There are dozens of incredible Italian restaurants around Boston’s North End. Walking down the busy Hanover Street or Salem Street, it can be hard to decide which eatery to visit. Here are some of the best restaurants in and around the North End so that you can enjoy a night out with delicious food. Whether it’s pasta, seafood, or pizza, these restaurants will satisfy all of your Italian food cravings.
Regina Pizzeria
Pizzeria, Restaurant, Italian, Vegetarian, $$$
‘Regina’ is how people in Boston say ‘good pizza’ | Photo by Elan Fleisher/Shutterstock
Regina Pizzeria is a casual family-owned pizza joint that serves up incredible pies known and loved by the locals in Boston and is an ideal option for those looking to save a little money away from the expensive restaurants of Hanover Street. Try the Margherita brick oven pizza from the original location in the North End. It first opened in 1926, and while they have other chain locations in Boston, the pies in the North End always taste the best.
Carmelina’s is an open-air restaurant on famous Hanover Street and specializes in hearty Italian classics and seafood meals – Sicilian food with a Mediterranean twist. Try their delicious calamari and the pesce al forno; the daily catch of the day is always a great choice roasted with garlic, olive oil, and rapi greens.
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The North End trattoria Ristorante Limoncello dishes up classic, homestyle Italian entrées with a variety of fine wines and features a cozy atmosphere, adorned with Italian murals on the walls. Try the tagliolini al limoncello – fresh homemade pasta with jumbo shrimp in a creamy tomato sauce.
Neptune Oyster is an upscale oyster bar that serves up renowned raw oysters on the half shell and famous lobster rolls accompanied by warm butter. Their high-priced N.O.B. Clambake is also incredible and worth the splurge. This tiny restaurant always has a line out the door on Salem Street, so get there early.
Giacomo’s Restaurant offers huge portions of tasty Italian-American food. The zuppa di pesce for two is a delicious seafood special with clams, scallops, calamari, lobster, and shrimp over linguine with a choice of sauce. Be sure to make a reservation at this bustling restaurant, and remember that it is cash-only.
Located off of the main stretch of Hanover Street on North Street, Riccardo’s Ristorante is a cozy Italian spot that offers traditional style pasta at the right price. Try out the gamberi limoncello as an appetizer, which is delicious shrimp sautéed in limoncello, or the risotto alla Riccardo, a must-try chicken dish.
