jme
TUG Member
- Joined
- Jul 12, 2005
- Messages
- 4,960
- Reaction score
- 3,488
- Location
- Southeast,TUG since '98
- Resorts Owned
- Marriotts:
Grande Ocean x 6
Barony x 2
OceanWatch x 1
Manor Club x 1
.
Waterside/Spin 3BR x 2
Sheraton Bdw/Vistana x2
ChurchSt/Charleston x2
Boston Restaurants:
All of those listed are personal favorites…the first two ** are special. This list and the accompanying descriptions are all my personal opinion.
Reservations are a MUST for any place here that takes reservations, at least 2-3 weeks in advance to be safe.
Opentable or Resy might make it easier, sometimes a call is necessary.
[A quick note about Boston’s North End restaurants: All the restaurants are quite busy at all times, and you need to know
how things are because of that. You may encounter a server or a staff member “with an attitude” on occasion (or even often),
but my advice is to “Let it go!”.
You are dining in either very crowded spaces (if post-Covid19 norms have returned, or in very limited, spaced-table arrangements
if Covid19 protocols are still in place). Remember that the kitchen is hot, the food takes a lot of attention, and the staff is non-stop
super-busy and their days are long and crazy, and that’s just how it is.
It’s life in Boston's "Little Italy” (and other big cities), so do not let it diminish your amazing dining experiences there.
They sometimes feel rushed to get you out and someone else in, especially with today’s limited seating which causes financial pressure,
and therefore they might make that known subliminally or outright. It absolutely does not bother me because it’s understandable.
So become one of them! Embrace the moment, and use the opportunity to enjoy yourself and at the same time help them, too.
A “Grazie mille, Ciao", and “Can’t wait to come back" will go a long way.
Dining in the North End is indeed special, and makes great memories, so keep that warm smile on your face, and make a new friend!]
*** FACT TO KNOW: Dining in North End/Little Italy has been strictly CASH ONLY in the past, but with Covid19
that might have changed, so make sure you know the prevailing practice before you go.
PERSONAL FAVORITES:
Mamma Maria **……https://mammamaria.com/ Of those in my top 3, it’s my FAVORITE! .......Wow !!!
authentic Italian with a more upscale flair. Never rushed here. Romantic with quieter atmosphere, lovely decor with white tablecloths,
food amazing, service impeccable, truly as good as it gets. Again, make reservations way ahead, especially here…like 3-4 weeks.
Request "second floor window table". Top of hill in Paul Revere Square. (Had a great memorable meal here with TUG’s “jont” and our wives!)
Photos:
Limoncello **…. http://www.ristorantelimoncello.com/
authentic Italian with fine bistro feel, and #2 in my “top 3”. Beautiful, romantic interior with an awesome mural filling up one wall.
Great food and service. Immediately adjacent to Paul Revere’s House. Get reservations way in advance…it stays booked far ahead. Request a table in "Left Half” of restaurant in section where mural is. There is a mid-room partition half-wall, so my favorite table
is along that partition (still within the “mural” half)!
Photos:
https://www.google.com/maps/uv?pb=!1s0x89e37088e18bb9ab:0xc35af3813f724b24!3m1!7e115!4shttps://lh5.googleusercontent.com/p/AF1QipNKbfAxSieUIwUxcwhADXOtQZ4I8DA2cP2LT9UI=w568-h320-k-no!5slimoncello boston - Google Search!15sCgIgAQ&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipNKbfAxSieUIwUxcwhADXOtQZ4I8DA2cP2LT9UI&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi46-zhjLXtAhWSpFkKHU-0BrkQoiowC3oECBYQAw
Nico….https://nicoboston.com/ "top 3". Romantic, great food, service, and ambiance…..highly rated.
Photos: https://www.google.com/maps/uv?pb=!1s0x89e3708bd565568b%3A0x40941a8c381e611f!3m1!7e115!4shttps%3A%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipMN4NGLJq5GvfQI6eItu9ahRmvSQb42d4ZRKWMd%3Dw568-h320-k-no!5snico%20boston%20-%20Google%20Search!15sCgIgAQ&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipMN4NGLJq5GvfQI6eItu9ahRmvSQb42d4ZRKWMd&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjN5I6bjbXtAhUmzlkKHbszAw8QoiowE3oECCAQAw
Lucca…..https://www.luccaboston.com/ ("tied for top 3”….LOL)...Great food & service, highly rated, nice quiet ambiance. Really nice.
