This is a local’s in-depth guide to the Little Italy in Boston (AKA the North End). I’m covering the neighborhood’s best 20+ food spots, 11+ things to do, and helpful travel tips for 2024.
The North End has 87+ businesses, making it a major food hub in Boston. I’m only including the best restaurants/landmarks and ones I personally revisit. Take this guide as a starting point for exploring the neighborhood!
Last Updated: January 21st, 2024
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Where To Eat in Little Italy in Boston
These are the best Little Italy Boston restaurants including classic Italian fare, pizzas, pastry shops, Italian sandwiches, & more! Most of the restaurants are located on Hanover Street, the North End’s main street. Also… many businesses are CASH ONLY, so bring cash!
Carmelina’s (Pasta)
Carmelina’s Restaurant on Hanover Street sells the best pasta. I recommend ordering the Crazy Alfredo. They toss house-made fettuccine in a spicy alfredo sauce along with sausage, chicken, soppressata, and sweet roasted red peppers. Although this dish isn’t authentic Italian, it’s a must-try!
Other top recommendations are the Bronx Tale (spaghetti and meatballs), carbonara, and “exploding” Little Neck Clams.
The ambiance of the restaurant is cozy and classy. It’s the perfect spot for a date or a small group. Make a reservation in advance because it’s always busy.
307 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113 / Website
Further Reading: 27 Fun Boston Date Ideas
Tony & Elaine’s (Pasta)
Located on the outskirts of the North End, Tony & Elaine’s is easy to miss. However, its homey atmosphere and authentic Italian food make it a must-try on any trip to the neighborhood.
The interior feels old-fashioned with its classic Italian red-white checkered tablecloths and dim lighting. Popular items include chicken parmesan, classic spaghetti & meatballs, gnocchi, and the Caesar salad.
Whatever you order, make sure to try their mozzarella sticks appetizer. I find mozzarella sticks that are sold elsewhere to be rubbery and bland. Here, the mozzarella stick batter here is coated in plenty of Italian spices and the cheese is flavorful. It’s the reason I always come back!
111 N Washington St, Boston, MA 02114 / Website
Giacomos (Pasta)
Giacomo’s is a very popular Little Italy in Boston restaurant, with a constant line down the block (they don’t take reservations). Entrees include linguine, ravioli, grilled seafood, marsala, parmigiana, and vegetarian options. Giacomo’s most beloved menu items include the lobster ravioli and butternut squash ravioli.
355 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113 / Website
Galleria Umberto (Italian Street Food)
Next on the list of Boston’s North End Italian Restaurants are all my favorite pizzas! Galleria Umberto on Hanover Street specializes in classic Italian street food. They sell Sicilian pizza slices ($2.25), panzerotti (fried potato and mozzarella, $2.50), arancini (deep fried rice balls with peas, meat, and cheese, $4.50), and paninis (bread rolls with meat, spinach, etc).
The square pizza slice has a thick, chewy dough, and is covered in a simple tomato sauce with cheese. The restaurant’s affordable prices and delicious food make it a popular spot among locals.
It’s cash only and they’re only open until they sell out (usually around 1-2 PM).
289 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113
Ernesto’s (Pizza Slices)
Just a street over from Galleria Umberto is another popular pizza shop. For the last 30 years, Ernesto’s has been selling New York-style slices. There are 23+ pizza flavors to choose from including BBQ chicken, caprese, buffalo chicken, shrimp scampi, and cheeseburger, etc. They even have a gluten-free pizza option!
Each “slice” is nearly $8. While that may sound steep, one slice is actually two.
69 Salem St, Boston, MA 02113 / Website
Rina’s Pizza (Pizza & Arancini)
Rina’s is deeper into the North End and gets much less traffic compared to the other pizza shops. They serve thin crust, Neapolitan-style slices in cheese, pepperoni, and a specialty flavor of the day.
371 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113 / Website
Regina Pizzeria (Pizza)
Regina Pizza is one of Boston’s most famous pizza restaurants! It’s been around since 1926 and has locations in Beverly, Woburn, Cape Cod, Fenway, etc. However, the original is located in the Little Italy in Boston.
Both the interior and service are no-frills. They serve two things– pizza and drinks. If you’re looking for pasta, salads, and other entrees, go elsewhere.
