One of Boston's most iconic foodie neighborhoods, the North End is a staple for visitors and locals alike. Whether you're searching for the best chicken parmesan, the city's best espresso martini, or cooking that reminds you of your Nonna while away from home, this neighborhood is a must-visit for some of the best Italian restaurants in Boston. Perfect for a cozy night in cooler weather, an intimate date night with someone special, European-like energy in the summer with outdoor dining, or just an amazing meal – we've gathered your guide to Italian Restaurants in Boston's North End:
Top Italian Restaurants in Boston's North End
Libertine
Back to Top of List125 Salem Street
With a trendy lively atmosphere, Libertine is the comfortable yet adventurous Italian you've been craving. Pick from Italian classics or Portuguese specials such as shrimp Mozambique and Pastel De Nata while browsing their menu for both signature and seasonal cocktails.
We recommend ordering the cacio e pepe, the chouriço à bombeiro and, of course, a pistachio martini!
Did you know that Libertine also offers some of the neighborhood's best options for late-night drinks and food? So, grab your friends or that date that is going really well, and head here while hitting the town.
Bricco
Back to Top of List241 Hanover Street
One of the neighborhood's most popular restaurants – with both visitors and locals – is Bricco. Part of DePasquale Ventures, Bricco offers contemporary boutique dining featuring regional Italian dishes, an award-winning wine list and arguably one of the best espresso martinis that Boston has to offer.
Sit at the bar for a drink and small bites before the big game or a show, or get a large table with a few bottles of wine for you and your loved ones. With elevated yet cozy vibes – this is the perfect place for your next date night, girls' night out or family dinner.
We recommend the eggplant bake appetizer, the meatballs, multiple artisanal pastas and the filet mignon. And did we mention the espresso martini?
Don't have time to stop for a full meal but still want something delicious? Then make sure to check out the Bricco Salumeria & Pasta Shop or Bricco Panetteria, located in the back of the restaurant.
View this profile on InstagramBricco North End (@bricconorthend) • Instagram photos and videos
Antico Forno
Back to Top of List93 Salem Street
Look no further than Salem Street for Neapolitan-style pizza and southern Italian plates. Antico Forno is a cozy, mom-and-pop atmosphere known for its brick oven pizza and dishes. With a great ambiance and mood lighting, this is the perfect spot for a fun night out with friends before a game or concert at TD Garden and more. Share a pizza or three, a large salad, sangria and an array of mouthwatering desserts.
View this profile on InstagramAntico Forno (@anticoboston) • Instagram photos and videos
Trattoria Il Panino
Back to Top of List280 Hanover Street
Boston’s first original trattoria is now taking over social media feeds everywhere. If you ask locals what their favorite restaurant is in the North End, Trattoria Il Panino is usually a common answer. Choose from traditional Italian meals in an intimate indoor dining room or a spacious outdoor patio.
We recommend the lobster ravioli, carbonara or every flavor of their gnocchi – served right in the sauté pan!
With friendly staff, great food, delicious wine and a welcoming atmosphere – this is a great location for a night out with friends or family.
Mare
Back to Top of List223 Hanover Street
Offering the perfect mix of modern Italian seafood and an oyster bar, Mare brings some of Boston’s best-known flavors and plates to the table.
With a seafood-forward menu, we recommend getting the black squid linguine and clams.
Looking to elevate your night out? Then order the tableside cacio e pepe or take a look at their caviar service menu!
Don’t miss out on their amazing outdoor summer dining, or a glass of wine and a dozen oysters by the firepits in the colder months.
View this profile on InstagramMare Oyster Bar (@mareoysterbar) • Instagram photos and videos
Quattro
Back to Top of List264 Hanover Street
Located on the corner of Hanover Street, this affordable Italian rotisserie comes with a menu of delicious options. Filled with handmade pasta and hand-tossed pizza in a friendly environment, Quattro has something for everyone.
The perfect place to grab a fueling lunch with friends during your break exploring the city, we recommend the fig, arugula and goat cheese pizza or a classic margarita pizza.
Looking for more of a night plan? Grab a table for two and have an affordable yet impressive date night. We recommend ordering the lasagna or manicotti, or both!
