This is quite a reasonable restaurant!! Highly recommend it. Just to warn.. they don't have coffee/dessert, however there are countless cafes around the North End to appease your post dinner sweet tooth.
(4)Al A.
They ignore all reservations made. Extremely annoying.
(1)Michelle M.
This is my very first review! While in the Boston area for a business trip, my coworkers/friends and I found Panza from a different website. It was rated high, so we went. I'm glad we did! It was good and I'd go again. The restaurant is on the smaller side and made for a fun experience! The staff was great and the food was yummy! For starters we shared the brushetta along with an appetizer that was a special for that night - I don't remember the name but it was with burrata. Both were good, but I liked the brushetta better - it had a really good flavor. My entree was the Spinach & Ricotta Ravioli and I really enjoyed that! My friends all enjoyed their dishes too -- one was a special for the evening, don't remember what, one was Linguine alla Pescatore, one was Butternut Squash Tortelloni and one was Penne Amatriciana. So,my official reccomendation is that you go to this restaurant if you want to go eat in the North End!
(4)Clifford T.
This is my favorite little secret in the Northend. My boyfriend and I go here for dates all the time and we have never had anything on the menu that we remotely disliked. Their specials are typically very delicious too. When you're walking down Hanover, keep an eye out for it because it is easy to pass (speaking from personal experience on multiple trips). I would definitely recommend their mussels.
(5)Jessica J.
Our FAVORITE restaurant in the North End. We love the ambiance, the service and of course, THE FOOD! Everything on the menu is delicious. Our personal favorites include the Bruschetta, the Caprese Salad, the Butternut Squash Tortelloni and their special Pesto Gnocchi. Mmmmm I cannot wait to go back!
(5)Brian M.
My food was excellent my wifes not so good. Wait staff was pretty rude and we felt very rushed. Prices are good but if you only get out to the north end for special occasions choose another spot.
(1)Matt F.
Great experience, I'll definitely come back!
(5)Jess K.
Great restaurant in the North End for vegetarians. We decided to split three dishes: Butternut squash tortelloni, spinach and ricotta ravioli and eggplant parm. All of them were fantastic, but the eggplant parm was probably the best I've ever had, the eggplant was cooked perfectly. Menu was reasonably priced, each meal was about $15. Service was great, wait staff was friendly and made sure to keep our glasses full. This will be my go to spot in the North End on future trips.
(5)H. Q.
i was going to the north end to have dinner with my bf... we were planning on going to giacomo's, but we didn't make reservations given that it was a tuesday night, and we thought no one was going to be there... we were wrong. there was a huge line out the door. so, we looked across the street and saw panza. we looked at their menu on the window, saw that they had a pretty good selection and prices. we ordered the goat cheese spring rolls (i think that was the name) as an appetizer and they were delicious! as for my main course, i had pasta with clams, mussels, scallops, and shrimps with fra diavolo sauce. it was great! my boyfriend had the parmesan veal with a side of meatballs. he really like his meal. one great thing about this place is that the portions are huge! we also had a bottle of white wine, don't remember which one, but i remember that the prices were very decent. i also liked the ambiance of panza. it was quite small, and cozy... pretty romantic.
(4)Caitlin C.
I went to Panza (which I believe means Paunch in Italian) recently with my father. The restaurant is quite small, and I was forced to sit uncomfortably close to the table due to the rather large individual sitting behind me. Not the end of the world. Anyway, we had a fine, satisfying meal. I had the maple, salmon dish. It was a bit over-sweet and I think it's more of an autumn dish. My father really liked the special ravioli dish that he chose. The wine was also quite good and very reasonably priced. I think it was a Montepulciano. I'd definitely return to Panza, but I think I'd order a pasta dish next time!
(3)Marie C.
The mussels are delicious! Get them with the far diavalo sauce (spicy red sauce) - it's fantastic and the perfect kick and definitely homemade - YUM!
(5)Holly S.
best eggplant ever! definetely will return!
(5)Carolyn S.
I just love Panza. Back when we lived in the North End we went here all the time. It was the perfect little neighborhood spot for us. Friendly service, a menu full of flavorful dishes all at a very good price. The wine list was pleasantly varied, not overwhelming and quite reasonably priced. We always took friends and family visiting from out town here and when anyone ever asked for a recommendation for a good place to go in the North End, we sent them here. We've since moved, but found ourselves visiting the old neighborhood last Friday. It was like going home. Interesting appetizers and specials as per usual, convivial atmosphere, great food and a couple of worthy (yet still reasonable) additions to the wine list. Fave dishes include...well, just about everything! I can't wait to 'end up in the North End unexpectedly' again so I can go back to this casual and unassuming little jewel of a place nestled in the heart of Hanover St.
(5)Meg M.
This place is fantastic! Right on Hanover St... no line. no wait... no feeling of being rushed through your meal. I went last night with two friends of mine and called for a 6:45 reservation. When we pulled up in front of Panza in what we thought was an excellent parking spot, our soon to be waiter Chris was standing out front and let us know we would get a ticket so we should move. That was a great thing, cuz another ticket is the LAST thing I need. We parked in a lot around the corner and walked back up Fleet St. I think it was 14 dollars. We walked into Panza and it was for the most part empty but I know people usually dine a little later in the North end and it was a thursday night. We were seated at a four top right at the window which was great. We started off with a bottle of delicious Pinot Noir (20 bucks!!!) and one friend got a Peroni. After looking at the menu and wanting everything we decided to order 3 appetizers... one of my friends is a guy and he was making sure we would ALL have enough to eat. We started with a basket of wonderful crusty bread and olive oil. Next came the bruschetta which was made with the freshest tomatoes and the bread it was on was perfectly soaked (i hate when its too hard OR too soggy). We also had the mushroom and goat cheese spring rolls served with a honey dressing on field greens... it was also ridiculously good. I really cant describe how awesome these things taste. I dont even like mushrooms and I loved this thing... I tried it because my love for goat cheese far outweighs my dislike of mushrooms so I figured it was worth a shot. Chris then brought us the mussels in a white wine garlic broth (you can have it red white or fra diavlo). The mussels were big and cooked perfectly. The sauce was simple, refined and beautifully seasoned. Now it was entree time. We couldnt decided so we all ordered something different and agreed to share. I ordered the gnocchi bolognese and when I say these were some of the best gnocchi I have had in the north end. Fresh and perfect. The meat sauce was simple and flavorful and everything you would look for in a bolognese. Eliza got the seafood risotto which I envied but not enough to want to share too much of mine. The vegetables were crisp and fresh and the seafood was all perfectly cooked and unbelieveably fresh. Sean got the "free form" lasagna. Its basically a pasta dish with long flat lasagna noodles cut smaller mixed in a red sauce with chicken, mushrooms and a plum tomoato sauce. It was perfectly al dente and tasted wonderful. Chris left us alone to chat and catch up but we never needed or wanted anything. He made it a point to tell us to relax, take our time and enjoy ourselves. He was on top of our table without being overbearing and by the end of the night other parties had started to fill the charming little space. Like its sister restaurants, Panza does not do desert or coffee to encourage North End exploration. We were stuffed obviously so we passed on desert and headed over to the charity function we were attending. The best part is that the food was phenomenal, the service was impeccable and the cost........... CHEAP. All of the food we got last night came to $95.00.... 3 people, a bottle of wine, 2 beers, 3 apps, and 3 HUGE entrees... under 100? YES PLEASE. I will be back... and often. Thank you Panza... I love you.
(5)Rachel F.
I ate dinner here last week and it was great. We had a reservation and were seated right away. The food was delicious and the service was excellent! The bruschetta appetizer had a little balsamic on it which was a welcome addition - so good. We got a small order of calamari too and it was huge.. I was full by the time my seafood linguine came, but still managed to make a dent in it :) My leftovers fed me for two more nights, so serving sizes are certainly plentiful! The beer list was very limited (as expected) but they had decent offerings. It was pretty busy for a weekday night, so I can imagine on the weekends it must get packed. Overall, it was a great dining experience!
(4)Jamie G.
I would have probably given this restaurant 5 stars had it not been for the fact that I lost feeling in my pinky fingers because of them. Let me explain. We made reservations for 4 at 9pm on a Friday night. We show up a little early 8:45pm and are told to wait outside and someone will be right out for us (by a waitress as they have no hostess). She then proceeds to seat a party of 2 with no reservation next to a party of two who are just finishing up (aka a soon to be table for 4) yet we are out waiting in the cold.... for FORTY FIVE MINUTES!!!! So at 9:30 we are FINALLY seated. So I go in already demoting them to a 4 star restaurant. Luckily our waiter responded quickly with good service. The bread at the table was typical italian bread, but very moist, and the table had good olive oil and red pepper and we asked for Parmesan, for a good dipping sauce. We ordered a bottle wine, ... almost all the bottles are $20-$30, and about half of those are just a few dollars more than store price, so not a bad deal at all, and it was good. For dinner I had the special black pepper pappardelle with sausage and veggies. It was delicious and you could tell the pasta was fresh! a little spicy but just right. The rest of the table enjoyed their meals too. Also, for being in the North End, all the prices were very reasonable, just $100 for four meals and a bottle of wine. So this place definitely has good food at a good price. They just need a hostess and better practices related to seating and reservations and they might be bumped up in my book to a 5!
(4)J C.
Decided to eat here based on previous reviews from Yelp last week... Called ahead for reservations on a Friday, couldn't get one until 8:30pm. A bit late for dinner for us, but we wandered through the north end and down towards fanuiel hall. Got back to the restaurant at 8:30 sharp, told the hostess we had a reservation. She didn't ask our name, just how many and said it would be a few minutes. It was unclear if they even took reservations and if so, ours was never honored. We waited another 30 mins outside in the cold and were finally seated. Would have come alot earlier than 8:30 if the reservations weren't being honored. Food/Wine options were good... got the mussels in white wine, Salmon and bottle of the Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc, all were good. Interior atmosphere was nice, comfortable, cozy. We are big dessert eaters, and as Italians, really look forward to seeing what places have to offer. We noticed towards the end of our meal that no other table had dessert and finally figured out they didn't have a dessert or coffee menu. Really felt that was a miss on their part.. and hoped it wasn't because the "tourist trap" Mike's Pastry was just down the street or that they didn't want diner's to linger too long...as residents of the area, standing in a additional 30 minute line for a mediocre cannoli wasn't that appealing after a late dinner. Wouldn't go back based on this experience.
(2)Patti F.
I hate to give one star to a place that has great Italian food but an obnoxious, rude, & nasty hostess who we find out is the Chef's wife. We were late for our reservations so we understood there would be a wait. When we walked in to tell her we were here, she quickly dismissed us to the outside and said we would have to wait- which is fine. We finally sat down 45 min later and entered Panza . Note: we were 5 40-something yr old women out for a girls night to catch up in what we though would be a nice relaxing atmosphere. Well into our meal while we were enjoying the food, laughing and having a good time, SHE turned to us in the most arrogant, obnoxious way & said, " you are going to have to be quiet..at that point our lovely waitress came over and apologized and said she hopes we enjoy the rest our evening and to please ignore the comment ( the waitress was not aware we were being "loud"). Panza is not a quiet, romantic eatery- it is a small, tight, lively place where conversations are flowing so for us to be singled out was just ridiculous and really just down right rude. I have read another patrons review from a year ago talking about this hostesses' arrogance and just lack of professionalism. I think the chef/owner must seriously consider and think do you really want someone like this to run the front of the house..really? You have good food, so what, does that give her the right to be down right rude?. We are adults not rowdy college kids or a bachlorette party or drunks. Wise up Panza and run your restaurant with courteous people. Our wait staff was a sweetheart who I now feel bad for..who would want to work for someone like that? SOrry--good food & customer service go hand in hand.
(1)Helena B.
I've been here twice and this is definitely my new favorite North End restaurant. As many have said, it is small and cozy and it made for a perfect romantic dinner. Best of all- its very affordable! My boyfriend and I shared an appetizer, each got an entree and drinks and the bill was $50 with a 25% tip! I got the potato gnocchi in a beef sauce- definitely the best gnocchi I've ever had in the U.S.! His dish was AMAZING. Usually I am skeptical of veal (it's hard to cook and let's face it, calves are too cute to eat) but he got the Veal Masala and it literally had the best sauce I have ever had in my life! The veal was cooked perfectly- I'm definitely getting that next time! We also got an appetizer of calamari- $9 for a huge plate is great as far as I'm concerned! Perfectly cooked and not chewy like it can often be. Service was quick and definitely worth a good tip. I'll give this place five stars easily and I know I'll be back soon!
(5)Tiny T.
My wife and I went in on a SundaY afternoon. It was not crowded at all yet seemed very loud. It seemed like we where the only ones there that was not a friend or relative of the staff. Which was annoying because it distracted the server. The food was average not really that great.
(3)Tiff S.
Went here because the menu from the window looked reasonable. Had a chardonnay for $6, pasta for $15, annnnnnd it was good. no complaints. probably will go here again.
(4)Caitlin K.
This place is so cute and the food and service are excellent. The prices are very reasonable too for the North End.
(5)Derek W.
Panza is absolutely, bar none, the best Italian restaurant I have ever been to. Located on Hanover Street, Panza may seem like just another Italian restaurant that is probably overpriced and quite possibly disappointing. Nothing could be further from the truth. First of all, the place is tiny (read: only about 25 seats tiny!) and comes complete with an exposed brick wall with built in candle holders. The lights are kept low at night so this is a great place to go for a romantic, candle-lit dinner. Honestly though, if this place was a beat to hell shack I'd still come to it for the food. It is incredible! Most of the menu isn't too inventive but you can find pasta classics that are done simply and very very well, and the grilled Italian greens is the best appetizer I've ever had. The prices are extremely reasonable as well, pastas start at about $14 and the portions are huge! The service can be a little on the slow side (but very friendly and helpful, I might add) because they only have a maximum two waiters and one busser working at peak times and the food is made fresh to order, but, believe me, it is well worth the wait.
(5)K K.
This place is fantastic. It is reasonably priced and DELICIOUS. Most other restaurants in the neighborhood have high prices and not-as-yummy cuisine. I have been here about 5 times and will continue to go back as long as I live in Boston.
(5)Melody S.
Stopped in here with a friend for a quick early dinner on a Monday. Only a few tables were full. The place had a warm, friendly atmosphere, despite being small. The waiter was very friendly but not too talkative. He let us know what he thought was good, which was helpful. Another server kept our water glasses full, and brought a basket of rustic bread (and then refilled it upon request, very cheerfully). My friend & I split a chopped salad for two, which had cubes of cheese and some type of Italian meat that tasted like balogna. It had a few artichoke hearts and hot peppers, as well as some tiny bits of crunchy bacon (pancetta?) and diced tomatoes. It was huge -- definitely big enough for four, even tho the menu said for two. My friend had the chicken picatta, which had generous amounts of chicken and also artichoke hearts, along with capers. The pasta was served in a small bowl on the side, with tomato sauce, which I thought was awkward. She enjoyed it with bread though. I had seafood risotto, which had a decent amount of scallops and 3 beautifully cooked medium shrimp. Tiny bits of asparagus and tomato gave it a nice red-white-and-green Italian look! We both had $6 glasses of white wine, two different types, both were excellent. Very cold and fresh tasting. I never heard the word "panza" before in any of my Italian lessons, but I will remember it now!
(5)Lauren G.
I don't know why we didn't come here sooner! I'm a resident of the North End and this is my new favorite place. Great ambiance, cozy little spot, with amazing authentic delicious Italian (not Italian-American) food. Definitely going to be my new go-to spot. Our service was great, food was out of this world (get the short ribs!!) and the prices are so reasonable. I have friends who have complained about long waits even with reservations but I haven't experienced that myself. So glad we took a recommendation for this place, well definitely be back.
(5)Kevin H.
Tiny place but does this place pack a punch! We ordered several things off the menu. Ceasar salad, bruschetta, goat cheese and wild mushroom/goat cheese spring roll and the spare ribs were the appetizers we picked and by far the best were the spring rolls, although the others were mighty tasty too. Baby Rigatoni with sausage was my selection and out of this world. The sauce was like, like....perfect! We also tried the beef and veal tortellini and what an incredible dish. I could go on and on about how wonderful everything is, and that's because it is. As far as the crowds and that, it's a small restaurant and really good. Just expect it. But if you want true authentic italian you'll love this place. The wine list is very small, but very inexpensive. You won't regret going to Panza. I thought the service was incredible, considering how they basically need to get you in and get you out becuase they always have people waiting to get in. Can you imagine how tough that is when you'd like people to stay and linger over the wonderful dinner, but you also need them to go so you can get more turnover? I thought Panza handled it very well.
(5)C Y.
Our family of 4 had dinner there Saturday night and it was great! From the garlic bread to some of the special pasta dinners, they were fantastic. The veal piccata wasn't quite in the same category but still good. Service was excellent. Had great desserts down the street at Modern Pastry!
(4)N A.
The food was ok the service not good. We waiting a long time with a reservation, she tried to tell us she had called our name before but we were right outside the door. We ordered our meals and with our drinks and never saw our waitress again until we were done. Asked for Parmesan cheese, which we never got. (of course the people siting next to us were offered) They are one of those restaurants that gives you pasta on the side drowned in marinara no matter what you order. I wanted a side with no sauce so i could eat it with my marsala sauce but I was done eating by the time she came back. I still got it though. My boyfriend took me here for a romantic dinner and it was anything but. By the time you get in to eat they are inattentive and want to get you out fast. The food was def not worth the wait or the price.
(2)Molly K.
Awful experience... Our salads & appetizers all came at the same time... So we had salads, appetizer plate & bread plates & were still eating when the waitress showed up with dinner dishes with no place to put them & acted irritated with us that we were not ready. Food was mediocre at best. Bruschetta was a soggy mess of tomato with big clumps of goat cheese. Calamari was ok... My dish was the best - lamb shank ragu... Chicken Marsala edible with an unappetizing pile of penne with bland red sauce.
(1)K L.
great food, great service, really cozy little place-loved it! Easy to get a reservation, but dont bother trying to find parking...
(5)John W.
My wife and I happened upon Panza on a Friday night while on a weekend away and loved it! We loved the chopped salad and bread. I had this great gnocchi witha braised pork red sauce and she had Salmon with Butternut squash risotto. All fantastic. Service was great and we were appreciative which was wonderfully returned! Crowded yet intimate!
(5)Kathy K.
We've eaten at many north end restaurants but haven't had an experience like this one in years. For starters I've traded the fancy meals for basic Italian food and find my experiences in general to be better. I had the chicken Marsala which was a little different than I expected. Instead of serving pounded meat I was served chunks of meat. That surprised me a bit but it did not take away from the tenderness of the meal. The sauce was perfect, mushrooms and prosciutto were abundant. As a side I ordered garlic and butter on my pasta which was good but not nearly as good as the red sauce my husband ordered. His meal was the most perfect veal Parmesan ever tasted. The reason for the perfection was the red sauce. Rather than the ordinary chunky red sauce this was a smooth sauce perfectly infused with flavor. The pasta was covered with the same sauce. We enjoyed a nice bottle of Valpolicella with our meal. The total bill, before tip was $54!! That's never happened before!! The seating is tight but that's to be expected. The service was amazing, thank you to our server Erin for making this a great experience for us.
(4)michele D.
ja i know where Chris is: he is a server now in Newton..Tartufo restaurant.. union st. is next to the newton station...good guy ...! to bad he is not longer with Panza....
(1)Meridith H.
My boyfriend and I literally stumbled in here on a Saturday night. We had an hour to spare before an improv show, and I was hesitant about sitting down for a formal meal, but I'm so glad we did! Panaza was an unexpected delight! Like a previous reviewer, we had the goat cheese spring roll, which was amazing! We also had gnocchi and the butternut squash ravioli. After eating here, I was daydreaming about butternut squash ravioli all weekend! Our friendly server Chris explained that unlike many other North End Restaurants who heavily advertise and utilize heavy marketing techniques, Panzza is understated, and relies more on word-of-mouth marketing. The price-point is just right, and the food quality meets (or even exceeds) other Italian restaurants in the North End. I highly recommend this gem of a restaurant!
(5)Martin M.
Thanks for the tip, yelpers! Just in town for 3 days, so wanted all to come out right...and Panza filled the bill with prompt seating at our reservation time, fast and friendly service, and (to my Texan palate, anyway) authentic, toothsome, and copious Italian food. Me & kiddo shared chopped salad "for two" which would have been a generous bowlful for three or four, he had seafood linguini fra diavolo--lots of *big* shrimp, clams, and calamari over about a quart of pasta--and I loved me some lobster ravioli (about a dozen or more!) in a garlic cream sauce which I had to mop up with the fresh Italian bread. We don't drink, so bill came in at under $50! What a steal...and on the way out, we got warmly thanked for coming in. Oh yeah, next time in Beantown, you bet I will be making a reservation here before I get on the plane at Dee Eff Dubya. Thanks for a very memorable meal and a high point of our trip!
(4)Jaclyn S.
Great food and wine list, service is attentive and speedy. I ordered chicken piccata $6 and it was tart and hot. The menu has a great variety of pasta options and chicken/veal. They take reservations but our table took 20mins to get ready (hence 4 stars). The atmosphere is loud, but cozy and romantic. Great for small parties and dates.
(4)TheoHuxtable X.
I would comment on the food but can't. We stood inside the door where a hostess stand would traditionally be. Instead, no one helped us even when we asked. People come in and just awkwardly stand there like idiots. Our party left. Hannover street has probably 8.5 million restaurants so why waste time at this place?
(1)Sarah J.
Panza should not be allowed to take reservations, as other reviewers have noted. We arrived promptly for our 6:30 meal time to a line out the door. The hostess was doubling as a waitress, so she disappeared for about 15 minutes. I finally grabbed her (she was totally ignoring the line) and said we had a reservation, and she said three reservation groups were ahead of us. I told her that's not right, and that the restaurant should not be taking reservations if they can't seat people on time. She rudely responded that she can't make people get up from their tables and leave. So, we left and had a wonderful meal at Cantina Italiana.
(1)Kevin J.
Great fresh food, reasonably priced and fast service.
(4)Jen L.
Delicious bruschetta but the service is painfully slow...
(3)Jen R.
I was really disappointed in my recent dining trip here. I read such good reviews that I was hoping to have a great night, but the service kind of ruined the experience . That being said the food was good, but I wouldn't go back. The waiter didn't give us much of a greeting or come by to ask if everything was good. And we had to flag him down when we wanted to order. Just not feeling the love! Bummer because the spring rolls and calamari were delicious! And the butternut squash rav was a great dish. My gf and I both agree that good service is more important to us than the food itself because a huge part of the experience is feeling that the server cares enough to give you a reason to come back.
(3)Derek D.
Had dinner on Saturday night at Panza. Very well priced, bruschetta was one of the best ever, wonderfully presented and a massive portion. Pasta main of Rigatoni with Sausage was really tasty and once again, a large portion. Only down side was the insalata caprese was with breaded and fried tomatoes (weird I know...)
(4)Brenna P.
Terrible service! Waited in line for 30 min until we were next to be seated only to be told that only reservations were being accepted and that we would have to wait at least another 45 min. You should greet your customers as they arrive not ignore then turn away. Rude.
(1)Juls B.
Our first experience in Little Italy. Very nice ambiance and great service. Cute place with nice views for people watching. Felt like I was in Italy. My husband and I split the caprese salad and the baked ziti with ricotta cheese meatballs. Generous portions so we were happy we shared. Very good and flavorful. I would recommend this place. Nice background music and prices are good.
(4)Dan B.
Aside from incredible cannolis and amazing seafood in Boston's north end, this was my first experience in little Italy, and wow was I blown away! I would highly recommend the baked ziti and caesar salad! Although, I don't think one can make a bad selection here. It was one of the best and most satisfying meals of my life...Oh yea! and we got the calamari to start with, mouth watering! Also, they have an affordable wine selection for dinner (We got a very delicious bottle of Cab from Cali for $20). I doubt we could have got a better wine from a store for that price even if they had a no corking fee. You have to check this place out!
(5)Michael D.
Got a seat an HOUR after our reservation time. This seems like a common complaint among yelpers. Management really should work on that (maybe take fewer reservations?). Makes the customers AND the waiters/waitresses frustrated.. Me and my fambam got: Lobster ravioli ( yelp.com/biz_photos/T4nE… ). I used to think that you can NEVER go wrong with lobster ravioli.. until I got it here. The sauce as overly salty, and they minced the filling so much to the point I thought i was eating straight mush. I COULDNT EVEN TELL IT WAS LOBSTER INSIDE... :( Large fried Calamari ( yelp.com/biz_photos/T4nE… ): I wish the calamari werent covered in that sauce.. they should just put it on the side for dipping. Some pieces were DRENCHED (and therefore soggy, heavy, and gross) while others didnt have any at all. Calamari was served with fried peppers and onions too, so that was a welcome flavor change. Seafood Fra Diavolo ( yelp.com/biz_photos/T4nE… ): The only dish I could actually eat. The seafood was fresh and the sauce had a kick, but not too much spice. It was palatable, but I wouldn't come back for it. Open faced lasagna with chicken ( yelp.com/biz_photos/T4nE… ): I've never had open faced lasagna before, so I thought I'd give this a shot. UNFORTUNATELY, the lasagna was a bit too undercooked so it was tough (i like my pasta al dente, but even this was too firm for me). So that kinda ruined the whole dish for me. Overall, I'd say slightly below average food+terrible wait time= 1.5 stars.
(2)Brian D.
This place is lovely, very very lovely. I came here with a friend over President's Day weekend per one of her friend's recommendations, and it was a good one. Food was quality. Picked up some calimari, which was nice, and shared a Caesar to start. Entrees were also delicious and all was at a very reasonable price. Price points in this neighborhood are tough to manage and Panza does it well. Hint: If you are a wine-o, this is the place for you! Not sure about the selection, but the pours are incredible! Right to the top, every, single, time. Try getting that anywhere else in the city! Towards the end of the night, our waiter came over to talk about his birds and dogs, it was quite cute. Very friendly staff, Yelper approved. I'll be coming back for sure!
(5)Katie P.
I hate to write bad reviews because everyone can have an off night but I thought this place was awful. I have been to many restaurants in the North End this summer alone and was the worst. I got the chicken parm and the chicken was dry, barely any sauce, and I felt like it was a little over priced for what I got. My boyfriend got the eggplant and they didn't seed it or take the skin off. Yuck. The people next to us had the gnocchi and it looked like it had no sauce on it and had been microwaved. It was a beautiful night and we asked to open the sliding windows to the outside. They had to move us around, and have us sitting basically on top of the people next to us (which is how I got a good view of their food). Such a great location, it's really too bad the food didn't live up to the neighborhood!
(1)Joscelyne G.
I dined alone on a weeknight and had no trouble getting a table - the place was mostly empty. Based on reviews I opted for a board specials, the Wild Boar Papparedelle and couldn't have been happier. LOTS of fresh meat and generous serving. I tried but couldn't finish my dish. I found the wine pours totally fine for the $6 price so no complaints there although, they could have a broader wine menu than they do. I didn't care that they didn't serve dessert because they are right down the street from Mike's Pastry and I just went and got a cannoli for $3.50 which is a cheaper dessert than most restaurants offer anyway. Overall, a good experience. My only minor gripe was the service which was ok but nothing outstanding. The servers spend most of their time on the line chit chatting vs checking on my wine or food status. Overall though, very worth going!
(4)Irissa N.
This place was a gem to discover. I just recently moved to Boston and my friend and I wanted to explore the North End. We came upon this place using Yelp and it was a great choice. We shared a bottle of wine and had two meals for $65. The penne pasta with eggplant was so good. You could tell the pasta was homemade. I would definitely go back here.
(5)Cathy M.
Went here for our anniversary a Saturday night. Made a 6pm reservation on Open Table, we were seated by 6:15. Food and service were outstanding. Very reasonable prices. Bottle of wine + 2 glasses, 2 salads and 2 entrees for $87. It is a very small place-highly recommend making a reservation. People without reservations were waiting over an hour.We will definitely go back.
(5)Dennis S.
I love this place. Ended up there by accident. Fabulous Carbonara, Eggplant Parm and Penne w/Chicken Brocolli and Cream Sauce. Also the bread at the table is quite good - very chewy. The Fried Calamari is to die for. Really. The startup service is slow but v friendly when they get going and they are there plenty enough during the meal. All in all a must try. I'm going back for sure.
(4)Jim T.
Great stuff. A ton of excellent and surprisingly affordable Italian in Boston's Little Italy area. Had an appetizer, two entrees, a bottle of wine for like 70 bucks. Literally the best food and the lowest dinner bill I had while in Boston. When in Boston I'll be back for more.
(4)Anna M.
Nice fresh rustic bread, best calamari I've had in a while (love the addition of hot peppers). Everyone in my party left happy, including my three year old. Prices were reasonable for the North End. Would definitely come back.
(4)Steve A.
Been here a few times now and never been disappointed. Most people stumble in to this spot when they decide the 2 hour wait for Giacomo's isn't worth it -- but I can honestly say that this place can stand on its own as a worthwhile destination North End restaurant. The apps are all excellent (if you can manage to not get the calamari I highly recommend the braised short ribs) and you really cannot go wrong with any of the pasta dishes. The place really shines with the entree's on the back of the menu -- the chicken/veal options (marsala, panza, picatta) are some of the best I've had in the North End. Only drawbacks are that they do not serve coffee or desert claiming that they are trying to avoid stealing business from the many desert cafes in the North End. Personally, I don't believe this one bit -- seems more like they are trying to turn tables over but its not that big of a deal as the service is excellent and the servers are very attentive. Space is also a bit cramped, but to be expected considering the neighborhood. Otherwise, great find and highly recommended.
(4)Jason D.
Quote from some Italian old head, "it was good. How much better can you get then good" totally made my night. In my opinion it was better than good. Lobster ravioli was delicious. Very small eating area but that can't be seen as a negative. I would def go back if I was ever in Boston
(5)Hoa N.
It was a small and quaint restaurant but has enough noise to make it lively. We had a reservation at 6 but arrived a few minutes early. Maybe we were lucky because we were seated right way (no wait). The waitress and waiter were both very nice and attentive. The food was good (overall score because my dish I believe was a miss). We order Bruschetta and let me tell you - it was so good. Unlike other places, the portion of the appetizer was quite big. It can be easily shared between 3-4 people (given that you will order an entree or so for the main course). For the main dish: My friend order the lobster ravioli and it was pretty good - very creamy and rich - all the fat is there ... The portion was good, enough to make one full but not too full. I ordered a linguine littleneck clam - the portion was HUGE! The amount of clam was decent but the linguine was bit undercooked so it was very coarse and hard. But the sauce is very delicious. I would definitely come back and try other dishes. Enjoy your meal!
(4)Angela Y.
A very cute but small Italian restaurant on Hanover St. From looking thru the windows and doors at most restaurants in the area, they are all on the smaller side. I really wanted to try the gnocchi with bolognese sauce but they were all out of bolognese (at 8pm) so I decided to try the lobster ravioli and it was amazing! I ate everything plus with some bread leftover I scraped the sauce over the plate! Husband got pasta with sausage and he too cleaned his plate! One of our friends got the classic spaghetti with meatballs and really liked hers. I would recommend this place to anyone just don't except a lot of room around you and being very comfortable with your date or neighbor.
(4)Edi D.
This place is a zoo. Evening turned out a-OK but the wait was not. We got to the restaurant around 6 pm on a Saturday night thinking we would beat the evening rush. We did not have a reservation. We were told that the wait would be 1 hr and 15 minutes. We went to have a drink at a nearby bar and came back to Panza right on time. We were told the wait would be another 15 minutes. An hour and a half later we were finally seated. During this time, we overheard the hostess (who also doubled as a waitress at this very busy restaurant) tell every party that asked, that there was a 15 minute wait. Clearly, that is inaccurate and a scheme to get people to keep waiting. The worst part, is that people were waiting in between the diners to get the hostess' attention and ask how much longer they had to wait. Once we finally were seated, we had fellow patrons standing behind us demanding the hostess' attention and letting cold air blow in from outside. The food was delicious and wine was $20 (ALMOST made the wait worthwhile) but I think this restaurant has some kinks to work out. Lobster Ravioli YUM! Veal Panza YUM! Wine UMMM!!! Goat cheese and mushroom eggroll - mehhh.
(2)Nicole S.
Great stop in the north end. Went for lunch on a Friday and we were seated immediately. Our food was brought out quickly and was delicious. The seafood linguini in a spicy red sauce did not disappoint, absolutely wonderful! Very reasonably priced considering quality and portion size. Will definitely return!
(4)Cherie D.
Made a reservation for an early dinner last night before heading to the Garden to see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Our party of 6 arrived at Panza significantly earlier than our reserved time, but the waitress was very friendly and seated us immediately. There were maybe two other tables filled when we got there, but by the time we left the place was full and a short line outside. Our waitress and the rest of the waitstaff were exceptional all evening, the pace between courses was leisurely and we appreciated their attention to detail. They were friendly and accommodating and I never once felt rushed. We ordered the large calamari appetizer to share and it was light and tender and perfectly fried with a delicious spicy sauce drizzled over the top. One of the best I've had. I had the tarragon fettuccine with lobster tail. The aroma when it arrived to the table told the tale of what was in store for me. Perfectly cooked tarragon fettuccine with pieces of lobster meat, tomato, peas, in a creamy and light garlic brandy cream sauce. Wonderful! The others in my party had the seafood risotto, penne with chicken and broccoli in cream sauce, linguini and littleneck clams in a white wine sauce, and linguini ala pescatore, in white and red sauces. We all agreed everything from the calamari appetizer, to the wonderfully chewy and crusty bread, to our main dishes, were perfect and delicious. We will be back!
(5)Amy F.
I was in search of a North End restaurant for the one dinner I would be having in Boston on a recent trip up. Upon finding Panza with the multitude of rave-reviews, I excitedly made a reservation for 6:30. At 5:45 we had exhausted the Freedom Trail and headed over early. A server who was also apparently playing the role of hostess assured us this was no problem and we would have an approximately 15 minute wait. After almost 90 minutes of loitering outside, watching people arrive after us and be seated and witnessing the line across the street at Giacomos quickly move, we walked up to our blonde friend and demanded a table. Once we made it this far, the service was relatively efficient in the small and noisy room, less the fact they brought bread to our table with our dinners. I'd ordered the gnocchi. I expected better. The bolognaise sauce was bland and the gnocchis didn't exactly "melt in your mouth" like they should when made correctly. Maybe it was partly the disgust over the 15-turned-90 minute wait, but the overall experience was disappointing. The next time I am in Boston I will be in search of another, hopefully more enjoyable, North End establishment.
(2)David S.
I'll make is short, the braised beef ravioli in a tomato and bleu cheese sauce special was amazingly good. Everything else the group ordered was tasty.
(5)Shawn W.
Amazing ravioli and very friendly staff!
(5)Emmie B.
I am shocked by the reviews on this site! Very misleading. The service was good but myself and date's meal were the worst I think I've ever had! The waiter suggested a chicken meal with spinach and mushrooms, which my date spit out because he thought it was raw, but it was just overcooked. My seafood risotto was dry and flavor was lackluster. I am by no means a foodie but was disappointed in the wine and even the bread as well. So many other better choices on Hanover! Would never go here again.
(1)Joann C.
Visiting from Miami, FL and stopped in for dinner on a Friday night. Thank goodness we made reservations because the restaurant is tiny and doesnt offer much seating room. So if you dont make reservations, be prepared to wait. Everything was very tasty and enjoyed myself very much. The only downside is that there is no desserts (but why would they when Mike's and Modern Pastry is just down the street) and the help could have been a bit more friendly. I ordered the Linguine Carbonara and it was the best I have ever eaten. Nice creamy egg sauce and the pancetta was perfect, not too salty or overly crispy. I sampled my other friends' dishes and was also not disappointed (Linguine Alla Pescatore, Free Form Lasagna, and Potato Gnocchi Bolognese). All were very delicious and the servings are very generous as well. The ambience, the prices, the food...equals a great experience!
(4)Rick A.
The lobster ravioli was Fantastic. The bruschetta was the best I have ever had. The staff was exceptional. Do not miss this restaurant.
(5)Jill R.
