La Summa

Located in the North End, this is a perfect casual brunch spot! They have sandwiches, açaí bowls,…read morecoffee, etc. and are known for their healthy eats. I came here after a workout class and got their açaí bowl which is one of the best açaí I've had in a bit. I came right when they opened so service was quick and everyone was so friendly! The inside is super cute and pink which I love. Definitely a great all day breakfast place!

Pink Carrot is such a gem! It's my go-to spot for a casual, healthy lunch--grain bowls, salads,…read morewraps, and smoothies galore. The seating is a bit limited, but what they have is super cute, plus they open up a garage door when the weather's nice, so you get that patio vibe while staying cozy inside. I haven't tried the coffee yet, but my friends rave about it! I used to come all the time when I worked nearby. I would def order ahead because they make everything fresh, and since it's such a popular spot, you might be waiting a bit. But trust me, it's worth it. My faves? The PB Espresso smoothie, the Vedge and Chicken Mojo wraps, and the Vegan Caesar salad. If you're in the North End and craving something light and delicious, Pink Carrot is definitely worth a visit!

Cute cups

Salmon bowl and power chopped salad

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Matcha smoothie

Monica's Mercato

4.3(750 reviews)

0.2 mi•North End

Arguably the best sandwich in Boston I was not let down by Monica's…read more The line was long on a Sunday but very orderly and went smoothly. The sandwiches themselves are massive and freshly made. The bread is the right amount of soft to crust. All in all I wouldn't change a thing it's definitely a must go.

We stopped in before heading to TD Garden for a Hockey East championship game... I think my wife's…read morecomment was, "this is easily the best italian I've ever had". She was talking about the classic (cold cut) italian - I had to disagree because I thought that the steak italian in my hands was the best sandwich I'd ever had. From the soft bread, with loads of flavor, to the contents... it hit at a 10/10 level. Be prepared for a wait - they don't operate at lightspeed. But, in my opinion, the wait and the steep price is aboslutely worth it!

Italian sub

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Monica's Mercado 10/2022

Mood Restaurant & Cafe

4.8(109 reviews)

Minority-owned & operated

Women-owned & operated

Tried Mood Restaurant in the North End and... yeah, the food absolutely lives up to the hype…read more We ordered the mascarpone pancakes (ridiculous in the best way), a turkey and ham croissant sandwich what had no business being that good, and steak & eggs that felt like someone actually cared about breakfast again. Drinks were just as fun vegan eggnog plus a pistachio latte (don't question it, just order it) and a pink non-alcoholic situation that tasted like brunch decided to dress up. Now let's address the elephant sitting at the table with no water: the service. Everyone complaining? They're not wrong. It's slow. Like... "you start reconsidering your life choices while waiting for a bottle of water so you can serve yourself" slow. And yes, management should absolutely just lean into reality and overstaff the place. It would solve everything. BUT and this is important, if you walk in knowing that, you're fine. The staff, when they get to you, are genuinely kind and friendly. It's not bad service, it's just... delayed service. Also, if you've got green hair and are confidently pulling off a look that says "I am both the main character and the plot twist," you will feel right at home here. I don't fully understand it, but I respect the commitment. Just thought people should know going in, just like the delayed service. Bottom line: incredible food, good vibes, patience required. I'll absolutely be back... and I might bring my own water bottle next time just to stay ahead of things.

Overrated. Food was…read moreOK. I got it cold and long after my friend was done eating. The server didn't hear when I ordered and pointed at the item on the menu. I said salmon eggs Benedict and pointed at it. I can't do starch like French fries and she offered a fruit bowl. Then comes back and said there is additional charge for that. I said no thanks. Penny pinching by a restaurant is not classy. The food comes out and I noticed my order was wrong. The manager comes and asked me what I asked for. I said I pointed at the menu and said salmon eggs Benedict. She began arguing with me. Asking, did you ask for eggs Benedict with salmon or salmon eggs Benedict implying I was asking for salmon on the side. Seriously....get a clue. Cold food and poor service, and food coming out at different times is lousy. To top it off, because my food was slow to come out, a couple came in and pointed at our table requesting it even tho I had booked the table. Simply unbelievable to be kicked off the table after receiving the food so late and the wrong order. If the manager hadn't insisted I asked for eggs Benedict with salmon, and not the salmon eggs Benedict I would have let it slide. But nah... really poor service.