Photos:
https://www.google.com/maps/uv?pb=!1s0x89e37088d1f17501%3A0x2c0f65dc6b18e880!3m1!7e115!4shttps%3A%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipOZ3vc-u6GkfByCP2zUe_na68yB3TfUG2YbX1qT%3Dw480-h320-k-no!5slucca%20boston%20-%20Google%20Search!15sCgIgAQ&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipOZ3vc-u6GkfByCP2zUe_na68yB3TfUG2YbX1qT&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiYufiUjrXtAhVLuVkKHfW6DOIQoiowFHoECCsQAw
Antico Forno…….https://www.anticofornoboston.com/food-menu (another "top 3" tie!)…..great restaurant with brick oven-cooked fare,
including full range of traditional Italian dishes and pizza. Wonderful, cozy interior with brick arches that add to the enjoyable atmosphere.
Also highly rated, and a wonderful authentic Italian experience. On Salem St in the heart of North End’s Little Italy.
Photos:
La Famiglia Giorgio's..... https://www.lafamigliagiorgios.com ........(another tie for a top 3 spot!).
Highly rated authentic restaurant in North End with great food and good service. Very cozy rustic interior and attractive art including
a wonderful Italian mural. I remember it by the gorgeous wooden front door (a lot of that in Florence, Italy--big beautiful wooden doors!)
and flower boxes out front. We dined there once and it made a great impression.
HUGE variety of menu items that covers the great traditional Italian dishes. A lot to like here.
Photos:
Prezza……https://www.prezza.com/ cozy authentic Italian spot, quieter than most, and highly rated.
Sleek modern interior with white tablecloths. Outstanding food and good service.
Photos:
Strega Ristorante…. https://stregabynickvarano.com/ popular authentic Italian spot on Hanover Street.
The quintessential lively Italian ristorante experience -- loud (in a good way), and fun! Great menu & food…
Our very first experience in North End and it was wonderful! Lamb Chops are awesome.
Photos:
https://www.google.com/maps/uv?pb=!1s0x89e3708970bef9bb:0x6351ab20628c788e!3m1!7e115!4shttps://lh5.googleusercontent.com/p/AF1QipMdEeXE3zeCw9tG73EY9X2viANRMBce-6mQnA8Y=w494-h320-k-no!5sstrega ristorante boston - Google Search!15sCgIgAQ&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipMdEeXE3zeCw9tG73EY9X2viANRMBce-6mQnA8Y&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi8x_2Gk7XtAhXjwVkKHXcTBHEQoiowCnoECBUQAw
Trattoria Il Panino…… https://www.trattoriailpanino.com/menu.html another great casual, authentic Italian bistro on Hanover St. in North End.
Outstanding food, good service and typical great experience for Little Italy’s non-stop awesome Italian fare. Excellent menu.
Photos:
Mare Oyster Bar...http://mareoysterbar.com/ Small but popular spot in alleyway off Hanover St (almost at Cross St). great food and good service.
Photos:
https://www.google.com/maps/uv?pb=!1s0x89e37088e73c0745%3A0xf1d8b4591e044616!3m1!7e115!4shttps%3A%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipPfZ2BSRe8p-mRzHPR72gpkck1Ch66T7Cfb1nQ0%3Dw212-h320-k-no!5smare%20boston%20-%20Google%20Search!15sCgIgAQ&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipPfZ2BSRe8p-mRzHPR72gpkck1Ch66T7Cfb1nQ0&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjTqdKRlLXtAhWl1VkKHclHCIoQoiowFHoECCIQAw
Legal Seafoods….located on State St adjacent to Marriott Long Wharf Hotel (several other locations). https://www.legalseafoods.com/restaurants/boston-long-wharf-63
Very popular restaurant, delicious seafood and more. Always a stop for us. Across the street from Custom House, 2 blocks.
Photos on TripAdvisor:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaur...ews-Legal_Sea_Foods-Boston_Massachusetts.html
Florentine Cafe...... https://www.florentinecafeboston.com/ Very nice place, you'll know it by the long row of flower boxes out front...
sort of a landmark on the corner of Hanover St......Very good food, and a cozy, romantic interior. Nice menu, all the basics and all done well.
Fun to sit at the window and people-watch too.
We had a late lunch there and it was excellent...the dinner menu looks just as good if not better. Very enjoyable.
Photos:
Union Oyster House…http://unionoysterhouse.com/ Oldest restaurant in America. Small but wonderful and historic, too.
See the Kennedy booth upstairs. Good food and service.Located in a a very old section of town, very quaint but beautiful
and definitely worth the fairly short walk from Custom House. Area & buildings look like something out of Harry Potter.
