Lasumma Restaurants

I've lived in Boston all my life and have been to a many of the restaurants in the North End. All of the restaurants are great and a few stand out for certain reasons. La Summa is one of those few. I have no problem recommending it to friends and out-of-towners. The food is homemade from family recipes which is important to someone who cares about italian food. Also, many of the pasta dishes feature freshly made pasta which makes a huge difference. When visiting this restaurant you must know a few things:\r \r First, this is mostly a locals Mom & Pop type restaurant which is not on Hanover street. This means that the wait staff isn't used to demanding tourists. It's mostly family run so the waiters are spread thin and work as a team. This does not mean the service is not good, it means that you may need to 'help' your server out a little: know what you need when the waiter passes by and don't have them making several unnecessary trips, be proactive & visible about getting a table (don't just sit there and wait for someone to get you...there is no hostess), try not to complicate splitting the bill. Be patient, ask a busboy and other waiters if you need something. \r \r Second, the atmosphere is cozy, personal and no frills. It feels as if you're in someone's house. You may be closer than you prefer to another party. Some people don't like that, but my feeling is that most people from the N.E. enjoy the close and friendly proximity as it puts everyone in a good mood.\r \r Third, if you ask for the waiter's recommendations he will tell you what he likes or perhaps what the restaurant is trying to sell on that particular night. That does not mean that you will like it. Order the house specialites or anything noted with fresh pasta and you will be fine. Although at La Summa they are very good, I would not recommend the steaks or seafood. You're in an Italian restaurant...order Italian!\r \r No matter where you eat, always stroll to Cafe Vittoria for dessert! Pros: Best food in the North End Cons: Be flexible with your expectations of service. more

La Summa was awesome! from the Arancani appetizer -- light, yet rich, to the pappardelle e melanzane -- fresh mouth-watering pasta in a beautiful sauce with eggplant, to the well--rounded wine list, everything was excellent.... as for the service -- wait staff was friendly, informative, and there whenever we needed them. i grew up in NY and lived in San Francisco, and this small, cozy place ranks right up there!!! Pros: food excellent.. more

We had friends from abroad over and we went to this restaurant because it was recommended by many internet sites and by the concierge at their hotel. We had reservations so the seating was not a problem.\r \r The appetizers were up to par with our expectations except for the stuffed artichoke which was way too greasy. The stuffed mushrooms however were delicious.\r \r And so was the bruschetta for two - 6 large pieces. The aroncini dish was OK but nothing to rave about.\r \r The entrees were not as tasty as we had expected however. The pappardelle e melanzane was OK and the gnocchi were relatively tasteless (I have had great gnocci at other places in Boston). The other two people ordered swordfish and steak about which there were neither complaints nor rave reviews from our table.\r \r We were however very unhappy with the service. While the owner herself comes and serves some of the dishes, the regular weightstaff was arrogant and careless about their job. We had to stop the waiter 3 times to learn the specials (we were particularly interested in the risotto). \r \r What was our surprise however when at the end of the evening we got our bill and found out that because we were a party of five, our tip was already calculated in at 20%. Nowhere did it say on the menu that that would be the case and the normal procedure is that the tip is calculated in only if the parties over 6 people. When we asked, the waiter said that it was only 18% rounded up when it was exactly 20% when we calculated it. Not only that but the tip was calculates after the tax was already included. So overall, we had a pretty large bill and they swindled about $15 out of us. We didn't argue because we were too tired but we are never going back and telling all our friends about this highly unethical behavior.\r \r I am not sure how other cities compare but I have never had to deal with such arrogant and unethical waitstaff in Boston or Cambridge.\r Pros: a few good appetizers Cons: bad service (watch your bill), arrogant waiters more

This is a north end disaster. Terrible customer service. With our names on a list and no place to wait- we waited outside of the tiny place for our turn. We were right outside of the door- and the only people waiting there.No one let us know we could have come in to eat. When we checked inside- there were plenty of empty tables and other guests had been seated since our arrival. Our table was moved after we were seated to make another important guest more happy. It took forever for our order to be taken and the food was SO BLAND- it had not taste at all! Not only that- but incredibly rude staff - I could not believe the way we were treated.. and this is something you pay for.\r Pros: none- much better places in the north end Cons: service, taste, rude staff more

Contrary to other reviews, we found the service and the foodl to be excellent. Our party of four was quickly seated (reservations recommended) and we were amicably greeted by our server. Menu, wine list, water and bread were promptly served. We found the menum to include a wide variety of expected Italian items.... At the suggestion of our server, we selected a variety of first course items to share.. Special salad, stuffed artichoke and stuffed peppers in a tomato/cheese sause. All were great. For entrees we were 'all over the menu'.. Pasta, Chicken, Fish and Porkt... The service all night was excellent. Water glasses were continuously filled, plates cleared in a timely fashion. WE ARE DEFINITELY COMING BACK... , The prices were very reasonable and the portions were generous.. more

We've been going to La Summa for years. The food has always been pretty good, but the service has always been very sketchy, and it's getting worse -- we've finally given up. \r \r There are many good restaurants close by that have good food ""and"" treat their customers in a friendly manner. more

I made a reservation for dinner for 18 people the restaurant was very accomodating. Unlike other times I've had dinner with a large group, service didn't seem to suffer. Everyone commented on how great a pick the restaurant was. more

