New England's Best: NE’s Best Italian Restaurant

You don't have to be under the Tuscan sun to sink your teeth into great Italian food. You voted, we counted and then hit the road in search of New England's Best Italian restaurant.

Our third place spot takes us to Marlborough and "Joseph's on Main".

The restaurant opened five years ago with a few simple favorites like pizza but that soon things changed.

Laura Palmer, Joseph's on Main
"Then people started requesting more so we started added more."

Busy to satisfy the popular palate, they created a cuisine that gives you a bit of family pride in every bite.

Laura Palmer, Joseph's on Main
"My husband is Italian. He grew up on Italian peasant foods so that's the base of our menu."

Don't worry these peasants knew how to eat right...

Laura Palmer, Joseph's on Main
"Peasant food is what the families actually make not what you find in Italian restaurants."

And real home cooking is what they're about...

Laura Palmer, Joseph's on Main
"It's kind of like looking in your own refrigerator. You open the door and look in there. It’s the things I've been eating for years."

Mama Mia--now that's Italian.

Our second place spot-- takes us to "Maggiano's Little Italy" in the heart of downtown Boston...

Chris Jaeger, Maggiano's Little Italy
"Everything here is fresh."

This Chicago-based hot spot offers traditional Italian cuisine with a fun filled atmosphere.

Chris Jaeger, Maggiano's Little Italy
"But we also do steaks and seafood that people don't maybe equate with an Italian restaurant."

Make sure you bring your appetite because they serve up the portions family style.

Chris Jaeger, Maggiano's Little Italy
"There's a lot of food, a lot of variety."

But to beat the crowd - call ahead

Chris Jaeger, Maggiano's Little Italy
"Especially on the weekends."

Our first place spot takes us west to Waltham and to Ristorante Marcellino.

Sal Torcasio, Ristorante Marcellino
"I like the food, I like to cook."

Owner and Italian native Sal Torcasio decided to open his doors to serve up his family favorites.

Sal Torcasio, Ristorante Marcellino
"I bring my mother recipes. I bring my grandmother’s. Where they make it in Italy…where I saw them make it with hands."

Their southern Italian cuisine is prepared with only the most authentic ingredients and promise to serve up hearty helpings. If you can't decide on what to order, one thing everyone agrees on is the bread!!

Sal Torcasio, Ristorante Marcellino
"Everybody likes the bread."

And their secret weapon for flavor?

Sal Torcasio, Ristorante Marcellino
"Everything is finished cooking in the brick oven it’s so special. People walk away happy."

Grazie!

So if you are looking for a great pizza, pasta, prosciutto or parmesan try one of New England's best.

For more information:

Ristorante Marcellino
11 Cooper Street
Waltham, MA
http://www.marcellinorist.com
1-781-647-5458

Maggiano's Little Italy
4 Columbus Ave
Boston, MA 02116
617-542-3425

Joseph's on Main
128 Main Street
Malborough MA
http://www.josephsonmain.com
508-485-8888