I almost don't want to write a review for this place, because then I feel like more people will go and make it harder for me to get a table when I want, but whatever. I will try not to be selfish. Panza is my favorite restaurant in the North End for a few reasons. It is extremely reasonable in price. The service is always good. The food is amazing. It's also right on Hanover street, so if you go during a nice day, it provides good people watching opportunities as you eat. My favorite dish at Panza (and possibly of all time) is the caprese salad. The first time we went, my boyfriend whined about how it was boring to order the caprese. He was wrong. They lightly bread and fry the tomato, which makes this dish different and delicious. For real, just try it. My other favorite at Panza is the eggplant Parmesan. They just know how to make it well. Whenever I go, we always order one eggplant parm, and then rotate a second dish and share them both. I have tried a lot of the specials they have, and I am also a fan of their butternut squash ravioli.
(5)Steve H.
Very good food, nice ambiance good service at a very reasonable price - one of the best values in the North End.
(4)Nicholas V.
I thought it was great. There was a rumor that Panza was not "kid friendly". It is only true to a certain extent. There is no kids menu, and the food certainly caters more to an adult taste. But kids loved the ravioli and chicken, and the staff was accommodating to our requests. Service was prompt and professional, our server, Joe, was way above average on a very busy night. I had the linguine alla pescado, loaded with sea goodies for $18. I would go back, and I would travel to eat here again.
(5)Vinitha R.
I came to Panza with my brother and sister and absolutely LOVED it. We didn't have a reservation for a Saturday night, but they still sat us in less than 10 minutes. The goat cheese spring rolls were amazing as was the bruschetta with a balsamic glaze. We ordered a gnocchi dish and a spinach tortellini. Both were fresh tasty and well balanced. I was so full i couldn't get dessert, but I'm sure it would have been great. We didn't love the Chianti that we got, but in general a very good experience.
(5)Holly T.
I've been wanting to visit Panza for a long time, but I was worried it wouldn't live up to the hype. Boy was I wrong!!! This is definitely going to be my new go to restaurant in the north end. The service was wonderful and the atmosphere is great for special occasions ( I had my anniversary dinner here). Another plus is that it's really well priced compared to other restaurants in the area. I would highly recommend the fried calamari as an appetizer and the butternut squash tortelloni for your entrée.
(4)Mary P.
Eh. I'd rather not have eaten all those calories at Panza tonight. That being said all my stars are only for food, not service. First of all I froze my butt off waiting outside. It was a strange hierarchy of patrons who apparently if were waiting on the other side by the tree got preferential treatment. The waitstaff is kinda disdainful. I didn't take that into account in my review but it didn't help my attitude about the meal. I remember being looked at in a bitchy way by our waitress and I never got a refill of water until the very end. Oh well. The goat cheese and mushroom spring roll would have been good minus the honey. There's something about goat cheese that works with sweet stuff but only when its paired with sweet stuff like apples and fruit. Mushrooms and honey just don't go together in my book. My mouth was frowning in confusion. I wanted something balsamic to dip in. The spare ribs were just fine but were so random at an Italian place. I felt like I should have been eating them with barbeque sauce. Southern girl is confused! The linguine pescatore which was recommended to me was so so. I didn't think much of the seafood selection which offered one shrimp, one scallop, and several pieces of calamari and mussels surrounded by a bed of pretty al dente linguine in a marina sauce. I didn't particularly enjoy the combination as much as I thought and it seemed too bland without enough spice or seasoning. Parm didn't help much. They do offer several bottles of wine for $20 if you're looking for a reasonable alcohol pairing.
(3)erica n.
Food is OK, service is bad. We walked up and made a reservation, the waitress functioning as a hostess said 15-20 minutes so we waited out front. After waiting an additional 30 minutes past our reservation time (for a total of 1 hour) another party of 3 took our table. when we brought it to the "hostess'" attention we were shoved into a 2-top (I'm 8 months pregnant) and treated rudely the rest of the night. With so many restaurants in the North End you can definitely find a better place to eat. It's a shame because the food isn't as bad as the service. I will never go back to this place nor recommend it to anyone.
(2)Bianca T.
I will fairly state I have only had a glass of wine and their version of a caprice salad so I can only judge on that ... It's was HORRIBLE ... They deep fried it ... So it's one big pile of hot greasy tomatoes, basil and cheese .... So for that reason I probably won't go back ... If their judgement Is that low In serving such a unappetizing dish then I can only imagine what will come out of the kitchen if I go back for an entree (dinner) The wine and service was good !!
(2)Sara L.
Delicious food, the bruschetta was amazing. Our waiter was friendly and efficient and we had a great time. Will definitely return.
(5)Jeff P.
How this place does not have a line out the door like some other locations in the North End is beyond me. It's a small, well run little Italian restaurant that makes some excellent food without breaking the bank. The menu is classic with some very creative and exciting twists. I had a hard time narrowing down what to get, so we'll back to try out the other items on the list. The veal saltimbocca is amazing and the pasta dishes the other people in my party ordered were a hit as well. Only downfall? One unisex bathroom.
(5)Nicole B.
I made back-up reservations at Panza after reading rave reviews here on Yelp. Because it is across the street from Giacomo's, I was hoping to get in there, and if the line was too long we'd keep our reservations at Panza. Turns out, Giacamo's was packed, and it was only 6pm on a Tuesday! We went across the street to Panza and were greeted by nice servers and an empty restaurant. The atmosphere was warm, clean, and classy. For the meal! We first ordered a bottle of the Duckhorn Decoy Cabernet from Sonoma, which was amazingly priced and was delicious. The crusty bread and olive oil was also great, although I wish the bread would have been warm. Per Yelpers' reviews, we began with the grilled greens over polenta. It was excellent!!! The greens were seasoned well with tons of garlic and had a nice charred grill flavor. The polenta was firm, and wonderfully cheesy. The gorgonzola sauce was awesome, although it ultimately made the polenta become really soggy after only a few minutes. I ordered the Penne Amatriciana, but requested linguine instead of penne. I had a hard time choosing, because everything sounded amazing, and our server did a very nice job making recommendations. The pasta was cooked al dente, and I could have eaten the plum tomato sauce for the rest of my life. The eggplant, however, was very mushy and since the skins were left on, the texture wasn't exactly pleasant. Also, when I requested grated parmesan, they brought me a bowl of the powdered kind. Not impressed. If I'm paying $20 for a pasta dish, I want real cheese. My aunt ordered the chicken piccata, and while I didn't try any, she said it was delicious. The portion was huge, and they served her a small bowl of linguine and red sauce along with it. I'm not sure if there were other options for the pasta side, but I wouldn't enjoy red sauce with piccata. We chose not to get dessert, as MIke's Pastry was a few doors down, but they did have a nice selection. Overall a very well priced restaurant and a great back-up plan if you're freezing to death outside waiting for a table at Giacomo's! I gave it a 4 just because of the few soggy textural issues and the horrifying powdered parmesan!
(4)Matt C.
Even as a Giacomo's enthusiast, I must admit I may never wait in that line again knowing I can walk across the street and have the type of dining experience that Panza delivers. I was about to make some witty remark about "panza" meaning "bread", but Wiki suggests it's actually a region in Italy, so I'll spare myself some embarrassment and just say that the bread here is phenomenal. It's the real stuff: Soft and warm on the inside with a hard crust dusted lightly with flour and served hot out of the oven with olive oil and parmesan on the side. Fantastic stuff. The food is excellent, and somehow even more inexpensive than Giacomo's. Not to mention, with all that time you saved yourself by not waiting in line, you'll be able to stroll down to Modern for a cannoli and an espresso. Ciao!
(4)Greg M.
Panza's is a small place that fills up quickly, so we made reservations for 7 and showed up a little earlier on a cold weekday night. We had Italian chopped salad, mussels with butter and garlic, crusty bread to sop up that garlic and butter, and our entrees - braised pork lasagna special, Veal Panza, and Veal Saltimbocca - all were expertly prepared, great taste, great value. Service was friendly and my table was waiting for me. There's a lot of italian restaurants to choose from in the North End but Panza's did a great job tonight with food and service.
(4)Scott J.
I had been meaning to try Panza for a long time. For one thing, it's on the site of my former favorite restaurant in the North End, Cibo. It's right across the street from The Wine Bottega, a sensational store that hosts free wine tastings every Friday night from 5-8 PM and several excellent events each month. Panza was always crowded by the time I got to the North End. Fortunately, my friend and I were in the area earlier (around 5:30) and got a table immediately. We started off with the Italian Chop Salad, designed for two but could definitely be shared by 3 people. It came in a large bowl and we served ourselves with tongs. Its ingredients reminded me of cold antipasti and the pepperoncinis were an excellent touch. For my entree, I enjoyed the daily special of pappardelle with lamb ragu, a sumptuous feast of broad, filling noodles and tasty tendrils of meat. Overall, an exceptional meal. We were disappointed that they wouldn't let us open the bottle of wine my friend purchased across the street and it did take some time to receive our entrees, given that it was crowded. Definitely make a reservation or get there before 6 PM if you want to snag a table on a weekend evening. This is a must visit stop in the North End!
(4)Jessie C.
there were a few things i LOVED about Panza and a few things i could do without. Lets start with the positives... 1. Small! I love small Italian restaurants. Seem cozy and warm usually. 2. The wall of plates - love it! i'm totally gonna steal the idea when I've got my own house 3. Food - yum yum yum! I ordered the Chicken Panza and was very very pleased. Now i've gotta figure out how to make Panza myself! lol. Things I wasn't so thrilled about 1. Won't seat you until your entire party is there - i get it, seriously i do, i understand the reasoning behind why restaurants do this but i don't have to to like it. 2. Only accept 2 credit cards - come on guys! It's a digital world, figure out how to split a check more than twice please. lame. 3. Although my dish was awesome, a few others were a little under the weather...cobb salad eh for example. i'd go back someday - but i'd make sure i ordered the panza.
(4)Stephanie F.
I'm so happy that I ate at this restaurant! I made a reservation, but we didn't need one because we arrived early and were seated right away. The food was DELICIOUS, the wine was great and the service was good. I loved the cozy & romantic atmosphere. We ordered the mussels in fra diavolo sauce and it was amazing. I need that sauce recipe asap :) I liked it so much that I ordered the Linguine Alla Pescatore in the same sauce. The portion was enough for me to bring to lunch the next day. The prices on the menu were good - inexpensive for the area. I will definitely have to come back here!
(5)Bill L.
Superb!!!!..Went here on a saturday around 4:15-4:30 got seated right away actaully had reservations for 5 but took early.Waitress was very nice and pleasant didn't rush us,took order about 10mins after we sat. Wife got got LOBSTER RAVIOLI...crazy good,about 8-10 ravioli's super hot.I ended up getting the LINGUINE ALLA PESCATORE ...FRESH FRESH FRESH....For the app we got calamari,flash fried goodness...
(5)Scott K.
Consistently above average food at a lower price than any of the pretenders nearby. As a resident in the North End, I've tried quite a few of the restaurants in the neighborhood and Panza is always the winner. I keep getting suckered into wanting to try to fancier more expensive places but always leave feeling underwhelmed. That is never the case at Panza and the many people I have taken to Panza always walk away satisfied and impressed. I like the linguine pescatore and Stephanie B. says the butternut squash tortellini may be the best thing she has ever eaten. I also highly recommend splitting the chopped salad for two. It is a terrific salad with light dressing and lots of little goodies like mozzarella cheese, salami, and crispy little pieces of pancetta throughout. All of the portions are large but not at the expense of taste. You will leave Panza full, satisfied and (rare in the north end) not feeling ripped off.
(4)Maria A.
We were visiting from San Diego, so natrually we were looking forward to some great, authentic italian food. Thank goodness we ate dinner at Panza! We made a same day reservation for a party of 6 and had no problems getting in, even on a Saturday night. The restaurant is small and the tables are close together, but the great service, plentiful menu, and outstanding food more than made up for it. I am a fairly picky eater, and there were so many things on the menu that I wanted to try that I had trouble deciding. We started with the Wild Mushroom and Goat Cheese Spring Rolls which were amazing. Such a great combination that I've never seen before, everyone loved them. For dinner I had the Butternut Squash Tortelloni (YUM!), and this was the first time that I've ordered this dish and had them include pieces of baked butternut squash on top of the pasta, which was a great garnish. My boyfriend had the Chicken Marsala which was one of the best I've ever tasted. Overall everyone in our group was beyond satisfied with their meal. We have a few more trips to Boston planned later this year, and I'm sure that we will be back!
(5)Nick K.
I love going to this place! +'s Great food - Get the burrata for an App and the butternut squash ravioli for dinner Really nice people Small business Great about filling up your water -'s Small; sometimes you sit awkwardly close to other people Bathroom is small and not all that clean Wait time is ridiculous on Fridays and Saturdays (go any other day)
(4)Melissa B.
Best meal in Boston! We were lucky enough to have friends from Boston who recommended this place for a great meal. I am still dreaming of the meal here. You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu, I promise! Even the salad was the best I have ever had! Caleb took great care of us and treated us like family. I'm already planning my next trip back and panza is my first stop!
(5)Sarah F.
Good dinner with a very unfortunate ending! Two friends and I came here on Friday night to enjoy a quick easy dinner. We were seated quickly but were told that since we don't have a reservation we could have out of the two available tables the one right next to the doors which had a constant draft wafting over our table. We didn't have a reservation so it was understandable and we sat down for dinner. The food we ordered was very good! I only had the house salad but my friends enjoyed their entrees immensely. The calamari was crispy and the the mushroom spring rolls were good. During our meal however the entire time we were either waiting to be served or during our meal, as the restaurant got fuller people ended up simply standing right over us, or right next to our table, or holding the door open engulfing us in the frigid January air. But we took all this in stride and the bill came for $55 and my friend gave his card. As we were putting on our jackets the waitress came over to him and their exchange went as such: -Was service not good? -I didn't say that. -You left a $15 tip on a $55 bill. -I guess the draft wasn't so pleasant. -Oh. I will probably try them again, but definitely beware of this one particular waitress! A %25 tip wasn't good enough for her and she was so unnerved she decided to "call" my friend out on it.
(3)Shawn D.
Definitely one of my favorite restaurants in the North End! It's a hidden gem, on the lower end of Hanover Street...not many tourists know about it. The food is excellent and the atmosphere is great too. Very small but never a long wait. The prices are great too, very reasonable compared to other North End restaurants.
(5)B P.
Pros: Food and wine is great and cheap. Cons: No desert or coffee. They do not know how to keep reservations, if you have a reservation at 7:30, you will be waiting outside for at least 30 minutes along with the people who had reservations at 7.
(4)Kels W.
The bruschetta is fantastic. My favorite dish is the butternut squash tortellini - it's very sweet, so might not be for everyone. Their veal marsala is also fantastic.
(4)Jolie W.
Probably the best Italian food I have ever had! The pasta and seafood(scallops, calamari, shrimp and mussels) was very fresh and authentic. The sauce was the best. One person in our party got the butternut squash ravioli and it was amazing-the squash was sweet and cooked perfectly. The bread was great with the sauce. I had a sangria that was flavorful and fruity! After coming here, so many people who live in the area say its their favorite Italian restaurant on the North End-which says a lot!! I will return--loved the food!!
(5)Tina M.
Panza is fabulous!! The caprese salad is absolutely amazing! I've had it twice and enjoy it each time I eat it. The best meal on the menu is the seafood pescatore with red sauce. So much flavor! By far the best I've had in a restaurant. My husband loves their veal parm and wine list is pretty impressive. I'd travel to boston anytime for a meal at panza!
(5)Jack K.
My co-workers friend came into Boston to visit just days before the New Year, so we decided we needed to eat in the North End. It was my duty to pick out the restaurant (which at times, can be a pain, since I can be indecisive about food, although I can eat almost anything). So, I was deciding between two restaurants, Panza being one of the choices. After seeing the restaurant took reservations on Open Table and looking at the small but "big enough" menu for an Italian restaurant, I knew it was the place we had to try for our first North End experience, and we were not let down! My reservations were at 8:30pm, but we arrived about 10 minute earlier. We could have taken a seat, but we would have had to sit right in front of the door (and not that people come in and out and it was pretty cold). So, the server had no problem with us waiting for the next available table that could seat 3, which resulted in just another 10-15 minute wait, which was no big deal, since the restaurant is very tiny. Note: It's not really a group oriented restaurant, so try not to make your group bigger than 4-6, or you'll be waiting awhile. What I liked was the ambiance created in this small restaurant. Other reviews may have said that they want you in and out, but I didn't feel that way. I think this may be the case if people are actually waiting to take your seat at set reservations, but since my dinner started late anyway, I ended up staying until the restaurant cleared out for the night. Each table is dimly lit by candlelight and the lights are turned down very dimly, which creates a romantic atmosphere. The decor includes plate, and large cooking tools. The kitchen is in plain view, so you know the food isn't just sitting there, and it definitely comes out piping hot! The meal started off with tasting 3 different wines, and we ended up ordering a bottle of Bertagnil Pinot Grigio, which is not too sweet and not too bitter. We then ordered an order of the Bruschetta, which came out as two large pieces of bread, but was absolutely delicious. The oils really made the taste of the tomatoes really refreshing. I saw past reviews mention of the Potato Gnocchi Bolognese. So, I knew I had to get that. The gnocchi was cooked just right with a pillowy soft tenderness with an excellent seasoned pork ragu the dish addictive. Of course, the portion was pretty large and I could not finish it. My friends ordered an order of the Baked Ziti, which was also very delicious. The cheese melted just right on top of the pasta, creating a great traditional dish without overdoing anything when it came to flavor. Overall, the service was great. There seemed to be only 2 servers working in the small restaurant, but we were always asked if everything was good and our server was friendly regardless if the place was extremely busy. 1 star for food and taste, 1 star for service, 1 star for great atmosphere and ambiance, 1 star for value. I would go back in a heartbeat.
(4)Whadzen C.
Food was excellent and I was pleasantly surprised about the prices. The owner was very attentive
(5)Timi C.
I absolutely love this place; it is my favorite spot on the North End. It has always delivered delicious food with great service. This review goes through all of the dishes that I have had: The bread that they serve is fresh, chewy, and delicious with some olive oil. The crusty part and the chewy part inside are both delicious. Appetizers: -Calamari - the small plate is actually huge! The fried rings of calamari are fresh and the onions, jalepenos and sauce give it a nice kick. -Goat cheese spring rolls - I usually don't like goat cheese, but decided to give it a try. I really like the honey that they put on top to make it feel "Greek" Entrees -Carbonara- pasta with bacon and eggs? YUM -Linguini alla Pescatore - a healthy assortment of shrimp, scallops, clams and calamari. I had it with the fra diavolo sauce and it was absolutely perfect. It was a bit spicy, but delicious. -Chicken Panza- Chunks of chicken in a mushroomy sauce. I really liked that they included large chunks of mushroom. Service gets hectic once the restaurant fills up, but don't hesitate to just flag the waiter down. He'll make it back to you soon! Make a reservation if you know you're coming. The wait gets a bit lengthy after 6pm.
(5)Jin C.
I wanted to go to Giacomo's, but disappointingly they were closed because of a gas problem. A scribbled sign said so, and also pointed us to their sister restaurant, Panza. So we went. I was really looking forward to the butternut squash ravioli that was supposed to be a popular dish at Giacomo's, so I had the tortelloni version of that at Panza's. I guess it was good, it just had a very one-note sort of flavor that would only win over a hardcore butternut squash fan. My boyfriend's grilled maple glazed salmon was really nice; the hunk of salmon was a lot larger than you'd expect from a restaurant. Overall a nice place to visit.
(4)Suzanne L.
I honestly don't know why everyone keeps fussing over Giacamo's- I haven't been there, true- but this place is stiff competition for its neighbor across the street. I went with three other friends on a balmy Saturday afternoon in the fall- it was fairly empty, we were seated immediately, and all received steaming, delicious, and HUGE portions of pasta. I had Pasta fra diavolo- good and clearly fresh. Next time you are in the obnoxiously long line for Giacamo's and getting grumpy and hungry, just head across the street!
(4)Geoff c.
Being in North End, there is really no place you can go wrong. Panza is across the street from Giacomos, but is also top of the line. On a nice weekend when everyone is out, the wait can get substantial - at least an hour. But if you can hold out, you'll be treated to some top quality italian food for reasonable prices. The venue is very smal - hence the long waits. The appetizer bread is tough, but that's not why you're really there. The Beef and Veal tortelloni, little neck clams, and lobster ravioli were excellent. The atmosphere is very nice. Dimly lit but not darkness. The street-side windows can open up completely so you can enjoy the nice weather. The service could be better. They might need more waiting staff. Our server was also the hostess. And thus, when it gets busy, which is was, we were sometimes neglected. The cost runs ~$30 per person for a dish + drink.
(4)Patricia O.
I've been to Panza twice in the last couple of months. I've gone with friends for dinner, and we've been happy with the place. Service: Fast (agree with another reviewer that it might have been a little too fast for my taste) and VERY attentive. They checked on us multiple times throughout the night, and our water glasses were always filled. It's more businesslike than warm and friendly, but that suited me just fine. Food: Great! Thanks to Yelp for the suggestions - I really liked the calamari, Italian chopped salad for two (perfectly light dressing, mozzarella cubes, chunks of Italian meats), linguine carbonara, and the wild mushroom and goat cheese spring rolls. The bread was so-so; it wasn't warm but it did taste all right. Ambience: Agree that it is a little loud inside the place, but my friends and I had no problems conversing. The decor is tasteful. Price: Good value for money - one order of calamari, one HUGE chopped salad for two, one side of meatballs, and two drinks cost us $44 including tip. Would definitely go back!
(4)G C.
One of the best in the north end.
(4)Eileen P.
A hidden gem! Despite some of the reviews on here, I've never had bad service at Panza. I love coming here! There is usually a wait to get in, much like Giacomos across the street, but I don't mind because I think it's worth it. I've ordered different pasta and chicken dishes, along with almost every appitizer on the menu (that's what happens when you live close by) and it's always been good. It's very small and quaint inside, casual. The front window is usually open in the summer, but it's cozy to go in the winter too. Good, classic Italian food is what this place is all about. I would reccomend this restaurant and already have to many of my friends.
(4)Lauren M.
My boyfriend and I decided on a whim to go to the North End for dinner. We decided to wing it and go without reservations or (gasp) without Yelp reviews. My boyfriend pointed to Panza, and I'm so glad he did. Hostess said we'd be able to be seated immediately if we could finish in an hour because they had reservations. That was perfectly fine with us; we're fast eaters. I've read a lot of reviews for places in the North End that felt like they were being rushed, and I was thankful they were honest with us, although we didn't feel rushed at all. The bread and olive oil were very good. Although we didn't get any appetizers, the couple next to us did, and they looked really good. My boyfriend got the Potato Gnocchi Bolognese, and I got the Baked Ziti. I don't eat meat, so I asked for it without the meatballs, which they were happy to do. Baked Ziti was amazing, and my boyfriend loved his meal. Service was fast and friendly; we were in and out in less than 40 minutes, which is plenty of time for us to enjoy a meal. It was pretty empty when we arrived, but as we left it was completely full with a line out the door. If you would like a "normal" dinnertime (we like eating a little early), I would recommend making reservations.
(5)Libby T.
Stumbled across Panza our first time in the North End and have been back three times. A reasonably priced wine menu and specials that will knock your socks off will keep me coming back. I can't stress it enough, though, there is always one special that is far and away the best and freshest thing on the menu - don't forget to try it.
(4)Alicia M.
My husband and I had 8pm reservations for our anniversary on Saturday night. We showed up 10 minutes late (calling prior to 8 to let them know). When we got there we were told that we would get the next 2 top, and it would be 10-15 minutes (which she told every single person that came in). In the meantime I watched 3 people get sat at the next 2 top that became available and 2 tops pushed together to seat parties of 4 that did not have reservations. After waiting over an hour for our reservation I asked the hostess why we had not been seated yet and she assured me we would get the next 2 top. When I asked why others were sat before us when we were already told that, I got a bad attitude. At that point we left and will likely never return. We were extremely disappointed as we had been here in the past and loved it - which is why we chose to come back for our anniversary. That being said, your reservations mean nothing and if you are a party of 2 they aren't going to seat you because they can make more money off of a party of 4.
(1)Will F S.
As previous poster Jill R. wrote, "I almost don't want to write a review for this place, because then I feel like more people will go and make it harder for me to get a table when I want, but whatever. I will try not to be selfish. " My thoughts exactly. Directly across the street from Panza is the well-know sister restaurant Giacommos, which is more expensive and lines wrap around the sidewalk all night. Why not just go to Panza? I'm from north Jersey (Italian snob) and Panza is home to my favorite fried calamari. It's unreal. They fry it to perfection and drizzle it with pepperjack cheese and jalapenos. Worth going for this appetizer alone. Their meals are also very good, and reasonably priced giving the location. My only complaint is how small the dining room is. Sitting near the entrance on a winter night be sure to wear a sweater.
(4)Eric G.
My girlfriend and I were looking for a place to eat on our trip to Boston and just walked into this place because we liked the menu and the inside looked quaint. We were extremely happy with our choice. The chicken marsala was the best ever and the chicken saltimbocca was extremely tasty. We will recommend this place to our Boston friends and will make plans to come here on our next trip.
(5)Carol S.
Found this little gem on Hanover Street in Boston's Little Italy. Small restaurant but packed with excellent choices. The bruschetta was flavorful and fresh. Potato gnocchi with bolognese sauce and linguini with clams kept both of us very quiet as we rapidly gobbled up the delicious entrees. Good service by 1 very busy waiter, reasonable prices, and great choices. Loved historic Hanover--a street with oodles of interesting bakeries and restaurants. The best dinner I have had thus far in 2012! Thanks Panza.
(5)Christopher M.
Panza is a solid representation of North End Italian. But among the dozens of restaurants just like it, it really didn't stand out in my mind - until I got the check. Our party of four was fortunate enough to find a table waiting for us, late on a rainy Saturday night. But if you don't roll with our kind of karma, I'd recommend reservations. The first round to hit the table was appetizers - the calamari was standard fare, but in a break from traditional Italian we also ordered the mushroom and goat cheese spring roll, and they were mouth watering. Wine arrived shortly thereafter, and with a wine list full of viable options (most in the $20-$30 range) I have to give Panza a lot of credit. Our waitress recommended the Valpolicella for the first bottle, and I'll pass along the recommendation. It's a light, fruity red wine that should satisfy everyone at the table, and at $26 a bottle, there's no reason not to order two (or three, or four). If you're looking for something heavier, try the Nebbiolo, which paired very well with my pork. Most of our party ordered off the specials menu, and good choices were made all around: pork with chutney, ravioli, lasagna, and off the regular menu, a seafood risotto. I think the food was exactly what everyone has come to expect from the North End. However, service throughout the night was amateurish, which was disappointing. Corks were broken, wine was spilled while pouring and the wrong plates were delivered to our table (then moved to the correct table after we promised we hadn't touched them). But when the bill came, we walked away for about $35/person for appetizers, dinner and a couple bottles of wine. That's a tremendous value for a Saturday night in the North End, and would definitely sway me into coming back more often. I just hope the wait staff can step up their game.
(4)Clara L.
With a good friend in from out of town and after reading good reviews about the food at Panza, I made a reservation for 3 on a Saturday night at 8 pm. The Ts were backed up and running late that night, so I called ahead and told them that we would be a few minutes late. The girl told us that she rescheduled our reservation to 8:30, which was fine with us. When we got there, the restaurant was busy (not uncommon for all the restaurants around there). We went in to get seated, and the waitress told us it would be about 15 minutes before we were seated. We were fine with that since we had been running late and understood that they probably had to give our first table away due to us running late. After waiting over 20 minutes over the initial 15 minute estimate and seeing 3 parties of 3-4 leave, we asked the waitress how much longer our wait was going to be. She curtly explained that we were on a reservation list and she had sat walk ins to the last 3 tables. It didn't make much sense to us that she was seating walk ins before reservations, but as we were hungry and didn't want to start over at another restaurant, we waited another 10 minutes. After our total wait of 45 minutes past our 8:30 reservation, we cut our losses and left. Would recommend making reservations for a little earlier than you want to eat, as there seemed to be a decent length of waiting and service seemed a little slow as we observed. Or just take your chances and walk in, they seemed to fair better than we did in getting seated!
(1)Erika P.
We came here as a party of 4, and had an amazingly good dinner. The fettuccine carbonara I ordered was excellent, as were the mussels. The menu is fairly large for a restaurant of this size, but everyone in our party felt their food was top notch, so quality clearly wasn't compromised by the wide variety of choices. The place is very small, with only perhaps a dozen tables, and I'd have to say the only real drawback of this place is that there is no extra space for waiting parties to stand comfortably while they wait for a table, so they end up jostling seated customers a little once in a while -- not a huge deal, but perhaps opt for a table farther from the door if you have a choice. Reservations were definitely a necessary choice, as it was packed on a Friday evening. With two bottles of wine, two appetizers, and four entrees, our total bill came to $150 before tip, which is very reasonable. This is now one of our favorite places in Boston.
(5)Werner S.
Panza's has great food and service. It is much less crowded than Giacomo's across the street but does fill up after 6-6:30PM. be sure to try the the Wild Mushroom & Goat Cheese Spring Rolls for an appetizer and their crusty italian bread is the best. We had the Veal Panza and the Veal Saltimbocca, both were excellent. The Veal was very tender. Note they do not serve coffee or desserts. Our service was quick and friendly and the prices were very reasonable. Will definitely try this again
(5)C F.
Goodness Gracious!! REALLY DELICIOUS! Everything we got was terrific. I made a reservation for 6:30 and expected to wait a little while but we walked right in and had our bread and salad in no time at all. We started with the "Italian Chop Salad (for two)" but it was for four of us. There was enough too!! It was very yummy; the artichoke hearts were very cold and perfect. The crispy pancetta, the meats and cheeses were delicious and hit the spot. I wanted to lick the bowl!! HAHA. We all had something different. Based on other Yelp reviews we each decided to share what we got. The Lobster Ravioli was in a cream sauce that was scrumptious and the Ravioli's were filled with lobster meat that was perfectly cooked. There were enough for all of us to have one and plenty enough for my daughter's dinner. We mopped up the sauce with the bread and it was awesome. My husband had the Linguine Alla Pescatore with fra diavolo sauce, that he loved. It was perfectly spicy for him and he ate every bite after we all had some!! My other daughter had the Potato Gnocchi Bolognese and it was out of this world delicious. She gave all of us a portion and then ate her dinner and still brought some home for her lunch! It was cooked absolutely perfectly and so so delicious! Last but certainly not least, I ordered the Baked Ziti and it was terrific. Very cheesy and saucy with two meatballs in the middle. They were just what I wanted...meat, cheese and sauce!! It doesn't get any better that this. I gave some to my family to try and they all loved it but everyone said they got the best choice! That says a lot. I also brought some home for my lunch and my daughters and I shared it the next day. All of us enjoyed the entire meal and we will be back ASAP.
(5)Matthew H.
I've been to Panza half a dozen times, and I can't believe I haven't written a review for this gem. Panza is a cozy little restaurant on Hanover, right across the street from Giacomo's, and it's probably my favorite place to grab a bite to eat in this neighborhood. The staff and menu are unpretentious, and the restaurant itself has a warm and inviting vibe to it that makes it perfect for a date. On to the food. First off, do yourself a favor and get the wild mushroom and goat cheese spring rolls. There's a reason why so many reviews on here highlight it. It's really, really tasty. REALLY. The calamari here is crispy and cooked perfectly, with not a single rubbery squid to be found. The grilled Italian greens are a perfect warm up, with creamy polenta, slightly bitter (in a good way) greens, a creamy/sour hit from the gorgonzola, and acid from balsamic to tie it together. The chopped salad is HUGE, and very tasty (lightly dressed), and I think you could get away with splitting it between more than 2 people. If you still have room for dinner after all that, you're in for some excellent choices. The gnocchi here is outstanding, and I've had it with their standard Bolognese sauce and as a special with short rib. They were perfectly cooked both times, and both sauces were a hearty compliment. I couldn't even get through half of it though, as it's very filling. The veal Panza is one of my go-to plates now. It's a very light-tasting plate of veal, sun dried tomato, mushrooms, spinach, pine nuts, and balsamic marsala. It's such a bright dish and one of my favorites on the menu. The seafood risotto is one of the best deals I've seen anywhere, wonderfully creamy arborio and a massive amount of seafood, all cooked perfectly for $16. I haven't had many of the pasta dishes, but the lingune alla pescatore in fra diavolo sauce is dynamite, with just the right amount of heat and a heaping portion of seafood. The baked ziti with meatballs is also excellent, and a perfect plate of warm, gooey comfort food. This is one of my go-to places in the North End to bring out of towners, because I know I can rely on the consistently good food and service to make it a fun night for all. Word to the wise: get reservations and make sure you are there on time or a bit earlier. Given the size of the place, it's not uncommon to have to wait 10 - 15 even with the reservation. Later in the evening seems to be the best bet for quick seating.
(4)Jonny C.
Have returned three times since initial review, service is remarkedly improved (although they still cant keep a reservation time) Best Seafood Fra Diavolo ever.
(5)angela n.
Vegetarians: the grilled Italian greens appetizer is TO DIE FOR. On paper it sounds crazy: arugula and other greens, grilled with balsamic vinegar and gorgonzola. That is, it sounds like warmed up salad. But somehow it really works. The vinegar-gorgonzola sauce gets creamy, and makes for an addictive bread-dipping sauce when you run out of greens. I also liked the butternut squash tortelloni. It was sort of oily-sweet, and the pasta was topped with tasty butternut squash cubes.
(4)Kevin C.
My first choice was The Daily Catch, but the line was 30min, then second choice was Giacomo's which had a line of about 45min. Alas, I scrambled on yelp to find an alternate and stumbled upon Panza. There was no wait, perfect! The first thing from the menu that spoke to me was the $4 beer. Where do you ever find $4 beer in a restaurant? And the selection included a local IPA and Sam Adams' summer seasonal. Good start. I decided to play it safe and ordered the Chicken Panza. (I figured it must be good since it was the signature dish) The Chicken Panza was similar to a marsala - brown sauce, with mushrooms. The dish also came with a side of penne w/ marinara. I've never had it separated like this before. Oh well, I'm not Italian, what do I know? The sauce was great, but the chicken was sadly dry. Dry chicken is just a big no, no. I can't give anything above 3 stars for dry chicken. *sigh* and I wanted to love the place! I tried, but sometimes these sort of relationships just don't work out. Oh well, better luck next time. Daily Catch could you be the one?
(3)Andrew S.
Haven't eaten here. I was pretty mad about the line outside, and that the host doesn't take names. And the host's attitude when I politely asked if there was a list was a look of 'surprise'... that arrogant "everyone knows when you come to Panza you wait in a line outside in the cold without seating... ah duh numbskull." Just, not ok. Get with the 21st century. Went to Prezza, was seated immediately, and had an amazing meal.
(1)Dallas T.
In town for a wedding, and the groom recommended the North End for dinner while we were there. After a day of sightseeing, we were ready for a nice dinner. Found Panza on Yelp and made a reservation during the short walk from the Financial District. So glad we made a reservation as the wait for walk-ups was around an hour or more on a Friday night. Once seated, the server was great. The food was awesome! We had the caprese salad, and the fried tomato on the salad made for an interesting and delicious departure from the norm. My girlfriend had the baked ziti and I went for the lobster ravioli. Both were absolutely memorable. The amount of lobster in the raviolis was notable. Also, you can't beat $20 for a decent bottle of wine! All in all, we will make Panza a go-to for future trips to Boston. The only reason I'm giving 4 stars instead of five is that it would be nice if they added some sound-absorbing materials to the walls or ceiling. There was a large group seated in the rear of the restaurant, and all of that sound just bounces off of the walls.
(4)Robert B.
Fabulous meatballs, bruschetta, chicken parm. The wild mushroom and goat cheese spring rolls very good, unique. A gem on Hanover! Did I mention the meatballs?
(4)Shaun R.
Panza stands out from a lot of great Italian choices in the neighborhood because of the small and charming space, wonderful staff, reasonable prices, and focused menu. My recommendation is go with their featured specials or the amazing Butternut Squash Ravioli (I know it sounds boring but it is always a table favorite.)
(4)Kelli P.
