Best North End Restaurants in Boston
Boston’s historic North End is one place well worth exploring. These small streets are not only home to places out of the Freedom Trail like Paul Revere’s house. They’re also home to some of the best dining in the city. If you’re heading here, you’ll find lots of delightful places to sample some of the most amazing restaurants on the east coast.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on September 21, 2021 and last updated on March 5, 2024. Please refer to restaurant websites and social media pages for the most up-to-date information.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink around Boston, check out our city page.
Photo Credit: Yelp
The Daily Catch
323 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113
(617) 523-8567
Freshly caught seafood is on the menu right here. If you’re in the mood for season of all kinds, this is the place to be. Start with an appetizer of fried clams or clams casino. Lightly fried seafood platters are ideal for sharing. The menu offers a choice of sauces such as red sauce or white sauce. Both options are good for seafood like mussels, shrimp and lobster. This is a fabulous place to try old fashioned favorites like haddock and a mixed shellfish bowl. Sit back and let the fish and seafood come to you in a convivial setting.
Photo Credit: Yelp
Giacomo’s North End
355 Hanover St Boston, MA 02113
(617) 523-9026
Giacomo’s North End combines two things many Bostonians love: Italian food and seafood. The menu is an extensive one that has lots of choice. Begin the meal with a cup of wonderful steaming hot Boston clam chowder or lobster bisque. Other appetizers include an antipasto and a house salad or fried calamari. Main courses show what good dining can mean in the heart of Boston. Entree options include ravioli, linguini, grilled seafood and Italian possibilities such as marsalas with lots of local wines. There’s a nice dessert menu that you appreciate a fine pastry as you sit back and enjoy a cup of Italian coffee.
Photo Credit: Yelp
Table Boston
445 Hanover St Boston, MA 02113
(857) 250-4286
This is the place to be if you want to enjoy family style meals. Heaping bowls of all kinds of fine seafood are very much the order of the day here. Get up at night for the seven course diner. Start your meal with warm bread with olive oil. Try the flavorful burrata with lots of prosciutto. Seared octopus is yours to delight in along with meatballs with ricotta. Roasted artichokes and braised short ribs round out the meal along with freshly made Italian donuts known as zeppoli.
Photo Credit: Yelp
Regina Pizzeria
11 1/2 Thacher St Boston, MA 02113
(617) 227-0765
Pizza is one favorite Bostonians love. If you want to feed a crowd, have something your children are sure to like or just appreciate the feeling of well prepared crusts with incredible topping, you’ll want to come here. Pizzas of all kinds are on the menu. Choose from a small pizza that’s good for a single person. A bigger size can feed a larger group of people. There’s also lots of varied toppings you can put on the pizza to make it even more fun.
Bencotto
361 Hanover St Boston, MA 02113
(617) 523-0050
Low key Benecotto is one of those most relaxed restaurants in the North End. It’s also one of the most popular. You’ll want to get here early in order to get a seat. They have both indoor and outdoor dining. The menu leans in many directions including new American, classic Italian and lots of seafood options. This is a good place to head if you have a lot of people with you. Pick out a few dishes to try and you’ll have one of the best North End restaurants in Boston at your feet.
Prezza
24 Fleet St Boston, MA 02113
(617) 227-1577
Prezza has been serving authentic Italian food in the North End for decades, shining through even in a neighborhood famous for its best-in-show Italian fare. Like any Italian meal, you’re best off going family style: splitting many things with a group of people you love.
Start off with a few appetizers, both hot and cold. Our favorites are the Meatballs, the savory Ravioli di Uovo (a single raviolo stuffed with ricotta and egg yolk and tossed with butter and sage), and the bright and creamy Buffalo Mozzarella (served alongside prosciutto, roasted peppers, basil, and a beautifully aged balsamic vinegar). Then get some entrees, like the handmade pasta, the Crispy Pork Chop (topped with vinegar peppers and roasted onions and with potatoes), and the Scallops (served with roasted cauliflower, bacon, mushrooms, and a cauliflower puree). You can also change things up and enjoy their laid back Thursday Specials, like “Chuck’s Chicken Wings” and a Wagyu Burger, or the warm and inviting Gravy Sunday Specials. No matter which day you go, you can always count on an amazing wine list.
Photo Credit: Yelp
La Famiglia Giorgio’s Restaurant
112 Salem St, Boston, MA 02113,
(617) 367-6711
La Famiglia Giorgio’s Restaurant is one place that loves it’s heritage. With a slogan like, “It’s like being at Nonna’s” you know you’re in for a good time. It’s one place to go if you crave Italian food. Start your meal with salad, some fried fish or a cup of pasta e fagioli soup. Then it’s time to dive right in. Pasta made from scratch every day is one way to have a memorable meal. Other possibilities you’ll enjoy include varied chicken and veal preparations as well as subs that make a full meal.
Photo Credit: Yelp
L’Osteria
104 Salem St Boston, MA 02113
(617) 723-7847
L’Osteria is marked by many things that make it so beloved by locals and visitors alike. At the top of the list is the long and useful menu. That makes it easy for everyone to find something they want to eat right here. There’s a distinct Italian focus here with lots of dishes such as squid salad, shrimp scampi, and a large antipasto right for everyone with a hearty appetite. Several soups work for someone who likes to make a light meal at night. Main courses are large enough to be shared. Pastas like the house made lasagna are so tasty you’ll want to share them with everyone in your party. Keep room for their fine menu of lots of Italian classic desserts.
Neptune Oyster
63 Salem St # 1, Boston, MA 02113,
(617) 742-3474
Neptune Oyster is one of the best lobster roll spots in Boston if you prefer the popular seafood sandwich in its purest form. A toasted bun, lobster cooked to perfection, a light layer of mayonnaise, and fresh lemon make this lunch or dinner especially satisfying. The lobster roll is served with a side of crispy fries and ketchup and the scenery you’ll take in at the restaurant will make your time in Boston even more enjoyable. In addition to tasty lobster rolls, you can also feast on fresh oysters with cocktail sauce, braised mussels with garden veggies, and the restaurant’s famous Wellfleet clam chowder which is made fresh to order. If you want to enjoy a salad with your seafood, you’ll love delicious choices like the Maine lobster and greens with blood orange vinaigrette.
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