North End aka Little Italy is my favorite Boston neighborhood. It's lively and welcoming with bakeries, pizza shops, and Italian restaurants lining the cobblestone streets Paul Revere's house is in North End as are several other historical landmarks. You can't help but feel like you're in a small village in Italy when in the North End. read more

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After spending a year nearby a few years ago, I feel like I've explored and experienced the North End pretty well. I've dined at a few dozen Italian restaurants, wandered through historic landmarks, and even spent quiet moments in the old cemeteries tucked between brick facades and wrought iron. Returning recently for a day of exploring with Mrs. K., I was eager to share some of that charm -- those narrow streets that smell like espresso and marinara, the echo of Paul Revere's midnight ride, and the layered stories etched into every corner. But what stood out this time, more than the cannoli or the cobblestones, was how difficult the neighborhood can be for folks with mobility challenges. The North End is a feast for the senses, but not always a friend to the feet. Sidewalks are uneven, often narrow, and sometimes disappear altogether. Curb cuts are inconsistent, and many storefronts (especially the older, family-run trattorias) have steps without railings or ramps. We found ourselves rerouting a few times, dodging delivery trucks and squeezing past sidewalk café setups that left little room for a walker or wheelchair. Even the Freedom Trail, which winds through the area, occasionally dips into terrain that feels more 18th-century than 21st-century accessible. That said, the spirit of the place remains magnetic. We managed fabulous espressos at a quiet spot on Salem Street. A few blocks away, we paused at Copp's Hill Burying Ground, where the view over the harbor still stirs something deep and reflective. But I couldn't help noticing how much of the North End's magic is locked behind physical barriers. How many stories, meals, and moments are harder to reach if you're not nimble on your feet. It's a neighborhood that deserves to be experienced by everyone, and I hope the city continues to find ways to make that possible. Because the North End isn't just Boston's Little Italy. It is a living museum, a community, and a reminder that history should be accessible, not just preserved. [Review 1117 of 2025 - 1262 in Massachusetts - 24670 overall] read more

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This is a really great neighborhood in Boston to visit. There are a plethora of restaurants and food shops to visit, which are all in pretty close proximity so it's easy walking. The neighborhood itself is an easy walk, with a lot of historical sites to visit. There are also a lot of shops to get gifts and souvenirs. You can window shop pretty well in this area as well. A definite must visit if in the Boston area. read more

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North End is a lovely urban neighborhood tucked into Boston, rich with history and charm. If you're used to constant motion, you'll love the slower, more intimate pace. After spending so much time out West where everything is expansive and spread out, wandering narrow streets, lingering over incredible pasta, and soaking in closeness and tradition is awesome. The juxtaposition is real and enlightening. read more

The neighborhood of my people! I loved walking up and down the cobblestones of the North End or Little Italy to the less hip, but don't call it that! There are so many restaurants and pastry shops in North End - it was hard to choose where to stop! We didn't explore as much as we wanted to because it was late when we arrived, but you can tell the North End is the happening place to be! We decided on Quattro for dinner and Modern Pastry Shop for dessert! Both were solid choices, but it only made me excited to see what else the North End has to offer. I will definitely be visiting again next time I am in Boston! Check out this little slice of paradise! read more

The North End..... The North End holds some special memories for me in many ways, shapes and forms. Way back when I was little, my dad and his friends, families and associates used to gather and break bread at all the old locations. a couple of them that stick out for me of course - Polcari's which is where all the dads would meet up. Unfortunately, that location is not open any longer, however to get a small glimpse of the past, you can go to Route one in Saugus and they have a new Polcari's there. Another old favorite of mine with a lot of special memories was the European on Hanover. What an awesome place. There was no better place in all of Boston to grab a big huge pizza square with a bottle of Don Perignon . Yes believe me this was the place two bottles of Don and a pizza that was a great date night. At least for me many many times. I am not gonna mention the years of those two memories, but they were back in the day. Some of the best times I've ever had in the neighborhood was back in high school and college when I had the honor of being a lifeguard at the North End Union Pool. Back in the day when we had the High board when people weren't afraid to let their kids jump off an elevated diving board so much fun all day we would climb that ladder and push each other off the high board. Great times!! And the food!!! All the parents used to bring down trays of food and treat all the lifeguards to lunch. What an awesome place to grow up. Obviously, I have to mention all the feasts over the years past and future. If you've never been to The North End for a feast make sure you hit one or two of them this year. it's a fabulous time. You should at least see once in your life. as for the basics, yes there's a ton of great restaurants there some on nostalgic some new flavors of Italy. Then the history, Paul Revere's house, the old North Church, etc., etc.. The North End was is and most likely always will be a huge influence on the city of Boston. Presently you can stroll through the North End and suck in some history. Frequent some fabulous restaurants and cafés. And last but not least do not miss the bakeries so many good ones, grab a cannoli and reminisce. FYI, good luck with getting a parking spot. Be prepared to pay unless the Parking Gods are with you. Last but not least please respect the locals as people do still live here and it is a neighborhood not just a tourist trap/party place. read more

