The North End in Boston, MA is always a favorite destination to wander around and absorb all the Italian neighborhood has to offer. Fortunately for me, it’s only a 75-minute-drive away! I especially like to arrive in midafternoon and stay through evening to witness the sights, sounds and local flavors as daylight transitions Boston’s oldest residential community to darkness.

The North End is a place to see familiar faces and make new acquaintances while soaking up the old-world and laidback charm of the Italian district. In this pictorial post, I’ll share a slice of life in the North End doing my favorite things on two summer Saturday afternoons. Enjoy and mangia!

1: Stroll the Neighborhood

My favorite part of being in the North End is being in the moment to soak up the ambiance of the neighborhood. The iconic neighborhood, originally settled by Irish and later Italian immigrants, entices you to stroll some of Boston’s oldest streets. The main thoroughfares are Hanover and Salem streets, and from them you can meander the labyrinth of sideroads and alleyways.

2: Outdoor Dining at Panza Restaurant

We started coming to Panza Restaurant for more years than I can remember after following up on a tip from our server at Giacomo’s Ristorante. We learned there was a family connection between the two eateries and have been going to Panza for traditional Italian food at least a few times a year ever since. We have made friends with the staff who will recognize us on every visit. Outdoor street dining, which came about in the neighborhood as a result of COVID-19, continues again this year and remains in effect through September.

3: Go to Bricco for a Drink

If we’re running early for dinner or decide to stop for a nightcap, we’re partial to Frank DePasquale’s Bricco. The sprawling bar and lengthy wine list makes this a favorite stop. In fact, on a pasta-shopping excursion many years ago, we dropped by and ended up chatting with Frank who treated us to a glass of prosecco. We still bump into him as he makes his rounds at his many North End eateries, including Mare Oyster Bar (you may remember I love lobster rolls!) and Quattro, which we’ve also enjoyed over the years.   

4: Coffee and Dessert at Vittorio Café

Vittoria Café has it all for an after-dinner stop or even for an afternoon snack. It offers a large and delicious variety of Italian desserts and drinks from cannoli, tiramisu, gelato, coffee, grappa, vino and cocktails. The lobster tail, a total cheat experience, is really too big for two but so worth a few decadent bites. The flaky pastry with not-too-sweet Italian cream filling is nirvana with a cup of cappuccino.

5: Mike’s Pastry: My Favorite Bakery

When you’re in the North End, you may feel left out if you don’t leave with a Mike’s Pastry white bakery box with blue lettering that you’ll see being carried by everyone. My sister, who’s a nurse at a Boston hospital, once told me her Boston colleagues say that Mike’s is for the tourists while Modern Pastry is where the locals go.

Not sure how true this is, but if I were to choose one, I guess I’d have to be a tourist and pick Mike’s. Both are worthy of a visit especially if you’re expected to bring home some sweets for family or friends. At Mike’s, cannoli are offered in every flavor imaginable; however, my personal favorite is the pignoli macaroon cookies.

6: Food Shopping for Italian Specialties 

A trip to the North End is definitely worth picking up some savory foodie treasures to bring home that you can’t get at your local supermarket. Pop in at Salumeria Italiana to browse the aisles of Italian delicacies from fine EVOO, aged balsamic vinegar, meats and olives.

Bricco’s Salumeria and Pasta Shop (yes, affiliated with the restaurant mentioned above) is a grocery specializing in homemade pasta and Italian foods. Next door, Bricco Panetteria, sells crusty breads in a variety of flavors. Both are located in an alley behind the restaurant.

7: Take a Walk to the Water

To burn off a few calories after consuming too many carbs, head to Commercial Street to access the 43-mile Boston Harborwalk just steps outside the North End neighborhood. We usually park at Lewis Wharf and connect to the harborwalk at the back of the parking lot. Take a right to head downtown to check out picturesque water views at Rowe’s Wharf, Long Wharf and the New England Aquarium area. Even if you’re ready to call it a day, it’s worth a few minutes to take a deep breath to enjoy the salty air and water view before heading home.

Your Favorite Places

Going to the North End is really about the food, and it’s difficult to have bad meal at this culinary destination. For this post, I zeroed in on my favorite things to do on recent visits. Many of my friends have their go-to restaurants and stops including renowned Regina Pizzeria, one of my husband’s faves. There’s plenty to do in this small neighborhood and surrounding areas to tailor your visit to your tastes and interests. The North End is a special place to truly experience la dolce vita, so wishing you can get in a visit soon!

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