The food was excellent but our experience was tainted by the crudest waitress (mid-20's, dirty blond, relative of the owner). At the beginning of the night, she agreed to split the check two ways for our party of 8. But when the bill came, it had not been done. So instead we wrote the amounts to be put on several credit cards onto the back of the bill. She came back and instead had split the bill evenly among the cards. When we told her about the correct amounts, instead of a simple ?sorry? she snapped back with: ?Well no one told me, how I was supposed to know?? While signing her check, our frustrated friend replied, ?It?s not like it matters to you since you?ve already gotten your tip.? The waitress furiously exclaimed, ?Look, your service was fine and no one told me.? What service? She only refilled our water at the beginning of the evening and nothing more. She went on for a few more minutes as we stared in disbelief and another one of my colleagues had to stop her. The waitress walked away with one final remark to our frustrated friend: ?Yeah, you?ll go far.? Excuse me?? After most of our party left, the middle-aged hostess, possibly part owner of the establishment, came over and explained with, ?I'm sorry, but you have to understand... we're just trying to do our best."" Then hire competent individuals who don't threaten their customers with ""not going far"" in life. Pros: Great food Cons: Worst customer service experience I've ever received more

La Summa is the best restuarant in all of the North End and I have visited many of them over the years! A warm, family owned place with fantastic food and mostly locals at every table thanks to its location a block off Hannover. The home made ravioli is fantastic, the fettucine alfredo is outstanding, and the Veal Special is out of this world. Every time I visit Boston I drop in and have never had anything but a wonderful experience. Barbara is the owner and several of her family work with her making this a very special place. Pros: Great food, warm family atmosphere Cons: A little hard to find a block off the main street more

This place has many postive reviews, but cannot resist adding one more. I've been coming here for the past four years and the experience is consistently good. As a North End resident it is perhaps my favorite Italian place to go for a cozy dinner. It is small so may not be the best for large groups without a reservation. \r \r Very good and reasonable menu, though I almost always get the homemade Fettucini Alfredo, my favorite and recommended!! Pros: Food, Atmosphere, Price Cons: Just reserve for groups more

Let's face it. It would be difficult to find a really bad restaurant in the North End. When I go to La Summa, it's the ""extras"" that bring me back. \r This family owned restaurant is really family. Barbara Summa is the best. She knows how to make her guests feel welcome. I have seen one of her daughters-in law take the meal order for a group of ten without ever writing a word. David adds class to the already superb and understated enviornment.\r Do not enter this restaurant unless you are hungry! The portions are generous and the price is very fair. (Try the ""Specialty of the House).\r Take a taxi. Parking is always difficult in the North End although you can usually get a spot at one of th ewaterfront parking lots. From there it is a two minute walk to Fleet Street.\r Pros: family run business, great portions served by a great staff more

The waitress didn't know how to smile...bad start. The appetizer (ARANCINI) was really average. A rice ball but quite tasteless. The pasta (Calamari ripieri) was OK, but not something I will remember for the rest of my life. The wine was corked and they didn't even notice this. Prices are normal. The restaurant is nice and quiet. I will not go back to this place. Pros: NICE DECOR Cons: FOOD AVERAGE, WAITRESS UNFRIENDLY more

A better than red sauce place just enough off the beaten track to avoid the heavy North End crowds. Service is a little choppy in terms of food and wine knowledge, but generally friendly and well-paced. Highly recommended are the salads, pastas and ""the special"", which has just about everything you can imagine in it from pork to chicken to shrimp to pepporoncinis. Ingredients look and taste fresh. Prices are very reasonable for the city and portions are large. Inside, the restaurant is cozy and romantic without being cramped. Pros: Food, Reasonable prices more

A few months ago I was introduced to La Summa, and now I am introducing it to others! It's a fabulous North End restaurant, with great service and amazing food. We were seated and served quickly. The wine and dinner selections are great for everyone. The fare is average for the North End. If you're looking for a great dinner and willing to spend the money, I highly recommend this restaurant! Pros: Caesar Salad, Alfredo Sauce Amazing, Cozy Atmosphere Cons: Small Dining Room more

Until I retired 3 years ago and moved to Florida, I was a regular patron at La Summa. Each time I return home I make it a point to be at Barbara Summa's outstanding trattoria. Next week, I return home again and am bringing a party of 8 people to this fabululous restaraunt. This is the BEST place in the entire city of Boston for veal. Enjoy the atmosphere, enjoy the food and enjoy the wonderful people who work in and run this fabulous North End jewel. Pros: Antipasto, reasonable wine list, best veal, anywhere more

My friends and I were attending a convention in the city and La Summa was highly recommended. With a quick phone call they were able to accomodate our party of 12 within a hour and a half. The restaraunt is quaint with that great North End Boston/Hanover Street atmosphere. HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT and then walk Hanover Street with its italian pastry shops. Just a short cab ride from Prudential Center. Pros: Food, Atmospher more

La Summa demonstrates that the North End's best often lies off the beaten path. The restaurant prepares my favorite red sauce in Boston, and all of the food is delicious. You must leave room for desert (the canollis). La Summa also sports an adequate wine list. The service was excellent, and Barbara Summa herself thanked us for our patience after waiting 45 minutes for a table. Throw in one of the best values in the city (salad, entrees, desert and a bottle of wine for two for less than $90), and you've got a can't miss restaurant. Don't forget reservations, as you'll be waiting at least 30 minutes if you arrive without one. Pros: Tomato Sauce, Value, Food Cons: , Tables close together, Noisy more

A group of 8 of us visited La Summa recently. While there was the expected long wait to accommodate a party of our size, it was well worth it. The portions size was perfect and food was very good. Good value overall, particularly for the North End. Pros: Food, Value more

Two appitizers, great main courses, fantastic dessert and two bottle of wine: all for less than $100. It doesn't get much better than that. I plan to go back there at least once a month. more

I've brought many friends to La Summa and no one has ever come away disappointed. The pasta is always made fresh that day, the waitstaff was always willing to accomodate any special needs, and the daily specials are always top notch. One of the times I was there Barbara Summa brought a homeless woman into the kitchen for a free meal. What more can you ask for, great food and a social conscience! Pros: great portions, tempting specials Cons: no parking more