-- Boston's Hidden Restaurants --

Mezzo Mare

265 Nantasket Avenue, Hull, MA 02045
(781) 925-0584 Find location!

Photo of Mezzo Mare, Hull, MA Picture an intimate Italian bistro in an old sea shack, complete with a stone fireplace, two weathered old rooms, and Northern Italian entrees that are fresh, satisfying, and reasonable. Now try to picture walking into such a place on a Saturday night without reservations. Impossible to picture? Believe it or not, there is a cozy little Italian restaurant in Hull that fits this description. It is called Mezzo Mare, and it may be the most well-hidden dining spot on Boston's Hidden Restaurants.

The seaside town of Hull, MA has quite a history; it more or less went from a bustling resort in the early twentieth century to a near ghost town in recent days. However, many people don't realize that Hull is making an impressive comeback, with an oceanfront hotel, a smattering of new businesses, and a booming real estate market. Interesting restaurants are opening up along the main strip, yet they are mostly unknown. Mezzo Mare is one of these, which is too bad, since it really is a special dining spot. It resides in an area of town that is easy to overlook. Once inside, though, it is easy to fall in love with this charming place.

The food at Mezzo Mare is on par with some of the better Italian restaurants in the North End of Boston, but with more reasonable prices. Some standouts here include the gorgonzola ravioli with chicken as well as any of the steak or veal dishes offered on the menu. The specialties are outstanding, too. Because the food is of the Northern Italian variety, don't expect an abundance of pasta here, but there is enough to satisfy those who want no part of the Atkins diet. Desserts look good, but it is nearly impossible to leave room for them.

If you don't want to fight the Providence or Boston restaurant crowds on a Saturday night, yet want some outstanding Italian food, you might want to head down to Hull and check out Mezzo Mare. It is an ideal place to come on a warm summer night when the sea salt is in the air and the breezes are coming off the water. It is places like this that help make the Massachusetts coast such an appealing area.