The North End - Boston's Little Italy

Ranked #2,034 in Travel & Places, #71,245 overall

If Boston is the most European of American cities, then the North End is undoubtedly Boston's most Italian of neighborhoods. I have lived on these streets since 1998, and although I'm about as Italian as St. Patrick, I have fallen in love with the character and personality that covers every square inch.

"Walk along its narrow, curving streets and catch quick glances of hidden courtyards and flower-bedecked fire escapes. Listen to the animated Italian conversations of the retired gentlemen sitting outside the Caffe dello Sport. Breathe in the scent of the nearby sea - when you're not taking in the scent of garlic or olive oil from the seemingly inexhaustible supply of restaurants." - Adam Gaffin

This is my valentine to Boston's North End, and I hope any paisans who stumble across this lens will learn a little something about this truly special neighborhood.

Just What Is It About The North End?

Descriptive quotes from popular publications.

"It's a neighborhood in the best sense of the word. And according to some it may be the safest neighborhood in Boston in which to live." - About.com

"Can you recite all of Joe Pesci's lines in Goodfellas by heart? Do you grab people behind the ears and passionately kiss them on both cheeks? Do the words gnocchi, panini, mozzarella, and cappuccino make you salivate and start chanting gratzi like a skipping Tony Bennett record? If you answered si to any of these questions, then Boston's North End is definitely for you. - TheInsider.com

North End Italian Cookbook

The best of the best Boston-based Italian cookbooks.

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Paul Revere's House

Boston's North End

The North End's Rich History

Historic North End
Resource for information on dining, cafes, shopping and events.
Historical Markers: North End
List with description and location of historic sites in the neighborhood.
About.Boston
The North End is home to Paul Revere's home and the Old North Church. It also shares history with the sea as many Italian fishermen live in the North End comprising the Hub Italian Fleet.

RARE Video from the Fisherman's Feast of 1963

Fishermans Feast 1963
by ChazV | video info

11 ratings | 6,092 views
curated content from YouTube

The Best North End Restaurants

Lucca Restaurant & Bar
In the summer months, the windows open to the street creating the feeling of alfresco dining. The sultry music, Italian granite floors, and candlelit interior combine to create a relaxing atmosphere.
Al Dente Ristorante
The outstanding menu, featuring pasta, chicken, veal and seafood, highlights a spectrum of lavish Italian specialties that are sure to please discriminating palates.
5 North Square
Just three doors up from Paul Revere's House on the Freedom Trail in Boston's historic North End, 5 North Square features exquisite food, attentive service, and a warm, romantic atmosphere overlooking the oldest public square in America.
Monica's Restaurant
Monica's Restaurant first opened it's doors in March of 1995, occupying a store front on 67 Prince street in Boston's North End. Four young brothers catered to their neighborhood with a commitment to quality and consistency.
Tresca
Tresca aims to recreate the romantic atmosphere of a restored old world Tuscan villa, and is part-owned by hockey legend Ray Borque. I took my sister here for her 30th birthday, and was thrilled with the service and cuisine.

Scenes From The North End

Salem Street, North End by InSapphoWeTrust
Salem Street, North End by InSapphoWeTrust
If you park here, you REALLY WILL be towed! by InSapphoWeTrust
RestIn by ericbas
North End Park by InSapphoWeTrust
Holocaust Memorial by InSapphoWeTrust
Holocaust Memorial by InSapphoWeTrust
Open-air Market by InSapphoWeTrust
Banditos Misteriosos’ 2012 Pillow Fight in the North End Park by MYSTERY PILL
2012-03-22%2012.35.14 by mlinksva
2012-03-22%2012.31.27 by mlinksva
2012-03-22%2012.29.39 by mlinksva
2012-03-22%2012.27.23 by mlinksva
2012-03-22%2012.23.51 by mlinksva
03182012552 by Matthew in Boston
03182012551 by Matthew in Boston
automatically generated by Flickr

Books About The North End

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New Google Maps

North End Job Listings

Physical Therapist - Per Diem - North End, SNF
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Network - Boston, MA
experienced Physical Therapist for its North End Rehabilitation & Nursing Center located in historic North End of Boston, to provide physical therapy services... ...
Speech Language Pathologist - Per Diem - North End, SNF
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Network - Boston, MA
to work at the Spaulding Skilled Nursing Facility located in Boston's North End to provide comprehensive evaluation & treatment to patients with communication &... ...
Personal Banker - North End - Boston, MA - FT / 40 hours
Bank Of America - Boston, MA
The Personal Banker works in the branch and is responsible for generating business and deepening relationships by selling products and services to potential and... ...
See more results

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Local Boston News

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North End Charities

North End Music & Performing Arts Center
The North End Music and Performing Arts Center integrates and enriches the North End, Waterfront, and surrounding communities by offering convenient, affordable programming in music, languages, and the performing arts.
Freedom Trail Foundation
The FTF sponsors educational programming and cultural events to celebrate Boston's role in the American Revolution. Guided walking tours of the Trail with Colonial costumed characters take place regularly throughout the visitor season, entertaining and educating thousands of people each year.