Photos:
https://www.google.com/maps/uv?pb=!1s0x89e37085f3085631%3A0x57b1c27214abd128!3m1!7e115!4shttps%3A%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipMvJNRvYfEmElX97MK1fLjYwuBQ5BS4IZ0j4BjJ%3Dw508-h320-k-no!5sunion%20oyster%20house%20-%20Google%20Search!15sCgIgAQ&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipMvJNRvYfEmElX97MK1fLjYwuBQ5BS4IZ0j4BjJ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjEkoKQmbXtAhWFv1kKHRtgD5AQoiowHHoECDIQAw
Giacomo’s…..https://www.giacomosboston.com/ Very small but extremely popular spot, longgggggg wait line at door to get in... stays packed.
Good food, unique experience. Slightly overrated? Maybe, but you can say you’ve been there.
Photos:
https://www.google.com/maps/uv?pb=!1s0x89e373bbc1e81529%3A0x3c307fcce8ef1b39!3m1!7e115!4shttps%3A%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipOMtwurY3hA2bAt4mUn3MIPBAyIQa8dtglbTtZ9%3Dw426-h320-k-no!5sgiacomo%27s%20north%20end%20-%20Google%20Search!15sCgIgAQ&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipOMtwurY3hA2bAt4mUn3MIPBAyIQa8dtglbTtZ9&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiv0PfSmbXtAhWSslkKHQrrAgAQoiowCnoECBUQAw
Neptune Oyster Bar…..https://www.neptuneoyster.com/ extremely popular, very crowded, long wait-time, but touted as Boston's
quintessential Italian dive. Very busy bar seating & busy tables. Some love the frenetic atmosphere, some don’t. Touted as a “must”,
but experience could go either way...slightly overrated, imho. Always packed, plan on extra time to get in the door. Still an “experience”.
Photos:
James Hook & Co…. https://jameshooklobster.com/ W.O.R.T.H finding!!! Best for a quick lunch. Located inside a small trailer
and hole-in-wall place, but WOW, fantastic LOBSTER ROLLS & CHOWDER!!!!
It’s literally the FIRST PLACE we run to after checking in. Awesome food. Located along the harbor a few blocks down
from Marriott Long Wharf Hotel, and an easy 12-minute walk from Custom House. How to walk there: https://goo.gl/maps/69Sv2Kk2gzaMhsr76
A popular spot for businessmen who walk from nearby Financial District for a quick lunch.
Photos:
https://www.google.com/maps/uv?pb=!1s0x89e3707e40e4f63b%3A0xc0e6695e6179ea71!3m1!7e115!4shttps%3A%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipN-TsOeE3v81UaPt6qWW6ExUcLN_91ct4HLJR0Y%3Dw246-h320-k-no!5s%5Cjames%20hook%20%26%20co%20-%20Google%20Search!15sCgIgAQ&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipN-TsOeE3v81UaPt6qWW6ExUcLN_91ct4HLJR0Y&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi7h_2Lm7XtAhXK1VkKHU44AeIQoiowCnoECBYQAw
Black Rose Irish Pub…. https://www.blackroseboston.com/ Directly adjacent to Custom House, across State St….
Really a GREAT spot for lunch or dinner. Traditional pub fare, and we love it. A regular stop when we’re at Custom House.
Hope you get to experience when a bunch of guys at the bar strike up with a traditional Irish song! Rousing Irish fun!!!
I say it’s a definite "MUST DO”.
Photos:
https://www.google.com/maps/uv?pb=!1s0x89e370864436afc5%3A0x96b558383f126f6c!3m1!7e115!4shttps%3A%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipO8D_3RI6F9k6m_KX_Cn9uown6WbN2byOu_sgfr%3Dw426-h320-k-no!5sblack%20rose%20irish%20pub%20boston%20-%20Google%20Search!15sCgIgAQ&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipO8D_3RI6F9k6m_KX_Cn9uown6WbN2byOu_sgfr&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjrpNWtxrftAhXFo1kKHSV9Bb4QoiowC3oECBYQAw
**********************************************************************************
PIZZA, PIZZA……. are you kidding? EVERYWHERE you look in North End there's fantastic pizza. Close your eyes and pick one.
Or just duck in anywhere when you can’t walk another step…you’ll be happy. But for a special treat, well worth the walk to the
upper border of North End, visit "THE ORIGINAL” …yes, the very first pizzeria in America. It’s the proverbial hole-in-the-wall as you might expect,
but it’s the most glorious dive I know, blending great pizza & beverage with culinary history. The American history of pizza thrives here.
And it stays busy. It’s cozy & hopelessly romantic in its simplicity, and perfectly beautiful in its own way…..and it’s truly a fun evening.
And of course the pizzas are fantastic, too. Who knows the many famous and infamous who dined here before you?
