One of the best luxuries I have living 45 minutes outside of Boston has to be the easy access to delicious italian food in the North End. Hanover street has such a unique atmosphere compared to any other section of the city. This summer especially with all the outdoor dining offered it truly felt like a “Little Italy.” So, because I have been visiting the North End frequently for as long as I can remember and growing up with my grandmother cooking traditional Italian food, I feel as though I have found some gems of restaurants that are a must go if you are ever visiting Boston. These places are some of my absolute favorite places to go eat at and of course I can’t forget about dessert options for after dinner as well.
- Catalina Italiana
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Catalina Italiana has such a vibrant atmosphere the minute you step in the door. Although the restaurant is on the smaller end, they never fail to seat you quickly. I love going here because not only is their food amazing and you can clearly tell the pasta is homemade, but they are also very accommodating for any allergy or preference. The owner typically walks around and checks in on how you are doing and it is clear they are so concerned about how each customer in the building is doing.
Where they are located:
346 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113, (617) 723-457
- Trattoria II Panino
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Trattoria II Panino has to be my favorite place hands down in the whole North End. My family and I have been going there for years and they never disappoint. They have seating outside streetside, as well as, a downstairs dining room and – finally my favorite place to sit – the main dining part where they open up the windows in the summer and it’s a nice breeze into the restaurant. The service is amazing and there are many food options for everyone, my favorite being the mushroom risotto.
Where they are located:
280 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113, (617) 720-13
- Pagliuca’s
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This is another family owned restaurant, which will give you the feeling of being in Italy. They have been open for forever and for good reasons. Their service is amazing and they are very accommodating to anyone. Their pasta tastes as fresh as it can get. My personal favorite from here is their chicken parm, and it seems to be a lot of people’s favorite.
Where they are located:
14 Parmenter St, Boston, MA 02113, (617) 367-15
- Pizzeria Regina
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Pizzeria Regina was founded in the North End, and I can hands down say this is my favorite place to get pizza. They have restaurants opened all around Massachusetts and many other places. I am a big fan of their pizza because I do prefer thinner crust and a little less sauce. Their pizza is delicious without weighing you down and feeling beyond full after. This is a good place to stop by if you are looking for a quick bite to eat. This is a popular place to come and eat at before games at TD Garden or just for lunch one day.
Where they are located:
11-1/2 Thacher Street, Boston, MA 02113, (617)-227-0765
- Mikes and Modern Pastry
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It has forever been an ongoing debate of whose bakery is better, Mike’s Pastry or Modern Pastry. Having tried both many times I really don’t think you can go wrong with either one. The ricotta cannolis, which are my go to, are pretty good from both places. However, over the years I have found that no matter what time of day or what day it is, Mikes is always packed with a very long line outside the door, whereas Modern is still very busy but the line goes quicker and it usually isn’t as long of a wait.
Where they are located:
Mikes- 300 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113, (617) 742-3050
Modern- 257 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113, (617) 523-3783
One of my favorite parts about going into Boston is not only the food, but also how easily accessible everything is in walking distance. There are so many parking lots around the streets of the North End, which is a plus. It is also nice to park more near TD Garden and walk to the North End. That route will take you by the Paul Revere statue and the old stone church. There’s so much history and beautiful things to see in Boston. Walking around the city, especially on a nice summer night and getting a bite to eat in the North End has to be one of the best summer activities.