The only reason this restaurant gets any stars at all is because the food was absolutely delicious. Unfortunately the service was awful. We were visiting from out of town. Since we were a party of 13, we called ahead to make a reservation, ensuring that they would be able to accommodate us. We were told they could accommodate us at 4:30pm. When we arrived, it was a very tight fit. The waitress seemed to be put out stating, as we were being seated, "I don't know WHO took this reservation. We should never have accepted them". Even if she felt this way, we couldn't believe she would actually make this statement in front of us. This attitude continued throughout the meal. At the end, we weren't even offered coffee and/or dessert, just our checks which we had to convince her to split for us. Even though the food was delicious, the service ruined the experience and we will DEFINITELY not be going back.
(1)Jess H.
It's apparently common to have to wait for a table, even if you have a reservation (which we did). We waited 30-40 minutes, but it was worth it. Best fried calamari! I regret not getting one of the specials for dinner--I tried my friends' dishes and they were awesome. But the linguine alla pescatore was also good, not mind-blowing. The ambiance was perfect, and you don't feel like you're right on top of neighboring diners. The waitstaff were courteous and friendly. It was a lovely evening.
(4)Lily M.
Enjoyed a delicious meal at Panza last night. We lucked out, as we were seated at the only remaining table for 2 at 730 on a Friday. (reservations- probs a good idea for future visits). Shared the burrata appetizer special (de-lish) and ordered the penne amatriciana (a-mazing) for main dish. date had the mussels. warm ambiance, lovely waitstaff, delicious meal. def will be back! again and again and again...
(5)Stephanie F.
Panza is a great go-to place for take-out when I am too busy to go food shopping in the North End or have run out of ingredients to make a meal at home. With so many of the same options offered in various restaurants in the North End, this is a great low-key restaurant that serves good food w/ fresh ingredients at reasonable prices. As this is a smaller, charming restaurant, I would recommend dining for 2 or with a smaller party.
(4)Daniel S.
I was worried after reading a few of the negative reviews, and the place was empty at lunch hour, but my wife convinced me to take a chance. And boy was that a good decision. Everything was fresh, perfectly prepared, and delicious! We had three appetizers: bruschetta, spring rolls, and mussels. They were all sublime, large portions and reasonably priced. After dipping the wonderful bread in the mussel juice, we finished off with salads and were full. We had a great lunch for four, including some wine, for $60! The service was also excellent, the food came quickly, and the waitress was very friendly. Give this place a try, you won't regret it.
(5)Dianna P.
Service 2 star , atmoshphere 2 star, food 4 stars. Yes, you have to wait to be seated with or without a reservation. Saturday night, 8pm reservations for 5, we waited for 45 minutes. Our table was right in front of the door. Busy and cold location. Our waitress was fantastic and spot on with her recommendations. Chopped salad and butternut squash ravioli were delicious. It was the hostess that ruined our dinner experience. About 3/4 way through dinner she came to our table and told us to be quiet. I was in shock since the entire restaurant was loud. It really wasn't what she said, it was how she said it. I will never go back to this restaurant. Don't care how great the food is. Too many fantastic alternatives.
(2)Brian C.
Place is the best! i've waited a long time to write this review because i was being selfish. it really is incredible, but i think everyone now knows that by now because it's become increasingly more difficult to get a reservation. Been here about 20+ times in the past year. Anyways, the highlights for me are the goat cheese spring rolls, the lobster raviolis, the caprese salad with the fried tomato, freeform lasagna, veal panza, salmon, and chicken saltimbocca. Love the wine too, favorites are the Dragani Montepulciano and the Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc. $20 bucks a bottle, can't really beat that, we tend to always get a bottle each. They staff is great also, always very attentive.
(5)Erica K.
...ahhh, Italian food in the North End. I think you'd have to go to Sicily for it to get better. My husband and I stopped in here before going to Stanza's. They were the only one's without a three hour wait so it was nice to go in and be seated right away--but boy oh boy was it tight as a virgin. Seriously, you have to take your jacket off before you get to your table or you might knock somebody's plate over. The girl at the table next to me fluffed her hair and it grazed my glass...not cool. I'm all for maximizing profit but damn, this place uses the diner motto (get in and get out). As for the food, I have no compliments. I've found that most places in little Italy are solid and Panza's is no different. I'll tell you one thing though, our gossiping ass waitress wasn't the business. I think its really unprofessional to complain to the people you're waiting on about how little the last table tipped you. If this is a hustling technique, there are much better ways. Other than that, yeah, great place. Try to get there early though, otherwise, you'll likely be sitting so close to the person beside you that you'll look like you're in the same party.
(5)Allison R.
Delicious and affordable. Be prepared to wait, EVEN if you have a reservation. Very small but intimate space. The food is cheap and so is the wine. A meal for two with a bottle of wine was under $50!!! One of my favorites in the North End.
(5)Brittany B.
I usually just order takeout from here. The food is great and is always ready to be picked up in under 20 minutes. Service can be slow if you opt to sit down at the restaurant. They do take reservations which is nice. If you live in the area, skip the sit down and grab your food to go.
(4)Colin D.
Stopped by here randomly during a recent trip to Boston. Food was excellent and service was fast and polite. I would definitely return.
(5)Ann T.
Had a wonderful experience at this charming, reasonably priced Italian restaurant in the North End. We had a 7:00 pm reservation during the week and were seated right away. Our waiter was incredibly helpful and his recommended dishes and wine (an Italian white wine, the Ascheri Gavi di Gavi, $26) were perfect. We shared the Grilled Italian Greens which were delicious, but a bit heavier than I thought they would be (maybe a bit too much Gorgonzola sauce?). When I told the waiter I liked spicy dishes he suggested Baby Rigatoni and Sausage (which I had; yum!) and the Penne Amatriciana (which my cousin had and liked). I would definitely visit again!
(4)Mindy R.
Every review about reservations and waiting at Panza is 100% correct. Reservation or not, you will wait for a table. Luckily I went here this weekend when it was beautiful weather, because there's no bar in the restaurant (weird, right?) and there's definitely no space to wait inside.... Anyway, we were seated promptly, at a really small table in the back of the restaurant (well - I mean, ALL the tables are small and the restaurant is about the size of my bathroom...) but it was perfect....and we didn't feel like we were in the way at all, like you sometimes to when you're right by the kitchen door. Food was amazing, if this review was for food alone definitely 5 stars. Bruschetta was SO delicious...garlic toast with tomatoes and balsamic and goat cheese! I thought for sure my boyfriend would be disappointed by goat cheese instead of mozerella, but he LOVED it. We both had tortellini (I had the butternut squash & he had the veal) and they were amazing. We shared a bottle of wine & really enjoyed our night. The service was great too, we couldn't believe that the waitress in front was also the hostess. Things might run a little more smoothly if those were 2 seperate positions....just a suggestion. This is a place in the North End that is similar to places in Italy. The ambiance and atmosphere is not nearly as important as the delicious, delicious food. The tables are tight, the kitchen is heating up the whole place, and there's a drunk man, who seemed like a local regular, that wandered in from time to time (definitely not disturbing anyone....). If you have a little extra time to spend waiting for a table, and want a simple night out with fantastic food definitely go here.
(3)Kayla G.
We went to Panza this past Friday for a anniversary night out and we had a great time! We started off with the Wild mushroom and goat cheese egg rolls which were delicious and a side ceasar salad which was perfect to share! I then ordered the butternut squash ravioli which I am craving so bad right now. This dish was the best thing I've tasted in a long time and the prices are excellent for the North End. My boyfriend got the shot rib dinner which he loved as well. I recommend trying all of these. Aside from our mouth watering dinner we had great service! We had made reservations for 8pm which is very busy on a Friday night but we still got right in. The service was very quick and Carmen (who waited on us) was awesome! The ONLY downfall to this place is how close the tables are. If you can look past that and think of it as a cozy environment then I highly recommend going here over anywhere else. Thanks Carmen for a great night out :)
(5)Michelle K.
Best linguine seafood I ever had!
(5)Yash S.
Excellent food. The key to any Italian restaurant is it's sauce and they had have a wonderful sauce. We had dishes from the sausage and pasta to a special with cavatelli, mushrooms and chicken (sub for veal) and loved them all. Also, a positive is that they accept reservations. While they don't have a waiting area, they fortunately seated us immediately. It is a cute place with minimal decor.
(4)David K.
Oh my gawd yes. It's not like there's a shortage of Italian restaurants in the North End, no. You can't throw a paper airplane there without it landing in a bowl of gnocchi. I've been going to Panza a few times a year for years now, though, and I really don't need to try any other places. Frustrated by the ever-present line at the door at Giacomo's? Cross the street to Panza and you'll be fine. The ambiance is pretty much what you'd expect out of any of these places. Open window to the street, weather permitting, Italian garden-style décor, etc. The wait staff's okay... not your best friend, but definitely not offensive. Panza always has three different specials going on: one appetizer and two entrées. It's worth your time to listen to what specials they offer before deciding what you'll order, because oftentimes they're especially good. If you're ordering from the menu, I recommend the Butternut Squash Tortelloni or the Lobster Ravioli. Both are just fantabulous. If you're having trouble picking a place to eat in the North End, check Panza out.
(5)Steve S.
I was very excited about going to Panza for dinner last week. Growing up with an Italian father, that word brought back many memories of my father grabbing my belly and talking about my "ponza" (paunch or beer belly in Italian) as a child. Had a 8p reservation. Got there at 755p. I went inside and told the girl that we were here. She said go wait outside. (She was quite short about it, but they were busy, so ok). We go outside and the actual hostess comes out to get our name. She says 10 minutes. 810p comes and goes. Then 820p comes and goes. I send my gf across the street to start waiting in the Giacomo's line to see if we can get in their any faster. So, it really was a photo finish. At 835p, there is only one group ahead of her at Giacomo's and we finally get our table. Ordered goat cheese spring rolls for app. They were ok, but somewhat dry and seemed like they were probably frozen. Should have gone with gut and gone with the mussels. She ordered Lasagna and I ordered the pescatore pasta. We also ordered a side of meatballs and a bottle of wine. Lasagna was decent. Pescotore was ok, but not great. One of the meatballs were burnt and overcooked. We asked for some bread for the sauce, and it never came. Server came by halfway through the meal and asked if we wanted parmesan. Yeah, we did. We wanted it when the food came out. With all the options in North End, they were really not up to par. The only thing they stayed in line with was North End prices. They would be better off doing like many of the other places and not taking reservations at all. It is never good if you piss off the customer before they even get into your establishment. From the other reviews listed here, it looks like I am not the first to comment on this issue there.
(2)Baking M.
For sometime, I lived in the North End and never tried Panza on Hanover Street. Panza is located across from Giacomo's and next to the St. Leonard's Church. Perhaps I neglected the restaurant because it is on Hanover Street, notorious for restaurants being over priced. My friend raved about the restaurant recently and invited me to meet her there and I was thrilled. At 6pm the restaurant was open and spacious and by 7pm every seat in the house was filled and a few couples were waiting for a seat at the door. I had the grilled Italian greens which consisted of escarole, radicchio, baby arugula, crispy polenta, gorgonzola sauce and a reduced balsamic sauce. This is a must have at the restaurant and I will be back again just for this starter. The warm greens taste luscious with the cheese sauce. The polenta was perfectly made, soft on the inside and crispy on the outside and flavor was enhanced by the sweetness of the balsamic. Grilled vegetables with olive oil We will be back for many more high quality meals. I want to try the butternut squash and spinach and ricotta ravioli. Panza is fantastic and is not as overpriced as most of Hanover!
(5)Alex L.
I almost never go on here, but since they don't seem to have an email address... My boyfriend and I live around the block and used to come here pretty frequently. Then the last two times we tried to come in, the start to our experience was so unpleasant that we left before coming in. Both times we had reservations. First time I was meeting my boyfriend there, who was coming from work. I was there early. The incredibly rude and snarky brunette waitress, who I believe is the only female staff member, told me I needed to stand in the doorway until my boyfriend arrived. I understand when there are large parties and you want them all to arrive before seating... But this was a two- top. And there were 3 tables open. And what if I were just a party of one? Would you not seat me? He had even told me over the phone to order a bottle of wine and an app, so she wasn't going to be missing any action. My boyfriend was more mad about this than I was, so he told her we wouldn't be staying. Second time was yesterday. Again we had a reservation. We arrived literally 2 minutes late, but it really didn't make a difference because none of the tables were free anyway. We continued to be ignored by every single member of the staff for about 7 minutes, until we were about to walk out and the same horrifying waitress approached us. I said hi, we have a reservation. Her first reaction was not sorry to keep you waiting, or I'll get right on that or whatever pleasant thing you can say to people who are about to give you money. She said, "Oh yeah, you're late." Excuse me? I said we may have been a couple of minutes late, but we've been standing here for awhile waiting. She didn't care. There were 3 tables getting up, and she pointed to a table that was connected to another two-top situated pretty much in the doorway. My boyfriend already let me know he wasn't going to want to sit there, so i told her we wouldn't mind waiting for a different table. Nope. She wasn't cool with that. I told her to please check off my open table reservation because they said we were a no-show last time. She said, "Sure! I'll let them know you refused a table!" This girl is atrocious, classless, and clueless about hospitality. Thought I should let the owner know. The food is decent, but not worth being treated like trash the moment you walk in the restaurant. I worked around the corner for two years, I know what it's like to work in the North End, and no matter how much she hates her job she shouldn't be ruining the experience here for customers and ownership, especially for locals.
(1)Jenna K.
Such good Italian food! I came here for a late lunch with a friend on a weekday, and we were not disappointed (even though our original plan was to go to the place across the street, which happened to be closed at the time!). I had the eggplant parmesan and it was amazing! Huge portion, and somehow I finished it! The side of pasta that came with it was pretty plain, but I was okay with that given how good the eggplant was. The place was surprisingly packed (it was 2:30 PM on a weekday), but our waitress was very attentive & everything came out very quickly. Definitely recommend during a visit to the North End!
(4)Izzat A.
We wanted to go to Giaccomo's but apparently they don't do lunch so the guys over there sent us here. Really small place but damn does it serve up some good food. We ordered the mushroom and goat cheese spring rolls for appetizers (very very good, have to get this). My friend and I split two entrees: the butternut squash ravioli and the chicken and broccoli penne. The butternut squash ravioli was... different. I've never had it before so I didn't know what to expect. It wasn't bad, just really different, but I ate i all, so it wasn't bad. The chicken/broc pasta was pretty good. Lots of chicken but the sauce was a little bland. The portions were very big and the price was very very reasonable for the North End. I'd come back here again for sure.
(5)Steve H.
First, I reserved via OpenTable on Yelp and my reservation was waiting right on time. The ambiance took me and my date back to the times we had been in Tuscany--authentic, cozy, and focused on great food. And yes, the food was excellent. We had the tortelloni and the ravioli, both vegetarian, plus wine, and were delighted with the whole meal. The food came quickly and the service was attentive. Highly recommended.
(5)Genee S.
Loved it! My boyfriend ordered the chicken parm dish & I went with the lobster ravioli... Very happy!!
(4)Jennifer M.
Really enjoyed my dinner, but my 2 complaints we're wait staff bumped me every time they walked by (space is tight in there) so I had to keep leaning forward every time I saw someone walking by. Kind of made my dinner annoying. Also, there was a pool of water in my pasta which kind of turned me off. Other than that it was a great dinner. The waitstaff is friendly, attentive and professional (it's not their fault the place is so small) and the food was extremely fresh and delicious.
(3)Carly L.
Honestly, my first encounter with Panza was involuntary. The line was endless at Giacomo's and The daily catch. What can I say, I was hungry so I walked into Panza for my Italian fix. And loved it! First of all, the atmosphere is more civil and quaint. Their linguine pescatore is impeccable and the lobster ravioli ..Please excuse my excessive salivation. Anyways, give Panza a chance! They take credit cards too, which is a huge plus since who carries cash all the time.
(5)isa g.
Panza is an awesome addition to North End. I generally avoid eating in this neighborhood due to the hoards of tourists and expensive parking and congestion but friends talked me into it and I was not disappointed. If you haven't figured it out this restaurant is affiliated with Giacomo's so you will find some of the same items on the menu. However one thing you can't get at Giacomo's is the deconstructed lasagna. It has all the lasagna components but much much better. The descriptions on the menu do not do it justice so you just have to try it here. My favorite, calamari is also great especially the creamy sauce that is drizzled on top. My friends and I came here on Monday night so we were seated right away when we came at our reserved time but I can see how there maybe be delays on weekends like many of great small restaurants. For those who complained about long wait, it is not the restaurants fault. Blame it on the rude diners who had the earlier seating that just won't leave after they have finished eating are oblivious to others waiting for their table and are ok sitting around for another hour nursing their half glass of wine. The waiters are too nice to kick them out and the diners are too obtuse or rude to care about others waiting in the cold. So if you are in North End area craving freshly prepared Italian food stop by Panza. It's always best to call the restaurant directly for reservations. I have had issues with Open Table in the past so I don't use it any more.
(5)Amy L.
Loved their pasta!! Very small restaurant seating indoors but their flavors were probably one of the best italian food I've had. The service was lackluster though, we were late for our reservation but we still made it and the waitress was not nice to us at all throughout the whole meal and when I say not nice thats being polite already. Although I know we were at fault for being late in the first place with the spot being so tiny. The rating is soley for the food and not for service.
(4)Nadine F.
We wanted to go to Giacomo's but it was Friday night and the wait was 2+ hours, so we wandered across the street to Panza, having been told in the past that they're owned by the same people. There were some patrons waiting for their reservation and they warned us that it's tough to get in without one, but we asked the hostess anyways and she told us the wait was 25mins. We ended up waiting 15 and then we were seated; I think it's a lot easier to get in without reservations when you're looking for a table for 2. In the future we'll probably make a reservation just to be safe. Onto the food--we started off with a caesar salad, which was yummy and a perfect size for two to share. The wine is only $20, we got the sangiovese which was good, would get that again. Onto the entrees--we both got the Linguine alla Pescatore with fra diavolo. It was excellent! The portions were large (larger than Giacomo's) and there was plenty of seafood. The sauce was delicious, and we were happy because we had really wanted to go to Giacomo's because we love the fra diavolo there. We will definitely come back here, especially when we're craving our favorites from but don't want to wait for 2hrs in the cold. It's a couple dollars more expensive, but the portions are bigger and you don't feel at all rushed to finish your meal. Definitely worth it!
(5)Megan L.
We went to dinner on a Friday night with some friends. Checked in 5 minutes before our 9pm reservation. We were told it would be 5 minutes and to wait outside. After 20 minutes we checked again. Just a few minutes--Fridays are busy. 20 minutes later we were the only people waiting and there were empty tables galore. Went inside and checked again. It was clear they'd forgotten about us. 5 minutes later we were seated. Yep--40 minutes past our reservation. And the food was not worth it. Calamari was good, nice and crispy. Bruschetta has a wood fired thing going on. Also it inexplicably comes with goat cheese on top. The whole thing was charred (not in a good way) and our friends thought it tasted like meat. Gnocchi bolognese--Gnocchi tasted like premade from the supermarket, mushy and heavy. Too much bolognese sauce and it wasn't that tasty. Also there was a random open bowl of cheese perched on the wall next to our table. Not covered, not fresh, it was there from the party before us. We were directed to use it if we wanted cheese. No thanks. Service was quick and courteous but not at all friendly. Maybe smiling is frowned upon at Panza? Overall, very disappointed with the whole experience. Won't be back.
(2)Xuan D.
great Place! One of the
(4)Kristina A.
My boyfriend and I had a reservation for 7:00 on Saturday. I made it on Open Table weeks ago but called ahead to say that we wanted a table not near the door. We got there at 6:50 and was told to wait 15 minutes. We were seated exactly at 7 but I found that many parties who had the same time reservation waited almost 30 minutes. We got the mussels as an appetizer and lobster raviolis. Both were served in good time and very good. The stuffing of the ravioli lacked flavor but the sauce made up for it. My only issue was that we were seated at the door (didn't want to specify again considering we were really hungry) and that people refused to wait outside to be seated so we had people on top of us and even bumping into us as we ate the whole night. The place is a hole in the wall but so is every other NE restaurant.
(3)Patrick M.
Sole good news is my starter - the ribs - were good. That's where it ends. Our side-salad (for our main) came first - before any stater. Then one of our starters came. Ok so maybe she didn't hear the other starter....we began. Then before we'd finished, our mains arrived. We said 'please can we finish our starter'....so it's mains in the oven for a bit...great... So we finished up and waited and waited and waited. Finally she came along and got us our mains. Oh and our other starter. Timing/scheduling is a MAJOR problem here. All this while one of the staff was far too busy talking to her friend who had come in to be bothered about any of the rest of us. She sat chewing the cud with her mate and the +1 for a good 15 minutes while we calmly awaited the service. I'm not one for making a rumpus with people who serve me food.... To add insult to injury, the Montepulicano was disastrous. Chianti was acceptable, but didn't make up for the Monte. An abysmal evening that thankfully, ended. Seriously, there are many other Italian restaurants nearby - try them instead. Or go home and put ketchup on your pasta. It will be better.
(1)Angel D.
We were a party of 7 and had a reservation here on Saturday night (4/25/09). The reservation was at 8:30pm but one of our friends ran a little late. (They don't *seat* your reservation until the whole party is there). Panza wasn't exactly happy with us, but let us move it back to 9pm. It's small like most North End restaurants, but we fit snugly near the kitchen. The waiter was nice and efficient. He was nearby for our requests of more bread and wine. The food is excellent!!!! I tried a bit of other people's dishes and they were all equally tasty. I ordered the linguine with shrimp, scallops, clams, mussels, and calamari in a fra diavolo sauce - sooooo very good!!!! After three bottles of Chianti and full bellies, our waiter informed us that they don't serve coffee or dessert - wha???????????? But on Sat night it was fine since we were going for drinks after dinner. I believe it's a new restaurant and I'm not sure what the name Panza means (I tried to look it up and also tried google translator). Doesn't matter because I will definitely remember this place and go back again. Not only was the food very good but it wasn't overpriced like some other North End restaurants.
(4)Adham A.
Food was good, loved Panza's cozy atmosphere and the service was friendly. Do make a reservation to avoid the long lines. Enjoy!!
(4)Rachael L.
We went here because it had good reviews and could take 11 people at 10 pm, the time we needed, let's day the food was the only good thing. Our service was HORRIBLE from the start, the servers were rude, dropped water on us, didn't give us ANYTHING for 15 minutes as we sat at the table, no menu, water, bread, nothing. We ordered our food, ate and where then told we could get dessert across the street. We paid or attempted to pay and at that time they told us their credit card machine was not working and the very same time, a bus boy said "get the f--- out" At this point I was over this place and nicely let them know we were trying to leave however they closed their credit card machine down . All in all a horrible place, don't go there even close to the time the kitchen closes, even if they say they can & will be happy to help you, they won't and you will feel rushed out . Out of the 11 people all but one are from Boston and every one of them will NOT go back, regardless of the food due to the horrible staff.
(1)Jen S.
Happened upon this place by chance! Was hanging out with a friend in the North End on a BEAUTIFUL fall day. We were in for an early lunch. So we got the bruschetta as an app- it was DELIGHTFUL. We each got a salad. My friend got the caprese- they fry the tomato. She loved it. I got a chicken caesar salad. I didn't LOVE it, but I enjoyed it. The service was VERY friendly. What I liked most about it was that we didn't feel rushed. They gave us a LOT of time in between our appetizer and lunch. And we weren't bothered a million times if we needed something or if we needed our check. Will return for dinner! It's a tiny place though so if you want to come for an intimate dinner- make a reservation to be sure you get a table!
(4)Ike C.
Went there last week while on vacation for lunch around 12:30 and the place was closed. Check website hours before or call before going.
(1)C M.
Have been here several times before going to a game at the Garden. Quick service and good food. The mussels are fabulous. My husband and I can't get enough of the sauce they are in so when the mussels are gone we dip our bread till its gone. I love the Veal Parm and my husband says the carbonara is as close to what he had in Rome as we can get in the States.
(4)Nikhil P.
Made a reservation for 8:30 on OpenTable. When we asked how long the wait would be, the hostess told us she wasn't a fortune teller and had no idea (helpful). Then at 9:15 when we were finally given our table the hostess tells us "usually we don't seat people unless the entire party is there, but we'll make an exception for you.". (The two others in our party were directly across the street in line for another restaurant, trying to salvage plans for a night that looked like it was already going down the drain...). In short we walked in, then walked right out. You don't make your customers feel like you're doing them favours after making them wait 45 minutes for a table you couldn't honour. The North End is perpetually busy, and every restaurant on the block experiences the same thing every night of the week. There's something to be said about handling your customers well under pressure and not, but the entitlement of the hostess (and owner), Danielle was nauseating. We ended up going across the street to Giacomo's and had the best Italian meal in the entire neighbourhood. Take note: there's a reason Giacomo's is consistently rated higher than panza on every diner's website, and the glorious hostess/owner is one of those reasons.
(1)Sam L.
After deciding to try out Giacomo's... i went over about 8:30pm. and was surprised to find a long line outside although i was warned. For some reason as much as i wanted to try Giacomo's this cozy little place across with only two customers cut my eye. Looking at the menu i was surprised to find their reasonable pricing and decided to be adventurous and give it a shot. The waiter was very helpful giving us his recommendations and we got spare ribs for appetizers and glorious seafood mix in red sauce linguine. OK that's my name for the menu because that's what it turned out to be. Normally I'm known for ordering too much food but this time we were so glad we ordered light. The pasta portion was HUGE and every bite tasted so good. It's mix of mussels, shrimps, squid, scallops, were amazing. The ribs were soft slow braised fall off the bone good as well. I'd probably go back just for the pasta.
(4)Maya S.
We absolutely loved the food here. Started off with a wild mushroom and goat cheese spring roll, never had anything like it before but super glad we tried it! Also had the free form lasagna and the spinach and ricotta ravioli. Yumm and more yumm! The portions were more than filling, we were stuffed but still managed to go grab a canoli from you-know-where! Will go again to try out the tortellinis!
(4)Becca C.
I LOVE Panza!!! While all the places in the north end are great, I've gone back to Panza the most. Nothing on the food menu is above 16$ which is great! The chicken picatta is to die for! While it doesn't come automatically with pasta like I've gotten this dish at other places you can always get a side. The sauce is incredible-so lemony! And it had artichoke which I love! The server is friendly but definitely make a reservation or expect a long wait
(5)Jamie G.
It was one of the better decorated restasurants you will find on Hanover street. The food was average at best, and the charm of the North End shone through. However, I wouldn't run back. It was a 95 degree day and I ordered a caprese salad; to my disdain they had deep fried the tomato so it was hot and not what I had imagined. Don't avoid this place, but don't have high expectations either.
(3)Sarah K.
This was a nice, small place that is worth a return visit. We were a group of 3 and we were seated quickly on a rainy Tuesday. Away from the door, close to the kitchen. My first choice of dish they were out of so I got the deconstructed lasagna. The black pepper pasta is spicy and satisfying. I could have done without the chicken and added more spinach to really make it perfect. I was able to bring the remainder to work and they nicely packaged it in a container in a plastic bag. The other two dishes were a squash ravioli and a chicken parmigiana, both completely eaten and found to be very delicious. There was no sharing on this visit. The portions are large without being excessive, and the bruchetta was good, although only 2 large pieces meant weird cutting to split for 3 people. Nice atmosphere, although the small, somewhat narrow room can get loud when full, but the high ceilings are nice. The room even when full retains it's charm and coziness.
(4)JEWELe M.
Since we were on a time crunch (got here via Tour Bus....we only had an hour to go around North End before the 5pm last pick-up), we decided to try this Italian restaurant. So glad we did because I think I had one of the best ravioli in the North! My cousin ordered the bruschetta and mussels. The brushcetta was so crunchy and yummy to dip pieces in the mussels juice. Overall, I enjoyed our rushed eating here!
(4)Marc C.
Let just start by saying that the service was great and that the food was mediocre to good at best how can you serve fried calamari drenched in sauce??? the calamari were soggy and you lose the crispyness (the idea of putting fried hot peppers is great) my girlfriend's veal was also drenched in sauce... u start getting the idea why i gave the resto 3stars!! the taste, the cooking is very good, but too much sauce is not good! on the plus side the linguini fra diavola were very good, just enough spicy for most people to enjoy. they do not serve dessert and coffee??? the reason? we are in Little Italy and a lot of places offer them?? what? i've been to NYC, Philly, Montreal and this is the 1st time i hear that!! BUT the main complaint of this resto is the BAD quality of the WINE, what a disaster. i've tasted four different kinds (Chardo, Pinot Grigio, Montepulciano & Cab) and they were all not good (i import wine for a living...) u can find great wines at a low price without compromising the quality! so Panza loses 2 stars: 1- dishes with sauce 2- wine +++: service, taste, price
(3)Gage R.
After walking around little italy menu shopping we decided that one restaurant would be just as good as the next. we entered and the staff was absolutely fantastic, sat us down, recommended wine and a few highlights of the menu. the wild mushroom and goat cheese eggrolls were absolutely divine! the butternut squash ravioli with browned butter sauce was the only meal ive ever eaten in which i closed my eyes and savored every single bite. We stayed 4 days in Boston and while this was our least expensive meal it was by far our favorite!
(5)Jared S.
Italian food like Grandma used to make, and at a very reasonable price. Ok, I'm not Italian, but I could imagine someone's Italian grandmother doing all the cooking in the back of this place. Portions were huge, flavors were robust, and the gravy tasted like it had simmered all day. Came here on a Saturday night with the wifey and two friends. We had an 8:30 reservation but got stuck on our way in - I called and said we'd be closer to 9:00 and they took it in stride, warning us that there may be a little wait for a table. We actually arrived around 9:15 and after a short 10 minute wait they were able to seat us. As everyone has noted, the place is tiny. I think I counted seating for about 36. So you may have to get friendly with your neighbors. By the time we finally got there, the big crowd was just leaving so we had the place to ourselves with maybe 2 or 3 other occupied tables. Our waitress was fantastic. We felt bad because we kept throwing her curveballs. We changed tables so we wouldn't be next to the door since it was freezing. We placed 2 orders of garlic bread, one as an app and one to come out with the meal. My friend ordered a combo of chicken and eggplant parm not on the menu. We requested two different kinds of extra sauce. She had no problem with any of it and was just an absolute pleasure the whole time. On to the food. As I mentioned, everything was a large portion. The calarmari was lightly fried to perfection. The garlic bread had the perfect slightly burned crisp to it. Everyone loved their entrees - the parm combo, a chicken panza, and two linguine pescatore (one fra diavolo and one white sauce - this is where the two extra sauce requests came in since these dishes were a tad dry to start). Add on two bottles of wine and the bill remarkably came to only $70 per couple (before tip)!
(5)Elena K.
very reasonable prices compared to the other hanover st restaurants. food was tasty and your standard italian american menu. i believe giacomo's is their sister restaurant and the food quality takes a bit of a step back from there. all in all was a good meal and offered value for the price.
(4)Francesco L.
Great place. I usually get take out because the small restaurant fills up fast...but the food is amazing. It is one of my go to spots and I am a north end resident that has eaten at most of the 'Hanover' restaurants. Recommended for a date, and recommended for great food!
(5)Kasey O.
We went for a work holiday luncheon and couldn't have asked for a nicer time. The food was delicious, especially the goat cheese and wild mushroom spring rolls! The waitress was polite and attentive. It is a nice location, cozy venue. All around a really nice dining experience and now highly recommended by myself and coworkers.
(5)Douglas W.
Great food, good service, slightly less busy than other North End restaurants. Good luck finding parking anywhere in the North End!
(4)Dan W.
This place is good, pasta tasted home made, good cheap italian wine filled to the rim of my glass, just the way i would pour it at home. I had the little necks in the white sauce over pasta. Simple dish, but really good. They could hire an extra waitress, the girl that was there seemed a little over worked.
(4)Tena P.
I chose Panza for dinner with clients, among all the Italian restaurants on the North End and was quite impressed. We made a reservation, then had to make some last minutes changes, and they were very accommodating. Great food and great service, at reasonable prices! I'll be back!
(4)Hobart L.
To do this restaurant justice, let me first take you on an Italian Food journey of the North End/Eastie/Revere: (skip next paragraph to go to review) It was the early eighties and times were good. Pac Man fever ruled the airwaves and the mob was killing people at a record clip. These three neighborhoods were tight knit and all Italian, in fact, 1st generation right off the boat Italian. The food was delicious, and fresh. Just like the old country. Then the outsiders from The Financial District and beyond heard about this ethnic food called macaroni, and began coming to the restaurants. The restaurants, over the next decade, moved away from quality, as, by the early 90's, they became a caricature of themselves. Believing huge portions of spaghetti and Chicken Parm meant good, the backlash and a lull in good Italian restaurants followed. A renaissance occurred, and this time, it was yuppified. Fancy "Northern Italian" places opened up that weren't good, but they were different. Lighter, more expensive "pastas" with white wine sauces small portions and fancy schmancy names ruled Hanover St. The hoighty toighty loved to love these places (in fact some are still out there). Then Lehman Brothers tanked. And that brings us to my dinner with Bernie Madoff: This restaurant is a return to the hey day of Italian Dining. The restaurant, decor and ambiance is all 2010, but the food is the perfect balance of old school Italian and modern dining. I've waited 20 years for a meaty 'gravy' for my 'macaroni', not a light 'sauce' for my 'pasta'. Now, there is something for everybody if you don't want the real Italain food (read bolognese), but I will recommend going Pac Man Fever on the menu. Thanks Panza, you reminded me of the days of good pizza from the Old Francesca's and #33 in Green. Oh, and if you're a tourist and have read the North End is the place to go to eat Italian, it's places like Panza that helped build that reputation.
(5)Nick D.
I had the penne chicken and broccoli. Overall, it was good but not the best.
(3)Kelly S.
Owned by the same folks as Giacomo's across the street, yet fairly disappointing. The price is right (around $15/entree) but the food is just average. Our calamari was way overcooked and as chewy as rubber. Scallops were undercooked. My entree was unnecessarily large. My wife's lobster ravioli was, mainly, just salty. Very good bread (Clear Flour I would guess) and friendly service.
(3)Fernando V.
I have eaten here twice with out of town visitors both times and it keeps getting better and better. The Panza chicken plate is probably the best Italian entree I have ever had in my life. Carmen has been our server both times and is very good at remembering my name and my likes. Our table choose different dishes each time we went and we all agreed all the dishes were great. Food and Wine are both very reasonably priced for the north end. Although a group more than 4 would be a little hard to accommodate I highly recommend dining at this cozy little restaurant.
(5)Mark V.
Quite simple here...INCREDIBLE FOOD at INCREDIBLE PRICES! Richie is one of the best chefs in Boston for years now. Great portions, quality food, delicious sauces. VERY reasonable wine selection. This is my go to when I am in Boston. it never fails and is always a great meal
(5)Jodi N.
Had tasty white sangria here. Meals were plentiful, and super tasty. Friendly staff. Cozy casual atmosphere.
(4)Jaclyn S.
Great food and wine list, service is attentive and speedy. I ordered chicken piccata $6 and it was tart and hot. The menu has a great variety of pasta options and chicken/veal. They take reservations but our table took 20mins to get ready (hence 4 stars). The atmosphere is loud, but cozy and romantic. Great for small parties and dates.
(4)Lauren G.
I don't know why we didn't come here sooner! I'm a resident of the North End and this is my new favorite place. Great ambiance, cozy little spot, with amazing authentic delicious Italian (not Italian-American) food. Definitely going to be my new go-to spot. Our service was great, food was out of this world (get the short ribs!!) and the prices are so reasonable. I have friends who have complained about long waits even with reservations but I haven't experienced that myself. So glad we took a recommendation for this place, well definitely be back.
(5)TheoHuxtable X.
I would comment on the food but can't. We stood inside the door where a hostess stand would traditionally be. Instead, no one helped us even when we asked. People come in and just awkwardly stand there like idiots. Our party left. Hannover street has probably 8.5 million restaurants so why waste time at this place?
(1)Sarah J.
Panza should not be allowed to take reservations, as other reviewers have noted. We arrived promptly for our 6:30 meal time to a line out the door. The hostess was doubling as a waitress, so she disappeared for about 15 minutes. I finally grabbed her (she was totally ignoring the line) and said we had a reservation, and she said three reservation groups were ahead of us. I told her that's not right, and that the restaurant should not be taking reservations if they can't seat people on time. She rudely responded that she can't make people get up from their tables and leave. So, we left and had a wonderful meal at Cantina Italiana.
(1)Kevin J.
