21 Best Restaurants in Boston’s North End in 2025
With so many exciting options, discovering the best restaurants in Boston’s North End can be overwhelming. This area of the city has a warm and inviting vibe with cobblestone streets, cozy trattorias and the smell of fresh-baked bread wafting through the air.
In short, it's the perfect place for a special date night, a fun group dinner or even a casual bite before a show. However, choosing where to dine among the many restaurants in Boston's North End can be complicated.
This list of the best restaurants in Boston’s North End spans a variety of cuisines, vibes and price points, ensuring that there is something for everyone. And what is the one thing all these places have in common? Outstanding food that’s sure to impress. Let’s dive in and check out 21 of the best eateries in this part of Boston.
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The 21 Best Restaurants in the North End, Boston
1. Bricco
If you are looking for Italian restaurants in Boston’s North End, Bricco is the place for you. With a talented team that creates boutique Italian food for the sophisticated diner, this is one of the best restaurants in the North End. In addition to great food, the bar has an excellent selection of Italian wines that are the perfect complement to the menu.
The Vibe
With its dimly lit, romantic interiors and excellent service, this is a popular choice among romantic restaurants in Boston and a wonderful place for a date or a special occasion.
What to Order
The brick oven infuses Bricco's pizza with a unique, smoky flavor, making them a firm favorite among diners in Boston's North End restaurants. If you don't feel like pizza, any of the pasta dishes, including the meatball pasta or ricotta pillows with truffle, are also excellent choices.
Bricco | 241 Hanover St., Boston, MA 02113 | $$$
2. Table
Ranking high among the many fabulous Italian restaurants in Boston’s North End is Table. The restaurant offers an unusual dining experience where you can enjoy a prix fixe meal at a communal table, perfect for connecting with fellow gourmands. Table has been recognized as one of the "Top 50 Restaurants" in Boston Magazine in previous years, making it a must-visit on anyone’s list.
The Vibe
The dining area at this restaurant in Boston’s North End features a long wooden communal table that seats up to 32 guests. Meals are served family-style, offering diners the chance to interact and connect. The dress code is simple but specific — no sports gear, political uniforms or baseball hats.
What to Order
The prix fixe menu features a seven-course selection of delicious dishes. Options like freshly made risotto and meatballs with ricotta have won rave reviews but since the menu changes regularly, you'll need to confirm what is being served before you book.
Table | 445 Hanover St., Boston, MA 02113 | $$$$
3. Mamma Maria
One of the finest restaurants in Boston’s North End is the nationally acclaimed Mamma Maria. Its cuisine is authentic Italian, focusing on local markets and foods grown in New England.
The Vibe
Housed in a 19th-century brick townhouse, Mamma Maria is one of the grander restaurants in Boston’s North End. It resembles an Italian villa combined with a stately mansion. The private dining rooms can accommodate up to 70 people and have hosted events by many famous personalities.
What to Order
The menu at this gem of a restaurant in Boston’s North End changes daily, depending on the seasonal produce available. One of the most frequently praised items is the rabbit pasta prepared Tuscan-style and enriched with smoky pancetta.
Mamma Maria | 3 North Sq., Boston, MA 02113 | $$$
4. The Daily Catch
One of the many smaller restaurants in Boston's North End, The Daily Catch is a family-run affair. As the name suggests, it specializes in seafood, specifically authentic Sicilian-style, as well as delicious pasta dishes. The quality of the Italian food on offer compares favorably with that of the best restaurants in Little Italy, Boston.
The Vibe
Although The Daily Catch has a small interior space, it has an open kitchen and minimal décor. The chalkboard menu lists all the daily dishes and specials. Known for its quick and efficient service, it’s a must-visit for anyone exploring restaurants in Boston's North End.
What to Order
The homemade squid ink pasta is a customer favorite, bursting with flavor. Other must-tries include the fried calamari, the black pasta aglio olio and the legendary lobster fra diavolo. Fresh and authentic dishes like these make The Daily Catch one of the best restaurants in the North End.
