Standard Italian’s Porchetta Makes for a Perpetually Satisfying Italian Dinner
Standard Italian opened its doors just shy of a year ago as the third Fenway restaurant by the long-loved Eastern Standard team. Though Boston has no shortage of Italian spots, the house-made breads and pastas and the many stuzzichini and antipasti offerings at the elevated bistro quickly won the neighborhood over.
What to order
- The grilled mortadella skewer ($7) is a delectable bite that works well as one of several appetizers for dinner or a post-martini snack. The rich mortadella is topped with pistachio and chopped olives for a salty, fatty crunch.
- The porchetta ($36) has graced the menu since the restaurant opened, and probably always will. The tender roasted pork loin and belly are served over fingerling potatoes with a drizzle of pork jus for a perpetually satisfying dinner.
- Fall and winter flavors are coming through with this butternut squash tortelloni ($34) flavored with brown butter, balsamic, and sage.
Make a night of it
If you’re up for a nightcap even after one of Standard Italian’s martinis with sidecars, head to Fool’s Errand, Tiffani Faison’s tiny cocktail and snack bar on Boylston Street. Recently reopened with a new menu, it offers some dynamic pairings, or you can select the Choose Your Own Adventure option on the menu and get a custom drink made for your preferences.
Insider tip
Every Sunday is chicken Parm night at Standard Italian. The weekly special ($48 for two people) includes a hefty portion of crispy chicken Parm in a house sauce, Parmesan and garlic bread, a bowl of house spaghetti, and a little gem side salad.
