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04/27/2026 | News release | Distributed by Public on 04/28/2026 00:32

Getting to Know Your Neighborhood: The North End

Getting to Know Your Neighborhood: The North End

A guide to shopping, eating, and sightseeing in Boston's "Little Italy"

The North End abounds with cultural and historical attractions, and of course, restaurants, restaurants, restaurants. Photo by Lexie Slotterback

In the City

Getting to Know Your Neighborhood: The North End

A guide to shopping, eating, and sightseeing in Boston's "Little Italy"

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Unofficially known as Boston's "Little Italy," the North End is one of the Hub's smallest neighborhoods-a one-square-mile area jutting into Boston Harbor. But it has played an outsized role in the city's cultural, historical, and culinary history. Within a convenient walking distance of Government Center, it's Boston's oldest residential area, with a history of European settlement stretching back to the early 17th-century Puritans.

Over the past 400 years, the area has been home to an early African American community and to waves of Irish, Eastern European Jewish, and, more recently, Italian immigrants. By 1930, almost all inhabitants were Italian, and it had gained its reputation as "Little Italy." Today, it continues to be a popular destination for Bostonians and visitors from across the globe who come for the food, the sites, or the neighborhood's summer street festivals honoring revered saints.

Boston's popular Freedom Trail, which leads to significant American Revolution sites, winds through the North End to historic destinations like the Paul Revere House and the Old North Church. And one of the most popular sections of the city's extensive Harborwalk is here, skirting the water's edge along the wharves, residences, and businesses, the US Coast Guard base, and Langone Park.

Despite the neighborhood's changing demographics-less than a third of the population today is of Italian descent-it's still possible to get a feel for the community. The neighborhood boasts more than 100 restaurants, cafes, and bakeries. And the rustic Italian street signs, indicating imaginary routes to real Italian cities, give the area an even more authentic feel.

BU Today has compiled a list of some of the best places to explore, eat, and shop when you visit.

Boston Public Market
100 Hanover St.

Boston Public Market. Photo by Lexie Slotterback

Established in 2001 by a group of passionate foodies, the Boston Public Market gives shoppers a permanent year-round indoor market for fresh produce, meat and poultry, eggs, milk and cheese, fish, baked goods, and specialty and prepared foods. The market, featuring over two dozen vendors who fill a 30,000-square-foot building at Haymarket station, is open seven days a week. All the wares are locally sourced. Among the food vendors are Crescent Ridge Dairy, from Sharon, Mass., known for its award-winning ice cream and bottled dairy products. More must-tries: the fresh Moroccan cuisine courtesy of Mo'Rockin Fusion and the hand-carved sandwiches from Beantown Pastrami Company. You'll also find vendors selling handmade cutting boards and bowls, fresh flowers and produce, donuts, ice cream, jewelry, art, and more.

North End Lobster Co.
204 Hanover St.

North End Lobster Co. Photo by Lexie Slotterback

Run by the same restaurateurs who own and operate the popular restaurants Giacomo's, Riccardo's, Magia, and Mercato, North End Lobster Co. is an innovative seafood restaurant rooted in New England's rich seafood tradition-but where all dishes come with a twist. Try the lobster cannoli or crab spinach dip, or go for one of the classics like a lobster roll or clams casino.

Improv Asylum
216 Hanover St.

One of Boston's most storied comedy clubs, Improv Asylum has been providing laughs and entertainment since 1998. There are improvised or sketch comedy shows most nights of the week. Many shows sell out, so purchasing tickets online or by phone is recommended. The club also offers professional improv and sketch comedy-writing classes for adults, and hosts several popular weekly performances,including the main stage improv shows throughout the week and Raunch, on Saturdays.

Parla
230 Hanover St.

Parla, 230 Hanover St.

The speakeasy décor at Parla makes it feel like it's been around since Prohibition (it opened in 2014). The small Italian eatery's menu is a departure from traditional Italian fare, with innovative pastas and appetizers. Its imaginative cocktail menu has more than 50 house-made shrubs, infusions, and tinctures. Parla features a popular weekend brunch that includes cinnamon-sugar beignets and Slumberin' Piglets (waffle-battered sausage links on skewers served with Aleppo honey butter). The dinner menu offers tantalizing dishes like ricotta fritters, lobster ravioli, and seared octopus. The restaurant has a patio for outdoor dining during the warm-weather months.