Great fresh food, reasonably priced and fast service.
(4)Jen L.
Delicious bruschetta but the service is painfully slow...
(3)Jen R.
I was really disappointed in my recent dining trip here. I read such good reviews that I was hoping to have a great night, but the service kind of ruined the experience . That being said the food was good, but I wouldn't go back. The waiter didn't give us much of a greeting or come by to ask if everything was good. And we had to flag him down when we wanted to order. Just not feeling the love! Bummer because the spring rolls and calamari were delicious! And the butternut squash rav was a great dish. My gf and I both agree that good service is more important to us than the food itself because a huge part of the experience is feeling that the server cares enough to give you a reason to come back.
(3)Derek D.
Had dinner on Saturday night at Panza. Very well priced, bruschetta was one of the best ever, wonderfully presented and a massive portion. Pasta main of Rigatoni with Sausage was really tasty and once again, a large portion. Only down side was the insalata caprese was with breaded and fried tomatoes (weird I know...)
(4)Brenna P.
Terrible service! Waited in line for 30 min until we were next to be seated only to be told that only reservations were being accepted and that we would have to wait at least another 45 min. You should greet your customers as they arrive not ignore then turn away. Rude.
(1)Juls B.
Our first experience in Little Italy. Very nice ambiance and great service. Cute place with nice views for people watching. Felt like I was in Italy. My husband and I split the caprese salad and the baked ziti with ricotta cheese meatballs. Generous portions so we were happy we shared. Very good and flavorful. I would recommend this place. Nice background music and prices are good.
(4)Dan B.
Aside from incredible cannolis and amazing seafood in Boston's north end, this was my first experience in little Italy, and wow was I blown away! I would highly recommend the baked ziti and caesar salad! Although, I don't think one can make a bad selection here. It was one of the best and most satisfying meals of my life...Oh yea! and we got the calamari to start with, mouth watering! Also, they have an affordable wine selection for dinner (We got a very delicious bottle of Cab from Cali for $20). I doubt we could have got a better wine from a store for that price even if they had a no corking fee. You have to check this place out!
(5)Michael D.
Got a seat an HOUR after our reservation time. This seems like a common complaint among yelpers. Management really should work on that (maybe take fewer reservations?). Makes the customers AND the waiters/waitresses frustrated.. Me and my fambam got: Lobster ravioli ( yelp.com/biz_photos/T4nE… ). I used to think that you can NEVER go wrong with lobster ravioli.. until I got it here. The sauce as overly salty, and they minced the filling so much to the point I thought i was eating straight mush. I COULDNT EVEN TELL IT WAS LOBSTER INSIDE... :( Large fried Calamari ( yelp.com/biz_photos/T4nE… ): I wish the calamari werent covered in that sauce.. they should just put it on the side for dipping. Some pieces were DRENCHED (and therefore soggy, heavy, and gross) while others didnt have any at all. Calamari was served with fried peppers and onions too, so that was a welcome flavor change. Seafood Fra Diavolo ( yelp.com/biz_photos/T4nE… ): The only dish I could actually eat. The seafood was fresh and the sauce had a kick, but not too much spice. It was palatable, but I wouldn't come back for it. Open faced lasagna with chicken ( yelp.com/biz_photos/T4nE… ): I've never had open faced lasagna before, so I thought I'd give this a shot. UNFORTUNATELY, the lasagna was a bit too undercooked so it was tough (i like my pasta al dente, but even this was too firm for me). So that kinda ruined the whole dish for me. Overall, I'd say slightly below average food+terrible wait time= 1.5 stars.
(2)Brian D.
This place is lovely, very very lovely. I came here with a friend over President's Day weekend per one of her friend's recommendations, and it was a good one. Food was quality. Picked up some calimari, which was nice, and shared a Caesar to start. Entrees were also delicious and all was at a very reasonable price. Price points in this neighborhood are tough to manage and Panza does it well. Hint: If you are a wine-o, this is the place for you! Not sure about the selection, but the pours are incredible! Right to the top, every, single, time. Try getting that anywhere else in the city! Towards the end of the night, our waiter came over to talk about his birds and dogs, it was quite cute. Very friendly staff, Yelper approved. I'll be coming back for sure!
(5)Katie P.
I hate to write bad reviews because everyone can have an off night but I thought this place was awful. I have been to many restaurants in the North End this summer alone and was the worst. I got the chicken parm and the chicken was dry, barely any sauce, and I felt like it was a little over priced for what I got. My boyfriend got the eggplant and they didn't seed it or take the skin off. Yuck. The people next to us had the gnocchi and it looked like it had no sauce on it and had been microwaved. It was a beautiful night and we asked to open the sliding windows to the outside. They had to move us around, and have us sitting basically on top of the people next to us (which is how I got a good view of their food). Such a great location, it's really too bad the food didn't live up to the neighborhood!
(1)Joscelyne G.
I dined alone on a weeknight and had no trouble getting a table - the place was mostly empty. Based on reviews I opted for a board specials, the Wild Boar Papparedelle and couldn't have been happier. LOTS of fresh meat and generous serving. I tried but couldn't finish my dish. I found the wine pours totally fine for the $6 price so no complaints there although, they could have a broader wine menu than they do. I didn't care that they didn't serve dessert because they are right down the street from Mike's Pastry and I just went and got a cannoli for $3.50 which is a cheaper dessert than most restaurants offer anyway. Overall, a good experience. My only minor gripe was the service which was ok but nothing outstanding. The servers spend most of their time on the line chit chatting vs checking on my wine or food status. Overall though, very worth going!
(4)Irissa N.
This place was a gem to discover. I just recently moved to Boston and my friend and I wanted to explore the North End. We came upon this place using Yelp and it was a great choice. We shared a bottle of wine and had two meals for $65. The penne pasta with eggplant was so good. You could tell the pasta was homemade. I would definitely go back here.
(5)Cathy M.
Went here for our anniversary a Saturday night. Made a 6pm reservation on Open Table, we were seated by 6:15. Food and service were outstanding. Very reasonable prices. Bottle of wine + 2 glasses, 2 salads and 2 entrees for $87. It is a very small place-highly recommend making a reservation. People without reservations were waiting over an hour.We will definitely go back.
(5)Dennis S.
I love this place. Ended up there by accident. Fabulous Carbonara, Eggplant Parm and Penne w/Chicken Brocolli and Cream Sauce. Also the bread at the table is quite good - very chewy. The Fried Calamari is to die for. Really. The startup service is slow but v friendly when they get going and they are there plenty enough during the meal. All in all a must try. I'm going back for sure.
(4)Jim T.
Great stuff. A ton of excellent and surprisingly affordable Italian in Boston's Little Italy area. Had an appetizer, two entrees, a bottle of wine for like 70 bucks. Literally the best food and the lowest dinner bill I had while in Boston. When in Boston I'll be back for more.
(4)Anna M.
Nice fresh rustic bread, best calamari I've had in a while (love the addition of hot peppers). Everyone in my party left happy, including my three year old. Prices were reasonable for the North End. Would definitely come back.
(4)Vinitha R.
I came to Panza with my brother and sister and absolutely LOVED it. We didn't have a reservation for a Saturday night, but they still sat us in less than 10 minutes. The goat cheese spring rolls were amazing as was the bruschetta with a balsamic glaze. We ordered a gnocchi dish and a spinach tortellini. Both were fresh tasty and well balanced. I was so full i couldn't get dessert, but I'm sure it would have been great. We didn't love the Chianti that we got, but in general a very good experience.
(5)Steve A.
Been here a few times now and never been disappointed. Most people stumble in to this spot when they decide the 2 hour wait for Giacomo's isn't worth it -- but I can honestly say that this place can stand on its own as a worthwhile destination North End restaurant. The apps are all excellent (if you can manage to not get the calamari I highly recommend the braised short ribs) and you really cannot go wrong with any of the pasta dishes. The place really shines with the entree's on the back of the menu -- the chicken/veal options (marsala, panza, picatta) are some of the best I've had in the North End. Only drawbacks are that they do not serve coffee or desert claiming that they are trying to avoid stealing business from the many desert cafes in the North End. Personally, I don't believe this one bit -- seems more like they are trying to turn tables over but its not that big of a deal as the service is excellent and the servers are very attentive. Space is also a bit cramped, but to be expected considering the neighborhood. Otherwise, great find and highly recommended.
(4)Jason D.
Quote from some Italian old head, "it was good. How much better can you get then good" totally made my night. In my opinion it was better than good. Lobster ravioli was delicious. Very small eating area but that can't be seen as a negative. I would def go back if I was ever in Boston
(5)Hoa N.
It was a small and quaint restaurant but has enough noise to make it lively. We had a reservation at 6 but arrived a few minutes early. Maybe we were lucky because we were seated right way (no wait). The waitress and waiter were both very nice and attentive. The food was good (overall score because my dish I believe was a miss). We order Bruschetta and let me tell you - it was so good. Unlike other places, the portion of the appetizer was quite big. It can be easily shared between 3-4 people (given that you will order an entree or so for the main course). For the main dish: My friend order the lobster ravioli and it was pretty good - very creamy and rich - all the fat is there ... The portion was good, enough to make one full but not too full. I ordered a linguine littleneck clam - the portion was HUGE! The amount of clam was decent but the linguine was bit undercooked so it was very coarse and hard. But the sauce is very delicious. I would definitely come back and try other dishes. Enjoy your meal!
(4)Steve H.
Very good food, nice ambiance good service at a very reasonable price - one of the best values in the North End.
(4)Nicholas V.
I thought it was great. There was a rumor that Panza was not "kid friendly". It is only true to a certain extent. There is no kids menu, and the food certainly caters more to an adult taste. But kids loved the ravioli and chicken, and the staff was accommodating to our requests. Service was prompt and professional, our server, Joe, was way above average on a very busy night. I had the linguine alla pescado, loaded with sea goodies for $18. I would go back, and I would travel to eat here again.
(5)Holly T.
I've been wanting to visit Panza for a long time, but I was worried it wouldn't live up to the hype. Boy was I wrong!!! This is definitely going to be my new go to restaurant in the north end. The service was wonderful and the atmosphere is great for special occasions ( I had my anniversary dinner here). Another plus is that it's really well priced compared to other restaurants in the area. I would highly recommend the fried calamari as an appetizer and the butternut squash tortelloni for your entrée.
(4)Mary P.
Eh. I'd rather not have eaten all those calories at Panza tonight. That being said all my stars are only for food, not service. First of all I froze my butt off waiting outside. It was a strange hierarchy of patrons who apparently if were waiting on the other side by the tree got preferential treatment. The waitstaff is kinda disdainful. I didn't take that into account in my review but it didn't help my attitude about the meal. I remember being looked at in a bitchy way by our waitress and I never got a refill of water until the very end. Oh well. The goat cheese and mushroom spring roll would have been good minus the honey. There's something about goat cheese that works with sweet stuff but only when its paired with sweet stuff like apples and fruit. Mushrooms and honey just don't go together in my book. My mouth was frowning in confusion. I wanted something balsamic to dip in. The spare ribs were just fine but were so random at an Italian place. I felt like I should have been eating them with barbeque sauce. Southern girl is confused! The linguine pescatore which was recommended to me was so so. I didn't think much of the seafood selection which offered one shrimp, one scallop, and several pieces of calamari and mussels surrounded by a bed of pretty al dente linguine in a marina sauce. I didn't particularly enjoy the combination as much as I thought and it seemed too bland without enough spice or seasoning. Parm didn't help much. They do offer several bottles of wine for $20 if you're looking for a reasonable alcohol pairing.
(3)erica n.
Food is OK, service is bad. We walked up and made a reservation, the waitress functioning as a hostess said 15-20 minutes so we waited out front. After waiting an additional 30 minutes past our reservation time (for a total of 1 hour) another party of 3 took our table. when we brought it to the "hostess'" attention we were shoved into a 2-top (I'm 8 months pregnant) and treated rudely the rest of the night. With so many restaurants in the North End you can definitely find a better place to eat. It's a shame because the food isn't as bad as the service. I will never go back to this place nor recommend it to anyone.
(2)Bianca T.
I will fairly state I have only had a glass of wine and their version of a caprice salad so I can only judge on that ... It's was HORRIBLE ... They deep fried it ... So it's one big pile of hot greasy tomatoes, basil and cheese .... So for that reason I probably won't go back ... If their judgement Is that low In serving such a unappetizing dish then I can only imagine what will come out of the kitchen if I go back for an entree (dinner) The wine and service was good !!
(2)Sara L.
Delicious food, the bruschetta was amazing. Our waiter was friendly and efficient and we had a great time. Will definitely return.
(5)Nicole B.
I made back-up reservations at Panza after reading rave reviews here on Yelp. Because it is across the street from Giacomo's, I was hoping to get in there, and if the line was too long we'd keep our reservations at Panza. Turns out, Giacamo's was packed, and it was only 6pm on a Tuesday! We went across the street to Panza and were greeted by nice servers and an empty restaurant. The atmosphere was warm, clean, and classy. For the meal! We first ordered a bottle of the Duckhorn Decoy Cabernet from Sonoma, which was amazingly priced and was delicious. The crusty bread and olive oil was also great, although I wish the bread would have been warm. Per Yelpers' reviews, we began with the grilled greens over polenta. It was excellent!!! The greens were seasoned well with tons of garlic and had a nice charred grill flavor. The polenta was firm, and wonderfully cheesy. The gorgonzola sauce was awesome, although it ultimately made the polenta become really soggy after only a few minutes. I ordered the Penne Amatriciana, but requested linguine instead of penne. I had a hard time choosing, because everything sounded amazing, and our server did a very nice job making recommendations. The pasta was cooked al dente, and I could have eaten the plum tomato sauce for the rest of my life. The eggplant, however, was very mushy and since the skins were left on, the texture wasn't exactly pleasant. Also, when I requested grated parmesan, they brought me a bowl of the powdered kind. Not impressed. If I'm paying $20 for a pasta dish, I want real cheese. My aunt ordered the chicken piccata, and while I didn't try any, she said it was delicious. The portion was huge, and they served her a small bowl of linguine and red sauce along with it. I'm not sure if there were other options for the pasta side, but I wouldn't enjoy red sauce with piccata. We chose not to get dessert, as MIke's Pastry was a few doors down, but they did have a nice selection. Overall a very well priced restaurant and a great back-up plan if you're freezing to death outside waiting for a table at Giacomo's! I gave it a 4 just because of the few soggy textural issues and the horrifying powdered parmesan!
(4)Matt C.
Even as a Giacomo's enthusiast, I must admit I may never wait in that line again knowing I can walk across the street and have the type of dining experience that Panza delivers. I was about to make some witty remark about "panza" meaning "bread", but Wiki suggests it's actually a region in Italy, so I'll spare myself some embarrassment and just say that the bread here is phenomenal. It's the real stuff: Soft and warm on the inside with a hard crust dusted lightly with flour and served hot out of the oven with olive oil and parmesan on the side. Fantastic stuff. The food is excellent, and somehow even more inexpensive than Giacomo's. Not to mention, with all that time you saved yourself by not waiting in line, you'll be able to stroll down to Modern for a cannoli and an espresso. Ciao!
(4)Greg M.
Panza's is a small place that fills up quickly, so we made reservations for 7 and showed up a little earlier on a cold weekday night. We had Italian chopped salad, mussels with butter and garlic, crusty bread to sop up that garlic and butter, and our entrees - braised pork lasagna special, Veal Panza, and Veal Saltimbocca - all were expertly prepared, great taste, great value. Service was friendly and my table was waiting for me. There's a lot of italian restaurants to choose from in the North End but Panza's did a great job tonight with food and service.
(4)Jeff P.
How this place does not have a line out the door like some other locations in the North End is beyond me. It's a small, well run little Italian restaurant that makes some excellent food without breaking the bank. The menu is classic with some very creative and exciting twists. I had a hard time narrowing down what to get, so we'll back to try out the other items on the list. The veal saltimbocca is amazing and the pasta dishes the other people in my party ordered were a hit as well. Only downfall? One unisex bathroom.
(5)Scott J.
I had been meaning to try Panza for a long time. For one thing, it's on the site of my former favorite restaurant in the North End, Cibo. It's right across the street from The Wine Bottega, a sensational store that hosts free wine tastings every Friday night from 5-8 PM and several excellent events each month. Panza was always crowded by the time I got to the North End. Fortunately, my friend and I were in the area earlier (around 5:30) and got a table immediately. We started off with the Italian Chop Salad, designed for two but could definitely be shared by 3 people. It came in a large bowl and we served ourselves with tongs. Its ingredients reminded me of cold antipasti and the pepperoncinis were an excellent touch. For my entree, I enjoyed the daily special of pappardelle with lamb ragu, a sumptuous feast of broad, filling noodles and tasty tendrils of meat. Overall, an exceptional meal. We were disappointed that they wouldn't let us open the bottle of wine my friend purchased across the street and it did take some time to receive our entrees, given that it was crowded. Definitely make a reservation or get there before 6 PM if you want to snag a table on a weekend evening. This is a must visit stop in the North End!
(4)Jessie C.
there were a few things i LOVED about Panza and a few things i could do without. Lets start with the positives... 1. Small! I love small Italian restaurants. Seem cozy and warm usually. 2. The wall of plates - love it! i'm totally gonna steal the idea when I've got my own house 3. Food - yum yum yum! I ordered the Chicken Panza and was very very pleased. Now i've gotta figure out how to make Panza myself! lol. Things I wasn't so thrilled about 1. Won't seat you until your entire party is there - i get it, seriously i do, i understand the reasoning behind why restaurants do this but i don't have to to like it. 2. Only accept 2 credit cards - come on guys! It's a digital world, figure out how to split a check more than twice please. lame. 3. Although my dish was awesome, a few others were a little under the weather...cobb salad eh for example. i'd go back someday - but i'd make sure i ordered the panza.
(4)Stephanie F.
I'm so happy that I ate at this restaurant! I made a reservation, but we didn't need one because we arrived early and were seated right away. The food was DELICIOUS, the wine was great and the service was good. I loved the cozy & romantic atmosphere. We ordered the mussels in fra diavolo sauce and it was amazing. I need that sauce recipe asap :) I liked it so much that I ordered the Linguine Alla Pescatore in the same sauce. The portion was enough for me to bring to lunch the next day. The prices on the menu were good - inexpensive for the area. I will definitely have to come back here!
(5)Scott K.
Consistently above average food at a lower price than any of the pretenders nearby. As a resident in the North End, I've tried quite a few of the restaurants in the neighborhood and Panza is always the winner. I keep getting suckered into wanting to try to fancier more expensive places but always leave feeling underwhelmed. That is never the case at Panza and the many people I have taken to Panza always walk away satisfied and impressed. I like the linguine pescatore and Stephanie B. says the butternut squash tortellini may be the best thing she has ever eaten. I also highly recommend splitting the chopped salad for two. It is a terrific salad with light dressing and lots of little goodies like mozzarella cheese, salami, and crispy little pieces of pancetta throughout. All of the portions are large but not at the expense of taste. You will leave Panza full, satisfied and (rare in the north end) not feeling ripped off.
(4)Maria A.
We were visiting from San Diego, so natrually we were looking forward to some great, authentic italian food. Thank goodness we ate dinner at Panza! We made a same day reservation for a party of 6 and had no problems getting in, even on a Saturday night. The restaurant is small and the tables are close together, but the great service, plentiful menu, and outstanding food more than made up for it. I am a fairly picky eater, and there were so many things on the menu that I wanted to try that I had trouble deciding. We started with the Wild Mushroom and Goat Cheese Spring Rolls which were amazing. Such a great combination that I've never seen before, everyone loved them. For dinner I had the Butternut Squash Tortelloni (YUM!), and this was the first time that I've ordered this dish and had them include pieces of baked butternut squash on top of the pasta, which was a great garnish. My boyfriend had the Chicken Marsala which was one of the best I've ever tasted. Overall everyone in our group was beyond satisfied with their meal. We have a few more trips to Boston planned later this year, and I'm sure that we will be back!
(5)Nick K.
I love going to this place! +'s Great food - Get the burrata for an App and the butternut squash ravioli for dinner Really nice people Small business Great about filling up your water -'s Small; sometimes you sit awkwardly close to other people Bathroom is small and not all that clean Wait time is ridiculous on Fridays and Saturdays (go any other day)
(4)Bill L.
Superb!!!!..Went here on a saturday around 4:15-4:30 got seated right away actaully had reservations for 5 but took early.Waitress was very nice and pleasant didn't rush us,took order about 10mins after we sat. Wife got got LOBSTER RAVIOLI...crazy good,about 8-10 ravioli's super hot.I ended up getting the LINGUINE ALLA PESCATORE ...FRESH FRESH FRESH....For the app we got calamari,flash fried goodness...
(5)Melissa B.
Best meal in Boston! We were lucky enough to have friends from Boston who recommended this place for a great meal. I am still dreaming of the meal here. You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu, I promise! Even the salad was the best I have ever had! Caleb took great care of us and treated us like family. I'm already planning my next trip back and panza is my first stop!
(5)Sarah F.
Good dinner with a very unfortunate ending! Two friends and I came here on Friday night to enjoy a quick easy dinner. We were seated quickly but were told that since we don't have a reservation we could have out of the two available tables the one right next to the doors which had a constant draft wafting over our table. We didn't have a reservation so it was understandable and we sat down for dinner. The food we ordered was very good! I only had the house salad but my friends enjoyed their entrees immensely. The calamari was crispy and the the mushroom spring rolls were good. During our meal however the entire time we were either waiting to be served or during our meal, as the restaurant got fuller people ended up simply standing right over us, or right next to our table, or holding the door open engulfing us in the frigid January air. But we took all this in stride and the bill came for $55 and my friend gave his card. As we were putting on our jackets the waitress came over to him and their exchange went as such: -Was service not good? -I didn't say that. -You left a $15 tip on a $55 bill. -I guess the draft wasn't so pleasant. -Oh. I will probably try them again, but definitely beware of this one particular waitress! A %25 tip wasn't good enough for her and she was so unnerved she decided to "call" my friend out on it.
(3)Shawn D.
Definitely one of my favorite restaurants in the North End! It's a hidden gem, on the lower end of Hanover Street...not many tourists know about it. The food is excellent and the atmosphere is great too. Very small but never a long wait. The prices are great too, very reasonable compared to other North End restaurants.
(5)B P.
Pros: Food and wine is great and cheap. Cons: No desert or coffee. They do not know how to keep reservations, if you have a reservation at 7:30, you will be waiting outside for at least 30 minutes along with the people who had reservations at 7.
(4)Kels W.
The bruschetta is fantastic. My favorite dish is the butternut squash tortellini - it's very sweet, so might not be for everyone. Their veal marsala is also fantastic.
(4)Jolie W.
Probably the best Italian food I have ever had! The pasta and seafood(scallops, calamari, shrimp and mussels) was very fresh and authentic. The sauce was the best. One person in our party got the butternut squash ravioli and it was amazing-the squash was sweet and cooked perfectly. The bread was great with the sauce. I had a sangria that was flavorful and fruity! After coming here, so many people who live in the area say its their favorite Italian restaurant on the North End-which says a lot!! I will return--loved the food!!
(5)Tina M.
Panza is fabulous!! The caprese salad is absolutely amazing! I've had it twice and enjoy it each time I eat it. The best meal on the menu is the seafood pescatore with red sauce. So much flavor! By far the best I've had in a restaurant. My husband loves their veal parm and wine list is pretty impressive. I'd travel to boston anytime for a meal at panza!
(5)Jack K.
My co-workers friend came into Boston to visit just days before the New Year, so we decided we needed to eat in the North End. It was my duty to pick out the restaurant (which at times, can be a pain, since I can be indecisive about food, although I can eat almost anything). So, I was deciding between two restaurants, Panza being one of the choices. After seeing the restaurant took reservations on Open Table and looking at the small but "big enough" menu for an Italian restaurant, I knew it was the place we had to try for our first North End experience, and we were not let down! My reservations were at 8:30pm, but we arrived about 10 minute earlier. We could have taken a seat, but we would have had to sit right in front of the door (and not that people come in and out and it was pretty cold). So, the server had no problem with us waiting for the next available table that could seat 3, which resulted in just another 10-15 minute wait, which was no big deal, since the restaurant is very tiny. Note: It's not really a group oriented restaurant, so try not to make your group bigger than 4-6, or you'll be waiting awhile. What I liked was the ambiance created in this small restaurant. Other reviews may have said that they want you in and out, but I didn't feel that way. I think this may be the case if people are actually waiting to take your seat at set reservations, but since my dinner started late anyway, I ended up staying until the restaurant cleared out for the night. Each table is dimly lit by candlelight and the lights are turned down very dimly, which creates a romantic atmosphere. The decor includes plate, and large cooking tools. The kitchen is in plain view, so you know the food isn't just sitting there, and it definitely comes out piping hot! The meal started off with tasting 3 different wines, and we ended up ordering a bottle of Bertagnil Pinot Grigio, which is not too sweet and not too bitter. We then ordered an order of the Bruschetta, which came out as two large pieces of bread, but was absolutely delicious. The oils really made the taste of the tomatoes really refreshing. I saw past reviews mention of the Potato Gnocchi Bolognese. So, I knew I had to get that. The gnocchi was cooked just right with a pillowy soft tenderness with an excellent seasoned pork ragu the dish addictive. Of course, the portion was pretty large and I could not finish it. My friends ordered an order of the Baked Ziti, which was also very delicious. The cheese melted just right on top of the pasta, creating a great traditional dish without overdoing anything when it came to flavor. Overall, the service was great. There seemed to be only 2 servers working in the small restaurant, but we were always asked if everything was good and our server was friendly regardless if the place was extremely busy. 1 star for food and taste, 1 star for service, 1 star for great atmosphere and ambiance, 1 star for value. I would go back in a heartbeat.
(4)Whadzen C.
Food was excellent and I was pleasantly surprised about the prices. The owner was very attentive
(5)Timi C.
I absolutely love this place; it is my favorite spot on the North End. It has always delivered delicious food with great service. This review goes through all of the dishes that I have had: The bread that they serve is fresh, chewy, and delicious with some olive oil. The crusty part and the chewy part inside are both delicious. Appetizers: -Calamari - the small plate is actually huge! The fried rings of calamari are fresh and the onions, jalepenos and sauce give it a nice kick. -Goat cheese spring rolls - I usually don't like goat cheese, but decided to give it a try. I really like the honey that they put on top to make it feel "Greek" Entrees -Carbonara- pasta with bacon and eggs? YUM -Linguini alla Pescatore - a healthy assortment of shrimp, scallops, clams and calamari. I had it with the fra diavolo sauce and it was absolutely perfect. It was a bit spicy, but delicious. -Chicken Panza- Chunks of chicken in a mushroomy sauce. I really liked that they included large chunks of mushroom. Service gets hectic once the restaurant fills up, but don't hesitate to just flag the waiter down. He'll make it back to you soon! Make a reservation if you know you're coming. The wait gets a bit lengthy after 6pm.
(5)Jin C.
I wanted to go to Giacomo's, but disappointingly they were closed because of a gas problem. A scribbled sign said so, and also pointed us to their sister restaurant, Panza. So we went. I was really looking forward to the butternut squash ravioli that was supposed to be a popular dish at Giacomo's, so I had the tortelloni version of that at Panza's. I guess it was good, it just had a very one-note sort of flavor that would only win over a hardcore butternut squash fan. My boyfriend's grilled maple glazed salmon was really nice; the hunk of salmon was a lot larger than you'd expect from a restaurant. Overall a nice place to visit.
(4)Suzanne L.
I honestly don't know why everyone keeps fussing over Giacamo's- I haven't been there, true- but this place is stiff competition for its neighbor across the street. I went with three other friends on a balmy Saturday afternoon in the fall- it was fairly empty, we were seated immediately, and all received steaming, delicious, and HUGE portions of pasta. I had Pasta fra diavolo- good and clearly fresh. Next time you are in the obnoxiously long line for Giacamo's and getting grumpy and hungry, just head across the street!
(4)Geoff c.
Being in North End, there is really no place you can go wrong. Panza is across the street from Giacomos, but is also top of the line. On a nice weekend when everyone is out, the wait can get substantial - at least an hour. But if you can hold out, you'll be treated to some top quality italian food for reasonable prices. The venue is very smal - hence the long waits. The appetizer bread is tough, but that's not why you're really there. The Beef and Veal tortelloni, little neck clams, and lobster ravioli were excellent. The atmosphere is very nice. Dimly lit but not darkness. The street-side windows can open up completely so you can enjoy the nice weather. The service could be better. They might need more waiting staff. Our server was also the hostess. And thus, when it gets busy, which is was, we were sometimes neglected. The cost runs ~$30 per person for a dish + drink.
(4)Patricia O.
I've been to Panza twice in the last couple of months. I've gone with friends for dinner, and we've been happy with the place. Service: Fast (agree with another reviewer that it might have been a little too fast for my taste) and VERY attentive. They checked on us multiple times throughout the night, and our water glasses were always filled. It's more businesslike than warm and friendly, but that suited me just fine. Food: Great! Thanks to Yelp for the suggestions - I really liked the calamari, Italian chopped salad for two (perfectly light dressing, mozzarella cubes, chunks of Italian meats), linguine carbonara, and the wild mushroom and goat cheese spring rolls. The bread was so-so; it wasn't warm but it did taste all right. Ambience: Agree that it is a little loud inside the place, but my friends and I had no problems conversing. The decor is tasteful. Price: Good value for money - one order of calamari, one HUGE chopped salad for two, one side of meatballs, and two drinks cost us $44 including tip. Would definitely go back!
(4)G C.
One of the best in the north end.
(4)Eileen P.
A hidden gem! Despite some of the reviews on here, I've never had bad service at Panza. I love coming here! There is usually a wait to get in, much like Giacomos across the street, but I don't mind because I think it's worth it. I've ordered different pasta and chicken dishes, along with almost every appitizer on the menu (that's what happens when you live close by) and it's always been good. It's very small and quaint inside, casual. The front window is usually open in the summer, but it's cozy to go in the winter too. Good, classic Italian food is what this place is all about. I would reccomend this restaurant and already have to many of my friends.
(4)Lauren M.
My boyfriend and I decided on a whim to go to the North End for dinner. We decided to wing it and go without reservations or (gasp) without Yelp reviews. My boyfriend pointed to Panza, and I'm so glad he did. Hostess said we'd be able to be seated immediately if we could finish in an hour because they had reservations. That was perfectly fine with us; we're fast eaters. I've read a lot of reviews for places in the North End that felt like they were being rushed, and I was thankful they were honest with us, although we didn't feel rushed at all. The bread and olive oil were very good. Although we didn't get any appetizers, the couple next to us did, and they looked really good. My boyfriend got the Potato Gnocchi Bolognese, and I got the Baked Ziti. I don't eat meat, so I asked for it without the meatballs, which they were happy to do. Baked Ziti was amazing, and my boyfriend loved his meal. Service was fast and friendly; we were in and out in less than 40 minutes, which is plenty of time for us to enjoy a meal. It was pretty empty when we arrived, but as we left it was completely full with a line out the door. If you would like a "normal" dinnertime (we like eating a little early), I would recommend making reservations.
(5)Libby T.
Stumbled across Panza our first time in the North End and have been back three times. A reasonably priced wine menu and specials that will knock your socks off will keep me coming back. I can't stress it enough, though, there is always one special that is far and away the best and freshest thing on the menu - don't forget to try it.
(4)Alicia M.
My husband and I had 8pm reservations for our anniversary on Saturday night. We showed up 10 minutes late (calling prior to 8 to let them know). When we got there we were told that we would get the next 2 top, and it would be 10-15 minutes (which she told every single person that came in). In the meantime I watched 3 people get sat at the next 2 top that became available and 2 tops pushed together to seat parties of 4 that did not have reservations. After waiting over an hour for our reservation I asked the hostess why we had not been seated yet and she assured me we would get the next 2 top. When I asked why others were sat before us when we were already told that, I got a bad attitude. At that point we left and will likely never return. We were extremely disappointed as we had been here in the past and loved it - which is why we chose to come back for our anniversary. That being said, your reservations mean nothing and if you are a party of 2 they aren't going to seat you because they can make more money off of a party of 4.
(1)Will F S.
As previous poster Jill R. wrote, "I almost don't want to write a review for this place, because then I feel like more people will go and make it harder for me to get a table when I want, but whatever. I will try not to be selfish. " My thoughts exactly. Directly across the street from Panza is the well-know sister restaurant Giacommos, which is more expensive and lines wrap around the sidewalk all night. Why not just go to Panza? I'm from north Jersey (Italian snob) and Panza is home to my favorite fried calamari. It's unreal. They fry it to perfection and drizzle it with pepperjack cheese and jalapenos. Worth going for this appetizer alone. Their meals are also very good, and reasonably priced giving the location. My only complaint is how small the dining room is. Sitting near the entrance on a winter night be sure to wear a sweater.
(4)Angela Y.
A very cute but small Italian restaurant on Hanover St. From looking thru the windows and doors at most restaurants in the area, they are all on the smaller side. I really wanted to try the gnocchi with bolognese sauce but they were all out of bolognese (at 8pm) so I decided to try the lobster ravioli and it was amazing! I ate everything plus with some bread leftover I scraped the sauce over the plate! Husband got pasta with sausage and he too cleaned his plate! One of our friends got the classic spaghetti with meatballs and really liked hers. I would recommend this place to anyone just don't except a lot of room around you and being very comfortable with your date or neighbor.
(4)Erika P.
We came here as a party of 4, and had an amazingly good dinner. The fettuccine carbonara I ordered was excellent, as were the mussels. The menu is fairly large for a restaurant of this size, but everyone in our party felt their food was top notch, so quality clearly wasn't compromised by the wide variety of choices. The place is very small, with only perhaps a dozen tables, and I'd have to say the only real drawback of this place is that there is no extra space for waiting parties to stand comfortably while they wait for a table, so they end up jostling seated customers a little once in a while -- not a huge deal, but perhaps opt for a table farther from the door if you have a choice. Reservations were definitely a necessary choice, as it was packed on a Friday evening. With two bottles of wine, two appetizers, and four entrees, our total bill came to $150 before tip, which is very reasonable. This is now one of our favorite places in Boston.
(5)Christopher M.
Panza is a solid representation of North End Italian. But among the dozens of restaurants just like it, it really didn't stand out in my mind - until I got the check. Our party of four was fortunate enough to find a table waiting for us, late on a rainy Saturday night. But if you don't roll with our kind of karma, I'd recommend reservations. The first round to hit the table was appetizers - the calamari was standard fare, but in a break from traditional Italian we also ordered the mushroom and goat cheese spring roll, and they were mouth watering. Wine arrived shortly thereafter, and with a wine list full of viable options (most in the $20-$30 range) I have to give Panza a lot of credit. Our waitress recommended the Valpolicella for the first bottle, and I'll pass along the recommendation. It's a light, fruity red wine that should satisfy everyone at the table, and at $26 a bottle, there's no reason not to order two (or three, or four). If you're looking for something heavier, try the Nebbiolo, which paired very well with my pork. Most of our party ordered off the specials menu, and good choices were made all around: pork with chutney, ravioli, lasagna, and off the regular menu, a seafood risotto. I think the food was exactly what everyone has come to expect from the North End. However, service throughout the night was amateurish, which was disappointing. Corks were broken, wine was spilled while pouring and the wrong plates were delivered to our table (then moved to the correct table after we promised we hadn't touched them). But when the bill came, we walked away for about $35/person for appetizers, dinner and a couple bottles of wine. That's a tremendous value for a Saturday night in the North End, and would definitely sway me into coming back more often. I just hope the wait staff can step up their game.
(4)Clara L.
With a good friend in from out of town and after reading good reviews about the food at Panza, I made a reservation for 3 on a Saturday night at 8 pm. The Ts were backed up and running late that night, so I called ahead and told them that we would be a few minutes late. The girl told us that she rescheduled our reservation to 8:30, which was fine with us. When we got there, the restaurant was busy (not uncommon for all the restaurants around there). We went in to get seated, and the waitress told us it would be about 15 minutes before we were seated. We were fine with that since we had been running late and understood that they probably had to give our first table away due to us running late. After waiting over 20 minutes over the initial 15 minute estimate and seeing 3 parties of 3-4 leave, we asked the waitress how much longer our wait was going to be. She curtly explained that we were on a reservation list and she had sat walk ins to the last 3 tables. It didn't make much sense to us that she was seating walk ins before reservations, but as we were hungry and didn't want to start over at another restaurant, we waited another 10 minutes. After our total wait of 45 minutes past our 8:30 reservation, we cut our losses and left. Would recommend making reservations for a little earlier than you want to eat, as there seemed to be a decent length of waiting and service seemed a little slow as we observed. Or just take your chances and walk in, they seemed to fair better than we did in getting seated!