Regina Pizzeria…. http://www.reginapizzeria.com/north_end.html
Visit only the original location on Thatcher Street!….for us from Custom House it’s a 12-15 min walk, so it’s easily doable.
How I placed it last here at the bottom of my list is inexplicable, but nevertheless, here it is…..surely a great memory,
and always the one we talk about after we get home……so, perhaps best left for last. Ciao ciao!
Photos:
********************************************************************************
OTHER good spots to consider, all rated well…….
Pomodoro...https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60745-d322983-Reviews-Pomodoro-Boston_Massachusetts.html
Bricco…..https://bricco.com/
Quincy Market (Food Court)…..one of then longest food courts you’ll ever see. Great for a quick bite on the run,
or just a plop-down inexpensive dinner after you’re exhausted from a full day out and about in Boston. Cheap dates, here you go.
Most of the food is good, and the desserts and treats wonderful. Next to Faneuil Hall….street level & one street over from Custom House.
Photos:
https://www.google.com/maps/uv?pb=!1s0x89e37086129398c1%3A0x255912fdae887cb2!3m1!7e115!4shttps%3A%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipOFZPyQKWfRp5tY8DhBiRk3IPutnz_Q1XmSViXo%3Dw568-h320-k-no!5squincy%20market%20boston%20-%20Google%20Search!15sCgIgAQ&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipOt1A2m0fEHGt5lC3IBrFAE3AC2cqe782KO9SiH&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi3v4zex7ftAhVKiFkKHRR1A10QoiowHHoECDQQAw
*******************************************************************************
BREAKFAST:
If you want a nice relaxed breakfast, we have found two places easily walkable from Custom House, and both very enjoyable.
First, the Marriott Long Wharf Hotel ....about two blocks away, on the water----very nice buffet, great coffee and a nice harbor/boat view.
Second, The Langham Hotel....about 4-5 blocks away on Franklin St (6 minute walk), but an impressive & excellent breakfast/brunch buffet.
Here's how to walk to both:
********************************************************************************
Pastry Shops in North End: All are great and people have favorites, so test them as you will.
Modern Pastry…...https://www.modernpastry.com/ hands down my favorite. Love the seated area to people-watch as we indulge.
Photos:
https://www.google.com/maps/uv?pb=!1s0x89e37088d98bab4f:0x1b96a137a5152e40!3m1!7e115!4shttps://lh5.googleusercontent.com/p/AF1QipOEdJpekf9Bw3PTZVZV0MxppO4vpis0dKIsiJDC=w480-h320-k-no!5smodern pastry boston - Google Search!15sCgIgAQ&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipOEdJpekf9Bw3PTZVZV0MxppO4vpis0dKIsiJDC&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjyz62Z1LftAhUFjVkKHSldDLwQoiowHHoECDIQAw
Bova’s Bakery…http://bovabakeryboston.net/ another great one.
Photos:
https://www.google.com/maps/uv?pb=!1s0x89e370894b870f49%3A0xb5b16033eb824803!3m1!7e115!4shttps%3A%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipNwlHht4U9F8teAUTyqEijh7uohjS9wMKTZpIuQ%3Dw334-h320-k-no!5sbova%27s%20bakery%20-%20Google%20Search!15sCgIgAQ&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipNwlHht4U9F8teAUTyqEijh7uohjS9wMKTZpIuQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiQtv7T1bftAhUBpFkKHQP2Ao4QoiowF3oECCAQAw
Mike’s Pastry…..https://www.mikespastry.com/ if you must cross the street, here’s a good one, and perennially popular.
Long lines but my favorite is still Modern Pastry.
Photos:
A FINAL THOUGHT on the pastry shops:
quoted from The Godfather, the source of all wisdom….”Leave the gun, take the cannoli…"
(to get deeper, a translation of that quote that I read once from another source….
“Stop the insanity of violence, and pursue the sweeter things of life…”
Yeah, that’s cool…….OK, too deep for me…..I don’t wish to get any deeper here than an Italian casserole dish, so I’ll leave the quote alone.)
*******************************************************************************
Thanks for your patience....hope this will help. Things change, and this list and the places in it will too, but I’m hoping
it will add some measure of enjoyment to anyone who loves the city of Boston, and wishes to get "a great taste of the city”
as the visit progresses.
In all fairness I didn’t intend to rule out those notable places NOT mentioned in the list, but at least these are tried and tested,
and are worthy of consideration. And remember, these are only the ones in the North End, as Boston has dozens and dozens
of world-class restaurants outside the North End.
In fact the very TOP RATED restaurants, ZAGAT quality, are scattered throughout the rest of the city. But while on vacation,
we typically don’t search for those, hence my limited list. The pursuit of a definitive list would be exhausting, near impossible,
and not my intention. So I focused on those within walking distance to my homes away from home in Boston——
the Custom House and Marriott’s Long Wharf Hotel.
It will be my ongoing joy to search for new spots in the coming years in my favorite big city in America.
di nuovo ciao ciao!
All of those listed are personal favorites…the first two ** are special. This list and the accompanying descriptions are all my personal opinion.
Reservations are a MUST for any place here that takes reservations, at least 2-3 weeks in advance to be safe.
Opentable or Resy might make it easier, sometimes a call is necessary.
[A quick note about Boston’s North End restaurants: All the restaurants are quite busy at all times, and you need to know
how things are because of that. You may encounter a server or a staff member “with an attitude” on occasion (or even often),
but my advice is to “Let it go!”.
You are dining in either very crowded spaces (if post-Covid19 norms have returned, or in very limited, spaced-table arrangements
if Covid19 protocols are still in place). Remember that the kitchen is hot, the food takes a lot of attention, and the staff is non-stop
super-busy and their days are long and crazy, and that’s just how it is.
It’s life in Boston's "Little Italy” (and other big cities), so do not let it diminish your amazing dining experiences there.
They sometimes feel rushed to get you out and someone else in, especially with today’s limited seating which causes financial pressure,
and therefore they might make that known subliminally or outright. It absolutely does not bother me because it’s understandable.
So become one of them! Embrace the moment, and use the opportunity to enjoy yourself and at the same time help them, too.
A “Grazie mille, Ciao", and “Can’t wait to come back" will go a long way.
Dining in the North End is indeed special, and makes great memories, so keep that warm smile on your face, and make a new friend!]
*** FACT TO KNOW: Dining in North End/Little Italy has been strictly CASH ONLY in the past, but with Covid19
that might have changed, so make sure you know the prevailing practice before you go.
PERSONAL FAVORITES:
Mamma Maria **……https://mammamaria.com/ Of those in my top 3, it’s my FAVORITE! .......Wow !!!
authentic Italian with a more upscale flair. Never rushed here. Romantic with quieter atmosphere, lovely decor with white tablecloths,
food amazing, service impeccable, truly as good as it gets. Again, make reservations way ahead, especially here…like 3-4 weeks.
Request "second floor window table". Top of hill in Paul Revere Square. (Had a great memorable meal here with TUG’s “jont” and our wives!)
Photos:
Limoncello **…. http://www.ristorantelimoncello.com/
authentic Italian with fine bistro feel, and #2 in my “top 3”. Beautiful, romantic interior with an awesome mural filling up one wall.
Great food and service. Immediately adjacent to Paul Revere’s House. Get reservations way in advance…it stays booked far ahead. Request a table in "Left Half” of restaurant in section where mural is. There is a mid-room partition half-wall, so my favorite table
is along that partition (still within the “mural” half)!
Photos:
https://www.google.com/maps/uv?pb=!1s0x89e37088e18bb9ab:0xc35af3813f724b24!3m1!7e115!4shttps://lh5.googleusercontent.com/p/AF1QipNKbfAxSieUIwUxcwhADXOtQZ4I8DA2cP2LT9UI=w568-h320-k-no!5slimoncello boston - Google Search!15sCgIgAQ&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipNKbfAxSieUIwUxcwhADXOtQZ4I8DA2cP2LT9UI&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi46-zhjLXtAhWSpFkKHU-0BrkQoiowC3oECBYQAw
Nico….https://nicoboston.com/ "top 3". Romantic, great food, service, and ambiance…..highly rated.
Photos: https://www.google.com/maps/uv?pb=!1s0x89e3708bd565568b%3A0x40941a8c381e611f!3m1!7e115!4shttps%3A%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipMN4NGLJq5GvfQI6eItu9ahRmvSQb42d4ZRKWMd%3Dw568-h320-k-no!5snico%20boston%20-%20Google%20Search!15sCgIgAQ&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipMN4NGLJq5GvfQI6eItu9ahRmvSQb42d4ZRKWMd&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjN5I6bjbXtAhUmzlkKHbszAw8QoiowE3oECCAQAw
Lucca…..https://www.luccaboston.com/ ("tied for top 3”….LOL)...Great food & service, highly rated, nice quiet ambiance. Really nice.
Photos:
https://www.google.com/maps/uv?pb=!1s0x89e37088d1f17501%3A0x2c0f65dc6b18e880!3m1!7e115!4shttps%3A%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipOZ3vc-u6GkfByCP2zUe_na68yB3TfUG2YbX1qT%3Dw480-h320-k-no!5slucca%20boston%20-%20Google%20Search!15sCgIgAQ&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipOZ3vc-u6GkfByCP2zUe_na68yB3TfUG2YbX1qT&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiYufiUjrXtAhVLuVkKHfW6DOIQoiowFHoECCsQAw
Antico Forno…….https://www.anticofornoboston.com/food-menu (another "top 3" tie!)…..great restaurant with brick oven-cooked fare,
including full range of traditional Italian dishes and pizza. Wonderful, cozy interior with brick arches that add to the enjoyable atmosphere.
Also highly rated, and a wonderful authentic Italian experience. On Salem St in the heart of North End’s Little Italy.
Photos:
La Famiglia Giorgio's..... https://www.lafamigliagiorgios.com ........(another tie for a top 3 spot!).
Highly rated authentic restaurant in North End with great food and good service. Very cozy rustic interior and attractive art including
a wonderful Italian mural. I remember it by the gorgeous wooden front door (a lot of that in Florence, Italy--big beautiful wooden doors!)
and flower boxes out front. We dined there once and it made a great impression.
HUGE variety of menu items that covers the great traditional Italian dishes. A lot to like here.
Photos:
Prezza……https://www.prezza.com/ cozy authentic Italian spot, quieter than most, and highly rated.
Sleek modern interior with white tablecloths. Outstanding food and good service.
Photos:
Strega Ristorante…. https://stregabynickvarano.com/ popular authentic Italian spot on Hanover Street.
The quintessential lively Italian ristorante experience -- loud (in a good way), and fun! Great menu & food…
Our very first experience in North End and it was wonderful! Lamb Chops are awesome.
Photos:
https://www.google.com/maps/uv?pb=!1s0x89e3708970bef9bb:0x6351ab20628c788e!3m1!7e115!4shttps://lh5.googleusercontent.com/p/AF1QipMdEeXE3zeCw9tG73EY9X2viANRMBce-6mQnA8Y=w494-h320-k-no!5sstrega ristorante boston - Google Search!15sCgIgAQ&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipMdEeXE3zeCw9tG73EY9X2viANRMBce-6mQnA8Y&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi8x_2Gk7XtAhXjwVkKHXcTBHEQoiowCnoECBUQAw
Trattoria Il Panino…… https://www.trattoriailpanino.com/menu.html another great casual, authentic Italian bistro on Hanover St. in North End.
Outstanding food, good service and typical great experience for Little Italy’s non-stop awesome Italian fare. Excellent menu.
Photos:
Mare Oyster Bar...http://mareoysterbar.com/ Small but popular spot in alleyway off Hanover St (almost at Cross St). great food and good service.
Photos:
https://www.google.com/maps/uv?pb=!1s0x89e37088e73c0745%3A0xf1d8b4591e044616!3m1!7e115!4shttps%3A%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipPfZ2BSRe8p-mRzHPR72gpkck1Ch66T7Cfb1nQ0%3Dw212-h320-k-no!5smare%20boston%20-%20Google%20Search!15sCgIgAQ&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipPfZ2BSRe8p-mRzHPR72gpkck1Ch66T7Cfb1nQ0&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjTqdKRlLXtAhWl1VkKHclHCIoQoiowFHoECCIQAw
Legal Seafoods….located on State St adjacent to Marriott Long Wharf Hotel (several other locations). https://www.legalseafoods.com/restaurants/boston-long-wharf-63
Very popular restaurant, delicious seafood and more. Always a stop for us. Across the street from Custom House, 2 blocks.
Photos on TripAdvisor:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaur...ews-Legal_Sea_Foods-Boston_Massachusetts.html
Florentine Cafe...... https://www.florentinecafeboston.com/ Very nice place, you'll know it by the long row of flower boxes out front...
sort of a landmark on the corner of Hanover St......Very good food, and a cozy, romantic interior. Nice menu, all the basics and all done well.
Fun to sit at the window and people-watch too.
We had a late lunch there and it was excellent...the dinner menu looks just as good if not better. Very enjoyable.
Photos:
Union Oyster House…http://unionoysterhouse.com/ Oldest restaurant in America. Small but wonderful and historic, too.
See the Kennedy booth upstairs. Good food and service.Located in a a very old section of town, very quaint but beautiful
and definitely worth the fairly short walk from Custom House. Area & buildings look like something out of Harry Potter.
Photos:
https://www.google.com/maps/uv?pb=!1s0x89e37085f3085631%3A0x57b1c27214abd128!3m1!7e115!4shttps%3A%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipMvJNRvYfEmElX97MK1fLjYwuBQ5BS4IZ0j4BjJ%3Dw508-h320-k-no!5sunion%20oyster%20house%20-%20Google%20Search!15sCgIgAQ&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipMvJNRvYfEmElX97MK1fLjYwuBQ5BS4IZ0j4BjJ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjEkoKQmbXtAhWFv1kKHRtgD5AQoiowHHoECDIQAw
Giacomo’s…..https://www.giacomosboston.com/ Very small but extremely popular spot, longgggggg wait line at door to get in... stays packed.