They have 25+ topping combinations including Shrimp Scampi + Spinach, Meat Lovers, and Buffalo Chicken. The pizza here has the perfect balance of a crunchy and chewy crust.
Regina’s is much pricier than the other options. For a simple cheese pizza, a small is $12 and a large is $17. Expect to pay over $25 for a large specialty topping pizza.
11 1/2 Thacher St, Boston, MA 02113 / Website
The Daily Catch (Sicilian-Style Seafood)
The Daily Catch is famous for its Sicilian-style seafood. Many people order the Lobster Fra Diavolo. It includes 1-¼ of lobster, calamari, littlenecks, mussels, and shrimp that’s simmered in their spicy signature seafood tomato sauce over linguine.
Another unique menu item is their black pasta. It’s a fresh homemade squid ink linguine with your choice of Aglio Olio, Alfredo, and Puttanesca as the sauce. I went with the Alfredo but found it too creamy. I recommend going for something lighter like the Aglio Olio! It’s a black pasta with ground calamari, garlic, anchovy, and olive oil.
323 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113 / Website
Neptune Oyster (Seafood)
With its constant long lines, this seafood restaurant is hard to miss. Their wide selection of oysters is fresh and tasty. Other popular items include their Maine Lobster Roll and Wellfleet Clam Chowder.
They don’t take reservations, so expect to wait in line. I recommend going on weekday off-hours to minimize your wait time.
63 Salem St # 1, Boston, MA 02113 / Website
Monica’s Mercato (Italian Sandwiches)
When you ask Bostonians where to get an Italian sub in the North End, they’ll most likely say Monica’s. It’s the most famous salumeria in Little Italy in Boston!
Monica’s Italian Sub has prosciutto, mortadella, salami, provolone, lettuce, tomato, onion, oil, balsamic, hots, and pickles. The sandwich is HUGE at nearly a foot. It can easily be split between two people or into two meals.
The grocer also offers a variety of imported Italian cheeses, meats, homemade pasta, and bread. It’s takeout only!
130 Salem St, Boston, MA 02113 / Website
Salumeria Italiana (Italian Sandwiches)
Located off of Hanover Street, Salumeria Italiana is another grocer that sells Italian sandwiches. A must-try is their Italiano, which comes with salami, sliced provolone, and the choice to add lettuce, tomato, hot peppers, olive oil, and wine vinegar. I also recommend the La Donna – it comes with prosciutto, mozzarella, tomato, basil olive oil, and balsamic.
Honestly, I like this place even more than Monica’s. The prices are fair at only $10-12 per sandwich, and the ingredients used are of high quality. I also love that the bread is soft (there’s nothing worse than hard, stale sandwich bread).
The shop is pretty low-key and small. There are a couple of aisles with Italian specialty goods and a counter to order food. That’s it. Everything is takeout here!
151 Richmond St, Boston, MA 02109 / Website
Dino’s (Sandwiches)
Dino’s is a casual Italian eatery that’s located on the corner of Prince Street and Salem Street. They sell typical Italian fare including pasta, risotto, Italian sandwiches, etc. It’s counter service but they do have a few tables to eat at.
Their most notable dish is the baked chicken parmesan sub sandwich. Your choice of veal or chicken breaded cutlet is served with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese on a 16-inch long baguette. The dish is HUGE and can easily be split between two people.
141 Salem St, Boston, MA 02113
Mangia Mangia (Home-style Italian)
Mangia Mangia is a budget-friendly, hole-in-the-wall restaurant with a neighborhood feel. The clientele is mostly locals and the subs are around $11-12.
I highly recommend their chicken cutlet parm sub sandwich. It comes with crispy chicken cutlets, marinara sauce, & grated parmesan cheese. The bread roll it comes on is fresh and soft. It’s only $11, which is a great value since the sandwich is so big!
Mangia Mangia is definitely one of the more “hidden gem” spots on this Little Italy in Boston guide.
147 Endicott St, Boston, MA 02113 / Visit Website
Pauli’s (Lobster Rolls & Sandwiches)
Pauli’s is a North End sandwich shop that’s beloved by tourists and locals alike. They’re most famous for their lobster rolls, which come with chunks of fresh lobster and mayo on a grilled hot dog roll. You can order it classic cold or hot buttered.
