What a cozy little spot! Parla is TINY y'all - like 10ish tables tiny. There's a bar in the back with some additional seating, but it sounds like you definitely want to make a reservation if you're not going in shortly after open on a Tuesday. When you walk in, you should definitely wait for a host to seat you. They have limited staff so there's not anyone standing at the entrance and there's not a sign but please, learn from my awkwardness and hold your horses. The staff was so pleasant and told us up front that there was a reservation at a certain time for our table and we knew we were going to have a beverage and a snack and scoot so it worked for us. What you've heard about the espresso martini is 100% true. It's DELICIOUS. I cannot say whether it's the best in Boston, but it's good and not too sweet which is what I love! We also tried the calamari which were cooked well but I thought needed a bit more seasoning. Luckily, the red sauce that comes with the calamari is lights out so we just drenched it in that! All in all, this is a delightful spot for a few cocktails with friends or your boo, would definitely recommend.

Had dinner here before a Celtics game and the atmosphere and food were great. The cocktails were fun and unique and the drink menu is extensive. They have an option for roll a die to get a surprise drink which I loved. The chicken parm and carbonara were both solid, probably 4/5 for both but the cocktails bring this place up to a 5.

Absolutely pay Parla a visit! It's quickly become one of my favorite spots in the city. Try out the dice roll drinks, they make it a fun game and forces you to come back. I would a reservation if you want food or enough time to sit, though we showed up at 6 on a weds night and had an hour before the reservations showed up. Staff is very friendly. May or may not give out surprise shots on the house ;) atmosphere is super cozy and intimate as there aren't many tables and decor is warm.

What a fantastic spot for cocktails and dinner or small bites! Brought a friend from out of town here for some apps and cocktails, and we thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Small, almost speakeasy-type vibe (MAKE RESERVATIONS FOR DINNER!!!) with attentive service and a wide variety of cocktail options. You can choose your own adventure, be completely surprised, or order something right off the menu. The burratta and meatballs were great, and I'd recommend to anyone! Great spot, but don't expect to be able to walk in without a bit of a wait!

Parla is bar and restaurant. A full display of liquors and several wines and a few beers. The highlight here is definitely the bar. But if you're also looking for food, Parla has a limited menu of Italian offerings. This is, after all, the North End. On a warm afternoon, well before the dinner rush, I stopped here with suitcase and backpack. A few folks were sitting at the tables by the open windows and I was seated at a table along the wall. Menu perused and I placed my order. A moment later, my beer was delivered with a frosty mug. And ten minutes after ordering, my chicken parm arrived. A nice portion in a tasty sauce on top of pappardelle noodles. Lots of cheese melted over the top. Parla is not too fancy and it's not too laid back. It's a nice but very small place where perhaps you will stop for a drink while waiting for your reservation elsewhere. Or like me, you'll have dinner here too and enjoy it. [Review 2004 of 2024 - 1235 in Massachusetts - 23026 overall]

This place is so fun and DELICIOUS! Do not pass up this tiny little gem at the North End or you will be sad. Hubs wanted good cocktails and I wanted Italian food. After some searching, this popped up on his radar. We made a reservation at the recommendation of many reviews and boy were we glad we did! Why? Read on to for the details - This place is small, probably seats about 30, maybe 35 (?), so it's an intimate setting. The other diners were all polite and friendly! The staff were fantastic! We checked in right away and guests were leaving so we had a table right at our reservation time. Guests don't linger because it's the right thing to do in the small place like this. There's so much to say about this place! First off - if you don't know what you want to drink, you can take the Dungeon Master Challenge. You get the cup & roll your dice for a number. The number matches with a secret drink that bartender will make for you. The challenge is that you're putting your hands in the bartender and you'll drink whatever number you'll get. No returns, no refunds and no requests. Hubs took 3 challenges and enjoyed each one! I ordered Shrub mocktails - choosing Pineapple & Hibiscus for my first (YUM) and Raspberry & Basil for my second (Soooo good!) We started with the seared octopus and the fried brussels sprouts. The seared octopus was AH-MAY- ZING! Seriously, so freaking good I want some right now but I'm already back home in IL (booohooo). The fried brussels sprouts were cooked to perfection, crispy and tender. Hubs ordered the lobster ravioli as his main and I chose the spaghetti carbonara! Neither skimped on the proteins or the sauce. Both were delicious and luxurious tasting! I honestly don't think there's a bad dish here. Don't expect a big extensive menu and expect the food to be extremely well prepared! We were so full we didn't have dessert but they had cinnamon sugar beignets and lil' baby cannolis on their menu which both sounded good! The service was truly incredible. Our server was so friendly and she was extremely knowledgeable. She told us what was in each drink challenge after hubs started it. Nope you don't get to know what they are and what's in it until you've had it, but that's what adds to the fun and charm of Parla. This place is on our MUST dine list when we return to Boston. It's a must for the vibe, the service, the food and the drinks!

My friend and I accidentally stumbled on Parla in the North End on our travels. What an absolute gem. We only intended to stay for one round of drinks not realizing this is the spot where you can role the dice for a mystery cocktail. I got the Moscow Mule with pineapple (you can also get hibiscus instead of pineapple). Adding pineapple is an absolute game changer and I only want pineapple moscow mules going forward. We rolled the dice for two rounds after we realized where we were. I won't say what we got because I don't want to spoil it for others, but we had some crazy tasting cocktails. This was one of the most fun drinking experiences I've ever had. The staff is also very friendly and very allergy aware! If you have lots of allergies like me, the servers will alter the mystery drinks for you! The ambiance was very cool. Each table comes with a menu/notebook for customers to sign. It is also a ten minute walk to Haymarket station, and you'll pass the infamous cop slide if you walk that way!

The vibe. The drinks. The food. Wow. Wow. Wow. So glad i found this spot. Very speakeasy vibe in here. The menu has tons of drawings from people that have been here. The cocktails a twist. It's odd yet so fun. Roll the dice and your drink can be chosen for you. The servers were on top of it, not missing a blink! Very prohibition , lots of secrets hidden in this gem!

The Good: Parla was close to the federal building I was working in, it provides a convenient after work gathering spot. Although it is a small location it fit a party of 12 comfortably. We were promptly seated and given menus. The menus are quite unique to say the least... they have great options for apps meals and drinks. We selected this location because many of us dont drink alcohol and they have a great selection of mocktails. The Beignets were nicely paired with syrup and cream. The beef meatballs were paired nicely with fresh bread and marinara. Overall it was reasonably priced. Clean too. The Bad: nothing much to say bad except once we finished and paid the 21% tip, they kicked us out abruptly and rudely. Rolled eyes and all. For that reason I wouldn't go back.

Somehow, every time I've come here we've been able to be seated immediately even though it's packed with people! Parla is a great place to take people; the ambiance and atmosphere speaks for itself. I took my mom and her friends here to roll the die and get surprise drinks: they loved it. We also ordered the cinnamon sugar beignets and they were so fresh and delicious! Every time I visit Boston, I make it a point to stop at Parla. The game is fun, the drinks are reasonably priced, and it's a unique place to hangout!