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.
The North End Italian Cookbook, 5th
"I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this book! I'm half-Italian and I grew up outside of Boston. My Dad stumbled across this book and I had to buy him a new one. I stole his original copy and it's covered w/ splotches from all of the good things I've cooked. The recipes are authentic and very easy to make. I'd recommend it to anyone." - Testimonial
Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 07/05/2009) 
Contribute to the North End Lens!
Would you like to see your favorite North End related website, charity or restaurant added here? Drop us a line and let us know. There's room for everybody! 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
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
North End Welcome Si...
IMGP3645
Untitled-22_8x10
Untitled-8_8x10
Untitled-14_8x12
Untitled-19_8x10
Untitled-17_8x10
Untitled-23_8x10
Untitled-20_8x10
Boston - Faneuil Hal...
Boston - Paul Revere...
We Shall Not Be Move...
We Shall Not Be Move...
26th floor view; Bos...
West Croydon station
Tree_2
Books About The North End
Boston's North End: Images and Recollections of an Italian-American Neighborhood
Illustrated with 100 vintage photos of Boston's North End and the people who made it their home, this book offers a heartfelt and fascinating view of one of the last intact Italian-American neighborhoods in the United States.
Amazon Price: $13.22 (as of 07/05/2009)
Portrait of an Italian-American Neighborhood: The North End of Boston
"Riccio has created a work that, like the best of Studs Terkel, seeks to capture not only the stories of individual lives but the mood of a place as it changes over time." - New Haven Register
Amazon Price: (as of 07/05/2009)
Boston's North End (MA) (Images of America)
A panoramic view of the North End from the top of the Lincoln Wharf Power House chimney at the turn of the century shows the densely settled neighborhood around the Old North Church on Salem Street.
Amazon Price: $15.59 (as of 07/05/2009)
New Google Maps
North End Job Listings
- Financial Analyst - North Reading, Massachusetts
-
Comcast Cable North Central Division - North Reading, MA
detailed variance and trend analyses against budget and forecast for both month-end P&L reconciliation and capital/construction metrics. Collaborate with... ... - Regional Field Marketing Manager, North America
-
Mimecast - Boston, MA
markets to support the North American sales team in... cost and complexity, while providing total end-to-end control of email. Founded in 2002, Mimecast has... ... - Beauty Department Manager-MA-North Shore
-
CVS Caremark - Gloucester, MA
sales and service targets Selling core beauty products -- cosmetics and high-end skincare Building a loyal customer base through outstanding service and... ...
Local Boston News
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byBoston.com Restaurant Reviews
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byNorth 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!
TheGreenerMe wrote...
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
Posted December 27, 2008
Ashly_Rain wrote...
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
Posted November 12, 2008
Ashly_Rain wrote...
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
Posted November 12, 2008
kiwisoutback wrote...
Nice work! I added it to our Boston lens as one of the featured lenses.
Posted May 09, 2008
Williamnihillart wrote...
I'd have to say my favorite north end restaurant is Fiore's. Great lens here, added it to my lensroll. 5 Stars!
Posted January 04, 2008
Karendelac wrote...
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.
Posted December 10, 2007
jdnyc wrote...
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.
Posted July 01, 2007
ballerina Smith wrote
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.
Posted May 24, 2007
Charles LaRocca wrote
You are missing a great restaurant on that list. LaBrace
http://www.labraceboston.com/
Posted April 27, 2007
CJPate wrote...
Been to Boston once and never to the North End. Hope to get there one day.
Posted April 21, 2007
abenoit wrote...
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.
Posted February 20, 2007
Pat Nardo wrote
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!
Posted February 11, 2007
nick iacoviello wrote
great site !!
nickiacoviello@hotmail.com
Posted February 06, 2007