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Visiting boston you can't miss the north end, also known as the Italian section. There are many stops of the freedom Trail in this area as well as over 80+ restaurants, graveyards, churches, bakeries, and a ton of other amazing sites. If you're going to do a food tour check out Robert Agrippino from feast on food and culture, north end Boston food tour. He's a born and bred local north end guy giving amazing tours of the area and sharing personal stories of his youth. Definitely a must do in my opinion. Nothing like getting it from the source. 617-719-9542 read more

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Anyone who wants to get to know Boston should walk the North End on a sunny clear day. It's such an interesting neighborhood, full of history, good food, and charm - really worth strolling through. The weekends are nuts here, so this time we came on a weekday and that was perfect. We walked, did a tour of the Paul Revere House, went to North Church (closed), stopped in a friendly coffee shop, bought pastries at Mike's Pastry and had a lovely morning. read more

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The north end or also known as the Italian district is a great place to spend your days. Whether you're starting at one of the many pastry, shops and coffee shops in the morning or one of the restaurants in the evening, you can find everything you want in this area. Easy connection to the wharf as well and plenty of areas to walk around with and enjoy. read more

I'll tell yall what.. coming g here alone and trying to find good food is not a good idea. You gotta know where you are going and what you are looking for. So much good food to find, but be prepared because parking is CRAZY and the layout of North End can be a place where you can easily get lost. Great treasure hunt though! read more

This is an excellent neighborhood to visit for the best in Italian food! There are so many Italian restaurants here, along a few blocks all with slightly different styles of Italian food... from Napoli pizzas to homemade pasta dishes, and all the various entrées, as well as sweets - this community has them all! Highly recommend stopping in, but do your research and make reservations, as they're busy! Save room for dessert too, as they have two of the most popular pastry shops in Boston here as well. And, bonus - the Freedom Trail runs through this area too! read more

One of my favorite places to visit in Boston is the North End. With multiple authentic Italian restaurants and authentic pastry shops you can't miss! In addition to this, there are some great shops, corner stores, liquor or "package" stores. If you're creative you can find some very unique gifts to take home! read more

If you visit Boston and skip the historic North End, you're doing it wrong. You should love authentic Italian food, world class pastries and cappuccinos. If not, the ghost of Paul Revere will haunt you. Boston's North End is the most Italian neighborhood in New England. It is also home to some of the oldest buildings in the city. Ye Olde Union Oyster House is one of the oldest restaurants in the country! The Freedom Trail goes through the North End, and brings tourists to places like the Paul Revere house, Est. 1680. You can travel it alone or follow the tour. Whether you're hungry for pasta, want a quick slice to go, thirsty for aged wines, need a caffeine boost or craving sweets, the North End offers it all and then some! For a small area you could spend hours exploring all of the little shops, cafes, deli's and restaurants. Hanover street is typically the main event with famous destinations like Mike's Pastries, but I'd recommend exploring Salem Street as well. One of my favorite restaurants, La Famiglia Gorgio's, resides there. The famous Regina Pizzeria is located on Thacher. The North End is within walking distance from Faneuil hall and Quincy Market. Although the foodcourt there has some desirable fast-food finds, you'll be missing out by stopping there. During summer the streets are lined with makeshift patios for additional seating, which enhances the atmosphere yet limits street parking. Garages and metered spots surround the area but plan on walking a lot. I suggest taking the T to Haymarket, green or orange line, and crossing over the Rose Kennedy Greenway on foot. Mangia! read more