The Daily Catch | 323 Hanover St., Boston, MA 02113 | $$$
5. Arya Trattoria
An old-school Italian dining experience awaits you at Arya Trattoria, one of the best restaurants in Boston's North End. Set up by chef and owner Massimo Tiberi, who uses recipes passed down the generations, this award-winning and intimate restaurant combines all the best aspects of Boston food.
The Vibe
A favorite among restaurants in Boston's North End, Arya is surprisingly small. Its soft lighting creates a romantic setting. The room has windows overlooking the road and an open kitchen at the back, where you can watch the chefs prepare your meal.
What to Order
The lobster fra diavolo is outstanding and earns high praise from diners exploring restaurants in Boston's North End. The ravioli con funghi is another delight, with warm oyster mushrooms piled on top of fresh pasta pillows filled with mushrooms and mascarpone.
Arya Trattoria | 253 Hanover St., Boston, MA 02113 | $$$
6. Giacomo’s Ristorante
Not just another Italian restaurant in Boston’s North End, Giacomo’s Ristorante has also been listed in Tasting Table’s 2023 list of “The 20 Best Italian Restaurants in the US.” A family-owned and operated establishment, it offers its unique version of traditional Italian dishes.
The Vibe
There is no dress code and the outdoor seating with a relaxed and casual vibe makes it a great place among restaurants in Boston to take the kids. Keep in mind that this is a cash-only establishment.
What to Order
The freshly made in-house pasta and fabulous sauces make this one of the best restaurants in Boston's North End. The lobster ravioli in a garlic cream sauce is extremely popular, with most reviewers recommending it.
Giacomo’s Ristorante | 355 Hanover St., Boston, MA 02113 | $$
7. Bova’s Bakery
If you need a light meal or dessert, look no further than this iconic restaurant in Boston’s North End. Bova’s Bakery has been serving locals for over 90 years and is run by generations of the same family. It is considered one of Boston’s premier bakeries and is open 24/7. Made fresh daily with the healthiest ingredients, Bova’s offers a wide variety of homemade pastries, bread, pizzas, subs and more.
The Vibe
The displays are full of freshly baked goods, many of which you can see coming out of the ovens or cooling on the racks around the eatery. This adds to Bova's delicious aroma. The place is always crowded, a sure sign that it is one of the best restaurants in Boston's North End.
What to Order
The ricotta cannoli, with its melt-in-your-mouth ricotta filling, is the most popular item on the menu followed in close second place by the creamy and delicious tiramisu. The cream puffs and whoopie pies are also hugely popular.
Bova’s | 134 Salem St., Boston, MA 02113 | $$
8. Lucca
One of the few Italian restaurants in Boston’s North End that offers Northern Italian classics, Lucca is named after the Tuscan town famous for its extra virgin olive oil. Its innovative approach to classic recipes and Chef Alcantara’s sourcing of ingredients from local farmers ensure that the dishes served are of the highest standard.
The Vibe
This hidden treasure among restaurants in Boston's North End offers a cozy and inviting ambiance. Four dining rooms set the mood. Soft music, Italian granite and candlelit tables give the place a quiet, warm and intimate feel.
What to Order
The rigatoni Bolognese served with a ragù of veal, beef and pork, is the most popular dish. Reviewers praise its flavors and textures. The lobster ravioli, with its special lobster-sherry sauce, is also a must-try.
Lucca | 226 Hanover St., Boston, MA 02113 | $$$
9. Neptune Oyster
A fixture in the city and one of the best seafood restaurants in Boston’s North End, Neptune Oyster is an award-winning and ever-popular oyster bar. Since it opened in 2004, Neptune Oyster has been modernizing and redefining New England seafood.