(1)Werner S.
Panza's has great food and service. It is much less crowded than Giacomo's across the street but does fill up after 6-6:30PM. be sure to try the the Wild Mushroom & Goat Cheese Spring Rolls for an appetizer and their crusty italian bread is the best. We had the Veal Panza and the Veal Saltimbocca, both were excellent. The Veal was very tender. Note they do not serve coffee or desserts. Our service was quick and friendly and the prices were very reasonable. Will definitely try this again
(5)Matthew H.
I've been to Panza half a dozen times, and I can't believe I haven't written a review for this gem. Panza is a cozy little restaurant on Hanover, right across the street from Giacomo's, and it's probably my favorite place to grab a bite to eat in this neighborhood. The staff and menu are unpretentious, and the restaurant itself has a warm and inviting vibe to it that makes it perfect for a date. On to the food. First off, do yourself a favor and get the wild mushroom and goat cheese spring rolls. There's a reason why so many reviews on here highlight it. It's really, really tasty. REALLY. The calamari here is crispy and cooked perfectly, with not a single rubbery squid to be found. The grilled Italian greens are a perfect warm up, with creamy polenta, slightly bitter (in a good way) greens, a creamy/sour hit from the gorgonzola, and acid from balsamic to tie it together. The chopped salad is HUGE, and very tasty (lightly dressed), and I think you could get away with splitting it between more than 2 people. If you still have room for dinner after all that, you're in for some excellent choices. The gnocchi here is outstanding, and I've had it with their standard Bolognese sauce and as a special with short rib. They were perfectly cooked both times, and both sauces were a hearty compliment. I couldn't even get through half of it though, as it's very filling. The veal Panza is one of my go-to plates now. It's a very light-tasting plate of veal, sun dried tomato, mushrooms, spinach, pine nuts, and balsamic marsala. It's such a bright dish and one of my favorites on the menu. The seafood risotto is one of the best deals I've seen anywhere, wonderfully creamy arborio and a massive amount of seafood, all cooked perfectly for $16. I haven't had many of the pasta dishes, but the lingune alla pescatore in fra diavolo sauce is dynamite, with just the right amount of heat and a heaping portion of seafood. The baked ziti with meatballs is also excellent, and a perfect plate of warm, gooey comfort food. This is one of my go-to places in the North End to bring out of towners, because I know I can rely on the consistently good food and service to make it a fun night for all. Word to the wise: get reservations and make sure you are there on time or a bit earlier. Given the size of the place, it's not uncommon to have to wait 10 - 15 even with the reservation. Later in the evening seems to be the best bet for quick seating.
(4)Jonny C.
Have returned three times since initial review, service is remarkedly improved (although they still cant keep a reservation time) Best Seafood Fra Diavolo ever.
(5)C F.
Goodness Gracious!! REALLY DELICIOUS! Everything we got was terrific. I made a reservation for 6:30 and expected to wait a little while but we walked right in and had our bread and salad in no time at all. We started with the "Italian Chop Salad (for two)" but it was for four of us. There was enough too!! It was very yummy; the artichoke hearts were very cold and perfect. The crispy pancetta, the meats and cheeses were delicious and hit the spot. I wanted to lick the bowl!! HAHA. We all had something different. Based on other Yelp reviews we each decided to share what we got. The Lobster Ravioli was in a cream sauce that was scrumptious and the Ravioli's were filled with lobster meat that was perfectly cooked. There were enough for all of us to have one and plenty enough for my daughter's dinner. We mopped up the sauce with the bread and it was awesome. My husband had the Linguine Alla Pescatore with fra diavolo sauce, that he loved. It was perfectly spicy for him and he ate every bite after we all had some!! My other daughter had the Potato Gnocchi Bolognese and it was out of this world delicious. She gave all of us a portion and then ate her dinner and still brought some home for her lunch! It was cooked absolutely perfectly and so so delicious! Last but certainly not least, I ordered the Baked Ziti and it was terrific. Very cheesy and saucy with two meatballs in the middle. They were just what I wanted...meat, cheese and sauce!! It doesn't get any better that this. I gave some to my family to try and they all loved it but everyone said they got the best choice! That says a lot. I also brought some home for my lunch and my daughters and I shared it the next day. All of us enjoyed the entire meal and we will be back ASAP.
(5)Edi D.
This place is a zoo. Evening turned out a-OK but the wait was not. We got to the restaurant around 6 pm on a Saturday night thinking we would beat the evening rush. We did not have a reservation. We were told that the wait would be 1 hr and 15 minutes. We went to have a drink at a nearby bar and came back to Panza right on time. We were told the wait would be another 15 minutes. An hour and a half later we were finally seated. During this time, we overheard the hostess (who also doubled as a waitress at this very busy restaurant) tell every party that asked, that there was a 15 minute wait. Clearly, that is inaccurate and a scheme to get people to keep waiting. The worst part, is that people were waiting in between the diners to get the hostess' attention and ask how much longer they had to wait. Once we finally were seated, we had fellow patrons standing behind us demanding the hostess' attention and letting cold air blow in from outside. The food was delicious and wine was $20 (ALMOST made the wait worthwhile) but I think this restaurant has some kinks to work out. Lobster Ravioli YUM! Veal Panza YUM! Wine UMMM!!! Goat cheese and mushroom eggroll - mehhh.
(2)Nicole S.
Great stop in the north end. Went for lunch on a Friday and we were seated immediately. Our food was brought out quickly and was delicious. The seafood linguini in a spicy red sauce did not disappoint, absolutely wonderful! Very reasonably priced considering quality and portion size. Will definitely return!
(4)Cherie D.
Made a reservation for an early dinner last night before heading to the Garden to see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Our party of 6 arrived at Panza significantly earlier than our reserved time, but the waitress was very friendly and seated us immediately. There were maybe two other tables filled when we got there, but by the time we left the place was full and a short line outside. Our waitress and the rest of the waitstaff were exceptional all evening, the pace between courses was leisurely and we appreciated their attention to detail. They were friendly and accommodating and I never once felt rushed. We ordered the large calamari appetizer to share and it was light and tender and perfectly fried with a delicious spicy sauce drizzled over the top. One of the best I've had. I had the tarragon fettuccine with lobster tail. The aroma when it arrived to the table told the tale of what was in store for me. Perfectly cooked tarragon fettuccine with pieces of lobster meat, tomato, peas, in a creamy and light garlic brandy cream sauce. Wonderful! The others in my party had the seafood risotto, penne with chicken and broccoli in cream sauce, linguini and littleneck clams in a white wine sauce, and linguini ala pescatore, in white and red sauces. We all agreed everything from the calamari appetizer, to the wonderfully chewy and crusty bread, to our main dishes, were perfect and delicious. We will be back!
(5)Amy F.
I was in search of a North End restaurant for the one dinner I would be having in Boston on a recent trip up. Upon finding Panza with the multitude of rave-reviews, I excitedly made a reservation for 6:30. At 5:45 we had exhausted the Freedom Trail and headed over early. A server who was also apparently playing the role of hostess assured us this was no problem and we would have an approximately 15 minute wait. After almost 90 minutes of loitering outside, watching people arrive after us and be seated and witnessing the line across the street at Giacomos quickly move, we walked up to our blonde friend and demanded a table. Once we made it this far, the service was relatively efficient in the small and noisy room, less the fact they brought bread to our table with our dinners. I'd ordered the gnocchi. I expected better. The bolognaise sauce was bland and the gnocchis didn't exactly "melt in your mouth" like they should when made correctly. Maybe it was partly the disgust over the 15-turned-90 minute wait, but the overall experience was disappointing. The next time I am in Boston I will be in search of another, hopefully more enjoyable, North End establishment.
(2)David S.
I'll make is short, the braised beef ravioli in a tomato and bleu cheese sauce special was amazingly good. Everything else the group ordered was tasty.
(5)Shawn W.
Amazing ravioli and very friendly staff!
(5)Emmie B.
I am shocked by the reviews on this site! Very misleading. The service was good but myself and date's meal were the worst I think I've ever had! The waiter suggested a chicken meal with spinach and mushrooms, which my date spit out because he thought it was raw, but it was just overcooked. My seafood risotto was dry and flavor was lackluster. I am by no means a foodie but was disappointed in the wine and even the bread as well. So many other better choices on Hanover! Would never go here again.
(1)Joann C.
Visiting from Miami, FL and stopped in for dinner on a Friday night. Thank goodness we made reservations because the restaurant is tiny and doesnt offer much seating room. So if you dont make reservations, be prepared to wait. Everything was very tasty and enjoyed myself very much. The only downside is that there is no desserts (but why would they when Mike's and Modern Pastry is just down the street) and the help could have been a bit more friendly. I ordered the Linguine Carbonara and it was the best I have ever eaten. Nice creamy egg sauce and the pancetta was perfect, not too salty or overly crispy. I sampled my other friends' dishes and was also not disappointed (Linguine Alla Pescatore, Free Form Lasagna, and Potato Gnocchi Bolognese). All were very delicious and the servings are very generous as well. The ambience, the prices, the food...equals a great experience!
(4)Rick A.
The lobster ravioli was Fantastic. The bruschetta was the best I have ever had. The staff was exceptional. Do not miss this restaurant.
(5)Jill R.
I almost don't want to write a review for this place, because then I feel like more people will go and make it harder for me to get a table when I want, but whatever. I will try not to be selfish. Panza is my favorite restaurant in the North End for a few reasons. It is extremely reasonable in price. The service is always good. The food is amazing. It's also right on Hanover street, so if you go during a nice day, it provides good people watching opportunities as you eat. My favorite dish at Panza (and possibly of all time) is the caprese salad. The first time we went, my boyfriend whined about how it was boring to order the caprese. He was wrong. They lightly bread and fry the tomato, which makes this dish different and delicious. For real, just try it. My other favorite at Panza is the eggplant Parmesan. They just know how to make it well. Whenever I go, we always order one eggplant parm, and then rotate a second dish and share them both. I have tried a lot of the specials they have, and I am also a fan of their butternut squash ravioli.
(5)angela n.
Vegetarians: the grilled Italian greens appetizer is TO DIE FOR. On paper it sounds crazy: arugula and other greens, grilled with balsamic vinegar and gorgonzola. That is, it sounds like warmed up salad. But somehow it really works. The vinegar-gorgonzola sauce gets creamy, and makes for an addictive bread-dipping sauce when you run out of greens. I also liked the butternut squash tortelloni. It was sort of oily-sweet, and the pasta was topped with tasty butternut squash cubes.
(4)Eric G.
My girlfriend and I were looking for a place to eat on our trip to Boston and just walked into this place because we liked the menu and the inside looked quaint. We were extremely happy with our choice. The chicken marsala was the best ever and the chicken saltimbocca was extremely tasty. We will recommend this place to our Boston friends and will make plans to come here on our next trip.
(5)Kevin C.
My first choice was The Daily Catch, but the line was 30min, then second choice was Giacomo's which had a line of about 45min. Alas, I scrambled on yelp to find an alternate and stumbled upon Panza. There was no wait, perfect! The first thing from the menu that spoke to me was the $4 beer. Where do you ever find $4 beer in a restaurant? And the selection included a local IPA and Sam Adams' summer seasonal. Good start. I decided to play it safe and ordered the Chicken Panza. (I figured it must be good since it was the signature dish) The Chicken Panza was similar to a marsala - brown sauce, with mushrooms. The dish also came with a side of penne w/ marinara. I've never had it separated like this before. Oh well, I'm not Italian, what do I know? The sauce was great, but the chicken was sadly dry. Dry chicken is just a big no, no. I can't give anything above 3 stars for dry chicken. *sigh* and I wanted to love the place! I tried, but sometimes these sort of relationships just don't work out. Oh well, better luck next time. Daily Catch could you be the one?
(3)Andrew S.
Haven't eaten here. I was pretty mad about the line outside, and that the host doesn't take names. And the host's attitude when I politely asked if there was a list was a look of 'surprise'... that arrogant "everyone knows when you come to Panza you wait in a line outside in the cold without seating... ah duh numbskull." Just, not ok. Get with the 21st century. Went to Prezza, was seated immediately, and had an amazing meal.
(1)Dallas T.
In town for a wedding, and the groom recommended the North End for dinner while we were there. After a day of sightseeing, we were ready for a nice dinner. Found Panza on Yelp and made a reservation during the short walk from the Financial District. So glad we made a reservation as the wait for walk-ups was around an hour or more on a Friday night. Once seated, the server was great. The food was awesome! We had the caprese salad, and the fried tomato on the salad made for an interesting and delicious departure from the norm. My girlfriend had the baked ziti and I went for the lobster ravioli. Both were absolutely memorable. The amount of lobster in the raviolis was notable. Also, you can't beat $20 for a decent bottle of wine! All in all, we will make Panza a go-to for future trips to Boston. The only reason I'm giving 4 stars instead of five is that it would be nice if they added some sound-absorbing materials to the walls or ceiling. There was a large group seated in the rear of the restaurant, and all of that sound just bounces off of the walls.
(4)Robert B.
Fabulous meatballs, bruschetta, chicken parm. The wild mushroom and goat cheese spring rolls very good, unique. A gem on Hanover! Did I mention the meatballs?
(4)Shaun R.
Panza stands out from a lot of great Italian choices in the neighborhood because of the small and charming space, wonderful staff, reasonable prices, and focused menu. My recommendation is go with their featured specials or the amazing Butternut Squash Ravioli (I know it sounds boring but it is always a table favorite.)
(4)Carol S.
Found this little gem on Hanover Street in Boston's Little Italy. Small restaurant but packed with excellent choices. The bruschetta was flavorful and fresh. Potato gnocchi with bolognese sauce and linguini with clams kept both of us very quiet as we rapidly gobbled up the delicious entrees. Good service by 1 very busy waiter, reasonable prices, and great choices. Loved historic Hanover--a street with oodles of interesting bakeries and restaurants. The best dinner I have had thus far in 2012! Thanks Panza.
(5)Kelli P.
The only reason this restaurant gets any stars at all is because the food was absolutely delicious. Unfortunately the service was awful. We were visiting from out of town. Since we were a party of 13, we called ahead to make a reservation, ensuring that they would be able to accommodate us. We were told they could accommodate us at 4:30pm. When we arrived, it was a very tight fit. The waitress seemed to be put out stating, as we were being seated, "I don't know WHO took this reservation. We should never have accepted them". Even if she felt this way, we couldn't believe she would actually make this statement in front of us. This attitude continued throughout the meal. At the end, we weren't even offered coffee and/or dessert, just our checks which we had to convince her to split for us. Even though the food was delicious, the service ruined the experience and we will DEFINITELY not be going back.
(1)Jess H.
It's apparently common to have to wait for a table, even if you have a reservation (which we did). We waited 30-40 minutes, but it was worth it. Best fried calamari! I regret not getting one of the specials for dinner--I tried my friends' dishes and they were awesome. But the linguine alla pescatore was also good, not mind-blowing. The ambiance was perfect, and you don't feel like you're right on top of neighboring diners. The waitstaff were courteous and friendly. It was a lovely evening.
(4)Lily M.
Enjoyed a delicious meal at Panza last night. We lucked out, as we were seated at the only remaining table for 2 at 730 on a Friday. (reservations- probs a good idea for future visits). Shared the burrata appetizer special (de-lish) and ordered the penne amatriciana (a-mazing) for main dish. date had the mussels. warm ambiance, lovely waitstaff, delicious meal. def will be back! again and again and again...
(5)Stephanie F.
Panza is a great go-to place for take-out when I am too busy to go food shopping in the North End or have run out of ingredients to make a meal at home. With so many of the same options offered in various restaurants in the North End, this is a great low-key restaurant that serves good food w/ fresh ingredients at reasonable prices. As this is a smaller, charming restaurant, I would recommend dining for 2 or with a smaller party.
(4)Daniel S.
I was worried after reading a few of the negative reviews, and the place was empty at lunch hour, but my wife convinced me to take a chance. And boy was that a good decision. Everything was fresh, perfectly prepared, and delicious! We had three appetizers: bruschetta, spring rolls, and mussels. They were all sublime, large portions and reasonably priced. After dipping the wonderful bread in the mussel juice, we finished off with salads and were full. We had a great lunch for four, including some wine, for $60! The service was also excellent, the food came quickly, and the waitress was very friendly. Give this place a try, you won't regret it.
(5)Dianna P.
Service 2 star , atmoshphere 2 star, food 4 stars. Yes, you have to wait to be seated with or without a reservation. Saturday night, 8pm reservations for 5, we waited for 45 minutes. Our table was right in front of the door. Busy and cold location. Our waitress was fantastic and spot on with her recommendations. Chopped salad and butternut squash ravioli were delicious. It was the hostess that ruined our dinner experience. About 3/4 way through dinner she came to our table and told us to be quiet. I was in shock since the entire restaurant was loud. It really wasn't what she said, it was how she said it. I will never go back to this restaurant. Don't care how great the food is. Too many fantastic alternatives.
(2)Brian C.
Place is the best! i've waited a long time to write this review because i was being selfish. it really is incredible, but i think everyone now knows that by now because it's become increasingly more difficult to get a reservation. Been here about 20+ times in the past year. Anyways, the highlights for me are the goat cheese spring rolls, the lobster raviolis, the caprese salad with the fried tomato, freeform lasagna, veal panza, salmon, and chicken saltimbocca. Love the wine too, favorites are the Dragani Montepulciano and the Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc. $20 bucks a bottle, can't really beat that, we tend to always get a bottle each. They staff is great also, always very attentive.
(5)Erica K.
...ahhh, Italian food in the North End. I think you'd have to go to Sicily for it to get better. My husband and I stopped in here before going to Stanza's. They were the only one's without a three hour wait so it was nice to go in and be seated right away--but boy oh boy was it tight as a virgin. Seriously, you have to take your jacket off before you get to your table or you might knock somebody's plate over. The girl at the table next to me fluffed her hair and it grazed my glass...not cool. I'm all for maximizing profit but damn, this place uses the diner motto (get in and get out). As for the food, I have no compliments. I've found that most places in little Italy are solid and Panza's is no different. I'll tell you one thing though, our gossiping ass waitress wasn't the business. I think its really unprofessional to complain to the people you're waiting on about how little the last table tipped you. If this is a hustling technique, there are much better ways. Other than that, yeah, great place. Try to get there early though, otherwise, you'll likely be sitting so close to the person beside you that you'll look like you're in the same party.
(5)Allison R.
Delicious and affordable. Be prepared to wait, EVEN if you have a reservation. Very small but intimate space. The food is cheap and so is the wine. A meal for two with a bottle of wine was under $50!!! One of my favorites in the North End.
(5)Brittany B.
I usually just order takeout from here. The food is great and is always ready to be picked up in under 20 minutes. Service can be slow if you opt to sit down at the restaurant. They do take reservations which is nice. If you live in the area, skip the sit down and grab your food to go.
(4)Colin D.
Stopped by here randomly during a recent trip to Boston. Food was excellent and service was fast and polite. I would definitely return.
(5)Ann T.
Had a wonderful experience at this charming, reasonably priced Italian restaurant in the North End. We had a 7:00 pm reservation during the week and were seated right away. Our waiter was incredibly helpful and his recommended dishes and wine (an Italian white wine, the Ascheri Gavi di Gavi, $26) were perfect. We shared the Grilled Italian Greens which were delicious, but a bit heavier than I thought they would be (maybe a bit too much Gorgonzola sauce?). When I told the waiter I liked spicy dishes he suggested Baby Rigatoni and Sausage (which I had; yum!) and the Penne Amatriciana (which my cousin had and liked). I would definitely visit again!
(4)Mindy R.
Every review about reservations and waiting at Panza is 100% correct. Reservation or not, you will wait for a table. Luckily I went here this weekend when it was beautiful weather, because there's no bar in the restaurant (weird, right?) and there's definitely no space to wait inside.... Anyway, we were seated promptly, at a really small table in the back of the restaurant (well - I mean, ALL the tables are small and the restaurant is about the size of my bathroom...) but it was perfect....and we didn't feel like we were in the way at all, like you sometimes to when you're right by the kitchen door. Food was amazing, if this review was for food alone definitely 5 stars. Bruschetta was SO delicious...garlic toast with tomatoes and balsamic and goat cheese! I thought for sure my boyfriend would be disappointed by goat cheese instead of mozerella, but he LOVED it. We both had tortellini (I had the butternut squash & he had the veal) and they were amazing. We shared a bottle of wine & really enjoyed our night. The service was great too, we couldn't believe that the waitress in front was also the hostess. Things might run a little more smoothly if those were 2 seperate positions....just a suggestion. This is a place in the North End that is similar to places in Italy. The ambiance and atmosphere is not nearly as important as the delicious, delicious food. The tables are tight, the kitchen is heating up the whole place, and there's a drunk man, who seemed like a local regular, that wandered in from time to time (definitely not disturbing anyone....). If you have a little extra time to spend waiting for a table, and want a simple night out with fantastic food definitely go here.
(3)Janie W.
This restaurant is teeny and charming. The service is ruthlessly efficient but still polite. They sure get that food out fast! The menu doesn't hold many surprises aside from the wild mushroom and goat cheese spring roll, which I would recommend. The fried calamari is fresh and tasty. I had the veal piccata - with big fresh pieces of artichoke hearts (no skimping on artichokes!) and the bf had the veal panza. Both were tasty and hot, the veal was tender. It gets quite crowded in there and for us at least, it wasn't a place to linger and talk. Still thoroughly enjoyable.
(4)Kayla G.
We went to Panza this past Friday for a anniversary night out and we had a great time! We started off with the Wild mushroom and goat cheese egg rolls which were delicious and a side ceasar salad which was perfect to share! I then ordered the butternut squash ravioli which I am craving so bad right now. This dish was the best thing I've tasted in a long time and the prices are excellent for the North End. My boyfriend got the shot rib dinner which he loved as well. I recommend trying all of these. Aside from our mouth watering dinner we had great service! We had made reservations for 8pm which is very busy on a Friday night but we still got right in. The service was very quick and Carmen (who waited on us) was awesome! The ONLY downfall to this place is how close the tables are. If you can look past that and think of it as a cozy environment then I highly recommend going here over anywhere else. Thanks Carmen for a great night out :)
(5)Yash S.
Excellent food. The key to any Italian restaurant is it's sauce and they had have a wonderful sauce. We had dishes from the sausage and pasta to a special with cavatelli, mushrooms and chicken (sub for veal) and loved them all. Also, a positive is that they accept reservations. While they don't have a waiting area, they fortunately seated us immediately. It is a cute place with minimal decor.
(4)David K.
Oh my gawd yes. It's not like there's a shortage of Italian restaurants in the North End, no. You can't throw a paper airplane there without it landing in a bowl of gnocchi. I've been going to Panza a few times a year for years now, though, and I really don't need to try any other places. Frustrated by the ever-present line at the door at Giacomo's? Cross the street to Panza and you'll be fine. The ambiance is pretty much what you'd expect out of any of these places. Open window to the street, weather permitting, Italian garden-style décor, etc. The wait staff's okay... not your best friend, but definitely not offensive. Panza always has three different specials going on: one appetizer and two entrées. It's worth your time to listen to what specials they offer before deciding what you'll order, because oftentimes they're especially good. If you're ordering from the menu, I recommend the Butternut Squash Tortelloni or the Lobster Ravioli. Both are just fantabulous. If you're having trouble picking a place to eat in the North End, check Panza out.
(5)C M.
Have been here several times before going to a game at the Garden. Quick service and good food. The mussels are fabulous. My husband and I can't get enough of the sauce they are in so when the mussels are gone we dip our bread till its gone. I love the Veal Parm and my husband says the carbonara is as close to what he had in Rome as we can get in the States.
(4)Jamie G.
It was one of the better decorated restasurants you will find on Hanover street. The food was average at best, and the charm of the North End shone through. However, I wouldn't run back. It was a 95 degree day and I ordered a caprese salad; to my disdain they had deep fried the tomato so it was hot and not what I had imagined. Don't avoid this place, but don't have high expectations either.
(3)Steve S.
I was very excited about going to Panza for dinner last week. Growing up with an Italian father, that word brought back many memories of my father grabbing my belly and talking about my "ponza" (paunch or beer belly in Italian) as a child. Had a 8p reservation. Got there at 755p. I went inside and told the girl that we were here. She said go wait outside. (She was quite short about it, but they were busy, so ok). We go outside and the actual hostess comes out to get our name. She says 10 minutes. 810p comes and goes. Then 820p comes and goes. I send my gf across the street to start waiting in the Giacomo's line to see if we can get in their any faster. So, it really was a photo finish. At 835p, there is only one group ahead of her at Giacomo's and we finally get our table. Ordered goat cheese spring rolls for app. They were ok, but somewhat dry and seemed like they were probably frozen. Should have gone with gut and gone with the mussels. She ordered Lasagna and I ordered the pescatore pasta. We also ordered a side of meatballs and a bottle of wine. Lasagna was decent. Pescotore was ok, but not great. One of the meatballs were burnt and overcooked. We asked for some bread for the sauce, and it never came. Server came by halfway through the meal and asked if we wanted parmesan. Yeah, we did. We wanted it when the food came out. With all the options in North End, they were really not up to par. The only thing they stayed in line with was North End prices. They would be better off doing like many of the other places and not taking reservations at all. It is never good if you piss off the customer before they even get into your establishment. From the other reviews listed here, it looks like I am not the first to comment on this issue there.
(2)Baking M.
For sometime, I lived in the North End and never tried Panza on Hanover Street. Panza is located across from Giacomo's and next to the St. Leonard's Church. Perhaps I neglected the restaurant because it is on Hanover Street, notorious for restaurants being over priced. My friend raved about the restaurant recently and invited me to meet her there and I was thrilled. At 6pm the restaurant was open and spacious and by 7pm every seat in the house was filled and a few couples were waiting for a seat at the door. I had the grilled Italian greens which consisted of escarole, radicchio, baby arugula, crispy polenta, gorgonzola sauce and a reduced balsamic sauce. This is a must have at the restaurant and I will be back again just for this starter. The warm greens taste luscious with the cheese sauce. The polenta was perfectly made, soft on the inside and crispy on the outside and flavor was enhanced by the sweetness of the balsamic. Grilled vegetables with olive oil We will be back for many more high quality meals. I want to try the butternut squash and spinach and ricotta ravioli. Panza is fantastic and is not as overpriced as most of Hanover!
(5)Sarah L.
Soooo delicious. It was a lovely experience dining here. The waiter was attentive and funny. And the food was just flipping fantastic. I look forward to coming back to Boston and eating here again.
(5)Amy L.
I would definitely dine here again. Delicious food, great atmosphere, fantastic Italian bread. Also, we wanted to make some changes in our orders and the wait staff was very accommodating.
(4)Alex L.
I almost never go on here, but since they don't seem to have an email address... My boyfriend and I live around the block and used to come here pretty frequently. Then the last two times we tried to come in, the start to our experience was so unpleasant that we left before coming in. Both times we had reservations. First time I was meeting my boyfriend there, who was coming from work. I was there early. The incredibly rude and snarky brunette waitress, who I believe is the only female staff member, told me I needed to stand in the doorway until my boyfriend arrived. I understand when there are large parties and you want them all to arrive before seating... But this was a two- top. And there were 3 tables open. And what if I were just a party of one? Would you not seat me? He had even told me over the phone to order a bottle of wine and an app, so she wasn't going to be missing any action. My boyfriend was more mad about this than I was, so he told her we wouldn't be staying. Second time was yesterday. Again we had a reservation. We arrived literally 2 minutes late, but it really didn't make a difference because none of the tables were free anyway. We continued to be ignored by every single member of the staff for about 7 minutes, until we were about to walk out and the same horrifying waitress approached us. I said hi, we have a reservation. Her first reaction was not sorry to keep you waiting, or I'll get right on that or whatever pleasant thing you can say to people who are about to give you money. She said, "Oh yeah, you're late." Excuse me? I said we may have been a couple of minutes late, but we've been standing here for awhile waiting. She didn't care. There were 3 tables getting up, and she pointed to a table that was connected to another two-top situated pretty much in the doorway. My boyfriend already let me know he wasn't going to want to sit there, so i told her we wouldn't mind waiting for a different table. Nope. She wasn't cool with that. I told her to please check off my open table reservation because they said we were a no-show last time. She said, "Sure! I'll let them know you refused a table!" This girl is atrocious, classless, and clueless about hospitality. Thought I should let the owner know. The food is decent, but not worth being treated like trash the moment you walk in the restaurant. I worked around the corner for two years, I know what it's like to work in the North End, and no matter how much she hates her job she shouldn't be ruining the experience here for customers and ownership, especially for locals.
(1)Jenna K.
Such good Italian food! I came here for a late lunch with a friend on a weekday, and we were not disappointed (even though our original plan was to go to the place across the street, which happened to be closed at the time!). I had the eggplant parmesan and it was amazing! Huge portion, and somehow I finished it! The side of pasta that came with it was pretty plain, but I was okay with that given how good the eggplant was. The place was surprisingly packed (it was 2:30 PM on a weekday), but our waitress was very attentive & everything came out very quickly. Definitely recommend during a visit to the North End!
(4)Izzat A.
We wanted to go to Giaccomo's but apparently they don't do lunch so the guys over there sent us here. Really small place but damn does it serve up some good food. We ordered the mushroom and goat cheese spring rolls for appetizers (very very good, have to get this). My friend and I split two entrees: the butternut squash ravioli and the chicken and broccoli penne. The butternut squash ravioli was... different. I've never had it before so I didn't know what to expect. It wasn't bad, just really different, but I ate i all, so it wasn't bad. The chicken/broc pasta was pretty good. Lots of chicken but the sauce was a little bland. The portions were very big and the price was very very reasonable for the North End. I'd come back here again for sure.
(5)Steve H.
First, I reserved via OpenTable on Yelp and my reservation was waiting right on time. The ambiance took me and my date back to the times we had been in Tuscany--authentic, cozy, and focused on great food. And yes, the food was excellent. We had the tortelloni and the ravioli, both vegetarian, plus wine, and were delighted with the whole meal. The food came quickly and the service was attentive. Highly recommended.
(5)Genee S.
Loved it! My boyfriend ordered the chicken parm dish & I went with the lobster ravioli... Very happy!!
(4)Jennifer M.
Really enjoyed my dinner, but my 2 complaints we're wait staff bumped me every time they walked by (space is tight in there) so I had to keep leaning forward every time I saw someone walking by. Kind of made my dinner annoying. Also, there was a pool of water in my pasta which kind of turned me off. Other than that it was a great dinner. The waitstaff is friendly, attentive and professional (it's not their fault the place is so small) and the food was extremely fresh and delicious.
(3)Carly L.
Honestly, my first encounter with Panza was involuntary. The line was endless at Giacomo's and The daily catch. What can I say, I was hungry so I walked into Panza for my Italian fix. And loved it! First of all, the atmosphere is more civil and quaint. Their linguine pescatore is impeccable and the lobster ravioli ..Please excuse my excessive salivation. Anyways, give Panza a chance! They take credit cards too, which is a huge plus since who carries cash all the time.
(5)Tena P.
I chose Panza for dinner with clients, among all the Italian restaurants on the North End and was quite impressed. We made a reservation, then had to make some last minutes changes, and they were very accommodating. Great food and great service, at reasonable prices! I'll be back!
(4)Robert G.
Small gem in the North End! Went there based on Yelp reviews and we loved it! Extremely reasonably priced. Food was top notch. You will not be disappointed.
(5)isa g.
Panza is an awesome addition to North End. I generally avoid eating in this neighborhood due to the hoards of tourists and expensive parking and congestion but friends talked me into it and I was not disappointed. If you haven't figured it out this restaurant is affiliated with Giacomo's so you will find some of the same items on the menu. However one thing you can't get at Giacomo's is the deconstructed lasagna. It has all the lasagna components but much much better. The descriptions on the menu do not do it justice so you just have to try it here. My favorite, calamari is also great especially the creamy sauce that is drizzled on top. My friends and I came here on Monday night so we were seated right away when we came at our reserved time but I can see how there maybe be delays on weekends like many of great small restaurants. For those who complained about long wait, it is not the restaurants fault. Blame it on the rude diners who had the earlier seating that just won't leave after they have finished eating are oblivious to others waiting for their table and are ok sitting around for another hour nursing their half glass of wine. The waiters are too nice to kick them out and the diners are too obtuse or rude to care about others waiting in the cold. So if you are in North End area craving freshly prepared Italian food stop by Panza. It's always best to call the restaurant directly for reservations. I have had issues with Open Table in the past so I don't use it any more.
(5)Amy L.
Loved their pasta!! Very small restaurant seating indoors but their flavors were probably one of the best italian food I've had. The service was lackluster though, we were late for our reservation but we still made it and the waitress was not nice to us at all throughout the whole meal and when I say not nice thats being polite already. Although I know we were at fault for being late in the first place with the spot being so tiny. The rating is soley for the food and not for service.
(4)Nadine F.
We wanted to go to Giacomo's but it was Friday night and the wait was 2+ hours, so we wandered across the street to Panza, having been told in the past that they're owned by the same people. There were some patrons waiting for their reservation and they warned us that it's tough to get in without one, but we asked the hostess anyways and she told us the wait was 25mins. We ended up waiting 15 and then we were seated; I think it's a lot easier to get in without reservations when you're looking for a table for 2. In the future we'll probably make a reservation just to be safe. Onto the food--we started off with a caesar salad, which was yummy and a perfect size for two to share. The wine is only $20, we got the sangiovese which was good, would get that again. Onto the entrees--we both got the Linguine alla Pescatore with fra diavolo. It was excellent! The portions were large (larger than Giacomo's) and there was plenty of seafood. The sauce was delicious, and we were happy because we had really wanted to go to Giacomo's because we love the fra diavolo there. We will definitely come back here, especially when we're craving our favorites from but don't want to wait for 2hrs in the cold. It's a couple dollars more expensive, but the portions are bigger and you don't feel at all rushed to finish your meal. Definitely worth it!
(5)Megan L.
We went to dinner on a Friday night with some friends. Checked in 5 minutes before our 9pm reservation. We were told it would be 5 minutes and to wait outside. After 20 minutes we checked again. Just a few minutes--Fridays are busy. 20 minutes later we were the only people waiting and there were empty tables galore. Went inside and checked again. It was clear they'd forgotten about us. 5 minutes later we were seated. Yep--40 minutes past our reservation. And the food was not worth it. Calamari was good, nice and crispy. Bruschetta has a wood fired thing going on. Also it inexplicably comes with goat cheese on top. The whole thing was charred (not in a good way) and our friends thought it tasted like meat. Gnocchi bolognese--Gnocchi tasted like premade from the supermarket, mushy and heavy. Too much bolognese sauce and it wasn't that tasty. Also there was a random open bowl of cheese perched on the wall next to our table. Not covered, not fresh, it was there from the party before us. We were directed to use it if we wanted cheese. No thanks. Service was quick and courteous but not at all friendly. Maybe smiling is frowned upon at Panza? Overall, very disappointed with the whole experience. Won't be back.
(2)Xuan D.
great Place! One of the
(4)Kristina A.
My boyfriend and I had a reservation for 7:00 on Saturday. I made it on Open Table weeks ago but called ahead to say that we wanted a table not near the door. We got there at 6:50 and was told to wait 15 minutes. We were seated exactly at 7 but I found that many parties who had the same time reservation waited almost 30 minutes. We got the mussels as an appetizer and lobster raviolis. Both were served in good time and very good. The stuffing of the ravioli lacked flavor but the sauce made up for it. My only issue was that we were seated at the door (didn't want to specify again considering we were really hungry) and that people refused to wait outside to be seated so we had people on top of us and even bumping into us as we ate the whole night. The place is a hole in the wall but so is every other NE restaurant.
(3)Patrick M.
