We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Carlo's Cucina Italiana

131 Brighton Ave, Boston, MA 02134-2802 (Allston/Brighton)
617-254-9759
Website
Menu
Update restaurant details
Ranked #39 of 2,649 restaurants in Boston
Price range: 22 AUD - 31 AUD
Cuisines: Italian
More restaurant details
Restaurant details
Good for: Outdoor seating
Dining options: Reservations
Neighbourhood: Allston/Brighton
Write a Review

69 reviews from our community

91% Recommend
    52
    11
    3
    1
    2
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
NYC
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
4 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 May 2013

Carlos's has great traditional Italian food. Reservations are only taken for parties of 6 or more or on holidays. Reasonable prices, big portions. You will probably have to wait for a table on the weekends, but it's worth it. Also, be prepared to search for a parking spot. All in all a great spot for a delicious meal.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by citygal8 for Boston
Boston, Massachusetts
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 May 2013

Best Italian food I've had in awhile... and the staff is super friendly and engaging. The food is amazing and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by Jiiimmmena for Boston
Boston, Massachusetts
1 review
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 March 2013

Don't be fooled by the glowing reviews on this site! My wife and I went there at 6:30pm on a Thursday night. It already seemed strange that most of the tables were empty, whereas the other highly-reviewed Italian restaurants had people waiting when we called to ask. Anyway, I had a veal dish with a shrimp topping, and the veal... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Boston, Massachusetts
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 March 2013

Visiting friends wanted Italian food. I really wanted to avoid the North End. It's expensive and there is often better Italian food elsewhere, like at Carlo's! A lot of variety on the menu--I had a wonderful eggplant parm. Our waiter was very funny and helpful and, more importantly, provided excellent service. Yes, it's small and crowded, thus noisy, but out... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
brighton, ma
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
6 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 March 2013

The food is great and the staff is terrific. Carlo and/ or his wife, Irene, are normally there and fully involved in the happenings. Delicious, fresh bruschetta and all manner of dishes. Great veg. dish is the homemade cheese ravioli with pomodoro sauce. Fish is always fresh. Go.

Was this review helpful? Yes
Boston, Massachusetts
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
15 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 March 2013

Because I live nearby, I seldom eat in the dining room but Carlo's is the first choice for large family gatherings when I don't cook and bring in food. Actually, my family would prefer that we always have Carlo's food rather than mine. A sheet of lasagna, veal or chick parm are always a hit. My orders have alwasy been... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 9 more reviews by karen S for Boston
Boston, Massachusetts
Senior Contributor
43 reviews 43 reviews
20 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
19 helpful votes 19 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 January 2013

Situated on a block of many ethnic restaurants in Allston, Ma., Carlo's is a small, very popular restaurant with a delicious menu. Late in the evening, you will find a long line but it is worth the wait. From the Antipasto to the pasta to the Entrees there are few things on the menu you will not want to try.... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 12 more reviews by JJMAYNARD for Boston
boston
Senior Contributor
36 reviews 36 reviews
19 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
59 helpful votes 59 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 January 2013

I was pleasantly surprised by this cozy Italian bistro in an unlikely place. I would have never found this spot if it were not chosen by a friend who dines there often. The food at Carlos is excellent, the service was friendly and efficient and we left very full. I recommend the eggplant appetizer, the fresh antipasto and the chicken... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by lina for Boston
Boston, Massachusetts
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 January 2013

Three girlfriends and I shared a wonderful girls' night out at Carlo's last night. Our waiter, Gaetano, greeted us with his warm Sicilian salutations and that set the tone for the evening. After a delicious meal and a round (or two) of lemoncello, we were sad to leave our little Italian oasis. It was as if we had taken a... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
Boston, Massachusetts
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 December 2012

My husband grew up in Naples and is extremely particular about his Italian food. Carlo's is the one and only Italian restaurant that he will go to. We have directed numerous people to Carlo's and everyone has been thrilled with the food, the atmosphere, the service. Bon appetito!

Was this review helpful? Yes

Travellers who viewed Carlo's Cucina Italiana also viewed

 

Been to Carlo's Cucina Italiana? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Carlo's Cucina Italiana, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing