Warm Your Soul with Authentic Italian Comfort Food

Nothing is more comforting than enjoying a hot Italian meal in the warm surroundings of a friendly, family restaurant. There is something very special about walking into a place where the fresh aromas of garlic and perfectly cooked sauces welcome you with the same hospitality offered by the people that run it. That is exactly what you can expect from Bacci’s Restaurant of Stoneham.

As you step through the entrance door of the restaurant you immediately take in the sociable atmosphere enhanced by the earthy tones of the décor, and the dark, richly colored, upholstered booths and chairs. The palette, however, is tastefully contrasted by the sleek, metropolitan-style bar area that sports a full array of domestic and imported liquors, beers and cordials, along with fine wines by the bottle or glass.

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Be sure to try the Gilly’s Famous Ravioli ($8), sautéed in a sauce of velvety butter and white wine with fresh scallions and tomatoes, topped with fresh grated Romano cheese. All these flavors meld together beautifully, and though offered as an appetizer, this dish makes for a perfect meal as well.

The menu is full of all your Italian favorites but there is one item in particular that brings home the familiar taste of soulful comfort especially well. Eggplant Parmigiana ($11), with just the right amount of outer crispiness, topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese and served over pasta, simply melts away any chill or feelings of deficiency you might have after a long, hard day at work. An order or two of Joey's Garlic Bread ($4), toasted to perfection, then topped with a butter garlic sauce, sliced tomatoes, and melted mozzarella will surely make your evening a night to remember. Mangia!

■ Where: 316 Main St. | 781-438-9200

■ Price range (entrees): $10-$21

■ Noise Level: Sociably noisy as any neighborhood restaurant would be, but not overwhelmingly loud.

■ Kid-friendly rating: 4. This is a great place to take your whole family (what child doesn’t like pasta?).

■ Romance rating: 2. A nice place to have a great meal with someone you love. But, remember, it’s a local eatery, and your bound to have friends stopping by your table – or the one next to you - to say hello.

Ratings go from 1 (lowest) to 5 (best).

For more information, visit the restaurant's website.