-- Boston's Hidden Restaurants --

Lil Vinny's Ristorante

525 Medford Street, Somerville, MA 02145
(617) 628-8466 Find location!

Photo of Lil Vinnys Ristorante, Somerville, MA The close-knit, working-class Somerville of old may be rapidly disappearing, but Magoun Square, home to Lil Vinny's Ristorante, has thus far resisted change. Perhaps this is why the square itself is a bit of a hidden gem. This densely-packed neighborhood just minutes from Boston has some great bars and restaurants, but it does not seem to be on anyone's radar. In a way, this is fine with me; indeed, it pains me to let people know about Lil Vinny's, but it is too good to keep this Somerville Italian restaurant a secret anymore.

The white storefront of Lil Vinny's may be rather plain, but once inside, it has the intimate atmosphere of a classic old-time Italian restaurant. Lil Vinny's is owned by the same family that runs the fabulously quirky Vinny's at Night in East Somerville (a great dining spot located in the back of a convenience store!), and has the same high quality food. You really can't go wrong with any dish here; the chicken pomodoro, ziti and meatballs, spinach ravioli, and veal parmigiana are all top notch. And if you want a bit more atmosphere with your food, eat at the bar; you'll get to know the friendly staff at Lil Vinny's in no time.

It is a shame that old fashioned red sauce joints like Lil Vinny's are too often being replaced by more upscale Northern Italian bistros that serve less pasta and more seafood. While Northern Italian food is delicious in itself, it is often too pricey and complex for people who just want a simple Italian meal in a homey setting. That is one reason why Lil Vinny's is so special, as it bucked this trend when it opened a few years ago. Here's hoping if Somerville's Magoun Square ever becomes gentrified, that Lil Vinny's remains a holdout and continues to serve outstanding meals at reasonable prices. It is one Italian restaurant that could really fill a big need in Somerville and the surrounding towns.