Best of Boston

Italian food means many things to many people. At Riva it means a lusty love of fresh flavors, simple preparations, and family-friendly but still serious—and seriously good—dishes. Gather by the fireplaces over grilled oyster ;spiedini, or dig into gemelli with spicy sausage and broccoli rabe outside on the patio for a taste of Italy that doesn’t require a transatlantic plane ride.