The Vibe
This intimate spot among restaurants in Boston's North End has limited seating and does not accept reservations, so be prepared to wait. You can sit at a table or the marble bar with its iced beds of bivalves and crab claws. Avoid going there in large groups, as getting seated together is usually tricky.
What to Order
A popular dish at this restaurant in Boston’s North End is the chowder, which is loaded with clams. The Maine lobster roll, available either hot or cold (with butter or mayonnaise), is also a must-have. However, any of the fresh seafood dishes will be a delight to eat.
Neptune Oyster | 63 Salem St., Boston, MA 02113 | $$$
10. Strega
One leading choice among Italian restaurants in Boston’s North End is Strega. A hip restaurant that has been around since 2003, Strega offers all the hallmarks of a great Italian restaurant, including delicious food and top-notch service.
The Vibe
The atmosphere at this restaurant in Boston's North End is lively, though the decibel level can get pretty high at times. The décor may seem a bit dramatic but with its celebrity clientele, it proves to be very trendy. Old movies are played on television sets around the room and set the mood for your meal.
What to Order
The prosciutto and burrata are very popular appetizers. For mains, the veal chop stuffed with prosciutto is the crowd favorite.
Strega | 379 Hanover St., Boston, MA 02113 | $$$
11. The Red Fox
Looking for a sexy, glamorous restaurant in Boston’s North End that has it all? Playful yet sultry, The Red Fox offers handmade pasta and an inventive cocktail menu that adds a refreshing new vibe to the neighborhood.
The Vibe
Located beneath a financial services office, the underground setting of this fantastic restaurant in the North End of Boston transports you to another world from the moment you step in. The ambiance feels straight out of a 70's film with red booths, wood-paneled walls and fringed lamps.
What to Order
It’s not only about the vibe at The Red Fox. Fortunately, the contemporary Italian menu is full of fabulous dishes that showcase the chef’s talent. The orecchiette with pistachio pesto and the seafood risotto have quite a fan following. Whatever you do, don’t miss out on the luscious tiramisu — pure indulgence in every bite.
The Red Fox | 326 Commercial St., Boston, MA 02113 | $$
12. Caffé Vittoria
A legend among restaurants in Boston’s North End, Caffé Vittoria holds the title of Boston’s oldest Italian café and is a must-visit whenever one is in the area. Beyond the charming interiors steeped in history, Caffé Vittoria serves some of the most renowned coffee in the city, along with a cocktail menu to rival most of the best bars.
The Vibe
The marble floors, rustic décor, coffee-brewing artifacts and vintage espresso machines create an inimitable Old-World charm. Visit Caffé Vittoria for a slow, peaceful morning to nurse your coffee and soak in the atmosphere.
What to Order
According to frequent customers of this restaurant in Boston’s North End, you must not miss out on the creamy cappuccino or the decadent European-style hot chocolate. If you want to party, the espresso martini can get any celebration started.
Caffé Vittoria | 290-296 Hanover St., Boston, MA 02113 | $
13. Sunny Girl
There’s a cheerful new spot near the waterfront that serves some of the best sandwiches in town. Opened by Jesse Rosen and Peter Fiumara, Sunny Girl was created with their daughters in mind. This deli-inspired restaurant in Boston’s North End has elevated the breakfast experience in the neighborhood while staying true to its roots.
The Vibe
This is essentially a grab-and-go eatery with only six seats at the counter in the cozy space. Head to Sunny Girl for its vibrant energy, personal service and community-centered vibe. A hidden gem among restaurants in Boston’s North End, it’s the perfect spot whether you are an early riser or a late bruncher.
What to Order
Restaurants in Boston's North End offer seasonal, locally sourced ingredients with a playful, creative twist; and Sunny Girl is no different. For example, there’s The Lox which sees the classic bagel and lox transformed with an English muffin in place of a bagel, plus "everything" mascarpone, confit fennel and citrus salad. Add a cup of locally roasted Speedwell coffee for the perfect start to your day.
