Rabia's Dolce Fumo

Specializing in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine Rabia's is a North End go-to located on bustling Salem Street. Divided into two rooms, the first is intimate and enchanting, where a lush vine canopy envelops the cavernous space and strands of white lights twinkle throughout. 

A polished mahogany raw bar backed by exposed white brick is situated in the second room, where dark orange walls climb with strange tree like structures. Interesting artifacts such as a heavy antler chandelier looks more like it belongs in a ski lodge. The two separate dining spaces don't seem to mesh accordingly. (Edited to note - this dining room has since been re-decorated.) 

Despite the second dining room meets raw bar being in need of an update, Rabia's excels in the kitchen putting out fresh pasta courses and stunning seafood plates. They offer a plethora of classic Italian appetizers in addition to numerous daily specials. Wines by the glass and bottle are mostly classic Italian.
Starting with a salad off the specials menu, a warm spinach base is piled with beets, roasted red peppers, portabello mushrooms, prosciutto and a heaping portion of goat cheese with a balsamic dressing. Blissful bites are yours to attune, the sweetness lent from the beets and the creamy goat cheese contrasted nicely with the saltiness of the prosciutto and the sharp and tangy mushrooms and red peppers. 
Homemade pastas delight and at reasonable price points, starting with a fall favorite the Butternut Squash and Pumpkin Ravioli ($18) bathing in a creamy Gorgonzola sauce drizzled in a balsamic reduction glaze.
This dish was savory with hints of sweetness and most importantly lots of comforting fall flavors. The handmade hexagon shaped ravioli was cooked perfectly and added a tasteful element to the presentation. Pesce dishes are also a hit - Risotto alla Pescatore ($24) boasts shrimps, scallops, clams, calamari, and mussels sautéed with shallots in a garlic white wine sauce and served over creamy risotto.Here is my Mom and I at an early dinner. Cheers!And here's the ladies and I on a separate occasion. Everyone loved their meals. 
My entree this time was chosen off the specials menu and consisted of Chicken Medallions and Potato Ravioli in a Gorgonzola cream sauce with roasted butternut squash and figs. They have clearly got me hooked on that Gorgonzola cream sauce. The piping hot butternut squash and figs added sweet flavors to the dish which left me full and satisfied. 

And behold another fantastic seafood choice, the Frutti de Mare al forno ($27) with lobster, shrimp, scallops and squid in a light lemony cream sauce. 

The warm, friendly and accommodating waitstaff never linger too long but were always close by, keeping the wine glasses full and the bread and fresh grated Parmesan cheese in abundance. I often recommend Rabia's for consistently good food and service at an affordable price point. With an inventive pesce menu and pastas handmade fresh daily; the food is comforting and the dishes are well executed. The intimate setting would be ideal for a date or a night with the ladies!

Rabia's Dolce Fumo

73 Salem Street

Boston, MA 02113