Not in the mood for lobster rolls? They have plenty of other sandwich combinations. The “Pauli-tician”, for instance, is an Italian-inspired sandwich with a fried chicken cutlet, prosciutto, mozzarella, tomatoes, basil olive oil, and balsamic vinegar on a bread roll or wrap. The chicken cutlet is crispy and flavorful, and they’re very generous with portions.
Don’t skip any of their pasta dishes, either. I was pleasantly surprised by both their buffalo mac and cheese and pesto tortellini. The buffalo mac and cheese has fried chicken on top and the buffalo sauce adds a subtle kick.
65 Salem St, Boston, MA 02113 / Website
Bricco Salumeria & Pasta Shop
Last on the Boston Little Italy sub list are the subs at Bricco Salumeria. The shop is pretty easy to miss — you’ll need to go through the Board Alley, which is located off Hanover Street.
You can find some of the best imported Italian meats, cheeses, olive oils, vinegar, and more. Or, get one of their $13 subs that include the Italian, chicken parm, meatball parm, panino, and eggplant sub. For anyone interested in catering, they have hot food trays of lasagna, chicken parmesan, ravioli, and more.
If you decide to make your own sandwiches, you can get fresh Italian bread from the Bricco Panetteria just across from the deli.
11 Board Alley, Boston, MA 02113 / Website
Mike’s Pastry, Bova’s, & Modern Pastry (Italian Pastries)
Mike’s, Bova’s, and Modern are the neighborhood’s top three pastry shops.
You can’t leave the Little Italy in Boston without trying a cannoli. The Italian pastry is made of a tube-shaped fried pastry dough shell that’s filled with sweet, creamy ricotta.
If it’s your very first time in the North End, get your cannoli at Mike’s Pastry on Hanover Street. The cannoli shop has been around since 1946 and is the most famous in the neighborhood. They have inventive flavors including pistachio, cappuccino, oreo, hazelnut, etc. I always order the chocolate chip cannoli here.
Located just across the street is Mike’s top contender, Modern Pastry. They have plenty of European cakes, tarts, macaroons, and pies to choose from. Their cannolis are all made to order, meaning you can be assured it’ll be fresh!
Last on the cannoli list is Bova’s! A must-order item at this 24/7 bakery is their Florentine cannoli. It’s a sweet, honey-almond shell filled with ricotta cream. They also have Italian bread, small calzones, cakes, etc.
There’s been plenty of debate among Bostonians about which North End pastry shop sells the BEST cannoli. (I would know, I once posted a TikTok about Bova’s and received tons of hate comments). Mike’s Pastry is undoubtedly the most famous, but many locals claim that Bova’s or Modern Pastry sells the best cannoli. I recommend trying each one for yourself!
Mike’s Pastry: 300 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113 / Website
Modern Pastry: 257 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113 / Website
Bova’s: 134 Salem St, Boston, MA 02113 / Website
Parziale’s Bakery (Italian Pastries & Pizza)
Hidden on Prince Street, Parziale’s sells cannolis, a wide selection of Italian cookies, and square pizza slices. It’s more low-key than the other bakeries and gets way less traffic.
I really like their cannolis. They’re freshly made to order and are without preservatives.
80 Prince St, Boston, MA 02113
Caffe Vittoria (Tiramisu & Coffee)
This sit-down Italian cafe is the perfect spot to enjoy a cappuccino and pastries after a meal. It was established in 1929, making it Boston’s first Italian cafe! Its interior is in a traditional Italian style with diner tables, vintage decor, and artwork on the walls.
They’re most known for their tiramisu. The coffee-flavored dessert is rich and creamy with its alternating layers of ladyfingers and mascarpone. I pair mine with a cappuccino! For more must-try desserts in the city, check out my 31 Best Boston dessert list.
290-296 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113 / Website
Take a North End Food Tour
Some people prefer having a professional tour guide show them around. The benefits of this option are you get to sample a lot of places in a short time, learn about the hidden spots & history, and meet people while traveling!
I’ve included some highly-rated food tours in the Little Italy in Boston:
- Boston’s North End: Secret Food Tour –> 3-hour North End walking tour with 6-7 food stops.