Sunny Girl | 252 Commercial St., Boston, MA 02109 | $
14. Carmelina’s
Renowned for its Sicilian comfort food, Carmelina’s is a must-visit for locals and visitors. This family-owned restaurant in Boston’s North End is always buzzing with energy and the promise of an unforgettable meal.
The Vibe
With its large open windows, black-and-white family photographs, marble tables and exposed brick walls, Carmelina’s offers an authentic Italian experience. The open kitchen showcases the chefs at work, while the tables by the window offer a glimpse of busy Hanover Street.
What to Order
The portions are very, very generous at Carmelina’s, so be warned. The standout Sunday Macaroni is a hearty favorite chock full of meatballs, beef rib and sausage in a ricotta and tomato sauce. The Bolognese sauce here is lauded as one of the best among restaurants in Boston’s North End, so you might want to add that to your order as well.
Carmelina’s | 307 Hanover St., Boston, MA 02113 | $$$
15. Umbria
In a neighborhood crammed with some of the best restaurants in Boston’s North End, is there a place for another? As one of the latest additions to the dining scene, Umbria definitely thinks there is. The restaurant offers traditional Italian combined with a classic steakhouse experience.
The Vibe
Step into this multi-level restaurant and you will be greeted by sleek interiors, exposed beams and neutral tones. The dining area is spread over three levels and topped by one of the few rooftop lounges in the area, offering a unique view of restaurants in Boston’s North End.
What to Order
Curated by Chef Nello Caccioppoli, the menu at Umbria is full of standout dishes like the baked stuffed lobster, the truffle burrata and the Umbria cioppino (or fish stew). If you are a steak lover, don’t miss out on the extravagant tomahawk ribeye steak that's large enough for two.
Umbria | 250 Hanover St., Boston, MA 02113 | $$$
16. Isabella
Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the main street is Isabella. A quaint and cozy restaurant in Boston’s North End, it gains a spot on this list for its authentic homemade pasta and warm, friendly service.
The Vibe
Reservations are a must when dining at Isabella’s. The restaurant is small and the line to get in can often stretch out the door. Isabella’s is a prime example of high-quality service among restaurants in Boston’s North End, where the staff are always around to make you feel at home and look after your every need.
What to Order
There is no doubt that the homemade pasta at Isabella’s is what draws in the crowds. The tagliatelle with Bolognese is hearty and chock full of flavor, while the frutti di mare is the perfect serving of freshly made pasta topped with a generous portion of seafood.
Isabella | 2 Prince St., Boston, MA 02113 | $$
17. Artu
A staple among restaurants in Boston’s North End, Artu has been feeding hungry locals and tourists since 1992. Offering traditional Italian cuisine with a contemporary twist, the eatery excels in hearty sandwiches and roasted meats.
The Vibe
Artu exudes charm with its stunning granite bar and cozy dining area, making it an elegant place to book a table if you’re looking for sophisticated date night ideas in Boston. The space can be booked for private events as well, with customers praising the lively atmosphere and friendly staff.
What to Order
Artu offers favorites like chicken Parmesan (but jazzed up with a vodka sauce for a modern twist), spaghetti vongole and fusilli with sausage and broccoli rabe that is perfectly spiced with generous portions of sausage. This kind of inventive yet classic cuisine is precisely what you can expect from restaurants in Boston’s North End, where the rich culinary tradition blends seamlessly with creative flair.
Artu | 6 Prince St., Boston, MA 02113 | $$
18. Parla
Located amidst a long line of must-try restaurants in Boston’s North End, Parla is known as one of the neighborhood's more creative dining spaces. Featuring fusion Italian cuisine and ingenious cocktails, head to Parla for a night of sophisticated whimsy.
The Vibe
With space for only 35 guests, Parla offers a cozy, intimate ambiance for a relaxed night out. The décor is eclectic and the staff goes out of their way to ensure that every visit is unique.