Sole good news is my starter - the ribs - were good. That's where it ends. Our side-salad (for our main) came first - before any stater. Then one of our starters came. Ok so maybe she didn't hear the other starter....we began. Then before we'd finished, our mains arrived. We said 'please can we finish our starter'....so it's mains in the oven for a bit...great... So we finished up and waited and waited and waited. Finally she came along and got us our mains. Oh and our other starter. Timing/scheduling is a MAJOR problem here. All this while one of the staff was far too busy talking to her friend who had come in to be bothered about any of the rest of us. She sat chewing the cud with her mate and the +1 for a good 15 minutes while we calmly awaited the service. I'm not one for making a rumpus with people who serve me food.... To add insult to injury, the Montepulicano was disastrous. Chianti was acceptable, but didn't make up for the Monte. An abysmal evening that thankfully, ended. Seriously, there are many other Italian restaurants nearby - try them instead. Or go home and put ketchup on your pasta. It will be better.
(1)Angel D.
We were a party of 7 and had a reservation here on Saturday night (4/25/09). The reservation was at 8:30pm but one of our friends ran a little late. (They don't *seat* your reservation until the whole party is there). Panza wasn't exactly happy with us, but let us move it back to 9pm. It's small like most North End restaurants, but we fit snugly near the kitchen. The waiter was nice and efficient. He was nearby for our requests of more bread and wine. The food is excellent!!!! I tried a bit of other people's dishes and they were all equally tasty. I ordered the linguine with shrimp, scallops, clams, mussels, and calamari in a fra diavolo sauce - sooooo very good!!!! After three bottles of Chianti and full bellies, our waiter informed us that they don't serve coffee or dessert - wha???????????? But on Sat night it was fine since we were going for drinks after dinner. I believe it's a new restaurant and I'm not sure what the name Panza means (I tried to look it up and also tried google translator). Doesn't matter because I will definitely remember this place and go back again. Not only was the food very good but it wasn't overpriced like some other North End restaurants.
(4)Adham A.
Food was good, loved Panza's cozy atmosphere and the service was friendly. Do make a reservation to avoid the long lines. Enjoy!!
(4)Rachael L.
We went here because it had good reviews and could take 11 people at 10 pm, the time we needed, let's day the food was the only good thing. Our service was HORRIBLE from the start, the servers were rude, dropped water on us, didn't give us ANYTHING for 15 minutes as we sat at the table, no menu, water, bread, nothing. We ordered our food, ate and where then told we could get dessert across the street. We paid or attempted to pay and at that time they told us their credit card machine was not working and the very same time, a bus boy said "get the f--- out" At this point I was over this place and nicely let them know we were trying to leave however they closed their credit card machine down . All in all a horrible place, don't go there even close to the time the kitchen closes, even if they say they can & will be happy to help you, they won't and you will feel rushed out . Out of the 11 people all but one are from Boston and every one of them will NOT go back, regardless of the food due to the horrible staff.
(1)Jen S.
Happened upon this place by chance! Was hanging out with a friend in the North End on a BEAUTIFUL fall day. We were in for an early lunch. So we got the bruschetta as an app- it was DELIGHTFUL. We each got a salad. My friend got the caprese- they fry the tomato. She loved it. I got a chicken caesar salad. I didn't LOVE it, but I enjoyed it. The service was VERY friendly. What I liked most about it was that we didn't feel rushed. They gave us a LOT of time in between our appetizer and lunch. And we weren't bothered a million times if we needed something or if we needed our check. Will return for dinner! It's a tiny place though so if you want to come for an intimate dinner- make a reservation to be sure you get a table!
(4)Ike C.
Went there last week while on vacation for lunch around 12:30 and the place was closed. Check website hours before or call before going.
(1)Nikhil P.
Made a reservation for 8:30 on OpenTable. When we asked how long the wait would be, the hostess told us she wasn't a fortune teller and had no idea (helpful). Then at 9:15 when we were finally given our table the hostess tells us "usually we don't seat people unless the entire party is there, but we'll make an exception for you.". (The two others in our party were directly across the street in line for another restaurant, trying to salvage plans for a night that looked like it was already going down the drain...). In short we walked in, then walked right out. You don't make your customers feel like you're doing them favours after making them wait 45 minutes for a table you couldn't honour. The North End is perpetually busy, and every restaurant on the block experiences the same thing every night of the week. There's something to be said about handling your customers well under pressure and not, but the entitlement of the hostess (and owner), Danielle was nauseating. We ended up going across the street to Giacomo's and had the best Italian meal in the entire neighbourhood. Take note: there's a reason Giacomo's is consistently rated higher than panza on every diner's website, and the glorious hostess/owner is one of those reasons.
(1)Sam L.
After deciding to try out Giacomo's... i went over about 8:30pm. and was surprised to find a long line outside although i was warned. For some reason as much as i wanted to try Giacomo's this cozy little place across with only two customers cut my eye. Looking at the menu i was surprised to find their reasonable pricing and decided to be adventurous and give it a shot. The waiter was very helpful giving us his recommendations and we got spare ribs for appetizers and glorious seafood mix in red sauce linguine. OK that's my name for the menu because that's what it turned out to be. Normally I'm known for ordering too much food but this time we were so glad we ordered light. The pasta portion was HUGE and every bite tasted so good. It's mix of mussels, shrimps, squid, scallops, were amazing. The ribs were soft slow braised fall off the bone good as well. I'd probably go back just for the pasta.
(4)Maya S.
We absolutely loved the food here. Started off with a wild mushroom and goat cheese spring roll, never had anything like it before but super glad we tried it! Also had the free form lasagna and the spinach and ricotta ravioli. Yumm and more yumm! The portions were more than filling, we were stuffed but still managed to go grab a canoli from you-know-where! Will go again to try out the tortellinis!
(4)Becca C.
I LOVE Panza!!! While all the places in the north end are great, I've gone back to Panza the most. Nothing on the food menu is above 16$ which is great! The chicken picatta is to die for! While it doesn't come automatically with pasta like I've gotten this dish at other places you can always get a side. The sauce is incredible-so lemony! And it had artichoke which I love! The server is friendly but definitely make a reservation or expect a long wait
(5)Michelle K.
Best linguine seafood I ever had!
(5)Sarah K.
This was a nice, small place that is worth a return visit. We were a group of 3 and we were seated quickly on a rainy Tuesday. Away from the door, close to the kitchen. My first choice of dish they were out of so I got the deconstructed lasagna. The black pepper pasta is spicy and satisfying. I could have done without the chicken and added more spinach to really make it perfect. I was able to bring the remainder to work and they nicely packaged it in a container in a plastic bag. The other two dishes were a squash ravioli and a chicken parmigiana, both completely eaten and found to be very delicious. There was no sharing on this visit. The portions are large without being excessive, and the bruchetta was good, although only 2 large pieces meant weird cutting to split for 3 people. Nice atmosphere, although the small, somewhat narrow room can get loud when full, but the high ceilings are nice. The room even when full retains it's charm and coziness.
(4)JEWELe M.
Since we were on a time crunch (got here via Tour Bus....we only had an hour to go around North End before the 5pm last pick-up), we decided to try this Italian restaurant. So glad we did because I think I had one of the best ravioli in the North! My cousin ordered the bruschetta and mussels. The brushcetta was so crunchy and yummy to dip pieces in the mussels juice. Overall, I enjoyed our rushed eating here!
(4)Marc C.
Let just start by saying that the service was great and that the food was mediocre to good at best how can you serve fried calamari drenched in sauce??? the calamari were soggy and you lose the crispyness (the idea of putting fried hot peppers is great) my girlfriend's veal was also drenched in sauce... u start getting the idea why i gave the resto 3stars!! the taste, the cooking is very good, but too much sauce is not good! on the plus side the linguini fra diavola were very good, just enough spicy for most people to enjoy. they do not serve dessert and coffee??? the reason? we are in Little Italy and a lot of places offer them?? what? i've been to NYC, Philly, Montreal and this is the 1st time i hear that!! BUT the main complaint of this resto is the BAD quality of the WINE, what a disaster. i've tasted four different kinds (Chardo, Pinot Grigio, Montepulciano & Cab) and they were all not good (i import wine for a living...) u can find great wines at a low price without compromising the quality! so Panza loses 2 stars: 1- dishes with sauce 2- wine +++: service, taste, price
(3)Gage R.
After walking around little italy menu shopping we decided that one restaurant would be just as good as the next. we entered and the staff was absolutely fantastic, sat us down, recommended wine and a few highlights of the menu. the wild mushroom and goat cheese eggrolls were absolutely divine! the butternut squash ravioli with browned butter sauce was the only meal ive ever eaten in which i closed my eyes and savored every single bite. We stayed 4 days in Boston and while this was our least expensive meal it was by far our favorite!
(5)Jared S.
Italian food like Grandma used to make, and at a very reasonable price. Ok, I'm not Italian, but I could imagine someone's Italian grandmother doing all the cooking in the back of this place. Portions were huge, flavors were robust, and the gravy tasted like it had simmered all day. Came here on a Saturday night with the wifey and two friends. We had an 8:30 reservation but got stuck on our way in - I called and said we'd be closer to 9:00 and they took it in stride, warning us that there may be a little wait for a table. We actually arrived around 9:15 and after a short 10 minute wait they were able to seat us. As everyone has noted, the place is tiny. I think I counted seating for about 36. So you may have to get friendly with your neighbors. By the time we finally got there, the big crowd was just leaving so we had the place to ourselves with maybe 2 or 3 other occupied tables. Our waitress was fantastic. We felt bad because we kept throwing her curveballs. We changed tables so we wouldn't be next to the door since it was freezing. We placed 2 orders of garlic bread, one as an app and one to come out with the meal. My friend ordered a combo of chicken and eggplant parm not on the menu. We requested two different kinds of extra sauce. She had no problem with any of it and was just an absolute pleasure the whole time. On to the food. As I mentioned, everything was a large portion. The calarmari was lightly fried to perfection. The garlic bread had the perfect slightly burned crisp to it. Everyone loved their entrees - the parm combo, a chicken panza, and two linguine pescatore (one fra diavolo and one white sauce - this is where the two extra sauce requests came in since these dishes were a tad dry to start). Add on two bottles of wine and the bill remarkably came to only $70 per couple (before tip)!
(5)Elena K.
very reasonable prices compared to the other hanover st restaurants. food was tasty and your standard italian american menu. i believe giacomo's is their sister restaurant and the food quality takes a bit of a step back from there. all in all was a good meal and offered value for the price.
(4)Francesco L.
Great place. I usually get take out because the small restaurant fills up fast...but the food is amazing. It is one of my go to spots and I am a north end resident that has eaten at most of the 'Hanover' restaurants. Recommended for a date, and recommended for great food!
(5)Kasey O.
We went for a work holiday luncheon and couldn't have asked for a nicer time. The food was delicious, especially the goat cheese and wild mushroom spring rolls! The waitress was polite and attentive. It is a nice location, cozy venue. All around a really nice dining experience and now highly recommended by myself and coworkers.
(5)Douglas W.
Great food, good service, slightly less busy than other North End restaurants. Good luck finding parking anywhere in the North End!
(4)Dan W.
This place is good, pasta tasted home made, good cheap italian wine filled to the rim of my glass, just the way i would pour it at home. I had the little necks in the white sauce over pasta. Simple dish, but really good. They could hire an extra waitress, the girl that was there seemed a little over worked.
(4)Huey N.
This place is worth going to. I almost took another group of friends there the day after, but the line was long and I wanted to try a new spot. We started off with the calamari which was very good. I usually get tired of fried food really quickly, but I ate enough squid to piss off lord namor. They drizzled a spicy aoli over the plate and even came with an extra side of the sauce. My two friends ordered the ziti bake and alfredo, which tasted pretty standard. I got the tarragon lobster with fresh linguine. The tarragon flavor was distinguishable but not dominant. My only gripe was the chewiness of the lobster. It was a good dish in general despite that. I'm looking forward to come back and trying their specials.
(4)David C.
Panza is perfect. My wife and I had dinner at Panza last night and I could not have been more pleased. I read many reviews before booking a reservation and it was clear a lot of those people are not familiar with the North End. If you want to be seated immediately, go to the Olive Garden. Good things come to those who wait. We had to stand outside in the cold for 20 minutes even though we had a reservation, and I didn't mind a bit. Once we were seated, we were immediately given bread and water. A few minutes later our waitress was at the table taking drink orders and going over specials. I ended up ordering the saltimbocca and my wife ordered the carbonara and we split a goat cheese and walnut salad. All were fantastic. Overall, Panza was an amazing experience and we will be happy to return.
(5)Bill M.
Can you really go wrong in this neighborhood? Wife and I stopped at this place in the following order: 1. by smell 2. by yelp 3. by number of tables It was small and quaint and had an amazing aroma that wrapped around the block... Service was personal and friendly. The mushroom and goat cheese spring roll is as good as advertised. A great place for a romantic dinner date.
(5)Kenneth F.
I won't go back.....made a reservation and ended up waiting just as long (almost an hour!) as if I didn't have a reservation...so disappointed in the lack of respect this place has for its customers
(1)Ryan G.
Like honestly, I expected better being four stars and all. Not gonna lie, the wait staff was absolutely friendly and helpful and definitely deserve five stars for customer service, but i'm sticking to my guns and saying food quality and taste is number one priority. That being said, I feel like you can definitely find better restaurants in the north end. The food was eh a - okai. However it was reasonable and I guess fairly cheap compared to some of the other north end restaurants. Food break down: Calamari - good (3 stars) have had better, have had worse. Seafood Risotto - ehhh (2 stars) it wasnt really risotto either. it was white like wth. I mean you can't go wrong here. Great wait staff and decent food and affordable prices. IDK it's your call.
(3)TJ D.
To start off with, I am right on the cusp of giving Panza a '5'-star rating. My only hold-up is that I want to contribute to a reliable rating system on Yelp, as many members are quite liberal with dishing out the '5's. That being said I don't really know where to start. I have been going to this place in the North End for several years, when it was previously named "Cibo". It's only hearsay, but I believe a good portion of the staff carried over to Panza. Context-wise, this place does what is difficult on Hanover St.: it provides a great meal without giving into the pressure to churn out mediocre Italian-American meals to the throng of tourist perpetually passing through this beautiful area of Boston. And it is beautiful, I even got engaged in the neighborhood. To the food: wonderful tasting pasta (made in-house!) and meat dishes......I have my favorites and thus tend to order from this set of 5-6 entrees. Ditto with the appetizers. With specials that come and go, it may be hard for me to stay current with the menu. The ravioli dishes and anything with their cream sauces are wonderful. Prepared well with a great balance of all the flavors, never have I tasted burned garlic or an oily texture from a heavy hand of olive oil. The herbs that are used in the various dishes (thyme, tarragon, etc.) are also used competently and have yet to turn me off at all. I usually do some due culinary diligence and have others that are with me taste what I order, just to make sure I'm not rolling with a heavy bias. It gets the same response every time, "wow". On the flip side I have had the same reactions. My fiancee ordered the Beef and Veal Tortelloni the last time we were in, and it was awesome. Prepared in a veal stock reduction with mushrooms and shaved parmesan, I wish I could have ordered that too. Also, their Calamari appetizer is in my Top 2 I have ever eaten.....Spicy, fried well, fresh and not chewy (read real), and served with a really tasty sauce. Awesome. The wine list offered here has yet to disappoint as well. I dig on the dry, red wines, and I have yet to regret ordering a particular bottle or glass. Staffing-wise, they are usually busy yet always keep the pace and provide good service. I would recommend making a reservation if you have more than 2 people or are planning on going on a weekend night. All in all an excellent place, and I would highly recommend stopping in for some dinner.
(4)Kate M.
Pretty terrible experience. We were seated an hour and a half after the time I'd made reservations for- and there is no bar area so we were forced to stand outside in the cold. The hostess told us from the beginning they were only 15 minutes behind, and when we checked back with her on how long it would be after waiting half an hour- she told us 15 more minutes, after making it obvious how annoyed she was that we would even dare ask; if I'd known from the start we'd be waiting an hour and a half, we would've gone elsewhere. When we finally sat, a waitress did not come to our table for 15 minutes until after we were seated, and we were never checked on while seated. To get a second drink, we had to literally reach out and flag the waitress. Just as good of food can be found elsewhere, without the wait in the cold and the lies about how long the wait will be. I will never go back.
(1)Elissa S.
After searching through Yelp, we decided to go with Panza, because it had and average of 4 stars, lots of reviews, and not a lot of dollar signs. Plus, having Open Table embedded into Yelp is pretty great. Dinner for two including a bottle of wine, an appetizer and two entrées came up to be about $75. The food was definitely good, but it wasn't anything remarkable. The meatballs that we ordered on the side didn't have the tenderness I was looking for. The calamari was delicious. They fry up some cherry peppers with the calamari, so they definitely have some kick to it. Like most North End restaurants, this place is small. I could have easily speared a gnocchi from the neighboring table if I wanted too. It didn't bother us, but keep that in mind if you're looking for a place to accommodate a big group.
(3)Megan M.
Excellent! We had the lobster ravioli and the linguine alla pescatore with fra diavolo sauce (spicy good!). The service was good and the bread seemed fresh.
(5)Danielle H.
Went here a while back with two others but forgot to review it - which kinda tells you about the place- not memorable. I remember the pasta dishes we got (two of the specials and one off the menu) being pretty good but the service was not so good. It was a small place but we often had a hard time flagging down the waiter. Would go back though because it's one of the more affordable choices in the North End.
(3)Ryan H.
I went on an italian kick and made Panza a restaurant of choice. I made an open table reservation. Like all the other reviews say they didn't seat us on time but it was a Saturday night and i didn't have anything to do so i didn't care. Cesar Salad- 4 stars. Creamy and delicious Goat Cheese and wild mushroom spring rolls- 5 stars. very different, interesting dish. I wasn't expecting such a sweet sauce to go with it. Lobster Ravioli and Linguine Carbonara - 5 stars- I could eat both these dishes every day for the rest of my life...too bad it isnt healthy to weigh 300 pounds Service- 5 stars. excellent recommendations. she was always attentive without being overbearing. Price- 5 stars. 2 appetizers, 2 entrees and a bottle of wine for 80$. I'll take that in the north end any day.
(5)Colin B.
8pm reservation on a Friday night for 4. We were seated pretty close to our reservation time (it's a small restaurant so reservations are a must). There's no waiting room or bar inside, so you're left to hang out on the street, which is fine on a nice spring night. It was a bit noisy when we first arrived but once the "dating" crowd showed up it was a much nicer experience as it quieted down. Moderately priced with good portions and good taste. $20 bottles of wine, which is unheard of in the North End.
(4)Kathleen R.
When trying to decide where to eat in the North End, the choices can be overwhelming. We decided we wanted to try something different than our usual choice, and based on the reviews on Yelp, decided to give Panza a try. While the food was great, the restaurant is VERY tiny and therefore you end up basically sharing a table with your next door neighbors. Due to the small room and amount of people squished in it, background noise is EXTREMELY loud... don't plan on any intimate, private conversations here. I was a little disappointed with the service. For a restaurant that serves at max 30 people at a time, it took quite a long time for the waitress to bring us water/take our order/bring drinks/ect. That being said, the food was pretty good. My boyfriend ordered a seafood/pasta dish with a "spicy red sauce" (which he had asked to be extra spicy, but wasn't.) My butternut squash tortellini was great as well. And the prices were pretty reasonable for good portions. I wasn't overly impressed, and we'll probably end up trying somewhere else next time, or going back to our tried & true place.
(3)Lynn D.
Amazing! Had their open faced lasagna (can't remember its official name), and it was some of the best lasagna I've ever had. Actually, this place has some of the best food I've found in the North End. Panza was recommended to me by some friends of mine who live in the North End. I came here with three other people and we were all happy with our food. My wife ordered the chicken Parmesan, and she really enjoyed it. I recommend making an Open Table reservation before you come. I'm moving into the North End in two weeks and will definitely be coming back. P.S. - The homemade sangria was also really good.
(4)Jessica U.
ThIs restaurant came highly recommended and I was eager to try it out. Went last night and can't say it lived up to all the hype. It's a cozy place, clostrophobics beware! The service was below average, even for the North end. The food was decent, no ones minds were blown. Lobster Ravioli was probably the highlight of what we ordered, along with an appetizer special of cream filled mozzarella with tomato and basil. I'd be willing to give it another shot because of all the positive reviews it's gotten.
(3)Amy B.
Panza is a great little restaurant in the North End that I think is often overlooked. It's small inside, so I recommend it if you're going out to eat with one or two other people - I don't advise large groups trying to get in here! The service is great and the food is pretty darn good for the price. I went here with a friend for her birthday and was hoping to surprise her with a dessert with a little candle in it, but when I asked the waitress about it before the meal, she told me that they didn't serve dessert so I was a little upset. But I guess the waitress could tell I really wanted to surprise my friend, so while we were eating, she ran over to White Hen and bought one of those little Hostess cupcakes and a candle and brought it out to my friend at the end of the meal! I was so thankful and appreciative - she really went above and beyond the call of duty there!!
(4)CL S.
The food here is pretty great and varied. I loved my butternut squash ravioli, which were enormous and tasty. (I can't recall what my husband had but he also enjoyed his meal). We had the grilled greens and polenta as an appetizer and I wanted to order a second just because it was so good. The white sangria was also a hit -- it seemed strange on a fall menu until I tasted it. It had lots of apples and a fall-spicy taste to it (nutmeg?) that was fantastic. The space itself is very North End -- tiny, clearly very old, you can see the kitchen from your table, and you're very close to your neighbor. It just feels comfortable and lively. The service was what lost that fifth star. I think our waitress said three words to us and she was constantly watching the other tables when at ours. We had to flag her down for things which never feels great. I will definitely return as I hope that the service was a just a one-off bad night. Tip: Make a reservation. There aren't very many seats and the line was out the door once we left.
(4)Sumit D.
Decent Italian food on a cold blustery Super Bowl weekend in Boston.
(3)Alexandra G.
I went to Panza based on the amazing Yelp reviews, but did not find the 5 stars I was seeking. It is a very cute restaurant in a great location, but I've had far better meals in the North End. The prices were certainly reasonable but the restaurant is so loud that it's hard to focus on the meal or the conversation at your table. I felt the service was acceptable but not overly attentive. The mussels were delicious as a starter, and everyone in my party was satisfied with their meal, but I didn't think it was anything memorable, relative to other restaurants in the N End. Overall, it was a good experience but not ideal if you are looking to converse with your guests or have dessert in-restaruant.
(3)Shareen M.
I just came back from my first weekend away in Boston. From previous reviews, we decided to have dinner @ Giacomos BUT the line was ridiculous and around the corner. Panza was located across the street and only had about 4 people walking. One of the customers in front of us was a regular and said Panza was his favorite Italian place in Boston. I am SO glad we decided to come here instead. The service was EXCELLENT & the food was INCREDIBLE! The place is small and you are sitting closely to others, but most restaurants in that area have the same seating arrangement. My recommendations: Get a bottle of wine (so affordable), the Bruchetta (the best ive ever had), & the chicken parm. The sauce is homemade and out of this world good!
(5)Laura S.
I really dont have any good reason to only give Panza 4 stars, except that we only got two dishes... so my experience was pretty limited. BUT, those two dishes were absolutely amazing. The bruschetta was my favorite part- I would go back JUST for that. The portion sizes were definitely adequate and their wine list is super reasonable. It was a little loud for my taste, but, I think that just speaks to how many tables they had sat late on a Sunday night. The service was superior and the atmosphere, though relaxed, was definitely intimate.
(4)Taylor B.
Found this place on Yelp... and what a gem! A few things to keep in mind: It is a small restaurant, bit cramped but not obnoxious. So if you have a larger group, make a reservation. They pay attention to details, but are not about the bells and whistles. The food is nothing fancy, but it is good quality and a great value. My boyfriend and I shared a bottle of Pino G, I myself order the carbonara which cooked perfectly and flavorful. My boyfriend got the lasagne, which was more of an open-faced style, not a bad thing, good flavor and good portion. I have to say, our bill came to $55! How can you argue with that price for fresh Italian food? You can't. Our server was attentive but not hovering, talked about the specials and was happy to answer our questions about the menu. I would recommend this place without a doubt!
(4)Ashley H.
This place is tiny so claustrophobics beware! The place sits maybe 50 people MAX. With a party of 6, we were the largest group able to be accommodated. We had a Saturday 6 p.m. reservation and waited about 15 minutes for our table, not bad considering some of the reviews were saying a 30 minute wait with a reservation. There was no line until we started leaving around 7:45. Once seated at a table that was small, but still adequate, we order 2 bottles of wine and a few beers for the table. The bottles are cheap, between $20 and $30 for the most part. The server was quick and efficient and while I wouldn't call her friendly, she wasn't rude. You can tell the goal of the staff is to get people in and out, fast. My boyfriend and I split the goat cheese and mushroom spring rolls and they were delicious with a sweet almost asian kind of sauce. He doesn't care for mushrooms and still loved them. I ordered the glazed salmon with sweet potato risotto. It is basically risotto with chunks of sweet potato cut up. It was DELICIOUS. I only wish there was more of it! The portions aren't huge, but they are enough to feel you are getting your moneys worth. The other 5 people at my table all enjoyed their food and everyone cleaned their plate. My boyfriend got the special which was some kind of shaved beef with pasta. He loved it. The total bill was around $250 for 6 people with an appetizer, 2 bottles of wine, 3 beers and 2 salads. Not too shabby for the North End. I'd definitely go back, although my boyfriend claims he wouldn't visit the same place twice because there are so many choices. Loved it despite the "coziness" of the place.
(5)Michelle M.
Delicious. Absolutely delicious. My roommate and her boyfriend have been raving about this place since we moved to the North End in September. Being a creature of habit, I've stuck to my normal favorite NE restaurants and just tried Panza for the first time a few weeks ago. The service is basic, timely, and friendly. Wine reasonably priced. Food was yummy. I'd recommend reservations ahead of time, but the lines normally aren't too bad.
(4)Katie S.
Waited over an hour for a reservation I made days in advance. Very disappointed by this, the food was good but that is to be expected in the north end of Boston. Much more satisfied with other restaurants in the area.
(2)Lisa B.
Hahahaha I was going to come on here and write "Red Sauce! YES!!" But apparently I *have* been here before, and said the same thing a year ago! If that doesn't say something about the integrity of the food here, I'm not sure what does. If I am hungry in the North End and haven't made a reservation anywhere, I'm likely to accept the fact that most North End restaurants are similar and basically guarantee a good meal (I mean, how can you go wrong with chicken parm?? You can't.) They all start to look the same anyway after a while-- to the point, for me after 7 years in Boston anyway, where I can't remember if I've been to a place or not before. Panza's interior design is simple. Forgettable. It's a small space, so tables are tight, it gets loud and it gets crowded. What it lacks in decor it makes up for in red sauce. I wish they jarred it so I could buy it in wholesale quantities. My friends and I went to Panza about a month ago on a rainy Wednesday night. We spent hours in there-- wound up being the only 3 people in there at the end of the night, 2 bottles and 3 glasses deep. They let us chat and catch up, were attentive without once interrupting, and brought us like 3 baskets of bread. Tonight was a mob scene, but still appropriately attentive, no complaints about service. Food was a win- we started with calamari and bruschetta- both delicious. I had the chicken piccata, mom had the chicken scallopini, dad also had the chicken piccata, sister had chicken parm and her boyfriend had veal parm. none of us were disappointed with any part of our meals. Panza, hopefully the next time I'm back it will actually be warm enough to sit in the window!!
(5)Michael R.
Arrived promptly at 8 pm for our 8 pm reservation and were told it would be about 10 minutes. 45 minutes later our party of 3 was seated at a table for 2. They were very apologetic and comped an app of our choice, but the food overall was pretty average. There are much better places in the North End.
(2)Jeff A.
This was my first time in the North End since I was a kid. We heard this was a great place and it backed up its reputation. We had a great meal with good service in a welcoming, home-y atmosphere. Next time I go back to Boston I will try other places in the North End but I will always compare them to this place. It set the bar pretty high!
(4)Madhvi S.
Food: Excellent, so many vegetarian options, wild mushroom and goat cheese spring rolls were delicious, all the raviolis options were so yummy Ambiance: Nice, small, quiet. I was there with a group of girls so we were kind of loud and may have caught a few glares. Not the kind of place for a party of greater than 5-6 unless. Price: Eh, North End is expensive, dishes around 14-15, so pretty normal.
(4)Christina D.
A cute enough place, with a nice enough, though not terribly attentive staff. Panza earns only 2 stars for the miserable, tasteless, soupy sauce that my side of penne was served in... I'm sorry bathed in. The rest of my meal was fine, prices were decent (I was there for lunch), but Panza is certainly not up to par with many of the other establishments of the North End.
(2)Sarah F.
There are so many places to choose from in the North End, but I will say this is a gem! It's small, quaint and right on Hanover, but absolutely delicious. I went with a group of friends who were visiting from out of town to give them the North End experience, we had a great time. We started with two bottles of wine which were very reasonably priced (as well as their entire menu) at $20 each. For dinner we had the lobster ravioli and two daily specials - one was the gnocchi bolognese, the second the spinach & ricotta ravioli with mushrooms and sun dried tomatoes. We had gone around 6:30 p.m. and it seemed pretty easy to get a table, but then got very crowded and it fills up fast as the restaurant is quite small. I would recommend going early if you can, otherwise make a reservation. The staff are very friendly and didn't rush us at all - I cannot wait to come here again!
(4)Bob K.
Erin was there to make sure we had a great dinner. The whole experience was great, wait staff was friendly and attentive, the food had vivid flavor and rich in texture an color. You cannot go wrong at Panza!!!
(5)Kristen F.
We chose an inopportune night to go out to the North End... it was pouring, windy, and cold... but to my surprise, an evening at Panza could not have been easier. The place was warm, cozy, and totally adorable. Our party of four didn't make reservations but a table in the corner was available for us right away. The waitress was very laid back and made a few good suggestions for wine, and let all four of us taste test before we made our decision. The wild mushroom and goat cheese spring rolls were yummeee! We all ordered our entrees off the specials menu and were all pleased with our choices. Prices were very reasonable. An all around hassle free evening from start to finish. Next time you're in the mood for Italian... choose this place.
(4)Bill F.
Worth the wait. Im a big fan of Giacomo's across the street so when I read previous reviews that said the food was just as good, I made reservations. First off, they take reservations, Giacomo's does not. After running 1/2 hour late, not bad for a Saturday night, we finally got seated. First thing you notice is how load it is. Very loud. If you want an intimate dinner, go elsewhere. We were greeted by waitstaff immediately, very pleasant and friendly. apps came out fast followed by food. All the food was great. Big portions. They accommodate vegetarians and will make any pasta dish without meat. Giacomo's without the long lines.
(4)Nicole M.
The sister to Giacomo's, Panza, is always a great option if the line across the street is circling the neighborhood, or you want quick take-out. Love the goat cheese and mushroom spring roll, and I hate mushrooms. This appetizer, however, is delicious. The salad that accompanies it is way too sweet for me, though, as it's dressed with honey. Felt like a dessert and my palate was confused. Also got the sweet potato tortelloni. Amazing the night of, but not great as leftovers the next day; you really need that sauce to give you the full flavor. A fantastic go-to for take-out. I'm a big fan! Inside, the staff was super friendly, and the space quaint and charming.
(4)Jenny S.
Panza is my go-to North end restaurant whether I'm taking some visiting friends/family out to dinner or want a special night out with the bf. I've been about 5 times for dinner over the past few months since we moved to Boston last fall, and enjoyed every meal! Sometimes they are very busy, but other nights they are fairly empty. Since they are a rather small restaurant (like most North end places) I'd recommend reservations just to be safe! The atmosphere is nice and I've always had exceptional service. I've dined at a few other restaurants in the area (including Giacomo's) but I just can't help but want to come back to Panza every time. I LOVE the linguine alla pescatore with the fra diavolo sauce... YUM. The dish is $18, but the generous portions mean the leftovers usually give me another 2 delicious meals at home! I've also tried the lobster ravioli ($15) - yummy as well, but the cream is a bit heavy, the chicken picatta - sooo good!, and the seafood risotto ($16) - good, but my least favorite of the things I've ordered. Other dishes that my friends have tried and raved about are the chicken panza and the butternut squash ravioli.... plus many more that I can't think of at the moment :) They have a nice wine selection, but no dessert menu since they said most people end up going to one of the nearby pastry shops anyway. Smart and true, but every now and then I would like to follow up a fancy dinner with a nice in-house dessert for those special occasions... oh well, I still love you, Panza.
(5)Alex S.
I am pissed at this place. Parents were coming to town and I was excited to capitalize on one of the few chances I get for someone else to pick up the check. A great Italian meal in the North End seemed like the perfect solution: a great meal that would be more expensive than I could normally afford. A shared appetizer, salad, three entrees and a bottle of wine were $85...WTF? Initially skeptical of the place because of its more trendy as opposed to traditional Italian family restaurant appearance I was immediately reassured. The cliche appetizer order of calamari was surprisingly interesting. Great spicy drizzle on top of the crisp but not chewy or greasy calamari was great. The bread was crispy but not the best I have had. It seemed a little too dense and heavy for dipping. The eggplant parmesan was fantastic as was my well portioned and perfectly cooked salmon with sweet potato risotto. The service was fantastic. Pleasant but not overbearing. Definitely a place I will go back to.
(4)David T.
Anywhere that has carbonara on the menu is alright by me! Nice chunks of pancetta mixed with an egg, cheese and cream sauce over pasta is a delight for the taste buds and I order it whenever I have a chance. This is my go-to comfort dish at Italian restaurants and Panza's example was well made, generously portioned and reasonably priced (at $15). The bread here was exceptional; the crusty outside with a doughy interior was a welcome change from the too-soft, sesame-topped bread so common in Italian-American places throughout the Boston area. The service was friendly and food arrived within 15 min of ordering. It was a busy Friday night when a friend and I went for dinner and we did not feel rushed by our waitress. The space is charmingly decorated, albeit a bit small. Prices here seemed somewhat in line with other restaurants on Hanover Street although a few menus we passed on the street were considerably higher.
(4)Danielle F.
I made a reservation on Open Table for 8:30 on a Saturday night following a sunset cruise of Boston harbor. The cruise ended early, and my boyfriend and I went to Panza to see if we could get in before our reservation. Unfortunately, the place was packed, so we had to wait it out. When 8:30 did come around, we were seated right on time. The restaurant is small (less than 20 tables), and you sit elbow-to-elbow with strangers, which is pretty common in the North End. We were seated in the back of the restaurant by the kitchen. Although this location seemed undesirable, it wasn't any noisier than other parts of the restaurant, and the waiter and waitresses took great care not to bump into our table on their hurried walks between the tables and the kitchen. Our server was nice but not particularly friendly or talkative. She brought the food to our table without saying anything or checking in to see if everything was OK. However, when we went to pay the bill, she comped our appetizer and salads and thanked my other half for his service in the military. This was really nice of her, especially since we had nothing but good things to tell her about the food. Mostly everything we ordered here was wonderful. We started off with the goat cheese and wild mushroom spring rolls. The dish came with four half rolls on a bed of mixed greens with a combination of honey and thyme for dipping. The rolls were creamy and flavorful, and the honey/thyme mix added another level of deliciousness to them. They were my favorite part of the meal. The complimentary bread that was served was crusty and very hot (in fact, everything we were served was hot - I guess that's the benefit of running a small restaurant). The Caesar salads were good; the portion was large, the lettuce was fresh, and the croutons were crusty. For an entree, I ordered the salmon with maple and mustard glaze with butternut squash risotto. The glaze on the salmon was exceptional; the maple flavor reminded me of Christmas (random, I know, but it did). Sadly, the risotto included unadvertised onions, so I didn't eat very much of it, although the un-onionated portions of it were good. My boyfriend had the linguine with lobster tail meat, which came in a creamy sauce with a variety of vegetables. He was very excited prior to getting his entree, and he wasn't disappointed when it came. He scraped every last bit of it from his plate. If you're looking for a good, hot meal in a bustling environment, Panza is an excellent choice.
(4)Rachel K.
Came to Panza at the recommendation of a friend and was not disappointed. The atmosphere is a little less "fancy" than your average North End restaurant, and I came in with low expectations based on appearance alone. The menu has a wide range of typical Italian fare, and the drink menu consists of wine (very inexpensive!) and beers, no liquor. I am certainly a wine snob, but the two wines we chose were pretty good. Entrees were also less pricey than your typical place. I was almost hesitant to get the clams linguine (with white sauce); in past experiences this is a major hit or miss at many restaurants. The clams linguine were a definite HIT at Panza! One of the best I've had in awhile. The other three in my group were all more than pleased with their entrees as well. Service was also good here, our waiter offered great recommendations and was very timely. I'm sure I will be back, Panza was a great start to my New Years 2012.
