That's amore! Boston's culinary scene is heavily influenced by Italian cuisine. If you're craving a hearty plate of spaghetti and meatballs (and not the store-bought kind), finding a special spot in the city isn't difficult, but it takes a little digging. So put down the jar of Ragu, and let this Top 4 list be your guide to experiencing a true Italian dinner without leaving Boston.

1. Find the most sophisticated Italian restaurant in town, and cross it off your list.

Many people equate authentic cuisine with exotic ingredients and upscale dining. Quaint, family-run operations are truly the best places to experience real home-style cooking. Italian culture is deeply rooted in family traditions; recipes are passed down from generation to generation. Although the fancier fare may be alluring, nothing beats Grandma Bianco's old-fashioned Alfredo.

2. If you want Chianti, don't settle for the California kind.

For many people, an Italian meal isn't complete without red wine. Just like chewing traditional ingredients is a necessity, sipping Vino made from grapes grown in Italy is crucial. New and exciting wines are always on the market, and the Italian peninsula produces varieties unique to each of its 21 regions. To make sure you're hitting up an authentic cafe, check out the wine list: If they don't offer wine by the region, it's not doing Italy any justice.

3. Avoid restaurants that serve Italian soda.

...and Italian dressing, for that matter. Putting 'Italian' in front of 'soda' doesn't make it a traditional beverage. Contrary to popular belief, there's nothing remotely Italian about this American-born concoction. Made with carbonated water, simple syrup and cream, these sodas are scoffed by most full-blooded Italians. Natives prefer the original bubbly beverage chinotto -- a non-alcoholic drink made from the juice of a native Italian citrus fruit called myrtifolia. Gelato, however, is another story. Although this sweet after-dinner treat is butchered by many American chain ice cream shops, it is, in fact, a true Italian tradition. On the upside, it tends to be less fastening than regular ice cream because it contains less butterfat. So you can save those calories for the bruschetta.

4. Learn to love al dente.

If you want soft, tender noodles, look for it in a box of Kraft Mac & Cheese. Al dente is the culinary method that describes foods cooked to be tender and firm, but never hard. Although this is the traditional way Italians cook pasta, look out for undercooked noodles. If it sticks to your teeth it means the pasta is undercooked. The perfect amount of heat and boiling time is what makes al dente remarkable, and a specialty of Italian cuisine.

Boston's Got It Covered

An eclectic mix of restaurants dazzle the streets of Boston, so a night out on the town is more like a cultural experience. With these tips, you'll be armed with the knowledge to decipher between imitation Italian and classic cuisine.

This article is presented by Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Boston. Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Boston offers culinary arts and patisserie and baking training programs in Boston, Massachusetts. To learn more about the class offerings, please visit Chefs.edu/Boston for more information.

Le Cordon Bleu does not guarantee employment or salary. All trademarks are property of their respective owners. Le Cordon Bleu ® and the Le Cordon Bleu logo are registered trademarks of Career Education Corporation.

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