Trattoria il Panino
The interior of Trattoria il Panino is slightly upscale, with fine linens and diners who are dressed accordingly. Come during the warmer months, though, and enjoy casual seating in their patio area. Set within the confines of a beautiful garden, the patio will also employ space heaters during chilly evenings. Diners can start with a variety of antipastos, including cured beef, baked eggplant, mozzarella caprese or stuffed artichokes. Entrees include fettuccine with pesto, pasta with beans and short ribs, Alaskan king salmon and grilled rack of lamb. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner.
Trattoria il Panino
11 Parmenter St.
Boston, MA 02113
(617) 720-1336
Trattoriailpanino.com
La Famiglia Giorgio
La Famiglia Giorgio touts itself as casual dining "in the heart of Boston's historic North End." Traditional Italian fair can be found on the lunch and dinner menus here with alfredo, pesto, marinara and garlic/oil sauces served with pasta. Diners can also order shrimp and scallops, stuffed eggplant, soups and seafood. Vegetarians will find much in the pasta menu, as well as salads. Open for dinner seven nights a week and lunch on weekdays.
La Famiglia Giorgio
112 Salem St.
Boston, MA 02113
(617) 367-6711
Lafamigliagiorgio.com
Dino's Cafe
A relatively new kid on the North End block, Dino's offers inexpensive meals in a very casual environment. Diners can order everything from sandwiches to seafood here while looking out the large windows onto the historic streets of the North End. Regulars rave about the chicken, ziti and broccoli dish, as well as the veal Marsala and spaghetti and clams. The menu additionally offers several pasta dishes and specialty salads, like portabella and Greek, for vegetarians. Dino's serves lunch and dinner seven days a week.
Dino's Cafe
141 Salem St.
Boston, MA 02113
(617) 227-1991
Sensing Restaurant
Dining doesn't get much finer than the North End's Sensing Restaurant, where decor, dress code and prices are high end. Bamboo tables are intimate and classy, and meals are served during breakfast, lunch and dinner. Mornings offer seasonal fruit plates, organic eggs and Belgian waffles. For lunch, patrons can order Rutabaga soup, grilled chicken breast sandwich, Kobe beef burgers and a variety of artisan cheeses. The dinner menu includes seared scallops with parsley risotto, cod steamed in lemongrass, mushroom and chestnut ravioli and veal braised in sassafras. Open daily.
Sensing Restaurant
3 Battery St.
Boston, MA 02113
(617) 994-9000
Sensingrestaurant.com
Galleria Umberto
Often considered a hidden gem among a block of trendy, more prominent restaurants, Galleria Umberto has been packing in casual diners for years with its traditional Sicilian pizza. Outdoor enthusiasts can head over during a lunch break and buy a slice of "pie" for a mere $1.40. Seating here is plentiful and pizzas come in multiple varieties, suitable for meat lovers and vegetarians. Many patrons also enjoy the Arancini (rice balls), in addition to the spinach and cheese calzones. Galleria is open Monday- Saturday for lunch.
Galleria Umberto
289 Hanover St.
Boston, MA 02113
(617) 227-5709
Mother Anna's
A North End staple for over 70 years, Mother Anna's offers casual dining suitable for the entire family. Seating is available indoors or out on the patio for guests who want to remain outside. Vegetarians can choose from house, Caesar, spinach and artichoke salad varieties, plus a bevy of pasta options. Those who want to eat some meat and seafood can find it in the veal and chicken specialties, as well as the lobster ravioli, steak Teodoro and gnocchi. Wine and dessert items are also available.
Mother Anna's
211 Hanover St.
Boston, MA 02113
(617) 523-8496
Motherannas.com