Inside of the establishment

Eggs Benedict

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Ambiance

Pauli's

4.3(1.7k reviews)

0.2 mi•North End

Locally owned & operated

Family-owned & operated

I was recommended to go to Pauli's for lobster rolls. I had previously tried a lobster roll out in…read moreWestborough, and I was genuinely disappointed. This place redeemed whatever it was I had in Framingham. The place is pretty small. I just ordered at the counter, and the person taking my order was super friendly. Wish I got their name for a shout-out. There's not a lot of seating in the establishment; it feels like the place is meant for a very quick meal. FOOD: I got a hot buttered lobster roll and it came with a side of chips. I actually ran into the owner while I was there, and he had explained that their lobster rolls are unique in the sense that they actually toss their lobster meat in a pan with butter. You can really taste it. Buttery lobster heaven. Would definitely come again if I'm back in Boston. I could probably eat ten of those hot buttered lobster rolls in one sitting and have no regrets.

So it's a little off the beaten path sort of tricky to get to and find, but well worth it! Lobster…read morewas good I would say 3 outta 5 but the claim chowder.. that's where it's at ! Full of claims not potatoes and was soo good! Picked the perfect cool rainy day too.. it's a soup kinda day! I think the lobster would have been better with butter or aioli something to go along with it .. just meat and a bun.. but it was good not bad by any means..

LOBSTA ROLL

VITO CHICKEN CUTLET SUB

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STEAK & CHEESE SUB

Rocco's Cucina & Bar

3.8(233 reviews)

0.2 mi•North End

If your going to the garden, Date night or just want a great meal rocco's is the place the owners…read moreare always there and make sure your experience is nothing but fun and delicious and the bar is always fun.

Nice neighborhood vibe, down to earth blue collar spot. Clam chowder was pretty good definitely…read moreworth an order. HOWEVER the steak tips were alright at best kinda have an odd flavor, mashed potatoes I'm pretty sure were microwave instant potatoes not actual mashed they were below average. Not a bad spot to drink with a few buddies (service is a little slow even when it isn't busy) but food isn't a home run. In the end very solid drinking spot, food so so.

Bar seat view

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Vodka Sauce Pizza

Sunny Girl

4.8(122 reviews)

One of my favorite breakfast places in all of Boston! I have loved everything I've ever gotten…read morehere, and I continue to go back all the time. This is the spot that I will take people to for breakfast when they visit...because you can't not get Sunny girl. I love the Lox sandwich, but pro tip: add in a fried egg. It goes sooooo well. Everything else is also good, especially the torta one, but the lox one is so unique. The citrus salad on it...just amazing. The store itself is a small shop and in the summers has outdoor seating. I've eaten in the outside area a few times, but I usually pick it up and take it back to my apartment. I think in a pinch you could eat outside, but inside is honestly way too tight because it does tend to get crowded. That brings me to my next point, I strongly recommend ordering online. While it's nice being able to order there and ask questions, you should be prepared to wait in a long line if you go in the weekend. It's safe to say this is a popular spot among locals...and everyone else. But rightfully so, the food is truly outstanding. A must try, and I can't wait for their new location in Southie!

Sunny girl is a very popular spot for breakfast - especially on the weekends! Be prepared to wait…read moreit out, even if you order ahead on Toast. We always get the English muffin, egg, and cheese sammy without the special sauce. My hubby likes these too. He also most recently had their salmon lox bfast sammy with an egg and he loved it. Don't forget to get an orange or grapefruit juice - not fresh squeezed but it's Natalie's which is the next best thing. They also have a collab going with Weesh bakery and we tried their cookies n cream pop tart. It was so tasty! Would love it if they have more flavors to choose from next time. They have a couple of tables out front where you can sit with your pup or if those are filled, just chill on the wall of the flower garden. This place is pretty small so doubt they have bathrooms but if you go across the street, there are public restrooms in the building where Starbucks is - just keep walking toward the harbor and you'll see the entrance on your left.

