On Mondays, we bring you a restaurant review from either Houston or Boston!

Another week, another visit to Boston’s North End. I’m beginning to think there’s not a bad place in the bunch.  It’s really just a matter of “great” or “f-ing spectacular”.  On the recommendation of a fellow foodie, we visited Taranta, a restaurant that describes its menu as a “marriage between Southern Italian Cuisine and Peruvian Cuisine”. What!?!  Have you ever heard of such a thing?  I haven’t…but was very intrigued.  Here’s a little added pressure to our visit…my in-laws were in town.  Taranta had to shine.

But, boy did it!  Taranta’s decor is clean, simple, and hip..you get the drift.  Like many North End spots, the restaurant is open air when temps aren’t so frigid.  Lucky us, we got a table for six right on the edge of the establishment, where restaurant meets Hanover Street passer-byers.  This gives you a true North End experience. Bonus!

Our waiter was somewhat quirky, but professional.  I was pleased with his attentiveness and knowledge of the items. The food was not rushed but did come out in a timely manner–perfect for a true dining experience.

My wife ordered the Tonno con la Bomba Peruviano-Calabrese Ortopiccante (say that three times) Out of all the dishes, this seared tuna served over braised leeks and crispy potatoes, was my favorite. Just appreciate the beauty! All the textures, from the soft tuna to the slightly crunchy leeks, were just overwhelmingly good. Given the strong execution, the $28 price tag was adequate. If you only go to Taranta once…this is the dish you should order (in my humble opinion).  You would not be disappointed!

I ordered the pork chop, also known as the Costoleta di maiale con canna di zucchero e rocoto ($34). The brined, char marked double chop, rested in a sugar cane, rocoto pepper glaze. It was served alongside yucca, Peruvian Corn, spinach and caramelized onions. The chop was just a tad dry, but everything else on the plate masked that slight imperfection. I liked the sugar cane sauce, but didn’t love it–just a bit too sweet. The giant corn (which seemed raw) was the star of the plate. It was unlike anything I’ve ever eaten. The chewy texture really brought another dimension to the dish. Was it the best pork chop I’ve ever consumed? No. But, it was the third best (behind Reef’s and Perry’s).  That’s not too shabby.

Look at that plate of Ravioli ripieni d’aragosta ($26)! I tried one bite. My goodness, this was the ocean! The lobster and crab filled ravioli (topped with shrimp) was swimming in a mascarpone cherry tomato sauce. That sweet, shellfish flavor permeated throughout the dish.

My father-in-law got the night’s special…a lamb shank cooked osso bucco style. As you would imagine, it was fall-of-the-bone tender, and tasty beyond belief. The entire dish was perfectly seasoned.

I can almost guarantee you’ve never eaten at a place like Taranta. I really, really liked it. As for my wife, it’s now her favorite Boston restaurant. After trying her tuna, I can’t blame her.

Taranta
210 Hanover Street
Boston, MA
617.720.0052