Tresca
233 Hanover St.

Legendary 21-season Boston Bruins defenseman Ray Bourque, inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2004, opened this traditional Tuscan eatery in 2005. Tresca serves traditional Italian fare, including a large selection of antipasti, homemade pastas, and rare Italian wines. Popular entrees include a black truffle ricotta gnocchi and the Gamberoni ala Bourque (black tiger shrimp, roasted garlic cream, lemon, white wine, plum tomatoes, baby spinach, fresh oregano, and tagliatelle). The restaurant offers open seating, as well as options for private and semiprivate dining rooms for parties ranging from 12 to 70.

Bricco
241 Hanover St.

Bricco Salumeria, 11 Board Alley. Photo via Wikimedia Commons/Gatorfan252525

Distinguishing among the North End's many Italian restaurants isn't easy, but Bricco is a standout. It's popular for its contemporary cuisine, an award-winning wine list-with vintners from California and Italy-and a late-night menu (brick-oven pizzas and innovative antipasti) Fridays and Saturdays from 11:30 pm to 2 am. The restaurant bills its cooking style as "sophisticated 'boutique' Italian cuisine," but you'll also find traditional dishes, like meatballs and risotto, as well as seafood, chops, and artisanal pastas. The desserts-which include a mouthwatering bread pudding, espresso martini tiramisu, and a homemade gelato trio-are superb. Down a narrow alley at the rear stands its separate panetteria (bakery) that sells delicious artisanal bread daily.

Arya Trattoria
253 Hanover St., second floor

Arya Trattoria is steeped in history for owner and chef Massimo Tiberi. It's on the site of the former Scalinatella restaurant, where he once worked as a bread boy. And more than 30 years ago, when it was known as Il Sole restaurant, his family held his baptism reception there. The current restaurant-named for Tiberi's daughter-is a blend of old-world Italian and modern sophistication. The menu changes with the seasons, but expect to find entrées like handmade oyster mushroom ravioli with truffle mascarpone, grilled local sea scallops, and classic chicken parm. Their signature dish is the Osso Buco di Maiale, a braised pork shank soaked in tomato sauce. Arya also offers a prix fixe three-course meal designed by its culinary team for $70 per person.

Caffé Paradiso
255 Hanover St.

Renowned for their cannolis, Caffé Paradiso has been a North End staple since 1962. This intimate cafe is a relaxing place to enjoy an espresso and pastry. Its cocktail list includes a pistachio martini made with vanilla vodka, amaretto, Midori, and a scoop of pistachio gelato. All gelato is made on the premises, and among the flavors are tiramisu, nocciola (hazelnut), and zuppa inglese (a custard-based house creation with chocolate, cinnamon, and pieces of rum-soaked sponge cake). The dazzling pastry case offers everything from rum baba (a yeast cake soaked in rum) and frutti di bosco (a tart filled with sweet custard cream and topped with fresh berries) to profiteroles and other treats. The cafe also hosts a wide variety of international coffees-from Roman espressos to Jamaican cappuccinos to Mexican coffees. Open daily until 2 am, it hosts a lively late-night scene.

Modern Pastry
257 and 263 Hanover St.

Modern Pastry, 257 Hanover St. Photo by Lexie Slotterback

Established in the 1930s, this family-owned Italian bakery has maintained its recipes and traditions for nearly a century. Specializing in custom cakes, handmade cookies, and Italian delicacies, it has a considerable following and has been featured in the New York Times, the Boston Globe, National Geographic, and on the Food Network. Try one of the shop's famous cannolis or a piece of the ricotta pie (sweetened ricotta cheese baked in pasta frolla pastry dough). Certain specialties, like the amaretto cake (two layers of Italian sponge cake soaked in rum and amaretto liquors and filled with creamy vanilla custard), have to be ordered in advance. Gluten-free options are available in-store, as well. Modern Pastry also operates Modern Underground Bar & Grill, a subterranean spot serving simple pub fare like burgers, wings, salads, sandwiches, and other quick bites. It's hard to find, so keep an eye out.

Dolce
272 Hanover St.

This charming cafe offers Italian-style sandwiches, sheet pizzas, baked goods, espresso, and other traditional cafe foods and beverages. The shop is owned by DePasquale Ventures, the prominent North End restaurateur family who runs establishments like Bricco, Quattro, and Mare Oyster Bar. You'll also find gelato, cannoli, and Italian donuts on the menu.

Caffé Vittoria
290-296 Hanover St.

The oldest Italian cafe in Boston is a must-visit for anyone coming to the North End. Opened in 1929, this landmark has four levels, three liquor bars, and a cigar room lined with old-fashioned Italian espresso and coffee machines and memorabilia, giving it an authentic Italian feel and a delicious aroma of coffee. Stop in for a hot drink, a pastry (you'll have a hard time choosing between the cannoli, biscotti, tiramisu, and limoncello and rum cakes), or gelato. And bring your camera, because this historic family-owned cafe boasts an Instagram-worthy decor.

Galleria Umberto
289 Hanover St.

Galleria Umberto. Photo by Lexie Slotterback

This cash-only, no-frills pizzeria offers Sicilian-style pizza. The huge slices-with their fluffy crust, sweet and tangy tomato sauce, and caramelized cheese-cost just $2.25. The restaurant does a brisk lunch business, and it closes after everything is sold, usually about 2 pm. It's open Monday through Saturday. Try the panzarotti (creamy mashed potato balls stuffed with mozzarella cheese, dipped in egg and bread crumbs, and deep fried) or the arancini (fried risotto balls stuffed with ground beef, peas, and mozzarella). The restaurant was honored with the James Beard Foundation's America's Classics Award in 2018.

Mike's Pastry
300 Hanover St.

Any day of the week, you'll find a line out the door at this North End institution, which has been in business since 1946. Best known for its oversized and overstuffed cannoli, Mike's serves the classic Italian dessert in several flavors. They are made on the premises along with the bakery's gelati, cakes, and other pastries. Be prepared to order your sweets to go, because seating inside is limited. The pastry shop has become so popular, it now ships goods nationwide. Note: Mike's accepts only cash.

Cafe Amaro
319 Hanover St.

This intimate Italian spot, located across the street from Mike's Pastry, features rustic-style specialty pastas, pizzas, and seafood, and cured meat and cheese platters. The food is decidedly less traditional than many of its neighbors, but you'll still find some classics on the menu, including an amazing chicken parmigiana and burrata.

The Daily Catch
323 Hanover St.

The Daily Catch take-out window. Photo by Lexie Slotterback

This Sicilian-style seafood restaurant has been a North End mainstay since 1973. The fish is unbelievably fresh. Try the North End-style pan-seared swordfish (with sundried tomatoes, mushrooms, and basil), calamari salad, or shrimp and scallops with linguine. Pasta is served right in the pan. Bring cash, because credit and debit cards are not accepted. And be ready to wait for a table; the place doesn't take reservations. Don't want to wait? The restaurant features a take-out window. The Daily Catch also has a location on the Boston waterfront.

North Bennet Street School
150 North St.

Founded in 1885, the North Bennet Street School gave immigrants the skills necessary to succeed in their new lives by providing vocational training in pottery, sewing, printing, watch repair, sheet metal work, cabinetmaking, jewelry making, and carpentry, helping generations become craftsmen and artisans. Today, the school has a worldwide reputation and continues to train fledgling artisans and craftspeople, with full-time programs in bookbinding, violin making and repair, piano technology, locksmithing, jewelry making and repair, and furniture making. You don't have to be a full-time student to take one of the excellent programs. Find a list of more than 100 continuing education classes here. And the school recently started offering weeklong, intensive programs for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. There is also a gallery-store-featuring student, faculty, and alumni work-open to the public Monday through Thursday, from 7:30 am to 2 pm.