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Tons of dining options on Hanover street. Be sure to make a reservation if they accept it. You will find a spot no matter how busy, read more

When in Boston, The North End area is a most to check out. Paul Revere's house and the Old North Church is located in this area. As well as the Rose Kennedy's Rose Garden. This area has several blocks with incredible Italian restaurants and pastry shoppes to choose from. Remember to check out the side streets to check out shops. Be careful of the cobblestone walk/streets. This area is certainly a must to check out and enjoy the great food! read more

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The North End is one of my favorite areas in Boston. I felt like I was in Europe on our visit this past week. Between the bakeries, cobblestone streets, and authentic Italian food, it's quite the charming place to go. Paul Revere's house and Old North Church are an absolute must. Make sure you have cash on hand to visit Mike's Pastry. For those with gluten intolerances/celiac, there are several restaurants (Al Dente has amazing GF garlic bread and penne). read more

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Everything from mikes Pastry,I miss seeing Paula there .Still the best Pastry in Boston.I love your cheesecake always will,miss you all

So the locals called this area little Italy for a reason! The best Italian restaurants, bakeries, pizza shops, bars and more are all here. Everything you try anywhere is absolutely delicious. From Mike's cannolis, Regina's pizza, or even or Ernesto's pizza all sooo good! If you come to Boston you definitely have to check out the north end. read more

The North End - Local Flavor Near Me

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For my 100th review. Boston's N.End is ready for outdoor dining, feels more European with all the sidewalk seating areas popping up!This neighborhood has oodles of Italian eateries, bakeries, speciality food shops. Also the historic Paul Revere House, Old N. Church and St. Leonard of Port Maurice Church built by early Italian immigrants. read more

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Whats not to LOVE about the North End? Easy to walk, so many options of food and drink. Lots of history. One of my favorite places that we visit frequently. read more

The North End - Local Flavor Near Me

We had Cookie Cream Sandwich. Overall it was very hard and difficult to eat. The cream cheese filling complemented fine with the cookie but I would recommend trying some other pastry. read more

The North End - Local Flavor Near Me

Totally worth it to visit! Love the food and old historical Italian feel of the North end.

The North End, unlike Times Square, is a favorite for locals and tourists alike. Word to the wise: plan your parking ahead of time. Finding parking here is difficult even in dreams! Haymarket garage is one nearby option, and there is parking at the waterfront. Though, if you're going to wine and dine, take an Uber or the T. North The North End is known as Little Italy, and for good reason! Narrow(-ish) streets, lots of brick and stone, and of course, TONS of options for food, drink, and some more in-between items like a barber shop, realtor, etc. Even if your hair is cut, your stomach full, and you are on a Cannoli detox, the North End is still a superb neighborhood for taking a stroll and just exploring. P.S. Mike's Pastry is the famous one, but Modern Pastry is absolutely worth a visit! read more

I have not been home in Boston without a trip to the North End. I park in the Haymarket Garage. Look it up and you will begin a three hour adventure. Modern is where true Bostonians go for excellent cannoli and so much more. I enjoy sitting at Modern in the morning for a cup of coffee. Bova's bakery has excellent bread and delicious stromboli. Last week I got a delicious loaf with sesame seeds and you could smell it through the bag. I ordered half a dozen of the pistachio macaroons. They looked picture perfect but they were way too sweet. I think someone was heavy with the hand with that batch or something. Regina pizzeria is another must for me. There is usually a line out the door. I either get there before they open at 11:00 am, sit at the bar or order to go and find a bench nearby. I've been to many good restaurants here. I even have the North End cookbook in my collection. Overall, there is something special when you mix history with really good food in an old Italian section of town. read more