(4)Jaime C.
Delicious casual Italian dinner. They are owned by the famous giacamo's but at Panza, you can make a reservation and avoid the huge long wait that giacamos has. Good prices for dinner and on their wine. I had a home made lemon fettuccini with shrimp. Was very tasty. I recommend to anyone in the north end area.
(5)Elizabeth T.
Since my original review I've gone back to Panza multiple times, sometimes with family, sometimes with friends, sometimes on a date and I cannot stress enough exactly how awesome this restaurant is. I have _never_ had even a mediocre experience here and everyone I have brought has absolutely loved it. Thumbs up for decent wine that's not too pricey and fantastic calamari. I wholeheartedly recommend this place for a date that's impressive but doesn't kill the wallet too much.
(5)Lauren L.
I've lived in the North End for two years now. I live about 30 seconds from Panza and am so glad! I've tried almost every restaurant in the North End, and Panza is my #1 favorite. Great service, reasonable prices, AMAZING food. I'm obsessed with eggplant and I had the best eggplant parm I've ever had in my life there! A weird comment that is important to me: Their tomatoes are delicious. I don't know why, but they have the best tomatoes I've ever tasted. I'm just so in love with Panza! It's getting busier and busier by the day I've noticed (definitely much busier since last year) but they deserve the good business!
(5)Joe J.
It's hard to go some place and give it 5 stars when other people haven't. But, the night I came in, everything went perfect. Went in on a Wednesday, had reservations for 2 at 7:00 PM. We were seated right away, and the service was great. It really was. Wasn't overbearing, water was filled continuously when needed, wine was cheap, but good, and the food was awesome. The House Chop Salad (for two) is a great appetizer to split before entrees. The Linguine alla pescatore (fra diavolo) was "the truth"...I kept telling our waiter, I think his name was Carmen, how good it was, actually how good everything was. The prices were reasonable, to say the least. Dinner for two, with a bottle and the shared salad was $68. Needless to say, we left a hefty tip. The only possible downside is how small the place is, and how close the tables are to each other, but I feel like that is becoming the norm in the North End. WOO!
(5)Rhonda D.
This place is off the charts! love it!! Butternut squash tortelloni is amazing! my husband and I always order an extra entree to share because we can never decide!
(5)Jade R.
Great spot - good wine, good food and reasonable prices! Usually less hectic than the other Hanover Street restauarants, so also a relaxing atmosphere. The wait staff is very attentive and friendly. Always a delicious meal! Definitely get the calamari - very yummy. Butternut Squash tortelloni, lobster ravioli, seafood risotto are some of my favorites! Always a delicious meal there.
(5)M S.
"Good food, very reasonable prices, no wait compared to other places in the same block. Very good service- my glass was never empty but no hovering either. Definitely recommend!"
(5)Kat M.
As far as Italian restaurants go, the North End is definitely the place to eat, HOWEVER, they can be pretty pricey and certainly not "casual" events. Panza is exactly that though- a GREAT Italian restaurant, has all the ambiance of a local "little Italy" restaurant, w/out the high prices. I've been here several times and always order a bottle of Chianti, and a different entree. All have been amazing, and all of my dining partners have been equally pleased with their food. My absolute favorite, though, is the baby rigatoni with sausage- AMAZING! The goat cheese spring rolls as an app is a must-have also. One warning is that this place is pretty tiny. Make a reservation, or you'll be outside waiting in the cold (or annoyingly, in the doorway). All-in-all, Panza is a hidden, affordable gem way down on Hanover that everyone should try! Love it.
(4)Liz E.
My favorite spot in the north end! Food is fantastic and reasonably priced. It's tiny, so you better make a reservation or be prepared to wait. Also, it can get a little loud. Sure it's not as fancy as some other spots, but this place is well worth if for the food and price tag. I'll be back here soon!
(5)Jeff N.
The line was short, only about a 10 minute wait ( vs an hr at the rest. Across the street, and the same owners) Service was good, perhaps a little too fast. The calamari was tasty and spicy. The small portion was huge. The house special for the night, Ravioli stuffed with wild mushrooms and pesto sauce was great. We shared a salad, appetizers and the main, with wine the bill was under 50$ and we were stuffed. I would easily recommend this restaurant .
(4)Don S.
Coming from New York I expected North End Italian restaurants to be -expensive -food that was either common Italian or overly rich and oily -servers that are rude or feel they are doing you a favor -cramped tables -rushed through the meal so waiting customers may be seated Not So At Panza! Calamari was lightly breaded and tender with a hint of spicy sauce, The salmon portion was huge and perfectly cooked, my veal special was unique and delicious. Service was professional yet the friendly to an extreme. Don't miss this one.
(4)Sharon G.
Always tough to pick the perfect restaurant (for a large group) -- especially in the North End. Found this one on YELP... almost perfection! The place is a little small, but our party of seven, for which we made reservations, was seated immediately. Loved our server, John, the solid menu, and the gluten free accommodations! The food was so good -- portions large (especially the chop-chop salad for "two" -- everyone had a taste!), service exceptional. SO happy we chose Panza -- and will do so again! (No dessert, but there's a whole neighborhood for that!)
(5)Kevin S.
Like other Yelp reviews warned, having a reservation didn't really mean anything. We were seated about 20-25 minutes late. Additionally, there was a table by the window open, however the group that was going to be seated after us apparently asked the hostess if they could sit there - so we were out of luck. Weird, right? I wasn't a fan of that or those people. Anyway, after the initial frustration - the rest of the experience was pretty good. Really good food (four people, no complaints) and very affordable prices ($4 Sam Summer). My girlfriend is a vegetarian and there were plenty of options for her. On the negative side, the service is pretty slow and forgetful, but it seems to be a busy place, so maybe that's just something you have to deal with. Either way - it's a good (small) spot in the North End.
(4)Amanda K.
Service is amazing here. The server was courteous, answered all of my questions, and was attentive without being overbearing. She also went above and beyond her required duties. When my Aunt requested to get a side of red sauce so she could try it, she cheerily complied. She didn't have to do that. This stellar service is the norm at Panza-every time I've gone, it's been phenomenal. The food itself is amazing. The calamari, mussels, and my entree were all prepared perfectly. The only negative is that you may have to wait to get a table, and that the area is very cramped. But the food and service make this well worth the trip!
(4)Kristen M.
My husband and I had dinner at Panza w/ 2 friends. We had a 7pm reservation and were seated about 7:10. The food was delicious and very reasonably priced (esp. for the North End). We ordered the mussles fra diavolo for apps and they were great. For dinners we ordered the chicken parm, seafood risotto and gnocci and we were all very happy with our choices. I would have given 5 starts but the service was rushed. Granted, it was a Sat night and therefore busy. We definitely didn't plan to hang out there all night, but we ordered 2 bottles of wine, appetizers and 4 entrees, and were in and out of there in an hour. Still, I do recommend Panza and plan to go back!
(4)A Z.
This place is pretty great. The food is good, they take online reservations, and the size of the restaurant is perfect and quaint. I got their spinach ravioli special ($16 bucks or so) which was pretty fantastic. It came in a creamy plum tomato sauce which was minorly sweet and pretty much perfect. I think I would have liked it even more if it was just plum tomato sauce without the cream. My guest and I shared a chop salad for two which was really fantastic. Mixed with the chopped greens were cheeses, meats, veggies, possibly some nuts, and a very good vinaigrette. I'd go just for the chop salad quite honestly. As for seating, it's a pretty tight fit. I wouldn't try to get in here without a reservation. We made reservations and they sat us right away. When we got there, there were people standing at the door waiting. The prices here were pretty surprisingly cheap. I got a special, which is why mine was $16 but you could have found plenty of other things for cheaper that would have been $10 more on another menu. Speaking of menus, the Panza menu does have a lot of meat and fish, but not all that much pasta. My guest wasn't particularly impressed with the variety, but I could have picked several things off the menu. Overall, good spot that I'd recommend. Tab came to about $75 with two meals, salad for two, and three glasses of wine.
(4)Rahil S.
Great food but horrible service. Decided to go here with my girlfriends after seeing great reviews here. We enter the place and we were shown our seats. There was barely 6 inches behind my girlfriends chair and u was pinned against the wall with the table almost touching my chest. The table next to us was super close too. The waitress starts to take the order of the table next to us over our heads. What was horrible was that she passed them their food over our table. The floor was dirty with food from the previous patrons on the floor. U can see the kitchen and u can see how dirty the floor is. The bread that they serve is not even house-made. We saw a staff walk in with a bag of bread. The food was excellent but will never go back.
(1)meg m.
First off, Joe (our waiter) was fantastic. We were a group of 6 after a business meeting and after some table switching, we all got settled. The appetizers were fresh and amazing and came out quickly. The bruschetta was fantastic. I had the Chicken Panza and it was incredible. Simply divine. This is fresh, thoughtful, well prepared food in a small, charming environment. We'll be back.
(4)Amy M.
Wonderful small restaurant in the north end. 1. Burrata mozzarella (special appetizer): creamy, decadent 2. Pasta with eggplant and tomato sauce: sorry, I can't remember the name of the dish however the amazing flavor is forever sealed on my taste buds! Possibly one of my favorite Italian dishes of all time! PENNE AMATRICIANA (looked up the website--it's THAT good!) 3. Gnocchi bolognese: best gnocchi I've had in ages 4. Caprese with FRIED tomatoes: very unique, nice flavors 5. Excellent bruschetta with grilled bread and lovely tomato, onion and balsamic topping 6. Friendly service. Very enjoyable experience
(5)Michael J.
Average food, average service, average experience. Didn't walk away satisfied nor completely let down. It helped that plates were about $10 less than the surrounding area.
(3)Doug L.
My wife and I have been in Boston for 9 days now and have thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful City. We have been exploring various restaurants and have found our favorite to date in Little Italy. This restaurant is a gem. It is a small and somewhat cramped but don't let that fool you when comparing to other restaurants in the area. The food is outstanding. We started off dinner with green salad with a fantastic balsamic vinaigrette dressing. The bread that was served with dinner included olive oil for dipping. Very basic and tasty. My dinner was the lasagna special and my wife had the lobster risotto. The lasagna that I had was probably the best lasagna I have ever tasted. The sauce, cheese, noodle were all done perfectly. My wife absolutely loved the risotto. As well we ordered the sangria drink specials. They were priced at a ridiculously low price of $6 and were very good. We did not have dessert as we were too full but Mikes Pastry is very close to tempt you. Our whole dinner came to $51 which included the sangrias but no coffee or dessert. Very inexpensive and he food was excellent. The service was very good as well considering that one lady was serving the entire restaurant. I am not sure if she is the owner or a member of the family but she was extremely friendly. I give this restaurant two thumbs up. Mission accomplished......we managed to find an excellent inexpensive Italian restaurant in little Italy
(5)Dan C.
There's nothing like the North End for a date--lots of people passing old brick buildings and cobblestone paths, delicious food, a certain jena se qua' that could put the legs of even the most uptight of women at ease. Any professional bachelor knows that while the North End holds a world of untold romantic wonder (i.e. dates that always lead to getting your just deserts), it can also be a dangerous place--choose the wrong restaurant, pick a place where lots of rich better looking single men hang out, pick a place where you can't keep your eyes to yourself and you are done for. Planning, people. It's important. Panza is quite frankly the new gold standard in romantic Italian gastronomic rendezvous. Panza is located on Hanover, so unless you are missing a chromosome you cannot get lost trying to find this place (if you do get lost hope it is a chromosome that wasn't very important). The dining room is small, maybe 15 or so tables for 2, many of which are pushed together to accommodate the larger parties--regardless though, this unpretentious place emits a cozy feeling. I went here with Meg M (my yelp life partner), whose company supplies these gastronomic Picasso's with their sea monsters so we had a reservation and all that jazz. The specials are written on a mirror on the wall in what could be white lipstick, undoubtedly left by an angry clown-woman each morning before she storms off to work. The wine was spot on. Granted I'm no wine snob, but it was red, in a glass, and didn't make me want to punch a toddler, so it was good by me. Though the prices of the bottles run the full gambit, they have some decent bottles around $25ish. For the pregame we had a bruschetta and some mushroom spring rolls. I hate tomatoes, I hate them with a passion that burns brighter than a hookers crack-pipe, so I wont weigh in on the bruschetta. Let me say, however, I would kill a man for the mushroom spring rolls. No, scratch that, I would kill a man and everyone that man ever came in contact with for more of those spring rolls. The were perfectly crisp on the outside and had the most amazing honey dressing. The pasta with little necks is killer, especially if ordered with the fra diavolo sauce. Stuffed with both shelled and in-shell little necks this pasta is our best hope against the treat of little necks overpopulating our seas and then waging war on us landlovers. Similarly, the portions were so gigantic that neither of us could finish. That might be something to keep in mind--especially on first dates--since its hard to be suave with unbuckled pants. Bottom line: Total panty-peeler.
(5)Eileen L.
This is a wonderful little Italian gem in the North End. We didn't know what to eat and just wandered in this restaurant when they opened up at noon. The Italian salad for two was a great choice. One of the best salads I've ever had with all my favorite ingredients such as artichoke hearts, olives, Italian meats, and peppercinis. The pasta sauce was delicious and fresh. For the quality of food, I thought it was reasonably priced and the atmosphere was great. We received friendly service. It is a very small restaurant so I can imagine the wait could be long for busy hour. Luckily we didn't have to wait.
(5)Renee W.
I had read reviews on yelp trying to find a new Italian spot in the North End we hadn't been to yet. Panza was delicious! We shared the antipasto salad for 2- plenty leftover also. I had the special black pepper linguine with mushroom cream sauce = to die for! My husband loved the gnocchi with braised beef. Good wine, service and location. Perfect to celebrate our wedding anniversary. We did venture elsewhere for dessert though since it is not on the menu. Great place for dates!
(4)Michelle C.
This place is solidly GOOD. Some stuff is better than others. I went here with my family after visiting the latest exhibit at the MFA. We had an early dinner on a Sunday and the place was pretty empty. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The food was pretty good. I got the seafood pasta dish. It had a tasty Fra Diavolo sauce, though it wasn't terribly spicy (for me at least), but had good flavor. The pasta was well cooked (al dente as it should be!), but the seafood itself was a little overcooked tending towards the rubbery side. Still, it was tasty and the portion was huge, so I had leftovers, which always makes me happy. We all shared two appetizers, the mussels, which were well cooked, and one that you should ABSOLUTELY try: grilled Italian greens over a polenta cake with gorgonzola and I think a balsamic reduction. It was fantastic. My whole family was raving about it. It's nice to see a not-so-ordinary appetizer offering amongst the standard fare and boy were we rewarded by trying it. If you go, get that and you won't be disappointed. All in all it was a good experience and I think I'll be back to see what else they have to offer and how things stack up. This is at the very least worth a stop in when everywhere nearby is crowded and they've got seats available. Oh and the Anthony Bourdain check: the bathroom was brand new and very clean and the kitchen was open to the dining room :-).
(3)C Y.
I had the lobster ravioli which was really delicious. My friends had the seafood risotto which was also good and another had seafood spaghetti fra diavolo which I thought the pasta was a little to al dente for my tastes. But overall, if you are in the North End the food at Panza will not disappoint you.
(4)I L.
The food is amazing and a great price. However, this gets a 3 star due to the crazy wait despite having reservations the last 3 times Ive been there. The last time I had to wait an additional hour past my reservation time because they do not have a dedicated hostess. Being in line with angry diners who keep crowing the non existent wait area is simply not the way I want to spend my evening. I may have to stop going there because anger eating is not that fun.
(3)Patrick F.
Everything was good except when you have a reservation, you don't really have a reservation. I had heard that you end up waiting a while but we had a 7:30pm reservation and were seated at 8:15... that's not acceptable.
(3)Charisma P.
The food was fine, and the price was right, but the service needs work. When we arrived, the hostess greeted someone who was probably a member of the mafia, and they blocked the door while chatting for 5 solid minutes without acknowledging our presence until he left. Since there was no place to wait, we reluctantly blocked the path between servers and their tables. We had reservations and were asked to wait even though a table had just opened up in the back and was already cleared. When another group left, we were seated. It was clear that there was a serious lack of organization as there were about a dozen workers who were running around doing all of the same jobs. There was probably 1 server to every 2 customers. When my food came, it was brought out by someone other than our server, and we assumed my husband's would be right behind it. We were wrong. Finally, our server came and apologized and brought out his dish as if she had simply forgotten it. I guess you have to be a member of the family to get the great service, and we will not be returning.
(2)Stacy B.
If you read the bad reviews below, none are about the food. In fact, most are about the wait. To me, that's the sign of a good restaurant... one that I want to eat at. Also, waiting is what you do when you go to dinner in the North End. And lucky for us, we're seasoned patrons of the North End, and know that going to dinner at 8pm, reservations or not, is going to be crowded. We got there early... around 5pm. When we left around 7pm, the place was packed. Moving on to the best part: the food. Boy, was it tasty, and oh-so-affordable -- something you can't say often about a full meal in the North End. The service was more than accommodating to my six-year old's request for plain pasta, and a plain salad. And although there were some pretty tasty sounding dishes on the menu, I wished for nothing more than a plate of spaghetti with marinara. My request wasn't frowned upon, nor made poorly. In fact, it was one of the most delicious plates of spaghetti I have ever had. The other half ordered the eggplant parm, and raved about how fresh the dish was. We shared the tomato bruschetta to start, which was also very fresh. Good luck finding a bottle of wine more expensive than $50 (and thank you for that, Panza). And kudos for being kid friendly! Will definitely recommend this place, go back myself, and take my entire family. Because that's what italian restaurants are supposed to be: family friendly. Not little holes in the wall created to cater to unrealistic romantic expectations.
(4)Benjamin T.
The service was okay. It's a very small restaurant and there was no hostess really seating people. You need to get a waitress' attention in order to let them know you have arrived for your reservation. The waitress we had was good, but the bus boy didn't seem like he wanted to be there while he poured water and gave bread to the table. We had a mixed experience with the appetizers. The Grilled Italian Greens were cooked well with lots of flavor. However, the muscles were rubbery and drowned in some much tomato sauce there was no flavor. For entries we had the linguine w/ mixed seafood (scallops, shrimp, clams) and veal parm. The seafood was very fresh and tasty, the sauce was average and drown out some of the seafood flavor. The veal parm was cooked perfectly but again they must really love their tomato sauce as the veal was drown in it as well. I'd rate this 3 1/2 stars if that was available, but since it's not I'd go 3 stars. If the service improved and they didn't use so much sauce they'd get 4 stars.
(3)Mimi F.
Visiting Boston and came upon Panza. We did not have a reservation but were able to be seated within a few minutes. The olive oil and bread were amazing! Had the goat cheese spring rolls--yum yum. The honey was an interesting and great touch. Their deconstructed lasagna WAS deconstructed. Appreciated the waiter double checking to make sure we understood what it was. Also had some penne with sausage that was quite tasty. Very reasonably priced and enjoyed the meal.
(5)Lauren S.
Wound up here one night when the line at Giacomo's was too long, and my boyfriend and I were too hungry to wait in line for our "go to" Italian place in the North End. Good stuff: We were pleasantly surprised. The bruschetta was amazing. There was a braised pork lasagna special that night. Find out when these nights are -- and go order this. It was amazing. The portion was large enough to last two more meals. Again. Go order this. The chicken piccata was delicious as well. Prices are reasonable considering the quality and portion size. Service was attentive and pleasant. Bad stuff: There really aren't any bad points. It took a while to get a refill on our glasses of water. But a slight thirst aside, the meal was perfect. Great place. Great location. One of the best meals I've had in Boston.
(5)Vanessa M.
We wandered in at 4pm on a Sunday after the restaurant my sister had chosen for our mom's birthday was closed. (You gotta call ahead baby sister!) We were seated immediately. Service was friendly and attentive. Our waiter very thoughtfully brought out extra plates so we could share apps and entrees. Mom ordered a salad which was enough for all 5 of us to have a bit of, and it was tasty-- baby spinach with goat's cheese and candied walnuts. We had the chicken piccata, chicken saltimboca, chicken marsala, maple glazed salmon with butternut squash risotto, and a sweet potato gnocchi special with duck confit and dried cherries. The food was delicious... no complaints. The traditional entrees came with a side of pasta. Prices are very reasonable for the quality of the food and the neighborhood. Our chicken entrees were $14 each, salmon was $18, and the special was $19. Portions were good, and not too huge. I know lots of people want to leave the North End with a week's worth of lunches left over from one entree, but I am not that kind of gal. We had enough to share, we left full, and there was enough left over for mom and sis to have lunch the next day. Panza does not serve dessert, but that shouldn't be a shock-- Mike's is about a block away and I'm sure everyone just goes there.
(4)Thom T.
Absolutely great service and food. Crowded and fun, and a good alternative to waiting in line across the street. Goat cheese spring rolls are rightly famous, but those ribs!!!!
(5)V P.
Just got here! Amazing service! Awesome house wine!
(5)Jacqueline P.
This restaurant was recommended to me by a coworker who lived in the north end. Went for a friends birthday, 8:00ish on a Saturday night, it was small (not a ton of seating) and busy so I was glad I made reservations. As soon as we walked in, I informed a waitress we had reservations and she took us immediatley. Fried calamari- Delicious. My friend and I both ordered the lobster ravioli and it was to die for. I am craving it right now! I highly recommend this place for the food and the price.
(5)John F.
Simple, but still amazing. I've been to quite a few places in the North End, and Panza remains my favorite. The last time I went with my dad for a quick lunch. We split an order of the bruschetta, which was huge but delicious. I ordered the butternut squash tortellonni and I was AMAZED, definitely due to the fact that all the pasta here is made on site. The sauce (brown butter sage) was a perfect compliment to the flavor of the butternut squash. The service was great as well. Our waiter was friendly and attentive. He also really knew his stuff about wines, since he helped my dad pick a perfect wine to match his dish. The prices were also a little bit better than most places in the North End. It's true, the one downside is the fact that the place is on the small side, but I've found I like doing later lunches here, because you tend to arrive at a point where the rush is over. I've never been for dinner, but I would imagine that a reservation is a good idea.
(5)VJ C.
New years eve. Great dinner needed quick in and out. Calamari large $9 is fantastic. Chop salad for 2 will feed 4 lots of crispy pancetta. Bread is great. $6 buys you a large glass of wine they fill to the top. Haven't had anything bad at this little gem! Fair prices
(5)John W.
I really enjoyed this place because they had the typical amazing italian food famous in North End, but were moderately priced and were on Open Table. One of the dishes we had was a roasted eggplant pasta dish with red sauce which was amazing- something about how they roasted the vegetable was delish. The customer service was also great- you can tell the workers know how to please all their customers. I truly felt like a welcomed guest.
(4)Shannon M.
Panza has amazing food. It is also amazingly heavy and I felt like a fat pig by the time I rolled out of there. I would suggest sharing an entree and ordering large salads.
(4)Iva V.
While my Linguini ala Pescatore with red sauce were really spaghetti and not linguini - the dish was sensational! Definitely coming back. Cozy, friendly, great food, good prices.
(4)Allyn H.
It is very hard for me to decide sometimes where to eat. When someone says "lead the way" I sort of just say say 'ok' and have no idea where I am going. When my dad wanted to go to the north end, and (kept insisting on it) My wife and I just thought, we will just go to Haymarket, walk around a bit, and then make a decision. I'm very happy that Panza was there at the right place at the right time. After smelling the bread from a local bakery, I knew we were hungry and that's when we found Panza. We were taken to a table immediately, mind you we came early for dinner service, we were allowed to have conversation without very much interruption and more importantly wait staff offered great suggestions with the menu. We had the calamari, fish cakes, veal panza. Food was simple, not overdone, and a perfect night was had.
(4)Jennifer K.
Decent italian food in the North End at decent prices. Make a reservation before-hand. The service was good too, but the crowd was a little rude while we were waiting for a table.
(3)Hungry H.
Location: the restaurant is in the middle of the busiest tourist area, and we had to wait for 45 minutes for a table on a Sunday night, though they did tell us that when we made the reservation, and we were seated at the expected time. For such popularity and the fairly high prices, we expected something very good. Unfortunately, the food was mediocre. The sourdough bread arrived to the table completely cold. Bruschetta contained feta cheese, for some reason. The bruschetta bread was charred, most likely on purpose - one of use liked this, the other didn't. Veal "panza" was unremarkable and oversalted, though it was covered in large quantities of very good tomato sauce. Beef and veal totelloni were extremely salty and were drowning in very greasy cream sauce, so you couldn't taste the meat or the mushrooms at all. All in all, absolutely not worth the wait or the money - might as well go to Olive Garden for this kind of mediocrity.
(2)Kaitlyn H.
GREAT food. Reasonable prices. A North End diamond in the rough. Make a reservation (the restaurant is small) and order away!
(5)Mattyboy H.
Tiny inside. However the bruschetta as an app was light and fresh. Overall positive all around. I'd go back again.
(4)Laura P.
I went with my husband and adult son; we had three different entrees (2 specials of the day) and all were superb. We will absolutely return to try more things on the menu! Our reservation was honored with on-time seating (we were early) and our wait-person was attentive. The restaurant is very small, so the noise level can get high with just one loud group in the room, but you have to expect that in most of the good spots in the North End.
(5)Priya D.
Hands down, my favorite restaurant in the North End. I tend to go at odd hours so I dont quite run into the crowd at night but can imagine wait times get lengthy given how small the place is. The bruchetta is just about the best thing I have ever eaten. We seriously went for lunch one day and ordered three orders of the bruchetta to eat there and took home some pasta. Service didnt even look at us weird! Extra stars just for that! This place has my heart and is slowly growing my belly. Well done.
(5)Kelsey L.
Right when you walk in the door ultimate feeling of comfort. Wait staff and all other employees were beyond nice and very attentive to your needs. Efficient service, food was right out and the timing of everything flowed nicely. Definitely will be back to this restaurant, the waiter left his card in the bill his name was Carmen. Very nice and attentive to all customers needs and was quick and efficient. Very pleased especially for my first time in the North End for dinner with my boyfriend! Awesome experience!!!!
(5)Jill S.
I always have a hard time choosing where to go eat in the north end because I liked to try new places every time I go-- and everything on Hanover St has delicious smells emitting from the doors. My friend and I stumbled across Panza and thought it looked cute on the inside so we popped inside for a weekday 8oclock dinner. The inside is small, but not as small as some of the North End hole in the walls. The waitress was very nice. What struck me most was how affordable the meals were. We both ordered the chicken parm and got a huge portion for 14 dollars. It was delicious and I had enough for leftovers the next day. Overall it was a great experience here. I would definitely recommend it for an inexpensive girls night out. The food was great- not the best I have ever had in the North End- but still very good.
(4)Ryan W.
Going the the North End in Boston I typically enjoy upscale Italian; which normally features, chops, fancy pastas, and wild boar ragu sauces. Panza is different. It's a roll up your sleeves North End italian eatery which has great entrees, calamari, and they serve many of their dishes with "gravy", not red sauce, but GRAVY! My point being that this will please the pallet of any traditional Italian food lover. I cannot wait to return Panza to try some of their other dishes. The service was friendly and attentive since the restaurant is small in size, no guest goes forgotton.
(4)Jason P.
So freaking good. I had the tandoori fettuccine with grilled lobster tails. It was so creamy and rich. My wife had the LINGUINE ALLA PESCATORE which had a little heat and was super yummy. They make their own bread which was fab. We also had their calamari which renowned my faith in a outstanding appetizer. They lightly fry it and add peppers and grilled onions drizzled in a chipotle sauce. Forget the marinara. Absolutely love this place. My wife and I almost are here two nights in a row but we forced ourselves to try a different place seeing how we were only in town for two days. After we ate at the other restaurant we wish we would have gone back to Panza!
(5)Dana F.
Love this place. Simple, fresh ingredients. No over the top heavy Italian food. Great decor, reasonable prices. Has a great, cozy feel for a date night too.
(5)lauren f.
The space is very tight, and you sit VERY close together; almost at the same table as the people next to you. This really does take away from the enjoyment of your meal, especially if you are dining in a small party(2 people). The food was good and prices were reasonable. Get the salad or the grilled greens. The pastas were overwhelmed in sauce. Service was slow.
(3)Martha D.
Panza is amazing! Went here for a romantic dinner last night and it was perfect. The restaurant is small and intimate, but not too crowded, and the décor is really cool. But more importantly, the food is delicious! We split the grilled greens (def worth a try), and then I got the butternut squash tortelloni while my bf got a fancy veal dish. Both meals were absolutely delicious. The prices are reasonable (on the low side for the north end!) and the service was flawless. Definitely a hidden gem you should check out, it's going to be my new North End go to!
(5)Annie L.
The food is okay, but the place and service is terrible. It was one of the only restaurants takes reservation. It is really small, crowded of course, but we had so much expectation for the real Italian food. However, it was one of the worst experience EVER. It was my friend's birthday, so we brought a cake, and after we eat, we asked for the cake, and the waitress came and asked if we mentioned it in the reservation, if not, we had to go somewhere else to eat the cake. We had to talk to the manager to get our cake back. And when she served, we had two iphones on the table sharing pictures, and she flicked the phones sideway with her middle figure. GOD, how can people do this, with no respect???!!! Besides, the place is dirty, I got four bug bites there on my left arm, which is facing the kitchen side, and it bothers me for weeks. Horrible horrible experience. I am afraid I only put one star coz there is no zero. Fire the waitress, and clean the kitchen. The food tastes good, but who cares.
(1)Diana P.
This place is very quaint and cute. I went with one other person and showed up a couple minutes late for an 8pm reservation and still got seated right away even though there were only about 15 tables. I got the tomato/mozz caprese salad and it was amazing and actually big enough to split with two people unlike many other places. We got a bottle of wine and found all the choices very reasonable and not upcharged as much as everywhere else. I recommend the Pinot Noir, it was very smooth. We both enjoyed our meals and dined for two hours! The staff was friendly and patient with us. My only problem with this place and most places iin the North End is that it is very tight; the couple next to us was only about 6 inches away. I will definitely be back.
(4)Brian B.
Good service, very tasty pastas and good starters. Reasonable prices too and wasn't too hard to get a seat on a weeknight. Tables very close together, but that's OK.
(4)Victor R.
The food was excellent. The process of the queue needs to be improved drastically. I had two, maybe three parties seated ahead of us, who came in after us.
(4)Lee M.
Food was fantastic and the price was very reasonable. I would highly recommend this place!
(4)Feliks S.
Although there are other places in the North End for a better ambience for special occasions, we have no complaints about a recent dinner for two at Panza! The food was delicious, the selection was great, and the wine list was reasonable with choices for all budgets. I was surprised by the size of the portions, since one pasta entree resulted in enough leftovers for a second dinner. At the same time, quality wasn't compromised, the total check was very reasonable for an appetizer, two entrees, and a bottle of chardonnay (total $70) and I can't wait to go back again and try other dishes!
(4)Brian M.
My food was excellent my wifes not so good. Wait staff was pretty rude and we felt very rushed. Prices are good but if you only get out to the north end for special occasions choose another spot.
(1)Matt F.
Great experience, I'll definitely come back!
(5)Jenny M.
YUM! We dined at Panza yesterday evening and are still reveling in the tastiness and indulgence of the meal. We made a reservation for 3 for 8pm and were seated just a few minutes after we arrived. Immediately we were drooling over the menu - with so many delectable-sounding options, it was nearly impossible to choose what dish to go with. Luckily we had a lovely $20 bottle of wine and the tasty wild mushroom and goat cheese spring rolls to nosh on while we decided - the spring rolls came with a honey thyme sauce, which added a nice sweetness to the appetizer (though the sauce could have been a little less thick to mirror spring roll sauce more closely - but I digress). Finally we settled on the Pappardelle with braised wild boar ragu and asiago cheese (a special that night), penne with chicken and broccoli in roasted garlic cream sauce, and the tarragon fettuccini with grilled lobster tails in brandy cream sauce. As I had the lobster tails, I can say it was TO DIE FOR. One of the best pasta dishes I have had in a long time, with big chunks of lobster swimming in this delicious, creamy sauce. The peas were also a great touch in the dish. I could have used a little more pasta in the dish, but that's because I'm a carb addict. The pappardelle with wild boar was also fabulous - I hope this becomes a regular at the restaurant! The ragu was very yummy and rich. I didn't try the penne with chicken and broccoli, but my friend raved about it. All portions were big enough that we could eat to capacity and bring enough home for lunch the next day. Our waiter was also wonderfully helpful and very nice - his recommendations were all spot on. The service was also super quick, which was nice as were quite hungry upon coming in. I wouldn't have minded just a bit more time between the appetizer and the entrees though, the turnaround was barely long enough to savor the spring rolls before our dishes were out! All in all, a fabulous dining experience, and I hope to return again soon!
(5)kim r.
Great gem in the northend. The prices are a steal, and the food is amazing. It has perfect 15 table intimacy where you can see what your neighboor ordered without feeling like the tables are on top of you. This is my go to italian place! Their take out is equally great.
(5)Chris B.
Good food and service, use caution when reserving on open table, especially the night of. Our reservation was not honored and was forced to wait 45 minutes.
(4)Johnny G.
There is nothing mediocre about this place. Fast, friendly service, great atmosphere, and food that'll make you wanna slap yo mama! I recommend the calamari for starters, then try the house special. Trust me, you won't be disappointed! We had the tomato & fresh mozzarella filled Ravioli with roasted red peppers... Magnifico! You also have to get a side of meatballs (3 per serving)
(5)Jason F.
Similar to another reviewer below, I give this place 4.5 stars for food, 3.5 stars for atmosphere, and about 1.5 stars for service. First the good - the food here is really great. I had the rigitoni w/ sausage. The sauce was fantastic and the pasta was cooked very well. My friend ordered the chicken marsala and raved about it throughout the meal. The chianti I ordered with my meal was decent but not the best I have had. The restaurant is tiny, as are many North End eateries. That adds to the charm and character, in my opinion. Seating was still comfortable. The place was clean and decorated nicely. Now for the service. I made reservations for a Saturday night at 6 PM. I got there right at 6 and was told that they were too busy and we would have to wait for a table. It took almost 20-25 minutes to get a table. With reservations. I wasn't thrilled about that. Then, the service was rushed. Upon getting the menus from one server, about 2 minutes later we were already asked to order. The server looked quite flustered and was rushing back and forth. The food came promptly and hot, which was great. But as we were eating, the check came and was placed (I learned later they don't serve dessert? A letdown IMO). We finished our meal and were chatting when the server came back again and grabbed the check (which we hadn't even looked at). I told the server it wasn't ready yet. She rolled her eyes and walked away. Huh? I get the restaurant was busy (though at that time there were tables open), but that was uncalled for. So, overall, the place was a good place but the service left something to be desired. I might considering returning for a second evaluation, but we shall see.
(3)Fatty T.
Panza was recommended to our group by a private North End tour guide paid for by my company. (Note: I lived in the North End for two years and never heard of it.) Unfortunately, the food and service screamed "tourist trap." Bread, apps, and entree were brought out all at the same time and placed on our small, cramped table. Also, our server tried to box up my entree merely 10 minutes after it was placed in front of me and while I was mid-bite. We were shocked at how the servers were instantaneously trying to turn tables, but there was no wait or line out the door at 5:30 p.m. on a Saturday. The spare ribs were ok, as was my baked ziti. Unfortunately, my dining partner complained of overcooked mushrooms in the tortelloni, and was sick a few hours after eating.
(1)Xin W.
Affordable and tasty. The lasagna was not bad, and the pasta came in a huge portion! Enough for two meals. So generally a good deal.
(4)md d.
We went here on a date recently. Awesome raviolis. Wine was divine. Friendly service. Clean restaurant. A must try if you're in Boston!
(4)A R.
Great spot - unlike some North End restaurants they don't just churn out plates and plates of so-so pasta. This pasta was quite good. I had the spinach and roasted garlic ravioli with pancetta. Delicious. Someone else in the group had "free form" lasagna. They liked it so much they are going to try and make it at home (look it up - very creative). The calamari was average. The atmosphere is nice - not as big and gaudy as some of the other places towards the beginning of Hanover Street. Some advice to someone going on Hanover Street - take the time to walk down the street a ways and don't get caught up in the moment and go to the first place you see. Lastly, the price is right. Anywhere from $12 - $22 for a large pasta dish or entree.