What to Order
Start your meal at Parla with crispy fried Brussels sprouts or the seared octopus. If you visit over the weekend, ask for the polenta sandwiches or the chicken and waffles. The expert way in which Parla elevates these favorite dishes is precisely the reason why it makes it to the list of best restaurants in the North End of Boston.
Parla | 230 Hanover St., Boston, MA 02113 | $$
19. Tenoch Mexican
Hidden near the Paul Revere House is Tenoch Mexican. A cozy spot that delivers the punchy flavors of authentic Mexican cuisine, this restaurant in the North End of Boston is definitely worth visiting.
The Vibe
The space is tiny! With only 20 seats, this is a good place for a quick and intimate meal. The service is friendly and efficient and you can dine in or take out.
What to Order
From the variety of options on offer, customers can’t stop raving about the tortas at this restaurant in Boston's North End. There are the choriqueso with spicy chorizo and melted cheese or the crowd-favorite campechana with carnitas, pickled onions, avocado and secret sauce.
Tenoch Mexican | 3 Lewis St., Boston, MA 02110 | $
20. Crudo
Bringing a welcome change to the numerous Italian restaurants in Boston’s North End, Crudo is a new Japanese eatery split over two levels. It’s a must-visit for sushi lovers looking for a top-tier dining place that offers traditional craftsmanship and a modern culinary approach.
The Vibe
This bi-level restaurant in Boston’s North End provides distinct dining areas for every occasion. There is an intimate sushi bar where one can watch the skilled chefs at work and a chic dining room for a more leisurely meal. The menu is flexible and if you have dietary restrictions, the staff are knowledgeable and happy to help.
What to Order
Crudo's signature offerings include small plates like miso-glazed black cod, hamachi crudo and rock shrimp tempura. The restaurant also offers a creative sake and Japanese whiskey menu that perfectly complements the fresh flavors on offer.
Crudo | 78 Salem St., Boston, MA 02113 | $$$
21. Ward 8
If you are looking for a neighborhood go-to spot for a casual dinner or drinks with friends, Ward 8 is where you need to head. The eatery has been wooing locals since 2013 with its New American cuisine and local microbrews.
The Vibe
Ward 8 can get exceptionally lively (and, dare we say, boisterous), especially on concert nights but the energy can also be electric and enjoyable. If the weather permits, there is also a charming open-air dining area, making it a popular choice among restaurants in Boston’s North End.
What to Order
Brunch at Ward 8 is a crowd-pleaser and a hit among the best spots for breakfast in Boston. The menu shines with standouts like crab cake eggs Benedict and indulgent French toast. The cocktail menu is equally compelling, making it a popular pre-event hangout among restaurants in Boston’s North End.
Ward 8 | 90 N. Washington St., Boston, MA 02113 | $$
Other Foodie Experiences in Boston
Are you looking for a fun and interactive experience during your stay in Boston? Tired of doing the usual sightseeing tours? May we suggest food tours in Boston as an ideal alternative to the same-old options?
Food tours offer a fantastic way to explore the city’s vibrant gastronomic scene, including some of the best restaurants in Boston’s North End. All tours are led by experienced guides and locals in the know. With their help, you can discover hidden treasures and even learn the stories behind neighborhood favorites.
If you prefer a more hands-on approach, there are cooking classes in Boston that will teach you all the essential techniques, tips and tricks needed to create fabulous dishes at home. Choose from numerous classes led by professional chefs and build your confidence with other foodies.
So, if you're a foodie, it's evident that the restaurants in Boston’s North End are unmissable. Whether you're a local or visiting, this neighborhood has something for every palate.
From heritage family-owned establishments to modern culinary treasures, the restaurants in and around Boston’s North End promise an unforgettable dining experience steeped in tradition and flavor. It's now time to start ticking these off your dining bucket list!
For even more ways to explore Boston and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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