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Though rife with tourists, Boston's North End is nonetheless clean, orderly and visually appealing, offering an abundance of artifacts and artifices suited to the needs of the most fanatic of Revolutionary War history buffs. But the place has another history, as well. The North End is Boston's oldest residential neighborhood. Rich folk, hookers, the Irish, Eastern European Jews, and eventually, people from Italy top-to-bottom, have all taken a turn at occupying the blocks running from today's Central Artery to the waterfront. By 1930, the neighborhood was entirely Italian. But, over time, the housing stock deteriorated, while the City pursued a plan to improve Boston's transportation infrastructure, no matter the affect on its citizens, and the majority of Italians left the North End for the suburbs. More recent preservation and investment have revitalized the old neighborhood, but, notwithstanding local efforts to hold onto the North End's Italian heritage, there are fewer Italian families living there now than at any time in the past 100 years, they having been replaced by gentrifying, white-collar singles. Today's North End resembles an Italian-American theme park, where more Italian restaurants operate now than did so 90 years ago, and where the occasional feast or procession will draw as many as a quarter-million visitors to a neighborhood of 10,000 residents. But the restaurants serve good food, and the festivals are promoted by local Italian-Americans, so there's a thread of authenticity running through this scaled-up, 21st-century iteration of the North End as an ethnic haven. One wonders what the rising population of Millennial renters will offer the community, when responsibility for its care falls to them. read more

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If a city has a Little Italy you can bet your cannoli that I'll be visiting. So on a trip to Boston I sought out the epicenter of all things Italian and we went for a stroll. The North End is a lively neighborhood, filled with old brick buildings, colorful shops, and enough Italian restaurants/bakeries/pizzerias and gelato shops to get you full and happy. Don't dream of parking here- it's not even worth trying and it's a pedestrian filled area. Have a car drop you at Mike's Pastry where you can window shop the obscene pastries and take it from there. read more

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Day # 8 of our Drive Across America. It was the shortest and last leg of our trip, 467 miles, 7.5 hours, Niagara Falls to Boston. We made it through a lot of bad weather and our rental Toyota Sequoia which we named "Stormy" got the job done and kept us safe. We have 3 days in Boston before heading home and decided to spend some time in the North End. Boston is my favorite town in the US, and the North End is my favorite part of Boston. It is the best and biggest "Little Italy" in the U.S., sorry NY. ha ha It is like being in Italy. Lose yourself in the culture and the food. The food can be pricey so check out the menu before choosing a restaurant. Yelp reviews are helpful too. There are some bargains if you shop around. Check out the markets and stores too. It's a foodie nirvana. In addition to food, it is the location of some our most treasured historical landmarks, The Old North Church and Paul Revere's house. This is a must see in Boston. Check it out. Listed in Drive Across America: https://www.yelp.com/collection/4_4-FCUBHEQBq43u7DXRig read more

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It measures less than one half of a square mile, and its the oldest residential community in Boston -going way way back to the 1630's. But despite its diminutive size, the North End can boast that it has about 100 businesses and some of the very best Italian food you have ever tasted. What a joy it is to stroll up and down Richmond and Hanover Streets, or explore some of the side streets as your mouth waters reading the menus and catching glimpses of all that great looking food through the restaurant windows or on the outdoor patios. The streets are narrow and crowded, and getting a parking spot is all but an impossibility, but don't let any of that deter you from visiting one of the very best places to visit in Boston. Buon appetite !! read more

The North End - Local Flavor Near Me

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This place is definitely pretty cool but you must know where to park or take some form of public transportation. There are tow trucks driving around looking to tow people !!!!! We tried to eat here when we visited but being unfamiliar with Boston . We could find any parking every paid spot was taken . We ended up grabbing some pizza from a small shop and heading out . I really had my heart set on a certain Italian restaurant though. If we ever go back we will plan it out better! read more

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I've been to the Little Italy in NYC, Murray Hill in Cleveland (emphasis on little, very little), the North End in Boston and North Beach in San Francisco. Of those, Boston and San Francisco have it all over. The North End has the most European feel. It's a great area to bump around. Bova's is the best bakery, Cafe Graffiti for espresso's. (See separate review for Cafe Graffiti) The North End just has a nice feel to it. We always take folks visiting us to the North End. Last time we were there, I took a picture of this ancient Italian woman sitting outside of her apartment, eating fresh fruit from a plate and watching the people go by. That night we were home and we watched Fever Pitch (Drew Barrymore, Jimmy Fallon) and my sister (who was in the city with us earlier) jumped up during an exterior shot of the neighborhood around Jimmy Fallon's apartment and declared, "There she is!" Everyone else had no idea what she was talking about until she rewound the movie and paused at a glimpse of the same old lady sitting outside her apartment... North Beach in San Francisco is a close second to the North End. It just lacks the real old world feel of the North End. In fairness, I've only been to North Beach for a day, while I've been to the North End a bunch of times. read more

