Not only is Boston’s Little Italy one of the most flavorful and aroma filled neighborhoods in the city to dine, but the North End is also host to some of Boston’s most historic sites. No matter the time of year, there is always something going on in the city’s oldest residential one-square-mile waterfront community, which was founded in the early 1600s. Handmade pastas, creamy overstuffed cannolis and Sicilian style slabs of pizza are just a few finds in the Italian neighborhood of Boston’s North End. Here’s a look at some of haute spots that you won’t want to miss. From the endless feasts of summer that honor the patron saints of Italy to the historic charm of this quaint neighborhood in the fall, there are many reasons to visit anytime of year.
What to See:
Copp’s Hill Burying Ground is now the place of rest for Cotton and Increase Mather, two Puritan ministers involved with the Salem witch trials; Old North Church sexton Robert Newman, the man who hung the lanterns on the now famous midnight night of Paul Revere and Edmund Hartt, builder of the USS Constitution.
In this cozy little neighborhood, you will also find the Paul Revere House, the oldest remaining structure in downtown Boston and the only home on The Freedom Trail where the Revolutionary War patriot made that famous ride back in 1775,
Where to Eat:
There are certainly more than enough restaurants to choose from along the cobblestone Hanover Street, the Italian neighborhood’s main street. From the contemporary fare at Bricco to the seafood specialties at Neptune Oyster that we recently featured as one of the best spots to indulge on National Lobster Day, there is something for every appetite. For family style dining, try the Frattaroli family’s famous Lucia Ristorante or their latest haute newcomer, Il Molo that features seafood platters, grilled lobster and seafood stew.
If you are looking for casual fare, Sicilian style pizza mecca Galleria Umberto on Hanover Street is a must-try. The no frills, cash only spot is so old school that they don’t even have a website and close when they run out of pizza each day. (Lines are long so be sure to arrive early as they are only open a few hours each day). The North End is the birthplace of the original Regina Pizzeria,. best known for their brick oven style pies and tangy sauce that they have been creating here since 1926.
The battle over the neighborhood’s two best pastry shops Mike’s Pastry vs. Modern Pastry has been the topic of conversation for decades. You be the judge over a sweet ricotta filled chocolate chip cannoli, lobster tail, almond macaroon or chocolate dipped biscotti. (After be sure to check out Modern Underground Bar & Grill located underneath Modern Pastry, which we featured earlier this week as one of five coolest hidden bars in Boston).
Where to Stay:
One of the most luxurious stays in the North End can be found at The Battery Wharf Hotel. The boutique waterfront property is located on the HarborWalk and features Exhale day spa and a fitness center along with an on-site restaurant, Aragosta Bar + Bistro that offers classic New England fare with an Italian twist and a patio for al fresco dining.
Photo Credit: Battery Wharf Hotel
If you are looking to stay right in the middle of all of the action on Hanover Street, be sure to check out Bricco Suites, which also offers extended stay luxury accommodations.
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