(4)Joan S.
I just discovered a new restaurant in the North End, Panza on Hanover Street and Wow! What a great meal for little money. Right on Hanover Street in the middle, I found this terrific new spot and had the best Veal Saltimboca I have ever had. Fork tender and just the right amount. As I am no-carbing it right now, living AND eating in the North End can be tough, but not here. Along with the Veal I had a side of wonderfully marinated vegetables and a delightful waitress who made the experience great. Dinner was only $16! Can you believe that -- On Hanover Street!!! This new gem isn't going to stay undiscovered for long. And before you know it, the lines will appear in front of this restaurant too. I forgot to mention...a bottle of wine - $20!
(5)KayGee G.
It is my favorite North End restaurant. I've been going for 10 years when it was CIBO and now as Panza. It is small compared to other restaurants in the neighborhood but it is really good. Every dish I have ever had there has been good. I most recently had the FREE FORM' LASAGNA which was really good. The person whom I dined with had the special, a spinach pesto ravioli dish. He loved it. The entree prices are typical for the North End and worth it.
(5)Chelsea J.
I just want to be the 100th review, because I'm awesome. Nothing really new to report though. Came with some friends who were in town before we headed over to the Garden. Got there early since our event started at 7:30, were in and out with enough time to grab some pastries and get our seats. Husband and I both had the special, which was delicious. Goat cheese filled ravioli with duck confit, dried cherries, and spinach, in this amazing sauce. One friend got the lemon garlic shrimp (also a special, I think) and the other ordered the lasagna. The only thing not finished was the shrimp dish, my friend liked it although I thought it was a bit bland.
(4)Joshua G.
This has a consistently delicious experience since the restaurant was called Cibo a few years back. Staff is friendly though the waitstaff seems understaffed and overwhelmed. The restaurant is crowded and tables too close. Still, some of the best Italian the city offers at the best price. Worth it but try to get in early if going Thursday, Friday or Saturday.
(4)Katherine S.
We made reservations for 8, then called because we were going to be 20 minutes late, and still waited until around 8:50 for a table for 2 but it was well worth it! The seafood dishes were perfectly flavored, and the house salad and grilled Italian greens were a perfect complement. The side bread was delicious, simple and tasty. The hostess/waitress served us a free glass of wine for our "trouble." The food came out quickly and hot. Best of all the price was totally reasonable. Overall an excellent experience!
(4)M M.
This place was simply awesome. Found out it is owned by the same family who own Giacomos across the street. We made a 6:30 reservation for 4 and were seated within 15 minutes. Food was outstanding.. We had a Fried Calamari with a cherry pepper aioli that was simply the best I have ever had. Service was very good (not outstanding), price was great. Yes the place is small but that what most of the restaurants in the North End seem to be. If you are going to eat out in Boston, this is a must stop!
(5)Dani A.
Really a 4.5. Deserves 5 stars hands down for food, and 4 stars for service/environment. I came here on a weekend night with my family for a celebration. There were 6 of us and I had made a reservation only two days beforehand. We waited less than five minutes for our table. The ONE negative aspect about my experience was that we were slightly stuffed at a table for four people, and were a bit crowded; however it was understandable as the restaurant is moderately small. So if you don't mind playing a little footsie with your dinner dates, it's really not an issue! Now I came here with a severe craving for AUTHENTIC, OLD SCHOOL italian food... I'm talking cheesy and gushing with tantalizingly delicious marinara sauce, and that is EXACTLY what we got. We ordered the mussels, which were delectable, the fried calamari, which was exquisite (and perfectly spicy for my latina taste) and I had the eggplant parm, my favorite Italian dish, and it was exactly what I wanted. My sister raved about the lobster ravioli (she said "the best she's ever had), and the rest of my family was similarly satisfied with their meals. Topping on the cake.. we had a delicious bottle of Malbec for only $20. This is quite a reasonable restaurant!! Highly recommend it. Just to warn.. they don't have coffee/dessert, however there are countless cafes around the North End to appease your post dinner sweet tooth.
(4)Al A.
They ignore all reservations made. Extremely annoying.
(1)Michelle M.
This is my very first review! While in the Boston area for a business trip, my coworkers/friends and I found Panza from a different website. It was rated high, so we went. I'm glad we did! It was good and I'd go again. The restaurant is on the smaller side and made for a fun experience! The staff was great and the food was yummy! For starters we shared the brushetta along with an appetizer that was a special for that night - I don't remember the name but it was with burrata. Both were good, but I liked the brushetta better - it had a really good flavor. My entree was the Spinach & Ricotta Ravioli and I really enjoyed that! My friends all enjoyed their dishes too -- one was a special for the evening, don't remember what, one was Linguine alla Pescatore, one was Butternut Squash Tortelloni and one was Penne Amatriciana. So,my official reccomendation is that you go to this restaurant if you want to go eat in the North End!
(4)Clifford T.
This is my favorite little secret in the Northend. My boyfriend and I go here for dates all the time and we have never had anything on the menu that we remotely disliked. Their specials are typically very delicious too. When you're walking down Hanover, keep an eye out for it because it is easy to pass (speaking from personal experience on multiple trips). I would definitely recommend their mussels.
(5)Jessica J.
Our FAVORITE restaurant in the North End. We love the ambiance, the service and of course, THE FOOD! Everything on the menu is delicious. Our personal favorites include the Bruschetta, the Caprese Salad, the Butternut Squash Tortelloni and their special Pesto Gnocchi. Mmmmm I cannot wait to go back!
(5)Hobart L.
To do this restaurant justice, let me first take you on an Italian Food journey of the North End/Eastie/Revere: (skip next paragraph to go to review) It was the early eighties and times were good. Pac Man fever ruled the airwaves and the mob was killing people at a record clip. These three neighborhoods were tight knit and all Italian, in fact, 1st generation right off the boat Italian. The food was delicious, and fresh. Just like the old country. Then the outsiders from The Financial District and beyond heard about this ethnic food called macaroni, and began coming to the restaurants. The restaurants, over the next decade, moved away from quality, as, by the early 90's, they became a caricature of themselves. Believing huge portions of spaghetti and Chicken Parm meant good, the backlash and a lull in good Italian restaurants followed. A renaissance occurred, and this time, it was yuppified. Fancy "Northern Italian" places opened up that weren't good, but they were different. Lighter, more expensive "pastas" with white wine sauces small portions and fancy schmancy names ruled Hanover St. The hoighty toighty loved to love these places (in fact some are still out there). Then Lehman Brothers tanked. And that brings us to my dinner with Bernie Madoff: This restaurant is a return to the hey day of Italian Dining. The restaurant, decor and ambiance is all 2010, but the food is the perfect balance of old school Italian and modern dining. I've waited 20 years for a meaty 'gravy' for my 'macaroni', not a light 'sauce' for my 'pasta'. Now, there is something for everybody if you don't want the real Italain food (read bolognese), but I will recommend going Pac Man Fever on the menu. Thanks Panza, you reminded me of the days of good pizza from the Old Francesca's and #33 in Green. Oh, and if you're a tourist and have read the North End is the place to go to eat Italian, it's places like Panza that helped build that reputation.
(5)Nick D.
I had the penne chicken and broccoli. Overall, it was good but not the best.
(3)Kelly S.
Owned by the same folks as Giacomo's across the street, yet fairly disappointing. The price is right (around $15/entree) but the food is just average. Our calamari was way overcooked and as chewy as rubber. Scallops were undercooked. My entree was unnecessarily large. My wife's lobster ravioli was, mainly, just salty. Very good bread (Clear Flour I would guess) and friendly service.
(3)Fernando V.
I have eaten here twice with out of town visitors both times and it keeps getting better and better. The Panza chicken plate is probably the best Italian entree I have ever had in my life. Carmen has been our server both times and is very good at remembering my name and my likes. Our table choose different dishes each time we went and we all agreed all the dishes were great. Food and Wine are both very reasonably priced for the north end. Although a group more than 4 would be a little hard to accommodate I highly recommend dining at this cozy little restaurant.
(5)Jess K.
Great restaurant in the North End for vegetarians. We decided to split three dishes: Butternut squash tortelloni, spinach and ricotta ravioli and eggplant parm. All of them were fantastic, but the eggplant parm was probably the best I've ever had, the eggplant was cooked perfectly. Menu was reasonably priced, each meal was about $15. Service was great, wait staff was friendly and made sure to keep our glasses full. This will be my go to spot in the North End on future trips.
(5)H. Q.
i was going to the north end to have dinner with my bf... we were planning on going to giacomo's, but we didn't make reservations given that it was a tuesday night, and we thought no one was going to be there... we were wrong. there was a huge line out the door. so, we looked across the street and saw panza. we looked at their menu on the window, saw that they had a pretty good selection and prices. we ordered the goat cheese spring rolls (i think that was the name) as an appetizer and they were delicious! as for my main course, i had pasta with clams, mussels, scallops, and shrimps with fra diavolo sauce. it was great! my boyfriend had the parmesan veal with a side of meatballs. he really like his meal. one great thing about this place is that the portions are huge! we also had a bottle of white wine, don't remember which one, but i remember that the prices were very decent. i also liked the ambiance of panza. it was quite small, and cozy... pretty romantic.
(4)Caitlin C.
I went to Panza (which I believe means Paunch in Italian) recently with my father. The restaurant is quite small, and I was forced to sit uncomfortably close to the table due to the rather large individual sitting behind me. Not the end of the world. Anyway, we had a fine, satisfying meal. I had the maple, salmon dish. It was a bit over-sweet and I think it's more of an autumn dish. My father really liked the special ravioli dish that he chose. The wine was also quite good and very reasonably priced. I think it was a Montepulciano. I'd definitely return to Panza, but I think I'd order a pasta dish next time!
(3)Marie C.
The mussels are delicious! Get them with the far diavalo sauce (spicy red sauce) - it's fantastic and the perfect kick and definitely homemade - YUM!
(5)Holly S.
best eggplant ever! definetely will return!
(5)Carolyn S.
I just love Panza. Back when we lived in the North End we went here all the time. It was the perfect little neighborhood spot for us. Friendly service, a menu full of flavorful dishes all at a very good price. The wine list was pleasantly varied, not overwhelming and quite reasonably priced. We always took friends and family visiting from out town here and when anyone ever asked for a recommendation for a good place to go in the North End, we sent them here. We've since moved, but found ourselves visiting the old neighborhood last Friday. It was like going home. Interesting appetizers and specials as per usual, convivial atmosphere, great food and a couple of worthy (yet still reasonable) additions to the wine list. Fave dishes include...well, just about everything! I can't wait to 'end up in the North End unexpectedly' again so I can go back to this casual and unassuming little jewel of a place nestled in the heart of Hanover St.
(5)Meg M.
This place is fantastic! Right on Hanover St... no line. no wait... no feeling of being rushed through your meal. I went last night with two friends of mine and called for a 6:45 reservation. When we pulled up in front of Panza in what we thought was an excellent parking spot, our soon to be waiter Chris was standing out front and let us know we would get a ticket so we should move. That was a great thing, cuz another ticket is the LAST thing I need. We parked in a lot around the corner and walked back up Fleet St. I think it was 14 dollars. We walked into Panza and it was for the most part empty but I know people usually dine a little later in the North end and it was a thursday night. We were seated at a four top right at the window which was great. We started off with a bottle of delicious Pinot Noir (20 bucks!!!) and one friend got a Peroni. After looking at the menu and wanting everything we decided to order 3 appetizers... one of my friends is a guy and he was making sure we would ALL have enough to eat. We started with a basket of wonderful crusty bread and olive oil. Next came the bruschetta which was made with the freshest tomatoes and the bread it was on was perfectly soaked (i hate when its too hard OR too soggy). We also had the mushroom and goat cheese spring rolls served with a honey dressing on field greens... it was also ridiculously good. I really cant describe how awesome these things taste. I dont even like mushrooms and I loved this thing... I tried it because my love for goat cheese far outweighs my dislike of mushrooms so I figured it was worth a shot. Chris then brought us the mussels in a white wine garlic broth (you can have it red white or fra diavlo). The mussels were big and cooked perfectly. The sauce was simple, refined and beautifully seasoned. Now it was entree time. We couldnt decided so we all ordered something different and agreed to share. I ordered the gnocchi bolognese and when I say these were some of the best gnocchi I have had in the north end. Fresh and perfect. The meat sauce was simple and flavorful and everything you would look for in a bolognese. Eliza got the seafood risotto which I envied but not enough to want to share too much of mine. The vegetables were crisp and fresh and the seafood was all perfectly cooked and unbelieveably fresh. Sean got the "free form" lasagna. Its basically a pasta dish with long flat lasagna noodles cut smaller mixed in a red sauce with chicken, mushrooms and a plum tomoato sauce. It was perfectly al dente and tasted wonderful. Chris left us alone to chat and catch up but we never needed or wanted anything. He made it a point to tell us to relax, take our time and enjoy ourselves. He was on top of our table without being overbearing and by the end of the night other parties had started to fill the charming little space. Like its sister restaurants, Panza does not do desert or coffee to encourage North End exploration. We were stuffed obviously so we passed on desert and headed over to the charity function we were attending. The best part is that the food was phenomenal, the service was impeccable and the cost........... CHEAP. All of the food we got last night came to $95.00.... 3 people, a bottle of wine, 2 beers, 3 apps, and 3 HUGE entrees... under 100? YES PLEASE. I will be back... and often. Thank you Panza... I love you.
(5)Rachel F.
I ate dinner here last week and it was great. We had a reservation and were seated right away. The food was delicious and the service was excellent! The bruschetta appetizer had a little balsamic on it which was a welcome addition - so good. We got a small order of calamari too and it was huge.. I was full by the time my seafood linguine came, but still managed to make a dent in it :) My leftovers fed me for two more nights, so serving sizes are certainly plentiful! The beer list was very limited (as expected) but they had decent offerings. It was pretty busy for a weekday night, so I can imagine on the weekends it must get packed. Overall, it was a great dining experience!
(4)Jamie G.
I would have probably given this restaurant 5 stars had it not been for the fact that I lost feeling in my pinky fingers because of them. Let me explain. We made reservations for 4 at 9pm on a Friday night. We show up a little early 8:45pm and are told to wait outside and someone will be right out for us (by a waitress as they have no hostess). She then proceeds to seat a party of 2 with no reservation next to a party of two who are just finishing up (aka a soon to be table for 4) yet we are out waiting in the cold.... for FORTY FIVE MINUTES!!!! So at 9:30 we are FINALLY seated. So I go in already demoting them to a 4 star restaurant. Luckily our waiter responded quickly with good service. The bread at the table was typical italian bread, but very moist, and the table had good olive oil and red pepper and we asked for Parmesan, for a good dipping sauce. We ordered a bottle wine, ... almost all the bottles are $20-$30, and about half of those are just a few dollars more than store price, so not a bad deal at all, and it was good. For dinner I had the special black pepper pappardelle with sausage and veggies. It was delicious and you could tell the pasta was fresh! a little spicy but just right. The rest of the table enjoyed their meals too. Also, for being in the North End, all the prices were very reasonable, just $100 for four meals and a bottle of wine. So this place definitely has good food at a good price. They just need a hostess and better practices related to seating and reservations and they might be bumped up in my book to a 5!
(4)J C.
Decided to eat here based on previous reviews from Yelp last week... Called ahead for reservations on a Friday, couldn't get one until 8:30pm. A bit late for dinner for us, but we wandered through the north end and down towards fanuiel hall. Got back to the restaurant at 8:30 sharp, told the hostess we had a reservation. She didn't ask our name, just how many and said it would be a few minutes. It was unclear if they even took reservations and if so, ours was never honored. We waited another 30 mins outside in the cold and were finally seated. Would have come alot earlier than 8:30 if the reservations weren't being honored. Food/Wine options were good... got the mussels in white wine, Salmon and bottle of the Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc, all were good. Interior atmosphere was nice, comfortable, cozy. We are big dessert eaters, and as Italians, really look forward to seeing what places have to offer. We noticed towards the end of our meal that no other table had dessert and finally figured out they didn't have a dessert or coffee menu. Really felt that was a miss on their part.. and hoped it wasn't because the "tourist trap" Mike's Pastry was just down the street or that they didn't want diner's to linger too long...as residents of the area, standing in a additional 30 minute line for a mediocre cannoli wasn't that appealing after a late dinner. Wouldn't go back based on this experience.
(2)Patti F.
I hate to give one star to a place that has great Italian food but an obnoxious, rude, & nasty hostess who we find out is the Chef's wife. We were late for our reservations so we understood there would be a wait. When we walked in to tell her we were here, she quickly dismissed us to the outside and said we would have to wait- which is fine. We finally sat down 45 min later and entered Panza . Note: we were 5 40-something yr old women out for a girls night to catch up in what we though would be a nice relaxing atmosphere. Well into our meal while we were enjoying the food, laughing and having a good time, SHE turned to us in the most arrogant, obnoxious way & said, " you are going to have to be quiet..at that point our lovely waitress came over and apologized and said she hopes we enjoy the rest our evening and to please ignore the comment ( the waitress was not aware we were being "loud"). Panza is not a quiet, romantic eatery- it is a small, tight, lively place where conversations are flowing so for us to be singled out was just ridiculous and really just down right rude. I have read another patrons review from a year ago talking about this hostesses' arrogance and just lack of professionalism. I think the chef/owner must seriously consider and think do you really want someone like this to run the front of the house..really? You have good food, so what, does that give her the right to be down right rude?. We are adults not rowdy college kids or a bachlorette party or drunks. Wise up Panza and run your restaurant with courteous people. Our wait staff was a sweetheart who I now feel bad for..who would want to work for someone like that? SOrry--good food & customer service go hand in hand.
(1)Helena B.
I've been here twice and this is definitely my new favorite North End restaurant. As many have said, it is small and cozy and it made for a perfect romantic dinner. Best of all- its very affordable! My boyfriend and I shared an appetizer, each got an entree and drinks and the bill was $50 with a 25% tip! I got the potato gnocchi in a beef sauce- definitely the best gnocchi I've ever had in the U.S.! His dish was AMAZING. Usually I am skeptical of veal (it's hard to cook and let's face it, calves are too cute to eat) but he got the Veal Masala and it literally had the best sauce I have ever had in my life! The veal was cooked perfectly- I'm definitely getting that next time! We also got an appetizer of calamari- $9 for a huge plate is great as far as I'm concerned! Perfectly cooked and not chewy like it can often be. Service was quick and definitely worth a good tip. I'll give this place five stars easily and I know I'll be back soon!
(5)Tiny T.
My wife and I went in on a SundaY afternoon. It was not crowded at all yet seemed very loud. It seemed like we where the only ones there that was not a friend or relative of the staff. Which was annoying because it distracted the server. The food was average not really that great.
(3)Tiff S.
Went here because the menu from the window looked reasonable. Had a chardonnay for $6, pasta for $15, annnnnnd it was good. no complaints. probably will go here again.
(4)Caitlin K.
This place is so cute and the food and service are excellent. The prices are very reasonable too for the North End.
(5)Derek W.
Panza is absolutely, bar none, the best Italian restaurant I have ever been to. Located on Hanover Street, Panza may seem like just another Italian restaurant that is probably overpriced and quite possibly disappointing. Nothing could be further from the truth. First of all, the place is tiny (read: only about 25 seats tiny!) and comes complete with an exposed brick wall with built in candle holders. The lights are kept low at night so this is a great place to go for a romantic, candle-lit dinner. Honestly though, if this place was a beat to hell shack I'd still come to it for the food. It is incredible! Most of the menu isn't too inventive but you can find pasta classics that are done simply and very very well, and the grilled Italian greens is the best appetizer I've ever had. The prices are extremely reasonable as well, pastas start at about $14 and the portions are huge! The service can be a little on the slow side (but very friendly and helpful, I might add) because they only have a maximum two waiters and one busser working at peak times and the food is made fresh to order, but, believe me, it is well worth the wait.
(5)K K.
This place is fantastic. It is reasonably priced and DELICIOUS. Most other restaurants in the neighborhood have high prices and not-as-yummy cuisine. I have been here about 5 times and will continue to go back as long as I live in Boston.
(5)Melody S.
Stopped in here with a friend for a quick early dinner on a Monday. Only a few tables were full. The place had a warm, friendly atmosphere, despite being small. The waiter was very friendly but not too talkative. He let us know what he thought was good, which was helpful. Another server kept our water glasses full, and brought a basket of rustic bread (and then refilled it upon request, very cheerfully). My friend & I split a chopped salad for two, which had cubes of cheese and some type of Italian meat that tasted like balogna. It had a few artichoke hearts and hot peppers, as well as some tiny bits of crunchy bacon (pancetta?) and diced tomatoes. It was huge -- definitely big enough for four, even tho the menu said for two. My friend had the chicken picatta, which had generous amounts of chicken and also artichoke hearts, along with capers. The pasta was served in a small bowl on the side, with tomato sauce, which I thought was awkward. She enjoyed it with bread though. I had seafood risotto, which had a decent amount of scallops and 3 beautifully cooked medium shrimp. Tiny bits of asparagus and tomato gave it a nice red-white-and-green Italian look! We both had $6 glasses of white wine, two different types, both were excellent. Very cold and fresh tasting. I never heard the word "panza" before in any of my Italian lessons, but I will remember it now!
(5)Jodi N.
Had tasty white sangria here. Meals were plentiful, and super tasty. Friendly staff. Cozy casual atmosphere.
(4)Dan D.
Great place to eat if you are ever in the North End of Boston! Yummy Eggplant Parmigiana!
(5)Kevin H.
Tiny place but does this place pack a punch! We ordered several things off the menu. Ceasar salad, bruschetta, goat cheese and wild mushroom/goat cheese spring roll and the spare ribs were the appetizers we picked and by far the best were the spring rolls, although the others were mighty tasty too. Baby Rigatoni with sausage was my selection and out of this world. The sauce was like, like....perfect! We also tried the beef and veal tortellini and what an incredible dish. I could go on and on about how wonderful everything is, and that's because it is. As far as the crowds and that, it's a small restaurant and really good. Just expect it. But if you want true authentic italian you'll love this place. The wine list is very small, but very inexpensive. You won't regret going to Panza. I thought the service was incredible, considering how they basically need to get you in and get you out becuase they always have people waiting to get in. Can you imagine how tough that is when you'd like people to stay and linger over the wonderful dinner, but you also need them to go so you can get more turnover? I thought Panza handled it very well.
(5)C Y.
Our family of 4 had dinner there Saturday night and it was great! From the garlic bread to some of the special pasta dinners, they were fantastic. The veal piccata wasn't quite in the same category but still good. Service was excellent. Had great desserts down the street at Modern Pastry!
(4)N A.
The food was ok the service not good. We waiting a long time with a reservation, she tried to tell us she had called our name before but we were right outside the door. We ordered our meals and with our drinks and never saw our waitress again until we were done. Asked for Parmesan cheese, which we never got. (of course the people siting next to us were offered) They are one of those restaurants that gives you pasta on the side drowned in marinara no matter what you order. I wanted a side with no sauce so i could eat it with my marsala sauce but I was done eating by the time she came back. I still got it though. My boyfriend took me here for a romantic dinner and it was anything but. By the time you get in to eat they are inattentive and want to get you out fast. The food was def not worth the wait or the price.
(2)Molly K.
Awful experience... Our salads & appetizers all came at the same time... So we had salads, appetizer plate & bread plates & were still eating when the waitress showed up with dinner dishes with no place to put them & acted irritated with us that we were not ready. Food was mediocre at best. Bruschetta was a soggy mess of tomato with big clumps of goat cheese. Calamari was ok... My dish was the best - lamb shank ragu... Chicken Marsala edible with an unappetizing pile of penne with bland red sauce.
(1)K L.
great food, great service, really cozy little place-loved it! Easy to get a reservation, but dont bother trying to find parking...
(5)John W.
My wife and I happened upon Panza on a Friday night while on a weekend away and loved it! We loved the chopped salad and bread. I had this great gnocchi witha braised pork red sauce and she had Salmon with Butternut squash risotto. All fantastic. Service was great and we were appreciative which was wonderfully returned! Crowded yet intimate!
(5)Kathy K.
We've eaten at many north end restaurants but haven't had an experience like this one in years. For starters I've traded the fancy meals for basic Italian food and find my experiences in general to be better. I had the chicken Marsala which was a little different than I expected. Instead of serving pounded meat I was served chunks of meat. That surprised me a bit but it did not take away from the tenderness of the meal. The sauce was perfect, mushrooms and prosciutto were abundant. As a side I ordered garlic and butter on my pasta which was good but not nearly as good as the red sauce my husband ordered. His meal was the most perfect veal Parmesan ever tasted. The reason for the perfection was the red sauce. Rather than the ordinary chunky red sauce this was a smooth sauce perfectly infused with flavor. The pasta was covered with the same sauce. We enjoyed a nice bottle of Valpolicella with our meal. The total bill, before tip was $54!! That's never happened before!! The seating is tight but that's to be expected. The service was amazing, thank you to our server Erin for making this a great experience for us.
(4)michele D.
ja i know where Chris is: he is a server now in Newton..Tartufo restaurant.. union st. is next to the newton station...good guy ...! to bad he is not longer with Panza....
(1)Meridith H.
My boyfriend and I literally stumbled in here on a Saturday night. We had an hour to spare before an improv show, and I was hesitant about sitting down for a formal meal, but I'm so glad we did! Panaza was an unexpected delight! Like a previous reviewer, we had the goat cheese spring roll, which was amazing! We also had gnocchi and the butternut squash ravioli. After eating here, I was daydreaming about butternut squash ravioli all weekend! Our friendly server Chris explained that unlike many other North End Restaurants who heavily advertise and utilize heavy marketing techniques, Panzza is understated, and relies more on word-of-mouth marketing. The price-point is just right, and the food quality meets (or even exceeds) other Italian restaurants in the North End. I highly recommend this gem of a restaurant!
(5)Martin M.
Thanks for the tip, yelpers! Just in town for 3 days, so wanted all to come out right...and Panza filled the bill with prompt seating at our reservation time, fast and friendly service, and (to my Texan palate, anyway) authentic, toothsome, and copious Italian food. Me & kiddo shared chopped salad "for two" which would have been a generous bowlful for three or four, he had seafood linguini fra diavolo--lots of *big* shrimp, clams, and calamari over about a quart of pasta--and I loved me some lobster ravioli (about a dozen or more!) in a garlic cream sauce which I had to mop up with the fresh Italian bread. We don't drink, so bill came in at under $50! What a steal...and on the way out, we got warmly thanked for coming in. Oh yeah, next time in Beantown, you bet I will be making a reservation here before I get on the plane at Dee Eff Dubya. Thanks for a very memorable meal and a high point of our trip!
(4)Mark V.
Quite simple here...INCREDIBLE FOOD at INCREDIBLE PRICES! Richie is one of the best chefs in Boston for years now. Great portions, quality food, delicious sauces. VERY reasonable wine selection. This is my go to when I am in Boston. it never fails and is always a great meal
(5)Lucreiza B.
Last month I took my friend here to celebrate her Birthday. First off from the outside the place looked cozy. Please don't be fooled inside the place is cramped. My friend had a hard time getting in her chair without having to bump other diners. The waitress was unmemorable because she forgot to mention the specials to us or wine list. Also when our dinner arrived me just took the bowl of cheese from the other table and dumped on our table without asking if the other table were doing using the cheese. However the upside was the food. I do recommend the fried goat cheese egg rolls with the honey thyme and the seafood risotto.
(3)Bianca M.
My boyfriend and I went to the North End yesterday looking for a hearty meal of pasta that wasn't going to cost a fortue. After walking up and down Hanover St. and reading countless menus, we decided to try Panza, and I'm so glad we did! We shared a spinach salad to start, and it was alright, but when our pasta came we were both so pleased! My baked ziti with meatballs was very good but my boyfriends gnocchi with meat sauce was amazing! The staff was very friendly, the atmosphere was nice and our delicious meal was quite inexpensive.
(5)Frank M.
Great Experience! Had 7:30 reservations on a Sat, got sat a little before 8, which is to be expected. Some people in the walk-in 'line" waited 1.5 hrs to get in. The service was good, albeit somewhat rushed as they clearly had 9 oclock round of reservations to get to. Room is small/intimate, but typical for the N. End. We ended up talking to the couple sitting next to us a bit, which added to the experience. The bruschetta is a must have. Comes on 2 large pieces of bread, which are somewhat impractical to eat unless you cut it up. But full of flavor. Both of our dishes were excellent, and timely. Wine selection is not huge, but certainly affordable ranging from $20-35+/-. Would go back again and agian.
(4)Anthony R.
Great Food! Great Service! Great Price! This is definitely a restaurant you should visit while in the North End of Boston. We enjoyed our delicious dinner, plentiful and inexpensive.
(5)Padraig G.
Great little restaurant with nice ambiance and character, although the small brick space makes it a bit loud if it's reasonably crowded. Service was good - friendly, efficient and attentive. Meals were served ridiculously quick and were outstanding - old standby veal parm was generous in size, nice sauce and prepared wonderfully. My friend ordered the beef and veal tortellini and got similar raves. Overall a very good experience and high marks for the food at very reasonable prices. I know some folks have commented on the lack of a dessert menu - not a biggie in my book but as others have noted, a few of the better known pastry shops are just a few moments away.
(4)Katelin G.
Butternut squash ravioli is extremely tasty. Chicken picatta was great- only thing I would change is that the side of pasta came with red sauce on it when I would have preferred to have the entree on a bed of pasta. Absolutely reasonable on the pocketbook & the service was good.
(4)Daniel L.
First off, I have to say that I am puzzled as to how Panza has had so many 5 star ratings. I give it a strong 3 stars. In order to place my review in some context, it's important to know that my favorite traditional Italian restaurants are Delfino and Giacamo's, and other Italian restaurants that I have enjoyed immensely are Terramia and Sage. As for Panza...this restaurant is located in the heart of the North End, so I came in with relatively high expectations. I'll start with the atmosphere: the dining area was small, with about 8-10 tables, dimly lit and romantic, ideal for a date or a small group. The wait staff was attentive and friendly. Now for the food: The bread was warm, fluffy/doughy on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and overall delicious. There was olive oil on the table for dipping. The wine list was excellent; I counted 11 bottles for $20! We got the house Sangiovese, which was exceptional. For my first course, I got the house special salad with spinach, walnuts, grape tomatoes, and goat cheese. The salad was good, although it was a little heavy on the goat cheese. The dressing was light and tasty. For my main meal, I got the house special gnocchi stuffed with ricotta and spinach in a garlic cream sauce with sundried tomatoes and chicken. The gnocchi was HUGE, and actually a little too big for my liking. This dish, like the salad, was also a little heavy on the cheese. Whether it was the cheese inside the gnocchi or the cheese sauce or the combination of the two, it was too much. I am a cheese lover, the cheesiness took over the entire dish and drowned out other flavors instead of complementing them. The chicken and sundried tomatoes with the garlic cheese sauce were excellent, but not enough to make up for the heavy, oversized, and overly-cheesy gnocchi. I rarely leave food on my plate, yet I left about a quarter of my gnocchi because it was too cheesy. The portion sizes are quite large, especially for the price. Besides my dishes, I tried my girlfriend's penne with red sauce. The sauce was a little watery and not as sweet as I would prefer, yet it was still tasty. I also tried mussels in fra diavlo sauce; the mussels were excellent, the fra diavlo sauce was very good, moderately spicy, but I've had better. The other 3 people at the table loved their meals. My girlfriend got the chicken Panza; it came with some veggies in a light white sauce, which was perfect for her. Lastly I'd like to point out that all the reviews before this were from women. So guys, if you're looking for an inexpensive place to take your girl, this is the spot. But if you want delicious traditional Italian food, try Giacamo's across the street or Delfino in Roslindale, but watch-out for the lines! Cheers
(3)M T.
Had a reservation at 5pm on a Tuesday night, was empty when we got there. We were warmly greeted. We were party of 9 and everyone enjoyed the food. By 6pm the place was packed. Will come here again.
(4)Maliha W.
We were visiting from California and looked this restaurant up on yelp. We were not disappointed. The waiter was very courteous and helpful in assisting with menu choices. They had a decent wine list and yummy appetizers. I believe we tried the crispy fried greens, mussles and fried calamari from the appetizer, all good choices. I had broccoli chicken pasta, which was good as well. I would go back if i was in the area again.
(4)S C.
Read about his place here on YELP. Went here w/ my girlfriend. Our first time in Boston together. A few things ppl should know about this place: Great place for a date. Menu has plenty for EVERYONE!! If on date (2 ppl) order 2 apps and 1 entre OR 1 app and 2 entres. The point being portions are good enough to share and bring leftovers home. No coffee/dessert menu so be prepared to go elsewhere for that but there are plenty of places in neighborhood for that. Parking is the worst so find way there by rail/cab etc. My GF and I had calamari and wild mushroom and ricotta springroll We also had Spinach Ravioli and Free Range Lasagna. BOTH were GREAT!!! Try this place!! You will return!!
(4)Sarah P.
I am really surprised at all the wonderful reviews here on Yelp for this place, because my experience at Panza was sub-par. A friend and I decided to eat here on a Saturday night, without a reservation. They were able to take us quickly, which was great. The service was pretty slow though, but that was likely because there were only two servers to the entire restaurant! My friend and I split the chopped salad, which was average, as was the bread that was served. My friend had the chicken picatta for her entree, which she thought was decent, and I had linguine pescatore with a red sauce. The pescatore was quite a disappointment; there was plenty of seafood, but the sauce lacked any flavor--it actually tasted just like jarred Ragu sauce. My friend's meal was served with a side of ziti and red sauce, and she echoed that the sauce tasted like it could have been out of a jar. For me, sauce is a great indicator of how good an Italian restaurant is...and the sauce at this place was lackluster. Overall, it was a pretty poor North End experience.
(2)Effie H.
I went here on V-day with my bf. This place was jam packed....along with every other spot in the North End :) It is a tiny place about 15 tables and close quarters. The food was OKAY...I kinda dont get the Yelp hype. I wasnt very impressed. The menu selection was mostly pasta's and half seafood and half chicken/veal. They started us off with crispy italian bread and we got calamari. The calamari wasnt very fresh (rubbery) but it was okay. Entrees- got the Chicken Panza, it was good but again not great and my bf got a seafood dish that was also, meh...if the seafood was a bit fresher, I may have given it one more star. I probably wont go back here but it is worth a shot. Maybe it was an off night?
(2)Scott R.
A winner. We just wandered in here by chance. Our only criteria was north end, italian, and we didn't want to be disappointed. After we walked up and down the street a bit, we spied this place, the menu looked solid, the dining are looked inviting and unpretentious, and there were a few - but not too many - tables open. Everything we ordered was excellent. My favorite was the sauteed bitter greens appetizer (served over polenta with a balsamic sauce). But everything worked. No issues with service. And prices were very reasonable - just about all the entrees under $20, and most more like $14. Didn't try anything from the wine list, but it looked serviceable.
(4)Angela F.
I had a reservation for 4 people, and was seated almost immediately. The staff was very friendly and helpful, and our food was fantastic! I definitely recommend the butternut squash ravioli, and also the ribs (on the appetizer menu). The check was surprisingly inexpensive, and we left feeling really satisfied!
(5)Christina K.
This restaurant was outstanding. The atmosphere was intimate and charming and the wait staff were exceptional. But the food...I'm drooling now just thinking about it. Make a reservation or you'll have a hard time getting in to this tiny spot, but it is definitely worth it.
(5)Chris H.
Didn't feel like it was one of the better Italian restaurants on this street.. Looks nice and busy from the outside, but that was probably because inside they rush to get you in and out. We were still eating and the waitress wanted to put our food in a doggy bag! Its not a big place so the tables are packed in tightly together. The mains were big, so if you're hungry and don't mind sharing your space, go and eat there if you don't have the time to queue at Giacomo's.. but don't bother queuing to get in here.
(2)andrew s.
Weary to Yelp about this place only because I want to keep it a secret! This place pretty much has everything you would want in a north end place: -Great Food -Great Wine -Great Service -Hanover St. Location -More Than Reasonable Prices -Nice Atmosphere in a Small Room and best of all - they are on OpenTable - a key point to consider during Boston's colder months when waiting in long lines outside (looking at you Giacomo's!) isn't the best idea.
(5)