Alia Ristorante

Alia is a dream for diners who love to discover a neighborhood gem that foodies will also adore. The Italian/Mediterranean menu offers creative twists on familiar dishes, as well as perfectly prepared traditional favorites. Ask the owner, Said -- who is as caring, delightful and charming as they come, and his conversation is reason enough to go -- for his signature Magic Chicken. It's a robust festival of flavors, featuring chicken and eggplant Parmesan. Not sure what you'd like? Said will make you something special. He loves a challenge! The portions at Alia are generous, the prices are reasonable, and the service is personable, so bring your appetite (and a bottle of wine, for it's BYOB, but there's a liquor store a minute's walk away) and prepare for a marvelous evening.

Had a wonderful dinner with the family. This is our favorite hidden gem. The food is always cooked to order and prepared fresh. It’s a BYOB which is always a plus. There’s even a liquor store across the street! I had my favorite go to dish, Chicken Alia. Sautéed tender pieces of chicken with sautéed baby spinach, tomatoes, capers and black Kalamata olives in a white wine reduction served over saffron rice. Delicious! Bring a bottle and the owner Said (Sayeed) will pull up a chair He’s a great storyteller and very accommodating.
It’s our hidden gem. You won’t be disappointed

What a wonderful surprise, we got to meet the owner and he charmed our whole table! The food was authentic and delicious. Finding little local gems like this is always special!

Overall experience was phenomenal! Amazing food, incredible service & prices and we loved the owner! Definitely coming back!

Probably the best pasta this side of the Atlantic. I went to eat at Alia a few weeks back and realized that I had never left a review for this fantastic and unique restaurant. The truth is, it's love at first sight (or rather, love at first taste). It is a long story but I'll be as brief as possible: I live in Canada but have been to Boston three times in my life. the first time (must have been 10 years ago) I found a last minute deal on a hotel in Winthrop not knowing it was a bit outside the tourist area of Boston. I looked for a restaurant in Shirley Street and found Alia's. I have spent several months in Italy in my life and I know what good pasta must taste like (and it does not have to be in Italy, good is good). I sat down and tried what became the best pasta I have ever eaten in America. Now, whenever I think of going to Boston, my only requirement is to dine at Alia’s. This place is awesome and I highly recommend it! You won't hear traditional Italian music or be served by someone wearing Armani. However, you will have a good time in this very welcoming place, eating very good dishes prepared with love by Said! Thanks again for this wonderfull evening!

Service can't get any better! The owner personally served and customized our order to our taste. He made us feel welcome by adjusting the temperature and lighting in the restaurant. It was an absolute VIP experience. He also offered cooking off menu items for us! Food is top notch! Very fresh, warm and very sophisticated flavors / spices! Atmosphere is amazing! Quiet with dim lights! Can't imagine a better place to have a romantic dinner on a Friday night!

Delicious food, relaxed atmosphere. Owner Said was really nice and helpful guy. Great conversation and delicious food...Definetly recommended!

Best restaurant around!! Absolutely delicious food, always made fresh.
The atmosphere is great and very cozy and quaint. The seating is great and they have these super comfortable couches.
I have never had a bad dish or experience here. From appetizers to desserts, everything is very tasty!
The chef and staff and very attentive and friendly. I absolutely recommend this place for a romantic date night, night out with friends and family. Don't forget to being your own booze!

What a charming restaurant Alia is! It is a cozy spot with low lighting and has a very homey atmosphere. The owner, Said, was so welcoming. But best of all the food was magnificent. We couldn’t have hoped for a better meal. It was outstanding, from the warm rolls that came straight from the oven to our table, to the main dishes which melted in our mouth. If you are in Winthrop, don’t miss stopping here for a very reasonably priced and enjoyable meal. Just remember to BYOB. We will be back again!

I asked proprietor/chef Said to produce a Moroccan dinner of his choosing, for 25 people, which he did, of tender kabobs, succulent chicken in a lovely spiced broth, plus burgers loaded with goodies, and fresh vegetables also seasoned beautifully. We picked everything up at the restaurant piping hot. My guests couldn't get enough! Thank you so much, Said, for making our gathering an utter success! (and no clean-up!) I also must mention that Said is a delight to meet and get to know a bit. A huge thank-you!

Amazing little place that was a jewel of a find in Winthrop. Owner was the nicest gentleman who made us one of the most amazing meals I have had in ages. And the prices were phenomenal for what you got. Truly one of the worlds hidden secrets that must be shared. No one left hungry and each meal was made fresh for each individual as if you were his own family. Thank you for sharing your wonderful food with us!

Such a wonderful experience, our new favorite spot! No frills, delicious food, phenomenal service. Prices more than fair, portions HUGE. Right by the beach, and BYOB. Owner is wonderful, makes you feel right at home!

It was my birthday and my girlfriends name is Alia. It seemed like the perfect place for us to go. And it was. The owner was so gracious and welcoming and sat with us multiple times and had great conversation. Then on top of all that the food was outstanding. It’s a loving atmosphere with great food. 5 out of 5 and would recommend to anyone.

We've passed by this restaurant time and time again and decided to give it a try. At first, I was a little skeptical because the decor inside is pretty basic. Both the owner of the restaurant and server welcomed us with open arms. The owner came by our table multiple times to speak with us and made us feel as if we were friends.

The food was great and prices very reasonable. I had baked manicotti and my partner had linguine and clams. Delicious! The restaurant doesn't serve alcohol, but if you'd like to bring your own wine, they'll be happy to serve it to you. If you're visiting Boston or looking to get out of the city for a nice friendly meal, head over to Alia.

Delicious food and phenomenal service. Said(owner) and Christina(waitress) made sure that my family and I were fully satisfied and we felt at home. They went above and beyond to make sure that all of our needs were met. From filling up our waters, to ordering the food, they were on perfect timing. What’s really outstanding about their service is that when I asked “what’s really good here?” the first thing that they said was, “well, what do you like?” I know many waiters directly start talking about what their personal preference is, and never ask about what I, the customer like to eat. They are very personable and i’ll be back soon, and often.

The owner Said is one of the friendliest people you will ever meet in your life. Now let's just say the food is ridiculously amazing. The service is out of this world. The atmomosphere is lay back ,we came in late and we're not rushed at all. Without a doubt my favorite place.

I would have never known about this amazing restaurant if it wasn't for my friend. The ambience is wonderful, you could BYOB, and the food is AMAZING! I selected the magic chicken, and I never seen a piece of chicken with such ease. Everything here is cooked to order and there's no doubt about it as soon as your first bite. And last but not least, the owner Said(Sa-Yeed) what an incredible, joyful personality, and excelled in service. Very social, and made our experience a pleasure.

This is a hidden gem off the beach in Winthrop. The food is tasty with a hint of spice that is rarely found in Winthrop. I'm hoping they introduce Moroccan lamb shank one day

Quiet little place with an Italian Mediterranean flare! Italian dishes are all delicious and huge portions. Spicy Mediterranean style mussels for appetizer is a must. Try the Mediterranean chicken over saffron rice yum! It's a bring your own booze place and liquor store is steps away.

This restaurant has become our favorite date night destination. Cozy but elegant atmosphere and uncomplicated Italian cuisine with a moroccan twist. The service is always excellent and everything is always fresh.

It's BYOB with a liquor store just around the corner in case you forget to plan ahead.