Meatless truffle shuffle

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Turkey #1

Dino's Cafe

4.3(651 reviews)

One of my local favorites! You can never go wrong here. The portions are huge and the food is…read moredelicious. I've eaten here before (it's a small area, but does have a lot of seating) but normally I get it as take out. The cafe itself is super casual, it's the perfect place to pop into during lunch or after a walk. My food is always ready on time which is nice, and when I've eaten there I'm usually able to find a seat. The spinach tortellini with the pesto cream sauce is my absolute favorite- it's a HUGE portion and so delicious. It usually lasts me at least 2 meals. The bread they include is also great! I like to dip it in the sauce. The past time I got Dino's I accidentally ordered spinach ravioli instead of tortellini...that was my bad. HOWEVER I think I might have found my new favorite? The raviolis are huge and so fat. I'm talking like 1/2 inch - 3/4 inch thick. There is so much stuffing and the spinach ricotta mix tastes so fresh and delicious...it's a must try. I've also gotten the eggplant parm before, and the fettuccini Alfredo. Both were also delicious. I've never had any of the sandwiches, but if they are anything like their pastas then I'm sure they are great! The bang for your buck here is also great which is nice. Highly recommend! Dinos is awesome! And the staff is very kind too (Note that the pic is taken from a train, I like to treat myself to Dino's before catching the Amtrak)

Cannot recall the last time I saw something for the single digits on the menu anywhere in Boston,…read moremuch less in the north end! Also, and most importantly, the food was great. Baked gnocchi is a must-have. The fresh basil on top of everything was a nice flavorful touch. Generous cheese, generous portions, and quick and personable service. The pumpkin with cheese cream sauce pasta is also phenomenal. The garlic bread with cheese also was enough to have multiple slices each for a party of 4!

Vibes

Chicken Pesto Hot Sandwich

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Carmelina's

4.5(4.4k reviews)

•$$$

So delicious. Highly recommend. Definitely need a reservation. Service was great. Wine was deliciousread more

Best Italian food I e ever had outside of my grandmother's and mother's in my life. Can't recommend…read moreenough.

Bolognese

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Grazie @foodieauthority Spicy Shrimp

Little Sage

4.3(67 reviews)

We were so grateful to secure a spot during lunch on a Friday! Connor was our waiter and was…read moreexcellent in his recommendations. We stated with the bread and buratta appetizers & two glasses of the Concerto Lambrusco. The cheese was succulent coupled with the delicate prosciutto and perfectly prepared pesto on the bread- chef kiss. I was in heaven! Next up was the grilled octopus with roasted potatoes. We finished with the bolognese pasta. We will be back and cannot wait!

It was my first evening at Boston and of course I had to hit up Little Italy to get some dinner. We…read morethe octopus which was good. I ordered a hot and dirty martini and it was meh. For my main course I ordered the little neck claims with pasta. The clams were fine, but lacked flavor. The pasta was cooked perfectly with having the right texture but the flavors weren't cohesive. Separately great, but together, it was missing something. I had high hopes with such high ratings, perhaps it was an off night?

Duck entree

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Open kitchen

Isabella Ristorante

4.5(655 reviews)

Amazing little spot in the Boston North End. We walked in…read morejust before lunch and were seated immediately. Recommend reservations for dinner as others have mentioned as it's relatively small, but cozy and reminiscent of some of my favorite Italy spots. Service was personal, immediate and wonderful. Bread was great as appetizer and filling. We ordered two specials and were VERY happy we did (see photos).

I recently visited Isabella Ristorante in the North End and had a really enjoyable dinner overall…read more I'd definitely recommend making a reservation because the restaurant fills up quickly, especially during dinner hours. One small thing -- maybe it was just me, but the entrance was a little difficult to find at first since it's mainly just a door from the outside. There were also tables seated very close to the entrance, which made it feel a bit cramped and awkward walking in and out. Our waiter was friendly and nice, though the service did feel a little rushed at times. That said, the food was absolutely delicious. We started with the calamari to share, and it was beautifully prepared -- crispy, fresh, and not overly heavy. For my entree, I ordered the seafood pasta and really loved it. The seafood tasted fresh, the pasta was cooked perfectly, and the flavors all came together really well.