Good food, unique experience. Slightly overrated? Maybe, but you can say you’ve been there.
Photos:
https://www.google.com/maps/uv?pb=!1s0x89e373bbc1e81529%3A0x3c307fcce8ef1b39!3m1!7e115!4shttps%3A%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipOMtwurY3hA2bAt4mUn3MIPBAyIQa8dtglbTtZ9%3Dw426-h320-k-no!5sgiacomo%27s%20north%20end%20-%20Google%20Search!15sCgIgAQ&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipOMtwurY3hA2bAt4mUn3MIPBAyIQa8dtglbTtZ9&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiv0PfSmbXtAhWSslkKHQrrAgAQoiowCnoECBUQAw
Neptune Oyster Bar…..https://www.neptuneoyster.com/ extremely popular, very crowded, long wait-time, but touted as Boston's
quintessential Italian dive. Very busy bar seating & busy tables. Some love the frenetic atmosphere, some don’t. Touted as a “must”,
but experience could go either way...slightly overrated, imho. Always packed, plan on extra time to get in the door. Still an “experience”.
Photos:
James Hook & Co…. https://jameshooklobster.com/ W.O.R.T.H finding!!! Best for a quick lunch. Located inside a small trailer
and hole-in-wall place, but WOW, fantastic LOBSTER ROLLS & CHOWDER!!!!
It’s literally the FIRST PLACE we run to after checking in. Awesome food. Located along the harbor a few blocks down
from Marriott Long Wharf Hotel, and an easy 12-minute walk from Custom House. How to walk there: https://goo.gl/maps/69Sv2Kk2gzaMhsr76
A popular spot for businessmen who walk from nearby Financial District for a quick lunch.
Photos:
https://www.google.com/maps/uv?pb=!1s0x89e3707e40e4f63b%3A0xc0e6695e6179ea71!3m1!7e115!4shttps%3A%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipN-TsOeE3v81UaPt6qWW6ExUcLN_91ct4HLJR0Y%3Dw246-h320-k-no!5s%5Cjames%20hook%20%26%20co%20-%20Google%20Search!15sCgIgAQ&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipN-TsOeE3v81UaPt6qWW6ExUcLN_91ct4HLJR0Y&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi7h_2Lm7XtAhXK1VkKHU44AeIQoiowCnoECBYQAw
Black Rose Irish Pub…. https://www.blackroseboston.com/ Directly adjacent to Custom House, across State St….
Really a GREAT spot for lunch or dinner. Traditional pub fare, and we love it. A regular stop when we’re at Custom House.
Hope you get to experience when a bunch of guys at the bar strike up with a traditional Irish song! Rousing Irish fun!!!
I say it’s a definite "MUST DO”.
Photos:
https://www.google.com/maps/uv?pb=!1s0x89e370864436afc5%3A0x96b558383f126f6c!3m1!7e115!4shttps%3A%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipO8D_3RI6F9k6m_KX_Cn9uown6WbN2byOu_sgfr%3Dw426-h320-k-no!5sblack%20rose%20irish%20pub%20boston%20-%20Google%20Search!15sCgIgAQ&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipO8D_3RI6F9k6m_KX_Cn9uown6WbN2byOu_sgfr&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjrpNWtxrftAhXFo1kKHSV9Bb4QoiowC3oECBYQAw
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PIZZA, PIZZA……. are you kidding? EVERYWHERE you look in North End there's fantastic pizza. Close your eyes and pick one.
Or just duck in anywhere when you can’t walk another step…you’ll be happy. But for a special treat, well worth the walk to the
upper border of North End, visit "THE ORIGINAL” …yes, the very first pizzeria in America. It’s the proverbial hole-in-the-wall as you might expect,
but it’s the most glorious dive I know, blending great pizza & beverage with culinary history. The American history of pizza thrives here.
And it stays busy. It’s cozy & hopelessly romantic in its simplicity, and perfectly beautiful in its own way…..and it’s truly a fun evening.
And of course the pizzas are fantastic, too. Who knows the many famous and infamous who dined here before you?
Regina Pizzeria…. http://www.reginapizzeria.com/north_end.html
Visit only the original location on Thatcher Street!….for us from Custom House it’s a 12-15 min walk, so it’s easily doable.
