How to Enjoy a Taste of Italy in Boston’s North End

Some of my favorite memories of Boston are from time spent in the North End visiting my Italian great aunt and uncle. Their house, built in the 1800s, was steps from the Freedom Trail leading to historic Copp’s Hill Burying Ground and down the street from the Old North Church. I remember every nook and cranny of that house filled with Italian art and knick-knacks. The busiest place in the house was the narrow kitchen, where my uncle would make his famous stuffed calamari and sausage and peppers. Everyday dinners at their house were always festive!  During a 3-day weekend getaway to Boston, we had a chance to revisit the North End. The spirit of Italy and all those who contributed to the neighborhood culture lives on, with lively feasts, classic meals, traditional Italian desserts, and a welcoming ambiance. 

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The North End is a small neighborhood (roughly one square mile) of Boston. Over the years, waves of people came to the area, including wealthy English colonists and Irish and Eastern European Jewish immigrants. Italian immigrants started to arrive in the late 1800s, and by the 1920s and 1930s, an overwhelming majority of residents were Italian. Today, residents of Italian heritage only make up a portion of the population in the North End, but visitors can still immerse themselves in the culture and food of Italy. Between authentic Italian food and the historic stops on the Freedom Trail, including the Old North Church, Copp’s Hill Burying Ground, and the Paul Revere House, the North End is a popular tourist destination. Be sure to bring cash for the handful of places that don’t take credit cards. With that in mind, here are five ways to experience Italy in Boston’s North End, both on and beyond Hanover Street. 

Taste the Flavors of the North End With a Food Tour

If you have read any other blog posts here at familyTravelsUSA, you know that I love food tours! You learn about the best restaurants, take in a bit of history, and enjoy a collection of dishes that reflect the local cuisine. When I first read about the North End Boston Food Tour offered by a longtime North End resident, I knew this was the tour for us. At 11 a.m. on a Saturday, we met owner and guide Bobby on busy Hanover Street, hungry to learn secrets about the neighborhood and sample delicious Italian food. 

Along the tour, we ate pasta and pizza while we heard stories about growing up in the North End and the changing neighborhood over the years. We enjoyed Italian meat and cheese, an olive oil and balsamic vinegar tasting, and stepped down an alley for an up-close look at a small Italian bakery. By the time we reached our last stop on the tour—Mike’s Pastry—I wasn’t sure how I would eat that giant cannoli, but somehow I managed to eat half, and carried the rest for later. It was seriously the most food I have ever been served on a food tour so come hungry!

Linger Over a Cup of Coffee

There are plenty of coffee shops in Boston, but the ones in the North End have a special ambiance, with cases filled with Italian pastries and patrons with tiny cups of espresso. I fondly remember visiting Caffé Vittoria on Hanover Street with my uncle, who loved to linger over coffee and then leave us to head down to the cigar bar. Sit with friends and enjoy an afternoon or evening pastry. It’s considered the oldest of the Italian cafés in the city. Another family-run spot on Hanover Street, Caffé Paradiso, offers coffee, desserts, and gelato. 

Head over to Salem Street and stop into Polcari’s Coffee to pick up a coffee, or grab your favorite flavor of beans to take home. It’s been around since 1932, and the house blend is a popular neighborhood favorite.  And if you happen to stay near Boston Common, the Thinking Cup serves a great cup of coffee. Plus the bacon cheddar scone hit the spot for a quick breakfast. 

Enjoy an Authentic Italian Meal

You really can't go wrong eating at any of the restaurants that line the streets of the North End, including those on Hanover Street. I haven’t done extensive in-person research, but after reading reviews and food articles, it seems everyone has at least one favorite. Drawn to the menu of the Sicilian-style dishes of my grandparents, we tried The Daily Catch for lunch—where they have been creating authentic dishes for over 50 years. I have to say the linguini with clams in an olive oil and garlic sauce was fabulous. It was served in a pan, with large chunks of clams and a sauce that wasn’t too heavy. The calamari meatballs are a popular starter so we ordered those as well. Expect to wait during busy times, as there are just a handful of tables. The restaurant is cash only. 

Another option is the wood-fired pizza or delicious Rigatoni Alla Boscaiola at Antico Forno. It was the first stop on our food tour and the pasta was simple yet delicious. Locals speak highly of Ristorante Limoncello, which I put on my list for next time. For quick bites, stop by Pauli’s for one of their signature sandwiches (the lobster roll is a must, and the line is much faster than next door at Neptune Oyster!), or Galleria Umberto (limited hours) for a slice of pizza, arancini, or calzone. Regina Pizzeria is also a popular option. One of my favorite memories from the late 1980s is eating an extra large slice of pizza at Regina Pizzeria on a visit to Boston! 

Indulge in One (or Many!) Desserts

No matter what time of day you visit, save some room for dessert! The North End is a great place to find all the typical Italian specialties like cannoli, sfogliatella, lobster tail, and a variety of traditional Italian cookies. Most folks have a favorite among Mike’s Pastry, Modern Pastry Shop, and Bova’s Bakery. We stopped into Bova’s on our first afternoon in the city and were overwhelmed by the cannoli selection. Eventually, we decided on the peanut butter cannoli, which was amazing. We learned during our food tour that Bova’s is open 24/7, and that steak and cheese arancini are popular with the late-night crowd. 

​Walking down Hanover Street, you will most likely find lines at Mike’s Pastry and Modern Pastry. Both have a huge selection, which gives visitors a chance to judge for themselves which bakery has the best cannolis! The sfogliatella from Bricco Panneteria was light and crispy. This tiny bakery tucked down an alley was a fun stop on our food tour, and would be easy to miss. Next time I’m going to buy a fresh loaf of olive bread!   

Join the Locals During a Feast

Summer is the time for feasts, and especially during August. Immerse yourself in the food, music, and processions that honor various saints, including the long-running Feast of Saint Anthony, honoring Saint Anthony of Padua. Stroll through the North End and sample authentic Italian favorites like arancini and other dishes. The Feast of Saint Anthony has been celebrated for over 100 years! 

I have been fortunate to have experienced what my family nicknamed the Feast twice from my uncle's house in the North End. Anyone who visited could join in the pre-feast cooking. On the day of the grand procession of the statue of Saint Anthony, we would set up tables filled with homemade Italian foods and wine on the doorstep of my great-uncle’s house and then sit back and enjoy Italian street bands and local marching bands as they paraded by. Vendors also line the streets as part of the festivities, where visitors can find more Italian food and other specialties.