Aqua Pazza
Back to Top of List135 Richmond Street
This seafood and oyster bar is a staple in Boston’s North End neighborhood. With warm hospitality and white linen tablecloth service, Aqua Pazza is the perfect place for a date night out. We recommend calamari and oysters for the table and the wild boar pappardelle entrée!
View this profile on InstagramAqua Pazza (@aquapazzaboston) • Instagram photos and videos
Ristorante Limoncello
Back to Top of List190 North Street
With a warm and cozy vibe coupled with a fun and lively atmosphere, Ristorante Limoncello is great for a birthday or a fun night out with friends and family!
Fill the table with delicious Italian classics – such as antipasto, the house lasagna or their well-known Rosette Al Mantasio.
View this profile on InstagramRistoranteFiore (@ristorantefiore_northend) • Instagram photos and videos
Cantina Italiana
Back to Top of List346 Hanover Street
Serving authentic and delicious Italian dishes since 1931, Cantina Italiana is the oldest restaurant in Boston’s North End. With a menu full of homestyle Italian favorites, this is a great location to cozy up with family from out of town or a low-key date night. We recommend ordering the Bolognese scialatielli and ending with tiramisu!
Artu
Back to Top of List6 Prince Street
With a livelier environment, Artu is the perfect place for dinner or drinks with friends or colleagues. Cozy up to the bar with a delicious cocktail, or grab a table and indulge in Italian comfort food such as short rib ravioli and eggplant parm!
Assaggio
Back to Top of List29 Prince Street
Known for its Positano-style cuisine, Assaggio is a finer dining space, perfect for your next date night. With a bright and modern atmosphere, fresh food and wine selection, Assagio is sure to make your special occasion that much more special. We recommend the traditional lasagna and veal parmigiana.
Bacco
Back to Top of List107 Salem Street
With a cool bar vibe, Bacco is the perfect stop during your trip to Boston. Grab a glass of wine with a friend or a specialty cocktail while watching the big game. Or ask for a window seat to get a great view of Boston’s North End neighborhood.
We recommend the bruschetta, scallops puttanesca and chicken parmesan.
Forcella
Back to Top of List33 North Square
Located on the corner of Salem Street and Parmenter Street, this stylish, cozy eatery with exposed-brick walls has an amazing vibe for your night out in the North End. With a great wine list and cozy candlelight vibe, Forcella is the perfect place to grab a reservation for your next date night out. During the warmer months, grab a group of friends and visit their large outdoor patio space.
We recommend the charcuterie board to start, followed by the sausage rigatoni, black pepper linguini or the highly praised rabbit gnocchi.
Mamma Maria
Back to Top of List3 North Square
Focusing on local ingredients, grown and raised right here in New England, Mamma Maria is a warm and welcoming neighborhood place for your night out in the North End. With old-world intimacy and friendly staff, it is the cozy vibe you have been looking for.
We recommend the beef carpaccio, the Bolognese and the rabbit pasta.
Book your special event in one of their five private dining rooms, grab a table by the window with a view and make sure to visit their large outdoor dining space in Boston’s warmer months!
Ristorante Villa Francesca
Back to Top of List150 Richmond Street
Located only 1 minute from the historic Paul Revere House, Ristorante Villa Francesca is a great spot for authentic Italian cuisine and fresh caught seafood. Inspired by the recipes of the Francesca and the Guglielmo family, stop here for spaghetti and meatballs, anything with alfredo sauce and, of course, garlic bread.
Terramia Ristorante
Back to Top of List98 Salem Street
This rustic, cozy trattoria is also filled with a homey atmosphere, friendly service – and of course, delicious Italian food. Cozy up at Terramia Ristorante during the colder winter months in Boston, with a glass of red and lobster ravioli. Or come and try the veal chop, arancini or Bolognese. With a welcoming menu for vegans and vegetarians as well, there is truly something for everyone.
Tresca
Back to Top of List233 Hanover Street
Tresca features a Tuscan-inspired food menu that is filled with delicious comfort food and traditional hospitality. With white linen dining service and an intimate vibe, this is a great option for an impressive date night.
Start with the meatballs for the table, and then follow it up with the chicken parm, lasagna or the seafood fra diavolo.
Looking for something even more special? Book the balcony view for a night you truly will never forget!