How I placed it last here at the bottom of my list is inexplicable, but nevertheless, here it is…..surely a great memory,
and always the one we talk about after we get home……so, perhaps best left for last. Ciao ciao!
Photos:
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OTHER good spots to consider, all rated well…….
Pomodoro...https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60745-d322983-Reviews-Pomodoro-Boston_Massachusetts.html
Bricco…..https://bricco.com/
Quincy Market (Food Court)…..one of then longest food courts you’ll ever see. Great for a quick bite on the run,
or just a plop-down inexpensive dinner after you’re exhausted from a full day out and about in Boston. Cheap dates, here you go.
Most of the food is good, and the desserts and treats wonderful. Next to Faneuil Hall….street level & one street over from Custom House.
Photos:
https://www.google.com/maps/uv?pb=!1s0x89e37086129398c1%3A0x255912fdae887cb2!3m1!7e115!4shttps%3A%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipOFZPyQKWfRp5tY8DhBiRk3IPutnz_Q1XmSViXo%3Dw568-h320-k-no!5squincy%20market%20boston%20-%20Google%20Search!15sCgIgAQ&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipOt1A2m0fEHGt5lC3IBrFAE3AC2cqe782KO9SiH&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi3v4zex7ftAhVKiFkKHRR1A10QoiowHHoECDQQAw
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BREAKFAST:
If you want a nice relaxed breakfast, we have found two places easily walkable from Custom House, and both very enjoyable.
First, the Marriott Long Wharf Hotel ....about two blocks away, on the water----very nice buffet, great coffee and a nice harbor/boat view.
Second, The Langham Hotel....about 4-5 blocks away on Franklin St (6 minute walk), but an impressive & excellent breakfast/brunch buffet.
Here's how to walk to both:
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Pastry Shops in North End: All are great and people have favorites, so test them as you will.
Modern Pastry…...https://www.modernpastry.com/ hands down my favorite. Love the seated area to people-watch as we indulge.
Photos:
https://www.google.com/maps/uv?pb=!1s0x89e37088d98bab4f:0x1b96a137a5152e40!3m1!7e115!4shttps://lh5.googleusercontent.com/p/AF1QipOEdJpekf9Bw3PTZVZV0MxppO4vpis0dKIsiJDC=w480-h320-k-no!5smodern pastry boston - Google Search!15sCgIgAQ&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipOEdJpekf9Bw3PTZVZV0MxppO4vpis0dKIsiJDC&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjyz62Z1LftAhUFjVkKHSldDLwQoiowHHoECDIQAw
Bova’s Bakery…http://bovabakeryboston.net/ another great one.
Photos:
https://www.google.com/maps/uv?pb=!1s0x89e370894b870f49%3A0xb5b16033eb824803!3m1!7e115!4shttps%3A%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipNwlHht4U9F8teAUTyqEijh7uohjS9wMKTZpIuQ%3Dw334-h320-k-no!5sbova%27s%20bakery%20-%20Google%20Search!15sCgIgAQ&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipNwlHht4U9F8teAUTyqEijh7uohjS9wMKTZpIuQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiQtv7T1bftAhUBpFkKHQP2Ao4QoiowF3oECCAQAw
Mike’s Pastry…..https://www.mikespastry.com/ if you must cross the street, here’s a good one, and perennially popular.
Long lines but my favorite is still Modern Pastry.
Photos:
A FINAL THOUGHT on the pastry shops:
quoted from The Godfather, the source of all wisdom….”Leave the gun, take the cannoli…"
(to get deeper, a translation of that quote that I read once from another source….
“Stop the insanity of violence, and pursue the sweeter things of life…”
Yeah, that’s cool…….OK, too deep for me…..I don’t wish to get any deeper here than an Italian casserole dish, so I’ll leave the quote alone.)
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Thanks for your patience....hope this will help. Things change, and this list and the places in it will too, but I’m hoping
it will add some measure of enjoyment to anyone who loves the city of Boston, and wishes to get "a great taste of the city”
as the visit progresses.
In all fairness I didn’t intend to rule out those notable places NOT mentioned in the list, but at least these are tried and tested,
and are worthy of consideration. And remember, these are only the ones in the North End, as Boston has dozens and dozens
of world-class restaurants outside the North End.
In fact the very TOP RATED restaurants, ZAGAT quality, are scattered throughout the rest of the city. But while on vacation,
we typically don’t search for those, hence my limited list. The pursuit of a definitive list would be exhausting, near impossible,
and not my intention. So I focused on those within walking distance to my homes away from home in Boston——
the Custom House and Marriott’s Long Wharf Hotel.
It will be my ongoing joy to search for new spots in the coming years in my favorite big city in America.
di nuovo ciao ciao!
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