- Boston: North End Pizza Tour with 3 Slices and Cannoli –> 2-hour walking tour where you try pizza and desserts, and visit 5 Freedom trail sites.
- Boston: North End Food Experience With Pizza, Meats, & Cheese –> 2-hour walking tour where you can hear stories from local merchants while sampling food.
Tenoch Mexican (Mexican Food)
Not in the mood for Italian food? Tenoch sells amazing authentic Mexican food. They sell the best tortas (Mexican sandwiches) in Boston. Each pressed sandwich is made of telera bread, beans, chipotle mayo, avocado, tomatoes, Oaxaca cheese, & onions with your choice of meat. I always order the campechana torta, which is a mix of chorizo and carnitas. Their tacos are great, too!
I also LOVE their mole and carnitas enchiladas. It’s super filling and flavorful. The pico de gallo adds a freshness in contrast to the rest of the heavy meal!
3 Lewis St, Boston, MA 02109 / Website
North End Fish & Sushi
I was honestly surprised to find such great sushi in the Little Italy in Boston. North End Fish is a low-key takeout-only spot for lobster rolls and sushi. I enjoyed the spicy tuna roll, which was pretty affordable at $6.90 for 8 pieces.
99 Salem St, Boston, MA 02113 / Website
Wicked Craft Co.
For new American cuisine, inventive cocktails, and a lively atmosphere, Wicked Craft Co. is the perfect spot for a night out or to celebrate a birthday. The interior of the restaurant has neon-lit signs, plants hanging from the ceilings, and leather booths to sit at. The food has everything from burgers to tacos to pasta. They have an extensive hand-crafted cocktail menu, so there’s something for everyone.
Overall, it’s a trendy and fun spot! Another fun restaurant option is Strega on Hanover Street.
54 Salem St, Boston, MA 02113 / Website
Further Reading: 25 Fun Things to Do in Boston For Young Adults
North Street Grille or Theo’s Cozy Corner (Brunch)
Last on the Little Italy restaurant list are two popular restaurants for breakfast and brunch! North Street Grille is known for its boozy brunches and inventive menu items like its cannoli pancakes and fried chicken and waffle sliders.
For a diner-style breakfast, Theo’s Cozy Corner is a popular neighborhood spot. The place is small and constantly filled with locals. You can get your typical American breakfast fry-ups here like omelets, pancakes, and breakfast sandwiches.
I usually go for the breakfast special. It includes two eggs of any style, a choice of breakfast meat, a choice of toast, coffee, and home fries. It’s a great deal at ~$10.50 and everything tastes amazing! Check out my best Boston brunches article for more breakfast options.
North Street Grille: 229 North St, Boston, MA 02113 / Website
Theo’s Cozy Corner: 162 Salem St, Boston, MA 02113 / Facebook
Further Reading: The Best Breakfast in Boston: 27 Top Spots
Top Things To Do in Little Italy in Boston
Once you’ve eaten through the Little Italy Boston best restaurants, explore the neighborhood in other ways! Here are the top 9 attractions & things to do in Little Italy Boston.
Rose Kennedy Greenway
If you’re entering the North End from Downtown, the Rose Kennedy Greenway is likely the first thing you’ll see. The 1.5-mile public park is the perfect place to sit down and relax on one of the swings or grass. In the warmer weather, I always get takeout from the Italian bakeries and eat it at the tables!
Further Reading: 39 Completely Free Things to Do in Boston
Paul Revere House
This historical landmark was built around 1680 and owned by the Patriot Paul Revere between 1770-1800. It’s the only Freedom Trail site that’s a home! You can tour the inside for a fee of $6.00 for adults, $5.50 for seniors and college students, & $1.00 for children ages 5-17. Check out their visitor’s site for more details.
Paul Revere Statue & Old North Church
Another famous historical landmark is the Paul Revere Statue located in North Square Park.
Just across the street from the Paul Revere Statue is the Old North Church. It was established in 1723 as the Christ Church of Boston. It’s Boston’s longest-serving Episcopal congregation and the oldest church building. Check out the Old North Church website for ticket options!
