Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

A Chestnut Hill Icon on Boylston Street

Created by restaurateur Steve DiFillippo, Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse at 55 Boylston Street has earned its reputation as a Chestnut Hill institution. The concept is straightforward and confident: handmade pastas, fresh seafood, and Prime Steaks, brought together under one roof with the kind of attention to detail that the team sums up in four words — It's All About the Guest.

The space itself sets the tone. A state-of-the-art open kitchen and a large, lively bar give the room a theatrical energy without sacrificing warmth. Whether you're stopping in before a movie or settling in for a five-course occasion, the atmosphere adjusts accordingly. Gayot captured it neatly: "Handsome, lively Davio's glitters… so do its pastas and chophouse staples."

Northern Italian Craft Meets Steakhouse Substance

The kitchen at Chestnut Hill is led by Executive Chef Chris Mills, with Rodney Murillo serving as Culinary Director and Vice President across the Davio's group. The menu balances the two pillars of Northern Italian cooking and serious steakhouse fare — a combination that has drawn loyal regulars and notable admirers alike. Joe Torre, the MLB executive, once called Davio's his favorite post-game destination during his years with the Yankees.

The wine program has drawn its own recognition: Wine Spectator granted the restaurant its Award of Excellence, a fitting acknowledgment for a list designed to complement both delicate house-made pasta and a well-marbled Prime cut.

More Than Dinner

Davio's Chestnut Hill runs well beyond the dinner hour. A weekday Power Lunch offers a full appetizer and entrée with a sweet finish at an accessible price point. Monday evenings bring a pizza-decorating program for young guests. The Mercato & Butcher Shop makes Davio's provisions available for takeout any time.

For private events, the restaurant offers a range of dedicated spaces — from the intimate Wine Room for up to 20 guests to the combined Newbury/Boylston/Wine Room configuration that accommodates up to 150 for a reception. It is a genuinely versatile venue, and the service reputation that underpins it is consistent: "From the moment you walk in the service is beyond perfect," as one guest put it.