Once home to Paul Revere, Boston’s North End now holds some of the best restaurants Boston has to offer. After the arrival of Italian Immigrants in the 1860’s, the North End was transformed into ‘Little Italy’–with almost 100% of the inhabitants being of Italian descent by 1930. While the population may have become more diverse over the years, the amazing food still remains, and shouldn’t be missed on your tour.
Pizzeria Regina
Regina Pizzeria, often referred to as Pizzeria Regina, is a long time local favorite. And by a long time, I mean since 1926! The first pizza shop was opened by Luigi Di Auria in 1926 and has been owned by the Polcari family since the 1950’s. Even with the change of ownership, and the expansion into a chain, the Thacher Street location remains the most popular, and the busiest. However, the house-made dough and sauce make waiting in line for a slice worth your time.
Galleria Umberto
A true hole in the wall–Galleria Umberto is famous for their huge slices of Sicilian style pizza. Other popular menu items are arancini and calzones. But, you better get there fast, they only take cash and close up once they run out of food.
Mike’s Pastry
Arguably the most popular spot in the North End, you can’t come to Boston and not try one of Mike’s famous cannolis. Opened in 1946, the tiny bakery has had a line onto the sidewalk ever since. With 18 different flavors, including Oreo, Espresso, and the best-selling Florentine, it isn’t hard to see why Mike’s continues to hold the top spot among the neighboring bakeries.
Gelateria
You don’t need to travel all the way to Italy to get great gelato. Gelateria boasts nearly 50 different flavors and is consistently voted the #1 place for gelato in Boston. The tiny shop also offers espresso, cappuccino, and cannolis if you didn’t get your fill at Mike’s.
Pauli’s
Inspired by the “good ole days” in the neighborhood, owner Pauli specializes in making the freshest fast food around. Although popular for their Italian style sandwiches and pasta, it’s their lobster rolls that garner the most attention. They even have a 14oz lobster sub, or the 25oz Lobstitution, if a regular lobster roll isn’t enough for you.
Be sure to stop by one of these places for lunch on your free time in Boston’s North End–you won’t be disappointed!
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