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The city's leader has really hurt the North End businesses. Shocking compared to other parts of the city. No doubt this neighborhood was not allowed to regain and recover from the pandemic like other parts of the city, back bay, south boston, downtown and china town.Before you couldn't go wrong with any restaurant in the North End. They are hurting all over the place in the North End. We were offered 20% off our bill IF WE PAID CASH. Very sad to see one of Boston's most historic and oldest neighborhoods which serves millions of visitors and tourists annually disregarded by the city's leader and someone who doesn't understand Boston at ALL. Previous leaders cared about ALL of Boston and not just some areas. Very sad to see the beloved North End in this current state. We were all shocked tonight after years of outstanding food and now seeing every establishment hurting in this part of town compared to other neighborhoods that are thriving and recovered. From dinner to the pastry and coffee shops one could tell business was suffering badly. We have never seen it like this before.Heartbreaking. Boston deserves better! If you want to see first hand the results of exclusive and selective policies and the damage done go visit the North End. Wow! read more

Can I live above one of the restaurants? Or the basement? I fell in love with north end and I really didn't think I would. Cute little area with its narrow, cobblestone streets. I've heard all my life how Boston has the best Italian. I grew up in Savanah, but now live in Fort Worth. My favorite Italian restaurant was in Savanah. I haven't found any Italian restaurant in tx that I actually enjoy. I thought ppl were bs'ing about the good Italian in Boston, they weren't. The two restaurants I ate at was the best Italian food I've had in awhile. I need a week here just to eat at all restaurants in North end!!! read more

I instantly fell in love with the North End, or "Little Italy" as it's referred to. It's a vibrant area filled with shops and restaurants - most of which stating how their red sauce, oysters, etc. are the best. While visiting this area, we found the best. I recommend going to Pauli's for a lobster roll, Mike's Pastry for a cannoli, and La Famiglia Giorgio's for the chicken parm. read more

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I'm Italian...this feels like home: tempting savory smells wafting out windows and old men passionately debating...everything! DON'T MISS: Giaccomo's for lovers, Strega for celebrity sightings and Bova Bakery to buy with the locals. THE DEAL: Drop in on street festivals most weekends June-August. The biggest are the opening parade, the famous Fisherman's Feast, and the closing Saint Anthony's. read more

Mongo find pretty buildings from olden days. A lot! Mongo find crooked little streets. Mongo find very nice people. Mongo find many many many eye-tail-un rest-or-rants. A Lot! Mongo find bakeries. A Lot! With cannoli! A Lot! Cannoli at here! Cannoli at there! Cannoli at everywhere! Mongo try to eat all the cannoli!!! But Mongo's eyes bigger than Mongo's stomach. Mongo full now. A Lot! Mongo say you go at here. Mongo think you like. A Lot! Mongo also say ,"Leave the gun, take the cannoli." Ha. Ha. Ha. P.S. Mongo no find "North" Mongo no find "End" read more

The North End - Local Flavor Near Me

Love love love my new home! The North End is definitely one of my favorite places in Boston! The food, the people, the atmosphere are one of a kind! read more

A true "little Italy". Great restaurants and history. Safe anytime of the day/night. Still a hub for old school Italians...plus they have bocci tournaments. All mom and pop shops. Fun to just walk around. I mean Mike's Pastries is in the North End...nuf said! read more