Scene from the North End



If you're bringing a car into the North End, be prepared for a challenge. For the latest boston parking information, please consult your favorite search engine.

North End Reader Feedback

Are you a North End resident or far-away fan? Say hello!

  • nyclittleitaly May 21, 2012 @ 12:02 am | delete
    Great lens for a great neighborhood. I was there for the fishermans feast a few years ago. It is one fantastic italian Feast. I started a facebook page "Little italies united across American". I am trying to unite all our communities across America. Our feast in New York is the SanGennaro Feast. I have a lens on it.
  • efriedman May 13, 2012 @ 8:06 am | delete
    hope to visit Boston someday
  • Oct 1, 2010 @ 10:23 am | delete
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  • projectmanem May 12, 2010 @ 1:17 am | delete
    While project management is not a too much simple Work. All of us need to study about launch a successful project before going real action. This one is a pretty article about taking care of a project.
    Thanks.
  • TheGreenerMe Dec 27, 2008 @ 3:50 pm | delete
    Great lens! The North End is my favorite place in Boston to go for dinner, especially Fiore's-always excellent food and the roof top bar is a great place to visit during the summer months. We had our wedding in the North End a few years ago and it was amazing! *****'s
  • Ashly_Rain Nov 12, 2008 @ 11:47 am | delete
    Your lens has lots of good information on the North End. There are tons of good restaurants and dessert places. Check out my lens on great sushi restaurants in Boston:

    http://www.squidoo.com/sushi-in-boston
  • Ashly_Rain Nov 12, 2008 @ 11:47 am | delete
    Your lens has lots of good information on the North End. There are tons of good restaurants and dessert places. Check out my lens on great sushi restaurants in Boston:

    http://www.squidoo.com/sushi-in-boston
  • kiwisoutback May 9, 2008 @ 6:05 pm | delete
    Nice work! I added it to our Boston lens as one of the featured lenses.
  • Williamnihillart Jan 4, 2008 @ 11:57 am | delete
    I'd have to say my favorite north end restaurant is Fiore's. Great lens here, added it to my lensroll. 5 Stars!
  • Karendelac Dec 10, 2007 @ 12:49 am | delete
    Wonderful lens, I rated it 5 stars. There is so much history in this area, I would love to visit. I have a State-of-the-Art Titanic Lens ~~ Please click on Karendelac above, to view it.
  • ebizsalez Nov 2, 2007 @ 3:17 pm | delete
    very nice info. thanks for sharing

    bigsaveontravel
  • jdnyc Jul 1, 2007 @ 12:50 pm | delete
    Interesting lens! I visited Boston a few months ago and had a great cannoli while walking the Freedom Trail! Don't remember the name of the place, but it seemed fairly popular.
  • ballerina Smith May 24, 2007 @ 9:58 am | delete
    I love Little Italy I love it to deathit is very similar to big Italy a very lovely town in the heart of Barcelona, Europe.
  • Charles LaRocca Apr 27, 2007 @ 1:46 am | delete
    You are missing a great restaurant on that list. LaBrace
    http://www.labraceboston.com/
  • CJPate Apr 21, 2007 @ 2:33 pm | delete
    Been to Boston once and never to the North End. Hope to get there one day.
  • abenoit Feb 20, 2007 @ 7:22 pm | delete
    I strongly suggest a trip to Piccolo Nido, at 257 North Street, away from the main thoroughfares of Hanover and Salem Streets. Pino Irano, the owner, will make you feel right at home.
    Also, for some interesting history, read "Dark Tide" the story of the great molasses flodd in the North End.
  • Pat Nardo Feb 11, 2007 @ 12:42 pm | delete
    Early in 1900, my family, including my grandfather Antonio Nardo arrived her in NOrth Street. I just stumbled upon this site and wonder if there are any other familymembers still there? I live in Seattle now and am too far away for casual meetings but would love to communicate!
  • nick iacoviello Feb 6, 2007 @ 7:37 am | delete
    great site !!
    nickiacoviello@hotmail.com

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