The Paul Revere House
19 North Square

The Paul Revere House. Photo by Lexie Slotterback

Paul Revere, the famed silversmith, patriot, and Revolutionary War hero, lived with his family in the oldest building in downtown Boston from 1770 to 1800. Built around 1680, it has housed many immigrants to the North End since Revere lived there. In 1902, one of Revere's great-grandsons bought the house to ensure its preservation. The Paul Revere Memorial Association was formed in 1907 and, in 1908, the house was opened as one of the nation's first historic house museums. Today, visitors can see a colonial garden, a 900-pound bell, and a bolt from the USS Constitution. The museum is open year-round and open from 10 am to 5:15 pm. It's closed on Mondays during January, February, and March. There is also a student discount ($5.50) offered for admission.

Copp's Hill Burying Ground
Hull Street

Copp's Hill Burying Ground, Hull Street. Photo via Wikimedia Commons/AlexiusHoratius~commonswiki

One of Boston's most significant landmarks, Copp's Hill Burying Ground is the city's second-oldest cemetery, established in 1659. It is the resting place of many famous early Americans, including the ministers Cotton and Increase Mather and Edmund Hartt, the builder of the USS Constitution, as well as many craftspeople, artisans, and merchants who lived in the North End during the 17th and 18th centuries. The British took advantage of the hill's height to train their cannons on Charlestown during the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775. Wear comfortable shoes to navigate the slight slope; the top offers a great view of downtown Boston and the Zakim Bridge, and is worth the trek.

Boston Public Library North End Branch
25 Parmenter St.

This Boston Public Library branch offers more than just a great selection of books. Check out the online calendar of events to find listings for book discussions, toddler and baby storytimes, film screenings, live performances, and more. Modeled after a Roman villa-with a central courtyard, high ceilings, and oversized windows-the building is a relaxing spot to catch up on reading. Be sure to see the scale model of the Doge's Palace in Venice and the library's small Italian-language book collection. The library is closed on Sundays.

Regina Pizzeria
11½ Thatcher St.

Regina Pizzeria, 11½ Thatcher St. Photo via Wikimedia Commons/Ser Amantio di Nicolao

This is the popular restaurant chain's original pizzeria-a mainstay of the North End since 1926. The secret-recipe pizza has a light and flavorful tomato sauce and all kinds of toppings, including a specially aged whole milk mozzarella. There's a comprehensive wine and beer list and a sit-down bar in addition to the booths and tables. With a cozy and nostalgic atmosphere, it has colorful lighting, sports paraphernalia, and old pictures of staff members on the walls. Check out the full menu, with nearly two dozen different pizzas, here. And be sure to check out the chain's loyalty program for added savings.

Shake the Tree
67 Salem St.

If you're looking for a new outfit or need to buy a nice gift for a friend, this charming, independent boutique offers an array of fun, eclectic dresses, sweaters, scarves, and handmade jewelry. It also sells a variety of scented candles, lotions, perfumes, and soaps, as well as decorative dishes, distinctive barware, and a range of cookbooks. There is also a section for babies and young children. Pick up one of the store's beautiful printed greeting cards to complete your gift.

Ernesto's
69 Salem St.

This pizzeria is perfect, whether you're looking for a quick slice or a whole pie. The pizzas are made with homemade dough and sauce and freshly grated cheese. Portions are large, prices are reasonable, and the walls are decorated with old framed posters and pictures, giving the place a casual, vintage feel. The staff is friendly and welcoming, even during the hectic lunch hour.

Polcari's Coffee
105 Salem St.

Polcari's Coffee, 105 Salem St. Photo via Wikimedia Commons/M2545

Step into Polcari's Coffee and your senses will be overwhelmed with competing aromas. This small shop sells more than just coffee beans and tea: you'll find dozens of different spices, as well as fresh-cut cheeses, dried fruits, whole nuts, sauces, beans, Italian candies, and sweets like licorice chips. Try a new spice, indulge in some excellent chocolate, and enjoy the soundtrack of fun tunes. The shop has been a North End mainstay since 1932.

Al Dente Ristorante
109 Salem St.