Copp’s Hill Burying Ground
The last of the historical things to do in Little Italy in Boston is this Freedom Trail site. Named after William Copp, the burying ground has the gravestones of the artisans, merchants, and craftspeople of the North End neighborhood.
Stanza Dei Sigari
This classic Cigar parlor was once a 1920s speakeasy, located in a basement off Hanover Street. Its dim lighting and wood and leather accents help retain its “underground” look and feel. They offer a variety of cigars, cocktails, beer, and wine. It’s a fun place to hang out but keep in mind that you’ll smell strongly of cigars after leaving!
Improv Asylum
The Improv Asylum is voted the best comedy show in Boston. Their most critically acclaimed show is the adults-only “Main Stage Show”, which is 90 minutes of fast-paced comedy skits and improv. They also have improv classes, private events, and team building. Visit the Improv Asylum website to get tickets.
Further Reading: 25+ Best Boston Indoor Activities
Ice Skate at the DCR Steriti Memorial Rink
In the winter, visit the public DCR Steriti Memorial rink to ice skate! It’s much less busy compared to the Frog Pond rink.
Shop at a Boutique
As you wander the streets of Little Italy in Boston, you’ll periodically come across small retail shops selling clothing, accessories, and other unique and local goods. I love Loft & Vine for gift shopping that includes kitchenware, candles, and other knick-knacks. LIT Boutique is centrally located on Hanover Street and sells fashionable women’s clothing.
Tiny House
The famous “Skinny House” on 44 Hull Street is an extremely narrow 4-story house. It’s located on the Freedom Trail, making it a popular photo spot for tourists.
Surprisingly, it’s quite spacious inside! Check out this article for more information.
Grab Some Coffee at Polcari’s
Polcari’s Coffee is a small corner store coffee spot that’s been in the Little Italy in Boston since 1932! The walls are lined with a wide selection of coffee varieties — many people go for the house blend coffee beans. You can also buy coffee accessories, candies, and spices. In the summer, make sure to try their lemon slush.
Saint Anthony’s Feast
The Saint Anthony’s Feast is an annual North End festival that dates back to 1919! It’s the largest religious festival in New England and has been named “The Feast of All Feasts”.
There are around 100 carts for Italian street foods, live entertainment, and Italian souvenirs. It’s held every August, so plan accordingly if you’re here during that time. It’s free to walk through. Check the official Saint Anthony’s Feast website for more information.
Important Info for Visiting Little Italy in Boston
There are several things worth considering when visiting the North End in Boston.
First, an issue that many visitors have is finding parking. Parking spots in the North End are very limited. It’s a residential neighborhood where you need a permit to park on most of the streets. Your best bet is finding a spot on the Waterfront — Atlantic Avenue has plenty of metered street parking.
The Haymarket Garage is also a great deal for parking without the hassle of finding a spot. They have a $1 validation for 2 hours and a $3 validation for 3 hours for North End visitors. You just need to visit a participating North End restaurant, church, attraction, or business. More details can be found on the North End website.
Alternatively, you can take public transportation. Haymarket Station is located on both the Green Line and Orange Line and is less than a 5-minute walk to the North End. If you’re coming from the Blue Line, the Aquarium Station is about a 10-minute walk to Hanover Street.
The second issue visitors have in the Little Italy in Boston is finding a restroom. The majority of sit-down North End restaurants have a bathroom. If for whatever reason you can’t access one (perhaps it’s too early in the day), the Boston Public Market next to Haymarket has a public restroom.
Hotels in Little Italy in Boston
Finally, if you plan to stay overnight in the North End, I recommend the Battery Wharf Hotel! It’s an elegant hotel on the waterfront. Its prime location makes it only a 15-minute walking distance to the Faneuil Hall and TD Garden.
An alternative option is Bricco Suites. It’s located on Hanover Street, directly in the heart of the North End! They have 25 room options including studios, 1 bedroom, and 2 bedroom suites. Check out more Little Italy Boston hotels on the Hotels site.
Conclusion: Guide To Little Italy in Boston
That wraps up my complete guide to the Little Italy in Boston Massachusetts! I tried my best to include the most iconic restaurants/landmarks and the lesser-known hidden gems. In the meantime, read my best Japanese restaurant guide and best Korean restaurant guide.
More Little Italy/Boston North End Resources:
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