In the City of Boston, when you follow the red brick road you are off to see vibrant neighborhoods that are rich with history and architecture. One of them is the North End. When I was in Boston, there were a couple of times when I followed the red brick road better known as Boston's Freedom Trail to see the North End. Just like many of the fascinating neighborhoods and points of interest that make Boston a first rate city, the North End is full of interesting facts. Established in the 1630s, it is Boston's continuous oldest residential community. The North End is the Little Italy of Boston featuring the City's best bakeries, Italian restaurants, pizzerias, and coffee shops. When I met up with the Freedom Trail in the North End, I caught it from Commercial Street at the northwest corner of the district, then followed it south toward the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway where we got off the red brick road and explored the cobblestone streets and thoroughfares of the neighborhood. When we stepped on the Freedom Trail in the north side of the district, we were on the hilly part where Copp's Hill Burying Ground overlooks the water. Walking east of it, the trail headed down a hill where we met up with the Old North Hill. As the topography flattened out the historical sites rose. The further east and south we walked we passed one historic landmark after the other. After the Old North Church there was the Prado/Paul Revere Mall, then there was St. Stephen's Catholic Church, the Paul Revere House where Paul Revere said the famous words "The British are coming," North Square, the Moses Pierce Hitchcorn House which is the oldest brick townhouse in New England (Wikipedia), and the historic brick storefronts lining the two commercial streets Hanover and Salem. As a student of urban planning the red brick road did lead me to Oz. The 0.36 square mile district bounded by Commercial Street and the Charles River to the north, Atlantic Avenue and the harbor to the east, the Rose Kennedy Greenway to the South, and Washington Street to the west was a sensory overload of historical architecture, city planning, and restaurants. I enjoyed exploring the pedestrian friendly streets that give the pedestrian precedence over the car. There is only one signalized intersection which is the crossroads of Hanover at Parmentar in the south area of the district. My favorite experience was following the narrow cobblestone streets bordered by Victorian lamp posts, red brick tenement buildings dating back to British rule to one of the most famous Boston pizzarias: Regina's. When I explored Boston's Little Italy I felt that I was in a city within a City. Away from the quiet narrow streets, I explored the jumping Hanover Street peeking into the windowfronts of art galleries, coffee shops, Italian delis, pastry shops, a gelato shop, offices, bars, and the occasional chain store. The southbound walks on Hanover and Salem Streets took in the Boston skyline across the Greenway. The North End of today is a different one from the 1950s to the early 2000s. The removal of the elevated I-93 expressway has had marvelous effects on its connectivity to the downtown. In the pre Big Dig Boston there was an ugly elevated expressway that separated it from the downtown. In the post Big Dig Boston, you can get on the Freedom Trail cut through the Greenway then end up in the Haymarket Farmers Market and Government Center. In our case we picked up a cup of Peet's Coffee that we drank in the adjacent Greenway. The Greenway has also added much needed parkland in the built up North End. The North End is one more reason that Boston is great. No matter where you follow the red brick road in Boston it will lead to experiences and adventures paved with gold. Reviewer's note: I will soon be reviewing the points of interests and places that I visited in the North End. read more

Unique experience! Now that I've lived in the North End for 2+ years, I can say that it's a great place to go in Boston for a night out with friends, family, a spouse, really anyone! My night of choice looks like.. 1) dinner at Quattro (make rez via open table) - not too expensive but great service and amazing food variety (not just heavy Italian) 2) Improv Asylum 10pm show 3) Espresso Martina night cap (and hookah) at Stanza - see picture. You will not be disappointed read more

The North End - Local Flavor Near Me

Being from Boston, I'm really upset with myself that I haven't written a review for the North End, but here I am, writing it almost a decade later because I was there last week. This is Boston's Little Italy, and if you've been to the Little Italy in San Diego, you'd know that this Little Italy blows it out of the water. I also think it's better than New York's Little Italy, but that's just me. I've had numerous date nights here, friends' birthday dinner parties here, several meals at Dolce Vita, Taranta, Lucca, Saraceno and of course Modern Pastery and Mike's Pastry for their cannolis. In the summer time, you'll find lots of families here stopping in for lunch and dinner. In the fall, lots of college students from out of state checking it out and in the winter, it'll still be busy with lovebirds celebrating Valentine's day or a special anniversary. The place is romantic, there's no other way to put it. Parking is a pain but if you lucked out like us, you can get parking right in front of Mike's Pastry on a good day. Best of all, you're getting authentic, fresh, delicious Italian food. Make sure to stop in when you're in Boston. read more