Start your meal with one of Al Dente Ristorante's award-winning appetizers, like shrimp scampi or eggplant rollatini, before selecting one of the dozens of entrees, which include numerous pasta, seafood, veal, and chicken selections. The grilled garden salad is delicious. The restaurant prides itself on serving specialty dishes from all regions of Italy, including a wonderful selection of pastas. It's also the perfect place for a romantic evening out: scenic paintings of Italy adorn the walls and soothing Italian music plays in the background.

Mood Restaurant & Cafe
115 Salem St.

Mood Restaurant & Cafe. Photo by Lexie Slotterback

This 100 percent halal Middle Eastern-fusion restaurant is a must-visit. It's open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Be sure to try the shakshuka, the cream cheese crepes, and the halva latte. You'll also find omelettes, zucchini pancakes, a delicious prime rib sandwich (served with tomatoes, arugula, burrata, and pickled cherry peppers sauce), lamb meatballs, beef and chicken shawarma sandwiches, and much more.

Ristorante Euno
119 Salem St.

This cozy restaurant, one of Boston's most romantic dining spots, serves scrumptious Italian food in an intimate setting. The interior is modeled on a Sicilian country house, with brick walls, big windows, and a candlelit downstairs dining room. The menu offers a range of dishes, from traditional pappardelle alla Bolognese-voted best in Boston-and pappardelle panna e prosciutto (a handmade pappardelle pasta in a cream sauce topped with prosciutto) to goat cheese-stuffed artichokes and a vast array of daily specials.

Bova's Bakery
134 Salem St.

Bova's can be found on many lists of top North End restaurants and bakeries. They've been baking and serving delicious Italian cookies, breads, and pastries-including ricotta cannoli, tiramisu, and chocolate-covered strawberries-since 1926. Open 24 hours a day, it's an ideal place to grab a late-night-or very early morning-snack.

Old North Church
193 Salem St.

Old North Church, 193 Salem St. Photo via Wikimedia Commons/TanRo

Built in 1723, the Old North Church is Boston's oldest standing church. The building's historical significance was sealed on the night of April 18, 1775, when church sexton Robert Newman climbed the steeple and held two lanterns as a signal to Paul Revere that British troops were advancing on nearby Concord and Lexington by sea, not by land. That event was later immortalized in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's 1860 poem "Paul Revere's Ride" ("One if by land, and two if by sea").

The church attracts more than 500,000 visitors a year, and it's well worth taking the 25-minute guided tour. Visitors can walk through the church's crypt and view the 37 tombs, constructed between 1732 and 1860. The church boasts the oldest bells in North America (installed in 1745 and restored in 1975 in preparation for America's Bicentennial), and they're rung each Sunday.

Also known as the Christ Church in the City of Boston (Episcopal), the Old North Church holds services each Sunday at 11 am.

Sunny Girl
252 Commercial St.

Sunny Girl. Photo by Lexie Slotterback

Serving early risers (the eatery opens at 7 am daily), Sunny Girl is a fresh and fun sandwich shop right in the heart of the waterfront. The shop bills itself as offering "not-your-average sandwiches"-and there's no question that the food will make your day brighter. The breakfast and lunch items give traditional American breakfast sandwiches an Italian twist. Try the BGC (breakfast grilled cheese) with egg, bacon, cheddar, fontina, Gruyere, and bechamel on focaccia. The menu boasts other delicious treats, including a mouthwatering breakfast torta and a lox sandwich.

Red Fox
326 Commercial St.

Are you a fan of the local Italian eateries Tony & Elaine's and Ciao Roma? If so, you're in luck. All Day Hospitality Group, which runs those two popular spots, opened this Italian restaurant and martini lounge in July 2024. Be sure to check out the orecchiette with pistachio pesto pasta and the seafood risotto. You'll also find red sauce classics like lasagna and spaghetti and meatballs. The carefully curated cocktail menu offers several martinis and negronis.

Getting there: By subway: take any Green Line trolley to Government Center, walk down the City Hall Plaza steps, cross Congress Street, and continue down Hanover Street for about five minutes, which will take you to the heart of the North End.

Click on the points in the map above for more information on the places listed in our guide to Boston's North End.

This article was updated on April 27, 2026.

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Boston University published this content on April 27, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on April 28, 2026 at 06:32 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]