Your Favorite North End Italian Resaturant (Boston, Salem: hotel, house, live)

[ssg II]

I've always heard the best Italian food in the country is in Boston's North End. We'll be visiting soon and would like the locals' opinions. We don't want some up-scale, la-ti-da, place with astronomical prices, organ meat and cheese we never heard of. Just basic great pasta. Any thoughts? Thanks!

[charolastra00]

La Famiglia Giorgio is my favorite - it's a family staple when my parents come to visit. I have dreams about their garlic and mussels pasta - and I never even liked mussels before I first tried them there!

The place is more family style than date night and the portions are huge - you will likely bring back lunch for the next day in the hotel.

[Cantabridgienne]

The North End has way more Italian-American places than restaurants doing true regional Italian cooking. There are a lot of tourist traps, but some places I like in the first category are Trattoria Di Monica and Carmen. I used to be a big fan of Antico Forno when I lived in the North End but I've read some accounts that it's fallen off lately.

For food that is more similar to true Italian food, I like Prezza (currently closed following a fire, but should be open soon).

My favorite Italian restaurants in Boston aren't in the North End--Coppa and Trattoria Toscana.

[johnathanc]

There are a lot of tourist traps in the North End, watch out. I live walking distance to the North End and second the same restaurants as the poster above for a nice meal: Carmen, Trattoria Di Monica and Prezza. I'd also throw in Daily Catch (Casual Italian Seafood) and Neptune Oyster House (not Italian but great little seafood spot that is amazing). People also love Giamcomo's but I've never tried it as there are often line ups.

[lrfox]

There are a lot of places to avoid in the North End. My favorite North End restaurant is Terramia on Salem St. It's small, but the food is good and the atmosphere is pretty nice. It's a nice break from some of the overly touristy spots on Hanover.

[charleschap]

Monicas and Artu

[ssg II]

Thanks, everybody!!!

[BostonRevealed]

Depends on what you like, seafood, pasta? Whats your price range?

La Famiglia Giorgio is great because its cheap! Food is OK, a step up compared to Bretuccis but not that much better.

Giamcomo if you love pasta (freshly made pasta)!

Pizza - Regina Pizzero

Deserts - Mike's pastry

Coffee - Cafe Vittoria

If you want real authentic Italian Food that is freshly made I would go to Giamcomos. Go there early because there will be a wait.

[migrjo]

"People also love Giamcomo's but I've never tried it as there are often line ups."

"Giamcomo if you love pasta (freshly made pasta)!"

Is this place on Columbus near Charlie's?

[wxjay]

Antico Forno is still great and is my go-to restaurant.